Triple (Intel) vs. Dual (AMD) Channel Build

[weskinner]

My Triple-Channel Intel Build ($909.94)
Overview
+ASUS P6T SE LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel
+XFX Radeon HD 5770 1GB
+Intel i7 Quad @ 2.8
+6gb Corsair DDR3 (Triple-Channel)


My Dual-Channel AMD Build ($726.93)
Overview
+ASUS 790GX AM3
+EVGA 9800 GTX 512mb
+AMD Pheonix II X4 965 Quad @ 3.4
+8gb GSKILL DDR2 (Dual-Channel)

Today I decided to put together two different builds. My original goal was to put together a build for around ~650-700. However, after browsing Newegg for a bit I realized that there was going to be some sacrifice.

I made two builds. One with a i7 CPU and Mainboard which supports Triple Channel Memory and runs me quite a bit over budget. And another that is only Dual Channel but keeps me closer to my budget while decreasing performance.

My main use: I am a developer. I work mostly in Visual Studio doing programming and always have a good amount of programs running like: multiple browsers, instances of VS, ITunes, Sql Server Manager, and a remote desktop or virtual machine. However, I do like to game occasionally and would like to run some modern games with medium settings without any issues.

My question: If I stick with this Dual Channel channel system will I be hurting myself in the long-run as far as managing and upgrading the system is concerned? If I choose to go out of budget and spring for the Triple Channel system will it be worth it in the long-run?

Bottom Line: I will spring for the more expensive build if it will make my life easier in the long-run. However, I am simply not an enthusiast at this point. I want something that works well and will allow me to enjoy a smooth desktop experience.

Aside: I put this together today. If anyone has suggestions for replacing parts or better deals it would be much appreciated.

 

[batuchka]

Err why X4 for AMD? For compiling u want only the 1055T + OC $$ no object the X6 Gulftown or its Xeon equilavent of course but for mere mortals it doesn't get better than this for the $$ hehe

 

[weskinner]

Let me looks into that, batuchka.

Apologies, didn't realize, you couldn't link from Newegg.

Here are the specs real quick

AMD Build:

ASUS M4A78T-E AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
$139.99 -$25.00 Instant $114.99

EVGA 512-P3-N871-AR GeForce 9800 GTX+ 512MB 256-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI
$134.99 $134.99

OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS $99.99 -$30.00 Instant $69.99

AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor $176.99 $176.99

2x G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model $94.99 -$5.00 Instant $179.98

Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare



Intel Build


ASUS P6T SE LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
$219.99 -$25.00 Instant $194.99

XFX HD-577A-ZNFC Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready $169.99 -$10.00 Instant $159.99

OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS $99.99 -$30.00 Instant $69.99

Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80601930
$289.99 $289.99

CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop $144.99 $144.99

Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare

 

[welshmousepk]

can't see the builds, but i'd agree with Bat that you want a hex.

a 1055t, with 8gb DDR3 and decent mobo, paired with a 5770 and corsair vx450w PSU should do wonders for you.

EDIT: go with your AMD build, but with these amendments:

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103851&cm_re=1055t-_-19-103-851-_-Product

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150447&cm_re=5770-_-14-150-447-_-Product

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003&Tpk=VX450

now the PSU is cheaper, but of a lower wattage. it would be enough for the system, but would reduce upgradability. good if you dont plan on adding another GPU or a tonne of HDDs, but go with the ocz if you want the extra headroom.

 

[batuchka]

ASUS M4A78T-E AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
$139.99 -$25.00 Instant $114.99

2x G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model $94.99 -$5.00 Instant $179.98

Hmm incompatibility spotted:

That Asus 790GX being an AM3 socket mobo has DDR3 DIMM slots and is not compatible with DDR2

Anyway for your needs this is what i slapped up just now hehe Went with 2 sticks of 4GB modules

$758AR

 

[weskinner]

Err why X4 for AMD? For compiling u want only the 1055T + OC $$ no object the X6 Gulftown or its Xeon equilavent of course but for mere mortals it doesn't get better than this for the $$ hehe
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q205/batuchka/Untitled-142.jpg

Wow, I may need to replace the CPU I have on the AMD build with this.

My main concern is: Wont this hurt me when it comes to applications that don't support multi-threading as well as, say, Visual Studio?

 

[batuchka]

Hence an after market cooler The CM 212+ is pricey from egg but hit one from Tiger Direct or any retailer offering it @ $30 ^^

 

[weskinner]

hmm, I do like this build.

Although the case seems a bit eccentric on the front I very much like the internal finish, and PSU configuration. Do you think it would get dusty fast with all the open surfaces?

 

[weskinner]

Hence an after market cooler The CM 212+ is pricey from egg but hit one from Tiger Direct or any retailer offering it @ $30 ^^

I see a heatsink / fan is included with the processor. You would recommend one aftermarket though?

 

[batuchka]

Ya if u intend to clock away best get an aftermarket HSF^^

 

[LordConrad]

I agree with batuchka's build, but keep in mind that a micro ATX motherboard may limit your upgrade options in the future.

And definitely go with an aftermarket HSF, the included ones are barely adequate.

 

[welshmousepk]

an aftermarket cooler means you can overclock the proc, so that its no longer goign to underperform in single threaded apps.

 

[weskinner]

Ya if u intend to clock away best get an aftermarket HSF^^

Good point. My only issue with this HSF is that I don't see the Phenom II X6 among its list of supported CPU's. I wouldn't think this would be an issue considering it supports the AM3 socket, would you?

Getting this info here: http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6603&category_id=3566

 

[weskinner]

Best answer selected by weskinner.

 

[batuchka]

Hmm seeing this is a small top up a 1055T + 870 ATX combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.470531

 

[welshmousepk]

no, its supported. same socket/bracket. not an issue.

 

[weskinner]

ahh, great.

Hmm seeing this is a small top up a 1055T + 870 ATX combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.470531

good find, I was really hoping to go with an ASUS mainboard from the beginning and this one looks quite slick.

Might be pulling the trigger on this build within the next 24 hours unless anyone has any objections

 

[weskinner]

Build as it stands right now:

 

[batuchka]

Hmm the StealthX line isn't 80plus certified unlike its ModX cousins

 

[weskinner]

Didn't see that.

Updated Build: