[Farater]

This is my first time buying a graphics card (only built two HTPC's, which run well enough with integrated), and I'm not sure if I'm making the best choices with what I've picked.

As of now I'm using a 300w power supply, so I'm upgrading to a Corsair 430W. I think it should manage it fine, although upgrading to a 450/500w won't be too much of a problem

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026 ($35 after rebate)

As of now I plan on buying either a 460 or 6850. From what I know a 460 has better drivers but 6850 is a bit stronger.

However, I'm a bit paranoid on getting a defective GPU. (One of the reasons I stayed away from adding one in) I don't know which manufacturers are the best to buy from, and have the best warranties.

As of now I'm considering a XFX 6850 (it'd add up to $165 with the PSU after rebate) but I'm not sure if it's the best.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150573 ($129 after rebate)

I don't mind paying more to avoid any future problems (not getting a rebate, RMA process going bad etc.) as well. As of now, I still have $35 to spare.

Other parts are an H61 motherboard, i3 2100 and 8GB RAM. I live in the US, also. Resolution is 1920x1080

 

[Broseidon]

XFX cards have a lifetime warranty - and you're right, the 6850 is more powerful than the 460 - but they weren't designed to compete with each other. As well, a 430w power supply should handle it just fine, provided it has the correct plugs.

 

[xPrestonn]

get the rosewill rg 430 instead of the corsair cx430. better unit for the same price

 

[Aniket]

This is the best gpu,psu for under $200,
ocz fatality 550w
sapphire hd6870
I don't think you will get a better deal than this.
Hope I helped!

 

[Farater]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broseidon;15228603
XFX cards have a lifetime warranty - and you're right, the 6850 is more powerful than the 460 - but they weren't designed to compete with each other. As well, a 430w power supply should handle it just fine, provided it has the correct plugs.

I thought XFX'd be safe to go with, guess I can feel safer about it.
Quote:

Originally Posted by xPrestonn;15228627
get the rosewill rg 430 instead of the corsair cx430. better unit for the same price

I'll take that into consideration if I stay with a 430w, thanks.
Quote:

Originally Posted by Aniket;15228693
This is the best gpu,psu for under $200,
ocz fatality 550w
sapphire hd6870
I don't think you will get a better deal than this.
Hope I helped!

I don't think I'll need 550 watts to power up that, would a 430W manage it or would I need to go bump it to a 450/500?

I never thought that I'd be able to fit in a 6870 into the budget, though.

 

[Aniket]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Farater;15228931
I thought XFX'd be safe to go with, guess I can feel safer about it.

I'll take that into consideration if I stay with a 430w, thanks.

I don't think I'll need 550 watts to power up that, would a 430W manage it or would I need to go bump it to a 450/500?

I never thought that I'd be able to fit in a 6870 into the budget, though.

cx430 is a cheap psu,better you get the strong ocz fatality 550w

 

[SergeantSilent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Farater;15228931
I thought XFX'd be safe to go with, guess I can feel safer about it.

I'll take that into consideration if I stay with a 430w, thanks.

I don't think I'll need 550 watts to power up that, would a 430W manage it or would I need to go bump it to a 450/500?

I never thought that I'd be able to fit in a 6870 into the budget, though.

The Radeon site recommends a 500w power supply for a 6870. If you decide to get it, I'd get a 550w just in-case.

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Certified-Compatible-Platforms-CMPSU-600CXV2/dp/B004W2T2UQ/ref=sr_1_8?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1318120761&sr=1-8]Amazon.com: Corsair Builder Series CX600 600 watt 80 Plus Certified Power Supply Compatible with Intel and AMD Platforms ATX 700 CMPSU-600CXV2: Computers & Accessories[/URL]

The 600w is the same price as the 500w, so I guess it couldn't hurt to get the 600 if you want that PSU. It's also less than the other suggested PSU's; plus Corsair is known for good power supplys.

 

[Farater]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SergeantSilent;15229049
The Radeon site recommends a 500w power supply for a 6870. If you decide to get it, I'd get a 550w just in-case.

