Final Gaming Additions to PC - Opinions?

[thehighroad]

Hello!

Currently my PC has a Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R motherboard, 2GB DDR2 1066 RAM, and an Intel Core2 Quad Q8200. The components subject to replacement are: 450W CoolerMaster PSU, BFG NVIDIA 7800GT.

I am planning on adding an additional 2GB DDR2 1066 RAM, a new 530-650W PSU (I need 2 PCIe 6-pin power cables), and probably the Powercolor or Visiontek ATI Radeon 4870 HD.

Among this list here:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produc...0048 106792627 1067940678&name=Radeon HD 4870

I am just curious on your opinions here, is the video card a good choice with my CPU? (bottlenecking) Also could I have some tips on choosing the right PSU for this build. I want a good quality, stable PSU, for around $60. I am thinking about one these:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182160
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182030
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015

Finally I am running Windows XP 32-bit (I know I can't use Direct X 10.1; who cares), should I really get 4GB ram? I may do a slight overclock on my CPU because it's stock temperatures are quite low (I know the Q8200 doesnt overclock well tho). Also I have chosen not to get the HD 4890 because I find the extra $40 isn't worth the little bit of FPS.

BUDGET: ABOUT $300 CAD.

Thanks!!!

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

I recommend this PSU, this video card and this RAM to go with it all.

Should comfortably be within your budget, and they are high-quality parts that are sure to last for a long time.

The XFX card comes with Double Lifetime Warranty as well; you can read more about it here.

 

[thehighroad]

The video card you recommended I have no problems with, I am just curious as to why you selected the XFX over the VisionTek (top consumer rated twice, and over 277 five-star reviews->80% 5-star) or the PowerColor (comes with S.T.A.L.K.E.R.) or the Sapphire model. Is the type of warranty provided by XFX that much better than limited lifetime?

I realize that the PSU often times can be considered to be one of the most important aspects of a gaming pc. What is it, that makes the Corsair powersupply superior to say, the Antec EarthWatts 650W PSU which is 80 PLUS Certified also. See:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015

If you or anyone else could provide these answers, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[mailpup]

Everyone's links to Newegg, Canada are broken.

 

[thehighroad]

They work for me, and I suppose for Rage_3K_Moiz. Try them in a different browser perhaps?

 

[mailpup]

I get redirected for some reason with both Firefox and IE8. Must be a problem on my end. Sorry. Don't let me derail this thread. Carry on.

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

The Corsair has better build quality in general, while being almost as powerful as the Earthwatts PSU (41A on the +12V vs 45A for the Antec). Also, the 550VX features better voltage regulation and ripple suppression. The Earthwatts is a decent PSU, but I would spend some extra cash and get a good PSU that is guaranteed to give me trouble-free operation; I have heard of failed Earthwatts units being quite prevalent. I believe the Corsair PSU also comes with larger warranty coverage.

As for the card, XFX's warranty covers you and the buyer you decide to sell your card to, provided you register the card on their website within 30 days of purchase. That makes it a better buy IMO; Visiontek is as good (Lifetime warranty as well; no coverage for the second-hand party though) and they would be my next choice after XFX. Then would come Sapphire and HIS Hightech. PowerColor would be my last choice.

I don't put much stock in Newegg reviews; most are not from people I would consider technically adept, and more often than not, I've found that people don't bother posting reviews as long as the product works fine.

 

[thehighroad]

I read about the problems with the EarthWatts PSU but, the current provider, Delta I believe, has fixed the issues according to online reviews (online review websites included). But I see your point of hassle-free operation. Which ever one is cheaper when I decide to purchase my upgrades is the one I will buy (Currently, the Corsair is cheaper). Thanks for the explanation as well.

I've read about peoples problems with PowerColor, their warranies, and their overheating issues (the 4870 PCS+ is well-accepted though). I too will keep it as my last choice.

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

Delta has fixed most of the issues, except the fact that these PSUs are still group-regulated (vs. independent regulation on the CWT-built Corsair) and have efficiency and ripple suppression values that are just within spec; hence the Corsair recommendation.

As I stated, the EA650 is a decent unit; I just don't see it fitting in a high-end gaming system where clean power delivery is important. Corsair's CWT-based platform is better suited to these kinds of systems.

 

[thehighroad]

Well, even better put. Thanks. I think I'll take your advice.