power consumption and my computer build

[thanksbastards]

replacing my old p4 with a sexy machine. mostly web browsing, but since anything can handle that i decided it needed to run cad programs nicely and not make me want to kill myself when editing hd video 1080 p or 720 @ 60fps. doesnt need to do it amazngly, just not be painfull. i bought most of it, but i still need to be happy with my parts before i open anything and assemble. i have:

AMD 1075t processer, 6x @ 3.0 ghz
MSI 880g-e45 mobo
8 gig corsair avenger ram (2 4g sticks)
antec high current gamer psu 620 watts
big free case with 2 rear fans and a front fan and side.

going to use a hdd i already have for now and wait out ssd drives for prices. also going to use onboard graphics untill my needs demand an upgrade. i am buying that psu with that in mind. my big concern is the mobo right now. it is rated to 140 watts. a benchmark done by 3dguru says the 1075t going at full tilt draws 185. however nothing on the shelf at micro center was rated that high, where is the disconnect? should i drop the extra 70 for a asus mobo? i want this thing to last.

last question, since 8 gigs of ram should be adequt for a long time, which is a better arrangement, 2 4 gig sticks or 4 2 gig sticks?

[PhoenixEnigma]

185W for a Thuban CPU sounds a little odd, given the CPU has a TDP of 125W. I'm guessing that number is for the system as a whole, as Anandtech has the same CPU as 175W for the whole system under load, and my 1090T barely hits 140W at ~3.8Ghz. A 140W board should be more than enough.

2x4GB is better than 4x2GB, as it gives you more room for future expansion at no cost in current performance, and the price difference is generally negligible.

[thanksbastards]

the thing is, it is more expensive to buy 4 2 gig sticks, and if advertsing has taught me anything that makes it better. thiis is comparing identical spec 8 gig sets

[PhoenixEnigma]

the thing is, it is more expensive to buy 4 2 gig sticks, and if advertsing has taught me anything that makes it better. thiis is comparing identical spec 8 gig sets

Surprise! Advertising is full of crap. Unless you have bizarre needs, whatever 2x4GB kit of DDR3-1333 or 1600 is on sale this week will be just fine - there's practically no difference in any way, other than bling.


Incidentally, I have no idea where on earth you're getting your prices. 4x2GB kits cost nearly twice as much as 2x4GB kits on newegg these days (although a pair of 2x2GB kits is somewhat closer in price than an actual 4x2GB kit. Clearly, RAM prices are set to screw with people)

[thanksbastards]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productco ... 233-196-TS

that is my ram compared, i assume the 4 sticks of 2 are more expenxive than 2 sets of 2 sticks of 2 because the sets are in some way paired and matched

[GeorgeH]

Advantages of 4GB sticks - you have the option of using more RAM, they can run faster, and it's cheaper.
Advantages of 2GB sticks - you can't install as much RAM, they can't run as fast, and it costs more.

The choice is yours, Padawan.


Less snarky - CPUs generally have a "preferred" base number of RAM sticks. Phenom II and Intel LGA-1155 are "dual channel" and prefer two sticks, LGA-1366 is "triple channel" and prefers three sticks, LGA-2011 is "quadruple channel" and prefers four sticks, etc. They can all use multiples of their preferred amount, but the maximum speed at which you can run those multiples goes down (1x is capable of running faster than 2x, etc.)