Gaming System

[NinjaSmoke]

Planning on building a new computer that can run max graphics on games for good 3 years, then ultra-advanced for 1-2 years. < that possible?

Looking to build a new computer that can run max graphics on game for 5 years (realistically maybe 2-3 years max, then 1-2 years "advandedultra")

I only upgrade my computer every like 4-5 years.

Approximate Purchase Date: This Week
Budget Range: $800 (+~$100 if need more for PSU)
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming (Wow, SC2, etc), Web Surfing
Parts: These are all I need.

MSI X58 Pro-E LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard $190
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130226

Intel Core i7 930 (microcenter) $200

CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 $145
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145220

Graphic Card: Recommended Graphic Card? (max graphics for 5 years? 3 years?)
I was looking at the ATI 5770, 5830, and 5850. Also at the Nvidia GTX 460.
How long would these graphic cards have me running games at max settings?
If you have better suggestions feel free to say something.

PSU: Recommended Watt?

 

[Twoboxer]

You're spending more than you need to on memory:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226063

The 460/5850 will last longer.

No more than 550W is needed for any single graphics card system. Brands would be Corsair, Seasonic, Antec Earthwatts, or a unit that has been passed by a quality reviewer.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151094

 

[wielander]

Planning on building a new computer that can run max graphics on games for good 3 years, then ultra-advanced for 1-2 years. < that possible?

No, but it all depends on your resolution and the type of games you play. None of those cards get playable frame-rates on the latest DX11 game benchmarks at maximum quality settings at 2560x1600. The 5850 and GTX 460 1GB can almost manage 40 fps at 1680x1050. These cards should be able to play the latest games in five years but likely only at lower resolutions and quality settings. Take a look for yourself here:

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/GPU/96

No one can look that far into the future. We just don't know what direction game design is going to go, what technologies are going to take over and to what degree graphics requirements are going to be pushed forward. The graphics requirements for many recent games haven't been as high as they could be because they are multi-platform. The capabilities of the PS3 and Xbox 360 are quite a bit behind those of the latest PC graphics cards (no need to mention the Wii).

If you want the best gaming performance for your money, I would consider spending much more on your graphics card(s) and less on your CPU, Motherboard, and RAM.

I specifically wouldn't recommend the HD 5770 or 5830. The i7-930 will be a capable match for all but the most advanced graphics setups. Choosing a low end card like the HD 5770 would give you an unbalanced gaming system (even if you added a second one later in Crossfire). The HD 5830 is an old inefficient design and isn't competitive with the GTX 460.

 

[sp12]

To put it bluntly, no it's not possible.

IMO downstep an i5-750. If you have microcenter they often have the 1055t+free mobo for around 220$, check your local deals.

 

[jfby]

What do you mean by 'advanced ultra'? Don't buy into 'future proof', build a good system now and realize that you may have to sacrifice graphics on games 3-5 years from now, or upgrade to match.

I have a 5850 and I am very happy (gaming at 1920x1080) but in less than a year something will come out at the same price I paid and be significantly better. In two years at the same price it will get crushed, and a card 5 years from now at $100 will blow it out of the water. If your intention is to stay on top, you could just buy a moderate card every 2-3 years.

You never stated your monitor's resolution, so a 450/460 or 5770 may be sufficient depending on the size/resolution you play at.

 

[NinjaSmoke]

Haha I have an 8800 gts right now gaming on 1280x1024 low graphics.
I'm content with doing something like 1680x1050 or 1920x1080 with max graphics.

Thanks for the suggestions.
So an ATI HD 5850 equals Nvidia Gtx 460 in performance?

 

[Twoboxer]

These two reviews show 460's, 5830s, 5850's, and some SLI configs for you:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-460-gf104-fermi,2684-8.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-460-sli-geforce-gtx-480,2694-6.html

They may help you choose after you've selected a resolution.

 

[wielander]

Haha I have an 8800 gts right now gaming on 1280x1024 low graphics.

You should expect the same performance from these cards in 3-5 years.

I'm content with doing something like 1680x1050 or 1920x1080 with max graphics.

Go with at least a HD 5850 or GTX 460 1GB.

So an ATI HD 5850 equals Nvidia Gtx 460 in performance?

The HD 5850 is ~10% faster, but the GTX 460 is a much better value right now. You can look at the benchmarks here:

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/164?vs=180