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New Build, need mobo opinion

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Alright so basically, I have a 2.5year old build.

Specs right now...
Case: Modded Thermaltake Armor
PSU: Enermax Liberty 620W
MOBO: ASUS A8N32-SLI
CPU: AMD 939 X2 4400+ (o/cd on air to 2.65ghz)
RAM: 2gb OCZ Platinum PC3200
GFX: 7800GT
HDDs: 2 80gb SATAs (RAID 0), Seagate 750HDD 7200.11, WD 250GB
Sound Card: X-Fi Platinum
Monitor: 24" Dell LCD
OS: Vista 64bit

Uses for current machine: web development, video encoding, gaming (CSS, COD4, BF2, and a few older games), and then standard stuff, M$ Office, Web surfing, etc..

Future uses: I would consider if possible to maybe run Crysis, World of Conflict, and maybe some M$ Flight Simulator.

If possible, I would appreciate it if you used http://www.ncix.com or another canadian site, ex. Canada Computers

So I'm upgrading Mobo/CPU/GFX/RAM and IF ONLY NEEDED, PSU. This is what I have decided so far.
MOBO: ASUS? DFI? ...?
NEEDS: RAID, 2xPCI slots
PRICE RANGE: $200-250
Chances of me going SLI are quite unlikely. I left that option available before but by the time I thought about it, graphic cards had changed and waiting 1.5 more years wasn't a huge deal with what I was doing. Suggestions?

CPU: Q6600?
I think it is best to go Quad Core as more and more applications are becoming multi-threaded. Is this the best quad core for its money? I'm a little behind on all the new processors and whatnot. Any other suggestions for under 350-400?

CPU HSF: Xigmatek HDT-S1283
RAM: OCZ Platinum XTC PC2-8000 http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=28032&vpn=OCZ2P10004GK&manufacture=OCZ%20Technology
For the RAM, I think for me its best to stick to DD2 because in 2-3 years I'll most likely upgrade again. Hopefully by then I'll be in roughly the same position now.

GFX: 9800GTX
I'm pretty confident with this decision for the price range it is offered. If you don't agree for any reason let me know and maybe offer a suggestion?

Thanks in advance for any input
-Shadow

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unless you want to spend 380$ (newegg) on the q9450 go for the q6600
i dont think you need ddr2 1000 ram. 800 should be fine and cheaper with the q6600. agree with ddr2
the 9800 gtx seems like a good card but its nothing revolutionary compared to the 8800 gts 512, still slightly better though. if you are on a budget you can consider the gts. i am guessing your monitor's resolution is pretty high so the 9800 gtx is probably a good choice
as for your mobo i would spend less than you planned, personally. 200-250 is x38 range, but since you are upgrading in 2 years anyway, you will need a new mobo with nehalem socket. a p35 for 100$ less should do you fine. but if you really want to spend the money get a x38.

the specs on newegg say reccomended amps on the 12v rail is 24A for the 9800gtx, but i think your psu will be fine. i would at least try it before i bought another one.

Hi,
If you are not serious about SLI, I recommend ABIT IX38 Quad GT.
You won't be disappointed with it's performance and really nice OC ability. Just take a look at it at newegg.com.
About memory I agree about DDR2, but I mostly suggest Corsair XMS2 DHX with 800Mhz Bus. It's price/performance is wonderfull.
If your power has 8pin eps socket it is adequet for your config.
About CPU if you are to buy a quadcore then 6600 is nice, but for saving some money I recommend 6550.It is dualcore but really strong and OCable(I have this config and I OC'd mine to 3000Mhz Without and overvoltage)
And graphic card, take a look at 8800GT 512MB as it's price/performance is unbitable(I think so :whistle:  ) ,also 3870 X2 has an attractive performane(somehow better than 8800ultra and with cheaper price)
Hope it help.
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Thanks for the advice so far!!! It's quite helpful!

I'm 100% sure I'm going to buy the 9800GTX although not everyone agrees with that. Its $340 on NCIX and for the performance it has showed already, I feel that is sufficient in comparison to the other cards currently out there.

My power supply for the 9800 should be fine. I looked up the specs and I should be alright.

I was looking at the Corsair XMS2 DHZ with 800Mhz Bus, if I threw another $50-$75 at the RAM what would be the next step up and about how much performance would I gain?

I'll take a really good look at motherboards today and post what I think will work for me. I'm considering getting the q9450. May future proof just a bit more and I'll see the final amount being spent and if I have the extra 150 ish in the bank then may as well.

shadow88 said:
Thanks for the advice so far!!! It's quite helpful!

I'm 100% sure I'm going to buy the 9800GTX although not everyone agrees with that. Its $340 on NCIX and for the performance it has showed already, I feel that is sufficient in comparison to the other cards currently out there.

My power supply for the 9800 should be fine. I looked up the specs and I should be alright.

I was looking at the Corsair XMS2 DHZ with 800Mhz Bus, if I threw another $50-$75 at the RAM what would be the next step up and about how much performance would I gain?

I'll take a really good look at motherboards today and post what I think will work for me. I'm considering getting the q9450. May future proof just a bit more and I'll see the final amount being spent and if I have the extra 150 ish in the bank then may as well.

All your choice are perfect. I hope you select the right board as it is much more important than others.
As a memory , with the money you have mentioned look at these ones:
Coarsair XMS2 Dominator series with low timings and BUS 800 or
Corasair Dominator series with 1066 BUS.

Ok. I was looking at CPUs today and am 99% sure about the q9450. If not, I will get the Q6600 for sure.

The motherboard I chose was the ASUS Maximus Formula LGA775 X38 http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=27037&vpn=MAXIMUS%20FORMULA&manufacture=ASUS. I looked into the Abit board but I'm quite loyal to my ASUS. Also, I think I still may leave the option for SLI as the cost of graphics cards continues to fall. Also, I have never had one single problem with any board (15+ boards) I've built computers with them and are still stable.

For the memory, there is a good deal on a 4GB set (2x2gb) OCZ Reaper 1066 BUS http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=28786&vpn=OCZ2RPR10664GK&manufacture=OCZ%20Technology

Now my last question, will everything work nicely and be compatible?
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