Decisions Decisions.. PSU/Motherboard/Ram

scotred · 13 Oct 2011 at 18:03

Ok.. first off the bat. I am definitely decided on the Silverstone Raven RV03 as a computer case. I am also 80% sure i want the i5 2500K , although i can pick up the 2600K for only £40 more which accounts for the remaining 20% of doubt.. would you spend that £40 extra?

My computer uses will be Gaming, Music Creation(not extensive, hobby only) and Surfing. I would like to order the rig over the weekend or i could wait a 2-3 more weeks if any new hardware i should be considering is on the horizon. I dont have a GFX card yet but will most likely be purchasing the HD 6950 (i heard it can be unlocked to 6970 performance easily) within a few weeks and will be using the integrated Intel GFX chip on the CPU in the meantime. SLI is something i am considering in the future (1-2yrs maybe) and i am looking to stick the OS on a SSD but that can wait a couple of months or so.

So what i am looking for is recommendations on PSU/Motherboard/Ram. I like to get the best bang for buck in my hardware rather than absolute top end. Below some of the things i will be looking for in the parts i require.

PSU : i guess a 700W would be suffice, modular isnt really an issue as the Raven already has excellent cable management. I would however like a very solid reputable unit, i heard Seasonic made ones are very good and they also make for other companies. Branding is not an issue i just want something very reliable and solid as i find the PSU's are the most faulty of all computer hardware.
*EDIT* i should also add i would the require the wiring to be of reasonable length as i hear the Raven has issues with short cable lengthed PSU's.

Motherboard: I would require a motherboard that supports Ivy Bridge and also has PCI-e 3.0. Because i will be using my inbuilt Intel GFX chip for a few weeks i will aso require HDMI or DVI port to be on the backplate of motherboard.

RAM: not fussy about RAM, as long as its stable and works. Will be looking for 8GB atleast, more if there is a good offer doing the rounds i suppose. I was thinking going for the 1866MHz speed ones but if its a matter of loading up a game 5 seconds later, i could be tempted to going for lower speeds.

So there you have it, as you can see im fairly fussy and a bit of a perfectionist.. hope you guys can guide in the right direction.

thanks for taking time to read.

olivier renault · 13 Oct 2011 at 19:10

scotred said:
Ok.. first off the bat. I am definitely decided on the Silverstone Raven RV03 as a computer case. I am also 80% sure i want the i5 2500K , although i can pick up the 2600K for only £40 more which accounts for the remaining 20% of doubt.. would you spend that £40 extra?

Personally, no. But I'd rather a 2500K plus, for example, a CPU cooler or a better PSU.

As for the Raven case, I personally prefer the RV02W-EW / RV02W-EB. Same layout as the FT02, with the PSU at the back of the case. The case is longer than the RV03, and has the window on the other side. I'm getting a carbide 400R.

My computer uses will be Gaming, Music Creation(not extensive, hobby only) and Surfing. I would like to order the rig over the weekend or i could wait a 2-3 more weeks if any new hardware i should be considering is on the horizon. I dont have a GFX card yet but will most likely be purchasing the HD 6950 (i heard it can be unlocked to 6970 performance easily) within a few weeks and will be using the integrated Intel GFX chip on the CPU in the meantime. SLI is something i am considering in the future (1-2yrs maybe)

For that, you'll need a Z68 board, P67 don't use the IGP in any way.

For the GPU, a 6950 / 560ti would be my choice, especially with SLI / Xfire in mind. In fact I'm getting a couple of 6950 toxic. I also feel more Vram is welcomed, so I would go for either the Twin Frozr II 560ti 2GB, or a 6950 2GB.

As for unlocking, that's not entirely true any more, and is risky. The only card I'd consider for that purpose would be the 6950 TOXIC, even then it's not 100% unlockable, but it's factory overclocked and has beefy VRMs. Plus, for Xfire, it exhausts heats at the back of the case. I'm not recommending that particular one per-se, it is expensive on OcUK.

and i am looking to stick the OS on a SSD but that can wait a couple of months or so.

I can't go back to HDDs for OS, SSDs are too good for that purpose. I run a 60GB Vertex2 atm, and I have somewhere around 15GB-20GB free, with some tweaking and maintenance. I'm getting a M4 128GB for my new build.

