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PSU Wattage for OC'd i5 4670k and OC'd SLI GTX 770

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  • Overclocking
  • Power Supplies
  • Intel i5
  • SLI
  • Components
  • Gtx
Last response: in Components
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July 13, 2014 4:11:29 PM

Hello, I am shortly going to purchase and build my first PC. I am starting myself off with an i5 4670k, 8GB of RAM (2 x 4GB), and a GTX 770. In the future, however, I am going to buy a CPU cooler and overclock my i5 processor. Additionally, I want to add in 8 more GB of RAM (again, 2 x 4GB), and I also want to purchase a second 770 for SLI. I want to overclock those graphics cards as well.

My question is, how much wattage do I actually need in my PSU? I have used those online wattage calculators before, and they always give me numbers above 850W. Do I really need a 1000W PSU for safety?

Also, while I am on the subject, do I need a UPS for security? Can my PSU and components be damaged without a UPS? If I do need a UPS, please tell me what wattage I require. Does the wattage need to be close to my PC's net wattage or my PSU wattage? Thank you very much.

More about : psu wattage 4670k sli gtx 770

a b K Overclocking
a b ) Power supply
July 13, 2014 4:32:30 PM

I wouldnt do anything under 850W myself.
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a b ) Power supply
July 13, 2014 4:47:55 PM

Personally I'd get a 500-650w PSU and stick with a single GPU option, if I were you. Most people upgrade every 3-4 years or so, so by then there will be much better GPU's out that will be better than 2 x 770's. Also I would go with the 4690k instead of the 4670k, because it should OC easier and is close to the 4670k price. Now if I wasn't OC'ing the CPU I would go with the cheapest 4 core i5 CPU and get the best GPU. This combo would give you a setup that should last for the duration that you have your system.

It's up to you with what you want to do, but I'd stick with a single GPU option (unless there is a compelling reason why not to).
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Related resources
July 14, 2014 4:51:10 AM

lunyone said:
Personally I'd get a 500-650w PSU and stick with a single GPU option, if I were you. Most people upgrade every 3-4 years or so, so by then there will be much better GPU's out that will be better than 2 x 770's. Also I would go with the 4690k instead of the 4670k, because it should OC easier and is close to the 4670k price. Now if I wasn't OC'ing the CPU I would go with the cheapest 4 core i5 CPU and get the best GPU. This combo would give you a setup that should last for the duration that you have your system.

It's up to you with what you want to do, but I'd stick with a single GPU option (unless there is a compelling reason why not to).


I know that there will be better GPUs in the future, but what if the 770 becomes cheap? Anyway, even if I do get a newer model GPU, I might want to SLI that with a new one. In that case, I'll need a good PSU regardless. Also, the 4690k is overkill; I believe the 4670k is perfect.
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a b ) Power supply
July 14, 2014 6:09:29 AM

DropMySpaghetti said:
lunyone said:
Personally I'd get a 500-650w PSU and stick with a single GPU option, if I were you. Most people upgrade every 3-4 years or so, so by then there will be much better GPU's out that will be better than 2 x 770's. Also I would go with the 4690k instead of the 4670k, because it should OC easier and is close to the 4670k price. Now if I wasn't OC'ing the CPU I would go with the cheapest 4 core i5 CPU and get the best GPU. This combo would give you a setup that should last for the duration that you have your system.

It's up to you with what you want to do, but I'd stick with a single GPU option (unless there is a compelling reason why not to).


I know that there will be better GPUs in the future, but what if the 770 becomes cheap? Anyway, even if I do get a newer model GPU, I might want to SLI that with a new one. In that case, I'll need a good PSU regardless. Also, the 4690k is overkill; I believe the 4670k is perfect.


How is the 4690k overkill over a 4670k? They are essentially the same part, but with different TIM and the 4690k is clocked higher.

