I'm thinking about buying a cheap pre-built Gateway 4701-UB301A and adding a PSU of 750watt ($112) plus ati's HD4870 ($320). I'll be using a 24-inch monitor so I need a good gpu to enjoy it fully. The specs for the Gateway are:
# Intel Core 2 Quad processor Q6700 operating at 2.66GHz
# 8MB (2 x 4B) L2 cache
# 1066MHz frontside bus
# 6GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR2_SDRAM SDRAM memory (2 x 2GB + 2 x 1GB); maximum memory capacity: 8GB
# 640GB 7200-rpm SATA II hard drive with 16MB cache
# SuperMulti DVD drive with Double Layer capabilities (reads/writes DVD±R/RW, DVD±R Double Layer, DVD-RAM http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVD-RAM ,
CD-R/RW); supports disc labeling on Labelflash media.
# 10/100Base-T Ethernet network interface (RJ-45 connector)
# 56K V.92 modem
# 6 USB 2.0 ports (2 front, 6 rear)
# 1 FireWire http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FireWire (IEEE 1394) ports (1 front, 1 rear)
# 2 PS/2 ports (for keyboard and mouse)
# 1 eSATA (external SATA) port (rear)
# 15-in-1 memory card http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_card reader
# Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 with up to 256MB shared memory
# 8-channel (7.1) High Definition Audio
# Audio ports (front): microphone http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microphone , Front/headphone (stereo)
# Audio ports (rear): Center/sub, Rear (stereo), Side (stereo), line-in (stereo), Front/headphone (stereo), microphone
# Amplified stereo speakers (USB powered)
# Elite multimedia keyboard
# USB optical 2-button wheel mouse
# 300watt PSU
all for $750 + 112 + 282 = $1144 (I think this is a good deal)
I'm not even gonna build it from scratch this time because I don't have the time and energy for now. Whatever my excuse is, I've made up my mind.
I want this to last me long enough (probably 1-3 years) before the whole new technology starting with an "N" becomes mainstream.
1) Will this combo work?
2) Will I need any extra fan cooler for the 4870?
3) Will the gpu perform it's full potential or be bottlenecked by any of
the parts?
4) Should I get 4870x2 for future-proof instead of 4870 bcoz I only have
a one pci-e 16 slot?
5) Does the brand of 4870 matter? Which brand has good reputation?
6) If you have any other ideas or suggestions let me know.
Another desktop to consider is this Gateway DX4710-UB002A
All of the components seem identical except these:
Q6600 2.4GHz / 1066 Mhz / 8mb cache L2
TV tuner with a remote (both analog and digital)
HD 3650 with 512mb
400watt PSU (is this enough to power a HD4870?)
Both systems are running Vista Home Premium 64bit of course.
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