How hard is it exactly to update bios with integrated video...? That point is null.
Case: Rosewill Challenger > Antec 300 > HaF > NZXT > ... > ... > Zalman ? (wtf made you choose zalman?)
500w IS NOT ENOUGH TO RUN A 7970 + 6CORE CPU + 8GB RAM, STOP GIVING OUT BAD ADVICE!! Even if it is, theoretically, and practically, enough to RUN the system, you're running very very close to bottlenecking the GPU, and potentially harming the system overall if the GPU/CPU load gets too high, or god forbid he doesn't keep the tower properly ventilated/in some cubby-hole-death-trap. WHY would you put a 500w in there when you CAN fit a 600-700w for like $10 more? Wtf is wrong with you? Get off your high horse and start giving out good advice because you're seriously fucking op over by trying to debate me on a topic where you're so severely wrong.

GTX 680 outperforms 7970. This is a fact. I, PERSONALLY, in a tighter budget build, WOULD GO WITH THE 7970. But this is a $1k build. You can fit the 680. So WHY WOULDN'T YOU? This also begs to differ, WHY WOULD YOU PUT A 500W PSU IN A $1,000 BUILD?!?! You lack so much common sense.








This build's not bad.. but could be trimmed a bit and the GPU should at least be a 7970 (not 7950) in a $1k build. If I were to downgrade to a 7950 in this build it would only be to accommodate the addition of an SSD.

try to make a logical argument with the computer cases, because yours doesn't have any logic.
cpu = 125w + gpu = 250w + hard drive = 5w = total on full load = 380w
anyone with common sense will not say that the rest of the components will draw more then 120w.
i'm waiting for you to give a counter argument on this one that's not a joke.
the gtx 680 outperforms , but is the worth the extra money over a 7970 on a 1920 x 1080 resolution?

This post was edited by dolarsignzeroxeighty on May 22 2013 10:46am

Dat antec 300.

Loooooooool

i used it before , worst 50$ i spent on a case ever

I've had systems running at load on 500-550w power supply using a 7970 & 680, no dramas.

Guize! 500w isnt enought for a 7950 +8320. Youre all stuups.

The Antec 300 used to be one of the best cases you could get x_x wtf is wrong with you people. Antec is a very reliable/solid brand for cases & PSU's.




http://www.anandtech.com/show/5261/amd-radeon-hd-7970-review/27

Here is power consumption for 7970... I'm not sure what kind of system it's run on (the other components) but it's definitely pushing well over what you're assuming the power consumption to be.

Keep in mind, this is SYSTEM wattage... Which is in favor of Dolar's claim, but --

I still don't advise a 500w PSU though because even at 80% efficiency (80PLUS Cert assures this) of the claimed total wattage, you're only getting 400w to use... which cuts it way too close to comfort.

This post was edited by Mitchymo on May 22 2013 11:35am

Used to be one of the best. The Three Hundred Two is a much better case for obvious reasons. Meanwhile other companies have made better or same quality cases sich as the nzxt source 220

Only poor quality psus dont draw up to stated wattage. Good quality can draw the stated wattage and sometimes more.

I've learned, from many fried/underpowered PC's, to always underestimate a PSU rather than overestimate... You'll start bottlenecking your entire build if you have too small of a PSU. You can't upgrade your system with a PSU that is at the bare minimum. As the PSU ages its efficiency WILL decline (proven, don't even try to disprove this one.) over time, and your previously stated 500w will slowly creep lower and lower, making the system feel slower and slower, and eventually it won't be able to power such a power-house like the 7970 / 8320... He will, most likely, decide to OC eventually too. You cannot OC on a 500w PSU.

It IS nonsensical to use a 500w PSU in a $1,000 build. You cannot contest this point.

This post was edited by Mitchymo on May 22 2013 11:45am

Once again, I've had no issues with a 500-550w power supply at load with a 7970 & 680.
And you can overclock.
You cannot contest this point.

This post was edited by Battleship on May 22 2013 11:49am