ThePhoenix

Distinguished
Dec 24, 2009
6
0
18,510
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: This week BUDGET RANGE: up to $1,200

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Monitor, mouse, keyboard

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: i7-920

OVERCLOCKING: Yes SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Eventually

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1600x1200 (21"), later 24"

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

FPS and RTS gaming primarily.

I will definitely get the i7-920 for $200 at Microcenter

Was thinking of getting the 5870 combo $430
HIS H587F1GDG Radeon HD 5870 (Cypress XT) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card ... - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.310963
with Thermaltake TR2 W0388RU 600W ATX 12V v2.2 Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.310963

Or else there's a sale on
2x XFX HD-575X-ZNFC Radeon HD 5750 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card for $255
or
1x Sapphire Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
w/ Free 4GB Flash Drive for 155
Or should I save and do one of these Crossfire configs?


I am trying to decide on the RAM and Mobo. I was thinking:
CORSAIR DOMINATOR-GT 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMG6GX3M3A1600C7 - Retail $285
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145269
Is this good RAM for overclocking?

EVGA E758-A1 3-Way SLI (x16/x16/x8) LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $290
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188039
Which, I was wondering about going up to the classified series in a month or two when I have more money.

Any thoughts?
 
Solution
EVGA E758 is a premium motherboard and quite expensive if you will never put three graphics cards in it. The classified is only necessary for 4 graphics cards. The motherboard is just not that important of a component to take valuable budget away from more important components (like the GPU).

Crossfire is really not a good thing, you should try to avoid it unless you cant. A single more powerful GPU is always better unless there is a strange pricing situation or no such GPU exists.

At your budget the ASRock x58 extreme or a Gigabyte/ASUS x58 motherboard in the $200 ballpark would make alot more sense.

Its hard to argue against that free PSU. ITs not a great PSU, but its OK. With that 600W PSU you are only going to run one...
EVGA E758 is a premium motherboard and quite expensive if you will never put three graphics cards in it. The classified is only necessary for 4 graphics cards. The motherboard is just not that important of a component to take valuable budget away from more important components (like the GPU).

Crossfire is really not a good thing, you should try to avoid it unless you cant. A single more powerful GPU is always better unless there is a strange pricing situation or no such GPU exists.

At your budget the ASRock x58 extreme or a Gigabyte/ASUS x58 motherboard in the $200 ballpark would make alot more sense.

Its hard to argue against that free PSU. ITs not a great PSU, but its OK. With that 600W PSU you are only going to run one 5870 so you dont need an expensive 3 GPU motherboard.

Corsair Dominator RAM is generally considered way overpriced. A 6GB kit should only cost $150-$175.
These Gskills have better specs (cas 7, 1.5 volt) as the dominators for $165.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231335
 
Solution