- Aug 20, 2008
- 4
- 0
- 18,510
Hello! First time poster, long time reader.
I am looking to upgrade from my current AMD64 3000+ to a multi core CPU. Also looking to add some more video card fire power with a possible upgrade to Cross fire at a later date for more power. I currently have two SLIed 6800 GT"s and the performance for me has been sub-par. This is what I am looking at right now:
Mobo:
ASUS P5E x38, solid board from what I have been reading here.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131219
GIGABYTE GA-X38-DS4 x38, also solid board I found here
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128080
My major debate is the added sound card and if there is really any advantage to the SupremeFX II that comes with the ASUS. I was also looking at the ASUS RAMPAGE x48 when it was on discount earlier but at ~$300, I don't know if I would see any difference over the x38.
CPU:
I debated for a while about either a wolfdale duo or a quad and decided on the Q6660 for longevity purposes. I will also be doing some overclocking and have read the Quad's performance is seen better in that regard.
Quad
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
Wolfdale (for comments/suggestions)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036
Memory:
I have used Corsair in my last two computers and have been very happy with both. I was originally was going with DDR2 800 but found this discounted memory 1066 on newegg and figured I could spend the extra money since both mobo's I am looking at support 1066. I have not done much in the way of memory OCing before but I do plan on trying it after I have read up on it.
Corsair:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145197
Video Card:
I have read quite a bit about ATI's new 4800 series and seem pretty sold on them. I was looking at getting the 4870 and possibly adding a second one at a later date for additional power.
Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129113
The remaining parts I am stripping from my old machine. I have a 300 gig Seagate 7200 Barracuda, OCZ GameXtreme 600 watt power supply, ATX case with 1X back fan and 2X side fans, and have a special discount package on Windows Vista 32bit (I know 32bit but its still support 4 gigs of ram and I am getting it for under $20 new).
Comments and critiques would be very much appreciated. My main hold on this right now is the new Nehalem (core i7) coming out soon. I know the first generation of these chips will be rather pricey but I am hedging my bets on the 775 socket computer parts dropping in price when it comes out. I originally was going to wait but a few sales on the components I am looking at have come up and made them look pretty appealing. I keep telling myself though, I could wait till the end of time and there will always be something new and better on the horizon.
I should also mention I usually upgrade in a few year increments. I will upgrade RAM and Video cards if the socket types don't change and there is a significant performance increase. I am also aware I will probably need a new power supply if I ever wanted to crossfire 4870's.
I am looking to upgrade from my current AMD64 3000+ to a multi core CPU. Also looking to add some more video card fire power with a possible upgrade to Cross fire at a later date for more power. I currently have two SLIed 6800 GT"s and the performance for me has been sub-par. This is what I am looking at right now:
Mobo:
ASUS P5E x38, solid board from what I have been reading here.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131219
GIGABYTE GA-X38-DS4 x38, also solid board I found here
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128080
My major debate is the added sound card and if there is really any advantage to the SupremeFX II that comes with the ASUS. I was also looking at the ASUS RAMPAGE x48 when it was on discount earlier but at ~$300, I don't know if I would see any difference over the x38.
CPU:
I debated for a while about either a wolfdale duo or a quad and decided on the Q6660 for longevity purposes. I will also be doing some overclocking and have read the Quad's performance is seen better in that regard.
Quad
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
Wolfdale (for comments/suggestions)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036
Memory:
I have used Corsair in my last two computers and have been very happy with both. I was originally was going with DDR2 800 but found this discounted memory 1066 on newegg and figured I could spend the extra money since both mobo's I am looking at support 1066. I have not done much in the way of memory OCing before but I do plan on trying it after I have read up on it.
Corsair:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145197
Video Card:
I have read quite a bit about ATI's new 4800 series and seem pretty sold on them. I was looking at getting the 4870 and possibly adding a second one at a later date for additional power.
Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129113
The remaining parts I am stripping from my old machine. I have a 300 gig Seagate 7200 Barracuda, OCZ GameXtreme 600 watt power supply, ATX case with 1X back fan and 2X side fans, and have a special discount package on Windows Vista 32bit (I know 32bit but its still support 4 gigs of ram and I am getting it for under $20 new).
Comments and critiques would be very much appreciated. My main hold on this right now is the new Nehalem (core i7) coming out soon. I know the first generation of these chips will be rather pricey but I am hedging my bets on the 775 socket computer parts dropping in price when it comes out. I originally was going to wait but a few sales on the components I am looking at have come up and made them look pretty appealing. I keep telling myself though, I could wait till the end of time and there will always be something new and better on the horizon.
I should also mention I usually upgrade in a few year increments. I will upgrade RAM and Video cards if the socket types don't change and there is a significant performance increase. I am also aware I will probably need a new power supply if I ever wanted to crossfire 4870's.
Looks like you are set.
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