New Computer for Battlefield 3/PC Gaming

**LOLcake23** · July 9th, 2011, 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by ShyguyXPC

yeah, the cards will fit, there are 7 Expansion slots, cards only take total of 6. actually there's 8 expansion slots in the case, just that one is positioned horizontally over the main slots, for a USB rear bracket or something similarly mundane that would normally take up valuable rear bracket/slot space,

Do you think i should fork out for the 600T i could just exchange it and pay the difference. It looks fantastic as you said.

It seems just so much ergonmical and neat although that white edition looks fugly. Ive decided to spare no expense as far as the case goes. I just cbfd saving 50 or 60 on flimsy things when i have already spent over 2500 on stuff already it seems stupid.

I guess that defeats the purpose of having a budget of 1800 in the first place. But this thing has just wanted me to upgrade everytime i got something already in my mind. although since its only the case i guess its fine tuning.

at the end of the day i will spend slightly extra on the case and bought an extra GTX 580 DCU II. thats where the money went and i dont really want to cram everything in a lower budget case lol.

EDIT: God damn. But the 690 II looks so awesome. cant decide. FFs couldnt they build a bigger 690 II. Brain fizzles out*

max comp for the 690II is 304mm DCU II but the GTX 580 length is 292mm that is tight as. Less than an inch of leeway.

is there a larger version of the 690 II? lol.

Also the 600T cant fit a side panel fan which is important for these 2 cards in SLI i believe?

is there any other option out there that combines these two? lol.

Im scared of overheating problems if i finally do for 690 II case.

And with the 600T there is no side fan so im worried there. Albeit its an amazing case?

So basically toss up between the two? What do u reckon.

**ShyguyXPC** · July 10th, 2011, 01:07 AM

Won't be a problem, even with 1 inch of clearance, the power connectors are on the top edge of the card, so you won't have problems with plugging them in for power.

otherwise, its just a side effect of having such large sized Cards.

**LOLcake23** · July 10th, 2011, 01:38 AM

Originally Posted by ShyguyXPC

Won't be a problem, even with 1 inch of clearance, the power connectors are on the top edge of the card, so you won't have problems with plugging them in for power.

otherwise, its just a side effect of having such large sized Cards.

In terms of cooling for the cards and just gernal arrangement and looks for interior (non cramped) Would the 600T be a better option or would the 690 be fine? Also what of the non side vent for the Cards on the 600T

**ShyguyXPC** · July 10th, 2011, 02:00 AM

Seriously, You really need to see about looking through some cases for yourself. With these cases, the ones I've listed so far, these are the cases that In My Opinion look good and would fit for whats needed.

Others may like something that looks different, or may have different priorities for what the cases have.

Basically look through some and see what YOU like, and prefer.

We could keep going through parts, adding more and more, and break the $3000 budget, but at some point you have got to say, enough is enough.

This is one of the reasons why many suggest NOT getting the top end hardware that is currently out.

I can guarantee you with in a year, everything you have here so far, someone could build an almost identical system or identical performing system for nearly half of what your going to pay for it.

as to the cases, I like the 600T (even the white one, as it kind of has that Star Wars Stormtrooper Look to it), but the holes for Cable management, its a WIDE case, has some nice sized Fans, the lack of side case fans isn't that big a deal since the air flow with larger high volume fans would be more uniform and flow through case well, especially with the cable management. the length of the case is nice as well, the middle drive cages remove for extra long cards, so you can fit a couple GTX 590 or Radeon 6990 Cards in there with ease.

It may lack the side fans as most cases have, but as long as it gets plenty of air ventilation and exhaust, the lack of side fans can actually cause the case to be quieter, providing better acoustic insulation.

otherwise your really not going to find much better options for longer video cards than the current cases listed, aside from some Full Tower cases, which may be taller but may not provide much more depth or length to the case.

besides liking the 690 II's options, layout, etc, I was also looking for a Good sturdy BUT light Weight Case, my Current Thermaltake Armor case, EMPTY weighs nearly 30-40 pounds. as it is right now, it easily weighs in at 55-60 pounds with everything in it.

and I needed something lighter in weight so when moving it I don't strain myself.

the only other case I know of which may be better, and is in same price range as the 600T is Silverstones Raven Series Full tower Cases, they mount the Motherboard, so the rear of the board actually faces upwards where the top of your case is.

