Need help with choose pc upgrade

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Dabs has it cheaper:

http://www.dabs.com/products/crucial...%20DDR3&src=16

[nasorpc]

Thanks very much cat mate. I have placed the order for the psu and pc case so far. I was just about to place the order for the rest of the stuff, when i noticed something.

There is a sapphire hd 7770 1ghz gfx card on ebuyer at £100. But when i went to dabs site it's only £84.99 and i get 3 free games (Sleeping Dogs, Farcry3 & Hitman Absolution!).

My question is are these exactly the same cards and if so, is it worth going for these instead of the ASUS? Are there any features missing compared to the Asus 7770 HD you recommended?


http://www.ebuyer.com/413365-sapphir...s-11201-17-20g
http://www.dabs.com/products/sapphir...55570000&src=3

Both have the same manufacturer id too. So why is one cheaper and offers 3 games?


Please accept my apologies if it seems like i'm dragging my heals. As soon as i know which one to go for, i'll place the order...just don't want to miss an opportunity if it's there.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The Asus probably has a better cooler I supect,but the fact it is cheaper and has three games makes it a good deal.

Edit!!

The Sapphire is quite a compact card:

http://www.sapphiretech.com/presenta...n=&lid=1&leg=0

[nasorpc]

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/...re-radeon-7770

[nasorpc]

Edit!!

The Sapphire is quite a compact card:

http://www.sapphiretech.com/presenta...n=&lid=1&leg=0[/QUOTE]


Is that a bad thing mate? i.e. any effect on performance/temperature or quality?

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Edit!!

The Sapphire is quite a compact card:

http://www.sapphiretech.com/presenta...n=&lid=1&leg=0

Is that a bad thing mate? i.e. any effect on performance/temperature or quality?

I was just commenting on the size!! I have tended to go for shorter cards in the past since,I build small form factor PCs. I suspect the Asus would overclock better,and the cooler does look more substantial.

The new Sapphire cooler does appear to be different to the one mentioned in the thread on TBH,and it seems the heatsink is a bit smaller.

[nasorpc]

ok mate...i just wasn't sure if size effected it in any sense. To be honest, i'm not too bothered as i never overclock my cards or processors. Also if i can save on the sapphire, it means i can instead place an order for a couple of 120mm fan, which should keep the whole pc cooler, rather than just a gfx card on it's own. What do you think? Does that sound like a good idea or am i gonna regret it?

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I just realised the Asus is also the compact version which has the smaller heatsink too. The Sapphire does have a larger fan though.

[nasorpc]

LOL MEOW! I now don't know what to do :S

FYI, I found it here:-

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/sapp...mes-84-1464982

EDIT: I've decided to go for Sapphire.

[nasorpc]

Hurray!!!! I've done it!!! I've placed the order with ebuyer and dabs. So thats totalled to £490.

I just want to say that THANK YOU SO MUCH! for your patience and all the help you guys (Kompucare, ScaryJim, Cat, Watercooled, Dacads, Biscuit & KMac!) have given me. Sorry if i was a pain in the a**, but we got there in the end,



Now whilst i'm waiting, i want to ask more questions regarding windows 64 bit, ssd etc, so shall i start a new thread?

[kmac]

Software questions then start a new thread in the relevant section. Hardware questions re this build you may as well continue here.

BTW re your earlier comment on bottom mounted PSU - I actually prefer this as the PSU airflow is kept almost independent of the rest of the case ( i.e. intake cool air from bottom of case into PSU and exhaust at rear of the case). The PSU position will not come in the way of any graphics cards etc, it is completely below the mobo.

Some argue that the PSU in this position blocks the Graphics card from getting cool air but shouldn't be an issue unless the PSU is super long.

In a top mounted PSU, the PSU fan is drawing in warm air from inside the PC case and exhausting this out the back - not as good a solution IMHO. Also bottom mount keeps the case well balanced form a weight perspective. I really like that Merc Alpha case you ordered - good value. All you need is one extra 120mm fan for front intake.

[nasorpc]

I've ordered two 120mm fans. I'm thinking one at the front (blow air in) and one at the top (take air out). What do you think?

[csgohan4]

Good choice, but thought about dust filters?. A fan that blows air out on the top is a good idea with hot air rising, but if you do that make sure you cover the fan when you have finished using your PC or the there will be more dust settling into your PC.

[nasorpc]

Good choice, but thought about dust filters?. A fan that blows air out on the top is a good idea with hot air rising, but if you do that make sure you cover the fan when you have finished using your PC or the there will be more dust settling into your PC.

So I'd have to cover the pc every time? That'd be a pain. Is there anything I can do to avoid this?

[kmac]

No, you need to insert a dust filter adjacent to the intake fan at the front as this is how dust enters. Exhaust fans don't really need a filter but you can add one or a belt and braces approach

Here is a link to an example filter http://www.specialtech.co.uk/spshop/...pid-12014.html

Pob has a thread on different filters and their merits but a aluminium wire mesh filter like the one attached should be okay for your needs.

So for the front intake fan screw in filter and then fan - job done

[kmac]

http://www.demcifilter.com/filters_f...custom_filters

These are meant to be the dogs doh dahs but I think the one I linked to above would sufice