790GX or 790FX??

[shugs]

I got the impression that the 790FX is better then the 790GX, but every time I see a review on the Phenom II 940, it is paired with a mobo that has the 790GX chipset. Can anyone tell me why they didn't use a board with the 790FX chipset??

I am about to buy a new computer and the mobo i'm getting has a 790FX / SB750 chipset, but now that i'm seeing the 790GX in combination with the Phenom II 940 more frequently I am not sure if it is a good choice anymore.

Can someone please explain to me what exactly the difference is between the 790FX and 790GX chipset if both are paired with SB750?

I know that the 790GX has an integrated GPU, its probably not wise to assume that the 790FX knowing that it does not have an integrated GPU will have something else to compensate. Since I will be purchasing the HD4870 I have no use for the integrated GPU.

*I am planning on Ocing the CPU after about a year or so, when I need more performance...I intend on using the PC for gaming and regular usage (ie MS-office, internet, etc).


Thnx in advance!

 

[Master J 007]

The 790fx mb will work just as good with a Phenom 940 specially if you are getting a 4870. The main difference in that the 790gx has on board graphics and is a little improved energy efficiency. If you want to jump on board the phenom 2 940 and don't want to wait for an AM3 ddr3 compatible mb I think the MSI K9A2 Platinum would be a good choice for you. The Dragon Platform consist of a 790 chipset mb a phenom 2 cpu and a 4800 series video card so you are good with the gx or the fx it doesn't really matter.

 

[unclefester]

The 1 thing I've see is that if you ever go to CrossFire the GX will only run at 16x8 and not 16x16 like an FX chipset. And if the BIOS defaults you have to disable the onboard graphics (not that big a deal).The FX is supposedly 2-3% faster, but you would never be able to tell the difference.
You may want to go to NewEgg and read some reviews. There are over 100 for each chipset.

 

[shugs]

Thanks for the reply guys, I just ordered the Asus M3A79-T Deluxe Mobo with 790FX/SB750, also got the Phenom II 940 AM2+, not gonna wait for the AM3 since I have no use for DDR3 memory. The Mobo is also AM3 compatible and I assume that I can just upgrade to an AM3 chip along the way in case I ever feel the urge for an upgrade (even though I won't be able to take advantage of the DDR3).

I'm glad that it will run 16x16 but I also heard that there is no real difference if its running 16x8 or 16x16. So atleast an additional 4870 can make a nice addition to boost performance.

Thnx for the input guys!

-Shugs

 

[unclefester]

True there probably isn't a noticeable difference between 16x16 and 16x8, but for some stupid reason I always feel I'm not getting the most out of my system (LOL). I don't use CF now, but by having 2 slots utilizing 16 PCI-E you can drop your card down to slot 3 with no performance lose (tight squeeze with lower fan headers) .It makes a big open chamber to help keep heat away from the CPU, great for when your overclocking.

 

[shugs]

True there probably isn't a noticeable difference between 16x16 and 16x8, but for some stupid reason I always feel I'm not getting the most out of my system (LOL). I don't use CF now, but by having 2 slots utilizing 16 PCI-E you can drop your card down to slot 3 with no performance lose (tight squeeze with lower fan headers) .It makes a big open chamber to help keep heat away from the CPU, great for when your overclocking.

Good idea, i'll definately bump down the HD4870 to the third (shared or whatever its called) slot, I'm not gonna overclock immediately but within a year or so to bump up the performance a little bit, maybe even earlier.

I agree tho, I also insist on getting a board with 16x16 because I don't want them to go 16x8 or 8x8, even if the difference is minor. I prefer spending an extra 10 bucks than having regrets later on. But this is also a good way to keep the CPU at low temps, I always got the impression that the lower the better or atleast the lower the longer the life expectancy of the CPU.

 

[unclefester]

Shugs, I was looking at your other thread about power supplies. All the pieces you listed are top of the line, except the PS don't skimp in that area you will regret it.
I use a 610 PC POWER & Cooling with a single rail 49amp. Plenty of power to run my system( the only draw back 1x6pin and 1x8 pin)
M3a79-T Deluxe
5400 BE (2 or 3 months till PII 940)
OCZ Reaper 4x1
EVGA 260 (55nm)

You may want to give me a list of whats available to you, with prices and see what we can come up with

Fester

 

[shugs]

@unclefester: Thanks a lot! I'm just about to leave got a pretty busy day today, but i'll post it ASAP when I return.

- Shugs

 

[shugs]

@unclefester: I just got home a little ago and I've been looking at some PSs, I found OCZ pretty much in my price range...here is a short list of some interesting ones:

OCZ GameXStream 700W ATX 2.2 - €74
3,3V: 36A | +5V: 30A | +12V: 72A (4x18A) | -12V: 0,5A | -5V Fsb: 3,0A

ATX OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W Modular ATX 2.2 - €79
+3.3V: 25A | +5V: 25A | +12V1: 25A | +12V2: 25A | -12V: 0.3A | +5Vsb: 2.5A

OCZ StealthXStream 700W Active PFC - €74
| +3,3V: 36A | +5V: 30A | +12V: 72A (4x18A) | -12V: 0,5A | -5V Fsb: 3,0A

ATX OCZ StealthXStream 600W ATX 2.2 - €60
+3.3V(36A) | +5V(30A) | +12V1(18A) | +12V2(18A) | +12V3(18A) | +12V4(18A)


I'm leaning towards the modular OCZ ModXStream, It may only be around 50A on 2-12Vrails but that should be enough to power my soon to be build, right? And given its modular, I can just apply the connections required.

I don't know whether the 700W StealthXStream is any good, I read a review on the 700W GameXStream (http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=24) this was done in 2006, and they found that the voltage fluctuations were higher than the ATX specifications allow. OCZ could have fixed that ripple issue by now. I will continue to try to find some reviews.

One thing that remains unclear to me is that on the OCZ site (http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/power_management/ocz_500w_700w_modxstream_pro_power_supply) the ModXStream 700W has the exact same amps as the 600W, yet puts out more wattage? Can someone explain this to me?

- Shugs

 

[shugs]

Gettin the impression that OCZ ain't that great, while on the other post they said OCZ would be one of the better brands. Both reviews I've read up to now, one on the ModXStream 700W and one on the GameXStream did not perform as good as they could/should have. I s'pose the reason why the ModXStream 700W didn't perform (the PSU could not complete/start the 100% capacity test) according to the specs presented by OCZ is due to the exact same amount of amperes as the 600W on the rails...can anyone affirm this line of reasoning?

 

[unclefester]

Here is a review where they actually take the StealthXStream apart and look inside at the components, you will see it is a quality built PS. http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/451
In your case the ModXStream would be the best bet. I always feel the less rails the better (just my personal preference). With 25A x2 you know your sending enough juice to video card, and if down the road you decide to CF you can always use 2 molex cables together.
As for it being modular thats a 50/50 deal. Less mess, more connections. I am not a big fan of modular with all those extra connections, although you don't hear of many people having problems going that route. But I do buy Zip-ties by the 100s LOL.

 

[shugs]

Thanks for all the help Fester, I will order the ModXStream Pro 600W. Good tip using molex adapters to get an additional 2 PCIe connectors, that way I won't have to look for a new PSU.

I read some reviews of the ModXStream on newegg and they were all very positive. And it is still somewhat within my price range. Thanks for all the help and input!

 

[unclefester]

Your quite welcome
Enjoy your new system
Fester