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When using this resource, please read FragKrag's opening post. The Tech Support forum regulars have helped create countless of desktop systems without any compensation. The least you can do is provide all of the information required for them to help you properly. |
Theoretically the power supply could run your system at max load if it can still do what the label says it can, and if the label is talking about continuous power (rather than peak power) and at a reasonable temperature. I'd guess that it couldn't though.
Notice that the power supply mentions Pentium 4. Those systems used to use a lot more power from +3.3V and +5V rather than +12V. Most all power drawn by modern systems is from +12V. The supply lists only 24A max for +12V for 288W total. Thus, in terms of powering a modern system, it's more like a modern (but inefficient and actually it's old) 330W unit. I really wouldn't recommend trying a system with a HD 6870 on that power supply. You'd probably need a few adapters anyway, just to hook up the HD 6870.
And even if the system powers on, you have no way of knowing if voltages are within spec or not. A power supply could be silently damaging your computer without you knowing.
As for the case...how many brackets for expansion slots are there? From that picture, I can't tell if it fits just microATX or full-size ATX motherboards. Of course, you could always just get a microATX motherboard. Did you remove a fan in the back, or was there just nothing there? You'd want to add a decent fan there, if the case is usable.
I'm not sure if that motherboard has any PATA (IDE) connectors, so you may need a new CD/DVD drive too.
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I'm trying to figure out a build that can run SC2 on at least Low with a smooth framerate (hurrdurr), although I would really love it if it could run Medium and/or High. After a bit of looking around, I've got a $520 build that should be able to run SC2 fine (I haven't checked compatabilities, though; not exactly sure what to look for, since it's my first time).
+ Show Spoiler +
I need to know if the listed items would even match my desire to play at Medium/High. I'm really unsure about the PSU, Case, and to some extent the CPU (mainly PSU since it's not on any recommended list; the Case I'm not sure would fit everything, since I can't find information on the GPU listed, and I've heard some stuff about AMD processors).
If there are any more cost-efficient parts for a similar output (or less, if I can save much more money and still meet Medium/High requirements), or similarly priced items from more reputable brands, I'd love to know :D
I'm not too interested in aesthetics, so long as it doesn't look like a monocolor box with no sign of life >.< My proposed budget is around $500, if I even buy a computer.
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man I change my computer build too much.
Here's what I'm thinking about getting after I get paid in February.
(if the item requires shipping I added it into the price)
$140 Cooler Master HAF 932 case
$185 Asus PRO mobo
$225 i5 2500k (COMBO 650W -$15)
$92 Noctua NH-D14
$48 GSKILL DDR3 4GB 1600 RAM
$233 SSD 120GB Intel Sata II
$100 Win 7
$180 ASUS 24" monitor
$200x2 SLIed ASUS ENGTX460 DirectCU/2DI/1GD5
$90 PSU 650w Corsair TX
$18 DVD drive
$108 Rosewill Mechanical Keyboard
so about $1800 total not including rebates that only God knows when they will be refunded.
The GTX 460 SLI is definitely overkill, but I want the rig to be able to play any PC game decently and I wanted to try SLI out.
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I was wondering ... is this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035 worth getting now?
My situation is a few pages back ... where I said I'm looking to build a system by the beginning of summer and would like to look for good deals to play SC2 smoothly on low (don't care too much about medium or ultra graphics ... also don't care too much about upgradeablility although I foresee myself using photoshop/illustrator/solidworks/etc).
Originally I was going to look for a case + PSU deal from newegg (they usually come bundled with 350W PSU). Is the PSU deal I linked to worth getting now for my particular situation ... instead of waiting longer for a case+PSU deal? Is 350W PSU in a bundled case+PSU bundle good enough for my low budget ($800 for everything ... monitor/keyboard/mouse/etc)?
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sc2 is far more cpu dependent than video, so you could build a very cheap computer with a very fast processor and have high fps, but outfitted with a relatively low end video card. be warned however that you won't be able to play much of any other games if you want to stick to your mandate of 'just sc2 on low'.
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@a176: Thanks for the advice and build.
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Myrmidon,
Apparently this GPU is on backorder everywhere:
Asus DirectCU HD 6850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121399
Is there an equal or better card you would recommend with your previous build below? If it costs ~$20 more or so that's okay too. Thanks agian.
