I need a new desktop for gaming and cs3!!

[namutgoon]

Hi, everyone. I'm new to this forum. I've been looking at some of the threads you guys posted before.

I'll use this new desktop for gaming and cs3 (photoshop, illustrator, and indesign).

I'm thinking about buying a cheap pre-built Gateway 4701-UB301A and adding a PSU of 750watt ($112) plus ati's HD4870 ($320). I'll be using a 24-inch monitor so I need a good gpu to enjoy it fully. The specs for the Gateway are:

# Intel Core 2 Quad processor Q6700 operating at 2.66GHz
# 8MB (2 x 4B) L2 cache
# 1066MHz frontside bus
# 6GB of PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM memory (2 x 2GB + 2 x 1GB); maximum memory capacity: 8GB
# 640GB 7200-rpm SATA II hard drive with 16MB cache
# SuperMulti DVD drive with Double Layer capabilities (reads/writes DVD±R/RW, DVD±R Double Layer, DVD-RAM,
CD-R/RW); supports disc labeling on Labelflash media.
# 10/100Base-T Ethernet network interface (RJ-45 connector)
# 56K V.92 modem
# 6 USB 2.0 ports (2 front, 6 rear)
# 1 FireWire (IEEE 1394) ports (1 front, 1 rear)
# 2 PS/2 ports (for keyboard and mouse)
# 1 eSATA (external SATA) port (rear)
# 15-in-1 memory card reader
# Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 with up to 256MB shared memory
# 8-channel (7.1) High Definition Audio
# Audio ports (front): microphone, Front/headphone (stereo)
# Audio ports (rear): Center/sub, Rear (stereo), Side (stereo), line-in (stereo), Front/headphone (stereo), microphone
# Amplified stereo speakers (USB powered)
# Elite multimedia keyboard
# USB optical 2-button wheel mouse
# 300watt PSU

all for $750 + 112 + 282 = $1144 (I think this is a good deal)


I'm not even gonna build it from scratch this time because I don't have the time and energy for now. Whatever my excuse is, I've made up my mind.

I want this to last me long enough (probably 1-3 years) before the whole new technology starting with an "N" becomes mainstream.

1) Will this combo work?
2) Will I need any extra fan cooler for the 4870?
3) Will the gpu perform it's full potential or be bottlenecked by any of
the parts?
4) Should I get 4870x2 for future-proof instead of 4870 bcoz I only have
a one pci-e 16 slot?
5) Does the brand of 4870 matter? Which brand has good reputation?
6) If you have any other ideas or suggestions let me know.

Help me out on this! Thx in advance!

 

[namutgoon]

Another desktop to consider is this Gateway DX4710-UB002A
All of the components seem identical except these:

Q6600 2.4GHz / 1066 Mhz / 8mb cache L2
TV tuner with a remote (both analog and digital)
HD 3650 with 512mb
400watt PSU (is this enough to power a HD4870?)


Both systems are running Vista Home Premium 64bit of course.

 

[rdavila78]

i am still waiting for someone to answer you to see if I should buy something similar, but to be used only for CS4 or 5. Not games really.

Did you made this purchase already? How it worked for you?

Thanks!

 

[Guest]

This topic has been moved from the section Opinions and Experiences to section Systems by Grumpy9117

 

[HPrometheus]

You should be aware if you're going to bump the power supply and slap in a HD4870 you should just start with a more solid pre-build. Like this one from HP:
http://goo.gl/Z4Z1q

AMD Phenom(TM) II X6 1075T six-core processor [3.0GHz, 3MB L2 + 6MB L3 shared, up to 4000MHz]
FREE UPGRADE! 8GB DDR3-1333MHz SDRAM [4 DIMMs] from 6GB
FREE UPGRADE! 1TB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive from 750GB
2GB DDR3 AMD Radeon HD 6570 [DVI, HDMI. VGA adapter]