RAM - Would I see the benefits of 8gigs of RAM over 4gigs? I don't use heavy programs for video / photo editing. I do run 10 browsers, a game like WoW, iTunes, etc simultaneously. I am a big multi-tasker.
Video Card - Wait for a 1gig edition of the 4870? I will pull the trigger around August 17th.
Screen - Native is 1900x1200 - will a single 4870 be enough to hand games at that resolution? Am willing to downgrade to a 22'' but had a hard time finding a quality one.
well your link does not work. that's your first problem as for your ram i would suggest getting 4gb now and if you need it you can allways upgrade later. i don't know what you have but an 750watt-850watt psu is almost always more than enough. i personally have a samsung 22" monitor and i absolutely love it. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] CatId=2775 its really a vary nice screen.
oh and i dont know which case you origanaly planned on getting but the antec 900 is like WAY better than the one you posted above.
Message edited by ilovebarny on 07-09-2008 at 10:53:06 PM
Your link is working now - it has both the Q6700 and Q6600 in the list.
Case is largely a matter of personal preference. It really doesnt "add performance" to the build. My own choice would be the CM RC 690 Use the difference in case price to upgrade your monitor choice. Dell UltraSharp 2408WFP
RAM - silasmoon's advice is good. You can always add more later. I don't think you'd see a significant increase in performance with 8 over 4GB.
Video card - HD 4870 - get the best price you can even if its 512MB - you'll probably want to do CrossfireX later. A 22" monitor could save the need for a CF system and the X48 motherboard. A single 4870 and P45 motherboard should work unless you're fanatical about your gaming. A pretty big cost savings with just 1 4870, a P45 board and a 22" monitor. Maybe a dual monitor setup for real multitasking?
PSU - can handle a 2x 4870CF system with plenty of power left over for some future upgrading.
Message edited by WR2 on 07-09-2008 at 11:14:11 PM
Odd - I can't edit anything on Tom's Hardware >< - also the dell link didn't work - what is the model number?
I am looking for good cooling on most everything. I am not ZOMG fanatical about my graphics but I would like High on most settings in say COD4 level games.
I want a Full ATX case - preferably with a MoBo tray.
and i run 1680x1050 on a 8600gt 256mb graphics card. so the 512 will work really well. on toms review seems like thats the best performing resolution. and i would defiantly get a different case. the one wr2 posted is a nice case or as i said earlier the antec 900 has a better air flow than the thermaltake you selected.
i play cod4 maxed on 1680x1050 with no jumping at all. vary smoothly. but not 60fps.
Message edited by ilovebarny on 07-09-2008 at 11:21:55 PM
Trying to find reviews on the monitor and on the case - people seem to demand the "S" version of the monitor - maybe I can get it through a best buy. I am in Germany right now so all this is a bit difficult.
4870x2 should be at least $500 though - ><. Can't quite afford that. Might consider dropping down to a 22'' to hold off on Crossfire. Still would like the Rampage board though in case I do want to CF in the future. It also provides nice OCing schtuff.
Antec 1200 def. has more fans. Getting decent reviews - you think it's important to get a side fan if I am already getting a heatsink for the 4870?
as for your ram i would suggest getting 4gb now and if you need it you can allways upgrade later. i don't know what you have but an 750watt-850watt psu is almost always more than enough. i personally have a samsung 22" monitor and i absolutely love it.