cheap quiet cool build question

[GPLarge]

Hi all, Planning a new build for a SFF desktop. I have been flip flopping on how to do this one. It will primarily be used for video viewing, light photoshop work, web and some light gaming (AoE III, Starcraft 2 and Diablo III when they are released, Maybe an occasional FPS like CoD4 or L4D but not alot and I don't need the eye candy turned up) As stated in the title needs to be quiet cool and cheap ($500 range) I will be recycling some other components from an old machine 2x 36GB WD Raptors (not very big I know but I use an external for photos) and a sound blaster x-fi platinum.

New stuff
AMD 7750 Kuma
4-8 GB DDR2 800
Antec New Solution NSK2480

MB GPU option 1
BIOSTAR TA790GX XE
with a 3450 in Hybrid crossfire

MB GPU option 2
ASUS M3N78-VM
and a 9800GTX using hybrid power

I will be using vista 64 bit. I am a little leary of the Nvidia build as it seems they are not going to be really pushing the hybrid power ting very long and have heard some folks having issues with it. it also adds a bit to my cost. The ATI build seems like it will work for what I need it for and will mostlikely be fine with the 380 watt PSU that comes with the case. Just looking for your thoughts.

 

[BarbaricSoul]

between those two coice, definently the biostar. the new AMD 790 chipset ROCKS

 

[MRCL]

And might I humbly suggest not to go with a generic PSU. Get yourself some decent brand. A good, reliable PSU is important!

 

[BarbaricSoul]

it's a Antec case, don't you think a Antec PSU will come with it. Antec's might not be as good as corsair, but they arent that far behind.

 

[MRCL]

it's a Antec case, don't you think a Antec PSU will come with it. Antec's might not be as good as corsair, but they arent that far behind.

Totally read that over. So an Antec New Solution NSK2480 is like a HTPC. Didn't know that.
Well, in that case the PSU that comes with it seems okay. My dad has one. It withstands heavy smoke (from his pipe) and heavy dust in 24/7 usage for quite some years now.

 

[unibrow1990]

+1 for the biostar/4350

 

[GPLarge]

Anyone ever use Hybrid crossfire or hybrid power? just curious if the hybrid crossfire will be worth it or not. Like I said not heavy gaming use but some mostly RPG or RTS games. The occasional FPS games I usually play online and have always used low to mid graphic settings

 

[unibrow1990]

I havent used either but if i recall the benchmarks correctly a 3450 in hybrid crossfire is almost identical to two 3450's. not much graphics power but enough for basic stuff certainly.

 

[GPLarge]

I may just disable the onboard and get a dedicated GPU. The Egg has HIS Hightech Radeon HD 4670 for 70 bucks right now or I may go with an Nvidia card but use the biostar board.

 

[LittleLizard]

I may just disable the onboard and get a dedicated GPU. The Egg has HIS Hightech Radeon HD 4670 for 70 bucks right now or I may go with an Nvidia card but use the biostar board.

a 4670 for that build seems the best option, or if u can wait, get in may the 4770

 

[BroBQ]

I may just disable the onboard and get a dedicated GPU. The Egg has HIS Hightech Radeon HD 4670 for 70 bucks right now or I may go with an Nvidia card but use the biostar board.

Its a great card... I've been playing Crysis on max settings with the 7750 overclocked to 3Ghz and 4GB DDR2 800 G. Skill ram ... Its worth the $70.00