A long needed upgrade

smurfdude · Dec 10, 2007, 01:14 AM

Well...it's been a whole 4 years since I've upgraded anything in my current PC. I've put up with an old AMD 3200, 1gDDR3200, and a crappy ATI 9600

I was actually planning on not bothering to upgrade for another year, but with this falls latest releases, how the hell could I resist?

My god, technology has advanced fast! I was overwhelmed with how much choice there is now. But after many hours of reading and searching I think I've done pretty well for myself

Now on their way to my doorstep is a host of new parts ready to get me back in to gaming.

A shiny new Quad core Q6600. I was initially going to go for a dual core, but with my poor history of upgrading parts, I was thinking Quad would last me further i nt othe future

2GB Consair DDR2 6400 - I've always wanted 2 gigs, but memory used to be so expensive I just didnt bother

8800GT 512mb - Apparently the deal of the decade from what I've read. I'm VERY excited about finally having a high end graphics card. I've never been able to play good games at their max

!

An Asus P5K AiLifestyle motherboard. I don't even know what one I have at the moment. It came with an old PC I bought at PC world many years ago. So it'll be nice to have a motherboard with a respected and popular brand

A new SATA HDD to put my OS on. It's time my trusty old 40gb IDE HDD took a well deserved rest...

An finally a 500W Antec PSU. I'm going to need a lot of power for all my new parts, and I've read 500W will do nicely

All in all it's costing me about £500. Certainly left a dent in my bank balance, but I think if any of you guys had waited 4 years with my PC you'd not mind!

So what do you think, have I done well? I'm pretty certain I'm going to be very happy when it's up and running?

**kris23** · Dec 10, 2007, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smurfdude

Well...it's been a whole 4 years since I've upgraded anything in my current PC. I've put up with an old AMD 3200, 1gDDR3200, and a crappy ATI 9600

I was actually planning on not bothering to upgrade for another year, but with this falls latest releases, how the hell could I resist?

My god, technology has advanced fast! I was overwhelmed with how much choice there is now. But after many hours of reading and searching I think I've done pretty well for myself

Now on their way to my doorstep is a host of new parts ready to get me back in to gaming.

A shiny new Quad core Q6600. I was initially going to go for a dual core, but with my poor history of upgrading parts, I was thinking Quad would last me further i nt othe future

2GB Consair DDR2 6400 - I've always wanted 2 gigs, but memory used to be so expensive I just didnt bother

8800GT 512mb - Apparently the deal of the decade from what I've read. I'm VERY excited about finally having a high end graphics card. I've never been able to play good games at their max

!

An Asus P5K AiLifestyle motherboard. I don't even know what one I have at the moment. It came with an old PC I bought at PC world many years ago. So it'll be nice to have a motherboard with a respected and popular brand

A new SATA HDD to put my OS on. It's time my trusty old 40gb IDE HDD took a well deserved rest...

An finally a 500W Antec PSU. I'm going to need a lot of power for all my new parts, and I've read 500W will do nicely

All in all it's costing me about £500. Certainly left a dent in my bank balance, but I think if any of you guys had waited 4 years with my PC you'd not mind!

So what do you think, have I done well? I'm pretty certain I'm going to be very happy when it's up and running?

you should really be more specific with your parts,

if you got the P5K-E board, not just the low, low end P5K with no RAID then you're good

the Corsair memory is.... not very good, it will work, but it wont excel at all, all Corsair memory DDR2 8500 and below is WAY overpriced trash

there are a BUNCH of crappy SATA drives so a particular model is good, depending on the drive you got, you probably wont get too much of a performance boost.

the Q6600 and 8800GT are the best choices i seen in there.

a 500w PSU at this point in time is the BARE minimum for a stable PC, not good to run a PSU at near 100% 24/7. still should work though, wouldve went 650w for your particular setup

cozumel · Dec 10, 2007, 02:11 AM

I reckon you're gonna have a lot of fun gaming with that rig. The mobo has a nice chipset (P35) and since you've got just the one hard disk you won't be needing RAID via the ICH9R. And the mobo takes the 45nm CPU's so you've got a future upgrade there!!!

If you've got any extra cash then get another 2GB DDR2 (4GB total) as its so damn cheap right now and you'll probably end up needing it. Crysis has a 1.5GB mimimum requirement I think.

The 500W will do you fine, just don't go overclocking. I woiuld have got 600W myself but a 500W from a reputable brand like Antec should be ok.

