|
|||||||
 |
|
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools | Search this Thread | Rate Thread | Display Modes |
06-23-2009, 09:01 AM
|
#1 |
|
Member (10 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 517
 |
It's been awhile
Well it's been over 5 years since my last build (which is still humming along fine, by the way) and it's finally time to upgrade for obvious gaming limitations of socket 478 and AGP graphics.
My main objectives with this build are: Reliability, upgrade-abililty, gaming performance, and as quiet as possible. I'm going a step down from bleeding-edge to keep the cost modest ($1000 is a target but it's sitting at around $1200 right now.) PSU: Corsair 750W http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006 Motherboard: ASUS P6T SE http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131386 CPU: Core i7 920 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115202 CPU cooler: Zalman 120mm http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118046 RAM: OCZ Gold 6GB kit http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227365 Video card: EVGA GTX 260 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130370 Hard drives: 2 x WD Caviar Black 500GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136320 Case: Antec Three Hundred http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129042 A couple of specific questions: I don't see why I should get any of the more expensive versions of the P6T. The SE version supports all the same stuff except for SLI. I don't need SLI, as when I upgrade I plan to just move to the current $200 single card solution. This may be related to the following question... Should I go with two 4770's in Crossfire? I've been reading that they are currently the fastest solution for $200. Should I get a higher wattage PSU for upgradeability purposes? Will the aftermarket CPU fan allow me to run quieter? Or is it not worth it? Any recommendations on quiet 120mm case fans are welcomed. Thanks in advance!
__________________
Desktop | Antec Performance Plus 1080AMG | Antec 430W PSU | Intel D875PBZ | Intel P4 3.0C | | 4x512 MB dual-channel DDR400 Kingston HyperX | ATI Radeon 9800 pro 256 MB | Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Gamer | | LiteOn DVD-ROM | LiteOn CDRW | 36 GB WD Raptor | 250 GB WD SATA2 | Sony Floppy | XP pro | |
|
|
|
06-23-2009, 09:42 AM
|
#2 |
|
Computing Professor
Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: Jun 2001
Posts: 11,718
|
Unless you plan to over clock you can skip the after-market cooler.
The 4770 is the best budget card out now, the performance is really good in all current games and looks like holding for the new releases as well, but you'll defeat it's purpose with crossfire instead just get a new card when it's time for one. 750 watts is plenty for your specs and you'll have room to upgrade later. You really don't need to add any more fans to that case unless you over clock but you do need to remember to pull the front filter and clean it every month or so, it only takes a few minutes.
__________________
Asus M4A77D, 64 X2 6000+, 4 GB Corsair DDR2 800 ram, Radeon 5770. |
|
|
|
|
06-23-2009, 10:04 AM
|
#3 |
|
Member (10 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 517
|
I may OC at some point, but my main reasoning behind the aftermarket CPU cooler was that it's a much better heat sink, which would allow me to run the fan slower, and cut down on noise.
The 4770 is only around $100, so if it's faster in Crossfire than a single $200 card, it would be worth it. I've never done Crossfire before though so I don't know if it's as easy as plug and play. |
|
|
|
|
06-23-2009, 10:38 AM
|
#4 |
|
Avanzato Tecnico
Premium Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Illinois
Posts: 3,380
|
1 x 4890 is more powerful and reliable than 2 x 4770, crossfire and SLI are not worth doing unless you are buying top end cards. If you want crossfire go with 2 x 4890s and you don't need i7, the i7 is problematic and not as stable as the LGA775.
If you are a gamer your priority should be the video card, you are looking at a very high end CPU yet a mid-range card, does not make sense for a gamer.
__________________
Want to help cure Cancer and other Diseases? You easily can, all you need is your Computer, Find out how!
|
|
|
|
|
06-23-2009, 11:24 AM
|
#5 |
|
Member (11 bit)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: tfp
Posts: 1,923
|
Using anything other than the stock heatsink/fan will void your CPU warranty. If that's worth it to you from a noise standpoint, go for it, but something to keep in mind.
__________________
System: ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe AMD Opteron Denmark 165 Sapphire Radeon 4850x2 2X1GB G.Skill DDR400 Ram Corsair 850W PSU Thermaltake Soprano case Seagate 7200.10 320GB |
|
|
|
|
06-23-2009, 11:38 AM
|
#6 |
|
Forum Administrator
Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Joplin MO
Posts: 37,767
|
If you can wait till fall, I'd recommend you do so. That's when Socket 1156 will be out with the lower cost P55 chipset. There will be i3, i5, and i7 processors for it. This will allow you to put more money into the video card and still stay in your budget.
|
|
|
|
|
06-23-2009, 12:02 PM
|
#7 |
|
Member (10 bit)
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 517
|
My main reason for choosing LGA 1366 is longevity; I'd like to be able to upgrade both the CPU and video card within a few years to stay current, without having to upgrade the entire system. I can accept the price premium, as $1000 is not a hard limit for me, only a guideline.
I realize the stock HSF is needed to keep the warranty, I may start out with it and only upgrade later if I think I need it. I will take a look at the 4890, it has generally positive reviews so maybe this is the bang for the buck card right now. Thanks for the suggestions everyone. |
|
|
|
|
| Bookmarks |
| Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
| Display Modes | Rate This Thread |
|
|
Linear Mode
