Components for new rig ... your opinion

[b4u]

Hi,

I'm looking into the possibility of buying a new computer. Since I don't require all pieces, and I have knowledge to build it from the ground up, I'm choosing the option of getting the more from my money, buy carefully selecting each components.

Now I've managed to get a temporary list of components, some of them I found the exact models I was looking, and other parts I had to go by what seemed to me a correct choice for price/performance ratio.

I need your opinions, because surely you have something to say, and even a better choice for me.

What I want a computer for?

- I want to play some games. I'm not looking into 1900 resolution, for me 1024 is good ... as long as it is playable ... I'm used to play at 800x600 last time I played at 1024 was in the 1st year I bought my current PC. What will I play? Runes Of Magic, Formula1 2010, Modern Warfare (only online), and probably give it a try at Settlers 7. I need to by the hardware first ...

- I also want to do some video processing. Nothing professional, but I'm thinking about Adobe Premiere Pro here ... last time I tested this software on my PC, it encoded a DVD (home made family video ) during ... 5-7 hours ... it is okay for me, no problem because I created the movie with time in advance, because I know it takes time to encode ... but it would be great if I don't have to leave the computer processing during the night, to check the results only when I wake up in the morning.

- I also want to start using Adobe Lightroom for managing my million digital photos on my hard disk. No experience here, I just know it would require RAM, so don't know if 4Gb would sufice ...

- Operating System will be Windows 7 64bit, probably Ultimate.

- The rest will be Office and Internet, but for this even my actual computer does the trick.


So my choices are, so far:

Mobo:

ASUS P7P55D-E PRO - Socket 1156 - Chipset P55 - ATX
http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=T2FxW2fXGZQgSn2V&templete=2
157€

CPU:

Intel Core i5-760 - 2,8 GHz - Cache L3 8 MB - Socket LGA 1156 (boxed version)
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=48496
176€

Memory:

OCZ Memory PC Platinum Low Voltage Dual Channel 2 x 2 GB DDR3-2000 PC3-16000 (OCZ3P2000LV4GK)
http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_ddr3_pc3_16000_platinum_low_voltage_dual_channel
84€
(this one my preference so far)

or

OCZ Memory PC Gold Low Voltage 2 x 2 GB DDR3-1333 PC3-10666 (OCZ3G1333LV4GK)
http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_ddr3_pc3_10666_gold_low_voltage_dual_channel
56€

or

OCZ Memory PC Gold Low Voltage Dual Channel 2 x 2 GB DDR3-2133 PC3-17000 (OCZ3G2133LV4GK)
http://www.ocztechnology.com/produc...-pc3-17000-gold-low-voltage-dual-channel.html
113,90€

Power Supply Unit:

Corsair PSU PC CMPSU-650TXEU - 650 W
http://www.corsair.com/products/tx/default.aspx
85,74€
(this one my preference so far)

or

OCZ PSU PC StealthXstream II 600 W (OCZ600SXS2)
http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/power_management/ocz_600w_stealthxstream_power_supply
59,90€

GPU:

GAINWARD GeForce GTX 460 GS - 1024 MB GDDR5 - PCI-Express 2.0 (N1040-1190)
http://www.gainward.com/main/vgapro.php?id=394
159,90€

Mid Tower:

Cooler Master Caixa PC CM 690 II Advanced
http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6638
88,90€

Cooler:

Cooler Master CPU V8
http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=5279&category_id=3563
53,90€


Total so far (with the preferenced components selected): 805,44€

I have some questions about the list itself:

[MOBO] I'm choosing this ASUS because I've read good reports on it's features and performance ... USB 3.0 is a nice feature, I've been told that there is no need to go for it if not going for SLI ... I'm just buying one GPU at the time, maybe latter I add another one ... to help those future games a bit more ...

[CPU] Since the CPU is boxed version, it should come with a stock cooler ... should it be enough, since I'm not overclocking anytime soon?

