New computer...

kaisterkai said:
Good day..

Trying to upgrade my PC.. So I just want to know, if this is a good upgrade, and whether the PSU will be enough.. etc etc..

Currently I have:

i3 530 2.93
2GB ram (DDR 3)
H55M S2H
ATI 4839
Click to expand...

didnt know you got a 4839? or is it supposed to read 4830 seeing as the 9 is next to the 0?
 
Pada said:
Do you currently have only 1x 2GB module installed? If that's the case, then try to get the same 2GB module, so that you can keep your existing motherboard. There's really no need for 8GB of RAM if you've managed with 2GB up till now!
Also, you want to run the memory in pairs of exactly the same modules (same size, timings and clock speed), otherwise you'll lose some performance (~15% memory performance, but not as much overall performance) due to it not running in dual channel mode.

Both the GTX 460 & HD 5850 requires 2x 6-pin PCI-E power connections, however they usually (if not always) do come with 1x Molex (4-pin) to 1x 6-pin adapters so that you can use it along with a 500W+ PSU that has only 1 connector.

It's really difficult to choose between the GTX 460 & HD 5850, as well as between the difference models and brands.
It all just comes down to what you're willing to spend (please note that these price ranges are just estimates):
  • GTX 460 1GB @ R1800 - R2300
  • GTX 460 OC 1GB @ R2300 - R2800
  • GTX 460 SOC 1GB @ R2800 - R3300
  • HD 5850 1GB @ R2700 - R3500
  • HD 5850 OC 1GB @ R3000 - R3900
Don't be fooled by marketing stuff with the GTX 460 models, where they'll say that the specific card has "Military Class" components.
The GTX 460 reference models comes standard with "Military Class" components :P and they can be overclocked reasonably well too, but the heatsink & cooler then comes into play!

Before buying a specific model, make sure that you read reviews of it first.

Currently I don't know which one to choose:
  • 1x MSI GTX 460 Cyclone OC 1GB @ R2507
  • 1x Gigabyte GTX 460 OC 1GB @ R2633
  • 1x Club3D HD 5850 1GB @ R2758
  • 2x Inno3D GTX 460 1GB @ R2068 each
All of the cards above use non-reference coolers, with the Inno3D GTX 460 1GB model's one being the poorest of them all since its very close to stock cooling, unlike the other cards with their high-end coolers.

Now I'm just waiting till 22 Oct... :)
Click to expand...

Hey.. Thanks for the reply. it's really detailed..

So I guess 4GB is enough.. So getting more will be a waste? But isn't technology growing? So soon like the games will be like needing at least 4Gb or more ram? But anyway, that will probably be like later later.. (Besides for the FF game 13 I think.. )

Woa, both of them needs 2 6-pins.. mm.. In my computer the odin does have a 6-pin, and I also have a converter.. But I guess it's just better to just get one that has 2?

Oc means Over clock? But I'm someone that don't over clock, just in case something happens.. so yeah.. so I guess going for either is good.. mm.. I guess I'll post another GPU vs GPU in the forum.. and see what people think.. :P

um.. what is the non-reference cooler? Like you can't change the fans or cooling system on the inside of the GPU?

What card is coming out on the 22 oct?

Anyway, thanks for the help!
 
Last edited:
jcapetown said:
Pada, I'm going for 2 of the MSI Cyclone to SLI, that cooler is zalman-esque so great quality less noise cooling. Running SLI MSI 9600GT with Zalman Aftermarket at the moment.
Click to expand...

I thought you have to have the exact same model to sli? Only cross fire can do with different GPU? am I wrong?
 
dudewotevr said:
You do not need 8gb of ram, you won't notice a single difference over 4gb, so get another 2gb stick and leave it at that.

2gb cards are usually not worth the extra cash, unless you get it for the same price. In the majority of games it performs exactly the same, and in some cases a little worse I've seen (in reviews, I read a lot of them).

Out of those 460's the MSI Hawk is the one to go for, but I'd recommend saving some cash and getting a vanilla 460, they run quiet and cool and can overclock up to pretty much the same level, and even exhaust 40-50% of the hot air outside your case.

Maybe then you can spring for an i5 750/760 if your board will take it, and no you won't have to re-install your OS.
Click to expand...

Yeah.. I think I'm not going to get 4Gb ram anymore.. Just another 2GB.. and then I'll leave the motherboard as is..

I see what you mean.. mm.. Vanilla? (will google that later.. ) Thanks for the suggestion.. [but if I don't over clock.. will it still be good? ]

mm.. but if I go for a i5.. why not add a little more and go i7?

I don't have to re-install my OS, only because the CPU is changing right? If I had to change my motherboard, then I have to format? That's what i heard...
 
kaisterkai said:
Woa, both of them needs 2 6-pins.. mm.. In my computer the odin does have a 6-pin, and I also have a converter.. But I guess it's just better to just get one that has 2?
Click to expand...
It just looks better.