If you want to go with or set yourself up with an SLI system based around the 770 GTX than I would recommend at least a quality 750 watt PSU as the minimum, since you stated you might do some OC'ing of the CPU later.
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July 14, 2014 6:59:11 AM

lunyone said:
Personally I'd get a 500-650w PSU and stick with a single GPU option, if I were you. Most people upgrade every 3-4 years or so, so by then there will be much better GPU's out that will be better than 2 x 770's. Also I would go with the 4690k instead of the 4670k, because it should OC easier and is close to the 4670k price. Now if I wasn't OC'ing the CPU I would go with the cheapest 4 core i5 CPU and get the best GPU. This combo would give you a setup that should last for the duration that you have your system.

It's up to you with what you want to do, but I'd stick with a single GPU option (unless there is a compelling reason why not to).


lunyone said:
DropMySpaghetti said:
lunyone said:
Personally I'd get a 500-650w PSU and stick with a single GPU option, if I were you. Most people upgrade every 3-4 years or so, so by then there will be much better GPU's out that will be better than 2 x 770's. Also I would go with the 4690k instead of the 4670k, because it should OC easier and is close to the 4670k price. Now if I wasn't OC'ing the CPU I would go with the cheapest 4 core i5 CPU and get the best GPU. This combo would give you a setup that should last for the duration that you have your system.

It's up to you with what you want to do, but I'd stick with a single GPU option (unless there is a compelling reason why not to).


I know that there will be better GPUs in the future, but what if the 770 becomes cheap? Anyway, even if I do get a newer model GPU, I might want to SLI that with a new one. In that case, I'll need a good PSU regardless. Also, the 4690k is overkill; I believe the 4670k is perfect.


How is the 4690k overkill over a 4670k? They are essentially the same part, but with different TIM and the 4690k is clocked higher.

If you want to go with or set yourself up with an SLI system based around the 770 GTX than I would recommend at least a quality 750 watt PSU as the minimum, since you stated you might do some OC'ing of the CPU later.


I worded that wrong; the 4690k is not overkill over a 4670k. The only reason I'm not getting it is because I have a budget, and I'm already basically over that budget. Also, are you sure 750W will be enough? Consider two OC'd 770s and an OC'd 4670k. One dude already suggested to not get less than 850W. If you've been in my situation before, you're probably familiar with proper wattage.
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a b K Overclocking
a b ) Power supply
July 14, 2014 5:30:53 PM

Since one can never be sure how far an orverclock a user will be striving for, i add 100w for each. So +300w for you just for the OC's,.
I'm thinking that 1000w unit (above) might be your best value.
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a b ) Power supply
July 14, 2014 7:05:19 PM

DropMySpaghetti said:
lunyone said:
Personally I'd get a 500-650w PSU and stick with a single GPU option, if I were you. Most people upgrade every 3-4 years or so, so by then there will be much better GPU's out that will be better than 2 x 770's. Also I would go with the 4690k instead of the 4670k, because it should OC easier and is close to the 4670k price. Now if I wasn't OC'ing the CPU I would go with the cheapest 4 core i5 CPU and get the best GPU. This combo would give you a setup that should last for the duration that you have your system.

It's up to you with what you want to do, but I'd stick with a single GPU option (unless there is a compelling reason why not to).


lunyone said:
DropMySpaghetti said:
lunyone said:
Personally I'd get a 500-650w PSU and stick with a single GPU option, if I were you. Most people upgrade every 3-4 years or so, so by then there will be much better GPU's out that will be better than 2 x 770's. Also I would go with the 4690k instead of the 4670k, because it should OC easier and is close to the 4670k price. Now if I wasn't OC'ing the CPU I would go with the cheapest 4 core i5 CPU and get the best GPU. This combo would give you a setup that should last for the duration that you have your system.

It's up to you with what you want to do, but I'd stick with a single GPU option (unless there is a compelling reason why not to).


I know that there will be better GPUs in the future, but what if the 770 becomes cheap? Anyway, even if I do get a newer model GPU, I might want to SLI that with a new one. In that case, I'll need a good PSU regardless. Also, the 4690k is overkill; I believe the 4670k is perfect.


How is the 4690k overkill over a 4670k? They are essentially the same part, but with different TIM and the 4690k is clocked higher.

If you want to go with or set yourself up with an SLI system based around the 770 GTX than I would recommend at least a quality 750 watt PSU as the minimum, since you stated you might do some OC'ing of the CPU later.


