new am2 build help

[hellraisertx]

I am new here and was hoping to get some expert opinions on my build I am currently working on:
gigabyte m55sli 4 m/b
OCZ Dual Channel 1024MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz Platinum Memory (2 x 512MB)
am2 4600+ cpu
evga 7600 gt ko sli video 256 mb (dual cards)
Asus VENTO 3600 Red ATX Mid-Tower Gaming Case
550w p/s
20.1 lcd monitor

this will be mostly for gaming, any comments, problems or suggestions

thanks for any input

 

[ike2187]

scrap the dual 7600gts and pickup a 7900gt or a x1900gt.

 

[fredgiblet]

Seconded, it'll probably give the same or better performance and leave you room to go SLI later.

 

[hellraisertx]

THE EVGA 7600 GT KO ARE A 750/1500 CARD AND I CAN PUT TWO CHEAPER THAN A 7900

WHAT ABOUT THE NEW PHYS X CARDS?

 

[fredgiblet]

dont bother with physics cards, the technology is immature and over-priced. In a year or two there may be a reason to buy one, but for now a better GPU or CPU is a MUCH metter choice.

 

[xyzunit]

THE EVGA 7600 GT KO ARE A 750/1500 CARD AND I CAN PUT TWO CHEAPER THAN A 7900

WHAT ABOUT THE NEW PHYS X CARDS?

Yeah, and after you put the 2nd in and get a 3% increase for $150, you'll be wishing you had bought one 7900gt for about the same price and better performance.

As for PhysX, if you can get a card for $free.99, go for it, but otherwise I wouldn't touch the things.

 

[hellraisertx]

SOUNDS LIKE I NEED A 7900 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I WENT WITH THE NFORCE4 SLI OR SHOULD I HAVE GONE WITH NFORCE 590 OR 570 CHIPSET?

 

[pat]

SOUNDS LIKE I NEED A 7900 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I WENT WITH THE NFORCE4 SLI OR SHOULD I HAVE GONE WITH NFORCE 590 OR 570 CHIPSET?

Sound like you need a new keyboard.. the caps lock key seem stuck in...

 

[rwaritsdario]

Dont go for the 6600 because even that they have similar core clock and memory clock speeds they have half the pipelines and half the memory bandwith; wich, in theory, cuts the performance by half.
Definetly go for the 7900GT and just for the GT 256mb, its the "sweetspot" right now for graphics cards.

I would go to for the 570 chipset and maybe even the 590 if you think someday youll go with quad-graphics. They are overally better motherboards with more and better BIOS features.

I would also go with Corsair for memory, after all for 1GB its in the same price range and youll be getting memory that gets nothing but 5 stars reviews. With $80 more you could go for 2gigs in newegg right now.

I wouldnt go for the 4600+, go for a 3800+ or a 4200+ and get a water cooling kit, for less than $100 to even the price out, and overclock that baby. You might be able to get clock speeds of a 5000+ even! (if anyone has done this, comment about it =]).I recommed the Kingwin AS-3000 because it comes with the VGA block.

The case is really nice if you can afford it; its the only case ild consider without having a side panel window lol, nice choice.

Which power supply are you using? just out of curiosity lol

 

[hellraisertx]

Ultra / X2 Connect / 550-Watt / ATX / 120mm Fan / SLI Ready / SATA-Ready / 20/24-Pin / Modular Power Supply
bought from tiger direct

How much heat reduction can be achieved with water cooling?

 

[rwaritsdario]

Good, thats a nice power supply. Just dont buy stuff from tiger, go with newegg. Even better check everything on pricegrabber.com and go for the cheapest. Zipzoomfly has really nic eprices at times.

I couldnt give you a chart, but definetly is better than the stock cooling or any aftermarket heatsink/fan. But if you dont feel confident enough to go for water cooling, go for a zalman or the big typhoon HSF, Ive tried those are the top of the line.

Just make sure to look up for reviews of anything you buy, professional ones, so youll make sure it fulfills all your needs. Happy build! lol

 

[Frankzoola]

DO NOT SLI A 7600GT! I REPEAT DO NOT SLI A 7600GT! DO NOT SLI A 7600GT! get a 7900gt it blows a 7600gt in sli ! DO NOT SLI A 7600GT!

 

[Frankzoola]

scrap the dual 7600gts and pickup a 7900gt or a x1900gt.

the x1800xt is better than the x1900gt, and the x1800xt has a better image quality over the 7900gt

 

[TkdRO]

I would get a better Powersupply if i were you, with more watts.

You have dual core and all the crap plus u want to go dual sli? that's like almost 300 watts for just the video cards alone.

If you going SLI then you should get like a 700watt at least with those specs. Just to avoid stability issues and not overload the PS.

 

[hellraisertx]

These are my final specs on my build see below

 

[rwaritsdario]

These are my final specs on my build see below

I wouldnt go for a ultra PSU, they arent recognized for making good products. The brands I like for PSU are OCZ, antec, PC P&C, and enermax. Try to look for something withing your budget of those brands and as a rule of thumb get two or more 12v rails.

If you want minimun memory latency for the CAS4 of the same model, if you change cases you might get the money for that, unless you looove it alot lol

I couldnt find any specs of your mobo and your HD is ATA so idk if they would be compatiblem, you should check that.

 

[hellraisertx]

I made one change and got a different case
RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP Black SECC STEEL ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Retail
scrapped the power supply that comes with it
It is actually a nice case 2 side fans 1 front and one rear
also right side opens down with motherboard tray attached perfect for access
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811156062
PSU Main connector : 20-pin
Removable motherboard tray
Tool free drive bay installation
3 x PCIE/AGP/PCI Stabilizers