[RAM] I'm choosing OCZ because I've read some reviews that put them at good position. About OCZ Platinum should be better than Gold? I'm still thinking about the possibility of going to 2x4Gb for a total 8Gb RAM.

[PSU] It seems Corsair is not multi module PSU. But should I choose one multi-module? Also it doesn't seem (from the product site) to be SLI ready ... but should it be enough, since I'm not buying 500€ graphic cards? (I'm buying just one for the moment) Will I need to buy a new PSU if latter I put another GPU? Another thing ... "80 Plus Bronze" what is this? Another thing ... "80 Plus Bronze" what is this?

[GPU] I'm not going to fork 500€ for a GPU ... and I'm going for just one card for the moment. The GTX 460 looks from the reviews a killer card, and I've found this specific brand/model at what seems to me a good price.

[MID_TOWER] Nothing special here, just looking to a nice case that doesn't cost a fortune, and has a good logical construction. Something that shows and feels like it was thought before going to production.

[COOLER] About the CPU cooler V8 ... I'm very afraid that it won't fit inside the Mid Tower case ... any reports on this? Also if not overclocking, should I buy a replacer for the one that comes with the CPU?


So ... here it is, my list.

You will ask me what is my budget ... well ... my budget is 0€ now seriously, I don't want to go much higher than this, I can tell you I would not want to spend more that 600€ but that would not bring me anything better than what I have, and now I'm looking into 800€, but no problem. I'm willing to go higher if some component give my a better price/performance ratio over the one I have ... the less it costs the better, but if giving a bit more will bring me practical beneficts, I'll seriously see what my wallet can do.

Now, would you change anything? I bet you would ... please post your opinion ... anything can be changed before I buy it, so your opinion is really important and will be delivered to my brain for proper processing.

(at this time I'm looking into Holiday 2010 System Builder's Guide for any idea )


Many thanks for your opinions.

 

[mfenn]

Waaaaay too much OCZ in this build for it to be considered good. :awe:

I'll just go down your list with comments:
-Mobo: Don't spend so much on a P55 board. Odds are that you will never SLI because, given your game preferences, it will never be necessary. Buy the time that GTX 460 is unable to run your style of games, there will be a GTX 760 out that is over twice as fast, thus making SLI a dumb idea.
-CPU: Looks good.
-Memory: Just avoid OCZ DDR3. It has a ton of compatibility issues and insists on running at too high a voltage. Also, since you're not overclocking, you don't need anything above DDR3 1333. Buy the cheapest 1.5V DDR3 1333 from a reputable brand.
-PSU: Both of those are overkill. I'd look into the Seasonic S12II 520W if it is available to you.
-GPU: Looks OK, but don't pay extra for a factory-overclocked version.
-Case: Good
-HSF: Completely unnecessary if you're running at stock.

 

[b4u]

Waaaaay too much OCZ in this build for it to be considered good. :awe:

I'll just go down your list with comments:
-Mobo: Don't spend so much on a P55 board. Odds are that you will never SLI because, given your game preferences, it will never be necessary. Buy the time that GTX 460 is unable to run your style of games, there will be a GTX 760 out that is over twice as fast, thus making SLI a dumb idea.
-CPU: Looks good.
-Memory: Just avoid OCZ DDR3. It has a ton of compatibility issues and insists on running at too high a voltage. Also, since you're not overclocking, you don't need anything above DDR3 1333. Buy the cheapest 1.5V DDR3 1333 from a reputable brand.
-PSU: Both of those are overkill. I'd look into the Seasonic S12II 520W if it is available to you.
-GPU: Looks OK, but don't pay extra for a factory-overclocked version.
-Case: Good
-HSF: Completely unnecessary if you're running at stock.

Hi, Thanks for your reply.

Kingston MEM 4GB 1333MHz DDR3 Non-ECC CL9 DIMM (Kit 2)
Kingston MEM 4GB 1600MHz DDR3 Non-ECC CL9 DIMM (Kit 2)
Kingston MEM 4GB 1800MHz DDR3 Non-ECC CL9 DIMM (Kit 2)

They all look good, the price is the same for all of them ... 94.86€

The CL9 is a good thing? What MHz is the requirement for i5 760 + p7p55d-e pro FSB? 1333MHz?

