APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: today or tomorrow BUDGET RANGE: $800 max
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: gaming, watching movies
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: speakers, OS
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com, though willing to use other websites as well (the only newegg combo in my current build is the GPU and RAM).
PARTS PREFERENCES: whatever ends up being the best value
OVERCLOCKING: i don't have any previous experience with overclocking, but am willing to experiment (so basically, no hardcore OCing).
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: not right now, but would like to keep option open for the future (crossfire)
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1280x1024, would like to take it up to 1440x900, maybe
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: since i'm trying to keep this under $800, i'm only going to be able to afford one 4850 card right now, but am thinking of getting another card down the line and setting up crossfire. i'm also going to be using the boxed HSF for right now, since i'm not in a hurry to overclock stuff, and figured i could cut a few dollars down without getting a HSF right now.
besides general advice and feedback, a few specific questions: would i be able to go with a the OCZ StealthXStream 600W PSU instead of the 700W (or is there a similar PSU to the one I have currently in the build that is slightly less expensive?), and still be able to support crossfire with two 4850 cards? Is going with the cheapest OCZ memory going to make a big difference, overall (i went with it because it's included in a combo deal with the GPU).
[url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109156]Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 B2L-00047 Black USB Ergonomics Keyboard and Mouse - OEM $21.99
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subtotal: $788.91
shipping: $12.24
grand total: $801.15
MIR: $65
i'm "overbudget" by $1.15, but taking MIRs into account, i'm doing alright. so i'm pretty tight as far as what i can add or change around. let me know what you think, i appreciate your suggestions and feedback. thanks!
Message edited by wnb on 06-06-2009 at 02:24:44 AM
That gets you a higher quality PSU and better case. Nothing wrong with the OCZ, but the two PSUs are similar in real-world wattage and the EA650 is considered the better PSU.
It's probably worth upgrading to a 720, then you get about an extra 600mHz of free speed under warranted voltage. You can get it in a combo with a Biostar 790GX for what you're paying now, if you're OK with that.
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cool, going with the combo case and PSU does save me a few bucks (and I could even get the X3 720 without going too much over budget). i first was going to go with antec 300, but read on another thread about how it's hard to fit those big video cards in them, and that generally cooler masters had more space, but after taking a second look at the specific model of cooler master i choose, the antec 300 is actually a little bit roomier... hopefully it will all fit in.
It's probably worth upgrading to a 720, then you get about an extra 600mHz of free speed under warranted voltage. You can get it in a combo with a Biostar 790GX for what you're paying now, if you're OK with that.
i think i'll stick with the gigabyte mobo, but switching up the case and PSU has brought me down a little, so i think i'll be able to go for the 720.
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though after giving a look at the Biostar 790GX, it doesn't look like too bad of a board (and the combo would bring in a nice discount). anyone have any opinions on the this mobo, especially in comparison with the Gigabyte GA-MA790X-UD4P?
also, this might be a silly question, but would it be possible to crossfire the onboard GPU with the 4850?
No, and hybrid crossfire (as it's called) is pretty much useless anyway.
When choosing between Biostar and Gigabyte, we'll usually recommend Gigabyte as the higher quality board. If the savings are enough, it's OK though. The onboard GPU is not important really, just a nice back-up.
No, and hybrid crossfire (as it's called) is pretty much useless anyway.
When choosing between Biostar and Gigabyte, we'll usually recommend Gigabyte as the higher quality board. If the savings are enough, it's OK though. The onboard GPU is not important really, just a nice back-up.
thanks for clarifying that.
also, would you recommend going with the X3 720 instead of the 710 with this overall system?
I run a Zalmaan 9500a, I got it cheap. It's really quiet, and it keeps my temperatures in the mid 30s.
------------------------------Phenom II X2 unlocked to four cores @ 3.8gHz,1.45V. 4GB DDR3-1600 Gigabyte 785g ATi Radeon HD4870 1GB
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