[PSU & Case help] First build, $600 budget gaming PC
Tags:
-
Power Supplies
-
Cases
- Build
-
Components
- Product
Last response: in Components
Love_Peace
November 7, 2011 7:46:11 PM
*note* You can skip down to Q1, just extra info in case you need it, questions are in bold.
After receiving much advice and recommendations on my original build, I believe that I'm coming close to finalizing my build. Also, I've decided that I'm going to overclock anything, I'm just gong to keep it simple go with factory settings. For all components to this build, I mainly used reviews from Newegg and the ratings on PCPartPicker to help with decisions.
Here is what I have so far:
Part list permalink / Part price breakdown by merchant
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-M68MT-S2P Micro ATX AM3 Motherboard ($48.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($42.84 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 6950 1GB Video Card ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Cooler Master 460W ATX12V Power Supply ($27.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Sony AD-7260S-0B DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ CompUSA)
Total: $579.76
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
My questions with this build pertain to the PSU and the case.
Q1: Regarding the PSU, is 460 watts sufficient for this build?
- I read a few guides from this forum on calculating the amount of wattage that a computer outputs, and I calculated that this build would run around 270-290 watts, but I'm not totally sure if I did the calculations correctly. I also used a computer wattage calculator that was linked in one of the guides and it came to about 277-280 watts. I just don't know if I've made any mistakes.
Q2: Regarding the case, I'm not sure if the GPU that I picked out would fit into the case.
Case dimensions: 18.50" x 7.48" x 17.08"
GPU dimenstions: 11.4" x 5" x 1.5"
- Based on those dimensions, I would think that it would fit, but putting consideration on whether the size of the HD/Optical drive bays are going to be a factor, I've started to look into whether or not the GPU would fit, since it's known for having a beastly size, among other things.
I chose the Rosewill Challenger case for a number of reasons, one being it has "Tom's Hardware Approved" label on Newegg. Also, it comes with 3 fans, mostly tool-less, lots of airflow, bottom mounted PSU, etc. It look great as well. As for the Gigabyte Radeon 6950, I also chose it because of the TH approval, general feedback, features, and looks.
I know there is a lot written for two simple questions, but the more info the better, right? This is also my first post on these forums, I thought I'd take an extra step to make it look decent
Also, if you happen see any potential problems with my build, feel free to address them. Anything would help this newbie learn
After receiving much advice and recommendations on my original build, I believe that I'm coming close to finalizing my build. Also, I've decided that I'm going to overclock anything, I'm just gong to keep it simple go with factory settings. For all components to this build, I mainly used reviews from Newegg and the ratings on PCPartPicker to help with decisions.
Here is what I have so far:
Part list permalink / Part price breakdown by merchant
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-M68MT-S2P Micro ATX AM3 Motherboard ($48.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($42.84 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 6950 1GB Video Card ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Cooler Master 460W ATX12V Power Supply ($27.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Sony AD-7260S-0B DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ CompUSA)
Total: $579.76
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
My questions with this build pertain to the PSU and the case.
Q1: Regarding the PSU, is 460 watts sufficient for this build?
- I read a few guides from this forum on calculating the amount of wattage that a computer outputs, and I calculated that this build would run around 270-290 watts, but I'm not totally sure if I did the calculations correctly. I also used a computer wattage calculator that was linked in one of the guides and it came to about 277-280 watts. I just don't know if I've made any mistakes.
Q2: Regarding the case, I'm not sure if the GPU that I picked out would fit into the case.
Case dimensions: 18.50" x 7.48" x 17.08"
GPU dimenstions: 11.4" x 5" x 1.5"
- Based on those dimensions, I would think that it would fit, but putting consideration on whether the size of the HD/Optical drive bays are going to be a factor, I've started to look into whether or not the GPU would fit, since it's known for having a beastly size, among other things.