My biggest concern is compatibility, and I'm looking around the web for info about which brand/models are already well tested amoungst the users.

I have Kingston on my computer, and although is a totally diferent setup, they gave me NO problems so far ... 8 years running

I cannot found the PSU you told me at my local shop, but I found this one:

Cooler Master PSU PC GX 550 W (RS-550-ACAA-E3)
http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6641&category_id=3575
63,90€
or
Cooler Master PSU PC Silent Pro M500 500 W
http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=4196
79,66€

This later looks good, apparently makes less noise (for me it is important) and modular flat cables are a nice add-on too.

Your opinions are welcome ...

Thanks in advance.

Edit:

KINGSTON - HyperX/DDR3 4GB 1600MHz CL8 Kit XMP
86,90€
http://www.kingston.com/hyperx/products/khx_ddr3.asp
http://www.valueram.com/datasheets/KHX1600C8D3K2_4GX.pdf
model: KHX1600C8D3K2/4GX

This is a compatible module (at least from their site), as they state: "DUAL-CHANNEL MEMORY KITS "X" suffix designates XMP ready for Intel Core i5 7xx and Core i7 8xxx series processors and systems"

 

[mfenn]

Don't worry too much about the marketing. Just make sure that the RAM is 1.5V, at least 1333Mhz and is from a good brand (Kingston is a good brand).

As for the PSU, the Cooler Master Silent Pro series got a good review from jonnyguru.com, which means it is an excellent PSU. So go with that one!

 

[b4u]

Some time ago, when i7 processors arrived, there was this thing about triple bus, or something like that, so that it would be possible to install 3 DDR3 DIMS and achieve best results. That's why we see 3 DIMM kits selling.

I'm thinking about this ASUS P7P55D-E Pro and 2x2Gb kit, but what if I update my processor latter on to a i7? Would it be better to update the memory kit too? Or that has something to do with the mobo, and this P7P55D-E Pro it only 2xDIMM kit-able?

Thanks

Edit: Oh, and one more thing ... would it be better served with 2x4Gb (total 8Gb) RAM? Thanks

 

[betasub]

Although the memory controller is on the processor, it is the motherboard/socket that will determine whether you should buy a dual-channel or a triple-channel memory kit. i5 and i7-8xx are on LGA1156, supporting dual-channel. The i7-9x on the original LGA1366 supports triple-channel. For most, the extra bandwidth from triple-channel provides no benefit - only benchmarks & a few professional/workstation apps make use of such extreme memory bandwidth.

2x2GB is fine for general use on LGA1156.

 

[mfenn]

Although the memory controller is on the processor, it is the motherboard/socket that will determine whether you should buy a dual-channel or a triple-channel memory kit. i5 and i7-8xx are on LGA1156, supporting dual-channel. The i7-9x on the original LGA1366 supports triple-channel. For most, the extra bandwidth from triple-channel provides no benefit - only benchmarks & a few professional/workstation apps make use of such extreme memory bandwidth.

2x2GB is fine for general use on LGA1156.

:thumbsup:

 

[b4u]

Hi, thanks for the help.

I have some more questions ... is there another GPU that could be a better choice than the GTX 460? Nvidia or ATI?

What ATI GPU would be equivalent to the GTX 460?


Thanks

 

[biostud]

AMD 6850 is roughly the same as GTX 460

 

[mfenn]

Hi, thanks for the help.

I have some more questions ... is there another GPU that could be a better choice than the GTX 460? Nvidia or ATI?

What ATI GPU would be equivalent to the GTX 460?


Thanks

Better for what, your framerate or your wallet?

