Zero SideWinder

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Aug 8, 2008
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This Motherboard?

Asus P5Q PRO P45 Socket 775 8 Channel Audio ATX Motherboard

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/145751

Because I'm thinking it's worth me getting one of these for now and waiting rather than buying two 4850's.

Also, I heard this card runs hot, even at idle.

Can anyone confirm this, and how hot?

Also, If it does, Is there any way that doesn't have the word 'water' or 'liquid' in it, to cool it down, easily?
The reason I don't wan't to meddle with liquid cooling, is that this is my first build and want to keep it relatively basic.
 

hairycat101

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Jul 7, 2007
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Don't put that kind of high end video card into mid-level MoBo unless you are using just one. CF at 8x/8x won't be as good as CF at 16x/16x. Besides, if you are spending that level on the video cards, why not spend a little more to get a MoBo that is better matched?
 
If you want to do Crossfire properly at 16x+16x, here are two possible solutions:

MSI K9A2 Platinum 790FX Socket AM2+
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/136234 £93
Phenom 9850 Black Edition 2.5 GHz with HSF
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/143263 £133

Or, if you prefer an Intel solution with 16x/16x Crossfire and similar CPU speed:

GA-X48-DS4
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/145368 £140
Q6600 2.4 GHz with HSF
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/131950 £117

The HD 4850 can get hot, true. These reviewers here got one at 96.5 degrees, but they don't seem worried about it.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Powercolor/HD_4850/24.html

Get yourself an NZXT Tempest or Antec 900 or RC-690 or something with lots of fans, and it will be fine.

Edit: HD 4870 has a dual-slot cooler and a vent to kick out the hot air. That should help a lot. Yeah, if you can afford HD 4870 cards go for it.

 

Zero SideWinder

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Right, I am buying an antec 900 anyway which should be good.

Would an E8400 be okay instead of the Q6600, seeing as this pc will be mainly for gaming?

Also appears I was going to get the HD vers. without realising :p