Amazon.com: Corsair Builder Series CX600 600 watt 80 Plus Certified Power Supply Compatible with Intel and AMD Platforms ATX 700 CMPSU-600CXV2: Computers & Accessories

The 600w is the same price as the 500w, so I guess it couldn't hurt to get the 600 if you want that PSU. It's also less than the other suggested PSU's; plus Corsair is known for good power supplys.

I'd say it'd be 500w for a good PC, I'm running a non-OCable CPU afterall

Guess I'll go with that then. Another question: if i were to CF the 6870's in the future would it run under 600w?

 

[SergeantSilent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Farater;15229769
I'd say it'd be 500w for a good PC, I'm running a non-OCable CPU afterall

Guess I'll go with that then. Another question: if i were to CF the 6870's in the future would it run under 600w?

The site says it recommends 600w, so I suppose not under, but around 600.

 

[xPrestonn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SergeantSilent The Radeon site recommends a 500w power supply for a 6870. If you decide to get it, I'd get a 550w just in-case. Amazon.com: Corsair Builder Series CX600 600 watt 80 Plus Certified Power Supply Compatible with Intel and AMD Platforms ATX 700 CMPSU-600CXV2: Computers & Accessories The 600w is the same price as the 500w, so I guess it couldn't hurt to get the 600 if you want that PSU. It's also less than the other suggested PSU's; plus Corsair is known for good power supplys.

Even crossfired 6870s don't consume 550w.

not necessary for one

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/301

 

[Farater]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xPrestonn Even crossfired 6870s don't consume 550w. not necessary for one http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/301

Heh, just realized I'm on a non-CF/SLI board so it'd cost more to CF then to just buy a newer GPU in the future.

How does amazon's RMA process compare to Newegg, in case something goes wrong?

 

[SergeantSilent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xPrestonn Even crossfired 6870s don't consume 550w. not necessary for one http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/301

I'd rather go with the site's recommendations; rather than a bench-marking site.

 

[xPrestonn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SergeantSilent I'd rather go with the site's recommendations; rather than a bench-marking site.

The benchmark measures power draw from the wall. In what way is it less reputable than the manufacturer recommendation? here, have more benchmarks

I guess they're all wrong

http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1445/17/

http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon...firex-review/4

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...s,2776-22.html

 

[SergeantSilent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xPrestonn The benchmark measures power draw from the wall. In what way is it less reputable than the manufacturer recommendation? here, have more benchmarks I guess they're all wrong http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1445/17/ http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon...firex-review/4 http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...s,2776-22.html

I never said they're wrong. I said I'd rather believe in the manufacturer.
Each individual card draws a different amount of power. A MSI card will draw a different amount of power than a sapphire most likely. The manufacturer site says 550w, they're trying to give you enough power regardless of what card you get. (MSI, Sapphire, etc)

 

[xPrestonn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SergeantSilent;15235869
I never said they're wrong. I said I'd rather believe in the manufacturer.
Each individual card draws a different amount of power. A MSI card will draw a different amount of power than a sapphire most likely. The manufacturer site says 550w, they're trying to give you enough power regardless of what card you get. (MSI, Sapphire, etc)

What are you talking about? a reference card is a reference card is a reference card.

Unless a card SPECIFICALLY has more power draw capabilities thrown on to the PCB [like an evga classified card for example] there is no way it can consume more power.

Even if you buy pre overclocked versions, etc. there is no way you will shoot up to 550w out of 1 6870. it just seriously can't happen

 

[Farater]

Deciding to go with a 6850 (saves about $40-$50)

Which one of these would work the best:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161384 (XFX $130 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150573 (HIS $135 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102908 (Sapphire $135 after rebate)

 

[xPrestonn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Farater Deciding to go with a 6850 (saves about $40-$50) Which one of these would work the best: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161384 (XFX $130 after rebate) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150573 (HIS $135 after rebate) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102908 (Sapphire $135 after rebate)

xfx one runs cooler but louder [it has a vapor chamber heatsink], has a lifetime warranty. modder friendly warranty which allows for you to take off the cooler without voiding it. it is also transferrable [the warranty, that is]

HIS has a 2 year warranty, doesn't transfer, runs a bit hotter but has a cheaper base price

sapphire has a 3 year IIRC, not sure if it's transferable. Cooler is pretty good. It's either as good as or just below the XFX one.

TBH they're all good choices.