Opinion on my future build

[mojito_619]

Hi all, I've decided to upgrade my rig completely and I'm not sure if all the components go well with each one and another. If people could leave feedback and suggestions without going over the budget (I'm at the moment in France, so my max budget will be 800 euros, but no more) I would be very grateful. I'm gearing my PC towards gaming. I'm going to overclock.

Specs :
Case - Antec three hundred
CPU - Intel e8500
CPU cooler - Xigmatek HDT-S1283
GPU - 4870 vapor-x (going crossfire when I get more cash)
Mobo - GA-EP45-UD3P
RAM - G.SKILL - Extreme Series PK 4G
HDD - Barracuda 7200.12 500gb
PSU - EarthWatts 650w

For the PSU would it be a better idea to get a less powerful one (enough for this rig) then get on of those dedicated PSU for my next GPU when I go crossfire? (this means 2 4870s)

I don't want to spend to much on a case, that is why i chose the antec 300, what I want is good airflow.

If you can find better components that are less pricey and offer as good/better performance then that will be much appreciated.

PS: I'll be using a LG 22" screen.

 

[Maziar]

Hello and welcome to the forums mate

It looks fine however i have some recommendations,first of all go for E8400 instead,its only 100mhz slower and its cheaper too.
For PSU,if u want to go to CrossFire soon,then get a better PSU otherwise a good 600W PSU will do the job,but u say u have a 22" monitor and i dont recommend CrossFire for that resolution,a single HD 4870 will do the job.

Btw,how much is the price of that Antec PSU ? because OCZ STEALTHXSTREAM 600W is a little better than that (it provides 72A on 12V rails compared to 69A of the antech one and it costs $70)You may want to look @ it too.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010

 

[mojito_619]

Thanks Maziar for the welcome. I'll def look into you recommendations. One question, why wouldn't crossfire do well on my screen?

 

[buzznut]

I think Maziar is saying that 2 HD4870's is overkill for a 22inch screen. If you had a 26in or up monitor, you might have a use for crossfire. I too recommend that you keep it simple, sli and crossfire can be a pain depending on the drivers, your other hardware, etc

 

[Maziar]

Thats what i wanted to say ^^ sorry if i didnt write well

Well a single HD 4870 would be fine for a 22" monitor which has a 1680x1050 resolution,i recommend MutliGPU for resolutions like 1920x1200 and higher,read this FAQ,it may help u

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/245454-33-crossfire-faqs

Keep in mind that i dont say CrossFire wont do well with 1680x1050 resolution or lower ones,i say a single fast card like HD 4870 can handle the job (as i said read the FAQ,i have talked about SLI/CF more in it )

 

[mojito_619]

Thanks Maziar, that solved a lot of my questions. Judging from what I read 600W of power is not enough for 2 4870s. If ATI is correct i need at least 750W, are they just making those numbers up or do they really mean that 750w is the real minimum for 4870 in crossfire?

 

[Maziar]

Its not only the wattage number that is important,the Amps that rails provide are important too.
There are many cases that for example one PSU is 600w and the other one is 650w but the 600w model provides more Amps on its rail.

 

[Helloworld_98]

the corsair 650w is the minimum you'll want for dual 4870's as this provides 52A on the 12v rail and the only PSU that beats it at that wattage or below is a modular one made by Silverstone, and their prices vary depending on where you live e.g. in the UK silverstone PSU's are cheap as chips, in the US they are a bit more expensive.

 

[mojito_619]

Thanks for the feedback Helloworld. I was just wondering, would it be better to get a sufficient PSU for the single 4870 and then get one of those dedicated PSUs for when I get my second 4870?
I'm asking this cuz PSU hear are friggin expensive in France.... stupid french

 

[nerrawg]

Check out this article: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/264181-31-best-bang-buck-spend-system

 

[Maziar]

Go for a PSU which supports 2 HD 4870s in CF,its a better option since u want to add another card later