1meangreen

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Apr 2, 2010
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18,510
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within 2 weeks.

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming,multitasking with dual monitors.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg

PARTS PREFERENCES: by brand or type (e.g.: I would like to use an AMD CPU & Biostar mobo with a 24" LCD and full tower case)

OVERCLOCKING: Yes.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: Currently running a 1680x1050 may get a 1080P and use the 1680 as a secondary.


Alright, I was looking to build a new computer, there's a few things I want. a i5-750 that I will attempt to overclock close to 4GHz on a mugen 2 cooler. 8GB of DDR3 1600 RAM, A large hard drive 1.5TB,The ability to run 2 monitors for more screen real-estate.

The big question is about video cards, Is crossfire and eyefinity support now? Can I run 2 monitors on crossfired 5770s? I heard there was going to be a new update to make it possible maybe, but that was months and months ago. If it's possible I know the i5 has a limitation of only supporting x8 bandwith. Would this limit the cards in any way. If not 5830 or 5850 to game at 1080P smoothly

Here's what I have so far.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.436804
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.431426
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130271
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231321
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150494
 
What's your budget?

I'll point out some problems with the i5. First is the price. If you wen t with an AMD X4 955 build (which has comparable gaming power), you'd save a good $100. Second is the fact that the LGA1156 socket is going away soon. You won't have an upgrade path.

With that said, I'll answer some of your other questions before posting a build with what I'm guessing is the budget.

RAM: You don't need 8 GB of RAM unless you're doing heavy encoding/rendering. If that were the case, you should probably be looking at trying to get an i7-930 instead of an i5.

Crossfire: You don't need Crossfire for dual monitors. It's also not recommended to start a build with two video cards, as it uses more power and eliminates and upgrade path.

8x: This makes no difference. It's 4% compared to 16x/16x, and only noticeable with dual 5970s.

5830/5850: The 5830 is a very bad choice. It's not much more powerful than the 5770 (i.e. can't game at 1080p), yet costs a lot more. Generally, you should either step up to the 5850 or down to the 5770. The 5850 can game well at 1080p

So here's the build (guessing $900 is the budget):

CPU: X3 445 $75
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-790XTA-UD4 $125 after rebate
RAM: G.Skill Eco 2x2 GB 1600 mhz CAS Latency 7 $105
GPU/PSU: HD 5850 and Corsair 750HX Modular $385 after rebate
HDD: 2x Samsung Spinpoint F3 1 TB $150
Case: Antec 902 $90 after rebate
Optical: Cheap SATA DVD burner $19

Total: $844. Or if you want (you don't need it) the X4 955, add $85 to the total.
 

Mark Heath

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Apr 28, 2010
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Budget would be very useful here.

I agree with the 5830 not being a very good card, although I'd go for a Phenom 955 here as you might need a bit more cpu power for your multitasking (as to me it sounds like there's also an emphasis on non-gaming performance too)