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Looking to upgrade some more (MB, GPU, Case, PSU)

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  • Homebuilt
  • Cases
  • Systems
Last response: in Systems
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April 17, 2007 9:36:27 PM

Hello,

I recently needed to replace pretty much my entire computer due to either blown caps or a power surge.

I previously was running an old 8rda+ MB, 2400XP CPU, 1.5GB DDR333 RAM and an X700Pro GPU. Due to the issue I replaced everything above with:

Intel DG965RYCK MB
Intel 6300 C2D
Generic 1GB DDR2 533 RAM

I'm using my same Sound Card, Case, and PSU and the onboard Graphics (which sadly, works almost as well as my X700Pro did). But I really like to be able to Dual or Quad box MMO's, DL video and music content, and play dvd's on my pc. I use a 19" WS Flat Panel monitor. I believe the Native is 12x10 - but frankly, I'm not sure.

Can someone please point me in the right direction concerning the following requirements:

1) MB - From everything I've read concerning my Intel 965RY I'll end up seeing random USB errors (I've had to reconnect my mouse or KB a few times after booting up), so I'd like to get a MB that is a solid workhorse. I don't do overclocking (too cheap and too stupid) so I'm not worried about it's viability for that. Solid power is really what I'm looking for. And more than 4 SATAII connectors.

2) PSU - I'm just starting to learn about this. Originally I thought just the wattage mattered (mine is my original 350W from 2001 or whenever). So I'm not sure what to look for or what rails are and why 12v needs 30a etc. I'd like for my PSU to be able to handle SLI or XFire and let me run stably with 4 SATAII drives, 2 Optical, 4 or more 80 - 120mm fans, etc. From what I read on different sites I need something rated for SLI, but how do I make sure there are enough "amps" on the "12v rails" whatever the heck those are. Or that I have enough connectors so I can power my SATAII Drives, plus assorted USB connected peripherals, CPU's, Optical Drives, Speakers, etc.

3) Case - I've only ever owned 2 cases. 1 of which was ATX. I'd like for my new case to be strong, able to hold 4 or more SATAII Drives, 2-4 Opticals, 1 FDD, and have enough interior room to not get crowded with wiring. I want it to have solid sides, or sides with places for side fans already prepped for. I like the CoolerMaster Centurion or Ammo cases. I also hear that Lian-Li cases are very well built. But I want my case to hold enough, be strong enough, and be open enough so that my air cooled solutions work effectively.

4) From everything I've read, I'll probably end up getting the EVGA 8800 GTS 320. This sounds like it's the sweet spot between price and power. I don't run my game resolutions very high. They're WS but they aren't into the 2k range. So I don't think I need something with more Memory onboard. But by the time I get this stuff bought, maybe the new ATI GPU's will be out. I'm a fan of ATI, but with nVidia's 8800 series it sounds like you'd have to be silly not to go with an 8800 if you're purpose is gaming (and you want to spend more than $250).

I'm open to any and all ideas. Please let me know what you're thoughts are. And thanks in advance for any assistance.

Mado

More about : upgrade gpu case psu

April 18, 2007 7:48:29 AM

1) Intel makes great cpu, their MB are subpar, IMO. Good board, solid and low price, get the Gigabyte DS3, if you might want SLI go with the DS6. Not sure on xfire.
2) So hard to figure out the amps needed, as nothing is using max amps at the same time, so you look at watts and make sure you have peak amps covered, good PSUs cost more. The best are PP&C and the 750 silencer is awesome.
3) You need a full tower to have enough room, Lian-LI are good, I have one, the antec are good but not sure they hold enough for you. Depending on bling Thermatake has some decent cases.

4) agrred on the 8800, you might want to step up to the 640, I hear SLI works better with that memory. Definately go eVGA.
April 18, 2007 12:10:26 PM

I agree with Al on the Intel motherboards. Their 975 chipset is good but their boards are by far not the best. I would definately get a Gigabyte or ASUS. Maybe the P5B or the DS3? However, if you do still want to go AMD you could get an even cheaper mobo and maybe a 5200+?
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April 25, 2007 7:33:38 PM

I'm still researching the case and PSU. I'll figure out the MB when I decide if I'm ever going to go SLI.

Does anyone know what Modular PSU with at least 36A on the 12v rails has a long enough power line for either the Antec 900 or Antec P180 case (bottom PSU)?

Mado
April 25, 2007 8:54:36 PM

Not positive on the cable length, but for a really nice modular PSU, check out the Corsair 520HX or 620HX. Seasonic M12 are nice as well but noisier (Corsair is made by Seasonic but the M12 adds a second fan to the PSU). Personally, I like the Seasonic S12 Energy+ but it is not modular. I've heard very good things about the PP&C Silencer but have no experience with it.

Any good PSU should supply 18-19A per 12V rail (it's part of the ATX spec). Some PSUs (Corsair HX and Seasonic S12 (probably also M12)) are non-limited per rail (they simply provide a certain amperage across all 12V rails) - reports have some people being able to draw 30A+ on a single 12V rail with Seasonic. Personally, I like the tradeoffs of the Seasonic design (google some reviews to find more details on the advantages and disadvantages).
April 25, 2007 9:52:37 PM

Thanks for the info. I'll check those out. I started peeping at the Hiper PSU's because of their connection hardware. They just look more sturdy, but their price worries me - as I believe I'll get what I pay for (for the most part).

Thanks!

Mado
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