Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 16 of 19

Thread: Which GPU & PSU? *upgrade*

  1. #1
    PC Gamer
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    250
    Thanks
    70
    Thanked
    6 times in 5 posts
    • djglenn's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ASUS P5Q PRO P45
      • CPU:
      • Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 G0 @ 3GHz
      • Memory:
      • 4GB Corsair XMS2 800Mhz DDR2
      • Storage:
      • Western Digital 320GB AAKS (single platter)
      • Graphics card(s):
      • Sapphire 5850
      • PSU:
      • Corsair TX850W
      • Case:
      • Antec P182
      • Operating System:
      • Win 7 PRO x64
      • Monitor(s):
      • Dell SP2309W
      • Internet:
      • UK Online - 6Mbs actual connection

    Which GPU & PSU? *upgrade*

    Ok…. Through various deliberations I have yet again changed my mind and am now considering going ATI so that I can perhaps go Crossfire in the future. (previously settled on a GTX260)

    Basically I currently have an 8800GT, with a Corsair VX450W.

    I am considering gifting these to my little bro, or selling on ebay for around £80..still TBC….

    I am now looking at buying for me:
    1x Gainward ATI HD 4870 1GB “Golden Sample” - £161
    &
    1x Corsair TX750W PSU - £103

    The reason why I am going overkill on the PSU is so that I can perhaps buy a matching 4870 in a few years when they have been by far been superseded and probably cheap.

    Ok, first thing.

    1. Is there another comparable PSU that will handle the 2 x 4870 cards with a Q6600 (perhaps will try overclocking the CPU in a few months)?

    2. Is crossfire / sli a waste of time, or should I just plan to keep a single card setup?

    If it adds any depth to this decision, my mobo is a P45, which I am told will not be a good as a x48/x58 board for a crossfire setup..

    My budget is about £300 for this upgrade, and will not go above this.

    ALL advice is welcome.

  2. #2
    Lover & Fighter Blitzen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Between Your Mum & Sister
    Posts
    6,310
    Thanks
    539
    Thanked
    382 times in 300 posts
    • Blitzen's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ABIT iX38 QuadGT
      • CPU:
      • Intel Quad Q6600 @ 3.6Ghz : 30 Degrees Idle - 41-46 Degrees Load
      • Memory:
      • 4 x 1GB OCZ Platinum PC6400 @ 4-4-4-12
      • Storage:
      • 2 x 500GB Samsung Spinpoints - RAID 0
      • Graphics card(s):
      • GTX 285
      • PSU:
      • Enermax MODU 82+ 625W
      • Case:
      • Antec Nine Hundred
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 7 Ultimate 64Bit
      • Monitor(s):
      • Viewsonic Q22wb 22" Widescreen - 5ms
      • Internet:
      • O2 premium @ 17mb

    Re: Which GPU & PSU? *upgrade*

    1. Is there another comparable PSU that will handle the 2 x 4870 cards with a Q6600 (perhaps will try overclocking the CPU in a few months)?
    Look at my system specs to the left.


    Why would you buy a Corsair TX750 when an Enermax MODU82+ 625W is a better unit?

    It would also give you ALOT of headroom. I run 2 x 4870's in Crossfire using that Enermax and its no trouble at all.

    As i said, i have 4870's but......if it was my £300, i would buy.

    This: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/896MB...-plus-FarCry-2 - £160

    and this: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/625W-...uard-SafeGuard - £97.50

    So you:
    1. Get both for under £260
    2. One card is more than enough grunt for anything on a 24" monitor or less
    3. The card runs cooler than the ATi's
    4. The PSU is the best unit available for under £100
    Last edited by Blitzen; 06-04-2009 at 09:52 AM.

  3. Received thanks from:

    djglenn (06-04-2009)

  4. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Posts
    455
    Thanks
    35
    Thanked
    20 times in 19 posts
    • !TIMMY!'s system
      • Motherboard:
      • DFI Lan Party X48 LT T2R | Bios 12/24
      • CPU:
      • Intel Q9550 E0 @ 3.6ghz (424 x 8.5)
      • Memory:
      • OCZ PC2-9200 4GB (2 x 2GB) Flex II @ 1121mhz 5-5-5-15 2T
      • Storage:
      • 3 x WD 150GB Raptor (Raid 0) & 2 x Samsung F3 1TB (Raid 1)
      • Graphics card(s):
      • HIS 5870 @ 900/1300 - Eyefinity
      • PSU:
      • Enermax Modu82+ 625W
      • Case:
      • NZXT Tempest & Custom Water Cooling
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
      • Monitor(s):
      • 3 x DGM L2442W-VA 24" Widescreen LCD
      • Internet:
      • Be Unlimited ADSL2+ - 24mb Download, 1.3mb Upload