one or both of the Raven series cases can provide up to 13.5 Inches of Expansion card length. though they can be a pain in the ass to install stuff in, but once installed, the layout works great, since Heat Rises, even on cards with standard style coolers that don't vent out rear, the heat would rise out and exhaust. the case I think has 8 Rear Expansion slots, but if the Rear 120mm fan position is used, it can encroach on the 8th expansion slots space. But you could easily use the rear exhaust as an intake to blow on 2nd card.

you should still be able to mount the H70 cooler in there, but the cooler would be taking in air from top where cards would be exhausting it, so you might need to reverse the direction of fans so they blow out through the top.

Bottom of case, also has 2x Air Penetrator 180mm intake fans.

Newegg.com - SILVERSTONE RAVEN Series RV03B-W Matte Black Steel / Plastic ATX Full Tower Computer Case

**LOLcake23** · July 10th, 2011, 11:38 PM

Ok going on what you Said I just ordered in the 600T with side window. Should be alot less cramped than the 690 II

And that pretty Much wraps it up.

Final comp:

Case: Corsair Graphite 600T w/ Window
HDD: 1.0TB Caviar Black 7200 RPM 64mb
SSD: OCZ Vertex 3 120 GB
GFX: ASUS GTX 580 Direct CU II x2 - SLI
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit
Water Cooling: Corsair H70 With Gentle Typhoons (1850 RPM)
General Cooling: 3 Extra AP-15s + 2xCorsair 140mm fans
CPU: Intel Core I7 2600k OCed to 4.1 GHz
RAM: 12Gb Corsair Vengeance (1600Mhz)
Mobo: Gigabyte Z68X-UD5-B3
PSU: Corsair AX1200

Will post pics this weekend. Thanks for everything mate.

**LOLcake23** · July 13th, 2011, 04:07 AM

Got a big problem the antec 1000w doesnt have 4 x 8 connector pins that are needed for the direct cu Ii in sli I've had to order the 1200 watt ver instead

**ShyguyXPC** · July 13th, 2011, 04:18 AM

Couple 8 Pin PCIe Adapters is all that was needed.

the 6 Pin PCIe connector Officially Only Provides 75W of Power, but unofficially if it needs to, it can draw as much as 150W if needed. all that was needed was a 6 pin PCIe to 8 Pin PCIe adapter for each of the two 6 pins on the PSU.

One of the lower powered Corsairs (besides being cheaper in price) Like I mentioned that would be enough power for the rig, HAS, Four 6+2 PCIe Connectors, I know that for sure.

Even the Antec High Current Gamer 750W, has enough power, and 4x 6+2 pin connectors.

Newegg.com - Antec High Current Gamer Series HCG-750 750W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

has a full 750W Combined +12V Power output as well, if everything in the system is using only +12V Power.

Corsair models that would of worked:

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Gaming Series GS800 800W ATX12V v2.3 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX850 V2 850W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply

as I mentioned, plenty of power, and cheaper in costs, saving you some extra cash, even though these are US prices, they should be similarly if not close to priced same/equivalent down in AUS as well.

**LOLcake23** · July 13th, 2011, 05:09 AM

Originally Posted by ShyguyXPC

Couple 8 Pin PCIe Adapters is all that was needed.

the 6 Pin PCIe connector Officially Only Provides 75W of Power, but unofficially if it needs to, it can draw as much as 150W if needed. all that was needed was a 6 pin PCIe to 8 Pin PCIe adapter for each of the two 6 pins on the PSU.

One of the lower powered Corsairs (besides being cheaper in price) Like I mentioned that would be enough power for the rig, HAS, Four 6+2 PCIe Connectors, I know that for sure.

Even the Antec High Current Gamer 750W, has enough power, and 4x 6+2 pin connectors.

Newegg.com - Antec High Current Gamer Series HCG-750 750W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

has a full 750W Combined +12V Power output as well, if everything in the system is using only +12V Power.

Corsair models that would of worked:

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Gaming Series GS800 800W ATX12V v2.3 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX850 V2 850W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply

as I mentioned, plenty of power, and cheaper in costs, saving you some extra cash, even though these are US prices, they should be similarly if not close to priced same/equivalent down in AUS as well.

