AMD vs Intel

i don't think i will be able to afford the 6950...sigh. looking at all the lowest prices i can find, i can get a decent motherboard, cpu and ram for R2500. i don't want to put this all together on my old powers supply, so which PSU would you recommend?
 
±R650 Corsair CX500 http://www.corsair.com/power-supplies/non-modular-psus/builder-series/builder-series-cx500.html
±R725 Antec HCG (High Current Gamer) 520w

The Antec is a much better PSU, worth saving a bit extra for it. Both will run a HD6950/70 easily.

You should consider getting something like CPU second-hand, as they're all virtually bulletproof in terms of failure. Plenty LGA1155 i5's going around at like 60% of the price. This could allow you to spend more on new GPU/PSU.

You could even get a relatively new mobo, as long as it has warranty...
 
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where would i be able to get those power supplies?

i am very cautious when it comes to parts from people that i don't know...very cautious. i'd much rather buy new components, spend the extra money, and have peace of mind
 
Online shops, don't know of walk in stores that do them.

I understand being cautious, but there's www.carbonite.co.za where you can use the member iTrader rating system to verify sellers. Far safer than Gumtree and other dodgy classifieds. You really can't go wrong.

Picture it like this. You still have a lot of peace of mind if you buy an [Intel] CPU that has 2 - 2.5 years left of the 3 year warranty. They're all locally returnable for warranty, assuming they are SA stock. You save 40% which you can put towards better parts which will give you a far better experience than 6 months - 1 year of warranty for 40% more.

CPUs really are bulletproof, there's probably a less than 1% failure rate. It's the safest component you can buy second-hand.
 
+1 to PostmanPot's idea of going for 2nd-hand components.

Given your current situation, you won't really be able to upgrade your system into a mid-range gaming PC unless you strike bargains on the 2nd-hand market.

If you're going for 2nd-hand components, try to meet the guy in person (at his home preferably) and pay cash. If the guy has sold numerous items already and has a good iTrader rating, then meeting in person won't me necessary.
 
i think i'm gonna wait until about mid-february before i upgrade. by then, i should be able to afford all new parts, and some prices should have dropped after the christmas rush
 
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