    Re: Which GPU & PSU? *upgrade*

    I have just upgraded from a 8800GT to a 4870 1GB so I could go xfire in the future on my X48. I have a SilverPower 600w which I am not sure will be enough to power 2 4870's with everything else in my PC and I was actually looking at a Corsair 750w as I have read that Corsair PSU's are very good. It will take 60A full load on the 12v rail, which should be plenty for 2 4870's.

    From reviews, games that support xfire seem to scale well, and the drivers will only get better (I hope) so by the time it comes to getting a 2nd 4870, then we should see a healthy performance increase (if the cpu isn't bottlenecking). Are you overclocking your Q6600?

    I am not sure how much 2 x 8x PCI-E will perform against 2 x 16x PCI-E, you may have to google this.
    Mobo: DFI LP X48 LT T2R Bios 2008/12/24
    CPU: Intel Q6600 G0 @ 3.6ghz (400 x 9)
    Ram: OCZ PC2-9200 4GB Flex II @ 1066mhz 5-5-5-15 2T
    GC: HIS 5870 @ 900/1300 - Eyefinity

  5. Received thanks from:

    djglenn (06-04-2009)

  6. #4
    I'm ITX
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Liverpool
    Posts
    2,415
    Thanks
    82
    Thanked
    159 times in 148 posts

    Re: Which GPU & PSU? *upgrade*

    Corsair's are massively overpriced now for some reason, you'd be better going with something for either the same ammount and modular or something equal quality and cheaper

    http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/800W-...lar-80plus-Eff
    http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/700W-...-PCI-E-v1-RoHS
    http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/700W-...ith-PCI-E-SATA
    http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/750W-...modular-SLi-QS

    Should also be able to handle two 4870s with ease, and a dual card set up in the future

    It's 4.98*

  7. Received thanks from:

    djglenn (06-04-2009)

  8. #5
    Registered+
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    West Midlands
    Posts
    48
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked
    2 times in 2 posts
    • dagwoood's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Asus P5B
      • CPU:
      • E8400
      • Memory:
      • 4GB Corsair XMS2
      • Storage:
      • 2 x 500GB
      • Graphics card(s):
      • 4870 512MB
      • PSU:
      • Thermaltake 600w
      • Case:
      • All black Elite 330
      • Operating System:
      • Vista HP 64bit
      • Monitor(s):
      • 22" AG neovo
      • Internet:
      • 20mb

    Re: Which GPU & PSU? *upgrade*

    This SilverStone ST750ZF should handle 2 gpu's no problem; it's on Today Only for just over £75. The OEM is a company called Etasis; they make server grade PSU's, so the build quality is very good.

  9. Received thanks from:

    djglenn (06-04-2009)

  10. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Posts
    320
    Thanks
    58
    Thanked
    33 times in 30 posts

    Re: Which GPU & PSU? *upgrade*

    With the PSU you have, couldn't you hold off from buying a new PSU at the moment and maybe get one when you buy your second card? There might be changes in price etc. especially since the economy isn't too hot right now.

  11. Received thanks from:

    djglenn (06-04-2009)

  12. #7
    Le Adder Noir CK_1985's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    587
    Thanks
    35
    Thanked
    29 times in 24 posts
    • CK_1985's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Gigabyte GA-H87N-WiFi mini-ITX
      • CPU:
      • i5-4670K
      • Memory:
      • 8GB Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz
      • Storage:
      • 500GB Samsung 850EVO
      • Graphics card(s):
      • GeForce GTX660ti
      • PSU:
      • Silverstone Strider 450W SFX
      • Case:
      • Silverstone Sugo SG-05
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10 Pro
      • Monitor(s):
      • Dell U2414H
      • Internet:
      • BT Infinity Fibre

    Re: Which GPU & PSU? *upgrade*

    lego_batman has a good point. If your current PSU weren't up to running a 4870 I'd say definitely get something with excess capacity now, but if you don't need a new PSU (which you don't, judging by your system specs) now is really not a good time to buy one!
    "I want to be young and wild, then I want to be middle aged and rich, then I want to be old and annoy people by pretending that I'm deaf..."

    my Hexus.Trust

  13. Received thanks from:

    djglenn (06-04-2009)