THe guy at the store said. Yes you can use the adapter but the circuit board is not designed for the 4 8 pin config and it could blow out. If you use the 6 pin to 8 pin adaptor

What do u reckon? He wants me to upgrade to the antec 1200W

**ShyguyXPC** · July 13th, 2011, 05:59 AM

Well your already spending more cash on the 1000W than you needed to anyways, reason I mentioned the Cheaper priced Corsair 850W range unit, so might as well just grab that 1200W unit then.

Unless they do offer the 850W Corsair, then grab that if possible (either that one I linked to, there's the original version and the V2, Version 2, model, either will do, or even that 800W Gaming Series Would suffice).

But Honestly I don't think the adaptors will do that, not on that high end unit. Maybe JP Miller would know more, but IMO I would think it would be ok.

Though If it were me I'd just grab one of the cheaper priced Corsairs with plenty of power and use that instead.

Its not like your going to be adding a 3rd card on that system, as you have no room or way of doing so. so 850W will be more than sufficient for the entire system. (even the 800W would be fine)

**LOLcake23** · July 13th, 2011, 06:09 AM

Originally Posted by ShyguyXPC

Well your already spending more cash on the 1000W than you needed to anyways, reason I mentioned the Cheaper priced Corsair 850W range unit, so might as well just grab that 1200W unit then.

Unless they do offer the 850W Corsair, then grab that if possible (either that one I linked to, there's the original version and the V2, Version 2, model, either will do, or even that 800W Gaming Series Would suffice).

But Honestly I don't think the adaptors will do that, not on that high end unit. Maybe JP Miller would know more, but IMO I would think it would be ok.

Though If it were me I'd just grab one of the cheaper priced Corsairs with plenty of power and use that instead.

Its not like your going to be adding a 3rd card on that system, as you have no room or way of doing so. so 850W will be more than sufficient for the entire system. (even the 800W would be fine)

How much on average does everything other than the video cards take.

According to the review the 580 Driect CU II in SLI takes over 600W at load.

And i love the 600T case. Its plain awesome. Thanks for the rec. The guy fit everything in except the power and i has plenty of room. Might add some cathodes/LEDs after i sort out the power shyte.

He Fit the H-70 with 2 Ap-15s and i removed the top 200mm fan and placed another 2 Ap-15s. I plan to use the 200mm on the new side grill i bought. since the cards ARE REALLY CLOSE. Its a shame since i really wanted to fit the window. I guess ill do a temp comparison later.

**ShyguyXPC** · July 13th, 2011, 06:27 AM

GTX 580 normally at stock speeds consume about 244-250W Each.

that Asus Model, might consume a bit more with the fans on it, and if its Factory Overclocked, but 600W for both, thats 300W each, something doesn't seem right with that number, even Factory OC'd it shouldn't be an extra 50W more, unless the factory Over Volted as well to achieve the OC.

Most GTX 580's use a 8 Pin + 6 Pin power connection though, so maybe those Asus Models are pushing a lot more power.

But even the asus Matrix model isn't OC'd that much farther over standard clocks (core clock is 772 stock, Standard DC II model is only 10MHz faster, and Matrix Series sits at 816MHz, mere 44MHz more)

Meh, Gigabyte has a GTX 580 thats clocked MUCH MUCH Faster than the Matrix at 855MHz, and that card only runs a 6 Pin & 8 Pin set up.

Asus just insists on being "Different" and set them selves apart from everyone else "Yeah, Well, We Got DUAL 8 pins on our cards, so take that" kind of mentality. Your paying more for the Asus name than you are anything else.

I think the extra 8 pin on the Asus was so that people can Overclock the card even more, and provide enough power if they needed. I wouldn't doubt if the that card would run with an 8 Pin and a 6 pin plugged into the 8 pin port, or if it used a 6 pin to 8 pin adapter, since most other 580's only need a 6 and 8 pin.

Which review were you looking at for those Cards?

I wonder if the reviewers OC'd the cards, and stated its Power load, or if that was the total system power load and not just the cards.

you said you have the DC II, if so, its only 10MHz over stock and that doesn't sound right to be pulling 600W for 2, when they normally only do 500W together.

**ShyguyXPC** · July 13th, 2011, 06:32 AM

GTX 580 Specs: nVidia GeForce GTX 580 Video Card - Reviews, Specifications, and Pictures - GPUReview.com

Gigabyte 580 with 855MHz Clock, 83MHz over stock, much faster than Asus Matrix and only uses a 6 + 8 Pin layout.