I worded that wrong; the 4690k is not overkill over a 4670k. The only reason I'm not getting it is because I have a budget, and I'm already basically over that budget. Also, are you sure 750W will be enough? Consider two OC'd 770s and an OC'd 4670k. One dude already suggested to not get less than 850W. If you've been in my situation before, you're probably familiar with proper wattage.


What is your budget then?

I would personally go with a 4 core i5 (non-OC model) and get a GTX 780 over getting a GTX 770 w/an OC'ing CPU. That is just me, but since you want to get an OC'ing CPU and GTX 770, I would opt for the CPU that you can afford.

Lemme give you an example of what I'm talking about. I don't know your budget so keep this in mind, but the builds below will show you how expensive it can be to get a SLI based system together.

Solid 4 core CPU w/good GPU:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 780 3GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($439.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1034.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

or a system w/R9 290 (about equivalent to GTX 780):
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($349.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $951.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

SLI ready system:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 1000W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1032.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

* Now all of these parts are on the lower spectrum of price, but I'm not sure if they meet your needs. You might only want ASUS mobo's or whatever, but the point should be pretty obvious.

You can decide what is best for you and what works the best for your situation/budget.

The SLI ready system above, obviously doesn't have both GTX 770's, but will reflect your initial budget for an SLI ready (at least PCI-e 3.0 8x/8x slots) and a powerful enough PSU for your future upgrades.
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July 14, 2014 9:13:23 PM

lunyone said:
DropMySpaghetti said:
lunyone said:
Personally I'd get a 500-650w PSU and stick with a single GPU option, if I were you. Most people upgrade every 3-4 years or so, so by then there will be much better GPU's out that will be better than 2 x 770's. Also I would go with the 4690k instead of the 4670k, because it should OC easier and is close to the 4670k price. Now if I wasn't OC'ing the CPU I would go with the cheapest 4 core i5 CPU and get the best GPU. This combo would give you a setup that should last for the duration that you have your system.

It's up to you with what you want to do, but I'd stick with a single GPU option (unless there is a compelling reason why not to).


lunyone said:
DropMySpaghetti said:
lunyone said:
Personally I'd get a 500-650w PSU and stick with a single GPU option, if I were you. Most people upgrade every 3-4 years or so, so by then there will be much better GPU's out that will be better than 2 x 770's. Also I would go with the 4690k instead of the 4670k, because it should OC easier and is close to the 4670k price. Now if I wasn't OC'ing the CPU I would go with the cheapest 4 core i5 CPU and get the best GPU. This combo would give you a setup that should last for the duration that you have your system.

It's up to you with what you want to do, but I'd stick with a single GPU option (unless there is a compelling reason why not to).


I know that there will be better GPUs in the future, but what if the 770 becomes cheap? Anyway, even if I do get a newer model GPU, I might want to SLI that with a new one. In that case, I'll need a good PSU regardless. Also, the 4690k is overkill; I believe the 4670k is perfect.


How is the 4690k overkill over a 4670k? They are essentially the same part, but with different TIM and the 4690k is clocked higher.

If you want to go with or set yourself up with an SLI system based around the 770 GTX than I would recommend at least a quality 750 watt PSU as the minimum, since you stated you might do some OC'ing of the CPU later.


I worded that wrong; the 4690k is not overkill over a 4670k. The only reason I'm not getting it is because I have a budget, and I'm already basically over that budget. Also, are you sure 750W will be enough? Consider two OC'd 770s and an OC'd 4670k. One dude already suggested to not get less than 850W. If you've been in my situation before, you're probably familiar with proper wattage.


What is your budget then?

I would personally go with a 4 core i5 (non-OC model) and get a GTX 780 over getting a GTX 770 w/an OC'ing CPU. That is just me, but since you want to get an OC'ing CPU and GTX 770, I would opt for the CPU that you can afford.

Lemme give you an example of what I'm talking about. I don't know your budget so keep this in mind, but the builds below will show you how expensive it can be to get a SLI based system together.

Solid 4 core CPU w/good GPU:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 780 3GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($439.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1034.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

or a system w/R9 290 (about equivalent to GTX 780):
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($349.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $951.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

SLI ready system:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 1000W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1032.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

* Now all of these parts are on the lower spectrum of price, but I'm not sure if they meet your needs. You might only want ASUS mobo's or whatever, but the point should be pretty obvious.