I agree with biostud: GTX 460 1GB > 6850 > GTX 460 768MB

 

[b4u]

Hi, me again

I'm thinking about throwing a:

WESTERN DIGITAL HD external 3,5" Caviar Black WD1002FAEX - 1 TB - 7200 rpm - 64 MB - SATA-600

for 79,,90€

I would then have a system with a WD 500Gb + that 1Tb SATA-600 for bigger storage.

I'm still thinking if it is worth it, or if I just could hold up the market fuzz and get it latter on, probably a 2Tb or something like that for the same price.

I don't know yet if using a SATA-600 sucks bandwidth from PCIe, I read something about it, have to double-check that info.

I know the Asus has 2 special connectors for SATA-600, and that the disks are backward compatible (if I want to connect them to an older SATA
connector), but for the new SATA-600, do I require a different SATA cable for getting the biggest bandwidth?

Also one more thing ... eSata connector, is it a regular SATA cable? And do I have to power off to connect, or are they hot-plug like a usb drive?

Your opinions are helping me allot, to solidify my choices.


Thanks


Edit:

About Asus P7P55D-E Pro

This board is special for a few different reasons. The first is that it supports both S-ATA 3.0 and USB 3.0, and with the PLX chip, it means that your primary graphics card will still run at PCI-E 16x. I'm still unsure how important this is in the grand scheme, and I'm not sure which GPUs would perform worse at 8x (I haven't been able to test up to this point, due to a lack of 3.0 devices), but, this is one thing ASUS has over Gigabyte, and it looks good on them.

-- from http://techgage.com/print/asus_p7p55d-e_pro

In between the USB headers and the clear CMOS jumper is a PLX Technologies bridge chip used to add an additional 8 PCIe 2.0 lanes to support the bandwidth needed for SATA 6Gbps and the additional PCIe 1x slot.

-- from http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/asus_p7p55d_premium_pro/4.htm

True USB 3.0 Support
Experience ultra-fast data transfers at 4.8 Gb/s with USB 3.0–the latest connectivity standard. Built to connect easily with next-generation components and peripherals, USB 3.0 transfers data 10X faster and is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 components.

True Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s support
Supporting next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) storage interface with onboard Marvell® controller, this motherboard delivers up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer rates. Additionally, get enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, double the bandwidth of current bus systems.

-- from http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=T2FxW2fXGZQgSn2V&templete=2

 

[fffblackmage]

Most HDDs don't saturate the SATA 1.5gbps standard, so all HDDs are fine connected via SATA 3gbps. Currently, only the Crucial C300 has SATA 6gbps support and have read speeds that exceed SATA 3gbps.

eSATA uses a unique connector. Other than that, I don't know, since I don't have any experience with eSATA.

That 1TB external HDD seems kinda pricey. Pretty sure you can find 2TB HDD for not much more if you drop SATA 6gbps support.

 

[mfenn]

I agree with blackmage. Don't bother with a SATA 6Gb/s mechanical drive because it cannot even saturate a SATA 3Gb/s link.

 

[b4u]

Uhm ... so now you made me wonder if I should go to a P7P55D-E PRO or change to a P7P55D-E (no PLX chip) or even P7P55D PRO (no USB3.0 nor SATA-6).

The USB 3.0 should be the only real advantage right now? As USB 3.0 periferals (Hard Disks mainly) will appear? They will probably not saturate the USB 3.0 bus, but still will get a trmendous bandwidth transfer rates comparing with USB 2.0, correct?


--- On Shop ---

Someone told me that I would probably be better with a 750W PSU ... :O I'm shocked! Do I really need that? I mean, I will not overclock SLI to extreme ratings ... not planning to overclock anytime soon ... and for now, not planning on SLI (maybe a bit latter down the line of time), just a single GTX 460 card ... and the price for a 750W it's way more ... on paying and on ... paying the electricity bill

I need also a silent PSU ... and that Cooler Master Silent Pro M500 looked fine ... with good reviews ... should I consider another? maybe M600 will do? Strange is that in the manufacturers site states that M500 is SLI ready ...

