Building a new system: video options.

[gamero]

Since the mid- and high-end reviews aren't out yet, figured I would ask here. I am looking to build a new system and have a few parts in mind (Love this site for the unbiased reviews and details!).

Some parts I have decided on:
SB i7 - 2600K (I have never overclocked before, and am interested in trying it a little, not going to push the envelope though)
Mobo: Asus p8p67 (trying to decide between pro and deluxe here)
storage: 120GB Sata3 SSD backed by a 1 or 2 TB HDD
RAM: seriously looking at 2-3x: Corsair 4GB DDR2 1600MHz CL9 DIMM (good local price/bang for the buck)
Main use: Civ4, Civ5, maxed out WoW (would love if it could handle raids without reducing settings too much) and EQ2, Starcraft2, will get Diablo3 when it comes out).
I only really research parts when I am ready to buy (otherwise it's just too painful!). So my last major research was with my core2 6600 with GTS 250.

Okay enough pre-amble, on to the two main questions:
I have only used NVidia up to this point, but am willing to listen if AMD is better, so...
1) are they about equal these days?
2) is 1 GPU still better than 2x cheaper? (never run 2 cards yet)
3) looking for mid-range bang for the buck but also be able to survive 3-4 years without upgrade (who knows what will come out in that time though, right?)

 

[Rifter]

Honestly i would go with the 2500k and spend more on the GPU. I would look into the 6850 or GTX560 or GTX570.

EDIT: i ment 6950

 

[Arkadrel]

^what Rifterut said.

CPU:
Honestly the hyperthreading is not worth (value wise) the 110$ or so pricetag additional costs vs the 2500k.

So spend the ~200$ on a 2500k, and pocket the 110$ or so you save.

Motherboard:
instead of going with the most expensive Asus p8p67 ei pro and deluxe versions, go with the minimum you need.

If thats is the 130$, you just saved yourself like 130$ on the motherboard, which you then put towards something that ll help you more in terms of performance, such as more ram (than the 4gb your planning on useing).

Id recammend going with the non pro or delux versions and just get the cheapest one (same model) that suits your needs, which probably is the 129$ version (not the 260$ one that has more pcie slots ect).

GPU:
PowerColor AX6850 1GBD5-DH Radeon HD 6850 1GB ~ 132$ after Mail in rebates.

RAM:
DONT BE A CHEAP MOFO on ram

You (if u listend to me) just saved yourself 100$+ on the cpu, and 130$+ on the motherboard.
Get Atleast 8 GB DDR3, dual channel ones.


cpu: 220$ ish
MB: 130$ ish
ram: 65-70$ ish
gpu: 130$ ish

=

Intel i5-2500k (+2gb flash drive)
8 GB DDR3 pc1333 (u pick the brand you want)
Powercolour 6850

That 6850 and i5-2500k are both just begging to be overclocked, do that and your looking at a pretty decent system.

*IF* you still have budget leftover, you should consider getting a cheap SSD to put windows + a game or two on. And haveing your HDD for storage + swapfile.

RAM: seriously looking at 2-3x: Corsair 4GB DDR2 1600MHz CL9 DIMM (good local price/bang for the buck)

typo? You need DDR3 dude

 

[Patrick Wolf]

^ Yes, but I say go DDR3-1600 8GB.

 

[RussianSensation]

RAM: seriously looking at 2-3x: Corsair 4GB DDR2 1600MHz CL9 DIMM (good local price/bang for the buck)

You will want DDR3-1600 Ram, not DDR2. Preferably grab 2x 4GB sticks. G.Skill, Mushkin, Corsair are all excellent (whichever is cheaper).

SB i7 - 2600K (I have never overclocked before, and am interested in trying it a little, not going to push the envelope though)

2500k is more than enough. No need to get a 2600k unless you will use 8 threads. In fact, there will be almost no benefit in the games you described.

Mobo: Asus p8p67 (trying to decide between pro and deluxe here)

Neither. The Pro and Deluxe are only useful if you need 8x/8x CF/SLI functionality (the Deluxe also has 2 USB 3.0 front panel for the case). The base P8P67 still packs Bluetooth, 12+2 VRM digital power delivery, USB 3.0 support, eSATA.

More detailed comparison can be found here.

If you want SLI support without breaking the bank, the MSI P67A-GD53 is a great board.

Main use: Civ4, Civ5, maxed out WoW (would love if it could handle raids without reducing settings too much) and EQ2, Starcraft2, will get Diablo3 when it comes out).

That pretty much rules out AMD cards since NV is much better in those games.

NV creams AMD in Civilization 5.
NV creams AMD in WOW

The budget card for you at 1680x1050 is a $130 GTX460 1GB.

The best <$200 card for you at 1920x1080 is GTX560 Ti.

I would not suggest spending any more for those games. Also, you are better off upgrading in 2 years from now than spending $100 more on a GTX570 and keeping it for 4 years.

=============
Also, you didn't mention anything about the PSU (one of the most important components). I suggest proven brands like Seasonic, Corsair, Enermax or Antec.

What about an aftermarket CPU cooler?

