ADVICE! HELP! $450 WHAT TO GET?!

[polobunny]

I second what Capper proposed. That's pretty much upgrades I would have suggested.
You need to modify the divider. I know it's there, where exactly I don't remember. Maybe Paul or someone more used to P5B's can tell you. Or someone not as lazy as me can check in the manual ;)
Also you might want to check DirectCanada.com.
Ordered from there, they're reliable and apparently cheaper than CanadaComputers.

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

You're not running dual-channel?! That's probably an issue.

Does it still affect performance like it used to back in the day of P4 (aka 30% performance hit)?

[polobunny]

Originally Posted by wtcnbrwndo4u

You're not running dual-channel?! That's probably an issue.

Does it still affect performance like it used to back in the day of P4 (aka 30% performance hit)?

No. Dual channel makes maybe a 10-15% performance boost at max now. You just lose alot on write speed.

[Dr. V]

i'm 99% getting a TT Big Typhoon -- im in love with these reviews, temps, everything is amazing about that thing.

it's close between that and the ZALMAN CNPS9700 though - not quite sure yet. either way, heatsink is AFTER the RAM and PSU. this is what im thinking...

one of these 2 RAM sets -- which is the best for OCing and overall performans (gaming, graphic anything, just raw power):

OCZ Special Ops Edition 2x1024MB 900MHz 5-5-5-15

OCZ Platinum Revision 2 XTC 2x1024MB 800MHz 4-4-4-15

those 4-4-4-15 vs 5-5-5-15 -- make a difference enough to make the 100MHz speed difference no big deal? do those timings affect performance enough not to care about that 100MHz?

in any case, please, if niether one of those RAM kits is the best choice in the </=$300 category (before tax), let me know (has to be from a local canadian store, which is why Canada Computers or TigerDirect are my only options, or just give me models and i'll check with my supply guy).

now, for power supplies -- SO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM -- question: Modular vs..."Non-Modular"...is the difference noticeable?

in any case, here is the modular solution im looking at (a la One4yu2c) the Corsair 620HX 620-watt Modular PSU

OR the non-modular solution (a la moi) the OCZ GameXStream 700-watt PSU

any rebates u may see are until the 31st (tomorrow) and cant be taken into consideration, unless some more arise among products now or later (either way i still need the stated amount of full cash before i get a rebate in the mail).

thought time :)

i know corsair XMS sets are said to be pretty good, but they are rather pricey. if its well WELL WELL WELL WELL worth it, i probably would go for it, but then the PSU would have to be a) held off and i buy a heatsing or b) downgraded and i still dont buy a heatsink.

[polobunny]

Go with the TT Big Typhoon. I know you won't be deceived. This thing is amazing, and you can't really hear it. (at least I can't hear mine)

As for the memory, I suggest the Platinum rev2 kit. Simply because I have tested it and it will most probably and easily go to 900mhz with 5-5-5-15. I have never tested the special ops kit though.

There's no major difference between modular and non modular, except cables :P
Both power supply units you linked to are great. I currently own an OCZ GameXStream 700w that I bought from Paul and I really like it. It's my first OCZ PSU, just before I had a 500W SmartPower 2.0 (which is modular) and my only gripe about the OCZ is that there's so much cables to hide. =|

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by ST!X

i know corsair XMS sets are said to be pretty good, but they are rather pricey. if its well WELL WELL WELL WELL worth it, i probably would go for it, but then the PSU would have to be a) held off and i buy a heatsing or b) downgraded and i still dont buy a heatsink.

A very good and less pricey modular alternative to the Seasonic M12 and Corsair HX line (which are basically the same PSUs) is the Liberty series from Enermax. I don't remember seeing them listed on Canada Computers, but if there are other Canadian vendors you're open to shopping from, I'd give them a peek.

[Quakindude]

If you went with the CNPS9700, you'd have to have a large case for it to fit. I have an Enermax Chakra Mid-tower case and the 9700 will not allow me to put the side panel on.

I've seen a couple of Silverstones on a Canadian online store. One was the 560w Strider. Silverstone makes decent PSU's and 560w would be plenty for you. It was $88 Canadian. One4 knows his stuff on PSU's though, so hopefully he will comment on this recommendation.

[Dr. V]

basically, this is the scenario, and since One4 has been given recognition for PSU knowledge, this is somewhat directed more to him, but also anyone else.

i have a RAM kit. the platinum rev2 xtc. all in all, i dont have the budget for what im about to tell you, but lets pretend i do becuz i could probably get it.

after that RAM, i will have MAXIMUM $200 to spend on a PSU before taxes (taxes included would be shweet, but moving along) and i simply want the best possible one for this scenario:

in a few months, when DX10 formally is completely released, i will 100% be getting a new video card for it. i may or may not be getting another 2GB ram immediately with it, but definitely will have it soon after if not same day. i need a PSU that is very good now, and that will be very good for the future meaning it must support an OCed C2D, 4GB RAM, high end DX10 video card, ASUS P5B Deluxe mobo, probably 2 HDDs, maybe 4, and eventually a high end sound card as well.

the PSU i have now is going an OK job at the moment, but still probably holding me back. the PSU i get has to be able to safely and comfortably support the stated conditions.

now, the 2 ultimate questions.

1) is there a PSU that exists for my conditions and the price stated (be humble, if its a touch more, recommend it its not like im confining you to crap out on me for another $20 for example, or even a bit more but dont kill the $200 budget)

2) which one from Canada Computers, TigerDirect, or another easy and similarily cheap way of me getting it.

thank you in advanced for all your help One4 and anyone else, and i look forward to getting great parts and posting results. happy to be a HL member!

[Capper]

Stick with trusted brands like ANTEC, Fortron, Sparkle, Enermax, OCZ, and Corsair......anything over 500W will be fine, unless you are planning on an SLI system.
You should be able to get a great PSU for around $100-120

[Dr. V]

8 PSUs total. 7/8 marked Multi-GPU Compatible.

1) Silverstone SST-ST65ZF 650W nVidia Certified SLI PSU

2) Thermaltake Toughpower W0104RU 650W w/14cm Fan SLI-Ready

3) SEASONIC S12 650W SLI/CF SSI PSU

4) Antec TRUEPOWER TRIO 650W TP3 SLI-Ready

5) Coolermaster iGreen 600W Power Supply SLI-Ready

6) Corsair HX Series CMPSU-620HX 620W ATX Triple Power Supply

7) Enermax Liberty 620W Version 2 SLI/Crossfire Compatible

8) OCZ GameXStream 700W Dual-GPU Compatible

those are 8 that i thought were in the same category.

i like the TT Tough Power, the Antec, and the OCZ in particular, however whichever one is BEST out of those i will get.

thank you!