Critique this E8400/SLI build! Thanks!

[kzx87]

If you could review this build and let me know if there are any glaring issues/problems or things you might change, please let me know as it would be most appreciated!

My current and last build is an AMD FX-53 with a 6800 Ultra. I am looking to upgrade now and this my preliminary design. My current PC has OCZ memory, PP&C PSU, 2x74gb Raid 0 WD Raptor drives and I have been happy with all of it, so that was my first choice for the next build. I was looking at the Q6600, but I will not use this for anything other than games really, I don't think I need a slower quad chip. I am not a super fanboy for any company, so everything is subject to change if it makes sense. I might overclock it a little bit, but nothing too extreme as I want something rock solid stable. I will be pairing this system with a 24" Dell UltraSharp LCD. Thanks for reading and commenting.



CASE - Antec 900 Mid Tower ATX Case
MOTHERBOARD - EVGA 132-CK-NF78-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard
VIDEO CARD - 2x in SLI, EVGA 512-P3-N841-AR GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
PSU - OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI ATX12V 700W Power Supply
CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400
HDD - Seagate Barracuda ES.2 ST3250310NS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
RAM - OCZ SLI-Ready Edition 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

Total - $1518.91

 

[Mousemonkey]

[:mousemonkey:2] After fitting a 3 point harness to your chair (Health & Safety first), you should be good to go.

 

[Zenthar]

Just a thought, you could get a GIGABYTE GA-EX38-DS4 (~200$) and 2x 3870x2 (~800$) card instead. About 200$ more than the Dual GTS setup, but you get a hell of a gaming rig. If the up-front price is too high, get just 1 and add another one in a few months and XFire them.

With your setup you will get more right now, but upgrading in a year will cost you 2 cards as the GTS cannot be used in 3-Way SLI.

Just an idea people can debate.
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Update #1
Here is a review of a 3870x2 Crossfired, not as impressive as I would have thought; maybe a driver and/or software issue.

 

[kzx87]

interesting proposition. money isn't really a big deal as long as its worth it. i hear the x38 is the better chipset, but no SLI there. Perhaps I will research the ATI offerings and maybe go that route. Thanks.

 

[acidpython]

With that budget I wouldn't get a antec 900. Why not look at a CM stacker 320?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119136

Perhaps a thermaltake Armor or kandalf.

The only reason i suggest this is because with an SLI setup it gets rather cosy in those mid-towers.

Also maybe be go with the 680i chipset or wait for 790i. basically something with more mature drivers or better technology (your not using tri-sli anyway)

 

[0gab0ga]

790i is ddr3 only so i wouldnt wait for it. e8400 restock early april on several sites. by that time the q9450 will be out so i would consider it aswell. at least take a look at the benchmarks before you decide.