Upgrade Advice

[B2Blain]

It's been a while since I have built a gaming rig. A lot has changed over the last fifteen years. I will like get going with a core i5 process. I'm not sure about the motherboard. I'm thinking about a the gigabyte Z97 gaming 5. I don't plan to OC. I want the option of SLI.

 

At this stage I'm trying to research cases and power supplies. I am looking at the GeForce GTX 960. It uses an 8 pin PCI E cable so what so what should I look at with regard to the PS? Is 450 ok if I only run one video card? I'd like to keep cost down by purchasing a case with PS. Will there be an incompatibility issue with the video card, or can I purchase some type of cable adapter?

 

Thanks,

Blain

[agrasyuk]

PSU us the one thing I would not skip on because that's the part that will determine whether all the other components going to get fried or not. Saving 50$ here might turn out really expencive. Quality 80+ sertified 450 watt unit probably will pull 960.

For case on budget I would go for a Termaltake v3 . Inexpencive yet pretty good (and good looking) chassy.

[Kayos]

I'd recommend SSD for your hdd too. Huge speed benefit.

[Strix]

Go for much power on PS! 750W or above if SLI. No need for adapter on PS to graphic card.

Samsung SSD HD is to recommend. Fast loading of win and game works better.

[Demon_]

"I don't plan to OC"

You should plan to... One day or another.

 

450w for a gtx960? Yes: http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-960/specifications

But not for SLI or many other video cards: http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm

 

"or can I purchase some type of cable adapter?"

Easy to find or already included in the video card or psu package contents.

 

"I'd like to keep cost down by purchasing a case with PS"

Often, those power supplies are cheap and/or weak.

[Joni]

960 is fine, it is a very efficient card in terms of what it gives in exchange of what it takes (power).

 

Z97 is not needed, an H97 will be fine.

 

i5 processor is good too, an i5-4690 is a great choice.

 

PSU try to get a 700W minimum (to be able to ensure everything you need and will need) and it has to be 80 Plus Bronze minimum as well.

 

OC is not needed if you dont feel comfortable doing it, so dont feel pressure about it.

 

An SSD would be a great choice but as a secondary disk since they dont have much space. Also it wont give you more frames in games (just in DCS because it is coded like Tetris :P) For an HDD try to get a WD Caviar Black.

 

Good luck bro!

Edited July 16, 2015 by JohnnyQ

[B2Blain]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Until I decide to do SLI I wonder if I should go with a budget PS - 450W. Then later upgrade.

 

Blain

[cichlidfan]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Until I decide to do SLI I wonder if I should go with a budget PS - 450W. Then later upgrade.

 

Blain

 

Never cut corners on the PSU. Also worth considering is that most good PSU's have long, 5-7 year, warranties.