Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Solved

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

Last response: in Systems
Share

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.

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

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

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=N82E168...

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

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.

Related ressources

Best solution

weskinner said:


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

batuchka said:
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?

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?

batuchka said:
Hence an after market cooler :p  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?

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.
Ask the community
!