Good build for 1080p Gaming?

RobbyD123

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Mar 12, 2016
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I'm not ENTIRELY building from scratch, I already have a computer, just building onto it with a new case, motherboard for the CPU, and a GPU that is a crap ton better than the one I currently have.


 

Dunlop0078

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What parts do you already have? Memory, power supply make and model? You dont really need a z97 board with an i5 4460 but that one is pretty cheap so its not a bad choice. I would look for H97 board you might be able to get something slightly higher quality for around the same price in h97.
 

RobbyD123

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Mar 12, 2016
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I changed the CPU to an i5-4690k.

I have 8GB DDR3 RAM, and a 475w PSU. The model was an Studio XPS 435mt, but the RAM and the PSU are the only parts I've upgraded so far.
 

Dunlop0078

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What is that? I need make and model. But I rarely hear of power supplies labeled as 475watts so im assuming its a off brand 20 dollar ebay psu in that case I would recommend you get a new psu. 475watts is plenty for a 960 but wattage is not the only thing to concern yourself with when talking about the right psu.
 

RobbyD123

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Mar 12, 2016
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My PSU is a KDM-M6480n model.
 

RobbyD123

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Mar 12, 2016
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What reason would I want to upgrade if it meets the wattage requirements for everything?
 

Rogue Leader

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That PSU would work, assuming it has PCIe connectors for your GPU. However being with a 4690k if you have any plans or aspirations to overclock, you need a different PSU.

Also that said those stock Dell PSU's aren't really made to be pushed. If it doesn't have those PCIe connectors, its HIGHLY recommended you purchase a different PSU. You don't need anything crazy, if you want to go low cost the XFX TS 550 would do fine, better would be an EVGA 550 G2, Corsair CXM 550, or Seasonic SII 520, or Seasonic G series 550.
 

RobbyD123

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Mar 12, 2016
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It's not really a stock PSU, I bought one as a replacement to the the original, but it's an entirely different model. It does have PCIe.
 

Rogue Leader

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Where did you purchase it from? KDM makes stock PSU's for Dell, HP, emachines, Sony, so if its a replacement from Dell or whatnot it would be fine. However there are "stock replacements" depending where you got it from that are not geniune. If thats the case you 100% need to replace it.
 

RobbyD123

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Mar 12, 2016
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But why replace when it meets the power requirements?
 

Rogue Leader

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Because Wattage level for power requirements is only the first part of the equation. There are a lot of quality issues with OEM type and low end power supplies that makes them unable to sustain that power output for long periods of time (ie: gaming). If they don't, at best you get graphical glitches and slowdowns, at worst your computer crashes, often, and crashes can cause things like hard drive corruption, or if there is a power issue, actual damage to your components.

With the PSU you have you are pushing the limit, and thats assuming its tip top. It will work, but its a matter of time (and not much time) before it fails, and that failure could be very expensive. Trust me, we see it here daily, which is why we are so passionate about this issue.
 


You NEED to replace the PSU, and make sure you use a mATX motherboard. Most likely the memory too if it doesn't state 1.5V or 1.35V on it.

Consider a evga G2 550 or XFX TS 550 or a seasonic model for the PSU
 

RobbyD123

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Mar 12, 2016
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My RAM is fine, it's 1.5v...and I really don't think I need to change the PSU, is it REALLY necessary? It runs PERFECT.

 

Dunlop0078

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Because its literally the most important component in your computer nothing works without it. Other than what rouge leader said it can prolong the life of all of your parts due to clean stable power being sent to all your parts, it can protect your parts from power surges or other undesired power related events, if your psu lets a surge throughbecause of terrible over voltage protection say goodbye to your pc.
 

Rogue Leader

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Perfect is a relative term. Have you closely monitored the voltages, or checked it with a scope? And have you ever pushed it to its max? You have not. But with a 960 you will. Are you willing to risk all your new equipment on a PSU that we are all telling you for sure 100% is not strong enough and could result in damage.

If you can afford a fancy new GPU and CPU, you can afford to power it properly, otherwise back down your specs so you can afford it. Otherwise we will see you in here in a month or so when your system is either crashing repeatedly, or permanently, and you are spending your money twice. Don't believe me, spend a few weeks here checking power supply issues. We could probably quote 20 a day to you.
 

RobbyD123

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Mar 12, 2016
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Rogue Leader

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Thats the PSU you want (EVGA). The one you linked in my post (Thermaltake) is a bad one.