I can get a Cooler Master Silent Pro M600 for around 95€ (http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=4199&category_id=3576).

The M500 here: http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=4196&category_id=3575.

One more thing about M600:
Output Capacity 600W
Max. Output Capacity 720W

So this M600 is in fact a 720W PSU?

Because for M500:
Output Capacity 500W
Max. Output Capacity 620W
So it would be a 620W PSU ... correct?



Thanks

 

[betasub]

There's no consistent method for rating the output of the PSU, so the wattage given by the manufacturer is only a guideline, & some play loose and fast with the values they tout for marketing. Rely only on reputable brands to give a sensible value that bears inspection.

A P55/GTX460 build is not a power hog, and a 450W from a reputable brand should do the job. Don't know much about CM's SilentPro series (try JohnnyGuru's site) but the M500 looks reasonable if it fits in your budget.

 

[mfenn]

Uhm ... so now you made me wonder if I should go to a P7P55D-E PRO or change to a P7P55D-E (no PLX chip) or even P7P55D PRO (no USB3.0 nor SATA-6).

The USB 3.0 should be the only real advantage right now? As USB 3.0 periferals (Hard Disks mainly) will appear? They will probably not saturate the USB 3.0 bus, but still will get a trmendous bandwidth transfer rates comparing with USB 2.0, correct?

You are correct in that USB 3.0 is the main benefit of the newest generation of P55 boards. I actually like the P7P55D-E LX and the GA-P55-USB3. They don't waste a bunch of money on a PLX chip, but they give you USB 3.0. HDD's cannot saturate its 4.8Gb/s bus, but the alternative is .48Gb/s of USB2.0 which is just too slow.

As for the PSU, the second rating from Cooler Master is the peak momentary output. They cannot sustain that for more than a few seconds.

 

[b4u]

--- About the PSU

The difference on going from M500 to M600 is about 10€ ... if it was the double, the choice would be an easy no-can-do ...

Does a PSU just pulls power from socket as required?

--- Edit Start:
The Cooler Master simulator gives me de advice for a M600 ... although they state:

NVIDIA SLI-Ready Certified
The Silent Pro M500 is judiciously qualified to support any NVIDIA SLI computing configuration after acing numerous intense NVIDIA tests.

They also state the same for M600 and M700.
The config I used was a SLI with 1 GTX 460, 2x2Gb DDR3, Intel i5 760, 2x SATA HD 7200rpm, 2 optical DVD drives ... and I think that's it ... now if I put SLI with GTX 480, it advices a 750W ...
From my idea, I'll keep 1 GTX 460, then latter I may SLI with another, don't know if it has to be a GTX 460, if not maybe I'll put another generation GPU ... then it may be faster and require less power ... don't know ... i'm well ... tired ... 2h30 in the morning, and I'm still thinking abut d@mn computer parts ... time to sleep, and read your comments tomorrow ... thanks
--- Edit End!


--- About the GPU

Looking into brand of GPU, which would be best? Gainward or Gigabyte? At this time I have the following choices with some nice prices:

GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 460 - 1024 MB GDDR5 - PCI-Express 2.0 (GV-N460OC-1GI)
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3530#ov
169€

GAINWARD GeForce GTX 460 GS - 1024 MB GDDR5 - PCI-Express 2.0 (N1040-1190)
http://www.gainward.com/main/vgapro.php?id=394
165€

The prices are about the same (4€ diference), and they are in promotion, the original price puts gigabyte with biggest price (269€ vs 239&#8364. The price I get is a promotional price (or at least it seems so).

Now the processor is the same, GTX 460, the memory is the same 1Gb DDR5, so they should be about the same ... or should they?

The Gainward has "Dual DVI-I + VGA + HDMI" ... the Gigabyte has "Dual DVI-I + mini-HDMI" so it is a pitty Gigabyte don't have VGA ... but then again ... I don't use VGA for quite a while ... since I bought a Monitor with HDMI+DVI-I interface around 3 years ago

Is Gainward a better manufacturer than Gainward? Should I choose one over the other? Which one?