  14. #8
    PC Gamer
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    250
    Thanks
    70
    Thanked
    6 times in 5 posts
    • djglenn's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ASUS P5Q PRO P45
      • CPU:
      • Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 G0 @ 3GHz
      • Memory:
      • 4GB Corsair XMS2 800Mhz DDR2
      • Storage:
      • Western Digital 320GB AAKS (single platter)
      • Graphics card(s):
      • Sapphire 5850
      • PSU:
      • Corsair TX850W
      • Case:
      • Antec P182
      • Operating System:
      • Win 7 PRO x64
      • Monitor(s):
      • Dell SP2309W
      • Internet:
      • UK Online - 6Mbs actual connection

    Re: Which GPU & PSU? *upgrade*

    Ok...looks to be sound advice...as the PSU's do seem a tad harsh in price.

    However, I feel myself being pulled back to the single Nvidia GPU road now...thanks Blitzen! :-)

    I have checked corsairs power calculator.

    It claims that if my cpu is not overclocked then a VX450W will do a 4870..though with an overclocked cpu I will need a HX520W...

    HOWEVER

    It claims that with a non overclocked cpu and a GTX 260 I will need a HX520W..

    Does the nvidia card need more juice than the ATI?

    According to this my VX450W will not be enough...

    (if it makes any difference I have 3 x SATA HDD's, 2 sticks of Ram, and 7 case fans...
    Last edited by djglenn; 06-04-2009 at 03:27 PM.

  15. #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Posts
    320
    Thanks
    58
    Thanked
    33 times in 30 posts

    Re: Which GPU & PSU? *upgrade*

    Ok I put your (intended) specs into this: http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp and added some arbitrary OCs and got 411w recommended...I think that perhaps it's best not to be on the upper limit of what your PSU can do both for noise and temperature reasons.
    I think there is a 40w difference in TDP between the 8800gt and the 4870, so quite hefty.

    Slight hijack - is the outcome of that PSU calculator what you SHOULD have, or what you NEED to have?

  16. #10
    PC Gamer
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    250
    Thanks
    70
    Thanked
    6 times in 5 posts
    • djglenn's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ASUS P5Q PRO P45
      • CPU:
      • Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 G0 @ 3GHz
      • Memory:
      • 4GB Corsair XMS2 800Mhz DDR2
      • Storage:
      • Western Digital 320GB AAKS (single platter)
      • Graphics card(s):
      • Sapphire 5850
      • PSU:
      • Corsair TX850W
      • Case:
      • Antec P182
      • Operating System:
      • Win 7 PRO x64
      • Monitor(s):
      • Dell SP2309W
      • Internet:
      • UK Online - 6Mbs actual connection

    Re: Which GPU & PSU? *upgrade*

    yeah...have done some digging around and cant find out if my VX450W will run a GTX 260 with my current setup.

    The above link puts the power needs to around 403W...but the corsair website says I would need a HX520W.

  17. #11
    Le Adder Noir CK_1985's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    587
    Thanks
    35
    Thanked
    29 times in 24 posts
    • CK_1985's system
      • Motherboard:
      • Gigabyte GA-H87N-WiFi mini-ITX
      • CPU:
      • i5-4670K
      • Memory:
      • 8GB Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz
      • Storage:
      • 500GB Samsung 850EVO
      • Graphics card(s):
      • GeForce GTX660ti
      • PSU:
      • Silverstone Strider 450W SFX
      • Case:
      • Silverstone Sugo SG-05
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10 Pro
      • Monitor(s):
      • Dell U2414H
      • Internet:
      • BT Infinity Fibre

    Re: Which GPU & PSU? *upgrade*

    A basic set-up of a mid-range P45 mobo, 2gb RAM, a single hard drive, a GTX260 and an overclocked Q6600 will draw 300w continuous under load. Even allowing for the extra RAM, an optical drive and a few fans that still leaves plenty of change out of 450w if you ask me

    More than you need is always a good idea with a power supply but in this case I really don't think you'll have any problems at all with your current one - it's a decent make so it's gonna be fine running at 60%-70% capacity.

