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New gaming build. Please help me leave low graphics settings behind.

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - New gaming build. Please help me leave low graphics settings behind.

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budgie_84   05-06-2009 at 11:35:25 PM

Hello. I'm a first time builder. I've tried to read up as much as possible, but am still intimidated. Thanks in advance, this site and forum are amazing!

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I currently have to play games on the lowest of the low graphics settings. The purpose of this system is to be able to use high resolution/graphics on current games (with the exception of probably Crysis), maintain smooth fps, and with future upgrades be able to hold that status (hopefully) for a few years.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: This Week or as soon as I figure out a build

BUDGET RANGE: $1000-2000

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Surfing

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: New Egg

PARTS PREFERENCES: lol, everytime I think I have it figured out, I read another post and feel clueless again:)

OVERCLOCKING: Yes (as needed) SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes (as needed)

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080, 1920x1200


Here's my idea:
Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115202

EVGA E758-TR 3-Way SLI (x16/x16/x8) LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813188046

EVGA 896-P3-1257-AR GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 Superclocked Edition 896MB 448-bit GDDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130433

OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820227381

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139006

Thermaltake Spedo VI90001N2Z Black 0.8 mm SECC Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811133073

ASUS MK241H Black 24" 2ms HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824236033

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit for System Builders - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116493

After combo deals, rebates, shipping = $1500
I'm hoping this would let me game at high resolution/graphics, smooth fps now...And as game demands grow add additional/better SLI GPU's, and an after-market cooler to OC the I7.

Will I reach my goals with this build? Am I off base here or making any amateur mistakes? Any and all help is greatly appreciated!
Will I need something like a 1000W PS in order to OC and SLI?
Also, I'm clueless about monitors. Would get a 20 or 22 but couldn't find one with 1920x1200--a comment which I'm sure betrays some sort of monitor ignorance:)


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kevin1212   05-07-2009 at 12:00:12 AM
- 0 +

Everything seems fine, you could probably add another core 216 to make sure you get max settings for everything, possibly including crysis. The psu would certainly handle 2 of those vid cards, 3 cards would give it some trouble.

Reply to kevin1212
grieve   05-07-2009 at 12:16:38 AM
- 0 +

Ditch Vista Ultimate sp1 and use Windows 7 RC as it is free till March 2010 at which time you format and purchase win 7.

-Use the extra cash to get this GTX280 which has a killer price $269.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130427

Win 7 RC
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-ca [...] PID=wcfeed

Message quoted 1 times
Reply to grieve
neon neophyte   05-07-2009 at 12:24:58 AM
- 0 +

i might rethink the gtx 260.

gtx 275 is a nice card, doesnt cost too much more. i wouldnt suggest the 280, its a pig. pretty inefficient. gtx 275 overclocks WAY better and out performs it.


Message edited by neon neophyte on 05-07-2009 at 12:26:40 AM
Reply to neon neophyte
budgie_84   05-07-2009 at 12:30:42 AM
- 0 +

Thanks for the quick responses.

 

Win 7 RC sounds like a good idea. I didn't know it was coming out already. I'll take a look at those GPU's with the savings thanks.

 

@ Kevin do you have a PS recommendation that would give me some extra headroom?
Would 850W do it or would that still be stretching it?

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by budgie_84 on 05-07-2009 at 12:33:57 AM
Reply to budgie_84
budgie_84   05-07-2009 at 12:44:50 AM
- 0 +

grieve wrote :

Ditch Vista Ultimate sp1 and use Windows 7 RC as it is free till March 2010 at which time you format and purchase win 7.

-Use the extra cash to get this GTX280 which has a killer price $269.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130427

Win 7 RC
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-ca [...] PID=wcfeed



I just had a thought, I'm slow--sorry, do I need an OS already on the new system in order to download Win 7 RC?

Reply to budgie_84
grieve   05-07-2009 at 12:50:53 AM
- 0 +

You would want to download the ISO now and burn it to disc.

User Nero or something thatll burn an ISO...

This is a free program
http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm


Reply to grieve
kevin1212   05-07-2009 at 01:51:09 AM
- 0 +

budgie_84 wrote :

@ Kevin do you have a PS recommendation that would give me some extra headroom?
Would 850W do it or would that still be stretching it?



The psu you have already is fine, the only reason to want more is if you intend to go 3 way sli in the future. If that is the case then 850W would be fine, look for something 80plus certified, bronze or silver perhaps, although they're expensive. It would be even more ideal finding one with 6 pci-e pin connectors, but it isn't necessary, once the wattage and efficiency is good.

Take a look at this one for instance:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817171033

The only thing i don't like about that one is the 2x8pins as opposed to 2x 6+2pins. But anything similar to these specs should handle 3 way sli easliy. Truth is, that 750W psu u have there would technically be able to handle 3 gtx 260, but i still wouldn't recommend it. 80% of that 750 gives 600 available watts. I think 3 gtx 260's would peak at around 500-600 watts, possibly a bit more. But it isn't always safe to constantly push your power supply, so that is a reason to get a slightly higher wattage psu.

Edit: Customer reviews on that particular psu aren't so good. I would suggest that after you pick out that ideal psu, to check some online reviews and stuff.


Message edited by kevin1212 on 05-07-2009 at 03:06:06 AM
Reply to kevin1212
binwhui   05-07-2009 at 08:09:58 AM
- 0 +

no to vista..
gamers burn vistas literally:D

go for xp right now.. then when the retail windows 7 is available get that one..!

Reply to binwhui
kevin1212   05-07-2009 at 01:06:20 PM
- 0 +

Those days are well over buddy, vista performs just as good if not better than xp, assuming your pc isn't like 4 years old.

Reply to kevin1212
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