Could Use Some Opinions About This Gaming Rig I'm Building

[Edgeoc]

For god's sake go for the Intel Core i7 920, the P6T or the EVGA 132-BL-E758-A1... There's no point in buying a ddr2 setup at this point and the i7's are just gonna get cheaper n faster.

Figure in 8 months you could upgrade to a screaming fast i7 for next to nothing and you won't have to upgrade your mobo and ram. Got the 2k to spend. Use it

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: Edgeoc
For god's sake go for the Intel Core i7 920, the P6T or the EVGA 132-BL-E758-A1... There's no point in buying a ddr2 setup at this point and the i7's are just gonna get cheaper n faster.

Figure in 8 months you could upgrade to a screaming fast i7 for next to nothing and you won't have to upgrade your mobo and ram. Got the 2k to spend. Use it

Some people think of it the other way. Get a top of the line Core2 for cheap that still performs great and wait until i7 drops to a much better price since if you buy now, you're paying a premium for it.

 

[Edgeoc]

I would normally agree with you, but ddr2 while still being sexy and uber cheap is really on its way out.

If I was going to spend 2k on a pc I would want it to last and be upgradable. I wouldn't look forward to having to do a large upgrade in a few months because some brand spanking new cool running and amazingly clockable chip comes out when I just blew 2k on a rig na few weeks/months back.

 

[FalconxxxPunch]

Boy, this is hard...

OK, so it looks like the two main issues are choosing a video card and choosing a processor. Other minor issues include choosing a motherboard, DDR2 or DDR3, single or dual monitor (if you have an opinion on this please go here), and a few others. However, right now I need to take care of these two primary issues.

Video Cards:
Price Range: <$400
1) SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4850 X2 2GB Video Card @ $330- This one looks good in theory from all the tests I've seen and at first seemed to be a good middle-ground GPU between the 4870 1GB and the 4870 X2. However, I've been repeatedly warned that this card, and Crossfired/SLI cards in general, have some kinks at this point in time.
2) SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4870 1GB Video Card @ $225- This card looked pretty solid and was a pretty good price, but I've seen that the 4850 X2 outperformed it in tests. Since the 4850 X2 was also relatively cheap I bumped up to that.
3) EVGA GeForce GTX 280 1GB Video Card @ $375- Honestly, haven't really looked at this one too much, but it seems to be about in the same range as the other two. A little pricey though, but not too bad.

CPU:
Price Range: <$300
1) Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 @ $165- Really cheap, heard it can perform well (and overclock well) for today's games. However, Quad-core is believed to soon be taking over so its not very future-proof.
2) Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ $185- Quad-core for just $20 more. Cheaper than i7.
3) Intel Core i7 920 @ $300- New-age Quad-core that will last me a long time. A little pricey though.

Alright, so that's what I really need to focus on right now. One thing, everyone, including myself, is factoring the future into this build because computer gaming makes it inevitable that any system will become obsolete in just a few years. One thing I should mention is that for the next four years I'll be going to college and I don't plan on rolling in cash exactly. Take that as you will.

Thanks again to all the help.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: FalconxxxPunch
Boy, this is hard...

OK, so it looks like the two main issues are choosing a video card and choosing a processor. Other minor issues include choosing a motherboard, DDR2 or DDR3, single or dual monitor (if you have an opinion on this please go here), and a few others. However, right now I need to take care of these two primary issues.

Video Cards:
Price Range: <$400
1) SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4850 X2 2GB Video Card @ $330- This one looks good in theory from all the tests I've seen and at first seemed to be a good middle-ground GPU between the 4870 1GB and the 4870 X2. However, I've been repeatedly warned that this card, and Crossfired/SLI cards in general, have some kinks at this point in time.
2) SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4870 1GB Video Card @ $225- This card looked pretty solid and was a pretty good price, but I've seen that the 4850 X2 outperformed it in tests. Since the 4850 X2 was also relatively cheap I bumped up to that.
3) EVGA GeForce GTX 280 1GB Video Card @ $375- Honestly, haven't really looked at this one too much, but it seems to be about in the same range as the other two. A little pricey though, but not too bad.

CPU:
Price Range: <$300
1) Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 @ $165- Really cheap, heard it can perform well (and overclock well) for today's games. However, Quad-core is believed to soon be taking over so its not very future-proof.
2) Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ $185- Quad-core for just $20 more. Cheaper than i7.
3) Intel Core i7 920 @ $300- New-age Quad-core that will last me a long time. A little pricey though.