Newegg.com - GIGABYTE Super Overclock Series GV-N580SO-15I GeForce GTX 580 (Fermi) 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

Zotac 815MHz Core (1Mhz less than the Matrix) and same pin layout

Newegg.com - ZOTAC AMP! ZT-50102-10P GeForce GTX 580 (Fermi) 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

Even this EVGA Water Cooled (with Water block) 580, runs at 850 Core speed, and has same pin layout:

Newegg.com - EVGA 015-P3-1589-AR GeForce GTX 580 (Fermi) FTW Hydro Copper 2 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

I'm pretty sure the Asus will run with an 8 Pin adapter on the 2 6 pin plugs given just about every other 580 out there runs a single 6 pin on one of the plugs.

**LOLcake23** · July 13th, 2011, 06:43 AM

Originally Posted by ShyguyXPC

GTX 580 normally at stock speeds consume about 244-250W Each.

that Asus Model, might consume a bit more with the fans on it, and if its Factory Overclocked, but 600W for both, thats 300W each, something doesn't seem right with that number, even Factory OC'd it shouldn't be an extra 50W more, unless the factory Over Volted as well to achieve the OC.

Most GTX 580's use a 8 Pin + 6 Pin power connection though, so maybe those Asus Models are pushing a lot more power.

But even the asus Matrix model isn't OC'd that much farther over standard clocks (core clock is 772 stock, Standard DC II model is only 10MHz faster, and Matrix Series sits at 816MHz, mere 44MHz more)

Meh, Gigabyte has a GTX 580 thats clocked MUCH MUCH Faster than the Matrix at 855MHz, and that card only runs a 6 Pin & 8 Pin set up.

Asus just insists on being "Different" and set them selves apart from everyone else "Yeah, Well, We Got DUAL 8 pins on our cards, so take that" kind of mentality. Your paying more for the Asus name than you are anything else.

I think the extra 8 pin on the Asus was so that people can Overclock the card even more, and provide enough power if they needed. I wouldn't doubt if the that card would run with an 8 Pin and a 6 pin plugged into the 8 pin port, or if it used a 6 pin to 8 pin adapter, since most other 580's only need a 6 and 8 pin.

Which review were you looking at for those Cards?

I wonder if the reviewers OC'd the cards, and stated its Power load, or if that was the total system power load and not just the cards.

you said you have the DC II, if so, its only 10MHz over stock and that doesn't sound right to be pulling 600W for 2, when they normally only do 500W together.

ASUS GTX580 DirectCU II SLI review

It peaked at 604W at full loading. About 450W.

Ive decided to just get the 1200W since its about 20$ extra. But now i cant tell if the Quattro 1200W has 4x 8 PCIE connectors or not or only the OCED Version.

Could you have a squiz of the following manual.

http://www.antec.com/pdf/manuals/TPQ...0Manual_EN.pdf

The antec 1200W general info is here:

http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=MTc1Nw==

**ShyguyXPC** · July 13th, 2011, 03:08 PM

if only 450W on the GPU's alone with 2 GPU's, then those Corsair 800's will easily run your entire system, while saving you money on the budget. Simple as that.

I don't see any need for a 1200W PSU thats way more than you really even need.

my new motherboard (recertified from EVGA) I ordered last night has 4 PCIe x16 slots on it (2.0 spec, in x16, x8, x4, x8 config, last 2 slots are side by side so only a single Dual slot or dual single slots could be used), but I could in theory run 3 GTX 470's in SLI on that board, with no problems in Bandwidth, how ever they consume about 215W per card, so thats 645W just on 3 GPU's and would tax my 750W Corsair pretty close, if not over power it with everything I have in their right now. I would have to get a higher rated unit, at least 850W to stay on safe side.

Luckily for me, I plan on only getting a 2nd GTX 470, and run maybe one or two low powered GT 430's or 440's (single slot cards) in the remaining slots. So I'll be fine with my current 750W PSU.