Oc means Over clock? But I'm someone that don't over clock, just in case something happens.. so yeah.. so I guess going for either is good.. mm.. I guess I'll post another GPU vs GPU in the forum.. and see what people think.. :P
Click to expand...
OC implies overclock yes. Nowadays some CPU's and GPU's have quite big overclocking potential, which would make them useful for slightly longer.
If you prefer a silent & high performance card, then look at the Gigabyte GTX 460 OC 1GB or the Radeon HD 5850.
In terms of performance / price, you are much better off buying a reference design GTX 460 1GB card for like R2100 or less, since these reference models can also overclock very well.
The GTX 460 performs much better in SLI than 2x HD 5850's in CrossFire, so if you have a SLI/CrossFire capable motherboard, you could always just buy a second model if your performance is lacking.
In reality, most people rather replace the card than to buy a second one, since the newer models are usually much more efficient than 2 of the older models put together.

um.. what is the non-reference cooler? Like you can't change the fans or cooling system on the inside of the GPU?
Click to expand...
Non-reference cooler simply means that it is not the same cooler that AMD/nVidia included in the original design.
The non-reference coolers can be better or even worse. Usually they are better, since they usually come with a bigger & better heatsink and better fan.

What card is coming out on the 22 oct?
Click to expand...
The AMD Radeon 6850 & 6870, which are slightly better than the HD 5830 and 5850, respectively.
 
Ok I've skimmed through the thread so hopefully I haven't missed anything to important :p

Since you already on the 1156 platform, you can pop in any i5 6xx, i5 7xx, or i7 8xx CPU.
Now I noticed you scared of OC'ing so I'd say get i7 860 as the hyper threading my be useful to you and when you wanna sell it's also a nice selling point. Having said that, the i5 70/760 is at the moment IMO the best price/performance CPU for gaming! You won't notice the difference between the two when gaming.

The only reason why you would wanna buy the i7 875K is if you want to OC! The K means it has an unlocked multipler which makes it easier to reach higher speeds.

Now 4GB is more than enough for most applications. I barely ever use more than 3GBs of mine..

Yes get a new (better) PSU :) You Have to!! lol I command you :)
So something like:
CPU: i5 750 or 760 such as LINK R1,736.00
MOBO: Keep your current one..
RAM: Get another 2GB stick
GPU: Maybe wait a little bit as AMD/ATI is bring out their new 6series cards on Friday I think it is? So with the strong rand and new cards there may be some nice price drops with the current generation. And benchmarks will be out soon, so you can decide if they worth it..
Oh and listen to Pada :)
PSU: A nice 550w or even 600w will last you long time.. I'd consider:
Aero Cool V12XT 600w (Modular ftw :D )
Corsair vx550w
Oh hec just look at this page :) http://www.landmarkpc.co.za/store/p...-power-supplies-c-198_306.html?page=1&sort=2a
 
Pada said:
It just looks better.


OC implies overclock yes. Nowadays some CPU's and GPU's have quite big overclocking potential, which would make them useful for slightly longer.
If you prefer a silent & high performance card, then look at the Gigabyte GTX 460 OC 1GB or the Radeon HD 5850.
In terms of performance / price, you are much better off buying a reference design GTX 460 1GB card for like R2100 or less, since these reference models can also overclock very well.
The GTX 460 performs much better in SLI than 2x HD 5850's in CrossFire, so if you have a SLI/CrossFire capable motherboard, you could always just buy a second model if your performance is lacking.
In reality, most people rather replace the card than to buy a second one, since the newer models are usually much more efficient than 2 of the older models put together.


Non-reference cooler simply means that it is not the same cooler that AMD/nVidia included in the original design.
The non-reference coolers can be better or even worse. Usually they are better, since they usually come with a bigger & better heatsink and better fan.


The AMD Radeon 6850 & 6870, which are slightly better than the HD 5830 and 5850, respectively.
Click to expand...

But if one overclocks, doesn't it mean that you have to have a good ventilation system on the computer? Because on my computer, it's just the basics.. Like there is only 1x 12cm fan at the back.. and that's it..

And if I compare the new one (Radeon 6850 or 6870) To the Giga 460? Which one will be better? or Wil have to wait till friday?

I see most GPU are made to be OC.. sigh.. I don't really like the idea, just incase it over heats..

But thanks.. I'll consider all..

How would you know which GPU is non-reference? Will it stay NR? or something?

Thanks!
 
nakedpeanut said:
Ok I've skimmed through the thread so hopefully I haven't missed anything to important :p

Since you already on the 1156 platform, you can pop in any i5 6xx, i5 7xx, or i7 8xx CPU.
Now I noticed you scared of OC'ing so I'd say get i7 860 as the hyper threading my be useful to you and when you wanna sell it's also a nice selling point. Having said that, the i5 70/760 is at the moment IMO the best price/performance CPU for gaming! You won't notice the difference between the two when gaming.