Alright, so that's what I really need to focus on right now. One thing, everyone, including myself, is factoring the future into this build because computer gaming makes it inevitable that any system will become obsolete in just a few years. One thing I should mention is that for the next four years I'll be going to college and I don't plan on rolling in cash exactly. Take that as you will.

Thanks again to all the help.

If you can deal with the intricacies that comes with dual gpu cards then that would be the one to get. I've never been a fan of Xfire/SLI but if that doesn't both you just jump right in. I would get the 4870 1GB as that's got great price/performance on the top right now and don't have to deal with the downfalls of Xfire/SLI.

 

[FalconxxxPunch]

Originally posted by: zerocool84
If you can deal with the intricacies that comes with dual gpu cards then that would be the one to get. I've never been a fan of Xfire/SLI but if that doesn't both you just jump right in. I would get the 4870 1GB as that's got great price/performance on the top right now and don't have to deal with the downfalls of Xfire/SLI.

Could you specify what you mean by intricacies. Thanks for the input!

 

[CoinOperatedBoy]

This could go on forever as you decide what parts to get and prices fluctuate. You just need to decide: do you want to pay the premium for a new Core i7 build in order to have more room to upgrade later? My personal opinion is that you'd be better off spending less on an LGA775 platform now and then get an i7 rig in a few years when prices come down even more. For college work and casual gaming, you're really not going to see major gains from this new platform right now.

With i7 ruled out, it's down to the old dual vs. quad. You're not going to get a clear answer on this as it's based on user-specific usage and speculation. Take a look at the sticky in the CPU forum to see what multithreaded games and apps are out now. If you see some of your biggest time sinks on that list, go with the Q6600. Otherwise, the E8400 will serve you well with current games that don't take advantage of the extra cores, and will continue to perform adequately for a few years. The Q6600 may surpass it in future releases you'd be interested in, but how can you know? If it's that important to you, maybe take a look at what some popular developers have in the pipeline and even go so far as to contact them about their plans wrt multithreading. If you're convinced you will take advantage of four cores, you have your answer and the extra $20 is well spent.

You're also dabbling in very high-end video cards, which is cool because most current games are GPU-bound, but you're also looking at diminishing returns when you start creeping into the $300 range. The only clear deal you've got going is the HD 4870 1GB. I still vote against the 4850 x2; I think it's overkill and introduces multi-GPU issues. Not to mention it's about $100 more before rebates.

If it were me, I would be deciding between the 4870 and the GTX 260 c216, which I believe has slightly higher overall benchmarks (and is about $250 AR right now, with FarCry2). If you have your heart set on a CrossFire-capable mobo (like the well-regarded EP45-UD3P), get the 4870 with the intention of putting another one in someday if it starts to seem sluggish and call it a day.

 

[FalconxxxPunch]

So maybe I should look at things this way...

Cheaper Build (spend less $ now, spend more $ later):
Motherboard*- ASUS P5Q PRO @ $130
Power Supply- PC Power & Cooling 750w @ $110
RAM*- G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800 @ $40
CPU*- Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 @ $160
CPU Cooler- XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle @ $37
Video Card*- SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4870 1GB @ $240
DVD Burner- Samsung DVD-R/RW @ $29
Case- Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower @ $110
Hard Drive- Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 7200 RPM Cache @ $120
Mouse- Logitech G5 @ $46
Keyboard- Razor Lycosa @ $80
OS- Vista Home Premium 64bit @ $99
Display- BenQ 24" 1920x1080 @ $299
Headset- Sennheiser PC 350 Gaming Headset @ $155
Total Estimated Cost: $1655

More Expensive Build (spend more $ now, spend less $ later):
Motherboard*- ASUS P6T Deluxe @ $300
Power Supply- PC Power & Cooling 750w @ $110
RAM*- G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1333 @ $95
CPU*- Intel Core i7 920 @ $285
CPU Cooler- XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle @ $37
Video Card*- EVGA GeForce GTX 280 @ $375
DVD Burner- Samsung DVD-R/RW @ $29
Case- Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower @ $110
Hard Drive- Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 7200 RPM Cache @ $120
Mouse- Logitech G5 @ $46
Keyboard- Razor Lycosa @ $80
OS- Vista Home Premium 64bit @ $99
Display- BenQ 24" 1920x1080 @ $299
Headset- Sennheiser PC 350 Gaming Headset @ $155
Total Estimated Cost: $2140

*=changes between builds

First things first, do you guys agree with what I'm saying here? Are there any items that you don't think fit in their appropriate builds or maybe should be upgraded or downgraded? Remember, cheaper build=spend less $ now, spend more $ later and the more expensive build=spend more $ now, spend less $ later. I'd also like to state that both of these systems are within my price range, but the more expensive build is starting to push it.

