Which graphics card and why? PSU enough?

jonnehz44 · Sep 14, 2015

I'm currently in the market for a new GPU and case for my PC.

I've done a little research but being somewhat undecuated on things I'm unsure if to get a gtx 970 or a 390(maybe 390x) and if my PC can facilitate this? My current powersupply is 550W Superflower Gold Certified.

My pc build is listed in the following link ( the GFX): http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/vCM8t6

I'm also unsure about what case, on a side note, im considering either of these two. Which would be considered better and why?

1st: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-180-CS&groupid=2362&catid=2278
2nd: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-208-BX&groupid=2362&catid=2278

Thanks a lot for the help - all advice is appreciated!

raisonjohn · Sep 14, 2015

For your GPU, I suggest you go with the GTX 970. Not only that it has lower TDP, but, your current good-quality 550W already supports it.

If you go with a 390, you need to replace that PSU with at least a 650W. For a 390X, you'll need at least 700W. That's going to be more expensive and quite possibly higher temps.

Regarding the case options, I would choose the Bitfenix Aegis.

You current CPU Cooler (Thermaltake Frio) has a total height of 165mm. The Carbide 240 allows for a maximum CPU cooler height of only 120mm. On the other hand, the Bitfenix Aegis can accommodate CPU cooler heights of up to 170mm tall.

jonnehz44 · Sep 14, 2015

raisonjohn :

Thanks a lot for the reply! Is there a new CPU cooler you'd recommend? I'm a little frustrated at the size of my current one anyway (ugly beast). I just bought the PSU in the build and I feel I've made a mistake as almost everyone i read on forums is flaming the 970 to the ground atm

]

Thanks again

Nerdtweak · Sep 14, 2015

I have previously owned the GTX 970 (currently own the Titan X) and I can say that they are one of a kind, they perform amazingly well and your PSU will go fine with it. As for the 390x, you will need to upgrade your PSU to something a little better than atleast 650w, minimum, as they take quite a bit of power..

With the cases:
I'm going to go with the Aegis, one of my old mates have owned them and not only are they sleek, they are quite, cheap and can fit a but load in them, along with the wire management being an absolute beast!
But really, it is your choice with the cases as they are both very good.

Hope this helps!

jonnehz44 · Sep 14, 2015

Nerdtweak :

I have previously owned the GTX 970 (currently own the Titan X) and I can say that they are one of a kind, they perform amazingly well and your PSU will go fine with it. As for the 390x, you will need to upgrade your PSU to something a little better than atleast 650w, minimum, as they take quite a bit of power..

With the cases:
I'm going to go with the Aegis, one of my old mates have owned them and not only are they sleek, they are quite, cheap and can fit a but load in them, along with the wire management being an absolute beast!
But really, it is your choice with the cases as they are both very good.

Hope this helps!

Thank you! Great help!

Nerdtweak · Sep 14, 2015

jonnehz44 :

Nerdtweak :

Thank you! Great help!

No problem! If you need any more help, feel free to private message me

raisonjohn · Sep 14, 2015

jonnehz44 :

Well, let's see... given your chassis options I'm inclined to recommend the Arctic CPU coolers (which are... yes.. white). Although from what I see, in your Carbide 240 option, you may be limited to selecting a flat-mounted cooler due to the case's tight height clearance of 120mm. Here are some options to choose from, whichever is the better performer noise-wise, airflow-wise, more pleasing to the eyes and complements your case:

For you Bitfenix Aegis (up to 170mm clearance):

Arctic Cooling ACFZI30 74.0 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler
Specs: 161mm height | 120mm fan | 74 CFM | 0.3 Sone | 400-1350rpm | FDB

fec670e891d48fae94fee9cc0b2a9cf2.med.1600.jpg

Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro Rev.2 45.0 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler
Specs: 127mm height | 92mm fan | 45 CFM | 0.5 Sone | 900-2200rpm | FDB

3fadc2cc35efeea1f4d28e5a5f9670af.med.1600.jpg

For the Carbide 240 option (only 120mm clearance):

Arctic Cooling Alpine 11 Pro Rev. 2 36.7 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler
Specs: 78mm height | 92mm fan | 36.7 CFM | 0.4 Sone | 500-2000rpm | FDB

cad70590571a15cd24d19f26e116bd2f.med.1600.jpg

Arctic Cooling UCACO-AP111-GBB01 36.0 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler
Specs: 84mm height | 92mm fan | 36 CFM | 0.4 Sone | 900-2000rpm | FDB

9aa211c2f8b2372761cb50d17891cfc9.med.1600.jpg

My personal recommendation is the first. It has a 120mm fan, lower rpm thus more quiet, and largest airflow. The looks, well, it's your personal call.

jonnehz44 · Sep 14, 2015

raisonjohn :

Thanks a lot mate your suggestions have been a great help! I find the first one to be the best choice on all aswell so I agree with you there! It seems i'll go with the 970 as I just purchased the powersupply so would be a shame to upgrade it so soon Is there any manufacturer of the 970 I should look at? Does it make much different if I were to buy a PALIT 970 to an MSI or ASUS. (Have no idea about any brand).

Also as a side and general question is moving a motherboard and refitting the CPU Cooler / motherboard in a new case difficult? I fitted the PSU by myself and found that easy. Skeptical to see if I should be trying to do this myself. Sorry for the questions I just like to go in to this with the best information I can!

Thanks again!

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