**ShyguyXPC** · July 13th, 2011, 03:14 PM

Standard 1200W has 4x 6 Pin and 4x 6+2 Pin (8 pin)

Newegg.com - Antec TPQ-1200 1200W Continuous Power with PowerCache Technology SLI Ready CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

the OC version has 6x 6 pin & 6x 6+2 pin (8 pin)

the PDF for the manual seems a bit screwed up, but on the antec site, this is what it shows for connectors:

Antec

Like I said, it should have 4x 6 & 4x 6+2

**LOLcake23** · July 13th, 2011, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by ShyguyXPC

Standard 1200W has 4x 6 Pin and 4x 6+2 Pin (8 pin)

Newegg.com - Antec TPQ-1200 1200W Continuous Power with PowerCache Technology SLI Ready CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

the OC version has 6x 6 pin & 6x 6+2 pin (8 pin)

the PDF for the manual seems a bit screwed up, but on the antec site, this is what it shows for connectors:

Antec

Like I said, it should have 4x 6 & 4x 6+2

THanks for the advice mate.

Is using modular cables compared to the direct connections bad or is it the same for all practical purposes?

**ShyguyXPC** · July 13th, 2011, 07:07 PM

some will debate that Modular isn't the best for Clean power and stable power for Overclocking, but over all you should be fine. With a 1200W Antec, you should be perfectly fine, whether its modular or not.

as for anything else, other than OCing, its a moot point, not really a big deal.

if the Motherboard Power Cables are standard non modular your fine on OCing that, for the GPU's, you should be fine too, but that's where the debate on Modular versus non Modular comes into play.

I don't think your going to be OCing the GPU's any time soon, or even need to.

I've got a 500W Modular stuffed into my Mini ITX PC's case, and I don't need ANY extra Cables, other than a single strand for the Hard drive and DVD Drive, all the system power is supplied to by Mobo Power cable, so I have practically no cables in that case (case is also Fan less, and all solid Aluminum)

this one: Newegg.com - LIAN LI PC-Q07 Black Aluminum Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case

I have to find a better Low profile x16 PCIe card to stuff in it, than my GT 220 I have now (rear bracket for the 220 is actually messed up with the screw hole for bracket on wrong side to secure it). The Motherboard has a x1 slot in it, and I have an x1 to x16 Adapter to use a regular card in it. for those low end cards, its not a big deal, as the PCIe x1 2.0 spec can supply up to 500MB/s bandwidth, so not a huge impact on performance, but then again, that small a system wouldn't be used for anything more than Web Browsing, Email, Watching videos, pics, light 3D gaming, etc.

But I had the 500W Modular already, and figured to use it, as there'd be less cable clutter in that tiny case, allowing more room, and better airflow.

Has enough room to use a Single Slot Video card up to 7.5 to 8 Inches (counting the PCIe power connector if needed), and room for a FULL size PSU, as well as a single DVD Drive, and 1 Standard 3.5" HDD, and a 2.5" HDD or SSD. Just enough room for a Standard stock Intel Heatsink, or aftermarket of similar height. A Dual slot card isn't possible with out some modifications to the case, as the hard drive brackets are on the bottom of the case, and encroach on the 2nd slot of space for a dual slot card.

**LOLcake23** · July 14th, 2011, 03:14 AM

Free to call me an idiot. I just got an Corsair. AX1200 He gave me it for 320$. which is 40$ lower than ANYWHERE else in australia. THis guy is basically only making 25$ on everything including labour. (this happened after much negotiation).

**ShyguyXPC** · July 14th, 2011, 04:30 AM

$40 lower than anywhere else, but how much was it compared to the Antec's? I'm guessing a good $50 more...

its a good 400W of power extra you'll never use in your rig, at least now, and for the next year or two (no way of knowing how cards will be in the future, if you upgraded in a couple/few years)

Honestly, its money wasted, but its your call. the 800-850W units will be plenty as I said, but your call.

$343 US Dollars for that unit? (converted $320 Aus Dollars = 343.72 US Dollars) Newegg sells it for $280 over here.

