New build PC - looking for incompatibilities and RAM advice

[Cravenavp]

OK, forgive the somewhat uncerimonious data dump, but I R BUILDING NEW PC and I could do with some advice. I've shortlisted a few components below:

GFX cards
ASUS 1GB GeForce 7950GX2 2xDVI PCI-E SLI RET http://www.specialtech.co.uk/spshop/customer/product.php?productid=2521&cat=251&page=1 386.11
EVGA GeForce 7950 GX2 1GIG PCI-E - 01G-P2-N592-AX http://www.specialtech.co.uk/spshop/customer/product.php?productid=2746&cat=251&page=1 374.01
Gigabyte GF 3D1 7950GTX SLI 1GB DDR3, PCI-E http://www.microdirect.co.uk/ProductInfo.aspx?ProductID=14502&GroupID=331 377
XFX GeForce 7950GX2 SLI eXTreme Edition 1GB DDR3 http://www.microdirect.co.uk/ProductInfo.aspx?ProductID=14119&GroupID=331 396


MOBO
Asus Crosshair AM2 nForce 590 2000FSB dual SLI http://www.microdirect.co.uk/ProductInfo.aspx?ProductID=14696&GroupID=1088 156


HD
(4x1 in RAID 5) 80 GB Seagate Barracuda SATA2 7200rpm 8MB cache HDD http://www.microdirect.co.uk/ProductInfo.aspx?ProductID=13605&GroupID=1049 33.96


DVD
Sony DW-G120AB Dual Layer Black 16X x 16X DVD +/-R/RW oem http://www.microdirect.co.uk/ProductInfo.aspx?ProductID=12761&GroupID=42 25.22


CPU
AMD AM2 Athlon 64 Dual Core 4600 http://www.microdirect.co.uk/ProductInfo.aspx?ProductID=14001&GroupID=1080 164


RAM

???


CPU Cooler
Zalman CNPS9500-LED Socket 478/754/775/939/940 http://www.microdirect.co.uk/ProductInfo.aspx?ProductID=11508&GroupID=1095 37.48


Case
Thermaltake VA8000SWA Armour Aluminium Super Tower - Silver (CA-006-TT) http://www.thermaltake.com/xaserCase/armor/va8000bws/va8000bws.htm 99

PSU
ThermalTake 680W PurePower(Black) Silent version 2 PSU http://www.microdirect.co.uk/ProductInfo.aspx?ProductID=14001&GroupID=1080 76


Notable exceptions at the moment are RAM and monitor. I have a very nice 19 inch ACER model so I'm really not bothered about changing that, along with my Logitech 518MX and Wolfclaw Type2 input devices.

The RAM is a bit of a mystery to me. What would you lot recommend? The MOBO has a great deal of capacity... but I'm not sure how exaclty AM2 chips work with DDR2 RAM, as I've been unable to find a satisfactory and easy to understand explanation.

Also, was going to set up the 4 SATA II drives in a RAID 5 array. I've never even owned a SATA drive before, so if anyone has any input on if it's worth it or how hard it is to set up, that would be great.

Links to articles on AM2 with DDR2, general advice, known issues with any hardware or future compatibility issues would be great. I intend to stick in another 7950 and double the RAM in a few years to keep it powerful... is this feasible?

Oh, and it'll be sitting in the living room so low noise would be nice. I've heard that the 7950s are quite quiet compared to Crossfire setups...

Fire away!

(no need to be kind either, if I've been a nub then tell me!)

 

[raven_87]

If you have the $$...go C2D. Even if you pick up an Allendale, its still better performer than the 4600. As for RAM, try DDR2 800.

Looks fine though. My only thing, if your on a 19in LCD, and your max res isnt anything above 1600x1200...then there isnt much point in getting a 7950.

 

[dougie_boy]

Asus dont make Great AMD boards. they do how ever make the best intel board..
Asus P5B delux, get this for £129 -

and the E6400 core duo, for £163.

not only is that cheaper its also faster.

and some corsair twinX 2 gig for £169.

and finally, if i was you the x1950xt is a much better idea. its £279, which is a £100 u save and if u plan to keep the system current your better to wait for direct x 10.

the 7950gt is a bit overkill in my eyes. okay its a fast card but its only fast when working in SLi mode. if the game doesnt support SLi, then it acts as a single underclocked 7900gt.

the x1950xt is a much better card of the money.

DDR4 ram, and 48 pixel prossesors. its shi.t hot.

also, ur choice of harddrive is unneccicary and u will not gain anything from those in RAID.

do your self a favour and take the £132 and buy 2 Hitatchi Deskstars T7K 250 -£53 each and raid 1 them if you must and.
they will be much faster than the drives you have chosen.

and finally. the arctic freezer pro 7 is a much cheaper better HSF.
here it is

here is a review of it.

hope i have not destroyed your PC too much.

 

[raven_87]

Deskstar = Dont touch....trust me.

 

[dougie_boy]

really? ive heard lots of good things about them...

 

[aBg_rOnGak]

Deskstar = Dont touch....trust me.

Please tell why... :?: Almost recommended it to a friend of mine

 

[raven_87]

Deskstar has the street name "Deathstar" for a fine reason....

Had one die on me in 5 months, give or take a couple weeks.
Yeah, cheap price; but at what cost?

 

[Assman]

Raven_87 is right, go with c2d, i just build my c2d pc and it's amazing, even at stock.
for memory go with corsair xms2 ddr2 6400 c4 or c5
p5b is a good mobo, rock solid stable 8)

 

[Cravenavp]

Deskstar = Dont touch....trust me.

Please tell why... :?: Almost recommended it to a friend of mine

I actually got one, and I can confirm they're shite. lasted a whole 4 weeks.

Not impressed.

 

[Cravenavp]

Asus dont make Great AMD boards. they do how ever make the best intel board..
Asus P5B delux, get this for £129 -

and the E6400 core duo, for £163.

not only is that cheaper its also faster.

and some corsair twinX 2 gig for £169.

and finally, if i was you the x1950xt is a much better idea. its £279, which is a £100 u save and if u plan to keep the system current your better to wait for direct x 10.
<trim>



hope i have not destroyed your PC too much.

On the contrary, destruction is what I was looking for! I'd rather have someone change my mind before I buy it than when I'm running it 3 months down the line and I realise I've wasted my cash.

Are there really that many games coming out that can't utilise SLI? I'm thinking Fear, BF2, Quake Wars, Hellgate: London etc.

Oh, and this DX10 business - will the x1950 and 7950's not run it at all? How on earth will game makers be able to ship a game that won't run on anything but the latest hardware? Seems a bit weird...

 

[raven_87]

It will, but think of it as the DX8 ---> DX9 transition.

 

[Cravenavp]

It will, but think of it as the DX8 ---> DX9 transition.

Oh, so x1950 cards etc. will be able to run DX10? Can anyone else confirm this?