Getting a 8800GTX system - is this right?

adamscybot · Feb 6, 2007, 04:38 PM

I am going to purchase a machine with the following specs:

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Overclocked to 2.93Ghz
EVGA nVIDIA nForce 680i SLi Motherboard
nVIDIA GeForce 8800GTX 768MB PCI-Express
OCZ 2048MB DDR2 PC7200 Memory (900Mhz)
320GB 7200RPM SATA II 16MB Hard Drive
18x DVD±RW DVD Writer
16x DVD-ROM
Antec Nine Hundred Gaming Chassis
TG580-U15 Tagen 580W Modular Power Supply
Floppy Drive
8-Channel High Definition Audio
10/100/1000Mbps LAN
8 x USB 2.0, 2 x Firewire
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium

So, a HUGE jump from my current P4 3GHz system with an age old 9800 pro (which is on its last legs).

However, im concerned about the power supply. Is 580W enough for a beast like this and an it sustain future upgrades? I've had hell with PSU's and my current system (the current one sounds like a jet engine) and I don't want all that again with this.

Secondly, Windows Vista - how bad really are the drivers. I mostly play games based on the source engine and old favourates like Oblivion and Battlefield - but I do plan on buying the latest next-gen games like crysis and quake wars. Will the so called 'lack' of support cause problems here. Will or has nVidia suggested they are fixing the problems. I know this is one of them crystal ball questions - but I need to be assured the above spec, including Vista will not cause any problems on a PC I've splahed way over a £1000 on.

Adam

fobis · Feb 6, 2007, 06:05 PM

I'd say go for 650W or something. 580W would probably do it, but I'm not so sure. And plus, if you want to really futureproof for stuff like SLi (just in case), 1000W is probably what you want though it may seem a little excessive.

Judas · Feb 6, 2007, 06:08 PM

I'd go as far as saying... 700 watt minimum imo.

But i'd also reconsider the 8800.... but that's just my opinion.

Lelisevis · Feb 6, 2007, 06:31 PM

Personal choice i'd go for a bit higher than a 580W. You just know that someday your going to want to add a second card. For that your going to be looking at 1000W.

Your best bet is to use the Nvidia certified powersupply page.

http://www.slizone.com/object/slizon..._powersupplies

coldfrontt · Feb 6, 2007, 08:54 PM

I'm running much the same system with a 550 Sparkle power supply with 0 problems. However I'm using the Asus P5B board...I don't know if the 680 board needs more juice.

Datagg · Feb 6, 2007, 10:07 PM

Nice rig.... .But I notice you say your buying it. Is this a system your going to build?

If so it would probably save you allot.... Plus its your own setup which always is the best way to go.

As for Vista it's has it quirks right now.... None which are too bad other than the damn Nvidia drivers, which frankly suck to no end. Each set has been improved upon though, so hopefully in the next few builds we can get a decent one that will actualy will work right and be worthy of being mentioned Vista ready.. As for what there is now, they have no business saying so IMO

**kris23** · Feb 6, 2007, 10:55 PM

isnt there some kind of issue with punkbuster and vista? the 1 single reason im not getting it is because of punkbuster. if it works then im fine

also to make your system faster, you may want a second 320GB drive in raid 0 to increase the read speed in games and anything that would benefit. and then theres the memory, try the FlexXLC 1150mhz ram if it isnt too much as it is SLi (they dont say but they ARE EPP memory) certified and should allow you to get more OCing options

adamscybot · Feb 7, 2007, 11:16 AM

Quote:

The Punkbuster anti-cheating code is a common part of many online games (particularly shooters), and it works by scanning game files to make sure they're not compromised. Most Battlefield 2 servers have Punkbuster enabled, and when we joined one, we got promptly kicked out of the game with a message saying Punkbuster failed due to "inadequate O/S privelages."
The solution is simple enough: right-click the BF2 icon, choose Properties, and then in the Compatibility tab check the box that says "Run this program as an administrator." After doing this, we encountered no problems joining any server.

Thats for BF2 but I suppose its the same for call of duty etc. Problem solved

.

The variation in the answers to the PSU questions are interesting. Im 100% sure 580W WILL work without hitch on this system - but it is a question of upgrades. I feel that I should stick with this, and upgrade the PSU at a later date if needed. Im not likely to upgrade for a while after purchase - so it should be ok.

Unless there are any major objections? I tihnk 1000W is overkill. 700W is feasible - I will have to see.

As for if I'm buying this or making it - this is actually a system you can buy. However, I have priced all the items on overclockers (identical) and have actually received an almost identical price.

Adam

Lelisevis · Feb 7, 2007, 11:24 AM

Nothing better than building your own. Brilliant the feeling when you fire it up for the first time.
Also I noted that builders are still including floppy drives even with Vista. WHY!!!!! lol

Judas · Feb 7, 2007, 12:11 PM

Well the number of people having issues with the nvidia 8800 and vista is the only concern i have.

While the PSU may not be a problem ATM, i'm pretty confident it may be in the future.

***Veridian3*** · Feb 7, 2007, 12:46 PM

http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews/...eview/680i.php

Says it all on the motherboard really...

