New Build setup - Need advice!

Ganjah · 11-07-2009, 06:12 PM

Here is what I am planing on:

MB: MSI x58m
CPU: Intel core i7 920
RAM: 12gb/6gb, dual/tripple channel with 2gb sticks

-I have two SATA HDs ready, plus some PATA drives laying around, so no need to buy more. Also plenty of keyboards/mice/CD & DVD rw.
-My MB supports 24gb RAM, dual and tripple channel with 6 free slots. I am planning on getting win XP/7 and will mostly be using my pc mainly for programs, and some gaming.

Anything I haven't listed or asked about I am either looking for, or already have as spares.

OK so I need advice on a few things:

1. For my RAM would I be better off with 2 tripple channels or 3 dual channels if I were to get 12gb RAM, or if I get 6gb ram, would 1 tripple channel be better than 2 dual (doubt it though, that would be 8gb ram)

2. For my graphics card what would you suggest? I have a budget of £40/$65. cards must have ATI Crossfire support. I took a quick look and found this but need to check it out more :)

3. What would be a suitable case for this setup? I was looking at this because it is cheap and I'm not worried about any aesthetics.

4. What would be an idea PSU? I'm thinking leaving about 200watt safety margin incase I want to add anything or for OCing, is that idea? Could anybody reccomend any PSUs to me? Probably need 700watt + Cheap ones please

Ganjah · 11-07-2009, 06:49 PM

Can't edit 1st post so I will post here.

Looking at this PSU right now: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/135194

Also this fan: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/AKASA...-frame-PWM-fan

Ganjah · 11-07-2009, 09:53 PM

Here is what I have now, the prices are only rough so I know the cost.

Have I missed anything essential, or can anybody see a part which won't be compatible? I already have monitors, keyboards, mice, CD drive, DVD drive, floppy drive and Hard disks to use which I won't need to buy.

Motherboard:
-name----
MSI x58m Motherboard
-site----
http://eu.msi.com/index.php?func=proddesc&prod_no=1796
-buy----
http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductID=1053327
--------
£135

CPU:
-name----
Intel i7 920
-site----
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=37147
-buy----
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/151477
--------
£215

RAM: (BUYING JUST ONE KIT FOR NOW, WILL HAVE TWO IN FUTURE)
-name----
Corsair 6GB (3X2GB) DDR3 RAM TR3X6G1333C9
-site----
http://www.corsair.com/products/corei7/default.aspx
-buy----
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/152637
--------
£115

CPU Fan:
-name----
Akasa AK-968 Heatpipe CPU Cooler
-site----
http://www.akasa.com.tw/update.php?t...l&model=AK-968
-buy-----
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/176411
---------
£25

PSU:
-name----
Hi-Power 1000W Modular PSU
-site----
http://www.highpowersupply.com/product-ps.htm
-buy-----
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/135194
---------
£80

GPU: (BUYING TWO)
-name----
Asus HD 4550 512MB DDR3
-site----
http://uk.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=kAlY2BFs3fT4N2l8
-buy-----
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/169291
---------
£25

dai · 11-07-2009, 11:31 PM

i would run a corsair 750w or a 850w corsair if you are planning video card upgrades down the line

Ganjah · 11-07-2009, 11:37 PM

Probably not video cards. The manufacturers website says 300w for the card and 350w for the cards using ATI crossfire, does this mean 350w each card or only 50w on top of 300w for both cards?

dai · 11-08-2009, 12:20 AM

the 350w covers both cards which means a quality 550w will run the system

but as these cards are low end if you plan upgrading them in the near future cater for the upgrade now

**Tyree** · 11-08-2009, 07:23 AM

MSI Mobo's are not great quality. Asus and Gigabyte are.
Using two GPU's renders very little performance increase an certainly does not justify the added cost over one more powerful GPU.