What OS have you got?

smurfdude · Dec 10, 2007, 02:24 AM

I've got XP. Did consider getting bista but I like XP, an cant see any real benefit for changing at the moment.

An i dont plan on overclocking anything, im too scared to break stuff an i cant afford to replace parts. Ill probably add another 2gb in a few months

As for PSU i wanted a bigger one but the 700w antec or thermaltake ones are really expensive, an in the 8800gt reviews where they also used multi cores, they note that a 450 or 500 should be ok

cozumel · Dec 10, 2007, 02:32 AM

Is it XP x64?

**kris23** · Dec 10, 2007, 02:34 AM

dont get XP x64, very buggy. and yea, there are tons of advantages to vista

smurfdude · Dec 10, 2007, 02:41 AM

Nah its not x64

What are the advantages of vista? From all the game benchmarks ive seen the DX10 results havent made me want to run out and buy it

**kris23** · Dec 10, 2007, 02:50 AM

of course DX 10 wont run faster as it is a more GPU intensive system, stiil looks alot better, Vista is far more responsive than XP in many places, simple apps run better, Vista also takes advantage of the amount of RAM in the system, that's why you see a huge amount of Vista x64 users touting 4-8 gigs of memory, more RAM makes it faster, unlike XP.

i personally find it more stable, and comfortable. while it does use more resources, it doesn't just let them sit there to be useless, like XP does. going back and forth between Vista and XP, XP just annoys me alot more.

alot more secure too, known to be very hard to hack into.

OldBuzzard · Dec 10, 2007, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kris23

dont get XP x64, very buggy. and yea, there are tons of advantages to vista

Complete and utter RUBBISH as regards to Xp x64!

It's obvious that you have never used x64 or only used it in the very early 'beta' days.

I've used it since it was first released, and granted it did have some problems, mostly related to poor driver support from the VENDERS, not MS. However, today it's rock solid, unless you have some REALLY old hardware and/or software that the MAKERS decided not to update. But then you will have the same issues with that hardware and/or software in Vista too.

I can't speak to Vista, as I haven't had experience with it. But to claim XP x64 is buggy is a flat out lie!

cozumel · Dec 10, 2007, 03:24 AM

Either x64 XP or Vista will work with 4GB DDR2. Obviously I would suggest Vista x64 as the best upgrade to the with the memory upgrade in a few months. If you buy Vista or XP x64 get the OEM version at the same time as purchasing the memory to save you some money.

**kris23** · Dec 10, 2007, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldBuzzard

Complete and utter RUBBISH as regards to Xp x64!

It's obvious that you have never used x64 or only used it in the very early 'beta' days.

I've used it since it was first released, and granted it did have some problems, mostly related to poor driver support from the VENDERS, not MS. However, today it's rock solid, unless you have some REALLY old hardware and/or software that the MAKERS decided not to update. But then you will have the same issues with that hardware and/or software in Vista too.

I can't speak to Vista, as I haven't had experience with it. But to claim XP x64 is buggy is a flat out lie!

ehh thats just what ive heard, i suppose drivers were a little bad back then.

Zelig · Dec 10, 2007, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldBuzzard

Complete and utter RUBBISH as regards to Xp x64!

It's obvious that you have never used x64 or only used it in the very early 'beta' days.

I used XP x64 on my main rig for about 6 months prior to the release of Vista, and the biggest difference changing between the two was compatibility. With Vista 64-bit, I can be nearly assured that any program I want will work, while with XP x64, it was a crapshoot as to whether any particular game or program would work.

I realize this is because of vendor and developer support issues, but to the end user, an OS isn't very useful if none of his favourite programs or games work.

procupine14 · Dec 10, 2007, 02:32 PM

true that

procupine14 · Dec 10, 2007, 02:33 PM

smurf, it lookd like you did a good job.....seeing as you don't overclock i can see you having that system for quite awhile

smurfdude · Dec 10, 2007, 02:42 PM

Well i will definitely look in to getting vista and some more ram next year. But right now I think ive spent more than enough! Im really looking forward to finally being able to play Oblvion properly

Yes im easily pleased

**kris23** · Dec 10, 2007, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smurfdude

Well i will definitely look in to getting vista and some more ram next year. But right now I think ive spent more than enough! Im really looking forward to finally being able to play Oblvion properly

Yes im easily pleased

that'll work there dude

smurfdude · Dec 10, 2007, 03:59 PM

Oh and I also thought I'd do some more research on power supplys. Apparently it's a lot more important to get a good one than I initially thought. So I've decided to return the 500w and I am thinking this one will be better

Arctic Power 700W PSU - With PCI-E, SATA, 20+4, ATX12V, 8pin +12V Connectors - Retail Boxed - Ebuyer

I know it's not a big brand name like thermaltake or Antec etc but it should be ok?

procupine14 · Dec 10, 2007, 04:09 PM

yeah.......i think that should do you fine......I've never heard of the brand so i can't really make a call one way or another on the subject

Zelig · Dec 10, 2007, 04:25 PM

Never heard of Arctic Power and can't find any reviews, I'd really recommend going with something more reputable. For that price, chances are very slim that that PSU will actually output 700W.