PSU : i guess a 700W would be suffice, modular isnt really an issue as the Raven already has excellent cable management. I would however like a very solid reputable unit, i heard Seasonic made ones are very good and they also make for other companies. Branding is not an issue i just want something very reliable and solid as i find the PSU's are the most faulty of all computer hardware.
*EDIT* i should also add i would the require the wiring to be of reasonable length as i hear the Raven has issues with short cable lengthed PSU's.

I have a Seasonic X-850 on order. As for quality, stay with Antec, XFX (Seasonic based PSUs), Corsair, and Enermax. I would try to get something modular for that case, even fully modular. Like a AX750 (for 6950's / 560ti's), Seasonic X-750, or a XFX Black 750, Antec TP-750 pro. As for cable length, I don't know for sure, you'll have to look it up or be prepared to use extension cables.

Motherboard: I would require a motherboard that supports Ivy Bridge and also has PCI-e 3.0. Because i will be using my inbuilt Intel GFX chip for a few weeks i will aso require HDMI or DVI port to be on the backplate of motherboard.

I'm getting the AsRock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3. AFAIK, pretty much every Z68 will support IvyBridge, the Gen3 will allow PCIE3 cards to be used at their full potential.

RAM: not fussy about RAM, as long as its stable and works. Will be looking for 8GB atleast, more if there is a good offer doing the rounds i suppose. I was thinking going for the 1866MHz speed ones but if its a matter of loading up a game 5 seconds later, i could be tempted to going for lower speeds.

I'd just get a pair of XMS3, very common sticks, and memory speed won't have much perceivable impact. I would pick up a low profile set. There are also the vengeance (quite tall), and the new Crucial Elite, also tall. Tall RAM heatsinks can cause problems with some air coolers.

scotred · 13 Oct 2011 at 21:46

olivier renault said:
Personally, no. But I'd rather a 2500K plus, for example, a CPU cooler or a better PSU.

As for the Raven case, I personally prefer the RV02W-EW / RV02W-EB. Same layout as the FT02, with the PSU at the back of the case. The case is longer than the RV03, and has the window on the other side. I'm getting a carbide 400R.

For that, you'll need a Z68 board, P67 don't use the IGP in any way.

For the GPU, a 6950 / 560ti would be my choice, especially with SLI / Xfire in mind. In fact I'm getting a couple of 6950 toxic. I also feel more Vram is welcomed, so I would go for either the Twin Frozr II 560ti 2GB, or a 6950 2GB.

As for unlocking, that's not entirely true any more, and is risky. The only card I'd consider for that purpose would be the 6950 TOXIC, even then it's not 100% unlockable, but it's factory overclocked and has beefy VRMs. Plus, for Xfire, it exhausts heats at the back of the case. I'm not recommending that particular one per-se, it is expensive on OcUK.

I can't go back to HDDs for OS, SSDs are too good for that purpose. I run a 60GB Vertex2 atm, and I have somewhere around 15GB-20GB free, with some tweaking and maintenance. I'm getting a M4 128GB for my new build.

I have a Seasonic X-850 on order. As for quality, stay with Antec, XFX (Seasonic based PSUs), Corsair, and Enermax. I would try to get something modular for that case, even fully modular. Like a AX750 (for 6950's / 560ti's), Seasonic X-750, or a XFX Black 750, Antec TP-750 pro. As for cable length, I don't know for sure, you'll have to look it up or be prepared to use extension cables.

I'm getting the AsRock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3. AFAIK, pretty much every Z68 will support IvyBridge, the Gen3 will allow PCIE3 cards to be used at their full potential.

I'd just get a pair of XMS3, very common sticks, and memory speed won't have much perceivable impact. I would pick up a low profile set. There are also the vengeance (quite tall), and the new Crucial Elite, also tall. Tall RAM heatsinks can cause problems with some air coolers.

Thanks for the informative reply, appreciated.

In regards to the case, you've put a spanner in the works with that carbide 400R, i really like the look of the white edition of it. I have to ask tho, any reason why you are going for the 400R rather than the 500R which ive just done a quick search for and found for only £5 more than the 400R? In any case (excuse the pun) do either of these cases match the Airflow performance of the Raven series? i read one review of someone knocking 20C off their system temp just by using the RV03.

