Curse

LuckyGiant · May 21, 2009, 12:43 AM // 00:43

Hi guys,

I'm looking for input on a complete system (screen incl) as my example below for under $1000NZD. Is below the best I can get an do the parts fit together properly?

To give you some context I don't do a heap of high end gaming, still running on a Athlon 3000+ 512mb ram ATI 256mb 9600 PRO that I purchased about 5 years ago. I want something that will stay up to date for a bit, but on the budget.

Parts list to use if you think parts should be switched can be found here.
http://www.pricespy.co.nz/

Of particular interest, which of the two graphics cards would be the best for the price?

Elder III · May 21, 2009, 04:28 AM // 04:28

4650 will murder the 9500 gt in every modern game you play.. if you can afford a 4670 though get it the increase is substantil (playing power)

LuckyGiant · May 21, 2009, 05:55 AM // 05:55

Fantastic thanks.

In terms of comparison:

ATI Radeon HD 4650 512MB PCI-Express, $98.82
ATI Radeon HD 4670 512MB PCI-Express, $139.77
ATI Radeon HD 4670 1GB PCI-Express, $161.36
ATI Radeon HD 4830 512MB PCI-Express, $186.03

If I have 2x 2gb dual channel ram will a 4670 512mb be significantly different from a 4670 1gb card?

Will a 4830 512mb be significantly different to a 4670 1GB, enough to warrant the price?

Gotta be careful though because you can do this forever

Ie: its only $20 to the next price bracket, get there then again its only an extra $20 to the next price bracket and so on

moriz · May 21, 2009, 01:00 PM // 13:00

system ram has absolutely nothing to do with the video ram that comes with graphic cards. with that said, the 4670 is generally not fast enough to utilize 1gb of vRAM. what's even worse, is that companies will often use slower vRAM on the 1gb versions, so you'll be better off with the 512mb version.

the 4830 is quite a bit faster than the 4670. however, it is being replaced by the faster 4770. the 4770 also runs a bit cooler and uses less power. not sure if its available where you are though.

kontradictions · May 21, 2009, 04:42 PM // 16:42

I would suggest purchasing a better power supply. I wouldn't want to risk a brand new system on a generic power supply.

Elder III · May 21, 2009, 05:14 PM // 17:14

if your budget is 1000NZ$, then I would go for the 4670 512mb version - since you said that you don't do allot of high end gaming and at lower resolutions and non-max settigns you should be fine for any game out there now except Crysis and really set for games that are over 1-2 years old now.... The 4670 is a very good budget gamer card right now.

*it would be good if you could find more info on the power supply provided with your case.... often those PSUs that come with cases are inferior quality....*

rick1027 · May 21, 2009, 10:59 PM // 22:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by kontradictions

I would suggest purchasing a better power supply. I wouldn't want to risk a brand new system on a generic power supply.

this is something that needs to be said over and over and how few people follow this advice. most systems that are built by someone else tend to get the cheapest one to run a system and when you go to upgrade you always need a better one and if you dont upgrade the psu you get lots of wierd little errors which are hard to find. which ends up you ruled out all else maybe its the psu. i've learned my lesson the hard way and now i always get a better one than i actaully need. i got a 1000w corsair and probably could use any brand 650w or less but stability means a lot and if i upgrade i always got probabaly more then i need

LuckyGiant · May 22, 2009, 07:15 AM // 07:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by moriz

what's even worse, is that companies will often use slower vRAM on the 1gb versions, so you'll be better off with the 512mb version.

I found that interesting, thanks for the heads up.
I think I'll look a the 4670 512mb.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elder III

*it would be good if you could find more info on the power supply provided with your case.... often those PSUs that come with cases are inferior quality....*

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick1027

and if you dont upgrade the psu you get lots of wierd little errors which are hard to find.

Ok, thats a little scary. So would it be a power issue or a brand issue?
Would I be pretty safe going with a 450 - 500W Hyena power supply?

StManTiS · May 22, 2009, 10:50 AM // 10:50

I would say get a PSU from a reputable brand, such as PC Power and Cooling, Enermax, Thermaltake, Antec, Corsair

Elder III · May 22, 2009, 02:41 PM // 14:41

This thread in the link is old, but it will give you an idea of what overclockers in NZ think of Hyena Power Supplies - personally I've never heard of it (USA/Europe background) so I wouldn't get it myself.

http://forums.pcworld.co.nz/archive/...p/t-45660.html

basically they sound like something to stay the h*ll away from....

rick1027 · May 22, 2009, 07:07 PM // 19:07

personally id go corsair or antec psu 550w or more. i like the corsair thats 650w. it doesnt hurt to get a better power supply then you need it means you could upgrade more without worrying

Blackhearted · May 24, 2009, 02:23 AM // 02:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by StManTiS

I would say get a PSU from a reputable brand, such as PC Power and Cooling, Enermax, Thermaltake, Antec, Corsair

I'm not sure i'd put antec on that list. I put one of those in my moms pc when i put hers together a couple years ago and it died alot sooner than any no-name brand one i've used before. If antec's die that fast in non-gaming machines, i sure wouldn't put one in a machine that does any gaming at all.

moriz · May 24, 2009, 04:44 AM // 04:44

antec's PSUs are usually very good, so it's very possible that you've received a dud. it's almost never a good idea to dismiss an entire brand based on just one failure.

dilan155 · May 24, 2009, 06:14 PM // 18:14

is it just me or is that HD a little bit too expensive? i bought http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136149 this and its still working fine.

rick1027 · May 24, 2009, 07:46 PM // 19:46

me personally id say a little high but not bad id shop around looking for a better deal might actually find one similar for a few dollars cheaper. ive never been a fan of wd drives but i wouldnt consider them garbage either its all preference. i see the same drive on directron for 5 dollars less