I am planning to build a new desktop system to replace my four year old machine. So far, the only part I have is a Q9300 which I got for $180 at micro center. The rest of my plan looks like this:
CPU: Q9300
MB: ASROK P45xe (well reviewed at Tom's, $95, optical out for my speakers)
RAM: ?
HD: WD 640GB Black
Case: ATX 300
PSU: OCZ StealthXStream OCZ700SXS 700W ($60 after rebate at newegg)
GPU: 4870 or 55nm 260?
I have been reading to the point where my head is starting to spin, and thought I would ask those more astute than myself for some advice. I plan to use the system for gaming (gta4, fc2, etc.), everyday computing, photoshop, and possibly some video encoding. My current monitor is a dell 2005fwp (1680x1050) but I plan to upgrade at the end of the year. My biggest concern is "bang for the buck". I plan to keep the system for 2-3 years before an upgrade, at which time it will be turned over to my wife.
I saw anandtech's review on the older gtx260 216's, and it looked like they were in the same ballpark as the 4870's. Because the 4870s are priced around $200 and the 260/216's are priced around $250, it would seem like 4870 is a better deal. I now see, however, that 55nm 260's (which can be had for around $260) are coming out and that some people seem to have high hopes for them. Is there any concrete evidence as to how they perform? If you were me, would you take a 4870 at $200 or a 260/216/55 at $260?
Additionally, what would you guys suggest for RAM? I am interested in some mild to moderate overclocking. Any other recommendations would be appreciated as well.
Thanks in advance.
CPU: Q9300
MB: ASROK P45xe (well reviewed at Tom's, $95, optical out for my speakers)
RAM: ?
HD: WD 640GB Black
Case: ATX 300
PSU: OCZ StealthXStream OCZ700SXS 700W ($60 after rebate at newegg)
GPU: 4870 or 55nm 260?
I have been reading to the point where my head is starting to spin, and thought I would ask those more astute than myself for some advice. I plan to use the system for gaming (gta4, fc2, etc.), everyday computing, photoshop, and possibly some video encoding. My current monitor is a dell 2005fwp (1680x1050) but I plan to upgrade at the end of the year. My biggest concern is "bang for the buck". I plan to keep the system for 2-3 years before an upgrade, at which time it will be turned over to my wife.
I saw anandtech's review on the older gtx260 216's, and it looked like they were in the same ballpark as the 4870's. Because the 4870s are priced around $200 and the 260/216's are priced around $250, it would seem like 4870 is a better deal. I now see, however, that 55nm 260's (which can be had for around $260) are coming out and that some people seem to have high hopes for them. Is there any concrete evidence as to how they perform? If you were me, would you take a 4870 at $200 or a 260/216/55 at $260?
Additionally, what would you guys suggest for RAM? I am interested in some mild to moderate overclocking. Any other recommendations would be appreciated as well.
Thanks in advance.