Is even trying this power supply with a new system a waste of time?

[Xaed01]

After buying a 560 ti and finding out my CPU was the bottleneck (Yes, my own fault I should have known a 9350e was not going to hold up with modern games) I've decided to to try and build a new computer as cheaply as possible.

At first I was looking a the FX-4100 processor but everyone says stay away, so I've decided to try and go with the Phenom II 970.

ANYWAY back to the point. In my current setup I've been using the Rosewill RP500-2 for several years and it's worked perfectly, but would it hold up in my new system?

The system would be something like:

AMD Phenom II X4 970

8 gigs of DDR3 1333

GTX 560 Ti

One 500 gb sata drive

Standard dvd rw drive

A micro atx motherboard



My apologies if this come across as stupid or desperate because it sort of is. I'm working with vapors pretty much money wise and am thinking of calling the whole build a PC thing off since I'm rather destitute financially as of right now.


If you don't think my current power supply is up to the job feel free to suggest a cheap one that would work. Though understand that sadly, as unrealistic as it is, any PSU above $40-50 dollars at the minute is probably out of my league.

I'm just trying to build a machine to play SWTOR, SC2 and some future games on as cheaply as possible. I wish I could go back and have gotten a cheaper video card if I had known my PC was the bottle neck and have put the funds towards a new PC.




TLDR

Is the Rosewill RP500-2 500W ATX12V v2.01 Power Supply up to powering this system:

AMD Phenom II X4 970

8 gigs of DDR3 1333

GTX 560 Ti

One 500 gb sata drive

Standard dvd rw drive

A micro atx motherboard

 

[digitalzom-b]

Yes, it will technically provide enough power.

HOWEVER, the power supply does not have enough 6-pin PCI-E connectors for a 560 ti. You would need to buy something like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812198022

Can you link the Mobo btw?

 

[davcon]

I would suggest upgrading the psu to a modern efficient unit with the appropriate PCI-E connections and more amps on the 12v rails.
CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027
Doubt your current unit can provide the 30A needed to power the GTX560ti let alone your other components.

 

[digitalzom-b]

I agree with the above poster. I would also go with the FX-4100. For gaming, you won't notice a difference in performance and it saves you money. Also, down the road you can slap on this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=35-103-065&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=4#scrollFullInfo and overclock it. Lots of people are hitting 4.6GHz, from what I've read.

 

[simon12]

I agree about the power supply but a FX-4100 needs to get to 4.6GHz to make is as good as a stock 970

 

[Xaed01]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm not completely sure what mother board I'll be getting right this minute. Probably one of the better rated cheap Am3/AM3+ boards that supports the CPU I want.

It would definitely be a money saver to get the FX-4100 as tight of a budget I'm on, so if you think the difference for gaming would be minimal maybe I'll go with that and pick up a PSU instead of getting the Phenom II processor with the money saved.

The only thing is, I've never tried my hand at overclocking so it's not something I plan to mess with for some time until/unless it becomes necessary.

Thanks.

 

[simon12]

get the 955BE or 960T over the FX they should be a similar price also consider an Intel i3 2100

 

[digitalzom-b]

Keep in mind that the Phenom is a much better performer at this time, but in your situation with your budget, and for the games you plan to play.... matched with your video card... I don't think you will see an issue.

Take a look here for an idea of gaming performance vs. a phenom.

http://www.guru3d.com/article/amd-fx-8150--8120-6100-and-4100-performance-review/10

and another

http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1766/14/

The difference is minimal at best IMO. Do some googling or ask for opinions on which CPU to go with if you are unsure though...

 

[Xaed01]

So I have two questions, hoping to not have to make a new thread.

First, does this power supply look like it would get the job done for what I want? Because it is 10 dollars off with processor combo I'm looking at.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153114

Second, do you think this AMD Phenom II X4 960T would out perform the FX-4100 strictly for gaming without without considering overclocking either processor?

Because that Phenom II is on sale for the weekend with 10 dollars off.

I'm just trying to build something on my tight budget that will out perform my 9350e (only 2.00 ghz cores) and will let me play most modern games decently.

 

[esrever]

yes the phenom 960t will be better, might even unlock to a 6 core.

also your psu should be fine if you don't want to spend money immediately, might be worth it to spend money on a cpu fan like the hyper 212+ instead.

 

[davcon]

So I have two questions, hoping to not have to make a new thread.

First, does this power supply look like it would get the job done for what I want? Because it is 10 dollars off with processor combo I'm looking at.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153114

Second, do you think this AMD Phenom II X4 960T would out perform the FX-4100 strictly for gaming without without considering overclocking either processor?

Because that Phenom II is on sale for the weekend with 10 dollars off.

I'm just trying to build something on my tight budget that will out perform my 9350e (only 2.00 ghz cores) and will let me play most modern games decently.

Nope i wouldn't use that psu in a modern system.
Old inefficient design = notice the red voltage switch and 72% max efficiency.
The Corsair CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W is a modern unit with 80%(80+) efficiency and APFC.(no red voltage switch)

 

[Xaed01]

Best answer selected by Xaed01.