OK, well it sounds like my PSU will be up to the job which is a relief.
I'm hoping the rest of the system looks OK. I have a question about the graphics card. Are the different branded HD4850's basically the same thing? I was going to go with the Gigabyte or HIS as the Sapphire is out of stock at the moment. Also, I've read that these run pretty hot - should I consider a 3rd party cooler? if so, any recommendations?
I'm not into ATI to much, I'm more of an Nvidia fan, though ATI is doing pretty well with the price-performance ratio, hope they going to push Nvidia to the limit.
So I can't give you any info about this cards in particular but;
The different brands are mostlikely close to each others, every brand sells the same card, with mostly some brand "custom" extra's, some simply sell the Nvidia or ATI base model, known as the retail one.
Others give out different version, where they are already Overclocked for you, or with different cooling added to it, or some package sale where they include some game.
But usually it's all the same thing, can't tell you much about what brands are the best though, I usually prefer Asus... EVGA is also a good one, rest I don't know that much ^^
PS: If you are going for an Asus motherboard, the P5Q series in particular, it would be best to get an Asus card aswell, those motherboards support some special features, those usualy only work with Asus cards. (If I remember well it was this EPU for example that helps saving power)
Like this one; http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=836588
Last edited by NovaSphere; 08-07-2008 at 12:28 AM.
With regard to the different vendors, they are very much the same card just different support and bundles etc.. so it doesn't really make a difference to the card itself.
I didn't really consider the warranty period on the GPU actually. There isn't much in the way of info on Scan's site regarding that or the bundles either. I'll have a root around the web when I get home from work.
NovaSphere - I would most likely be inclined to go for Asus as well, I have had a couple of Asus products and always been pleased with them. Unfortunately, Scan don't have any in stock at the moment and I want to buy everything from the same place (Scan are coming up as the cheapest for the whole system).
Anybody have any views on the cooling of the HD4850 (maybe covered elsewhere on the forum) or any other suggestions on the overall system before I place my order?
The 4850 runs at 70C idle and over 80C under load which is extremely hot: the default fan speed is only set to 15% by Amd which is quite strange. There will be driver updates to allow you to change the fan settings, but for the moment there is a workaround available; I'll try to find the thread for you. There is no need for an aftermarket cooler because with the fan spinning at 30% users noticed a drops in temps of around 20C.
There is a good article on 4850 cooling today on
www.silentpcreview.com
It also discusses the likelihood of either a BIOS or driver update to improve things... but then again you can never guarantee what will happen in the future.
(Basically i'd get an Arctic Cooling S1 rev 2, which is what I am getting for my 3870!).
- Another poster, from another forum.I'm commenting on an internet forum. Your facts hold no sway over me.
System as shown, plus: Microsoft Wireless mobile 4000 mouse and Logitech Illuminated keyboard.
Sennheiser RS160 wireless headphones. Creative Gigaworks T40 SII. My wife. My Hexus Trust
I think i will get the Arctic Cooling S1 rev 2 as well. There is a tweak mentioned here to alter the default fan speed:
forums[dot]hexus[dot]net/hexus-hardware/141825-overclocking-ati-hd4850.html
(I cant post urls yet)
Judging by the silentpcreview article the fan can get pretty loud, so the passive cooler sounds like the way to go.
Does anybody have any idea when Scan (or anybody) will have Corsair 4GB DDR2 XMS2 Dominator PC2-8500C5 TwinX in stock. Its obviously popular as it seems sold out pretty much everywhere - annoying as its holding me up ordering my system.
My Accelero S1 Rev 2 arrived this morning, and it's by far the largest cooling device i've ever owned (or seen), in the PC sense. It's as wide as my hand span (when my hand is at rest, not stretched out) and quite a bit longer.
I'll be ripping my machine open when i get home tonight.
Nice one Scan BTW (have left feedback on 'Trust').
Lykah, be aware of the optional cooling fan modules. With hindsight, for an extra small amount of cash i should have bought them, and then have the option of using or not. As it is, i'll probably add them to my next Scan order just in case.
Will post a mini review of my AC S1 at some point soon.
- Another poster, from another forum.I'm commenting on an internet forum. Your facts hold no sway over me.
System as shown, plus: Microsoft Wireless mobile 4000 mouse and Logitech Illuminated keyboard.
Sennheiser RS160 wireless headphones. Creative Gigaworks T40 SII. My wife. My Hexus Trust
I only have a Sharkoon golf ball one free at the moment, mind you I also have a spare Zalman twisty thing to vary voltage/ speed. So that might be an option...
I'll see how creative i can get, but i get nervous if it involves any soldering or weird wiring
- Another poster, from another forum.I'm commenting on an internet forum. Your facts hold no sway over me.
System as shown, plus: Microsoft Wireless mobile 4000 mouse and Logitech Illuminated keyboard.
Sennheiser RS160 wireless headphones. Creative Gigaworks T40 SII. My wife. My Hexus Trust
Oh the expense never stops i'll add the turbo kit to my order, thanks for the heads up MSIC.
Just need that RAM to come in stock now, I found it in stock elsewhere, but its more expensive and I would have to pay another delivery charge as well, they say patience is a virtue, but I just know I'll end up spending a bit extra to have it by the weekend!
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