Ganjah · 11-08-2009, 08:38 AM

OK thanks dai, I have chosen a 1000w PSU which is pretty cheap I'll just replace it if it dies on me. And Tyree what would you suggest instead of two HD 4550 Graphics cards? I guess my budget is about £80/$130 then. And also the reviews I read about this MB seem pretty good especially value for money, this is the only MB I can afford at the moment, if it breaks I'll probably consider getting a better one.

Thanks for your replies everyone.

Edit: What do you think about this one: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/144180

Edit2: I'll be at my pc again in about 24 hours, sorry can't reply till then

Phædrus2401 · 11-08-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

I'll just replace it if it dies on me.

Be prepared to replace the rest of the computer as well; a cheap power supply will often lack protections such as over/under voltage protection, over current protection, and short circuit protection. If a cheap PSU dies it stands a fair chance to send a burst of "dirty power" which can destroy the rest of the computer. Also, many cheap "1000W" PSUs can't deliver 1000W; the Tagan 1100W can only deliver 768W at 25C before shutting down.

Ganjah · 11-09-2009, 07:43 AM

Right thanks I'll look for another one, I forgot about the voltage stuff and power good signal

Edit: Deciding for this one, pretty cheap, should be sufficient power and the manufacturers say it has over voltage & over current etc protection.

Thanks for your help!

dai · 11-09-2009, 09:54 AM

which one

Power Supply Information and Selection

Ganjah · 11-09-2009, 10:03 AM

This one: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/169560

Reading through the thread you posted now :)

Edit: ebuyer says their product is out of stock: http://global.aopen.com/products_detail.aspx?Auno=2515

dai · 11-09-2009, 10:09 AM

aopen are generic not quality builds

Ganjah · 11-09-2009, 10:39 AM

What would you suggest around that price and 800+watts? I'm looking right now but I thought that PSU looked OK as it has all the safety features and my friend also has had a AOpen PSU for 2 years, not sure which model though.

Phædrus2401 · 11-09-2009, 11:49 AM

I would say don't buy two 4550s. That's like buying two Civics in hopes they'll equal one Porsche. Buy a 4670 for the same price:
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/152940

And a quality 550W PSU:
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/132563

Ganjah · 11-09-2009, 11:58 AM

Thanks for your post, good way to put it :P

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/144180 I was thinking of going for, but your suggestion looks alot better for that price! Could someone please explain about the graphics memory and mhz? I hear that some cards aren't powerful enough to use the 1gb ram they come with. What would be ideal memory/engine clock to make full use of 512mb ram? Also as I have a ddr3 mobo, would I need a ddr3 graphics card too?

Also do you think 550w PSU would be sufficient? I will probably not be adding more cards to the PC, just maybe upgrading parts in the future.

Phædrus2401 · 11-09-2009, 12:03 PM

The 3850 is an old last generation card, and consumes more power. Plus that one is overclocked to make up for its age. I'd want a 650W PSU for it.

In that price range your best bet would be a 4670 or 4770 or 4850, which will work fine on a quality 550-600W PSU like the Corsair VX550W.

4670: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/152940
4770: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/173741
4850: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/173209

Ganjah · 11-09-2009, 12:43 PM

Thankyou those cards all look great! Either going with the first or 3rd one you mentioned.

