What are your thoughts on this build

[fr0stman]

Just quickly,

I am looking at getting this system soon:

GigaByte GA-X58A-UD3R 6DDR3 - Mainboard
Intel i7 950
Coolermaster RC-692-Advanced II - Case
GigaByte Superb 720W SLI-Ready 80+ Certified
Gigabyte GV-N460OC-768I GTX 460 768MB DDR5 - GPU
Kingston 6GB 1600 DDR3

Is there anything you guys can see that i can get better for less, or SLIGHTLY a little more. e.g im not considering the extra $250 for the i7-960

 

[mosox]

Gaming? Can you wait a couple of weeks for the new intel CPUs?

 

[buzznut]

Just quickly,

I am looking at getting this system soon:

GigaByte GA-X58A-UD3R 6DDR3 - Mainboard
Intel i7 950
Coolermaster RC-692-Advanced II - Case
GigaByte Superb 720W SLI-Ready 80+ Certified
Gigabyte GV-N460OC-768I GTX 460 768MB DDR5 - GPU
Kingston 6GB 1600 DDR3

Is there anything you guys can see that i can get better for less, or SLIGHTLY a little more. e.g im not considering the extra $250 for the i7-960

Ditto I would wait 2 weeks before ordering. If nothing else the new Intel CPU's could drive down current prices...
Also, I don't know much about the PSU so have you researched it?

 

[Onus]

I would suggest a 1GB version of the GTX460. In addition to the memory, it also has a wider data path (256bit vs. 192). Also, like buzznut, I am unfamiliar with that PSU. That it is 80+ is promising, but there's a great price right now on the 650W Antec Earthwatts.

 

[real world]

I found the page at newegg for that PSU. It's comes up as "deactivated" there.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817233009

I'll piggy back what jtt recommended. Go for the Antec Earthwatts if you don't mind the ugly look. They are on sale at newegg right now.

There are a couple of models that would work for you. It's all explained here.

http://www.techbargains.com/catsearch.cfm/0_2_0

Newegg has the following Antec EarthWatts Power Supplies for sale after rebate and Coupon Code: DECAN10 (Exp 1/3). Tax in CA, NJ, TN.
Some other Antec EarthWatts Power Supplies of interest after 10% Coupon Code: DECAN10 (Exp Soon):


Antec EarthWatts EA-380D 380W PSU $25.49AR Free Shipping
Antec EarthWatts EA-430D 430W PSU $38.99AR Free Shipping
Antec EarthWatts EA-650 650W PSU $46.99 Free Shipping
Antec EarthWatts EA-750 750W PSU $60.99AR Free Shipping

Features Active PFC, 80PLUS certification (consistent 80%+ efficiency), and 120mm cooling fan. Also features Industrial Grade Protection circuitry, which protects from common electrical malfunction and a Universal Input which draws power from any power grid worldwide.

$15 rebate Exp 1/3/11

 

[Onus]

Hmmm, that Gigabyte PSU appears to only be a 591W unit. It looks fishy; 80+ or not I wouldn't buy one. Go with an Earthwatts. I'd get the 650; technically even the 380 would most likely run that rig, but very near its capacity, which is not a great idea long term. The 430 doesn't offer enough more to be worthwhile, but the 650 will likely still be useful for you into your next upgrade or two, then your next system.

 

[buzznut]

Great suggestions, and that is a great sale on the Antec Earthwatts. I would snag it.

 

[fr0stman]

Ditto I would wait 2 weeks before ordering. If nothing else the new Intel CPU's could drive down current prices...

Good idea...i can def. wait a few more weeks...

I would suggest a 1GB version of the GTX460. In addition to the memory, it also has a wider data path (256bit vs. 192). Also, like buzznut, I am unfamiliar with that PSU.

Hmm would the 1GB prove any performance gain seen as though my screen is 21.5"?
I am also unfamiliar with that PSU...my current one is the Antec EathWatts 550W would that be sufficient as i can pull it out of my current rig.

Newegg has the following Antec EarthWatts Power Supplies
for sale after rebate and Coupon Code: DECAN10 (Exp 1/3).

wow thats a bargain...

awesome tips guys...thanks,

 

[buzznut]

I would suggest a 1GB version of the GTX460. In addition to the memory, it also has a wider data path (256bit vs. 192). Also, like buzznut, I am unfamiliar with that PSU.