Corsair TX 650W ATX2.2 SLi Compliant PSU
Thermaltake ToughPower 750W Modular Power Supply

Something like one of those two would serve you better. I'm assuming you're in the UK, right?

smurfdude · Dec 10, 2007, 04:39 PM

Yeah I guess you're right. I'm not totally sure about getting a cheap one, but £80, thats a hell of a lot for a PSU, to me anyway. The one I've been using for the last 4 years cost me like £10.

But i suppose an expensive one will last me a long time and be very good quality. I really like that thermaltake one a lot. My girlfriend is going to kill me. No expensive nights out for a while thats for sure

Zelig · Dec 10, 2007, 04:42 PM

Someone who knows UK online stores can probably find you a good one cheaper than that. I'd be happy with a quality 600-650W PSU for that system.

CDsDontBurn · Dec 10, 2007, 08:53 PM

congrats on the upgrade man!

the PSU is just as important as your other components, so it's one thing that should not be overlooked. and IMO, a quality 600w PSU is better than a shady 700w PSU any day. Try and find some reviews on that 700w PSU you ordered. Customer feedback on the particular PSU, while promising, may not give you all the details of other people who ordered the PSU. And if you were to be at your local PC shop buying the PSU where you can physically hold the PSU, i would suggest that you do the infamous "weight test."

the weight test: a better quality PSU, even a lower wattage one, will be heavier than a lower quality PSU.

cozumel · Dec 10, 2007, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zelig

Someone who knows UK online stores can probably find you a good one cheaper than that. I'd be happy with a quality 600-650W PSU for that system.

Ok then. Take a look at the Hiper Type-M HPU-4M630. It was reviewed by Grace at DriverHeaven on December 6th as she knew you might be looking for a quality PSU smurfdude!

Anyhow, here is the review. It also has an 8-pin PCIE connector as well as the usual 6-pin so it would be ready for future upgrades too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by smurfdude

Yeah I guess you're right. I'm not totally sure about getting a cheap one, but £80, thats a hell of a lot for a PSU, to me anyway. The one I've been using for the last 4 years cost me like £10.

But i suppose an expensive one will last me a long time and be very good quality. I really like that thermaltake one a lot. My girlfriend is going to kill me. No expensive nights out for a while thats for sure

Well at only £55.21 the Hiper PSU will still leave you the change to take the gf out for dinner. A Big Mac Meal (extra large) AND apple pie for two please.

smurfdude · Dec 10, 2007, 11:01 PM

Bah forget dinner and macdonalds, I think I'm going to go for this one

Thermaltake ToughPower W0117 750W PSU 14cm Fan ATX12V SATAx6 24pin - Ebuyer

CDsDontBurn · Dec 11, 2007, 12:21 AM

yep, your gf can wait

HAHAHAAH

**kris23** · Dec 11, 2007, 12:37 AM

since were on the subject of powerful PSUs, i will show you this one,

Corsair TX 750W PSU - 120mm Fan, 80+% Efficiency, Single +12V Rail - Ebuyer

better designed, more connectors, uses the PCI-E 2.0 spec connectors single rail design,

its just a better built PSU than the thermaltake, better quality too. it will go further than the components in your rig.

smurfdude · Dec 11, 2007, 03:19 AM

I'm sure its a little better, but I have to draw the line somewhere. Even 70 odd pound is pushing it. That one is near 90. I'd love to keep going higher and get the best of the best, but unfortunately have to settle for a little below until i win the lottery or my nan dies and I inherit her fortune.