Thanks again

11-07-2009, 06:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ganjah Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 10 OS: XP SP3 Build 2600 090804-1435	New Build setup - Need advice! Here is what I am planing on: MB: MSI x58m CPU: Intel core i7 920 RAM: 12gb/6gb, dual/tripple channel with 2gb sticks -I have two SATA HDs ready, plus some PATA drives laying around, so no need to buy more. Also plenty of keyboards/mice/CD & DVD rw. -My MB supports 24gb RAM, dual and tripple channel with 6 free slots. I am planning on getting win XP/7 and will mostly be using my pc mainly for programs, and some gaming. Anything I haven't listed or asked about I am either looking for, or already have as spares. OK so I need advice on a few things: 1. For my RAM would I be better off with 2 tripple channels or 3 dual channels if I were to get 12gb RAM, or if I get 6gb ram, would 1 tripple channel be better than 2 dual (doubt it though, that would be 8gb ram) 2. For my graphics card what would you suggest? I have a budget of £40/$65. cards must have ATI Crossfire support. I took a quick look and found this but need to check it out more :) 3. What would be a suitable case for this setup? I was looking at this because it is cheap and I'm not worried about any aesthetics. 4. What would be an idea PSU? I'm thinking leaving about 200watt safety margin incase I want to add anything or for OCing, is that idea? Could anybody reccomend any PSUs to me? Probably need 700watt + Cheap ones please Last edited by Ganjah; 11-07-2009 at 06:22 PM.

11-07-2009, 06:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
Ganjah Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 10 OS: XP SP3 Build 2600 090804-1435	Re: New Build setup - Need advice! Can't edit 1st post so I will post here. Looking at this PSU right now: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/135194 Also this fan: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/AKASA...-frame-PWM-fan Last edited by Ganjah; 11-07-2009 at 07:11 PM.

11-07-2009, 09:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ganjah Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 10 OS: XP SP3 Build 2600 090804-1435	Re: New Build setup - Need advice! Here is what I have now, the prices are only rough so I know the cost. Have I missed anything essential, or can anybody see a part which won't be compatible? I already have monitors, keyboards, mice, CD drive, DVD drive, floppy drive and Hard disks to use which I won't need to buy. Motherboard: -name---- MSI x58m Motherboard -site---- http://eu.msi.com/index.php?func=proddesc&prod_no=1796 -buy---- http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductID=1053327 -------- £135 CPU: -name---- Intel i7 920 -site---- http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=37147 -buy---- http://www.ebuyer.com/product/151477 -------- £215 RAM: (BUYING JUST ONE KIT FOR NOW, WILL HAVE TWO IN FUTURE) -name---- Corsair 6GB (3X2GB) DDR3 RAM TR3X6G1333C9 -site---- http://www.corsair.com/products/corei7/default.aspx -buy---- http://www.ebuyer.com/product/152637 -------- £115 CPU Fan: -name---- Akasa AK-968 Heatpipe CPU Cooler -site---- http://www.akasa.com.tw/update.php?t...l&model=AK-968 -buy----- http://www.ebuyer.com/product/176411 --------- £25 PSU: -name---- Hi-Power 1000W Modular PSU -site---- http://www.highpowersupply.com/product-ps.htm -buy----- http://www.ebuyer.com/product/135194 --------- £80 GPU: (BUYING TWO) -name---- Asus HD 4550 512MB DDR3 -site---- http://uk.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=kAlY2BFs3fT4N2l8 -buy----- http://www.ebuyer.com/product/169291 --------- £25 Last edited by Ganjah; 11-07-2009 at 10:08 PM.

11-07-2009, 11:31 PM	#4 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,753 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: New Build setup - Need advice! i would run a corsair 750w or a 850w corsair if you are planning video card upgrades down the line __________________

11-07-2009, 11:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
Ganjah Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 10 OS: XP SP3 Build 2600 090804-1435	Re: New Build setup - Need advice! Probably not video cards. The manufacturers website says 300w for the card and 350w for the cards using ATI crossfire, does this mean 350w each card or only 50w on top of 300w for both cards?

