Too many options, brain-full light is on...

[oleguy]

The XFX is built on a quite excellent Seasonic platform, I would not expect any reliability issues. You could buy a more efficient PSU, but you'd probably hit the break-even point right about the time you were ready to replace it.

One thing I just noticed is that the PSU you recommended was 170mm, which is a tad longer than the size that the TJ08B-E recommends. While it will fit PSUs up to 185mm in length, the SilverStone site points out than longer than 160mm (6.3") will result in encroachment into the area for ODDs and anecdotal evidence suggests that it makes cable routing a nightmare.

With that in mind and keeping within the 650W range, there does seem to be some options between $90 and $130. Anything that I should look out for, besides the length issue? Is there any real difference in the ATX versions (2.2 vs. 2.3) that are worth paying an extra $5-15 for, other than it looks like the 2.3 spec was ratified nearly 7 years ago...

 

[mfenn]

One thing I just noticed is that the PSU you recommended was 170mm, which is a tad longer than the size that the TJ08B-E recommends. While it will fit PSUs up to 185mm in length, the SilverStone site points out than longer than 160mm (6.3") will result in encroachment into the area for ODDs and anecdotal evidence suggests that it makes cable routing a nightmare.

With that in mind and keeping within the 650W range, there does seem to be some options between $90 and $130. Anything that I should look out for, besides the length issue? Is there any real difference in the ATX versions (2.2 vs. 2.3) that are worth paying an extra $5-15 for, other than it looks like the 2.3 spec was ratified nearly 7 years ago...

The Lite-ON DVD Burner that I picked is super short to compensate. You can also just drop the ODD completely, it is hardly needed for a new machine.

Anyway, no you should not be searching on ATX versions. That sort of data is frequently miskeyed and is just noise anyway. What you want is a unit from a known-good manufacturer and doesn't cost a lot.

 

[oleguy]

The Lite-ON DVD Burner that I picked is super short to compensate. You can also just drop the ODD completely, it is hardly needed for a new machine.

Anyway, no you should not be searching on ATX versions. That sort of data is frequently miskeyed and is just noise anyway. What you want is a unit from a known-good manufacturer and doesn't cost a lot.

I hadn't looked at the specific ODD, just assumed that in that market, you have the traditional 5.25" drives and the slimline versions; other wise the dimensions are all the same. As far as the PSU question, I'll probably continue to scout around in that section to see what's on sale when I pull the trigger. There seem to be rebates and sales all the time.

But now the new R9 290 comes out and destroyes both the GTX780 and eardrums, just when I had thought it might be time to start buying the pieces I can get into my current build (GPU, overpowered as it might be with my old Phenom II, was one of those items, especially with the bundles).

So now the question becomes this (not just to you mfenn): Is it worth waiting to see what AMD's partners come up with for cooling solutions that don't result in hearing loss (hyperbole, obviously)? Do people just waterblock their GPUs? Not that I would likely have room for a tower cooler plus GPU CLC or custom loop in the current mATX case.

I'm not in a hurry; with Christmas around the corner I'm hoping to load up on Newegg gift cards if there aren't more practical items I can come up with or be convinced of needing by the wife. There haven't been any non-reference (open or blower) cooler designs for the 290X, but maybe there will be a quick turnaround now that the 290/290X cards are both out. And then there is the GTX780 Ti that will probably be too expensive upfront, but could always see a surprise price due to this new shot across the bow by AMD.

Such indecision is why I can't have nice things.

 

[mfenn]

I hadn't looked at the specific ODD, just assumed that in that market, you have the traditional 5.25" drives and the slimline versions; other wise the dimensions are all the same.

This is definitely not true. Optical drives vary wildly in depth even at the 5.25" height.

Such indecision is why I can't have nice things.

You could wait an infinite amount of time and have an infinitely powerful PC. Said another way, something better is always right around the corner.

As for the R9 290(X) in particular, suppose vendors will come out custom coolers that are quieter than the stock. This probably will happen with open air coolers based on past experience. However, the only way that either card beats the GTX 780 is by pumping out 300W of heat. If you throttle the TDP down to 250W, it loses to the GTX 780 by a large margin.

Now, you might be able to handle 300W being dumped into in an ATX case, but a TJ08B (or really any small case) is just going to cook the card. So no, I don't think you should be worried about either the R9 290 or the R9 290X.