Build below:
+ Show Spoiler +Core i5-2400 + Intel H67 USB3 and SATA6 motherboard + (free Civ 5) http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.575901Asus DirectCU HD 6850 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121399G.Skill 2x2 GB DDR3 RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231396Antec Neo Eco 400C
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371029The Thermaltake TR2 really sucks and actually can't supply nearly as much power as the above unit (in a modern +12V-heavy system). The TR2 would also be notably less efficient and louder. You could get a higher-power GPU and maybe a higher-power PSU to support it, but that HD 6850 can already max out SC2 as it is. If your old case only fits microATX boards (generally those have only 4 expansion slots in the back), you could get a microATX motherboard instead, or get a new case. Other options: G.Skill 2x4 GB DDR3 RAM -- not like you'd need 8 GB RAM for gaming, but it's cheap; having more RAM doesn't hurt, though it might not do anything for you http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231422Cooler Master HAF 912 -- probably better ventilation/features than what you have, if maybe you want a new case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB -- just a modern SATA-interface hard drive, likely faster than what you have; if you think your old drives are aging and may die soon, why not? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185You could also throw in a SSD if you wanted. If your old drives are PATA (IDE; ribbon cables), that may be a slight issue as modern motherboards only have one PATA slot--with several SATA slots. In that case, you could get new SATA drives. edit: Wait a second, get this PSU instead! You can be sure with this that you have enough power for any single GPU system, even if you upgrade to something ridiculous and put in a whole bunch of other stuff. It would run most dual-GPU systems too, via some power adapters. Rosewill Green Series 630W ($60 - $10 instant promo code!) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182200review
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updated the thread with new CPU/GPU
sorry it took so long
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On January 26 2011 08:53 VictorW wrote:Myrmidon, Apparently this GPU is on backorder everywhere: Asus DirectCU HD 6850 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121399Is there an equal or better card you would recommend with your previous build below? If it costs ~$20 more or so that's okay too. Thanks agian. Build below: + Show Spoiler +Core i5-2400 + Intel H67 USB3 and SATA6 motherboard + (free Civ 5) http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.575901Asus DirectCU HD 6850 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121399G.Skill 2x2 GB DDR3 RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231396Antec Neo Eco 400C
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371029The Thermaltake TR2 really sucks and actually can't supply nearly as much power as the above unit (in a modern +12V-heavy system). The TR2 would also be notably less efficient and louder. You could get a higher-power GPU and maybe a higher-power PSU to support it, but that HD 6850 can already max out SC2 as it is. If your old case only fits microATX boards (generally those have only 4 expansion slots in the back), you could get a microATX motherboard instead, or get a new case. Other options: G.Skill 2x4 GB DDR3 RAM -- not like you'd need 8 GB RAM for gaming, but it's cheap; having more RAM doesn't hurt, though it might not do anything for you http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231422Cooler Master HAF 912 -- probably better ventilation/features than what you have, if maybe you want a new case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB -- just a modern SATA-interface hard drive, likely faster than what you have; if you think your old drives are aging and may die soon, why not? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185You could also throw in a SSD if you wanted. If your old drives are PATA (IDE; ribbon cables), that may be a slight issue as modern motherboards only have one PATA slot--with several SATA slots. In that case, you could get new SATA drives. edit: Wait a second, get this PSU instead! You can be sure with this that you have enough power for any single GPU system, even if you upgrade to something ridiculous and put in a whole bunch of other stuff. It would run most dual-GPU systems too, via some power adapters. Rosewill Green Series 630W ($60 - $10 instant promo code!) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182200review
any 6850 is comparable: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=6850&x=0&y=0
also, may i recommend the i3-2300 bundle instead of the 2400. you probably wont notice the difference in fps, but you get a much better motherboard. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.575908
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5930 Posts
On January 26 2011 08:53 VictorW wrote:Myrmidon, Apparently this GPU is on backorder everywhere: Asus DirectCU HD 6850 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121399Is there an equal or better card you would recommend with your previous build below? If it costs ~$20 more or so that's okay too. Thanks agian. Build below: + Show Spoiler +Core i5-2400 + Intel H67 USB3 and SATA6 motherboard + (free Civ 5) http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.575901Asus DirectCU HD 6850 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121399G.Skill 2x2 GB DDR3 RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231396Antec Neo Eco 400C
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371029The Thermaltake TR2 really sucks and actually can't supply nearly as much power as the above unit (in a modern +12V-heavy system). The TR2 would also be notably less efficient and louder. You could get a higher-power GPU and maybe a higher-power PSU to support it, but that HD 6850 can already max out SC2 as it is. If your old case only fits microATX boards (generally those have only 4 expansion slots in the back), you could get a microATX motherboard instead, or get a new case. Other options: G.Skill 2x4 GB DDR3 RAM -- not like you'd need 8 GB RAM for gaming, but it's cheap; having more RAM doesn't hurt, though it might not do anything for you http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231422Cooler Master HAF 912 -- probably better ventilation/features than what you have, if maybe you want a new case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB -- just a modern SATA-interface hard drive, likely faster than what you have; if you think your old drives are aging and may die soon, why not? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185You could also throw in a SSD if you wanted. If your old drives are PATA (IDE; ribbon cables), that may be a slight issue as modern motherboards only have one PATA slot--with several SATA slots. In that case, you could get new SATA drives. edit: Wait a second, get this PSU instead! You can be sure with this that you have enough power for any single GPU system, even if you upgrade to something ridiculous and put in a whole bunch of other stuff. It would run most dual-GPU systems too, via some power adapters. Rosewill Green Series 630W ($60 - $10 instant promo code!) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182200review
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908&cm_re=6850-_-14-102-908-_-Product
Is a solid card. Only $160 if you choose to redeem the rebate,
Speaking of which, is Asus' software even useful? I'm talking about Gamer OSD and Smart Doctor...they seem awfully redundant with MSI Afterburner.