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Professional Series Gold AX1200 (CMPSU-1200AX) 1200W ATX12V v2.31 / EPS12V v2.92 SLI Certified 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Newegg.com - Antec TPQ-1200 1200W Continuous Power with PowerCache Technology SLI Ready CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Newegg.com - Antec TruePower Quattro Series TPQ-1200 OC (Fan Control Knob/+12V Voltage Control Knob) 1200W Continuous Power ATX12V v2.3 SLI Ready CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Versus

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Professional Series HX850 (CMPSU-850HX) 850W ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 2.91 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Even this would of been better, in price: Newegg.com - High Current Pro HCP-850 850W TX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.92 SLI Certified CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Enermax 900W: Newegg.com - ENERMAX MODU87+ EMG900EWT 900W (Peak 990W) ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Either of these OCZ models: Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Power Supplies, Power Supplies, OCZ Technology, 801W - 900W, Yes

Or this Seasonic (which is quite honestly the best Brand in the world, since they also make units for Antec, Corsair, and other companies, heck I wouldn't be surprised one bit if half of these units listed in this post Are Seasonic Origins): Newegg.com - SeaSonic X Series X-850 (SS-850KM Active PFC F3) 850W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS 12V v2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Either of these Silverstone Models: Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Power Supplies, Power Supplies, Silverstone, 801W - 900W, Yes

Even this XFX Model: Newegg.com - XFX PRO850W XXX Edition Semi-Modular 80 Plus Silver Certified 850 Watt Active PFC Power Supply

ALL of those are more than sufficient, Modular, and Well below the estimated price range of the 1200W units your looking at, as well as all of them AT LEAST have 4x 6+2 pin configs, in fact many of them have upwards of 6 PCIe Connectors, some are Dual 8 pin and 4 6pin (these could be merged with an adapter 2 6 pin to a single 8 pin), others are 6x 6+2 Pins, etc.

but its your call.

**LOLcake23** · July 14th, 2011, 04:59 AM

Originally Posted by ShyguyXPC

$40 lower than anywhere else, but how much was it compared to the Antec's? I'm guessing a good $50 more...

its a good 400W of power extra you'll never use in your rig, at least now, and for the next year or two (no way of knowing how cards will be in the future, if you upgraded in a couple/few years)

Honestly, its money wasted, but its your call. the 800-850W units will be plenty as I said, but your call.

$343 US Dollars for that unit? (converted $320 Aus Dollars = 343.72 US Dollars) Newegg sells it for $280 over here.

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Professional Series Gold AX1200 (CMPSU-1200AX) 1200W ATX12V v2.31 / EPS12V v2.92 SLI Certified 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Newegg.com - Antec TPQ-1200 1200W Continuous Power with PowerCache Technology SLI Ready CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Newegg.com - Antec TruePower Quattro Series TPQ-1200 OC (Fan Control Knob/+12V Voltage Control Knob) 1200W Continuous Power ATX12V v2.3 SLI Ready CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Versus

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Professional Series HX850 (CMPSU-850HX) 850W ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 2.91 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Even this would of been better, in price: Newegg.com - High Current Pro HCP-850 850W TX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.92 SLI Certified CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Enermax 900W: Newegg.com - ENERMAX MODU87+ EMG900EWT 900W (Peak 990W) ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Either of these OCZ models: Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Power Supplies, Power Supplies, OCZ Technology, 801W - 900W, Yes

Or this Seasonic (which is quite honestly the best Brand in the world, since they also make units for Antec, Corsair, and other companies, heck I wouldn't be surprised one bit if half of these units listed in this post Are Seasonic Origins): Newegg.com - SeaSonic X Series X-850 (SS-850KM Active PFC F3) 850W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS 12V v2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Either of these Silverstone Models: Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Power Supplies, Power Supplies, Silverstone, 801W - 900W, Yes

Even this XFX Model: Newegg.com - XFX PRO850W XXX Edition Semi-Modular 80 Plus Silver Certified 850 Watt Active PFC Power Supply

ALL of those are more than sufficient, Modular, and Well below the estimated price range of the 1200W units your looking at, as well as all of them AT LEAST have 4x 6+2 pin configs, in fact many of them have upwards of 6 PCIe Connectors, some are Dual 8 pin and 4 6pin (these could be merged with an adapter 2 6 pin to a single 8 pin), others are 6x 6+2 Pins, etc.

but its your call.

I agree. But what really swayed me was the future proofing. THE AX1200 HAS a ridiculous 7 year warranty. So in the end i was going to go for the TX850 the one you rec. + Very high efficieny which when it adds up saves money over a less efficient 1200W in the long term (i.e the quattro)

But then i though about future gfx and components and what put the icing on the cake was the 7 year warranty as well as it being Corsairs flagship and most of my parts being from them too.

If they give out a 7 year warranty they obviously rate their components.