I'll make this fast. I want to buy/upgrade my PC in late May (for Age of Conan). I want to get the "best bang for buck" hardware - price is not an issue, price : performance ratio is. So if you all could give me your opinions that would be awesome. Also it would be nice if you could include prices and/or links. All hardware that is has been released or will be released by late May/early June is fair game.
Things You Need To Know:
- I upgrade every 3+ years...so this is LONGTERM.
- I already have the HDs (10k Raptor 75gb, 500gb Seagate)
- I already have the graphics card (8800GT)
- I really don't like to OC, but am willing. However, I need to see significant benefits running on air and not overheat.
- Yes, I am a gamer.
What I Might Need: This isn't as important for me right now - my old parts can still work here.
- I already CD Drive, keyboard/Mouse, Speakers, PSU, Monitor, Sound Card - though I won't mind getting new ones.
What I Definitely Need: Any good monitors or sound cards at a good value can be add here.
- Case:
- RAM:
- CPU:
- MOBO:
What I Am Thinking of Getting:
- Case: Antec 900, Antec P180, Antec P182, Thermaltake Armor, Cooler Master Cosmos, Cooler Master RC-690, so many more.
- RAM: So many to choose from...2x2gb ($100) or 2x1gb ($50) for now, and upgrade later if need be.
- CPU: e2180, e8400, Q6600, Q9300, Q9450
- MOBO: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L/R...not sure....SLI or no SLI...?
Questions I Have:
- Do you still think the 8800GT/GTS is "best bang for buck" and will it be by late May?
- Is SLI worth it, if I plan on longterm use? It seems like every year a new single-card solution can perform better than most SLI from a year ago. If that is the case than I'll stick with single-slot solution.
- How is 2x2gb vs 4x1gb ram? performance-wise. Also, I am looking for DDR2 1066 FSB - correct? (for optimal performance) or is 1333 FSB better for me?
Remember: Price is not an issue, I just want "best bang for buck" and hardware that will last me longterm.
Things You Need To Know:
- I upgrade every 3+ years...so this is LONGTERM.
- I already have the HDs (10k Raptor 75gb, 500gb Seagate)
- I already have the graphics card (8800GT)
- I really don't like to OC, but am willing. However, I need to see significant benefits running on air and not overheat.
- Yes, I am a gamer.
What I Might Need: This isn't as important for me right now - my old parts can still work here.
- I already CD Drive, keyboard/Mouse, Speakers, PSU, Monitor, Sound Card - though I won't mind getting new ones.
What I Definitely Need: Any good monitors or sound cards at a good value can be add here.
- Case:
- RAM:
- CPU:
- MOBO:
What I Am Thinking of Getting:
- Case: Antec 900, Antec P180, Antec P182, Thermaltake Armor, Cooler Master Cosmos, Cooler Master RC-690, so many more.
- RAM: So many to choose from...2x2gb ($100) or 2x1gb ($50) for now, and upgrade later if need be.
- CPU: e2180, e8400, Q6600, Q9300, Q9450
- MOBO: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L/R...not sure....SLI or no SLI...?
Questions I Have:
- Do you still think the 8800GT/GTS is "best bang for buck" and will it be by late May?
- Is SLI worth it, if I plan on longterm use? It seems like every year a new single-card solution can perform better than most SLI from a year ago. If that is the case than I'll stick with single-slot solution.
- How is 2x2gb vs 4x1gb ram? performance-wise. Also, I am looking for DDR2 1066 FSB - correct? (for optimal performance) or is 1333 FSB better for me?
Remember: Price is not an issue, I just want "best bang for buck" and hardware that will last me longterm.