***Veridian3*** · Feb 7, 2007, 12:56 PM

... also, on the PSU front a 600w Enermax noisetaker will handle a 8800 system fine. It can be a bit of a nightmare to change PSU's over so i say go for a larger one like the Galaxy 850w now and not have to worry about changing it in the near future.

adamscybot · Feb 7, 2007, 01:35 PM

The 580W Tagan is quite cheap at £80-£90. That galaxy PSU is god damn pricey. What is the best PSU to get that is around the same price as that one? Probabaly hard on a budget like that...

How about the OCZ GameXStream 700W Multi-GPU Active PFC

Adam

Lelisevis · Feb 7, 2007, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamscybot

The 580W Tagan is quite cheap at £80-£90. That galaxy PSU is god damn pricey. What is the best PSU to get that is around the same price as that one? Probabaly hard on a budget like that...

How about the OCZ GameXStream 700W Multi-GPU Active PFC

Adam

Normally i'd say yes however there are quite a few cases of GameXStreams with noisy fans, mine included. I had the option of sending it to the states for an RMA or opening it up and swapping the fan myself. Soldering iron in hand i've resolved the problem myself . OCZ while polite were pretty useless. They still haven't acknowledged the fan issue which is fairly obvious when you look at the forums. I'm now sans warranty and have had my view of OCZ somewhat tarnished. Giving it some thought I doubt i'll be a repeat customer.

Hiper type R's are somewhat underestimated for some reason, my old 480W is still going strong after 2 years daily use, it delivers on the amps and is silent. I'd love to see this company get the recognition they deserve.

Judas · Feb 7, 2007, 03:52 PM

hmm.... i've handled and see about 30 OCZ PSU's now, not one of them had any issues (about 10 of them being the GamerXStream ones, right from 600 watt right up to the 850 watt)

Lelisevis · Feb 7, 2007, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judas

hmm.... i've handled and see about 30 OCZ PSU's now, not one of them had any issues (about 10 of them being the GamerXStream ones, right from 600 watt right up to the 850 watt)

Ok then go spend 5 minutes on the OCZ forum or better still google it. If then your still not satisfied I could always show the PM I got from an OCZ guy saying thanks for the tip as his is noisy too.
OCZ are a lovely bunch and try there best to help but when you have to RMA to the states with the added system downtime it's not a product I could recommend.

Judas · Feb 7, 2007, 04:03 PM

I wasn't saying they don't excist.. before posting i did google it. I was saying that apparently it's either specific shipments or build dates perhaps.

I'm saying that with what i've seen thus far, i've yet to see an instant of this, and there is probably a DAMN good chance that if someone were to walk into a store today to pick up a ocz psu, that they wouldn't end up with one that does this.

Every product, doesn't matter what you pick up, there is always a chance that there is a flaw or complete DOA. While that percentage is usually exceptionally low (well hope to hell it is) it's still a percentage. Call it luck, but usually people aren't going to end up with the bad product, and if a specific store or location has a pile of returns on it, it's usually related to either the entire shipment, or the build date. And if it's hugely widespread, in mass, then it's a major fault.

Lelisevis · Feb 7, 2007, 04:19 PM

Seems to be an issue with thermal throttling probably down to a dodgy fan controller/sensor. Soon as I soldered in a Akasa Amber it was sorted. OCZ have had enough of these reported to acknowledge the problem. Other than that minor issue I have no problems with the PSU itself, it delivers admirably. If you live in the states i'd take the risk however the guy stated he'd been checking prices on a UK store, I personally wouldn't risk it as sending a box like that overseas is a timely and costly operation.

For around the same price I personally would be looking at the Hiper Type-R 730W, Corsair 620W or Tagan TG600 SLI. Microdirect also have the Thermaltake purepower 680W for about £75 might be worth a look.

As I said earlier you cant go far wrong with one from the SLi certified list just research for potential problems first.

Judas · Feb 7, 2007, 04:24 PM

OK, question, if you purchase from a local shop, or over the net related to a site based with the country you live, why can't you send it back to them?

Doesn't the fan issue show up nearly emediately?

Lelisevis · Feb 7, 2007, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judas

OK, question, if you purchase from a local shop, or over the net related to a site based with the country you live, why can't you send it back to them?

Doesn't the fan issue show up nearly emediately?

Because most stores in the uk will mess you about no end. It'll be case of sending it to them, they'll tell you it needs to go away for testing which basically means they'll RMA it. It's rare they'll swap straight away because they are then a unit down. It's a pain in the ass and very unfair on the consumer. Listen dude I think we've hijacked this thread enough im happy for an admin to tidy it up and if you have anything else just PM me, respectfully Lel.

**kris23** · Feb 7, 2007, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamscybot

Thats for BF2 but I suppose its the same for call of duty etc. Problem solved

.

The variation in the answers to the PSU questions are interesting. Im 100% sure 580W WILL work without hitch on this system - but it is a question of upgrades. I feel that I should stick with this, and upgrade the PSU at a later date if needed. Im not likely to upgrade for a while after purchase - so it should be ok.

Unless there are any major objections? I tihnk 1000W is overkill. 700W is feasible - I will have to see.

As for if I'm buying this or making it - this is actually a system you can buy. However, I have priced all the items on overclockers (identical) and have actually received an almost identical price.

Adam

shweet! now i can screw up my pc with vista but still play games! WOOOO!!!

its so shiny........

i think you should get a bigger PSU.... the 700w is pretty good idea. i hear Tagan makes a nice PSU