New build woes

Pimpinsmurf · 2012-05-25T06:37:02.237494+00:00

You'll have to use the Intel Matrix Storage driver before booting up to Windows. I'm sure there are instructions somewhere on the web.

danish_hole · 2012-05-25T06:32:57.109637+00:00

If you're going to plop down 1k for 2x 680s, why don't you just buy a 690 and avoid the heat/airflow problems entirely? It might even come with a crowbar.

Also, step up to the H100 or just switch to air cooling. All-in-ones simply aren't worth the money & performance at that level.

Pimpinsmurf · 2012-05-25T06:27:39.946233+00:00

I'm looking at the pictures in the comment below me. You're unable to right click and "create a simple volume"?

zenhic · 2012-05-25T06:26:38.623823+00:00

More fans aren't necessarily better. Some of the coolest cases out there only use one or two. If the case you're planning to buy is plagued by dead zones it's time to consider more effective products from other companies.

iwannabuildapc · 2012-05-25T06:23:43.915883+00:00

You could always do the cardboard box hack and skip the case...

Pimpinsmurf · 2012-05-25T06:18:49.324213+00:00

There is no SATA 6. Do you mean 4x SATA 3 ports and 2x SATA 2 ports?

Are the hard drives formatted?

NOBLOWWWW · 2012-05-25T06:14:37.334231+00:00

Selling old tech is pretty hard. Bargain it down to $600 and make sure you test out the quirks before you make the exchange.

Pimpinsmurf · 2012-05-25T06:10:43.279329+00:00

Are you using a SATA3 cable?

gonzoism · 2012-05-25T06:07:56.582880+00:00

With your CPU selection and Crossfire 6870s you'll want a 600w power supply (200w 12V cushion). My recommendations are based off this table of actual power consumption data.

Here's a list of all the power supplies that will support an HD6870 Crossfire rig. Keep in mind that you have to factor in 4x6pin, 4x6+2pin, and 2x6&2x6+2pin power supplies. They've been prefiltered by branding, 12v rail configuration, and efficiency.

Parker6thgrade · 2012-05-25T04:11:31.234067+00:00

OP, the point of having those slots spaced out like that is so that your graphics cards don't choke from lack of air. Purchase an extra wide SLI bridge and be on your merry way.

kpattycakes · 2012-05-25T04:09:57.799002+00:00

You could "get away" with a 350w power supply but a more sensible option would be one of those 430w units, 550w if you intend to Crossfire in the future.

DFogify · 2012-05-25T02:44:04.684143+00:00

No H77 mobo or SSD?

pig_master · 2012-05-25T01:30:54.703838+00:00

Either 450w or 500w.

pig_master · 2012-05-25T01:13:26.364535+00:00

You're wasting money on power you'll never use. Find a lower wattage PSU.

JJBro1 · 2012-05-25T00:59:30.168080+00:00

link

Phillycheeese · 2012-05-25T00:26:13.656316+00:00

Not everyone uses hard drives anymore.

LordMoe · 2012-05-24T22:55:03.156107+00:00

link1 & link2

TPU isn't the gold standard in PSU reviews but they're kind of like Xbitlabs in that everything they say is backed up numbers and proper testing equipment.

tomcat0071 · 2012-05-24T22:36:29.403031+00:00

Will you be overclocking and do you have any plans for SLI? Are you a Unix user?

MoreMinecraft · 2012-05-24T22:30:22.777205+00:00

Pickup the MSI H77 board instead. It doesn't have a VIA audio chipset. You need a power supply as well.

As it stands, your rig should be able to play BF3 on mediumish-high settings and all the other games on max settings @ 1080p.

m104 · 2012-05-24T22:28:04.552908+00:00

Find a lower wattage power supply. Will you be overclocking?

LordMoe · 2012-05-24T15:25:01.434018-07:00

The AX1200 would run less efficiently and take in more power than the AX650.

squisheystik · 2012-05-24T21:02:56.171363+00:00

Many people have no idea of what they're talking about when it comes to power supplies. Too often they look at manufacturer recommendations and think it's x watts for the card alone. Others don't even factor in PSU efficiency when you go from AC to DC.

Here's a little test that you can do to calculate the maximum theoretical 12v power draw for your rig.

The 8-pin EPS12v CPU power cable supplies at most 336w 12vdc.
The PCIe bus supplies a maximum of 75w 12vdc to any graphics cards.
Each 6-pin PCIe power cable supplies a maximum of 75w 12vdc.
Each 8-pin PCIe power cable supplies a maximum of 150w 12vdc.

An HD7850 is powered via the PCIe bus and one 6-pin PCIe power cable. That means its maximum theoretical power draw is 150w 12vdc. 150w + 336w = 486w 12vdc. Take into account the fans and hard drives and you're up to 500w 12vdc in a worst case scenario with 300w going through your CPU.

It is absolutely ludicrous to be buying high wattage power supplies for modern computer hardware unless you're some sort of energy efficiency aficionado striving for 50% load while running Folding@Home 24/7.

Phillycheeese · 2012-05-24T20:33:17.959458+00:00

Yep. There's also an Asrock board if I'm not mistaken.

finaljack0 · 2012-05-24T20:15:57.912158+00:00

Find a lower wattage power supply.

Phillycheeese · 2012-05-24T13:12:21.865728-07:00

You're not overclocking. Z77 is a waste.

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