My Gaming Build

[Vertical453]

Wow, haven't come on these forums for awhile as I have been out of the computer building scene for about 3 and a half years now, but I'm looking to build another high end machine. I have lost touch with the new terms and such so everyone please review this build and give me all the comments, conflicts, or suggestions you can.

Case: Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - $144.99


MotherBoard: ASUS M3N-HD HDMI AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA nForce 750a SLI HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - $139.99


CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Windsor 3.2GHz Socket AM2 125W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX6400CZBOX - $139.99


GPU(2): BFG Tech BFGE98512GTXOCXE GeForce 9800 GTX 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - $709.98


RAM: CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF - $189.99


PSU: Thermaltake W0116RU 750W Complies with ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS 12V version Power Supply - $169.99


HDD: Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000GLFS 300GB 10000 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $299.99


Monitor: BenQ T241W Black 24" 5ms HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor with Height & Pivot Adjustments Built in Speakers - Retail - $339.99


TOTAL: $2134.91


I would like a lot more information on the motherboard and what other options there are out there because I was completely baffled by most of the information on it.

Normally I would say not to recommend ATI, or Intel and so on because I never buy them and I have never had a problem with Nvidia or AMD but because I know nothing about how these companies are doing lately I am going to be open to anything.

Thanks in advance!

 

[worshipme]

Do you overclock?

 

[Speedydowt]

I would have start having a look at Intel now mate, the Core 2 Duo range (both 65nm and 45nm dual and quad core varients) has constantly done better than AMD's alternatives over the last couple of years. In particular Intel's Q6600 G0 Stepping- it a quad core CPU that overclocks from 2.4ghzs to anywhere to 4ghzs (depending on cooling)

I would also recommend a x38 or x48 intel motherboard to go with an intel CPU

Also for memory take a hard look at the difference between ddr2 and ddr3- performance is negliable at the moment but may increase the life/upgradability of your computer however price is alot more expensive

If you need anymore help don't hesitate to ask

 

[serani]

GPU(2): BFG Tech BFGE98512GTXOCXE GeForce 9800 GTX 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - $709.98

^

LOL

 

[Shantei]

Like I'm saying with most people designing a new build, get a 4800 card. Much better than 9800 .. so stop the Nvidia fanboy act and get one of these babys ;-) .. better price, performance .. oh and if you can, wait for dual one.

 

[worshipme]

I would like to add to Shantei's post and I can say that even without knowing if you'll be overclocking or not, I can say that you'd be better off with a 790FX chipset if you're going to stick with the 6400+ X2 or a P45/X38 if you're going Intel. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130136
The 790 FX, P45 and X38 all support Crossfire.

Nvidia used to make good chipsets, but either they got a hell of a lot worse, or AMD and Intel have got better. Nvidia's chipset offering can simply not stand up to what AMD and Intel have to offer in any way, that is the reason why SLI is so closed. AMD have the 790 FX, which is mature and proven, and it's only going to get better when it's paired with SB750, whilst Intel also have a strong lineup with the P45 and X38, both being excellent performers.

And the 9800GTX is pretty much obsolete now that the HD 4800 is released, in fact most of Nvidia's cards are obsolete now that RV770 is here. The HD 4870 is even faster than the GTX 260 for $300. It even beats the GTX 280 in some benches: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&Description=HD 4870&bop=And&Order=PRICE

The RAM you selected is not worth it at that price, get some cheaper 1066: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166

 

[Mal1]

I concur with worshipme's comments (having received delivery of a 4850 only yesterday I probably would though). As far as the rest goes, get DDR2 instead of DDR3 RAM as others have suggested and use the spare money to get a different processor (I am also a huge fan of intel and have just got a 8750 BUT my budget was substantially less than yours!). If its AMD you want, then ignore the X2's now.. their efficiency and power consumption just doesn't cut the mustard anymore (plus cooling them will cost you since they are 90nm or 130nm instead of 65/45), instead go for the new 9950 black edition. Overall intels skulltrail platform is substantially better these days, with that kind of money you'd be better off with them - but again, that is more of a personal manufacturer choice.

 

[Vertical453]

Ok, I read all of your comments and I have revised my list a little bit, but I'm still not ready to go with Intel and also, no, I'm not an overclocker.


Case: Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - $144.99


MoBo: ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard - $189.99


CPU: AMD Phenom 9950 BLACK EDITION 2.6GHz Socket AM2+ 140W Quad-Core Processor Model HD995ZFAGHBOX - $235.00


GPU(2): SAPPHIRE 100243L Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - $599.98


RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK - $104.99


PSU: Thermaltake W0116RU 750W Complies with ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS 12V version Power Supply - $169.99


HDD: Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000GLFS 300GB 10000 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $299.99


Monitor: BenQ T241W Black 24" 5ms HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor with Height & Pivot Adjustments Built in Speakers - Retail - $339.99


TOTAL: 2074.92

 

[Mal1]

I respect your decision (since I just made the same one with an Phenom 8750 instead of an E8400) and can decisively say that the new spec you gave would run rings around the previous one. As far as an AMD platform goes, you've pretty much hit the holy grail when no overclocking is involved. Only thing I'd change is the RAM to corsair of equal spec, but thats just personal preference. Only other thing (which I'm sure you already know) is dont forget a 64bit OS for all that RAM