Is the Gainward double fan more silent than the Gainward (from your opinion)?

The blue color of Gigabyte would fit perfectly on Asus ... but the case is closed anyway

Looking more into the specs:

Gainward:
GPU Clockspeed : 700 Mhz
Memory Clockspeed : 1800 Mhz
Pixels per clock (peak) :
Bandwidth : 115.2 GB/s
Ramdac : 400 Mhz

Gigabyte:
Core Clock 715 MHz
Memory Clock 3600 MHz
Shader Clock 1430 MHz

Does this mean Gigabyte runs speedier and more overclocked?

Memory clock 1800MHz vs 3600MHz ... uhm ... they shouldn't talking about the same thing, right? They look too different in speed.


Thanks for keeping up with me ... I'd already forgotten how many stuff there is out there ... eh!

 

[mfenn]

Yes, a PSU only draws as much power as is required by the PC with the one caveat that a higher-wattage PSU will be less efficient (and thus draw more power) at a low load.

You must SLI equivalent cards, ie. GTX 460 with another GTX 460. I don't recommend "upgrading to SLI" though because unless you are upgrading very soon, you will be able to simply buy a new single card that is twice as fast as your old one.

As for the card itself, I would just get whichever is cheapest, unless one offers a significantly longer warranty.

 

[b4u]

Yes, a PSU only draws as much power as is required by the PC with the one caveat that a higher-wattage PSU will be less efficient (and thus draw more power) at a low load.

You must SLI equivalent cards, ie. GTX 460 with another GTX 460. I don't recommend "upgrading to SLI" though because unless you are upgrading very soon, you will be able to simply buy a new single card that is twice as fast as your old one.

As for the card itself, I would just get whichever is cheapest, unless one offers a significantly longer warranty.

About the card, I'll stay with your recommendation, I'll get the cheaper Gainward GTX 460 GS 1Gb DDR5 ... it's just 4€ but anyway, if I'll see no diference in real life, then I'll keep the money.

As for the SLI, I don't think I'll put a 2nd card soon, unless I find a nice opportunity. And latter, I agree with you, that I may find a sub-200€ card with twice the performance ... so no need to add, just replace and it's done!

I still have to find a PSU for the job, though, and I have lots of trouble choosing ... I'll probably better to increase from 500W, some people have already told me that, and some people did say to keep 500W ... also I read somewhere that there is no need for anything higher that 500-550W ... which I found strange.

Should I up the PSU power?

If so, I see 2 options:

Cooler Master Silent Pro M600
http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=4199
89€

Corsair HX-650W
http://www.corsair.com/products/hx650/default.aspx
110€

They both seem to be enough to power a single GTX 460, and even a SLI GTX 460 ... then again, Corsair's simulator state that for i5 GTX 460 SLI I should get 750W ... too much power and money, I think ...

Both have good reviews ... 21€ difference ... it's some money ... so this is a hard call without your opinion ...

So people ... say something to put light or darkness in my long hard journey of choosing the parts to my new PC.


Thanks

 

[mfenn]

Corsair has a vested interest in getting you to buy a larger PSU, so I would take their calculator with a grain of salt. Check out the power consumption graph below:

These figures are for a complete system that includes an overclocked i7, so you should be perfectly fine with a 500W.

 

[b4u]

Corsair has a vested interest in getting you to buy a larger PSU, so I would take their calculator with a grain of salt. Check out the power consumption graph below:

These figures are for a complete system that includes an overclocked i7, so you should be perfectly fine with a 500W.

Thanks for the info.

