Need Some Gaming Build Advice

Awk76

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Sep 20, 2006
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HI All,

So I’m getting ready to put together my first gaming computer in a while. I’ve been out of the game for a number of years now and after doing some research and using Proximon’s lists, this is what I’ve got. What do you think? I’m looking to get a little future proofing out of this and a great gaming experience that doesn’t really include FPS’s. I would love a GTX295 but the cost of the card plus the additional cost of the cooling associated with it, kind of puts me over budget I think. Thanks.

This is what I’ve got so far. All parts/prices are from newegg.ca.


COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

SAPPHIRE 100251SR Radeon HD 4870 X2 2GB 512-bit (256-bit x 2) GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail

Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail

OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK - Retail

Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
 

redraider_gamer

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Jul 22, 2006
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This looks very good except power supply. The 4870x2 is power hungry. Go with a 750W min PS. I have the 850W Corsair in my I7 build with an Asus 4870X2 card and have had no issue. Not positive you need that big, but you might want to double check power draw.

Also, 690 case got same bad reviews at MaximumPC but haven't used it myself. You might want to look at your options.
 

Awk76

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Sep 20, 2006
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Thanks for suggestions. I’m liking the larger PSU (750/850). I’m also re-thinking the case with a NZXT Tempest. Got better reviews and has better air flow from what I can tell.

Also I should mentioned that this box is for games, but not FPS’s, so things like Dawn of War 2, Starcraft 2, and Diablo 3…..when they come out.

Thanks.
 
A PC Power & Cooling 750W or Corsair 750TX should do nicely there.

Diablo 3 should come out at the end of this year, if the latest rumors are true. It should work very well on the HD 4870 X2. That card even supports Havok effects so you'll get extra eye-candy :)

The NZXT Tempest has fantastic cooling. I wouldn't buy it myself because the blue lights would drive me crazy, but if you like them it's a great choice.

 

Awk76

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Is that to say the GTX 295 does not support Havok effects? That would suck that users of AMD cards would have a better experience then nVidia cards. Well suck for nVidia users anyway.
 

fergup

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After exhaustive research.. I got the NZXT Tempest case....it is truly an amazing case in all respects

6 stock fans--3 of them blue LED... slick looks, a breeze to work on. By far and away the best case i have used...including the venerable antec 900
 


Right, the GTX 295 does not support Havok. It does support PhysX instead, the competing standard.
Don't you wish these guys were locked in a room together and kept there until they agreed on a single standard. :)

Ok, so Blizzard games will work better on ATI cards, yes, but then other games (e.g Sacred 2) will work better on nVidia cards because they support PhysX. What if you're like me and want to play both Sacred 2 and Diablo 3? That's the part that bothers me, and both companies are to blame.