gotdamojo06 Posted July 18, 2007 Posted July 18, 2007 I have waited almost 2 years (since A64 first came out) to upgrade. I am running my A64 3500+ clawhammer and I am still happy with it, but I believe that the technology out there is so much better and I'm ready to go for a C2D based computer...also I have finally saved up some more money that I can spend on a new computer. My budget is $800-$1000 USD. Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to keep anything from my old computer, so I have to get everything. (well except for the mouse, keyboard, monitor, speakers, etc.) I need a few hints as to what I should go for, this is the rough list as to what I'm looking at. CPU - C2D E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz - $222.90 MOBO - Gigabyte GA-965P-DQ6 - $219.99 VID CARD - Sapphire Radeon X1950PRO 512MB - $159.99 RAM - Crucial Ballistix 2GB Kit DDR2 1066 - $159.99 PSU - XCILO GREATPOWER 700W - $139.99 CASE - Undetermined HDD - Undetermined CPU COOLER - Undetermined Let me know if I'm currently on the right track as to the parts that I have picked out so far. I hope that this will do and I hope that it will greatly out perform my computer in both gaming and daily tasks. Also I would like to see some of what you guys would suggest as to what components I should not get and what I should replace them with also what you may suggest as to a good HDD and case. I was leaning on getting 2 different HDDs. Both were going to be SATA 3.0 GB/s but one was going to be a smaller one with a 16MB cache and/or a faster RPM for the OS and the other larger one with a smaller cache for all apps and file storage. Let me know if I'm headed in the right track and if not, help get me there... Also thanks in advance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
daniel Posted July 18, 2007 Posted July 18, 2007 i dont know but i would save pup a lil for a dx10 vid card Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
iKillSteal Posted July 18, 2007 Posted July 18, 2007 i dont know but i would save pup a lil for a dx10 vid card Depends. If you can get an 8800GTS into your budget then it would be great. If you can only squeeze the x1950 in then it'll perform admirably as well. The whole DX10 argument right now is pointless because we're still in the DX9 age and will remain in it for quite some time to come. By the time DX10 does become mainstream all the DX10 compatible cards out right now will be old technology that can't keep up anymore. Everything looks good but you may want to look at the G.Skill HZ instead of Ballistix ram. Everyone seems to be saying that it has wicked OC potential and it's cheaper than the Ballistix you picked out. As for the cpu cooler. Pick up an Ultra 120 extreme and a good 120mm fan and you're all set. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gotdamojo06 Posted July 18, 2007 Posted July 18, 2007 I agree with you as well ikill with the whole DX10 arguments, I was thinking about it, however there are not really any DX10 compatible games out yet, therefore there is no reason to purchase one of those cards, especially for such a tightly budgeted rig, I would rather spend the extra $200-$300 on a better CPU, PSU, or MOBO, something that I can keep for a longer time and that wouldn't get outdated as quickly as a DX10 card. Thanks for the quick replies already, I will have to check out the G.Skill HZ RAM as well as wait to see what everyone else has to say. As far as a case, basically I'm looking for a case with a 120mm fan in the back, possibly a 120mm side fan and a few fans for the front, I want a really performing case where there can be some great airflow, looks are not going to be the biggest factor in this rig, I'm looking for more performance. Thanks for the help so far guys and I'm sure that there is much more coming soon Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeble Posted July 18, 2007 Posted July 18, 2007 I agree with you as well ikill with the whole DX10 arguments, I was thinking about it, however there are not really any DX10 compatible games out yet, therefore there is no reason to purchase one of those cards, especially for such a tightly budgeted rig, I would rather spend the extra $200-$300 on a better CPU, PSU, or MOBO, something that I can keep for a longer time and that wouldn't get outdated as quickly as a DX10 card. Actually, you'd need an 8800GTX for your CPU to be the performance bottleneck. And once you start OCing? Yeah... I'd suggest an 8800GTS. My suggestion has absolutely nothing to do with DX10. Just look at the huge performance difference between the two cards, especially at higher resolutions. Thanks for the quick replies already, I will have to check out the G.Skill HZ RAM as well as wait to see what everyone else has to say. Another vote for the HZ. It's $130 on Newegg and people have been OCing up to DDR2-1100 like it's nothing. As far as a case, basically I'm looking for a case with a 120mm fan in the back, possibly a 120mm side fan and a few fans for the front, I want a really performing case where there can be some great airflow, looks are not going to be the biggest factor in this rig, I'm looking for more performance. If you're looking for a good full tower with lots of options and cooling ability, look no further than the original CoolerMaster Stacker STC-T01! It's got so much room you could live in there. The Thermaltake Armor (VA8000BWS) is another great full tower. It was clearly inspired by the Stacker, but it still stands on its own. I've owned both cases and their both great, but I like the Stacker more. For a heatsink, I suggest taking a look at this. Currently the Ultra-120 Extreme is the best heatsink available. You may also want to consider getting a mobo based on the P35 chipset. I haven't had a chance to read any reviews yet, but some of our members have them. Hopefully they can comment on performance compared to P965. Finally, I hope you're planning on buying this after the upcoming CPU price drops. In fact, you may even be able to get a better CPU. Something from the E6x50 series perhaps? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Verran Posted July 18, 2007 Posted July 18, 2007 The motherboard is a great pick. The cpu is pretty good, but I'm not sure why you wouldn't want to pay the difference for the 6850. I'd go for a cheaper motherboard (like the DS3R) and put the difference towards one of the brand new chips. The video card is a good choice, at least I think it is. To the people saying that the 8800GTS is better.... well duh. It's darn near double the price, so it'd better have more performance. In the meantime, the 1950Pro gives it a good run, and the price/performance ratio of the 1950Pro really just can't be beaten. It's a very good card to pick up and wait out the DX10 issue. I'd rather just wait until DX10 cards actually start pulling their weight. The PSU I'm not really fond of. If you want to spend that much, I'd say go for the PCP&C 610. It's not much more, and that's easily the most solid PSU you're going to find. Otherwise if you're not looking to go that overkill, the OCZ GameXStream 600W and 700W can be had for $40-50 less than that XClio. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
road-runner Posted July 18, 2007 Posted July 18, 2007 +1 for the HZ and I would get the E6850 instead of the E6600 and a P35 board instead of the P965 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Verran Posted July 18, 2007 Posted July 18, 2007 Well, I looked your post over a little closer, and you've got a problem. The way you've got it laid out right now has a total of $903, which leaves you $97 to buy cooler, case, and hard drive(s). And even that is at the maximum end of your budget. So needless to say, something's got to give. Here's what I'd do: Intel E6850 3.0Ghz (whenever it fully launches) ($266) Gigabyte GA-P35-DSR3 Motherboard ($130) G.Skill HZ 4-4-4-12 2x1GB ($130) HIS x1950Pro 512MB IceQ3 PCIe ($180 - 30MIR) (^^ cheaper after rebate and has better cooler on it) Tuniq Tower 120 Cooler ($60) OCZ GameXStream 600W PSU ($100 - 10MIR) Total: $866 - $40MIR = $826 That leaves $174 for disks and case. You mentioned doing multiple disks, and I think a good setup for something like that would be 2xWD 160GB SATA in RAID-0 + Samsung 500GB SATA, but you don't have the money for that now. You could probably just pick up the two 160's and add the 500 later, or vice versa. Either way, that'd only leave you with enough money to get something like the CM Centurion 5 for a case. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kendellrt Posted July 18, 2007 Posted July 18, 2007 +1 for the HZ and I would get the E6850 instead of the E6600 and a P35 board instead of the P965 And if you really want to, after the 22nd, the e6850 and the q6600 will be the same price. There really is no benefit to quad core right now, but it's cool! There are a few DX10 games coming out very soon that wil utilize the SMP power of a quad. After the price cuts, it is silly to get an e6600 when you can get an e6850 or q6600 of the same price. I have heard great things about the DQ6, but I have also seen great results from users with a P35 board. As for video, I that you would be better suited with an 8800GTS or an X2900XT. The card you picked is great, but I am thinking of the long term, especially when you consider how long you have kept your current rig; most of us waste our money and upgrade all of the time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Verran Posted July 18, 2007 Posted July 18, 2007 My budget is $800-$1000 USD. CPU - ... MOBO - ... VID CARD - ... RAM - ... PSU - ... CASE - ... HDD - ... CPU COOLER - ... To everyone who's saying 8800 this or DX10 that... I say "less talk, more action". Build it. He listed his budget and the parts he needs. I'd like to see a balanced build that fills those slots, meets the listed budget, and includes an 8800. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crow47 Posted July 18, 2007 Posted July 18, 2007 I couldn't help but notice that the motherboard you chose has two pci express x16 slots. However, this motherboard is not sli or crossfire compatible. Are those options you want to have in a motherboard? If so, you need to choose a different motherboard. And make sure that the chipset maker of the motherboard (ati, nvidia) matches with the maker of your video card (ati, nvidia) because you can't do crossfire on an nforce motherboard and vice versa. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeble Posted July 18, 2007 Posted July 18, 2007 To everyone who's saying 8800 this or DX10 that... I say "less talk, more action". Build it. He listed his budget and the parts he needs. I'd like to see a balanced build that fills those slots, meets the listed budget, and includes an 8800. I missed the spot where he mentioned his budget, all I saw was "extra $200-$300" Intel E6850 3.0Ghz (whenever it fully launches) ($266)Gigabyte GA-P35-DSR3 Motherboard ($130) G.Skill HZ 4-4-4-12 2x1GB ($130) HIS x1950Pro 512MB IceQ3 PCIe ($180 - 30MIR) (^^ cheaper after rebate and has better cooler on it) Tuniq Tower 120 Cooler ($60) OCZ GameXStream 600W PSU ($100 - 10MIR) Total: $866 - $40MIR = $826 I agree except for two things. First, get an Ultra-120 Extreme for $65 instead. Second, get a Western Digital WD5000AAKS instead of the Samsung. It's the same as this drive with fewer platters. That will give you good/better performance for the same price. To be honest, I think the best solution is to save maybe $200 more so you don't have to compromise as much. I couldn't help but notice that the motherboard you chose has two pci express x16 slots. However, this motherboard is not sli or crossfire compatible. Are those options you want to have in a motherboard? If so, you need to choose a different motherboard. And make sure that the chipset maker of the motherboard (ati, nvidia) matches with the maker of your video card (ati, nvidia) because you can't do crossfire on an nforce motherboard and vice versa. And on that note: Does Chipset-to-GPU Matching Matter? No. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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