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Help Add to/Refine My Build Please!

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Hey everyone, I'm looking for some advice as I've managed to increase my budget slightly, but don't know where to spend.

I've already purchased the case and memory, and these are the parts that I currently have on my list:

i5 2500k
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681...

Spinpoint F3 1TB
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1682...

Gigabyte GA-Z68A-D3H-B3
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681...

Antec EarthWatts 380W
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681...

ASUS 24X DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1682...


So, I have roughly another $100 I can spend. At first I thought about saving it to put it towards a discrete GPU which I plan to buy at the end of October for BF3 (because for the time being I can last with the integrated GPU that comes with the CPU). But I figured I would come here and ask for the opinions of others.

I found this motherboard which seems to be a better pick based on the better reviews:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681...

I was considering switching to that motherboard, but I'd like another opinion.

I don't think I need any aftermarket cooling as I do not plan to do any overclocking for now, and by the time I decide to do it, I'll have more money.

Maybe upgrade the power supply now so I don't have to later? My original plan was to go with that one I have listed, then upgrade to something better along with the purchase of the GPU. I plan to purchase something like the HD 6970, so I figure I need around a 550W PSU for that, but I also plan to CF a bit after when I purchase a 2nd 6970, so I figure I'd need about a 750W PSU.

So can anyone think of somewhere I could/should spend that money?

EDIT: I think I'd actually need an 850W PSU for when I CF with 6970s, as the recommendation using eXtreme PSU Calculator was approaching 800W without overclocking which I also plan to eventually do.

Thanks!

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It looks like the UD3 doesn't have video outputs, so if you bought that one you'd need to buy a discrete GPU straightaway or have one to use already.

As for a good 750W PSU:
Corsair 750TXV2 80Plus Bronze $110 ($15 USD rebate, $8.60 shipping)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681...

If you want a modular one:
Thermaltake Toughpower XT 775W 80Plus Bronze Modular $120 ($10 shipping)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681...
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A quality 650w psu will run any single video card up to a GTX580. Only a GTX590 needs 700w.

Unless you are planning on a 2560 x 1600 monitor, or triple monitor gaming, a good single card will play anything well.
No real neeed for a more expensive psu or sli capable mobo if you plan on using a great single card.

By the time you need to upgrade, the 28nm next generation cards will be available, which will be stronger, cooler, and cheaper to build. That will make a sli upgrade with a second obsolete graphics card unattractive. It will be simpler to sell the old card in favor of the next best thing.

Currently, XFX seems to have the most attractively prices pquality psu's. Here is their 650w unit for $70 after rebate:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681...

The 750w and 850w units are also well priced.

Okay, I did the math, and the XFX will cost about $32 more than the Corsair. Do you think it is worth the $32 to go with the XFX instead? I'd think so, but I'd like a second opinion. Thanks!

Lobodomy said:
Okay, I did the math, and the XFX will cost about $32 more than the Corsair. Do you think it is worth the $32 to go with the XFX instead? I'd think so, but I'd like a second opinion. Thanks!

After rebate and shipping, I calculate the corsair and xfx 850 to be equal cost. About $150. Take your pick.

But to complicate your choice, look at the PC P&C silencer 950W, $140 after rebate , which includes free shipping. Silver certified too.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Aren't you in Canada and buying from newegg.ca? If that is the case then the price difference, even after rebate, shouldn't be $32.

What case do you have? If it is a small, cramped one and/or has the PSU mounted in the top then I would think it would be worth the extra cost to get a modular one. OTOH if you have a large case with plenty of space to tuck/hide away unused cables then it would be harder to justify the extra cost.

Another good option (in terms of price, more so in Canada than the US):
Cooler Master Silent Pro M 850W 80Plus Bronze Modular $140 ($10 shipping)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681...

The Corsair 850TXV2 share the same platform as the XFX Pro 850W Core Edition, so if one is cheaper than the other there aren't many reasons to choose the more expensive one - bear this in mind if you decide to go with a non-modular PSU.

Personally I'd almost always go for the modular option, especially if I was spending on a high end PSU.

I'm not planning to buy the Corsair TX850 from Newegg if I choose to go with it, as it is cheaper to buy from a local store. But I can't find the XFX anywhere locally so it would have to be purchased through newegg. Hence the $32 difference.

I have a HAF 932

Here are the prices I've found after tax+shipping:
PC P&C 950W: $142 ($131 after MIR, locally bought for less than newegg)
Corsair TX850: $147 (locally bought for less than newegg)
Cooler Master M850: $147 ($130 after MIR, locally bought for less than newegg)
XFX 850W: $180 ($165 after MIR, from newegg) [MIR Expires in a couple days though]

Based on those prices, what/which would you guys choose?

Also, what are the advantages of a modular PSU other than the ability to quickly swap PSU's without having to remove all the cabling?

Thanks again for the help so far!

Lobodomy said:
I'm not planning to buy the Corsair TX850 from Newegg if I choose to go with it, as it is cheaper to buy from a local store. But I can't find the XFX anywhere locally so it would have to be purchased through newegg. Hence the $32 difference.

I have a HAF 932

Here are the prices I've found after tax+shipping:
PC P&C 950W: $142 ($131 after MIR, locally bought for less than newegg)
Corsair TX850: $147 (locally bought for less than newegg)
Cooler Master M850: $147 ($130 after MIR, locally bought for less than newegg)
XFX 850W: $180 ($165 after MIR, from newegg) [MIR Expires in a couple days though]

Based on those prices, what/which would you guys choose?

Also, what are the advantages of a modular PSU other than the ability to quickly swap PSU's without having to remove all the cabling?

Thanks again for the help so far!


I think the pc P&C 950w is the best deal. Not only is it a bit cheaper, but it is stronger, and silver certified.

Modular or not should not be an issue.
The chief advantage is that you have less clutter because you leave out the leads that you don't need.
OTOH, you will probably use most of the leads if you have an appropriately sized psu. In this case, you will temporarily have fewer cables while awaiting the next graphics card.

Some say that removeable leads are not as efficient,and prone to loosening. That is not a biggie to me if you have a top quality psu.
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