New Build

Just wondering what anyone thinks of this build. Wanted to get some opinions before I go and spend $2K. I'll post the Newegg wish list once its become public.

Antec 900 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129021
ASUS P5N-D http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131232
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115043
OCZ Vendetta 2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835202007
OCZ DDR2 800 SLI Ready RAM (2x(2x2Gb)) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820227269
Scythe S-FLEX Case Fan x 7 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835185006
Razer Diamondback 3G Mouse http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6826153027
Saitek Keyboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6823175103
XFX GTX 280 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150309
Encore Wireless Adapter http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6833180052
Acer 22" LCD Monitor http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824009145
LG DVD RW w/Light Scribe http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827136147
Link Depot 6ft DVI Cable http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6812189047
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 750gb http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822152100
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116488
Antec 850w PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371009

I was going to replace all the fans inside the case with the scythe ones. I think the blue LEDs are over rated. I basically made this build for upgradable purposes. Maybe when my GPU cheapens a bit, I will pop another in and do Sli. I'm considering upgrading my 750i Mobo to a 780i. That way if I really want to I can buy two more GPUs and do tri-Sli. Thanks for any help.

i would agree with you on the xigimatek retention bracket. I was thinking about adding that on for a few more dollars.

I was considering the 4870x2. That is until i read a review by Hot Hardware. http://www.hothardware.com/Article [...] ck-On-Top/ The card did just as well as a 280. Personally I would rather go with nVidia since nVidia has PhysX.

I currently have the same led lights in an antec 900 in my case right now. Just have trouble sleeping with them on all night and the scythe fans have a much better performance.

I thought the nForce chipsets were necessary for Sli. Before I switch to the 4870x2 I need to see some benchmarks that out perform the gtx 280.

agree the build is looking nice. ultimately your choice on gtx280 or 4870x2. however i have yet to hear much bad stuff on the p45 or x48 whereas from time to time still seeing issues with the nvidia chipset. one other thing to consider:

4870x2 also has the newer directx 10.1 which if/when games have that makes it outperform by evenmore. also when you are looking at benches look at your resolution. also are you planning on turning on AA? that is where it seems to really shine. x48 mobo and an x2 which would allow you to add another at somepoint (not that you will need to at that resolution but who knows in a future game). would be my recommendation on a 2k build.

+1 mushkin ram and make sure to get 1.8v (standard set then you can oc if need be but better than buying one already adjusted)

if you end up going sli and really think tri is an option then you will need a bigger psu. but at your resolution that is really overkill.

bump