4870x2 or gtx295

[hofstra66]

Ok so i have been planning to build my i7 for two months now. However i am not at a cross roads. I have to decide between the ati 4870x2 or the nvidia option of the gtx 295. For the longest time the 4870x2 seemed like the way to go however the ati card is having some really terrible driver issues that i dont feel like dealing with. So My question is - should i stick with my original plan of getting the 4870x2 or audible off to the gtx 295 for the extra $50? i am planning to finally buy this saturday when my tax rebate check clears.

Components i already own
i7 920 - 250.00
antec 1200 - 120.00
antec quattro 1000w - 130.00
2x western digital black 1tb hdd
key board mouse optical drives and card reader

items left to buy
a nice 24-26 inch monitor

either the evga gtx 295 combo with the evga x58 mobo for 760.00
with a nice set of ddr3 1600 memory
or
Asus p6t deluxe mobo combo with corsair ddr3 1600 memory for 450.00 with a saphire 4870x2 for another 450.00

what is the better option?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

I'd get the GTX 295. The Nvidia cards scale very well on the X58 platform. It's also a faster card that's worth the extra $50 IMO.

 

[hofstra66]

How hot does the gtx 295 run, and is there any way to combat the heat. I have an Antec 1200 case right now. I was thinking of replacing the current 5 stock fans with better one that dont have the annoying leds. Any suggestions?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

The GTX 295 doesn't produce excessive heat. I'd read some of the many online reviews of the GTX 295. Heres' a good one to get you started:

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/evga-geforce-gtx295_7.html#sect0

I personally think it's silly to replace the fans in the Antec 1200. The stock fans work fine and have a 3-way speed switch. If you really think you need to replace the fans, I'd look at the Scyth "Slipstream" series.

 

[hofstra66]

The only reason that i was even considering changing out the stock fans is because i cannot sleep with any lights on and i have a tendency to leave the comp running. I was looking at the slip streams just not too sure if they would be too loud. Although the 1200 does have fan controls built in.

As for that review it is by far the best and most informative i have read yet. Shortstuff you are always very knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you once again for your advice.

 

[hofstra66]

One more question. I have been furiously searching for a good after market cooler for the i7 and the only two i have come up with seem to be the true 1366 and the coolermaster V8, However neither seem to be designed exactly for the i7. Does anyone know when they will be releaseing a 1366 cooler that is truely designed for the i7?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

No problem.

You can get different RPM Slipstream fans. You could just pick up some slow RPM fans and you should be fine.

I personally think the 1200RPM model would work great. It moves over 68 CFM at only 24dBA

Scythe SY1225SL12M 120mm "Slipstream" Case Fan - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185058 $8.99

As a comparison, the Antec fans look like they move 39 / 56 / 79 CFM @ 25 / 28 / 30 dBA

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835209005

 

[aevm]

You're going to have a 24" or 26" monitor, i.e. 1920x1200, most likely refreshing at 60 Hz. That is, a card delivering 65 fps and one delivering 190 fps will still result in you seeing 60 fps.

Now read this review, look in the 1920x1200 column, and convert all numbers over 60 to 60. You will see the GTX 295 winning in Crysis Warhead. In the other games reviewed (Far Cry 2, Fallout 3, CoD5, Brothers in Arms, Dead Space, Left 4 Dead) the cards are both able to go over 60 fps and max the monitor's capabilities.

http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-295-preview/7

I suggest you get the GTX 295 if you play Crysis Warhead most of the time and expect future games to be just as demanding or even worse.
If not, the HD 4870 X2 is good enough.

 

[aevm]

One more question. I have been furiously searching for a good after market cooler for the i7 and the only two i have come up with seem to be the true 1366 and the coolermaster V8, However neither seem to be designed exactly for the i7. Does anyone know when they will be releaseing a 1366 cooler that is truely designed for the i7?

I like the Noctua NH-U12P because it cools as well as the TRUE and it's even quieter.

A bit expensive though. There's a $70 version with one fan at www.frozencpu.com, and one with two fans for $95 IIRC at www.ncixus.com.

 

[hofstra66]

wow that was the easiest explanation i think that could have been given. Both of your opinions are highly valued to me, i have read many forums in which the two of you have been incredibly helpful, You are both true gurus when it comes to this. This will be my first official build so i am just trying to gather as much information as possible while at the same time familiarizing myself with terms and reviews. Thank you both for your help. I cant wait to get this up and running

 

[shortstuff_mt]

www.moddersmart.com also has the Noctua NH-U12P SE1366 CPU Cooler with two fans for $69.95, but they're currently out of stock.

 

[aevm]

Wow, that's a great price. One of those fans alone is $25 at newegg. No wonder it's out of stock...

 

[hofstra66]

That is great. Any idea how often they get restocked. I would pull the trigger at that price right now.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Wow, that's a great price. One of those fans alone is $25 at newegg. No wonder it's out of stock...

I know. I actually have been trying to keep it pretty quiet because they never get very many in stock. Once the word gets out, you'll never be able to find one in stock. They re-stock pretty often though. I've been seeing stock come in every few days. Just keep your eye on it.

 

[hofstra66]

you are a champion, thanks buddy