Yes i was looking at the Z68 boards exclusively, i should have stated that in the original post. That AsRock motherboard is the exact one i was thinking about going for, however im not familiar with AsRock products so there is a question mark over the reliability there for me, is this the case? Ive been out of the computer hardware scene for about 4yrs now when i purchased a laptop, with my last build being circa 2005 and at that time Abit and Asus were top dogs and MSI and Gigabyte a tear below. I purchased a Asus at that time and its still running ok in my sisters comp but i cant find any Gen3 Asus boards.

So the early 6950 cards used to be overclocked to 6970's but not anymore? i wouldnt be opposed to buying a second hand card if that was the case. Having said that, the stock 6950 should be more than adequate for running BF3 @ 1080p on a single screen from what i gather. Still the card of choice but thanks for the heads up.

I would go the 60gb SSD route too and i think that would be enough for the OS and a couple of most played games, especially as im used to managing the space coming from a laptop setup.

Can i ask what the benefits of modular PSU's are? i always thought it was really only for cable management but the Raven and from what i can tell the Carbide seem to have a fairly good cable management system already in place. So i was thinking of saving a few ££'s buying for a non modular unit.

Thanks for the tip on the XMS3, i see OcUK has a weekly special on them too, so they are going on the list

again thanks for the input.

Nightglow · 13 Oct 2011 at 21:58

Well worth having a modular psu,have Be Quiet modular psu's, would never go back to a non modular psu.
Other than the 24 pin atx cable, I only need three cables connected to provide my P8 connector, crossfire & one to give me three sata connectors & two molex connector.

You need only to connect the cables you need,less clutter, neater cable management, & better airflow.

olivier renault · 13 Oct 2011 at 22:09

scotred said:
Thanks for the informative reply, appreciated.

In regards to the case, you've put a spanner in the works with that carbide 400R, i really like the look of the white edition of it. I have to ask tho, any reason why you are going for the 400R rather than the 500R which ive just done a quick search for and found for only £5 more than the 400R? In any case (excuse the pun) do either of these cases match the Airflow performance of the Raven series? i read one review of someone knocking 20C off their system temp just by using the RV03.

For airflow performance, the Raven (or any 90 degree rotated silverstone) are hard to beat. They have massive 180mm fans at the bottom pushing the heat up. The carbide has loads of fan option, and I like the side panel layout, where you can add a exhaust / intake fan directly to the GPUs. I selected the 400R for simplicity. The 500R looks good too.

Yes i was looking at the Z68 boards exclusively, i should have stated that in the original post. That AsRock motherboard is the exact one i was thinking about going for, however im not familiar with AsRock products so there is a question mark over the reliability there for me, is this the case? Ive been out of the computer hardware scene for about 4yrs now when i purchased a laptop, with my last build being circa 2005 and at that time Abit and Asus were top dogs and MSI and Gigabyte a tear below. I purchased a Asus at that time and its still running ok in my sisters comp but i cant find any Gen3 Asus boards.

Best build quality would probably the gigabytes, but they are more expensive given the features. I selected the AsRock as it has loads of features, performs well, and has plenty of fan headers and fan tweaking. Asus always good, AsRock used to be the budget line of Asus, but they have stepped up.

So the early 6950 cards used to be overclocked to 6970's but not anymore? i wouldnt be opposed to buying a second hand card if that was the case. Having said that, the stock 6950 should be more than adequate for running BF3 @ 1080p on a single screen from what i gather. Still the card of choice but thanks for the heads up.

I wouldn't bother unlocking really. I am not even sure I will unlock my toxic's at all. 6950 xfire is plenty of power already.

I would go the 60gb SSD route too and i think that would be enough for the OS and a couple of most played games, especially as im used to managing the space coming from a laptop setup.

I would then recommend the Crucial M4 64GB.

Can i ask what the benefits of modular PSU's are? i always thought it was really only for cable management but the Raven and from what i can tell the Carbide seem to have a fairly good cable management system already in place. So i was thinking of saving a few ££'s buying for a non modular unit.

Yes, it's mainly for cable clutter. I went Seasonic just so I could get the best

I like a good PSU. Semi modular would be an option. Usually, you have most of the main connectors in a bundle coming out of the PSU, and you have optional connectors that you can add later on. If you think the case can take non-modular, then the Corsair TX7750V2, TX850V2, XFX Core 750W, Antec TP-750. All versions of Seasonic units.

