I decided to build a new PC - ordered these parts: Intel Core i7 920 D0 2.66GHz Socket 1366 8MB Cache Retail Boxed Processor MSI X58 PRO iX58 Socket 1366 8 channel audio ATX Motherboard XFX HD 4890 XXX Edition 1GB DDR5 Dual DVI HDTV Out PCI-E Graphics Card Corsair 6GB (3x2GB) DDR3 1600MHz XMS3 Dominator Memory CL8 2x Western Digital 1TB Hard Drive SATA300 7200rpm 32MB Cache Caviar Black Coolermaster Centurion 590 Coolermaster Real Power 520w Modular 2x BenQ G2410HD 24" TFT Monitor 1920x1080 300cd/m2 40000:1 (dynamic) 2ms 16:9 DVI-D/VGA Glossy Black Saitek Slimline Aluminium Effect Keyboard Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 5000 Anything else you think i'll need? better heatsink / fan? - I never bother OC, so whats a good HS/F that isn’t to expensive just to improve things. Also would a 10,000rpm drive improve performance much? Or is it hardly noticeably to bother. Last thing: If i was to put a second 4890 in it – would i need to get a PSU with higher wattage? Or is my PSU fine for it. Plus would i see much performance increase with a 2nd one in there.
The Titan Fenrir is a good heatsink as an alternative to the stock cooler. For storage you won't see any big benefits above the Western Digital 1TB drive - an SSD would be the best way to go if you want a faster storage system. If you put another 4890 in there you will need a new PSU.
Thanks for that. Difficult question to answer – but do you think this PC will last a while.. ie: Not struggle with things to soon. As i’m waiting for Supreme Commander 2 to come out – and the first one was a beast to run. Hoping this PC can keep up with it.
One possible snag is DirectX11. If that takes off big time then you might need a new GFX card within the next year or two (or it may bomb like DX10). Depending on the power consumption of those cards you make need a little bit more juice as well. However, there is absolutely nothing you can do about that atm, apart from wait. there is always something to wait for. And having said that, I doubt everyone will ditch DX10 cards over night, so it should be OK for a year or 2 even in that scenario. Key thing is how long do you want to go without any upgrades? I suppose you could try one of the only PSU calculators, and see how much spare your 520W has for GFX, and if it looks close up it to 650W maybe.
If it was my build. I'd want a 650W on that minimum. The GTX260 reccomends a 500W PSU, and the 4890 is more powerfull than a GTX260. I've also read a few bad things regarding the CM Real Power PSUs, apparently they make very loud whining noises, I was going to get one, but then decided not too. I'll be getting a Be Quiet Dark Power Pro when funds permit.
XFX recommend for the card that it be 500w if you use 2x 6pin and 550w if you use a 6pin and 8pin. The PSU itself has 2x 6pin, so meets the requirements for it.
Even so, Cerberus is probably right really. If you're wanting this setup to last for a good while you'll want a higher-rated PSU to avoid high loads on the 520W one.
SSD > 10,000rpm HDD Faster Read Time (though it will have slower write times) Quieter Cooler Running Future proof
All good points, but the samsung F1 1Tb on average wasn't that far behind a WD raptor in read or write situations, it cost less aswell. Now SSD's are cool, but not worth purchasing the cheap ones as any modern 1TB HDD with 32mb cache would perform alot faster and be cheaper, plus the buckets of space! SSD's for those who want an e-peen!
Ok cool. But i need you to be very clear on this next point.... Will this PSU be fine for the setup i have currently built - its not going to blow up or anything....... As you got me a bit concerned now. Or am i fine to use this for 6 months - then come the time i wanna whack another card in.. buy a 650/700w...
Best to add a PSU with surplus power, remember ATI and Nvidia provide details for the minimum power requirement, You could buy a 500W PSU and end up with something pushing 100% load just to run your system. Not forgetting to mention if the power rails are strong enough.
Oh, I see, you've already ordered it. It should be alright, it will probably be working at 100% load when your stressing the system whereas a 650W or 750W PSU would probably only be at 75% say. usually best to ask about reccomendations and anything to change before you order the stuff,
A 520W PSU will run your system JUST FINE, but if you add a second card, it could get a bit stressed. The system in my sig pulls ~350W from the wall on full load.
Touché +1 to the Samsung Spinpoint F1, but I thought he was using the WD Raptor as a boot drive/games cache?
