Going all out on first build... sort of.

[Doom]

Okay... I put together a proposed build a couple months ago and got lots of help. Thanks. Since then I've decided to go SLI capable and build the machine I really, really want. I think I've earned it (long story). I've done the reading and realize I'm not gaining a huge deal w/ SLI... but I'd like to keep the option open from the start. Rig will be for serious gaming (FPS, RPG and RTS... probably not much on-line at all) looking for flawless graphics on a 22" HD capable monitor (already own). Budget is $2k.

- Case: Apevia X-Jupiter-Jr G-Type (chosen for looks and 3x 120mm fans)
- MoBo: EVGA nVidia nForce 780i SLI ATX Intel
- CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 Conroe 3.0GHz
- RAM: G-Skill 4GB (2x2GB) 240 Pin DDR2 800
- Video: EVGA 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3
- Sound: On-Board
- HDD: 2x WD Caviar 500GB 7200RPM
- Optical: LITE-ON 20x DVD+R SATA (Retail)
- PSU: Corsair CMPSU 520w SLI ready
- Cooling: Apevia 120mm Case Fan (Case only comes w/ 2)
- Cooling: Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro 92mm
- OS: Vista Home Premium for System Builders (OEM)
- Mouse/Monitor/Speakers/Keyboard: Already Good Enough

Questions:
1. Is a quad core at a lower speed (e.g. 2.66) better than a faster speed dual core?
2. Is the GDDR3 video card incompatible with my system if I've got DDR2 RAM?
3. Assuming I want to add the second card (same one) in a few months... is 520w enough?
4. I'm in DC and have a MicroCenter nearby. Does everyone just buy from Newegg or is it good to go to a good local place? (If you can recommend something in DC area... that would be great.)

Notes:
1. I chose the 780i SLI since its gotten pretty much nothing but good reviews on Newegg. The other SLI boards I saw had poorer ratings with fewer reviews.
2. I chose 4xGB since a combo of 2x1GB and 2x512MB wasn't that much cheaper.
3. Newegg price comes out to just over $1500 w/ rebates.

[Doom]

Oh yeah... I'm not looking to OC. From what I understand, it can boost performance... but the longevity of my system may suffer in the long run. I want this to last a while with only minor upgrades to video, RAM or processor. I've got a Gateway that's lasted me for six years on a P4 2.4 GHz w/ 40GB HDD and an AGP GeForce 6600. I'm hoping this build can set me up to last 3-5 years with only minor upgrades needed.

[shadowpr]

Change the cpu to a E8400 instead. If it's for gaming, then stick with a faster dual core instead of a quad core.

If not overclocking, then you don't need the Artic cooling freezer.

I doubt the 520 will be enough for two 8800gtx. Go here to check for one that is certified: http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_build_psu.html

The ram on the video card has nothing to do with the ram you install on the mother board.

If you can find good deals at MicroCenter, then go for it.

[Doom]

Cool. I checked the slizone.com site and indeed 520w is not enough. I seriously doubt I'll go w/ 3xSLI, so PSU and processor are now set as:

- PC Power & Cooling S75QB EPS12V 750W (rated for 2x 8800GTX)
- E8400 Wolfdale (Newegg sold out... hopefully not when I buy or Micro Center will have it)
- No additional CPU cooling... I'll take the standard heat sink.

[Alaron]

Good changes, looks like a winner to me.

[Katreat]

your changes look great. I will throw out one more to think about. The 8800 GTX is getting a bit long in the tooth. It is not all that much faster than the 9600GT, 8800GT, or the 8800GTS. Not to mention the new 9800 series that are hitting the stores right now and out perform the older 8800 GTX. It does not even make the best video card round up any longer:

http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/03/...e_card_for_460

I think you should consider stepping down to one of the slightly slower cards for a big cash savings or moving up to one of the newer 9800 offerings.

Kat

[Doom]

Thanks Katreat. I'm likely to make my purchases in May or June... so I'll keep tabs on this site and make sure I'm not spending too much on a card. I may go with a couple lower cards now and then wait a few months until the 9800 series to drop in price from the initial go.

[Doom]

Looked a few rankings of cards and looked at more prices on Newegg. I'm now planning on the MSI 8800GT 512MB card shown here.

If I'm not getting the FPS rates I'd like to see on acceptable setttings (and given the crappy rig I've got now... it won't take much for my jaw to drop)... I can still get another one for and SLI configuration and still be cheaper than the 8800GTX once the rebates are taken into account.

The card got just as many "5 egg" ratings as others I've seen... but EVGA seems the most highly recommended. If anybody thinks MSI is a mistake for a graphics card, let me know. The cooling heat sink looked like it might be better in the end.

EVGA is only $5 more per card, so if folks say they're the best I'll probably go w/ EVGA.

[Katreat]

Most recomend EVGA. They have a great reputation and they offer a 90 day upgrade exchange policy which might work out if you decide you need something with more horsepower. Within the 90 days you just send them your cards, order the upgrade, and pay the difference. I think EVGA is also the company that makes the test cards for Nvidea, so they might have a bit of an inside track. I have personnally never heard anythinig bad about MSI so wont try to talk you out of it.

Kat