Trying to build a replacement for a years-old first build

[NMPilot]

My old computer is finally too old (4 yrs). Its time to do a new gaming rig. It has, however, been a while so I have a few questions.

I don't imagine wanting or needing a bigger monitor than what I have (20ish inch 1600x1200 max, I've usually played games in 1280x1024) due to space on the desk, etc. I do like playing the latest and greatest FPS and RT strategy games, and occasionally some MMO games, but I want it to be able to do so for at least 2-3 years.

So here's my questions:

1) I'm trying to figure out what video card(s) to get. Right now I'm thinking an 8800 GTS because I won't be running at ridiculously high resolutions. But I also want it to last a while, so should I double up and do SLI or can I count on one being enough for at least a couple years? Would another card be better (9800 models)? I was looking at the 680i SLI MB, but if I won't ever need or want SLI should I save the cash and go 650i?

2) Q6600 or Q9450 or dual core? Looking for max impact for price over the medium-term (2-3 years). I might OC, though that'd be a new experience for me.

3) What's a good rule of thumb on wattage for PSU? 500, 650, more? SLI vs. not. My first build (the computer that I'm replacing) had serious problems in this area and its not something I want to flub up again.

 

[NarwhaleAu]

4850 is the card you want (or 4870 would be even better).

What would you go with an nvidia motherboard? Get an X38.

Dual core - something like the e7200 and overclock it. If you don't want to do that, get the Q9450.

If you go dual core, grab a quad core at the end of next year (they will be very cheap by then).

If you want to go SLI, bit the bullet and get a 750W power supply. They are reliable, and you won't be overloading them with a standard system. I got a corsair and it is brilliant.

 

[Why_Me]

My old computer is finally too old (4 yrs). Its time to do a new gaming rig. It has, however, been a while so I have a few questions.

I don't imagine wanting or needing a bigger monitor than what I have (20ish inch 1600x1200 max, I've usually played games in 1280x1024) due to space on the desk, etc. I do like playing the latest and greatest FPS and RT strategy games, and occasionally some MMO games, but I want it to be able to do so for at least 2-3 years.

So here's my questions:

1) I'm trying to figure out what video card(s) to get. Right now I'm thinking an 8800 GTS because I won't be running at ridiculously high resolutions. But I also want it to last a while, so should I double up and do SLI or can I count on one being enough for at least a couple years? Would another card be better (9800 models)? I was looking at the 680i SLI MB, but if I won't ever need or want SLI should I save the cash and go 650i?

2) Q6600 or Q9450 or dual core? Looking for max impact for price over the medium-term (2-3 years). I might OC, though that'd be a new experience for me.

3) What's a good rule of thumb on wattage for PSU? 500, 650, more? SLI vs. not. My first build (the computer that I'm replacing) had serious problems in this area and its not something I want to flub up again.

What's your price range your looking at, and are you in US or Canada?

 

[shadowduck]

1. Don't SLI and if you do don't get the 680i which does not properly support 45nm CPUs. 750i/780i for that. Best idea though is to pick up a P45 motherboard like the Asus P5Q Pro and a 4870. 4870 runs circles around the 8800GT and even the 9800 GX2 and costs $100 less than an 8800GT SLI setup. Even a 4850 is a better option.

2. Q9450 if you can afford it. Q6600 runs hotter.

3. At least 550W- 750W for CF/SLI setups.

 

[NMPilot]

How's about:

Antec Nine Hundred
Gigabyte P35 ATX
4850
Corsair 550W
Corsair 2x2GB XMS2 800
Q6600
Seagate 500GB 7200rpm
Vista Premium 64

Looking for a high bang/buck ratio playing at lower-ish resolutions.

 

[guanyu210379]

I assume that you wanna have your system not to expensive but mediocre.

Proc :
Q9300 or Q6600 (Depends on your budget)

Proc Fan :
Xigmatek HDT-S1283

RAM :
2x2GB DDR2 800 Crucial, or Corsair

Mobo :
ASUS P5EX38 or Gigabyte GAX38DS5

Case :
Coolermaster RC690 or Antec 900

GPUs :
1x or 2x ATI HD4870 from ASUS, HIS, or Shappire. (Xfire)
20''? Go Xfire to play crysis at maximum settings at maximum resolution or get only 1 with medium high settings.

PSU :
650-750W Corsair, Tagan, Silverstone, Enermax or Antec for 2 GPUs or 450-550W for 1 GPU.

HDD :
640GB WD or 500GB Seagate 32MB 7200.11

OS:
WIn VISTA premium 64

 

[shadowduck]

Don't buy a Q9300 if you plan to overclock. Otherwise its ok. Q6600 or Q9450.