Graphicscard and Motherboard

[Mr_Bombasticc]

Hi,

I'm building own PC for the first time and I was wondering if my videocard and motherboard were compatible. I know I can make a part list on pcpartpicker.com but I want to make sure my motherboard and graphics card are compatible. So I've chosen these parts :
Motherboard : Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard
Graphics card : Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card

If you want to check out all the parts here's the link: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/r6wyqs

 

[TechyInAZ]

Yes they are compatible. Any mobo with pcie will be compatible with that video card.

 

[DonQuixoteMC]

As TechyInAZ said, they are 100% compatible.

I thought I would offer some build advice though. Instead of pidgeonholing yourself with the very-dead AM3+ platform, you could switch to a cheaper Intel Pentium, overclock, and get greater initial performance and longterm upgrade potential.

Here's the parts list if you're interested:
[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/XyZTzy) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/XyZTzy/by_merchant/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646g3258) | $74.99 @ Amazon
**CPU Cooler** | [Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212e20pkr2) | $29.98 @ OutletPC
**Motherboard** | [ASRock Z97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-z97pro4) | $99.99 @ Newegg
**Memory** | [A-Data XPG V1.0 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/a-data-memory-ax3u1600c4g9rr) | $36.99 @ Newegg
**Storage** | [Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 60GB 2.5" Solid State Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/kingston-internal-hard-drive-sv300s37a60g) | $50.61 @ NCIX US
**Storage** | [Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/western-digital-internal-hard-drive-wd10ezex) | $54.98 @ OutletPC
**Video Card** | [Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/sapphire-video-card-100355l) |-
| | **Total**
$347.54

I also wouldn't bother with a 60 GB SSD, or any SSD when on a tight budget. However, if you're willing to only use it as a boot drive, then it's up to you. Try to avoid putting much else on it other than Windows.

 

[Mr_Bombasticc]

As TechyInAZ said, they are 100% compatible.

I thought I would offer some build advice though. Instead of pidgeonholing yourself with the very-dead AM3+ platform, you could switch to a cheaper Intel Pentium, overclock, and get greater initial performance and longterm upgrade potential.

Here's the parts list if you're interested:
[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/XyZTzy) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/XyZTzy/by_merchant/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646g3258) | $74.99 @ Amazon
**CPU Cooler** | [Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212e20pkr2) | $29.98 @ OutletPC
**Motherboard** | [ASRock Z97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-z97pro4) | $99.99 @ Newegg
**Memory** | [A-Data XPG V1.0 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/a-data-memory-ax3u1600c4g9rr) | $36.99 @ Newegg
**Storage** | [Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 60GB 2.5" Solid State Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/kingston-internal-hard-drive-sv300s37a60g) | $50.61 @ NCIX US
**Storage** | [Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/western-digital-internal-hard-drive-wd10ezex) | $54.98 @ OutletPC
**Video Card** | [Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/sapphire-video-card-100355l) |-
| | **Total**
$347.54

I also wouldn't bother with a 60 GB SSD, or any SSD when on a tight budget. However, if you're willing to only use it as a boot drive, then it's up to you. Try to avoid putting much else on it other than Windows.

Thanks for your reply but I do have some questions
about the CPU cooler, do I really need it or does the processor get hot quickly?
And yes i'm planning to put nothing but Windows on the SSD.
By the way do you know how big the PSU wattage needs to be if I chose to buy the parts on your partslist, I know it says on the top of the list but because after the videocard there isn't any information so I was wondering if it also calculates the wattage of the GPU

 

[DonQuixoteMC]

If you want to OC, you'll need the CPU cooler. Overclocking is what will make the G3258 stomp the FX-4300. The CPU + Motherboard combo also makes for some great upgrade potential.

What's your budget for GPU and PSU? Do you already own the 7850?

Keeping with the budget theme of this build, I would go for either the EVGA 500B or 600B. If you wanted to invest a little more, which I recommend, go for an XFX Core Series 550W. It'll be more reliable/better for safe overclocking.

As for how to know what wattage you need, there are some calculators out there. http://psucalc.info/ is a good one.
I'd say a reliable 500W + would be good to give you some comfortable overhead.