I've also found another simulator:
http://www.antec.outervision.com/PSUEngine:
System Type: Single Processor
Motherboard: High End - Desktop
CPU: Intel Core i5-760 2800 MHz Lynnfield
CPU Utilization (TDP): 90% TDP
RAM: 2 Sticks DDR3 SDRAM
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 1GB
Video Type: SLI
High rpm SATA: 2 HDDs
DVD-RW/DVD+RW Drive: 1 Drive
Fans
Regular: 1 Fan 80mm; 1 Fan 120mm;
Keyboard and mouse: Yes
System Load: 90 %
Capacitor Aging (+ W %): 25 %
Recommended Minimum
PSU Wattage: 619 Watts

I'm adding 2 fans (120mm and 80mm) to the case, if I plan to add them, and a 2nd hard disk ... it states 619w PSU ... eheh


Where did you found that graph? I ask this because the results seem a bit more realistic, or so I want to think so ... investing in a 650w PSU is bad to the wallet

Thanks

 

[mfenn]

The graph is from the main site's GTX 570 review. I'd say it's more accurate because they actually measured it and aren't just BS'ing some numbers like those "simulators".

 

[b4u]

The graph is from the main site's GTX 570 review. I'd say it's more accurate because they actually measured it and aren't just BS'ing some numbers like those "simulators".

Eheh, I'm back looking into M600 ... and some reviews.

One question more (they never end, do they?) ... the Silent Pro M600 has what they call PCI-e 6+2 pin connector. From the picture:

So each of those 6pin (yellow surrounded) connectors are called "PCI-e 6+2 pin), correct?

That's what get's connected to the GPU, but the GTX 460 needs 1 connector or 2 connectors? Do I connect both those cables to my single GTX 460? Because if I do, another GTX 460 has no more connectors ...

This 2 cable to one GPU seems a bit strange.

 

[mfenn]

Well, technically the PCI 6+2 connector is the other end that plugs into the GPU. The connector on the back of the PSU is a proprietary one for Cooler Master.

Anyway, yes the GTX 460 does take 2 PCIe 6-pin connectors. If you want to SLI, you would need 4 total connectors. The Silent Pro can deliver 480 total watts on its 12V rail, so using some Molex to PCIe 6-pin adapters shouldn't be a problem.

 

[b4u]

Well, technically the PCI 6+2 connector is the other end that plugs into the GPU. The connector on the back of the PSU is a proprietary one for Cooler Master.

Anyway, yes the GTX 460 does take 2 PCIe 6-pin connectors. If you want to SLI, you would need 4 total connectors. The Silent Pro can deliver 480 total watts on its 12V rail, so using some Molex to PCIe 6-pin adapters shouldn't be a problem.

So let me see if I understand the math ... for a M600 I have the following specs:

The following should be used for mobo and CPU?
+3.3V (20A)
+5V (20A)

The following should be used for all modular cables (PCIe and HDDs, Drives, etc...)?
+12V (40A) = 480W

Don't know about the following (and not sure about the above ones neither )
-12V (0.5A)
+5Vsb (2.5A)

So a GTX SLI pulls 427W from the +12V rail, correct? In full load, that is ... and 53W will still be available, is that it?


From Western digital site, I have a WD Black Edition 1Tb (WD1001FALS) with:
Power Dissipation
Read/Write 8.40 Watts
(http://www.wdc.com/global/products/specs/?driveID=488&language=1)

Or let's say a new WD Black Edition 2Tb Sata-6 (WD2002FAEX) with:
Power Dissipation
Read/Write 10.70 Watts
(http://www.wdc.com/global/products/specs/?driveID=899&language=1)

Or even a SSD WD SiliconEdge Blue 256Gb (SSC-D0256SC-2100) with:
Power Management
DC Input Voltage 5V
Read (Peak Watts) 2.00 Watts
Write (Peak Watts) 3.5 Watts
Sleep (Idle Watts) 0.60 Watts
(http://www.wdc.com/global/products/specs/?driveID=789&language=1)

So let's say a power ungry disk that pulls 13W, it will pull from the +12V same rail the GPU will pull, so I have 53W that can supply 2 HDs of 13W+13W ... still 27W available for DVD, some other PCI card (like video capture or something, sound card, etc ...) correct?

Am I seeing this correctly?

Thanks