New System using ATI's HD 4870

[sarahwingler]

I recently got some $, so I've decided to build a gaming rig. Limit: Around $1400

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Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811103010

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131295

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102748

Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227239

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151027

HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136260

DVD Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129020

Monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009094

OS: Vista for DX10, XP on backup drive just in case.

I already own a keyboard + mouse (Dynex, which is surprisingly good for games at $40)
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This is my new build. As soon as the HD 4870's are in stock, I am going to place the order. Input beforehand is much appreciated. I plan to game at 1680 x 1050, and I have only seen and heard good things about the graphics card. Keep in mind that although I have a limit of $1400, I'd prefer to keep the price as low as possible while keeping performance.

 

[cirdecus]

looks like a solid system. I'd be mindful of the heat pipes on the RAM to make sure they're not going to interfere with anything in the case. If you'll be running vista, i'd consider another 2GB of RAM. 4 gigs really gives the operating system room to breathe. With only a few applications open (no games) i've seen my system user 1.8GB. With an extra 2GB of RAM, you can also lower your virutal memory size and force windows to use the rest of your RAM which is much much faster.

I'd also consider a quad core processor, like the Q9450. The extra processing power will definitely be utilized by crysis and a lot of other games in the future.

 

[efx92]

Yeah, you want 4GB of RAM for Vista, I have 4GB and Vista uses 30-40% of RAM when it's idle(no programs open.)

 

[amdfangirl]

I'd say that you should get the 4850 + a crossfire board. Given that the 4870 is 50% more expensive but gives only 20-30% more performance I'd recommend two HD3850s. You should buy your second later, when they are cheaper. Instead of the E8400 I'd say the Q6600 for a longer use life of the system.

Any Queries?

 

[laytons]

i have a 750w coolermaster psu. it handles an 8800gts g92 and an athlon 6000x2 very well. if you would do the mail in rebate this 650w seems like a better deal.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171023

 

[uguv]

I'd say that you should get the 4850 + a crossfire board. Given that the 4870 is 50% more expensive but gives only 20-30% more performance I'd recommend two HD3850s. You should buy your second later, when they are cheaper. Instead of the E8400 I'd say the Q6600 for a longer use life of the system.

Any Queries?

I think she meant two HD4850s, and I agree, that seems to a great performance/dollar part. I'd go for an X38 board, or maybe X48 depending whether or not that would break your budget.

 

[Oh Snap]

Why not wait for the 1GB 4870 to be released?

 

[amdfangirl]

^ Maybe we should wait a couple of days for the benchmarks?