Upgrading the computer, PSU?

ADB91 · Jul 12, 2014

Hey, I've just started to upgrade my system. I have a Q6600 @3.2 with artic pro 7, 4GB DDR2 ram, p5k-e asus mobo, 8800GT and 500W antec supply..

I was just wondering, I have bought an XFX R9 280x as a start to upgrading the system, along with a Corsaie CSM 650w semi modular PSU.

Will this be enough to power it?

I plan on buying a new mobo, ram and an i5/i7 in the near future too.

sanhuy · Jul 12, 2014

yes but it isn't the most reliable model in terms of longevity.

ADB91 · Jul 12, 2014

I've heard that being said before, it comes with a 3 year guarantee so I'm hoping it'll last that long at least.. My current 500w antec has lasted me around 6 years which is great

Dark Lord of Tech · Jul 12, 2014

It's enough to power it But it's a poor power supply.

Alec Mowat · Jul 12, 2014

I wouldn't bother upgrading anything with that CPU, it's going to give about the same performance as your current GPU.

ADB91 · Jul 12, 2014

I got the 280x a fair bit cheaper than it normally is at 160, it was only a short offer so went for that first.. I read somewhere the difference from adding that even with my processor will still be quite a big difference

Alec Mowat · Jul 12, 2014

ADB91 :

With only 4 GB of RAM? You might get a boost, but a new system will make a world of difference.

ADB91 · Jul 13, 2014

Which processor would you suggest getting for around the £150 point? I was looking at the i5 4670k

Vic 40 · Jul 13, 2014

sanhuy :

How do you know that? And yes i know it says that in the tier2B quote too,but can anyone really predict by now.It is also about how hard the psu is taxed.

Alec Mowat :

He can still overclock that cpu and @ >3ghz (should be possible) will it do for now.The r9 280x will do better than the 8800GT.

That psu is fine,yes "only" 3 years of warranty but still in tier 2B in the "Eggxpert Tiered Power Supply List" which says,
"Tier 2b - Tier 2 units which have either lower longevity or slightly lower quality output. Still well within spec, and are good units. ".
Two reviews (Kitguru and Techpowerup ) about it i've seen and both are for the most part positive except for some (imo) minor things.I get/read that you already have it?

If you're going for an overclockable cpu go for the 4690K by that time.Maybe first practice on that Q6600? Or is it already overclocked?

ADB91 · Jul 13, 2014

Yeah already ordered it, reading reviews by sites and people who own them generally seem to be decent reviews. I also have already overclocked the Q6600 from 2.4 to 3.2, don't want to push it anymore as its getting on the warm side of things, the thermal paste needs re-doing so I'm leaving it until I get a new one..

From what I gather the i5 I'm after won't bottleneck the 280x just wanted to double check.
Have you got any recommendations for a motherboard for around the £100 mark by any chance?
I've been looking at this: http://www.ebuyer.com/507966

Vic 40 · Jul 13, 2014

ADB91 :

No it won't,the 4690K is just a newer revision with from what i've read better thermal capacities (should run cooler=better overclocking capabilities) and is just a bit quicker at stock.

ADB91 :

I would look at this one.
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-z87extreme4
or cheaper this,
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-z97pro4
or,
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-motherboard-z87g45gaming

ADB91 · Jul 13, 2014

Ahh yeah I'll probably take a look at getting that cpu instead then, doesn't seem that much more expensive for it.

Thanks for that I'll keep them in mind, namely the first one, I had been looking at that MSI one and the G65 one too which is around £3 dearer

Vic 40 · Jul 13, 2014

I like the first asrock too,it has a good 12phase vrm design and has the realtek 1150 audiochip also has a second back up bios chip like gigabyte.With the latest bios should it also be good for the 4690K.
The only thing it doesn't have is the m.2 ssd slot that most Z97 boards have,but imo not something to disregard it over.

ADB91 · Jul 13, 2014

I was wondering about the audio as I already have a creative X-fi extreme gamer sound card, so wasn't sure wether to keep using that as its abkut 5 years old. I run my OS on an SSD so do you think the SSD slot would be an advantage?

Vic 40 · Jul 13, 2014

ADB91 :

Just look at some reviews for that or just try it out..Your headphones are a part of this too.If they aren't that great is it possible that you're not going to hear a (big) difference anyway.

ADB91 :

For current ssd's are the sata3 ports fast enough so no imo not.The m.2 slot is a different kind of connection anyway.

ADB91 · Jul 13, 2014

I don't use headphones I run it DTS through a sony 2400ES and speakers but it seems to sound good at the minute. Ah I won't bother too much with the M.2 slot then I'll just go for either the first asus you posted or the MSI Z87-GD65.

Thanks for the help

Vic 40 · Jul 13, 2014

Both good boards,just read some reviews and look at the specs,maybe even the looks of the board in the case when you go for a certain color theme.

And you're welcome.

Alec Mowat · Jul 13, 2014

Alec Mowat :

Wouldn't bother overclocking unless you are prepared to buy a new system at this point. If you do kill the motherboard, I'd be prepared ahead of time.

I know a few people with those chips, and they do bottleneck a 560 and a 660 in most new games.

ADB91 · Jul 13, 2014

The processor has been overclocked @ 3.2 almost since I bought it about 5-6 years ago

Upgrading the computer, PSU?

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