i am trying to build a custom gaming pc but i need help choosing a power supply (wattage amount of connectors ect) as well as a good graphics card that can handle the most graphically demanding games with ease with max settings. any help will be much appreciated.



my current config is

Case: APEVIA X-SUPRA http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16811144220

Motherboard: MSI K9A2 Platinum http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813130136

Processor: AMD Phenom 9950 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819103291

Heatsink: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 64 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16835185125

Memory: Corsair Dual Channel TWINX 4096MBhttp://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/se...dy=REVIEWS#tabs

Hard drive: Western Digital Caviar 640Gb 7200RPM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822136218

Optical drive:(2) SAMSUNG Black 22X: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16827151171

first off, do u have a price range? Because some graphics cards can cost as little as $23 and some can cost $800, same with the PSUs.

max for a graphics card would be about $300 power supply unknown because i dont know what they range. is there any (even if in sli or crossfire config) that could run grapically demanding games at max settings?

Hi Chris28456,

First of all, it would be nice if we stick on this thread so that anyone trying to help you with parts will know what others have suggested. It would also be easier to know if you have changed your mind on a component. Compatibility is a key so it would be nice to have every parts listed in just one thread.

Anyway, I just wanted to know what your budget for this whole build is so we can find better options for you and also if you're thinking of overclocking.

Kamille

i've pretty much decided on a 9800GTX+ but i still am unsure about the power supply, either
Rosewill RX850-S-B 850W: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817182072
-or-
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817341017 (this comes with a free 250GB harddrive if you combo it)

i just dont know how many of each connector i need now and for future......

i only wanna spend at max $130 for a psu

Rosewill is not really a good brand and OCZ is alright but I usually suggest one of the better brands like Corsair, PC Power and Cooling, Silverstone, Seasonic, Antec, etc.

I suggest you go with this Corsair 650W, it is enough for your needs. Even the 550W should be enough but for the price ($2 difference after Mail-in-Rebate), it's better to get the 650W. You need 2 x 6 pin PCI-E connector to power the 9800GTX+ and this power supply should have this connector.

For the video card, did you select either of this two cards? Both EVGA and XFX offers great warranty and also great customer support.
EVGA 9800GTX+ for $184.99 (with a $20 Mail-In-Rebate)
If you're thinking of getting Call of Duty 4 might as well get this card and you'll save money on the game (I think the game retails for $40) -> XFX 980GTX+ for $199.99 (with a $20 Mail-In-Rebate).

Hope that helps.
Kamille

thanks a lot, i actually wanted to get the OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W because it's modular, so i can hide the unused cables without zip tying and hiding cables behind the mobo tray. But i'll look into your recommendations.

Also i'm not sure if i'll be overclocking or not ,but i would like sufficient cooling anyway is the heat sink ok(as well as the case fans), i was planning on getting some Artic Silver 5 thermal compund aswell.

Would it be better to run one 9800GTX+
or to run 2 Radeon HD 3850
in a crossfire configuration?

This post has been edited by Chris28456: Nov 24 2008, 04:29 PM

It is better to run a high-end card instead of dual-graphics card because some games might not support it and will revert to just using one graphics card.

Note that the stock heatsink will come with the thermal compound pre-applied however having one as a backup is good in case you need it. I suggest you go with this OCZ Freeze because its better than the Arctic Silver 5.

If you like modular power supply, try this Corsair 620HX, I have one and its great.

wow nice pick i like that psu thanks, would the ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 64 be compatable with my setup (for reference :for heatsing compatablility do i go with the processor or motherboard compatablilities?)

speaking of Corsair would the CORSAIR 650TX be just as good for a lesser cost.

This post has been edited by Chris28456: Nov 25 2008, 11:55 AM

For heatsink, you want to make sure that its compatible with the motherboard's CPU socket.
So in your case, the MSI K9A2 Platinum motherboard can support AM2+/AM2 socket types and then find a heatsink that supports the same socket.
So yes, the Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 should work with your setup however I suggest you go with either of the two heatsink below as they perform much better than the Arctic Cooling Freezer 64.
ZALMAN CNPS 9500 AM2 heatsink/fan - $50.99 (one of the best out there)
Xigmatek HDT-S1283 - $31.99 (with a $10 Mail-In-Rebate)

You might want to pair the Xigmatek with the retention bracket so that its easier for you to install it.

Yes, they both perform very well and you're basically paying more for the HX620 because of its modularity.

Kamille

would that size heatsink fit ? beacuse of its size i dont want it to interfere with the ram or other components

You should not have any problem with the Xigmatek heatsink and I'm not sure about the Zalman.

i'll be going with the Xigmatek heatsink. thanks would you happen to know anything about raid controllers?