Deciding on specs for new PC

[arnage2]

I've built a couple of systems in the past. I am planning on building a new gaming rig and I'm looking to spend under $1200.

I am torn between building a DDR2 or DDR3 based system. I would like a system that will last a while, and be upgradable for a year or two.

DDR3 System:
-Mobo: Evga 790i
-CPU: Intel core 2 duo e8500 3.16ghz
-RAM: GSkill DDR3 1333 4gb (2x2gb)

DDR2 System:
-Mobo: Asus p5k deluxe (wifi)
-CPU: Core 2 quad q9400 2.66ghz
-RAM: OCZ reaper ddr2 800 4gb (2x2gb)

Regardless of which system I will also be buying:
-GPU: XFX 9800GTX+ 512mb
-Zalman CPU fan
-600 watt power supply


Which would you go with the DDR2 or DDR3 system? Will I regret in a year not buying the system capable of using DDR3?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Guest]

I'm no expert so wait for other peoples' opinions before deciding but this is a problem I had when deciding to build again just a few days ago. I decided to go with DDR2 simply because from the advice I got from my friends and from people online, the speed of the RAM does not make that big a difference unless you plan on overclocking a lot. I think an exact quote I got was "anything past 533mhz is overkill". That's just something to think about...I don't know how correct it is, perhaps I will regret building a DDR2 system...guess I'll find out in the future! I hope this insight helps at least a little bit, good luck with your build!

Regards,
MrSquishy3

 

[arnage2]

Thanks for the reply. What are the specs for your new system?

 

[arnage2]

One more question. Will the Core 2 Quad + GPU be slowed down by the DDR2 800 memory?

Thanks

 

[gingerbee]

no

 

[gingerbee]

ddr3 imo waste of money

 

[arnage2]

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[Onus]

Get DDR2-800 that will run at its advertised timings on the JEDEC standard 1.8V.
And that "600W power supply" I hope does not refer to something cheap or generic. A cheap 600W PSU is probably only good for about 300W-350W before the rails become unstable and start to go out of spec, possibly damaging other components.
For a single high-end GPU, a quality 500W-550w PSU will be fine.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

I'll add my vote for the DDR2 system.

 

[arnage2]

Nope, no generic power supply. I was thinking Coolermaster, Thermaltake or Rosewill. I just havent decided on a brand, yet.

 

[ragsters]

Try Corsair, PC Power & Cooling, or Antec.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Try Corsair, PC Power & Cooling, or Antec.

+1

Do not ever waste your money on a Rosewill PSU. Even Coolermaster and Thermaltake are only so-so.

Stick with the recommendations above in that order.

 

[arnage2]

+1

Do not ever waste your money on a Rosewill PSU. Even Coolermaster and Thermaltake are only so-so.

Stick with the recommendations above in that order.

Sounds good.

What about monitors. Im looking at 19-20 inch. I saw Hans G and Acer on newegg for $150ish. Waste of money? or should I spend more and get a Samsung or LG?

 

[rodney_ws]

Even if you think you're thinking ahead by getting the DDR3 with the hopes of using it on your next rig... ha... fat chance. It sounds like i7 is gonna have some pretty unique memory requirements (low voltage, triple channel, etc) so the DDR3 you buy today will almost certainly not work with the i7 you buy tomorrow. That said... go with the DDR2 for now.

 

[Onus]

+1 to the PSU advice. Seasonic is another good choice.

On monitors, you might pay a little more, but I'd consider buying one locally, so you can exchange it if it has ANY dead pixels. Most mail order places have a "7 dead pixel" policy, which means that up to 7 dead pixels is just tough for you. That said, I did buy my 22" from Newegg, and it has no dead pixels. It would have become a secondary "bench" monitor if it had any, but I was very happy with it.

 

[ke7diz]

i would go fore ddr2 the 775 socet is dead any way so there is no reason to spend the money on a memory that is not really better

note ddr3 is faster but the cas latency is so bad that it is not much better in the end
plus more memory always bets faster

the only downfall to ddr2 is in a couple years if you want to get more ddr2 it will most likely be more expensive than ddr3 just like ddr did

i would go fore a duel core system insted of a quad

also go four a ati 4850 insted of a 9800 gtx+

 

[Freightshaker]

I agree wt all the posts pointing you away from ddr3. current intel cpus can't handle all the bandwith.
i've been running an evga780i sys wt good luck for 6 months now ddr2 pc6400 by OCZ

Now i would go wt this memory much better performance at awesome price.
most decent 2 gig kits cost as much
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231209
G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
Timing 4-4-4-12 Voltage 1.8V - 1.9V

decent x48 boards supporting ddr2 or 780i boards go for around 200 bucks instead of 300 for ddr3 board
my thermaltake 700watt psu has been good to me

I like the evga9800 gtx+:
1 dual slot cooler
2 op temps under load*****
3 evga 90 day step up

 

[cow_moo]

Go EVGA 780i and EVGA 9800GTX+

That's what I have an I love OCZ RAM