I chose the Rosewill Challenger case for a number of reasons, one being it has "Tom's Hardware Approved" label on Newegg. Also, it comes with 3 fans, mostly tool-less, lots of airflow, bottom mounted PSU, etc. It look great as well. As for the Gigabyte Radeon 6950, I also chose it because of the TH approval, general feedback, features, and looks.
I know there is a lot written for two simple questions, but the more info the better, right? This is also my first post on these forums, I thought I'd take an extra step to make it look decent
Also, if you happen see any potential problems with my build, feel free to address them. Anything would help this newbie learn
More about : psu case build 600 budget gaming
Use this power supply instead: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168.... It's a higher quality brand. Any of the first three will work fine.
m
0
l
Love_Peace
November 7, 2011 8:03:50 PM
o1die said:
Use this power supply instead: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168.... It's a higher quality brand. Any of the first three will work fine.Thanks, I think I like the reviews on the CX430 a lot better than the one I had picked out. It looks like it's built better too.
In regards to the PSU question though, I'm assuming that PSU's in this wattage range is sufficient enough for this particular build, right?
m
0
l
Related resources
- Need help building first gaming PC budget $600-$750 - Forum
- $2,600 Budget Gaming/Production PC (FIRST BUILD) - Forum
- Need help building first gaming PC budget $600-$750 - Forum
- Gaming PC build help $600-700 USD budget. - Forum
- Help with first gaming PC build ($600-$800) - Canada - Forum
Love_Peace said:
Thanks, I think I like the reviews on the CX430 a lot better than the one I had picked out. It looks like it's built better too. In regards to the PSU question though, I'm assuming that PSU's in this wattage range is sufficient enough for this particular build, right?
with your current build you will be in the 300w range when gaming. Since the AMD 6950 needs two PCI-E power connectors I would avoid the 430w (forcing you to use adapters plus lack of power) and stick with the 500w or 600w versions since both offer dual power connectors.
m
0
l
Love_Peace
November 7, 2011 8:47:27 PM
dirtyferret said:
with your current build you will be in the 300w range when gaming. Since the AMD 6950 needs two PCI-E power connectors I would avoid the 430w (forcing you to use adapters plus lack of power) and stick with the 500w or 600w versions since both offer dual power connectors.Ah, I see what you mean, thank you for pointing that out. I think I'll go with the CX500 then, reviews on the CX600 raises some concern.
m
0
l
Best solution
For a system using one Radeon HD 6950 graphics card AMD recommends a 500 Watt or greater power supply with two 75W 6-pin PCI Express power connectors.
What's more important than the power supply's wattage is the power supply's minimum combined +12 Volt continuous current rating. Do not buy or use a power supply with a minimum combined +12 Volt continuous current rating less than 33 Amps when running your system with a single Radeon HD 6950.
What's more important than the power supply's wattage is the power supply's minimum combined +12 Volt continuous current rating. Do not buy or use a power supply with a minimum combined +12 Volt continuous current rating less than 33 Amps when running your system with a single Radeon HD 6950.
Share
Love_Peace
November 7, 2011 10:36:35 PM
ko888 said:
For a system using one Radeon HD 6950 graphics card AMD recommends a 500 Watt or greater power supply with two 75W 6-pin PCI Express power connectors.What's more important than the power supply's wattage is the power supply's minimum combined +12 Volt continuous current rating. Do not buy or use a power supply with a minimum combined +12 Volt continuous current rating less than 33 Amps when running your system with a single Radeon HD 6950.
If I'm understanding this correctly, then the +12V cont. current rating is referring to the output, so...
What's listed on Newegg is that this PSU has these outputs: +3.3V@25A, +5V@20A, +12V@34A, -12V@0.8A, +5VSB@3.0A
So, the +12V cont. current rating is +12V@34A, which I think is sufficient, right?
m
0
l
Love_Peace said:
If I'm understanding this correctly, then the +12V cont. current rating is referring to the output, so...What's listed on Newegg is that this PSU has these outputs: +3.3V@25A, +5V@20A, +12V@34A, -12V@0.8A, +5VSB@3.0A
So, the +12V cont. current rating is +12V@34A, which I think is sufficient, right?