    That's what I reckon, everyone else is invited to shoot me down if they want to!
    "I want to be young and wild, then I want to be middle aged and rich, then I want to be old and annoy people by pretending that I'm deaf..."

    my Hexus.Trust

  18. #12
    PC Gamer
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    250
    Thanks
    70
    Thanked
    6 times in 5 posts
    • djglenn's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ASUS P5Q PRO P45
      • CPU:
      • Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 G0 @ 3GHz
      • Memory:
      • 4GB Corsair XMS2 800Mhz DDR2
      • Storage:
      • Western Digital 320GB AAKS (single platter)
      • Graphics card(s):
      • Sapphire 5850
      • PSU:
      • Corsair TX850W
      • Case:
      • Antec P182
      • Operating System:
      • Win 7 PRO x64
      • Monitor(s):
      • Dell SP2309W
      • Internet:
      • UK Online - 6Mbs actual connection

    Re: Which GPU & PSU? *upgrade*

    Ok, thanks for the help guys..

    I really like the look of the Enermax PSU, but unfortunately for me only Scan stock this PSU…

    I like scan, but will not use them due to the fact that they completely swing the lead to post anything to Northern Ireland. (£20 for std delivery). Its also amazing how 90% of all the other UK mainland companies are able to delivery here for a reasonable rate and scan are not……

    Also Novatech are selling each type of GPU cheaper than scan.

    So I am limited to the PSU’s available at Novatech.

    I believe that my VX450W will be borderline using either card (especially the GTX260), so its probably best just to get a bigger one.

    I am in two minds…if I decide to keep future options open with crossfire I will just get the Corsair TX750W.

    However if I decide to just go with one card (GTX 260) then I can either get the following:

    Hiper 580 Watt, ATX v2.2, Temp control Act. PFC, Sli Cert - £57
    Gigabyte ODIN PRO 550W ATX2.2 Dual-SLi Compliant Modular PSU - £64 (I read these where noisy??)
    Hiper 630W HPU-4M630-PE 85% Efficiency, w/8P PCI-E, UK + EU - £75
    Coolermaster Real Power 620w Modular Power Supply - £78
    OCZ ModXStream Pro 600w Silent SLI Ready ATX2 Modular Power Supply - £78
    OCZ Fatal1ty 700w Silent SLI Ready ATX2 Power Supply - £80
    Corsair 650W TX SERIES ATX Power Supply - £83
    Corsair HX 520W ATX2.2 Modular SLI Compliant PSU - £86

    Are any of these other options valid to use, or will I just stick with the Corsair? My P182 case has a good cable management system, so modular isn’t vital. Whats more important to me is reliability and noise. My VX450W is very quiet…and I would like to keep it that way.

  19. #13
    Lover & Fighter Blitzen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Between Your Mum & Sister
    Posts
    6,310
    Thanks
    539
    Thanked
    382 times in 300 posts
    • Blitzen's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ABIT iX38 QuadGT
      • CPU:
      • Intel Quad Q6600 @ 3.6Ghz : 30 Degrees Idle - 41-46 Degrees Load
      • Memory:
      • 4 x 1GB OCZ Platinum PC6400 @ 4-4-4-12
      • Storage:
      • 2 x 500GB Samsung Spinpoints - RAID 0
      • Graphics card(s):
      • GTX 285
      • PSU:
      • Enermax MODU 82+ 625W
      • Case:
      • Antec Nine Hundred
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 7 Ultimate 64Bit
      • Monitor(s):
      • Viewsonic Q22wb 22" Widescreen - 5ms
      • Internet:
      • O2 premium @ 17mb

    Re: Which GPU & PSU? *upgrade*

    Quote Originally Posted by lego batman View Post
    Ok I put your (intended) specs into this: http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp and added some arbitrary OCs and got 411w recommended...I think that perhaps it's best not to be on the upper limit of what your PSU can do both for noise and temperature reasons.
    I think there is a 40w difference in TDP between the 8800gt and the 4870, so quite hefty.

    Slight hijack - is the outcome of that PSU calculator what you SHOULD have, or what you NEED to have?

    These PSU Requirement Calculators are 'ball park' at best, and usually wayyyyyy off the mark.

  20. Received thanks from:

    lego batman (11-04-2009)

  21. #14
    Lover & Fighter Blitzen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Between Your Mum & Sister
    Posts
    6,310
    Thanks
    539
    Thanked
    382 times in 300 posts
    • Blitzen's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ABIT iX38 QuadGT
      • CPU:
      • Intel Quad Q6600 @ 3.6Ghz : 30 Degrees Idle - 41-46 Degrees Load
      • Memory:
      • 4 x 1GB OCZ Platinum PC6400 @ 4-4-4-12
      • Storage:
      • 2 x 500GB Samsung Spinpoints - RAID 0
      • Graphics card(s):
      • GTX 285
      • PSU:
      • Enermax MODU 82+ 625W
      • Case:
      • Antec Nine Hundred
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 7 Ultimate 64Bit
      • Monitor(s):
      • Viewsonic Q22wb 22" Widescreen - 5ms
      • Internet:
      • O2 premium @ 17mb

    Re: Which GPU & PSU? *upgrade*

    Have you tried KustomPC?

