Core 2 Duo

[Katscan]

I have posted a build before on a C2D system but did not get any replies(though I think I posted it in the wrong section...my fault). However, that aside, I have been watching and reading this website and the forums to try and keep up with current changes and new hardware comming out. My dilema lies in the fact that Im wondering if my previous choices are lacking now. Esp with the release of the Nvidia 680i chipset and their 8800GTX video cards.

Originally I was going with a Asus P5W MB with the Intel 975x chipset because I was wanting to go with DDR2 800 Ram and not have to worry about the pickyness of the 965 Express. That and I liked the layout of the P5W for the fact that even when using SLI I will still have access to 2 PCI slots(the newer high end GPU cards take up space for 2 slots thus on some boards it will cover 1 of the usable PCI slots)

I was also originally going to go with a 7950GTX but with the new 8800GTX(with Dx10!) should I drop the 7950GTX and spend the extra $ to go with the 8800GTX?

Another question is, if I went with the 8800GTX will the 600W power supply be sufficient to power the system(if I went with 2 8800's in the future would it still handle it all?)

I just need some help and opinions from you all as majority of the folks that post here are ontop of the game, someplace Im striving to be but its a long ways away.

 

[lorlabnew]

I'm in exactly the same position right now - got C2D system pretty much planned (nearly identical to yours) until yesterday, but now when the nVidia 680i's (haven't seen 650i anywhere yet) and 8800's are out, I can't get if off my mind either; maybe I should rather get the latest technology so the system will last little longer; plus DX10 compliant card is definitely a plus down the road - at $499 for the slower version it is only $100 more then 1900XTX I wanted (or $200 over 7950's)- probably well worth but it may need a larger case and stronger PS. Anyone knows the exact size of the 8800's, I saw 10.5 " mentioned yesterday - is that right? I have 480W Antec Smartpower 2.0 (two 12V rails 18A each), it should have juice for 8800?.

I guess if the prices of my earlier selected gear would drop, I'd still go with it, but P5W and P5B mobos still go for the same $, as well as the videocards I considered before...I guess if I can wait a week or two, it will result in possible price drop. Wonder what others who planned on similar upgrade as we did are going to do?

Dave

 

[brikis98]

i don't know about memory compatibility, but the 680i chipset is too expensive (IMO) unless you are doing some heavy OCing or have the extra money to burn... in which case, it's prob the best c2d mobo you can buy.

whether or not you should get an 8800gtx depends on a couple things:

1. what resolution do you game at? if it's not too high (<1600x1200), the 7950GTX should be more than enough for a while (prob until dx10 games come out).
2. what's the difference in cost (ie, how much are you looking to spend)?

if you game at 1600x1200 or above (and especially like lots of AA and AF), or have the extra money to burn, the 8800GTX is an amazing card. it's also much more future proof, having dx10, amazing IQ, video, etc and will prob. only get better as the drivers mature. however, $650 is an awful lot of money to spend, so it may be a better idea to wait until the prices drop or go with an 8800gts and OC it...

as for the PSU, it's not just the wattage that matters but the current on the +12V rail(s). for a single 8800gtx, to be SAFE (read: to have decent room to spare), you'd want a total of about 30A on the +12V rail(s). you'd prob. be just fine with ~25A, but IMO, it's always better to have more headroom and NOT push the PSU. for 8800GTX's in SLI, it's harder to say, since i haven't seen the numbers, but i'd hazard a safe guess of ~40A on the +12V rail(s). of course, the other important thing is to get a quality manufacturer - Seasonic, PC Power & Cooling, Silverstone, etc... you could have 500A on the +12V rail, but if the PSU blows up after a week, it doesn't do you much good

 

[Katscan]

lol ok, you are going to have to help me out then. I was looking at this PSU

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817121014

Im leaning towards a modular PSU because Im wanting to build a clean case without too many wires about.

As far as your other questions go, Im getting a 20" Widescreen LCD so I tend to want to have the best resolution for the monitor so more than likely I will be pushing for higher res output. Currently the 8800GTX roughly costs 130-150 more than a 7950GX2 depending on who makes the card. One thing thats discouraging right now about the 7950GX2's is the # of manufacurers is less now, EVGA no longer seems to make them nore can I find an MSI one. Seems like my only option would be getting an Asus card if I wanted a 7950GX2.

As far as the MB goes, from what you are telling me, the P5W with the 975x chipset is still a good contender for the price. Although the new 680i board is roughly the same price right now as the P5w......I dunno, tough call.

 

[brikis98]

well, if the 680i is the same price... then it's prob the one to get since it has, hands down, the best performance...

as for the PSU, i'm not sure kingwin has a very good reputation for "reliability", although i have no personal experience with them. in that price range, if you want modular, you'd prob be better off with:

* Silverstone SST-ST60F 600W
* Seasonic M12 500W

you can also read this thread on HF for many more recommendations (most of them are quite decent).

finally, 20" WS LCD's run at 1680x1050 resolution, which a 7950GX2 can handle. for games today, the 8800gtx would almost be overkill at that resolution. however, as i said before, it offers features besides performance that the 7950gx2 doesn't have: it's more future proof, has amazing image quality (incl. new/better AA modes), dx10, better video and so on. if those are worth the extra $150, then by all means go for it.

however, for that resolution, my personal recommendation is the 8800gts... it's faster than the 7950gx2 in most benchmarks (on par at very high resolutions), is $150 or so cheaper than the 8800gtx, has the same new features as the 8800gtx and can (according to one benchmark, at least) be OCed to 8800gtx levels.

 

[Centurin]

IMO, you are better off getting an 8800GTS. They are about the same price and the GTS can be overclocked to outperform the GX2 in just about everything. If you want SLI, the 680i is your best bet. A 600W PSU from a quality vendor should be plenty for any 8800, but I'd get more if you want SLI.