I've read a few thermaltake toughpower reviews and I'm sure ill be delighted with it, but cheers for the help

**kris23** · Dec 11, 2007, 03:35 AM

ehh alright, but unless you can find a 6-pin to 8-pin PCI-E adapter, you probably wont be able to use the video cards that are coming in a few months

smurfdude · Dec 11, 2007, 03:51 AM

Doesnt matter, i dont change my graphics card every few months. My 8800gt will likely be used for another couple years. This is a big investment for me, not just a hobby like a lot of you guys who have to keep up with the latest an best technology

cozumel · Dec 11, 2007, 04:06 AM

That Thermaltake or the Hiper will do you proud sir. I honestly think the original Antec would have done although it was a bit restrictive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by smurfdude

unfortunately have to settle for a little below until my nan dies and I inherit her fortune.

Oh I do love the quote and edit functions. They are so awesome when used together!!!

Dec 10, 2007, 01:14 AM	#1
smurfdude DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 79 Rep Power: 0	A long needed upgrade Well...it's been a whole 4 years since I've upgraded anything in my current PC. I've put up with an old AMD 3200, 1gDDR3200, and a crappy ATI 9600 I was actually planning on not bothering to upgrade for another year, but with this falls latest releases, how the hell could I resist? My god, technology has advanced fast! I was overwhelmed with how much choice there is now. But after many hours of reading and searching I think I've done pretty well for myself Now on their way to my doorstep is a host of new parts ready to get me back in to gaming. A shiny new Quad core Q6600. I was initially going to go for a dual core, but with my poor history of upgrading parts, I was thinking Quad would last me further i nt othe future 2GB Consair DDR2 6400 - I've always wanted 2 gigs, but memory used to be so expensive I just didnt bother 8800GT 512mb - Apparently the deal of the decade from what I've read. I'm VERY excited about finally having a high end graphics card. I've never been able to play good games at their max ! An Asus P5K AiLifestyle motherboard. I don't even know what one I have at the moment. It came with an old PC I bought at PC world many years ago. So it'll be nice to have a motherboard with a respected and popular brand A new SATA HDD to put my OS on. It's time my trusty old 40gb IDE HDD took a well deserved rest... An finally a 500W Antec PSU. I'm going to need a lot of power for all my new parts, and I've read 500W will do nicely All in all it's costing me about £500. Certainly left a dent in my bank balance, but I think if any of you guys had waited 4 years with my PC you'd not mind! So what do you think, have I done well? I'm pretty certain I'm going to be very happy when it's up and running?

Dec 10, 2007, 02:11 AM	#3
cozumel I'm dangerous but cute... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Under the waves... Posts: 3,577 Rep Power: 58 System Specs	I reckon you're gonna have a lot of fun gaming with that rig. The mobo has a nice chipset (P35) and since you've got just the one hard disk you won't be needing RAID via the ICH9R. And the mobo takes the 45nm CPU's so you've got a future upgrade there!!! If you've got any extra cash then get another 2GB DDR2 (4GB total) as its so damn cheap right now and you'll probably end up needing it. Crysis has a 1.5GB mimimum requirement I think. The 500W will do you fine, just don't go overclocking. I woiuld have got 600W myself but a 500W from a reputable brand like Antec should be ok. What OS have you got? __________________ Don't worry about money - Be a beach bum! Scuba Rocks Last edited by cozumel; Dec 10, 2007 at 02:18 AM.

Dec 10, 2007, 02:32 AM	#5
cozumel I'm dangerous but cute... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Under the waves... Posts: 3,577 Rep Power: 58 System Specs	Is it XP x64? __________________ Don't worry about money - Be a beach bum! Scuba Rocks

Dec 10, 2007, 02:34 AM	#6
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 5,990 Rep Power: 121 System Specs	dont get XP x64, very buggy. and yea, there are tons of advantages to vista __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Dec 10, 2007, 02:50 AM	#8
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 5,990 Rep Power: 121 System Specs	of course DX 10 wont run faster as it is a more GPU intensive system, stiil looks alot better, Vista is far more responsive than XP in many places, simple apps run better, Vista also takes advantage of the amount of RAM in the system, that's why you see a huge amount of Vista x64 users touting 4-8 gigs of memory, more RAM makes it faster, unlike XP. i personally find it more stable, and comfortable. while it does use more resources, it doesn't just let them sit there to be useless, like XP does. going back and forth between Vista and XP, XP just annoys me alot more. alot more secure too, known to be very hard to hack into. __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Dec 10, 2007, 02:24 AM	Thread Starter #4
smurfdude DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 79 Rep Power: 0	I've got XP. Did consider getting bista but I like XP, an cant see any real benefit for changing at the moment. An i dont plan on overclocking anything, im too scared to break stuff an i cant afford to replace parts. Ill probably add another 2gb in a few months As for PSU i wanted a bigger one but the 700w antec or thermaltake ones are really expensive, an in the 8800gt reviews where they also used multi cores, they note that a 450 or 500 should be ok

