caralyh Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I'm finally, for the first time in my life, able to build myself a computer that doesn't suck! So I'm thinking about i7 system, because the newest hardware is so nice to have. So far I have chosen the following parts: NZXT Apollo Case Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5 Mobo i7 920 CPU OCZ Triple-channel 3x2GB RAM Sata DVD-RW drive Because I do have a some kind of budget, I'm having a hard time choosing rest of the parts. So does it matter wich hard drive I take? Or can I just take the cheapest 1TB western digital or something like that? Part that makes me think most is of course the GPU. I've been thinking for some time about taking two Ati HD 4850 in crossfire, or singe 4850X2 I just found online. I don't mind that much if both GPU cores don't work in OS X, if there is some hope that they migh work later. I just need some gaming power in windows. But reading this forum has made me hesitate buying ati, and I've been the Nvidia person before too... So is there some other card (or cards?) that would be better choice with about ~200 € price tag? And then there is the PSU. Never have bought one, don't know how much power I exactly need, and what brand would be reliable and affordable. Modularity could be a plus too. If anyone knows reliable european online stores, that deliver to finland with reasonable costs, links would be appreciated! Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/174202-gpu-psu-hdd-suggestions/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
r8f5e7 Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 You need at least 500W, if you have more than one GPU and/or plan to overclock, 600W and more are recommended. Enermax or Corsair would be a good choice. Crossfire is not possible in OS X. Regarding the HDDs: Buy one OCZ Vertex SSD for your OS, and one 1TB WD Caviar Black for storage. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/174202-gpu-psu-hdd-suggestions/#findComment-1196220 Share on other sites More sharing options...
caralyh Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share Posted July 9, 2009 Unfortunately at this time I can't afford SSD disk on top of everything else, but possibly at later time I might make that upgrade. I was thinking about maybe taking another regular sata disk for OS to make things easier. If crossfire doesn't work, then what about SLI? There is up to four Nvidia's in MacPro, right? Well if two GPU's won't work in OS X, does it cause problems, or does everything work as should except secong GPU being idle? I'm trying build a machine that doesn't need big upgrades very soon, so I'm just thinking that with two GPU's there would be enough power for a good while. As a student I can't upgrade my computer very often, so it's better be good Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/174202-gpu-psu-hdd-suggestions/#findComment-1196302 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomCom Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 SLI don't work either: Mac OS X doesn't support the bridge between both cards. Your only choice would be to buy a bi-GPU card. Netkas reports on his site (netkas.org) that the 4870x2 works. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/174202-gpu-psu-hdd-suggestions/#findComment-1196315 Share on other sites More sharing options...
caralyh Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share Posted July 9, 2009 SLI don't work either: Mac OS X doesn't support the bridge between both cards. Your only choice would be to buy a bi-GPU card. Netkas reports on his site (netkas.org) that the 4870x2 works. I thought that would be the case, good to get confirmation on that. It seems that 4850X2 might be the one, price and performance are about right for me, and will even work in OS X. Thanks for making this decision easier! Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/174202-gpu-psu-hdd-suggestions/#findComment-1196379 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomCom Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 My pleasure! Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/174202-gpu-psu-hdd-suggestions/#findComment-1196575 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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