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@lac29: The bundled 350W-type PSUs that come with most cases are pretty low-end junk of questionable quality. Usually, they're not really able to output 350W (or whatever it says) in spec on a modern system, or maybe even at all. In the worst case, they might fail prematurely and damage other components too. There are some exceptions, the most prevalent of which is Antec. They'll usually bundle some type of Earthwatts (pretty decent), Basiq (okay), or Neo Eco (pretty decent). As a176 showed, you can get an entire build for $800 to run SC2 well without resorting to getting some bottom-end parts.
@VictorW: Just another HD 6850 model should do the trick. The difference between models is just some small changes in PCB design, components, cooling solution, bundled software, customer support, etc. This particular one has pretty good cooling for the same price. You can turn down the fan settings to make it quieter if you're running it at stock frequencies:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125348
By the way, the PSU deal is over. If you were buying now, just get any one of the 380W or higher models recommended, as that's already plenty of room for a Sandy Bridge + HD 6850 system. If you want room for replacing the HD 6850 with a very high-end GPU in the future, a 500W unit like the Earthwatts 500D would be good.
edit: yeah, I think people just go ahead and use MSI Afterburner anyway...
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Appreciate the help everyone.
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I am building my  First computer and have already purchase my computer case:
Silverstone RV02
I have also compiled a list of parts that I would like to purchase. I am just kinda looking for the go ahead if I have picked the right parts and cost is appropriate.
Sabertooth X58 Motherboard - 199
Intel i7 950 Bloomfield 3.06Ghz LGA 1366
Corsair 750 Watt Power Supply - 109
EVGA EE GTX 460 1 GB SuperClocked - 214
G.SKILL PI Series 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7T-6GBPI - 109
G.SKILL Sniper Gaming Series FM-25S2S-120GBSR 2.5" 120GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - 229
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM - 99
Grand Total 1,259.93
I did not get a monitor because I am not sure yet. I know that is should be 1080- with 2ms or less response time and a 16 aspect ratio. Other that that I am not sure. I also already have a mouse and keyboard. I play SC2, CS, Combat Arms and hopefully more games this new system. I also enjoy music: playing, editing; and editing and streaming video for youtube use. Any and all comments would be greatly appreciated.
P.S. I have tough skin.
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Don't buy 1366 unless you need the triple channel ram. Sandy Bridge (socket 1155) is pretty much better in every way
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On January 26 2011 10:47 Aduromors wrote:
Don't buy 1366 unless you need the triple channel ram. Sandy Bridge (socket 1155) is pretty much better in every way
Yes, a i5-2500k is cheaper and even better, particularly in single-threaded performance and especially in power consumption. If you're not CPU overclocking, a i5-2300, i5-2400, and i5-2500 are even cheaper than the i5-2500k. The LGA 1155 motherboards are significantly cheaper than LGA 1366 motherboards too.
Corsair TX750 is way overkill (also not as good as many cheaper alternatives these days), unless you're planning on using two GTX 460s. Even then, something else may be more appropriate.
Are you planning on CPU overclocking or multiple GPUs?
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I have not done any overclocking but it is something that I would like to get into. I just never had a computer before that I had the option/ authority.
I would like to scoop up another GTX 460 in the future.
I found that both items listed would make better choices. I have decided on the i5-2500K and the P67 Sabertooth. Any other references or information that I should consider?
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Asus is having some early BIOS/motherboard issues with their P67 offerings apparently. In general, I'd recommend against going Crossfire/SLI, unless you want to play games in very high settings at resolutions above 1920x1200. It's probably not worth the configuration issues, compatibility issues, and increased motherboard and power supply requirements. Any particular reason not to just get a higher-end GPU like a GTX 570 or HD 6950 and then just upgrade to a different high-end GPU later?
But if you want a SLI motherboard, I think the MSI P67A-GD55 should be fine:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130552
You want dual-channel RAM for a 1155 system, so 2 (or 4) sticks:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226095
SLI GTX 460 is fine with some overclocking on a good 650W unit like a TruePower New (review, 750W and 650W versions are pretty much the same). Note that complaints about the unit mostly are just about coil whine, which is harmless other than the noise. That was fixed in later batches and is grounds for an RMA if it occurs anyway:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371021
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I would only be using the single card for the moment, so I believe that within the end of the year those issues should be resolved, no?
I chose the TUF motherboard due to the 5 year warranty which not many companies offer.
I chose the GTX 460 because of the bang for the buck and I knew that I would want to run two in the future.
What is the difference when comparing dual-channel vs. triple channel?
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EPT