Dec 10, 2007, 02:41 AM	Thread Starter #7
smurfdude DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 79 Rep Power: 0	Nah its not x64 What are the advantages of vista? From all the game benchmarks ive seen the DX10 results havent made me want to run out and buy it

Dec 10, 2007, 03:24 AM	#10
cozumel I'm dangerous but cute... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Under the waves... Posts: 3,577 Rep Power: 58 System Specs	Either x64 XP or Vista will work with 4GB DDR2. Obviously I would suggest Vista x64 as the best upgrade to the with the memory upgrade in a few months. If you buy Vista or XP x64 get the OEM version at the same time as purchasing the memory to save you some money. __________________ Don't worry about money - Be a beach bum! Scuba Rocks

Dec 10, 2007, 02:32 PM	#13
procupine14 Why is it Beeping!?!?! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA, Missouri Posts: 1,400 Rep Power: 56 System Specs	true that __________________ HTPC/file server: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit - AMD Phenom x4 9850 - 4GB OCZ DDR2 800 (2x2GB) - 1TB WD Black - 4 x 1TB Hitachi DeskStar in RAID 5 - ATi TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner - HIS Raedon 4850 512MB - ASRock N68C-S UCC mobo - OCZ ModExtreme Pro 500W PSU GF's Gaming PC: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit - AMD Phenom 9850 - 4GB OCZ DDR2 1066 - 500GB Western Digital GP - HIS Raedon 5770 1GB - ASUS M3A78-EM - Zalman 650W PSU Media Streamer: Win 7 Pro 64-bit - AMD Athlon x2 3200+ - 4GB SuperTalent DDR2 800 - 250GB SeaGate Barracuda - MSI K9N6PGM2-V2 - ASUS Raedon 5450 SILENT - FSP group 250W PSU

Dec 10, 2007, 02:33 PM	#14
procupine14 Why is it Beeping!?!?! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA, Missouri Posts: 1,400 Rep Power: 56 System Specs	smurf, it lookd like you did a good job.....seeing as you don't overclock i can see you having that system for quite awhile __________________ HTPC/file server: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit - AMD Phenom x4 9850 - 4GB OCZ DDR2 800 (2x2GB) - 1TB WD Black - 4 x 1TB Hitachi DeskStar in RAID 5 - ATi TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner - HIS Raedon 4850 512MB - ASRock N68C-S UCC mobo - OCZ ModExtreme Pro 500W PSU GF's Gaming PC: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit - AMD Phenom 9850 - 4GB OCZ DDR2 1066 - 500GB Western Digital GP - HIS Raedon 5770 1GB - ASUS M3A78-EM - Zalman 650W PSU Media Streamer: Win 7 Pro 64-bit - AMD Athlon x2 3200+ - 4GB SuperTalent DDR2 800 - 250GB SeaGate Barracuda - MSI K9N6PGM2-V2 - ASUS Raedon 5450 SILENT - FSP group 250W PSU

Dec 10, 2007, 02:42 PM	Thread Starter #15
smurfdude DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 79 Rep Power: 0	Well i will definitely look in to getting vista and some more ram next year. But right now I think ive spent more than enough! Im really looking forward to finally being able to play Oblvion properly Yes im easily pleased

Dec 10, 2007, 03:59 PM	Thread Starter #17
smurfdude DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 79 Rep Power: 0	Oh and I also thought I'd do some more research on power supplys. Apparently it's a lot more important to get a good one than I initially thought. So I've decided to return the 500w and I am thinking this one will be better Arctic Power 700W PSU - With PCI-E, SATA, 20+4, ATX12V, 8pin +12V Connectors - Retail Boxed - Ebuyer I know it's not a big brand name like thermaltake or Antec etc but it should be ok?