Hmm would the 1GB prove any performance gain seen as though my screen is 21.5"?
I am also unfamiliar with that PSU...my current one is the Antec EathWatts 550W would that be sufficient as i can pull it out of my current rig.


Well, I would go ahead and spring for the 1GB version regardless. You never know when you'll have an opportunity to upgrade your monitor. Besides games are only going to become more complex.

The power supply is basically similar but has 100 more watts essentially. The 550 should be sufficient for one card.

 

[fr0stman]

On the TechBargain website, it states on the RADEON 5870:

"This is one of ATI's most powerful single-GPU video cards (and comparable to the GTX 480) and should readily handle anything you throw its way. It is faster than the newest generation 6870 as well."

If this is correct ill scrap the GTX 460

 

[buzznut]

Yes its faster. Also more expensive, uses more energy and and less efficient design. If you can afford an HD 5870, that will be quite a powerful card for the next 18-24 months.

The GTX 460 and HD6850 are best in the bang for buck category. This is why graphics card guys say anything more expensive will see diminishing returns on your investment but I say if you can afford the HD5870 go for it.

 

[fr0stman]

i found it strange on how an older model 5870 can outbeat the new 6870

i might just settle for the HD6850,

 

[joelmartinez]

The 6800 series GPUs were ment as a replacement for the 5700 series GPUs not the 5800 series, I know ATIs naming scheme needs revision the 6900 series GPUs is the new 5800 series

 

[fr0stman]

apparently the 5870 while better than the 6870, its larger and is a power hog.
maybe its better to get the updated version and lose a little on performance?

 

[joelmartinez]

Yeah the 6800 series is more efficient still the 5870 will run with an antec ea650 just fine

I personally would recommend the 6950 if you can strech for it because as you may have previously heard it is unlockable to a 6970 just google 6950 bios unlock and click on the techpowerup article

 

[fr0stman]

well here the prices i can get:

(all powercolor)

1GB 6850 = $198
1GB 6870 = $268
2GB 6950 = $359

So you can see, i dont think i can fork out the extra fpr tje 6950, i know its way better etc etc..but~$250 is my budget, and im stretchin for the 6870.
Thats why if the 6870 is a massive performance boost from 6850, i'de rather save $70 =)

 

[joelmartinez]

ahh I see okay then get the 6850 by the way on your last post you say

is a massive performance boost from 6850, I'd rather save $70

do you mean is not because is doesn't make any sense

 

[fr0stman]

hehe yeah ...
what i mean is im going to forget about the 6950 is its over my budget.

So im left with the 6850 and 6870.
What i meant was, if the performance gain of the 6870 over the 6850 is marginal, i'de rather get the 6850

 

[joelmartinez]

I would stick with the 6850 at 1920x1080 it should give you good framerates here is an article with multiple benchmarks of the 6850 & 6870 http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-6870-radeon-hd-6850-barts,2776.html

 

[fr0stman]

would an Antec 500W EarthWatts run this rig?

 

[joelmartinez]

Yes, but if you get a 650w you will be able to crossfire later. Get the antec mentioned previously.

 

[real world]

The 5870 > 6870 > 5850 > 6850. Understand though that the performance of the 6xxx series cards should improve as the drivers are updated in the coming months.

Just yesterday Newegg had the XFX 5870 for $199 AR. I'd have opted for that over the others mentioned. If you're holding off for a few weeks, then keep an eye out for another deal like this. I'd go 5870 at this price over all the rest. Check out www.techbargains.com every day to see if a deal is posted, or sign up for www.newegg.com 's email promo letter.

Newegg currently has three 6850 models (HIS, Gigabyte, & Powercolor) priced at $179 , and one (Sapphire) at $165 AR. They also have the XFX 5850 at $158 AR, plus a $15 newegg gift card.

 

[fr0stman]

so in other words, im probably better off and getting a 6870, which will last me for a year or 2. since drivers will get better...no point getting an older style card which performs slightly better

 

[real world]

If the difference in cost isn't an issue for you, then sure. When I bought my 5850 last January, I paid $274 for it. They were running over $300 at the time, and I was lucky to get the deal I did. I wish the higher end cards were as cheap as they are today. You really won't be disappointed in the performance of any of these cards, but if you can afford to invest a little more, then a 6870 would be a good choice.

 

[fr0stman]

Best answer selected by fr0stman.