In its day the 975 was a very good chipset and the only Intel mobo for multi GPU's. Today I would suggest due to both price and 1333 FSB to get an Nvidia 700 series. Point is I would only get a costly new design mobo, not a 975, for the Q9450 and oddly the Nvidia mobo supports the new 45nm. A cheap mobo that supports 1333 FSB can easily OC the Q6600 and maybe even better than an older 975.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813130159
If you do change drop your memory and get a set that supports 1.8v else you will have problems on many mobos. I suggest dropping both your current and your upgrade GPU. Get either a 3850 512MB or a 9600GT from the mobo savings. The Rosewill has 420w on the 12v or 35amps but not being a high end PSU i wouldn't suggest going past 30amps which these 2 GPU's should be ok.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231112 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130334
Message edited by elbert on 05-24-2008 at 09:46:27 PM
For a stable system, an intel mobo is probably very good. It does not have much of a following on these forums, probably because the overclocking capabilities may not be as good as gigabyte or asus. Still, a P35 based ddr2 motherboard might be better, since the 975x chipset is a bit dated, and does not support the 45nm processors. while P35 is both mature, stableand supports better processors.
The Q6600 is a good buy, just not for gaming. A faster clocked 3.0 duo E8400 will be faster in almost all games. FSX is the main exception. If you want a quad, look at a 45nm part. For stability, don't plan on overcocking. With a top vga card, you won't need it, and you will be more stable in the long run.
The 9800GX2 will likely be replaced in june/july by the 9900GTX. Wait just a bit if you can so you will be within EVGA's "step-up" window so you preserve your option to change your mind.
Any largish case with a pair of 120mm fans should be ok, depending on how much "bling" you want, and how quiet you want it to be. I don't much like the stacker. How about the new Antec 1200? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129043
Thanks for all the input, i did buy the original specs about a year and a half ago, as of right now it can run Crysis as high as it can go in windows xp. The graphics i will keep because it will take too long to successfully benchmark the 9900gtx, also the 9800gx2 performed better than any other GPU out there currently. I know that my Mobo is a bit dated but i plan to upgrade. I don't know why everyone hates the GX2 its a great card. Whats wrong with the Power supply? Also i heard that the only Nvidia 700 series was the 790.
If your wanting the GX2 I suggest you wait as these new releases will surly bring the price down if not change your mind. I would suggest tho you would be better off with getting a highend new design in june as they should at least have some revisions in the design allowing higher clocks.
Message edited by elbert on 05-25-2008 at 04:07:36 PM
everyone hates the GX2 because of the fact that its simply two G92 cards in one package, which means a lot of heat and power consumption, and single card performance in some games, all when both new cards will outperform it without all those hassles, it reall isnt worth it.
