New Build, need a couple suggestions

[serani]

So I'm starting my new build and it's a tricky time for computers because of the price and performance of DD3 (it's here ! it's expensive as hell ! and it isn't all that impressive !

So with that in mind, this build is not a cheap one by any means (~$1600USD)

I know it might seem weird that I have nearly a $500 mobo and yet I'm running $80 DD2 RAM...that is because I'll be looking to toss 4-6 gigs of DD3 2000 once prices start to drop ( my research shows DD3 doesn't start performing above DD2 until +1600 )

So any suggestions for different pieces, just include a link, probably building this beast next month or so sometime, so I'll be sure to watch the price changes.

My intention was a somewhat thrifty build, but with core components ( mobo, cpu) being overly awesome

mobo- asus striker 2 790i ultra
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131274

cpu- q9300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115043
(really wanted the q9450 .. I can almost justify the $100 more for double the L2 cache..)

gfx- evga 8800gts 512
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130325

memory- standard mushkin 4(2x2) DD2 800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146693

Like I said, I'd love to go with the DD3 but I only want the 2000 and I can't fork out ~$450 just for memory right now

So mainly looking for feedback on my cpu problem, stick with the 9300 or go with the 9450..

I rarely go with the 'biggest and best' flashy mobo..but I want the DD3 2000 support..

Oh the choices !

 

[Shantei]

I'd say poke out for the Q9450 .. I've done research on the Q9550, Q9300 and Q6600 and Q9450 seems the best price/performance wise.

 

[worshipme]

I think I've said this before but there is no point in using DDR3 in an Intel platform because of the limitations of the FSB. The FSB severely limits bandwidth and bottlenecks high speed RAM. FSB functions like this: FSB 400 = 12.8GBs of bandwidth. DDR800 = 12.8 GBs of bandwidth you get the idea. That's why it's not worth going DDR3 until Nehalem or AMD start supporting DDR3.
And secondly, unless you absolutely need SLI support (which you shouldn't anyway with the release of the HD 4800 cards), go with an Intel chipset. They can reach far higher FSB speeds and are much more stable.
Thirdly, For a quad core, I would still go with the Q6600. The 45nm quads are limited OC wise by their low multipliers. The Q9300 has a 7.5 max and Q9450 is 8. Thus they are having trouble clocking higher than the Q6600 and the extra spent just isn't worth it.

 

[ohnoes]

i would rather go with the 9800GTX and a q6600. its cheaper and i oclocked mine to 3.0oghz

 

[worshipme]

HD 4870:

 

[Shantei]

HD 4870:

Amen.

 

[serani]

Excellent feedback, thank you all-

Glad to see opinions that differ from mine, that can shave off a buck or two


I'll look into the Radeon card, since 8800's hit the market, I've just been so impressed with them I've been ignorant to Radeon for a little while.

So how many of you think I'm over doing it with the mobo?

 

[worshipme]

So how many of you think I'm over doing it with the mobo?

Me, get a P45. The ASUS P5Q-E seems to be a good board. P45 is a 65nm chipset. P35/X38/X48 are all 90nm. It also will feature 8x + 8x CrossfireX PCI-E 2.0 support.

 

[serani]

Me, get a P45. The ASUS P5Q-E seems to be a good board. P45 is a 65nm chipset. P35/X38/X48 are all 90nm. It also will feature 8x + 8x CrossfireX PCI-E 2.0 support.

Was interested in something with a little more upgrade-ability..maybe DD3 support?

How useless do you all think DD3 will be in the future? If and when DD3 2000 becomes affordable I'd love to slap 4g's of that in my box..


I am willing to spend the extra buck on my mobo if it means I'll be able to keep it a year or so longer..so with that in mind, anyone else have any suggestions?


I'll probably go with the q6600 at this point, because I will be working with OC'ing (new to OC'ing)

 

[worshipme]

How useless do you all think DD3 will be in the future? If and when DD3 2000 becomes affordable I'd love to slap 4g's of that in my box..

Check my previous post. DDR3 has no purpose in current Intel platforms which function around the FSB. It will not improve your performance.