Which PC case?

[BIC]

Hi Chem,

My nefiew is coming to visit me this weekend and we will buy a new computer for him. I always go to the same store (PCCyber).

I wanted to recommend him a Sonata II, but this case comes with its own PS that is 450W. I was wondering if it's still a good choice. Is a PS 450W enough these day. If he upgrades his video card in 1.5 - 2 years, 450W will not be enough.

Should he go with Sonata II or buy another case + a separate PS?

Case Choice here (3 pages):

http://www.pccyber.ca/scrMain2.asp?p...es_id=5&page=1

I personnaly bought the seasonic 500W, I'm now wondering if I should have got the 600W (for futures upgrades: video card)?

[ChemicalWarrior]

Wattage is not exactly the thing you should be concerned about with a PSU. There are many 450W PSU's that easily out class 600W units out there.

The Sonta II is a good case, and it comes with a good PSU. The PSU is an Antec, which makes high quality PSUs.

Your worry about upgrades isnt really justified, 600W is actually very excessive unless you're talking about two very high end video cards, plus 4~5 hard drives, many case fans, etc. 450W should be just fine for at least 3 or so years even on decently high end gear.

[BIC]

The 7900GTX requirement is 400W, I have Seasonic 500W so I'm ok. However, what do you think the requirement will be in 1.5 years from now for the equivalent (7900GTX) card? Would 500W be ok?

For my nefiew, you think Antec 450W is not too limited for future video cards?

[ChemicalWarrior]

Here's the thing, Nvidia and other card makers give you a requirment in wattage because this is the spec most know or understand. What they really need is a amperage requirment on the 12+ voltage rail.

The Antec meets the amperage requirment of the 7900GTX easily. Also, take note that with next graphics card they use a smaller manufactuering process, which lessons power requirments.

A perfect example of this is that the 6800U uses more power than the 7800GTX or the 7900GTX which uses even less than the 7800GTX. So, newer and more powerful doesnt always mean more power used.

A Antec 450W will be plenty, easily for the next 1.5Years and probably for the next 3.

[BIC]

What can I say??? Thanks

[Capt. Insane]

That Sonata II case is cheaper on newegg, BIC

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129155

[ChemicalWarrior]

Originally Posted by Capt. Insane

That Sonata II case is cheaper on newegg, BIC

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129155

His prices are Canadian.

[Capt. Insane]

Oh. Well, that makes things different