Help on Gaming System

[jmat304]

Hello all,

I'm planning to build a gaming system and have come up with the following components so far:

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600
Motherboard: EVGA nForce 680i SLI (122-CK-NF68-AR)
Memory: Corsair Dominator DDR2 TWIN2x1048-8500C5D (2x1GB)
Graphics: BFG 8800GTS
Hard Drive: WD Raptor X 150GB x 2
DVD: Plextor 760A
Power Supply: Thermaltake 850W
Case: Gigabyte 3D Aurora 570
Monitor: Dell 2407WFP (24" Widescreen w/ Max Res 1920x1200)

I already own the monitor and hard drives and I'm getting ready to buy the rest, but I would appreciate any comments on this build and any help on three questions.

1. With the larger monitor, will the 8800GTS provide reasonably high performance or should I move up to the 8800GTX graphics card?
2. Is there any advantage to going with the BFG factory overclocked 8800GTS card vs. standard 8800GTS?
3. I've gone back and forth on the 8800GTS vs. 8800GTX, but my current thinking is that I would go with the 8800GTS and add a second card later this year as prices come down. Reasonable plan?


Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[shadowduck]

Hello all,


1. With the larger monitor, will the 8800GTS provide reasonably high performance or should I move up to the 8800GTX graphics card?

GTS is fine, the GTX will just give you more life out of the card, maybe another 6-8 months. 1920x1200 can be played maxed on a current 7900 series card.

2. Is there any advantage to going with the BFG factory overclocked 8800GTS card vs. standard 8800GTS?

Well if you like having the overclock being covered by a lifetime warranty, sure. If not no.

3. I've gone back and forth on the 8800GTS vs. 8800GTX, but my current thinking is that I would go with the 8800GTS and add a second card later this year as prices come down. Reasonable plan?

NO.. SLI is a horrible upgrade path. Adding a second card more than 90 days after the first one is a waste of money, because the new current card will best both of your cards in SLI in most cases. Adding a 2nd card will only increase performance around 30%, not 100%.

 

[skyguy]

If your Raptors are in RAID 0, then definitely get a backup/data drive. One of those goes down and you're screwed. Backup drive.....your best friend

GTS will do fine. GTX will handle upcoming games better and give you a longer shelf life.

If you go with a GTX, consider a different case. I hear the Aurora fits a GTX with like 1/16" of an inch left or something. VERY tight fit, too close for my comfort.

Factory overclocked GTS? Meh. You can OC it yourself to what they'll do without breaking a sweat.

 

[deusex]

eVGA 8800GTS - Its lifetime War. and stepup program lets you upgrade to a better card (possibly the GTX when it becomes cheaper) in three months.

 

[jmat304]

Thanks for the help. Good advice on all counts!