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New build $900-$1k

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My friend is looking to build a new pc and we want some advice.

He wants a quad core, and was looking to go crossfire. maybe not now but soon after the build (maybe)

He is on the fence about DDR2 vs. DDR3

Quad core is a must, i wont bother explaining.

This is what we have: (basically suggested by me)

CM-690+ Coolermaster 700w psu bundle - $160
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.199423

Intel C2Q Q8400 2.66Ghz + Asus P5Q Pro Mobo - $290
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.197503

4GB G.SKILL 1066mhz - $47
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231241

Hitachi deskstar 500gb 7200rpm hdd - $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822145215

HP dvd burner $ 30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827140034

xigmatek s1283 - $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233003

21.5" 1080p moitor - $180
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] Pst04Image

XFX 4870 1GB - $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150394

TOTAL = $937

OR

AMD phenom II 810 2.6ghz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103650

Reccomend some parts for amd, with ddr3 ram ( again just a option )

he was looking at ddr3, amd quad core so just post your opinion, he is worried about having to get ddr3 in the future and needing a new mobo

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The 810 and the Asus M4A78T AM3 combo deal is about the same price/performance as the Q8400/P5Q, but uses DDR3 at about the same price. $294
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.198618
The biggest difference to me is the upgrade path for the AMD would be better in the long run. Even though you stated quad core, i'd be remiss if i didn't mention that the same motherboard and the x3 720 BE sell for $224
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.203011

Reply to dirtmountain

would it be cheaper to buy the intel or amd build? btw quad core is a must he uses some programs that use quads or something

^Well just a point...the Q8400 would be faster than the 810 by a decent margin...
The Q8400 was actually released as a competition for the X4 940...
But the main disadvantage of the Q8400 is that it does not have VT support, that would be required for WIN 7 to run the XP mode...
So either your friend has to let go DDR3 and get the X4 940 with DDR2 or spend about $50 more the budget and get the X4 945 with DDR3...

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to gkay09

The AMD would likely be slightly cheaper. It should perform similarly, but OC considerably worse. I would build a system around a 940 if possible.

Phenom II 940 - $190
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103471

ASUS 790GX - $125
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131368
That's $25 more, but I assure you it will be worth it.

The q8XX0 lacks some virtualization support, and won't be able to run XP mode in Widows 7, among other things. I would not recommend the 955 or 945, a $50 premium is far to much for DDR3 support, especially with AMDs IMC. (Or Intel's for that matter)

Edit: ninja'd

Message edited by smithereen on 06-16-2009 at 07:41:10 AM

------------------------------ Phenom II X2 unlocked to four cores @ 3.8gHz,1.45V. 4GB DDR3-1600 Gigabyte 785g ATi Radeon HD4870 1GB
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Reply to smithereen

gkay09 wrote :

correction: the q8400 DOES support VT.

http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/523881.aspx

http://forums.ncix.com/forums/?mod [...] &subpage=1

Message edited by ryanb213 on 06-16-2009 at 07:59:28 AM

^Hmm...sorry for the mistake and thanks for the info...but it was initially reported that the Q8400 doesn't support VT...
The Q8400 is a good option as it is around the same price as the X4 810 but we know that LGA 775 will soon be dead. So if he wants a better upgrade path, then go the AMD way...

Message edited by gkay09 on 06-16-2009 at 08:38:05 AM

Reply to gkay09

yes i understand, well i think amd will be good for him too, phenom II with ddr3 i guess will work

Reply to ryanb213

bump

Reply to ryanb213

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