11-08-2009, 12:20 AM	#6 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,753 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: New Build setup - Need advice! the 350w covers both cards which means a quality 550w will run the system but as these cards are low end if you plan upgrading them in the near future cater for the upgrade now __________________

11-08-2009, 07:23 AM	#7 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,781 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: New Build setup - Need advice! MSI Mobo's are not great quality. Asus and Gigabyte are. Using two GPU's renders very little performance increase an certainly does not justify the added cost over one more powerful GPU. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

11-08-2009, 08:38 AM	#8 (permalink)
Ganjah Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 10 OS: XP SP3 Build 2600 090804-1435	Re: New Build setup - Need advice! OK thanks dai, I have chosen a 1000w PSU which is pretty cheap I'll just replace it if it dies on me. And Tyree what would you suggest instead of two HD 4550 Graphics cards? I guess my budget is about £80/$130 then. And also the reviews I read about this MB seem pretty good especially value for money, this is the only MB I can afford at the moment, if it breaks I'll probably consider getting a better one. Thanks for your replies everyone. Edit: What do you think about this one: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/144180 Edit2: I'll be at my pc again in about 24 hours, sorry can't reply till then Last edited by Ganjah; 11-08-2009 at 09:02 AM.

11-09-2009, 07:43 AM	#10 (permalink)
Ganjah Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 10 OS: XP SP3 Build 2600 090804-1435	Re: New Build setup - Need advice! Right thanks I'll look for another one, I forgot about the voltage stuff and power good signal Edit: Deciding for this one, pretty cheap, should be sufficient power and the manufacturers say it has over voltage & over current etc protection. Thanks for your help! Last edited by Ganjah; 11-09-2009 at 08:00 AM.

11-09-2009, 09:54 AM	#11 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,753 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: New Build setup - Need advice! which one Power Supply Information and Selection __________________

11-09-2009, 10:03 AM	#12 (permalink)
Ganjah Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 10 OS: XP SP3 Build 2600 090804-1435	Re: New Build setup - Need advice! This one: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/169560 Reading through the thread you posted now :) Edit: ebuyer says their product is out of stock: http://global.aopen.com/products_detail.aspx?Auno=2515 Last edited by Ganjah; 11-09-2009 at 10:06 AM.

11-09-2009, 10:09 AM	#13 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,753 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: New Build setup - Need advice! aopen are generic not quality builds __________________

11-09-2009, 10:39 AM	#14 (permalink)
Ganjah Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 10 OS: XP SP3 Build 2600 090804-1435	Re: New Build setup - Need advice! What would you suggest around that price and 800+watts? I'm looking right now but I thought that PSU looked OK as it has all the safety features and my friend also has had a AOpen PSU for 2 years, not sure which model though.

11-09-2009, 11:49 AM	#15 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,863 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: New Build setup - Need advice! I would say don't buy two 4550s. That's like buying two Civics in hopes they'll equal one Porsche. Buy a 4670 for the same price: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/152940 And a quality 550W PSU: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/132563 __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

11-09-2009, 11:58 AM	#16 (permalink)
Ganjah Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 10 OS: XP SP3 Build 2600 090804-1435	Re: New Build setup - Need advice! Thanks for your post, good way to put it :P http://www.ebuyer.com/product/144180 I was thinking of going for, but your suggestion looks alot better for that price! Could someone please explain about the graphics memory and mhz? I hear that some cards aren't powerful enough to use the 1gb ram they come with. What would be ideal memory/engine clock to make full use of 512mb ram? Also as I have a ddr3 mobo, would I need a ddr3 graphics card too? Also do you think 550w PSU would be sufficient? I will probably not be adding more cards to the PC, just maybe upgrading parts in the future. Last edited by Ganjah; 11-09-2009 at 12:01 PM.

11-09-2009, 12:03 PM	#17 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,863 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: New Build setup - Need advice! The 3850 is an old last generation card, and consumes more power. Plus that one is overclocked to make up for its age. I'd want a 650W PSU for it. In that price range your best bet would be a 4670 or 4770 or 4850, which will work fine on a quality 550-600W PSU like the Corsair VX550W. 4670: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/152940 4770: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/173741 4850: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/173209 __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

11-09-2009, 12:43 PM	#18 (permalink)
Ganjah Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 10 OS: XP SP3 Build 2600 090804-1435	Re: New Build setup - Need advice! Thankyou those cards all look great! Either going with the first or 3rd one you mentioned. Thanks again