You can decide what is best for you and what works the best for your situation/budget.

The SLI ready system above, obviously doesn't have both GTX 770's, but will reflect your initial budget for an SLI ready (at least PCI-e 3.0 8x/8x slots) and a powerful enough PSU for your future upgrades.


Thanks, but I already have a good build in progress: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/DropMySpaghetti/saved/

I guess my budget is around $1500. The UPS screws me over because it is an extra $100. Also, what is not included on that list is one of those power over ethernet thingies. I still need my internet.

I might change my mind down the road during college and blow whatever nonexistent money I have on a new GPU entirely. Who knows what I'm going to decide?
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a b ) Power supply
July 14, 2014 9:54:17 PM

How does look?:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($120.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: A-Data XPG V2 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 780 3GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($439.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: BenQ GL2460HM 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Other: CyberPower Intelligent LCD Series GreenPower UPS CP1000AVRLCD 1000VA 600 Watt 5 x 5-15R Battery/Surge Protected 4 x 5-15R Surge Protected Outlets UPS ($100.99)
Total: $1533.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

* Better CPU.
* Better GPU.
* 850w PSU should be good enough for your needs/wants.
* Different RAM, the RAM you selected has to be at 1.6v to meet those speeds, assuming you have no issues. The one set I listed runs at stock voltage of 1.5v and at CAS 9 timings too.
* Monitor is different, but still 24" and 1080p. The only difference is the refresh rate, which I don't know if that is acceptable to you.
* Case is different, you don't need a Full tower case to fit 2 x GPU's, but that is up to you.
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July 15, 2014 3:54:31 AM

lunyone said:
How does look?:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($120.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: A-Data XPG V2 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 780 3GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($439.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: BenQ GL2460HM 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K70 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Other: CyberPower Intelligent LCD Series GreenPower UPS CP1000AVRLCD 1000VA 600 Watt 5 x 5-15R Battery/Surge Protected 4 x 5-15R Surge Protected Outlets UPS ($100.99)
Total: $1533.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

* Better CPU.
* Better GPU.
* 850w PSU should be good enough for your needs/wants.
* Different RAM, the RAM you selected has to be at 1.6v to meet those speeds, assuming you have no issues. The one set I listed runs at stock voltage of 1.5v and at CAS 9 timings too.
* Monitor is different, but still 24" and 1080p. The only difference is the refresh rate, which I don't know if that is acceptable to you.
* Case is different, you don't need a Full tower case to fit 2 x GPU's, but that is up to you.


Thanks, but the monitor needs to be 144Hz, and I do want a full tower case for cable management and airflow/ventilation. Also, the RAM you see on my list I already purchased; it is sitting on my desk as we speak. Sure, the voltage is a tad high, but what matters most is that it is CAS9 and 2133mHz. That's pretty good for $76.50 off Newegg.
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a b ) Power supply
July 15, 2014 6:35:07 AM

Cas9 at 2133 mHz at 1.6v, but if you have no issues with the RAM you should be fine. I'm not sure 144 Hz is needed, but your the one that wants it, so get it, since your the one buying the system.
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July 15, 2014 6:55:14 AM

lunyone said:
Cas9 at 2133 mHz at 1.6v, but if you have no issues with the RAM you should be fine. I'm not sure 144 Hz is needed, but your the one that wants it, so get it, since your the one buying the system.


I've never heard of 1.6V being significantly shitty over 1.5V. I am getting a good motherboard and PSU to handle it, anyway. And 144Hz is needed so I can play something like CS: Source with a wicked frame rate. That is a huge advantage over normal players. I looked for cheaper 120Hz monitors and could not find any, regardless.
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July 15, 2014 8:47:41 AM

lunyone said:
Cas9 at 2133 mHz at 1.6v, but if you have no issues with the RAM you should be fine. I'm not sure 144 Hz is needed, but your the one that wants it, so get it, since your the one buying the system.


Also, I noticed that the 4690k just became more affordable, so I'm swapping out my 4670k.
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