It just meets the minimum recommended requirements.
My preference is have some reserve. I would look for one with at least 38 Amps or greater. It's always better to have more than not enough.
m
0
l
Love_Peace
November 8, 2011 4:07:56 AM
ko888 said:
It just meets the minimum recommended requirements.My preference is have some reserve. I would look for one with at least 38 Amps or greater. It's always better to have more than not enough.
Ok, so I think I've found the one here.
OCZ Technology OCZ600MXSP
Wattage: 600
Output: +3.3V@25A, +5V@25A, +12V1@25A, +12V2@25A, -12V@0.3A, +5VSB@2.5A (So thats a combined 50 amps?)
PCI-E: 1 x 6-Pin, 1 x 6+2-Pin (I don't have to use the extra +2 right?)
m
0
l
Love_Peace said:
Ok, so I think I've found the one here.OCZ Technology OCZ600MXSP
Wattage: 600
Output: +3.3V@25A, +5V@25A, +12V1@25A, +12V2@25A, -12V@0.3A, +5VSB@2.5A (So thats a combined 50 amps?)
PCI-E: 1 x 6-Pin, 1 x 6+2-Pin (I don't have to use the extra +2 right?)
The OCZ ModXStream Pro Series 600W - OCZ600MXSP has the following +12V rail distribution and specifications:
+12V1: The cables that are permanently attached to the power supply.
+12V2: The cables from the modular cabling system.
Max Combined Power +12V1 & +12V2: 504W
Max Combined Output Current +12V1 & +12V2: 42A
This means that the CPU and graphics card are on separate rails which is ideal.
This power supply unit has one 6+2Pin PCI Express Connector and one 6 Pin PCI Express Connector. Two of the pins detach from the 6+2Pin PCI Express Connector so that you can use it as a 6 Pin PCI Express Connector.
m
0
l
gnomio
November 8, 2011 1:40:18 PM
You need a 500w psu minimum.
This one should do
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Little bit faster ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
What's your native resolution?
This one should do
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Little bit faster ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
What's your native resolution?
m
0
l
gnomio
November 8, 2011 1:43:01 PM
ko888 said:
The OCZ ModXStream Pro Series 600W - OCZ600MXSP has the following +12V rail distribution and specifications:+12V1: The cables that are permanently attached to the power supply.
+12V2: The cables from the modular cabling system.
Max Combined Power +12V1 & +12V2: 504W
Max Combined Output Current +12V1 & +12V2: 42A
This means that the CPU and graphics card are on separate rails which is ideal.
This power supply unit has one 6+2Pin PCI Express Connector and one 6 Pin PCI Express Connector. Two of the pins detach from the 6+2Pin PCI Express Connector so that you can use it as a 6 Pin PCI Express Connector.
go here
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page541.htm
Best psu database I know off. All the connectors, links to reviews and 99 percent of the models with all the details
m
0
l
If you want to objectively, accurately and scientifically determine what PSU power is required for your Vid card and PC in both watts and 12v rail amps., the forum Utility link below will show you how easy it is to calculate this information and objectively determine which PSUs are quality built, reliable PSUs that can meet your needs. Be advised that the available 12v rail amps. is just as important as the total PSU wattage. You need both to be correct.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/314712-28-please-read...
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/314712-28-please-read...
m
0
l
vitornob
November 8, 2011 2:32:01 PM
Saw some reviews. With a 1st i7 @3,7Ghz + HD6950 running crysis.
System peaked at 322W (ref. Tomshardware, guru3d, techspot)
Assuming ALL the system is powered up by 12v rails to study the worst case. We assume that the maximum amperage ever needed in this system is 27A in 12V rail.
Saying this I think that any 12v@30A is enough to your system.
