Hi, i'm helping a friend build a computer and these are the specs so far: HD: 750GB Graphics: 9800gtx+ Psu: Rock 500w CPU: Intel Q8200 Ram: 2G Kingston All these parts are from Austin.net.au (local shop) The only thing left is a Motherboard. I'm more of an AMD know-it-all as Intel was always confusing (and is getting more confusing every day) If it could be one of them from here and under $130 it would be much appreciated. Thanks, Nikhilr51
PSU isn't a good idea, go for a better quality unit like Antec, Seasonic, Corsair or Zalman. Also, the 9800GTX+ is fine, but can sometimes be overpriced (not sure about Australia), if an HD4850 is similarly priced, buy that instead. Also, I recommend Corsair RAM over Kingston. Motherboard I would recommend one of the Gigabyte G31 boards, as I own one very similar and it works well.
Thanks for your fast reply Sam, I know the 'rock' psu sounds dodgy but he's on a tight budget ($800) and it'll still work. I've told him it's a bit dodgy. The Kingston ram is a fair bit cheaper as it's on a sale. I know corsair is better (I have it). Thanks for telling me about the HD4850. It's about $20 cheaper. As for motherboard, how's the gigabyte GA-G31M-S2L? It's quite cheap and looks ok. Thanks again, Nikhilr51
No, wrong attitude. Cheap PSUs explode/catch fire, destroying components. Don't think it won't happen to you, it can and will.
Ok, i guess your right, better to be safe than sorry. A Cooler Master PSU 430W sounds nicer and its $3 cheaper (the 70W is a reasonable compromise). So the motherboard is ok? (just making sure)
I wouldn't even buy that, Coolermaster units can be a bit iffy too. Try and find a Corsair VX 450W, or an Antec Earthwatts 500W. Those units are proven to be solid and reliable, and trust me, 450W is ample for your system.
I know corsair psus are good but the 450w costs double the coolermaster (who I allways though were good) any psus under $60 from Austin.net.au would be nice. Thanks, Nikhilr51
Buying a cheap PSU is always a recipe for disaster. Just don't do it, cut back on the rest of your stuff. The cheapest Power supply for that system I would possibly recommend is this one: http://austin.net.au/ProductList/ProductDetail/tabid/104/ProductCode/PSU-ANEA430D/Default.aspx
I couldn't change his mind and he went with a 430w Thermaltake :-( Meh, if it blows up it's his pc. Thanks for your help though.
he's gone with a oem one which actually looks ok now that I read up a bit on it. It's the first thermaltake psu at Austin.net.au
Thermaltake's lower end units are ok reliability wise, but I wouldn't trust a 430W one for more than about 250W, and that system is likely to draw at least 250W under full load, more like 280.
I've just stated how much power I think they use, and how much I trust that unit to provide, up to you, but if you experience problems, tough luck.