    I have just been over there and i am certain they delivery to Northern Ireland.

    Take a look at theis unit: http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_1688.html
    Its a great price, modular, and will suit your needs down to the ground.

    Then at Novatech:
    Nvidia - http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?GW-265
    ATi - http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/s...html?GW-48701G

    (Still better off with the single card and making it nVidia imho)

    I think the choice (and quality) of PSUs available from Novatech is bloody awful. Loads of cheapos with a couple of overpriced Corsairs and Antecs thrown in. (What are Antec doing by the way? They just aren't competitive anymore. Prices are WAY to high for what they offer).
    Last edited by Blitzen; 07-04-2009 at 09:21 AM.

  22. Received thanks from:

    djglenn (08-04-2009)

  23. #15
    PC Gamer
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    250
    Thanks
    70
    Thanked
    6 times in 5 posts
    • djglenn's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ASUS P5Q PRO P45
      • CPU:
      • Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 G0 @ 3GHz
      • Memory:
      • 4GB Corsair XMS2 800Mhz DDR2
      • Storage:
      • Western Digital 320GB AAKS (single platter)
      • Graphics card(s):
      • Sapphire 5850
      • PSU:
      • Corsair TX850W
      • Case:
      • Antec P182
      • Operating System:
      • Win 7 PRO x64
      • Monitor(s):
      • Dell SP2309W
      • Internet:
      • UK Online - 6Mbs actual connection

    Re: Which GPU & PSU? *upgrade*

    Thanks again Blitzen, I do agree that the Gainward GS looks to be a good buy from Novatech as the cooling package and pre overclock adds value to it.

    Can anyone advise on the coolermaster PSU option?

    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 620w Modular Eps Power Supply - £68 - Amazon, delivered free to NI

    This is the most cost effective option for me, however I dont mind spending more if the coolermaster PSU is rubbish.

    Is this any good? Whats the Noise like? Will it easily power a OC Q6600 and a GTX 260?

    **Edit**

    There is also a Antec TRUE POWER TRIO 650 WATT TP3-650 GB PSU - £74 on amazon as an option....

    Is it any good?
    Last edited by djglenn; 08-04-2009 at 10:44 AM.

  24. #16
    PC Gamer
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    250
    Thanks
    70
    Thanked
    6 times in 5 posts
    • djglenn's system
      • Motherboard:
      • ASUS P5Q PRO P45
      • CPU:
      • Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 G0 @ 3GHz
      • Memory:
      • 4GB Corsair XMS2 800Mhz DDR2
      • Storage:
      • Western Digital 320GB AAKS (single platter)
      • Graphics card(s):
      • Sapphire 5850
      • PSU:
      • Corsair TX850W
      • Case:
      • Antec P182
      • Operating System:
      • Win 7 PRO x64
      • Monitor(s):
      • Dell SP2309W
      • Internet:
      • UK Online - 6Mbs actual connection

    Re: Which GPU & PSU? *upgrade*

    *Bump*

    Ok sorry for being a pain in the arse...I really do value your help so far.

    I would like to push the order button, today so which PSU should i go for?

    1. Coolermaster Real Power Pro 620w Modular Eps Power Supply - £68 - Amazon
    2. Antec TRUE POWER TRIO 650 WATT TP3-650 GB PSU - £74 - Amazon
    3. Corsair 650W TX SERIES ATX Power Supply - £83 - Novatech


    I love my VX450W, but I just cant find any material that will say it will run a GTX 260 and an overclocked Q6600..

    Any feedback about the three above PSU's would be welcome.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Dual PSU Problems, 2nd PSU clicks and stops...
    By WLC-1989 in forum Help! Quick Relief From Tech Headaches
    Replies: 21
    Last Post: 11-09-2008, 12:44 PM
  2. Subtle PSU problem with Yesico FL-550 fanless
    By lfoggy in forum PC Hardware and Components
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 21-03-2007, 10:12 AM
  3. Silverstone 0dB Fanless PSU
    By Carvahlo in forum Reader Reviews
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 21-10-2004, 09:12 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •