Poom's new gaming / 3D rig - advice needed! (1000)

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poom

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Hey guys,

Hopefully you can help me out with this gaming / 3d modeling build. Last time I built a rig was in 2004...so I'm really out of touch with new technology but have some basic knowledge. I want it to play new games such as Final Fantasy 14 and better at the highest settings with no fps hit. I've been playing games at 10fps for years, and I'm sick of it.

My budget for this project is around 1000, I'd like to cap it at that but am willing to pay more if justified, or needed. Right now this list is at 1009 dollars.

Here's what I am looking at...I use a 17'' or 18'' monitor with either 1280x1024 or 1600x1200 max resolution (sorry can't reference right now).

MOBO: BIOSTAR TA890FXE AM3 AMD 890FX SATA 6Gb/s ATX AMD Motherboard
CPU: AMD Phenom II X6 1055T Thuban 2.8GHz Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor
GFX: SAPPHIRE Vapor-X Radeon HD 5850 (Cypress Pro) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16
RAM: CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready
CASE: Linkworld 313-07-C2228 Black/ Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower

I have 2 WD HDDs that I will throw in there, and an old but functional CD drive, and a wireless net card. Using old mouse, keyboard, monitor, speakers, etc.

OTHER THOUGHTS:
I will not be overclocking.
I would like to buy ASAP
I have XP, 32 bit.
I live in the USA.
I prefer to shop on Newegg

QUESTIONS: I still have a few questions that maybe you all can answer.

1)Will four RAM sticks work? I have been hearing that only 2 slots are fully active? Are 2 RAM sticks preferrable?
2)Is 650w enough power for this setup?
3)Should I upgrade my OS? Will the the 64bit components not work / not take full advantage of my current XP?
 
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batuchka

batuchka

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17 - 18" would be 1280 x 1024 or 1366 x 768 so for your machine (if not upgrading LCD)

No need 16/16: 870 chipset
GPU: No DX11 titles : HD 4850/GTS 250 @ sub $100 else HD 5750/5770
500-600 80+ psu
Get a decent case for the $$ w.r.t cooling like NZXT Beta EVO/M59, Antec 300 Illusion, Cooler Master II 5, etc
32 bit OS can address at most 3.x GB RAM
 
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wannaturnuptheheat

wannaturnuptheheat

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Okay, modeling... are we talking programs like Maya or 3dsmax? Either way, you shouldn't need a hex-core processor... for cheaper, you can get that same motherboard paired with a faster (individual cores) quad-core X4 955, here; because you're not OCing, you want higher base speeds, especially since no programs besides folders really can take advantage of hex-core procs. This saves you money, you should be able to get a system-builder's version of Windows 7 for $99.99 from Newegg, which solves your 64-bit problem.

Since 3d modeling is RAM-intensive, 8 gigs will do you well; however, you should get 2 sticks of 4 rather than the inverse (they'll be more effective, yes).

And yes, you MUST upgrade your OS; 64-bit is necessary to use more than 3 and a remainder GB of RAM.
 
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batuchka

batuchka

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Err actually even at stock the 1055T is hovering at Nehalem 940 country for 3dsmax
http://www.behardware.com/articles/789-5/amd-phenom-ii-x6-1090t-1055t.html
IMG0028836.png

In fact X6 shines for rendering/encoding but i would get an aftermarket HSF and clock that 1055T for monster bang for buck
 
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poom

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No need 16/16: 870 chipset
GPU: No DX11 titles : HD 4850/GTS 250 @ sub $100 else HD 5750/5770
500-600 80+ psu
Get a decent case for the $$ w.r.t cooling like NZXT Beta EVO/M59, Antec 300 Illusion, Cooler Master II 5, etc
32 bit OS can address at most 3.x GB RAM
Click to expand...

batuchka, one of my biggest concerns is upgrading - I want to be able to stick another vid card in there and crossfire it eventually, and to be able to run Direct X 11 when it does get used - does this change your sugguestion?

As for 3D programs - I work in Alias 2010 and Rhinoceros 4.0, and running a 3D program is much less important to me than running games on this machine.

WannaTurnUpTheHeat, thanks for your information on the OS - I will be upgrading that now as well. You're saying that I'd be better off using a faster 4x processor than a 6x, which makes sense to me - I think I will change my build to use that combo with the AMD Phenom II X4 955 at 3.2ghz. Will 2 sticks of ram be more effective for most gaming applications than 4 sticks?

EDIT:

Here's the build now:
MOBO: BIOSTAR TA890FXE AM3 AMD 890FX SATA 6Gb/s ATX AMD Motherboard
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor
GFX: SAPPHIRE Vapor-X Radeon HD 5850 (Cypress Pro) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready
CASE: Linkworld 313-07-C2228 Black/ Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower

Comes in at 9 dollars under the old build..with Windows 7!

I am going skimpy on the case...I really care about the meat but not the case as much.
Enough PSU power?
 
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batuchka

batuchka

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Well the TA890FXE is about as bang for buck 16/16 AM3 there is so if u can afford why not? If predominantly gaming rig and not looking to OC a.s.a.p then ya 955BE is a good idea Casing is not to be overlooked as heat builds up @ load when gaming so u want a case than offers decent airflow, intakes/exhausts heat out, etc
 
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redechelon

redechelon

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Get a new video card...not old technology. DX11 is not uncommon and it will only become more common.

A 5850 is a good card. I'd probs get a GTX 460 because I'm lovestruck...

Also, that case is a POS... buying a cheap case is definitely a good way to save money if you don't need something flashy, but put 20 more dollars in that area and you would get a much better case... or get a more open case.

This is my fave cheap case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129074
I had the all black one a while ago for a budget build, and it was a solid case for $50.

If you want cheaper, maybe this... can you tell I like Antec? $29.99 AR:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129069
Just something with airflow is all.

Yes, a good 650W like that should be fine. And I'm with batuchka for the CPU.. an X6 will perform better regardless of the frequency difference. Clearly, in most of those programs the extra cores help. For games... not so much, the X4 is the better choice.
 
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poom

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Ok...I upgraded my case a bit to help with the cooling. Going to do the X4 processor + TA890FXE deal. Video card is the same for now - thanks redechelon and batuchka for helping me not melt my computer.

Get a new video card...not old technology. DX11 is not uncommon and it will only become more common.
Click to expand...
Am I mistaken in thinking that my vid card has DX11? It is listed as having DX11 capabilities on Newegg.

MOBO: BIOSTAR TA890FXE AM3 AMD 890FX SATA 6Gb/s ATX AMD Motherboard
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor
GFX: SAPPHIRE Vapor-X Radeon HD 5850 (Cypress Pro) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready
CASE: RAIDMAX Typhoon ATX-312WS Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case


So I think this might be my final build....unless anyone has some last minute insight. Getting excited now!


 
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redechelon

redechelon

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Oh, sorry that comment was regarding the recommendation for a 4850 or GTS 250, I wasn't saying that your current card isn't DX11 capable.
 
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batuchka

batuchka

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Cooling solutions side by side comparision

RAIDMAX Typhoon
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156244&Tpk=RAIDMAX%20Typhoon
Cooling System
80mm Fans 1 x 80mm side fan, 1 x 80mm rear fan
120mm Fans 1 x 120mm Blue LED front fan
Click to expand...

NZXT M59
http://www.nzxt.com/new/products/classic_series/m59
FRONT, 1 x 120mm
SIDE, 1 x 120mm LED fan@1200RPM, 23db/42CFM (included)
TOP, 2 x 140/120mm
REAR, 1 x 120mm, 23db/42CFM (included)
Click to expand...

Suggest getting this M59 + 2 X 2 ddr3 1600 combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.432119

M59 is also good to go with a HD 5870
 
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poom

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Ok ok I've been debating the cases for a bit decided to go for the one with better cooling over the one that looks cool. :) Thank you all for guiding me in the right direction and answering all my questions. You guys rock!

Gonna order in a day or two, just doing some last minute research.

I'll be back in a bit to post how it goes...

Poom.
 
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poom

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Ok I knew I'd have second thoughts....

I have a bit extra cash so I'm thinking of going from the 5850 to a 5870. Specifically the HIS Turbo H587FNT1GDG Radeon HD 5870.

I'm debating if it'll be worth it to get the achieve max fps out of FF14 at all times. But then I'm not sure if I need to upgrade the PSU...hmmmm.

Any thoughts? Worth the ~85 bucks?


 
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redechelon

redechelon

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Dunno if you prefer ATI or what, but the prices of nvidia's cards seem to dropping much more rapidly than ATI's lineup... making them much more desirable to me at least.

You can buy a GTX 470 for $280 that comes with Metro 2033... which is cheaper and a better performer than your 5850.

And you can find a GTX 480 for $440 now... where as the 5870 are still hovering around $385.

OR, you could get 2 460's for that price and own everything out there.....
 
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batuchka

batuchka

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I would drop to 870 chipset if going HD 5870 and stick to single GPU all the way :lol:
 
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