Thanks for the tip on the XMS3, i see OcUK has a weekly special on them too, so they are going on the list

again thanks for the input.

The XMS3 is rated 1.65V 9-9-9-24 1600 mhz, but plenty have managed that speed and CAS at lower voltages. You can expect 1.55V on the memory or lower, and the lower the voltage, the cooler they are. Plus Sandybridge prefers low voltage.

I have a set of Kingston HyperX 12800C9 in my current rig ([email protected]), and they perform perfectly well. I think either will do a good job at 1.5V. Then you have also the Vengeance Low Profile, they look like better binned XMS3, and are more expensive. But they look cool, and are rated 1.5V by manufacturer.

scotred · 13 Oct 2011 at 22:10

Nightglow said:
Well worth having a modular psu,have Be Quiet modular psu's, would never go back to a non modular psu.

You need only to connect the cables you need,less clutter, neater cable management, & better airflow.

Yeh but with the Raven, you can do that without a modular PSU if im not mistaken. All the cables are hidden behind the case and you only thread the ones you need through the grommets.

like this

206371d1303217409-silverstone-raven-rv03-user-review-lessons-rear-fan-intake.jpg

and the cables are hidden at the back like this

P.S i really wished they made that blue striped version for production.

olivier renault · 13 Oct 2011 at 22:17

Forgot how neat the raven looks.

I've seen a nice cable management 'mod' for the PCIE connectors, where the cables were routed through the front of the case, and cable-tied to the fans. So no obstructions against the fans anywhere. PCIE cables may be a bit short for that.

EDIT : It was actually a FT02. Was something like that

scotred · 13 Oct 2011 at 22:19

+reps Olivier. You have helped a great deal and i will most likely go with most of your suggestions but sticking with the Raven and going with one of the non-modular PSU's on your list.

olivier renault · 13 Oct 2011 at 22:27

You're a brave man

For the raven, I would take some form of modularity, there isn't that much space to tidy up the cables. The PSU in the pictures above is a Antec HCP-1200. It is semi modular. Even then they had to bundle up some of the cables. I suppose when there is a will, there is a way, in that regard.

scotred · 13 Oct 2011 at 22:37

olivier renault said:
Forgot how neat the raven looks.

I've seen a nice cable management 'mod' for the PCIE connectors, where the cables were routed through the front of the case, and cable-tied to the fans. So no obstructions against the fans anywhere. PCIE cables may be a bit short for that.

EDIT : It was actually a FT02. Was something like that

I have to admit, the FT02 looks super sexy with the red on black. If i wasn't doing a full system upgrade, id pay the extra premium for that alone.

scotred · 13 Oct 2011 at 22:41

olivier renault said:
You're a brave man For the raven, I would take some form of modularity, there isn't that much space to tidy up the cables. The PSU in the pictures above is a Antec HCP-1200. It is semi modular. Even then they had to bundle up some of the cables. I suppose when there is a will, there is a way, in that regard.

lol where theres a hammer there's a way :cool:

but those pics are from two different sources to be fair, i was just showing as an example and by the looks of it the back of case pic looks like a full blown non modular spaghetti soup.

olivier renault · 13 Oct 2011 at 22:42

yes, it's a lot of money though

Best case for air cooling imo.

if you want PSU reviews for your final choice, look up jonnyguru and hardware secrets tests.

A list of PSUs and links to their reviews.

http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page541.htm

olivier renault · 13 Oct 2011 at 22:44

scotred said:
lol where theres a hammer there's a way

but those pics are from two different sources to be fair, i was just showing as an example and by the looks of it the back of case pic looks like a full blown non modular spaghetti soup.

I think it's actually a tidy cable management. Wont get much better than that.

scotred · 13 Oct 2011 at 23:01

olivier renault said:
yes, it's a lot of money though Best case for air cooling imo.

if you want PSU reviews for your final choice, look up jonnyguru and hardware secrets tests.

A list of PSUs and links to their reviews.

http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page541.htm

thats a fantastic link. Its like the metacritic for PSU's

thanks!

olivier renault · 14 Oct 2011 at 08:22

Have fun with the build. I changed my order BTW and swapped to a Carbide 500R