Dec 10, 2007, 04:09 PM	#18
procupine14 Why is it Beeping!?!?! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA, Missouri Posts: 1,400 Rep Power: 56 System Specs	yeah.......i think that should do you fine......I've never heard of the brand so i can't really make a call one way or another on the subject __________________ HTPC/file server: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit - AMD Phenom x4 9850 - 4GB OCZ DDR2 800 (2x2GB) - 1TB WD Black - 4 x 1TB Hitachi DeskStar in RAID 5 - ATi TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner - HIS Raedon 4850 512MB - ASRock N68C-S UCC mobo - OCZ ModExtreme Pro 500W PSU GF's Gaming PC: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit - AMD Phenom 9850 - 4GB OCZ DDR2 1066 - 500GB Western Digital GP - HIS Raedon 5770 1GB - ASUS M3A78-EM - Zalman 650W PSU Media Streamer: Win 7 Pro 64-bit - AMD Athlon x2 3200+ - 4GB SuperTalent DDR2 800 - 250GB SeaGate Barracuda - MSI K9N6PGM2-V2 - ASUS Raedon 5450 SILENT - FSP group 250W PSU

Dec 10, 2007, 04:25 PM	#19
Zelig HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 3,187 Rep Power: 69 System Specs	Never heard of Arctic Power and can't find any reviews, I'd really recommend going with something more reputable. For that price, chances are very slim that that PSU will actually output 700W. Corsair TX 650W ATX2.2 SLi Compliant PSU Thermaltake ToughPower 750W Modular Power Supply Something like one of those two would serve you better. I'm assuming you're in the UK, right? __________________ --

Dec 10, 2007, 04:39 PM	Thread Starter #20
smurfdude DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 79 Rep Power: 0	Yeah I guess you're right. I'm not totally sure about getting a cheap one, but £80, thats a hell of a lot for a PSU, to me anyway. The one I've been using for the last 4 years cost me like £10. But i suppose an expensive one will last me a long time and be very good quality. I really like that thermaltake one a lot. My girlfriend is going to kill me. No expensive nights out for a while thats for sure

Dec 10, 2007, 04:42 PM	#21
Zelig HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 3,187 Rep Power: 69 System Specs	Someone who knows UK online stores can probably find you a good one cheaper than that. I'd be happy with a quality 600-650W PSU for that system. __________________ --

Dec 10, 2007, 08:53 PM	#22
CDsDontBurn 127.0.0.1 Join Date: May 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 22,458 Rep Power: 202 System Specs	congrats on the upgrade man! the PSU is just as important as your other components, so it's one thing that should not be overlooked. and IMO, a quality 600w PSU is better than a shady 700w PSU any day. Try and find some reviews on that 700w PSU you ordered. Customer feedback on the particular PSU, while promising, may not give you all the details of other people who ordered the PSU. And if you were to be at your local PC shop buying the PSU where you can physically hold the PSU, i would suggest that you do the infamous "weight test." the weight test: a better quality PSU, even a lower wattage one, will be heavier than a lower quality PSU. __________________ Her First Day \| A year later

Dec 10, 2007, 11:01 PM	Thread Starter #24
smurfdude DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 79 Rep Power: 0	Bah forget dinner and macdonalds, I think I'm going to go for this one Thermaltake ToughPower W0117 750W PSU 14cm Fan ATX12V SATAx6 24pin - Ebuyer

Dec 11, 2007, 12:21 AM	#25
CDsDontBurn 127.0.0.1 Join Date: May 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 22,458 Rep Power: 202 System Specs	yep, your gf can wait HAHAHAAH __________________ Her First Day \| A year later

Dec 11, 2007, 12:37 AM	#26
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 5,990 Rep Power: 121 System Specs	since were on the subject of powerful PSUs, i will show you this one, Corsair TX 750W PSU - 120mm Fan, 80+% Efficiency, Single +12V Rail - Ebuyer better designed, more connectors, uses the PCI-E 2.0 spec connectors single rail design, its just a better built PSU than the thermaltake, better quality too. it will go further than the components in your rig. __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Dec 11, 2007, 03:19 AM	Thread Starter #27
smurfdude DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 79 Rep Power: 0	I'm sure its a little better, but I have to draw the line somewhere. Even 70 odd pound is pushing it. That one is near 90. I'd love to keep going higher and get the best of the best, but unfortunately have to settle for a little below until i win the lottery or my nan dies and I inherit her fortune. I've read a few thermaltake toughpower reviews and I'm sure ill be delighted with it, but cheers for the help

Dec 11, 2007, 03:35 AM	#28
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 5,990 Rep Power: 121 System Specs	ehh alright, but unless you can find a 6-pin to 8-pin PCI-E adapter, you probably wont be able to use the video cards that are coming in a few months __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Dec 11, 2007, 03:51 AM	Thread Starter #29
smurfdude DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 79 Rep Power: 0	Doesnt matter, i dont change my graphics card every few months. My 8800gt will likely be used for another couple years. This is a big investment for me, not just a hobby like a lot of you guys who have to keep up with the latest an best technology