 

[Arkadrel]

http://www.hardwareheaven.com/revie...or-x-graphics-card-review-civilization-5.html

Civilization 5 - DirectX 11

1920x1080 with 8x anti-aliasing.

Tested feb 8, 2011 (newer drivers? than older benchmarks)

Sapphire 6870 vapor-x avg fps = 82, (max=93, min=51)
Geforce 560 ti avg fps = 88, (max=101, min=71)
Geforce 460 1gb avg fps = 78, (max=92, min=64)

the 560 ti > 6870 > 460 1gb.

Anyways, its a RTS we re talking about here... anything over 30 fps is plenty.

For fps and such thats when you want 60+ fps.

Just because hes playing Civ5 now, doesnt mean getting a 6850 or 6870 is a bad way to go. He plans on keeping this system for 3+ years, and by then he ll probably be playing something else, and the 6850 is pretty good value.

 

[crisium]

So you have a GTS 250 right now?

Currently, I feel that any single card above a Radeon 6950 or GTX 560 Ti costs too much per buck. Everything else seems pretty consistent.

I'd say grab the GTX 560 Ti, and you may be able to get 3-4 years out of it. Though keep in mind games that come out in those latter years will likely require a decrease in setting quality.

 

[RussianSensation]

http://www.hardwareheaven.com/revie...or-x-graphics-card-review-civilization-5.html

Civilization 5 - DirectX 11

1920x1080 with 8x anti-aliasing.

Tested feb 8, 2011 (newer drivers? than older benchmarks)

Sapphire 6870 vapor-x avg fps = 82, (max=93, min=51)
Geforce 560 ti avg fps = 88, (max=101, min=71)
Geforce 460 1gb avg fps = 78, (max=92, min=64)

the 560 ti > 6870 > 460 1gb.

Anyways, its a RTS we re talking about here... anything over 30 fps is plenty.

For fps and such thats when you want 60+ fps.

Just because hes playing Civ5 now, doesnt mean getting a 6850 or 6870 is a bad way to go. He plans on keeping this system for 3+ years, and by then he ll probably be playing something else, and the 6850 is pretty good value.

Those benchmarks either aren't using Tessellation or they aren't using the late game 300 moves/calculations scenario. Totally unrealistic.

Once you get deep into the game, NV crushes AMD in Civ5.

 

[Arkadrel]

Those benchmarks either aren't using Tessellation or they aren't using the late game 300 moves/calculations scenario. Totally unrealistic.

Once you get deep into the game, NV crushes AMD in Civ5.

Still thats only a i5-750 test system, and the stock 6850 is getting like 33 fps late-game with tons of units zoomed all the way out.

Hes getting a faster system... even a stock 6850 is bound to give him 40+ fps easily.
Yes the Nvidia cards are faster in this game,... still chances are he ll barely notice it, because this game isnt that demanding.

 

[gamero]

comments on RAM: the '2-3x' meant 2 or 3 sticks = 8 or 12 MB RAM. If everything comes in decent on price, I might up the consideration to 12-16MB (more RAM is always good with Windows). And the 'DDR2 -was- a typo, it's the Corsair Vengeance I have seen mentioned here a lot.

Video card: Really appreciate the consensus there, sounds like the 560 Ti is a winner. $230-260 at the local shop depending on manufacturer (Asus, eVGA, or MSI). Most likely go with MSI on the less expensive side of the scale (unless anyone has bad experience with them lately).

I haven't gotten around to the case and PCU yet, as I figured the other components would drive the needs there. Reading on the PCU part of the forum, they are saying you really don't need the mega PCUs anymore, and I have very little knowledge/experience in that area as it is; so I am more than willing to listen to advice!

I might just be heading out tomorrow or Sunday and getting this thing ordered! <insert insane laugh here>

 

[cusideabelincoln]

I haven't gotten around to the case and PCU yet, as I figured the other components would drive the needs there. Reading on the PCU part of the forum, they are saying you really don't need the mega PCUs anymore, and I have very little knowledge/experience in that area as it is; so I am more than willing to listen to advice!

Brand and model matter.

Something in the 500-600W range is enough. If you plan to overclock everything, then something in the 600-700W range is recommended.

Do you plan to buy this local or online? Report back what options your local place has.

 

[gramboh]

You don't need more than 8GB RAM if your main use is gaming (even 4 is fine a lot of the time). 12-16 won't give you any additional benefit, spend the money on a better graphics card, SSD or just save it.

I have the MSI Twin Frozr II model of the 560Ti, great card, highly recommend it.

 

[gamero]

I've had MSI GPU before, so its good to hear their quality is still decent.
RAM: ok, 8GB it will be, then. (Price is $59 per, so $118 for 8GB...)

Case: last two boxes have been from Antec's Sonata line: mainly for how quiet it made everything (I think Sonata was the first case to get into that). Issue is that the box is big, the feet never stay on the box if I set it upright, and I have to put it on the desk as I can't put it on the floor due to pets. Current model of the Sonata line is in the $130 range (500W PCU), which might be a place to shave off some cost.