from scratch: what mobo/RAM to match up with 7950GTO 512MB

[Guest]

I am purchasing a 7950GTO 512MB.

I've read that even if I buy a high performance card like this, I will still need to put it in a fast mobo with a lot of fast RAM or game play (high res with high settings) will suffer.

So, since I am one of the many people on a budget, what is your recommendation for the cheapest gaming mobo, CPU, and RAM to use with my 7950GTO 512MB. I already have a Raptor HD.

If it will help, I would like to play games at 16x12 res, 16xAF, AA, shadows, highest settings on effects.

 

[Newf]

I am purchasing a 7950GTO 512MB.
... what is your recommendation for the cheapest gaming mobo, CPU, and RAM to use with my 7950GTO 512MB.

http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/dimen_e521?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

 

[Guest]

Dell does not let you take out the hard drive and operating system. I forgot to mention that I already have Windows XP and a case.

What is the minimum wattage of power supply I should get?

I have this:
Raptor HD
ATX case
7950GTO 512MB PCIE
Windows XP
mouse/keyboard
monitor

I need this:
mobo
cpu
ram
power supply

What do you think is the cheapest gaming grade of these that I need that will match the performance of a 7950GTO 512MB?

 

[Newf]

The Dell was meant to be a joke :roll: 8O

For power supplies:

Minimum$, Great value:
FSP AX450-PN 450watt 12v:2x18a PSU 20+4pin $49+8 10/21/06
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104954

Well known and has fan-only low volt molex connectors (quiet):
Antec TruePower2 TP2-550 12:2x19a PSU 20+4pin $87+0 10/21/2006
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103932

More power than you need for now:
FSP FSP550-80GLC-R 550w 12v:4x15a 20+4pin Active PFC $113+8 10/21/06
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104018

CPU:
Any AMD X2 (either socket 939 or AM2) OR any Conroe will work just fine.
Since you are buying the ram, go with DDR2 on either AM2 or Conroe motherboard. I like the following combo for non-overclocking but solid perf at low cost:

Conroe E6300 1.86GHz 2MB Boxed $183+0 10/21/06
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115005

MOBO:

MSI P965 Neo-F LGA775 965 ATX Conroe $93+6 10/15/06
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130052
http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec.asp?model=P965_Neo-F&class=mb
Hardwarezone Review MSI P965 7/21/06
http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/view.php?id=1987&cid=6&pg=1

RAM:

Kingston value 2G 533 KVR533D2N4K2/2G $224+5 10/21/06
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820144157
If you only want 1 GB then get KVR533D2N4K2/1G

 

[Guest]

Thank you very much for your reply. It is very helpful.

 

[Newf]

You're welcome.