The only reason why you would wanna buy the i7 875K is if you want to OC! The K means it has an unlocked multipler which makes it easier to reach higher speeds.

Now 4GB is more than enough for most applications. I barely ever use more than 3GBs of mine..

Yes get a new (better) PSU :) You Have to!! lol I command you :)
So something like:
CPU: i5 750 or 760 such as LINK R1,736.00
MOBO: Keep your current one..
RAM: Get another 2GB stick
GPU: Maybe wait a little bit as AMD/ATI is bring out their new 6series cards on Friday I think it is? So with the strong rand and new cards there may be some nice price drops with the current generation. And benchmarks will be out soon, so you can decide if they worth it..
Oh and listen to Pada :)
PSU: A nice 550w or even 600w will last you long time.. I'd consider:
Aero Cool V12XT 600w (Modular ftw :D )
Corsair vx550w
Oh hec just look at this page :) http://www.landmarkpc.co.za/store/p...-power-supplies-c-198_306.html?page=1&sort=2a
Click to expand...

Hey~

You pretty much summerised it...

Oh.. the 875k is used for OC? Oops.. Didn't know that..

mm.. maybe then the 870 will do? I was just checking for the highest one :P

The Corair one.. mm.. it has 2x 6-pins connector right?
Cause I only saw that..

ATX 24 pin & 20 pin compatible - x1
EPS/ATX12V 8-4 pin - x1
PCI-E 6 pin x1 - ***is this one?
PCI-E 6+2 pin - *** is this the second one?
SATA - x6
4 pin Peripheral - x6
Floppy - x2
 
You can buy it, but you won't get the full use of it if you don't OC :)
The 870 will serve you well.. here's a comparison linky
This is what the 6+2 looks like
pci-e_6_2-pin.jpg

so yes you do have 2 of the 6 pin connectors
 
nakedpeanut said:
You can buy it, but you won't get the full use of it if you don't OC :)
The 870 will serve you well.. here's a comparison linky
This is what the 6+2 looks like
pci-e_6_2-pin.jpg

so yes you do have 2 of the 6 pin connectors
Click to expand...


Oh I see.. thanks.. And I guess that I'll need the 6+2 pin?

Looked at the comparing link, it seems that the 875k is the as the 870... And has a yes next to something that 875k doesn't.. But then I guess the 875k can be OC nicely where the 870 can't..
Thank man!
 
kaisterkai: the only difference between the Core i7 875K and 870 is that the 875K has an unlocked CPU multiplier.
That means that you can increase the CPU speed without increasing the speed of any other components,
where as with the locked multiplier, you have to increase the BLCK and that would directly affect the memory and motherboard speeds.

In terms of gaming performance, you would get the same framerates with the much cheaper Core i5 760 CPU.
You will only see a performance difference with multi-threaded applications, like when you're compressing/encoding files/videos.

I'd advise you to get a power supply with 2x 6+2 pin power connectors.
 
Pada said:
kaisterkai: the only difference between the Core i7 875K and 870 is that the 875K has an unlocked CPU multiplier.
That means that you can increase the CPU speed without increasing the speed of any other components,
where as with the locked multiplier, you have to increase the BLCK and that would directly affect the memory and motherboard speeds.

In terms of gaming performance, you would get the same framerates with the much cheaper Core i5 760 CPU.
You will only see a performance difference with multi-threaded applications, like when you're compressing/encoding files/videos.

I'd advise you to get a power supply with 2x 6+2 pin power connectors.
Click to expand...

Hey.. Yeah I understand the CPU part..

I see.. i5.. mm.. Maybe then i'll just go for the i5.. and then.. what PSU do you think I should get? The 550 Corair only has one of those 6+2-pin thingys..

Is there any other ones?
 
I say just keep your i3. You're unlikely to notice a difference going to i7, except if you encode video a lot, my opinion. Better GPU yeah and get a nice SSD.
 
Synaesthesia said:
I say just keep your i3. You're unlikely to notice a difference going to i7, except if you encode video a lot, my opinion. Better GPU yeah and get a nice SSD.
Click to expand...

I was thinking about keeping my i3.. And also, getting a SSD.. but thing is.. if I get that, where will all my games installation files go? because it'll be only like 64GB on the SSD.. which is like really nothing.. So.. yeah..

And if I install the games on the secondary hard drive, won't the game be slow?
 
kasterkai: you only put stuff on the SSD that you use regularly. So if you're going to play a particular game often, install that on the SSD, otherwise install it to the SATA drive instead.
 
I'm holding off on buying an ssd until I can find a good 256GB one at a reasonable price.. Like <R2500...
I also don't wanna bother with the different install paths
 
Pada said:
kasterkai: you only put stuff on the SSD that you use regularly. So if you're going to play a particular game often, install that on the SSD, otherwise install it to the SATA drive instead.
Click to expand...

I see.. so having the SSD will just improve the speed of the windows loading?

Thanks man..
 
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