EDIT: Btw, try to get a 1 12v rail PSU and stay away from some multi-rail PSUs, it COULD result in some combination problems as per this website:
"http://xfxforce.com/en-us/Featured/Why-PSU.aspx"
Is showing.
It's not usual to reach this limitation, but is not impossible.
System peaked at 322W (ref. Tomshardware, guru3d, techspot)
Assuming ALL the system is powered up by 12v rails to study the worst case. We assume that the maximum amperage ever needed in this system is 27A in 12V rail.
Saying this I think that any 12v@30A is enough to your system.
EDIT: Btw, try to get a 1 12v rail PSU and stay away from some multi-rail PSUs, it COULD result in some combination problems as per this website:
"http://xfxforce.com/en-us/Featured/Why-PSU.aspx"
Is showing.
It's not usual to reach this limitation, but is not impossible.
m
0
l
Love_Peace
November 9, 2011 1:12:08 AM
gnomio said:
You need a 500w psu minimum. This one should do
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Little bit faster ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
What's your native resolution?
For RAM, I heard that it's better to use RAM with a speed of 1333 when using an AMD processor. Even though it shouldn't affect my build too much, I would feel more comfortable running with a recommended speed.
As for the native resolution, do you mean the resolution on the monitor that I'm going to use? It's 1920x 1080
m
0
l
Love_Peace
November 9, 2011 1:14:26 AM
Love_Peace
November 9, 2011 1:18:01 AM
beenthere said:
If you want to objectively, accurately and scientifically determine what PSU power is required for your Vid card and PC in both watts and 12v rail amps., the forum Utility link below will show you how easy it is to calculate this information and objectively determine which PSUs are quality built, reliable PSUs that can meet your needs. Be advised that the available 12v rail amps. is just as important as the total PSU wattage. You need both to be correct.http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/314712-28-please-read...
That's the guide that I followed. After going through calculations, I felt a bit paranoid and figured that I'd be better off asking for other opinions. Thanks for leading towards this link though, at least I know that I was going in the correct general direction
m
0
l
Love_Peace
November 9, 2011 5:35:38 AM
I think I found suitable case. The CoolerMaster HAF 912 looks like it has enough space for the GPU so long as I remove the upper HDD cage.
m
0
l
Love_Peace said:
Thanks for clearing that up, how would I be able to tell the amount of space that a case allows for GPU's?Combination of looking through reviews and sometimes manufacturers will actually provide numbers on their website.
Love_Peace said:
I think I found suitable case. The CoolerMaster HAF 912 looks like it has enough space for the GPU so long as I remove the upper HDD cage.Yes, with the HDD cage removed that case can take GPUs up to 15"/39cm.
m
0
l
Love_Peace
November 10, 2011 12:23:12 AM
Love_Peace
November 10, 2011 12:24:01 AM
Related resources
- First time Gaming PC build $600-$800 budget Forum
- SolvedFirst build, Budget Gaming PC ~$600 Forum
- SolvedLooking to Build Low Budget Gaming PC ~$600-700 not including monitor and keyboard First Time Forum
- Solved600 Budget Gaming PC (Is this build good? HELP!) Forum
- SolvedI am making $600 gaming pc build (first time) and want help Forum
- Need help with gaming PC ( 600$ Budget) Not incl. DVD ROM, RAM, Case or OS. Forum
- First PC Build help $600-700 budget Forum
- Solved$600 - $800 Budget Gaming PC Build - First Build Forum
- SolvedFirst timer looking to build Gaming PC, budget of 600 Forum
- SolvedFirst time building a $600 budget gaming PC. Feedback is appreciated Forum
- Help for a $600-$700 Gaming PC budget build Forum
- SolvedNeed help building a gaming PC on a $600 budget Forum
- SolvedBuilding my first gaming pc with $600-$800 budget Forum
- Solved£600 First Gaming PC Novice Help? (Build or Pre Built) Forum
- SolvedFirst Gaming Build - PSU - Case - Cooling Help Forum
- More resources
Read discussions in other Components categories
!