Forum Home
Press F1
 
Thread ID: 120269 2011-09-01 05:59:00 Gaming Solution xXjaspaXx (16525) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1228061 2011-09-03 09:40:00 also the PSU I have should be enough to run the system as the rig it is currently in is rather power hungry as it has to run 6 fans and interior lighting etc. I would be surprised if it didn't have enough power to run the new system, but i shall look into it when i pull it apart :D

Actually, it probably doesn't.

Fans and Lights use bugger all power. A standard PC case fan uses about 0.15 Amps of current - or around 2 watts at 12 volts.
On the other hand, a graphics card takes a whole lot more.
My ATi HD5770 for example is rated at 18W of power consumption at idle but 108W maximum board power at load. This is clearly around 50 times the current draw of one fan.

The CPU will also use quite a bit of power.

You definitely need to get a decent PSU, the one dugimodo suggested (Corsair Builder Series CX600 V2 600W) would be a very wise choice.

Remember, the PSU supplies power to everything. Without good power, things will not run well. A lot of people disregard the PSU as 'that box that sits in the corner of the case' but really, it's pretty much the most important of the lot.

You can also think of it another way: Using a bad PSU in your computer is like using petrol with sawdust in it for your car.
Agent_24 (57)
1228062 2011-09-03 09:51:00 As for the ram: pricespy.co.nz take your pick. RAM speed doesnt matter to much if the memory is set to a higher speed than your motherboard can handle your motherboard should automatically lower the speed to a suitable value.
If you are unable to get a hold of a CX600 I have a GS600 PSU which was similarly priced iirc. I can recommend that as a good choice as well.
icow (15313)
1228063 2011-09-03 13:12:00 I'm pretty sure our PSU is 600W as I said I'll look into it when I get the time, thanks for all the help guys I think I've got what I wanted... cheers :) xXjaspaXx (16525)
1228064 2011-09-03 21:01:00 ok so AMD it is, I'm not sure on the age of the motherboard in the current PC we have but I'm pretty sure it's relatively new as it was a custom build by my mothers work friend.


also the PSU I have should be enough to run the system
also what should I look for to make sure that the graphics card will be compatible with the motherboard.


Motherboards - well depends on brand.
ASUS, Gigabyte.

PSU - that depends on brand too - a 600w crap PSU will most likely be a liar and not atcually 600w for starters and aslo dodgy.

Corsair, Enermax or Antec in that order.

One non-scientific, not technical, not 100% reliable way to see if a PSU is crap is weight.

Never come across a heavy crap PSU yet.

The correct way of course is to take note of what components in it (OVP etc and what brand components were used and whether or not they exaggerated the w.
pctek (84)
1228065 2011-09-04 00:38:00 One non-scientific, not technical, not 100% reliable way to see if a PSU is crap is weight.

Never come across a heavy crap PSU yet.

Yes that method fails on PSUs like this: www.badcaps.net
Agent_24 (57)
1228066 2011-09-04 03:40:00 well I'm looking at a gigabyte MB will be home this afternoon and will have a look at the PSU in mom's PC... the Motherboard has onboard graphics with a D-sub Port and a DVI-D Port, I don't understand the "onboard" part does this mean that I won't be able to install a Graphics card or do I need one that is compatible with one of either those types of ports?? xXjaspaXx (16525)
1228067 2011-09-04 04:01:00 Ok guys here's what I've got so far, let me know what you think...

Case:
--------------------

BitFenix Shinobi Mid Tower- $125 - Motherboards: Mini-ATX, mATX, ATX
www.playtech.co.nz

Motherboard:
--------------------
Gigabyte GA-78LMT-S2P AM3+ AMD 760G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - $99.00
www.playtech.co.nz


Processor:
--------------------
AMD Phenom II X4 850 Quad Core 3.3GHz 2MB L2 Cache 95W AM3 Retail - $149
www.playtech.co.nz

Graphics Card:
--------------------
Asus EAH5450 SILENT
www.playtech.co.nz

Memory:
--------------------

CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB)
www.playtech.co.nz
xXjaspaXx (16525)
1228068 2011-09-04 06:58:00 checked out the PSU in the PC it's only a 450W so unfortunatly will have to find another PSU, cooling wont be a problem haha got lots of fans that can fit into the case :D and a 500GB HDD so I'm good there :D xXjaspaXx (16525)
1228069 2011-09-04 07:05:00 Do you still want to spend the full $800? I'll price you something out. icow (15313)
1228070 2011-09-04 07:17:00 Dunno about teh psu havent used one personally but its antec and it was liked here (www.overclock.net)so i chucked it in, I assume 520w is more than enough for a 550 ti. Dunno if u needed an OS so i went for win7 HP 64bit (Best value). Since its 64bit i would personally recommend going to 8gb of ram considering the price of doing so. Prices are from elive.co.nz.3095 icow (15313)
1 2 3 4 5 6