I've reached a conclusion on my new build and I wanted to make sure of two things: 1) does this all work together (more specifically, can I utilize both PCI Express slots still even when using such a large card--also would I be able to have room to expand to dual SLI); and 2) does any of the below hardware jump out as insufficient or overly price to anyone?
My goal is a mid-range gaming/home entertainment PC. I will be running my digital cable through this box. My displays will be a 19 inch widescreen in conjunction with a 24 inch widescreen. The following hardware:
Total Cost: $1,378.91 pre-shipping
Budget: $1500 total
Wait till august cause the cpu prices are supposed to drop a bit.And I would go with a different case,it looks nice and all but it collects dust pretty fast.Id go with the antec 1200,seen them around for 150$.In comparison with the x48/P45 and the Nvidia boards,The x48/P45 win,same price as the nvidia boards just more features and stability.If your running 1 card go for the maximus 2(P45) and if your running crossfire go for the rampage formula(x48).May want to get 2 4850 in crossfire instead of the 9800gtx.New drivers for the 4000 series are coming out soon and they will fix the fans speeds.It will be a better bang for the buck.Rams ok but I would go with something with a rebate like the DDR2 1066 Reapers(Stay cooler).And I would go with the Western Digital 6400AKS Drive(Fast,Quiet,Cool).
The 790 boards are quite good, 790FX supports Crossfire(X) 2+ video cards, kinda silly, but an upgrade path. 780G offers onboard video, that works with new ATI cards in Hybrid SLI.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131291 (189.99)
And there is cheaper options than that.
Used the money saved to go with a 4870, or 4850's in CF
Even tho people seem to give AMD's crap, the CPU wont slow you down much if at all at resolutions over 1280x1024, after that, its more or less limited by GPU.
That set up costs about the same, should beat your set up, in games atleast.
Also, keep in mind, AM3 will fit in AM2 boards,
*fit not fix lol
Message edited by Drywin on 07-19-2008 at 01:10:05 PM
You'll always get suggestions on changes, no matter what you post. I could make some myself but really you have done well. Just confirm memory compatibility with both ASUS and G. skill before ordering.
A computer built with quality parts today will last for years, even as a gaming computer. Will you be able to max everything on a 22in screen and get 60+ FPS? No, but if you turn everything to medium you will. And it will handle any office type program and normal user tasks for years after that.
You cannot build even a semi-future proof build around socket 775. Socket 775 is basically dead. Nehalem, being released Q4 will require a new socket and DDR3.
Sorry for breaking your dreams but desktop nehalem cpu's will come in q3 2009, and the lowest prices will be around 300$ for 1000 cpu bins. Regarding cpu demand for that time it is most certain we will see small offers compared to demands, meaning prices will rise sky high and you probably won't find any of the nehalems in stock till q4 2009 or q1 2010. So as far as 775 stands, it will be future proof for at least 18-24 more month.
This is not my presumption, it's quoted from a statement of intel spokesman, just can't remember if i read it on anandtech or xtremesystems. I'll search it and post back with the link and entire quote when i got a bit of free time so i'm not taken as a lier.
Meanwhile get a q9450 if you really want one, it's the best bang for the buck 45nm quad. 9300 is just a middle segment between the q6600 and q9450, and the money difference is well justified to get a q9450.
cpu and everithing else looks fine. but i would suggest geting a intel chipset with crossfire and go for a 4850. it will end up cheaper which will let u even pick up a 4870 or a 4850 CF if ur willing to spend the $125 that u have spare.....hence better future proofing
Message edited by sarwar_r87 on 07-19-2008 at 03:32:45 PM
