RV8C wrote:S12-430 does not have a PCIe power adaptor. If you want to run a 7800GT, you'll need to use an adaptor that takes up 2 molex plugs.
Is the adaptor provided with the PSU? I didn't know that PCIe requires its own power connector (never owned a PCIe system before). Are those adaptors bulky?
I am also unsure about the 430W vs 500W decision.
My next system is going to be based on the following:
- AMD Opteron 165 (dual core, and it will be overclocked)
- Radeon X1800XT
- 4 HD including one 10k RPM Raptor.
I guess those are the main power drainers. There will be fans, high end sound card etc. etc.
I suspect that the 430W is enough, and I probably won't go crossfire in the near future. The cost difference is pretty significant:
- £87.53 for the 500W : 45% more expensive than the 430W!
- £60.50 for the 430W : 43% more expensive than the 380W!
- £42.29 for the 380W
Actually, even the 430W is kinda expensive when compared to the 380W. But I do keep my PC on for long hours (many days at a time), so I don't want the PSU to choke at any point. There is also a 330W but its only like 20% cheaper than the 380W and definitely not on my list of considerations.