So let me get this straight, both of these systems would perform generally the same right now. The only difference between them is what the future holds in store, right? The cheaper build would save me money, but in a few years I'd have to spend a lot on at least a brand new CPU, motherboard, RAM, and video card. The more expensive build obviously costs more now, but the only upgrades I'll need in a few years are some more RAM and maybe adding a second video card. Am I on the right track here?

Any questions or comments are highly welcomed. Thanks in advance!

 

[yh125d]

Originally posted by: FalconxxxPunch
So maybe I should look at things this way...

Cheaper Build (spend less $ now, spend more $ later):
Motherboard*- ASUS P5Q PRO @ $130
Power Supply- PC Power & Cooling 750w @ $110
RAM*- G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800 @ $40
CPU*- Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 @ $160
CPU Cooler- XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle @ $37
Video Card*- SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4870 1GB @ $240
DVD Burner- Samsung DVD-R/RW @ $29
Case- Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower @ $110
Hard Drive- Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 7200 RPM Cache @ $120
Mouse- Logitech G5 @ $46
Keyboard- Razor Lycosa @ $80
OS- Vista Home Premium 64bit @ $99
Display- BenQ 24" 1920x1080 @ $299
Headset- Sennheiser PC 350 Gaming Headset @ $155
Total Estimated Cost: $1655

More Expensive Build (spend more $ now, spend less $ later):
Motherboard*- ASUS P6T Deluxe @ $300
Power Supply- PC Power & Cooling 750w @ $110
RAM*- G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1333 @ $95
CPU*- Intel Core i7 920 @ $285
CPU Cooler- XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle @ $37
Video Card*- EVGA GeForce GTX 280 @ $375
DVD Burner- Samsung DVD-R/RW @ $29
Case- Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower @ $110
Hard Drive- Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 7200 RPM Cache @ $120
Mouse- Logitech G5 @ $46
Keyboard- Razor Lycosa @ $80
OS- Vista Home Premium 64bit @ $99
Display- BenQ 24" 1920x1080 @ $299
Headset- Sennheiser PC 350 Gaming Headset @ $155
Total Estimated Cost: $2140

*=changes between builds

First things first, do you guys agree with what I'm saying here? Are there any items that you don't think fit in their appropriate builds or maybe should be upgraded or downgraded? Remember, cheaper build=spend less $ now, spend more $ later and the more expensive build=spend more $ now, spend less $ later. I'd also like to state that both of these systems are within my price range, but the more expensive build is starting to push it.

So let me get this straight, both of these systems would perform generally the same right now. The only difference between them is what the future holds in store, right? The cheaper build would save me money, but in a few years I'd have to spend a lot on at least a brand new CPU, motherboard, RAM, and video card. The more expensive build obviously costs more now, but the only upgrades I'll need in a few years are some more RAM and maybe adding a second video card. Am I on the right track here?

Any questions or comments are highly welcomed. Thanks in advance!

I think it would be wise to save the $500 by going with the cheaper system, and for a few reasons

By getting a mid-high end system now and planning on upgrading in a couple years, the upgrade will only be a cpu/mobo/ram/gpu, not building a whole new computer. You will be able to reuse the case, psu, ODD, HDD, fans, monitor, mouse, KB, etc. You're looking at maybe a $500-700 upgrade in the future to what will at that time get you a mature motherboard probably with a newer and better chipset that will almost indefinitely be more stable and a better OCer, an even faster i7, better ram, and the hot new GPU of the time

You see this a lot in computers. Spending 2500 on a new computer every 4 years will pretty much always get you less computer than $1250 build/upgrade every other year.

You say yourself the higher end build is pushing it budget wise, and saving money where it needn't be spent is always prudent at this time of the year and with the economy in it's current state.

 

[FalconxxxPunch]

Any more opinions on this matter?

 

[FalconxxxPunch]

Originally posted by: yh125d

I think it would be wise to save the $500 by going with the cheaper system, and for a few reasons

By getting a mid-high end system now and planning on upgrading in a couple years, the upgrade will only be a cpu/mobo/ram/gpu, not building a whole new computer. You will be able to reuse the case, psu, ODD, HDD, fans, monitor, mouse, KB, etc. You're looking at maybe a $500-700 upgrade in the future to what will at that time get you a mature motherboard probably with a newer and better chipset that will almost indefinitely be more stable and a better OCer, an even faster i7, better ram, and the hot new GPU of the time

You see this a lot in computers. Spending 2500 on a new computer every 4 years will pretty much always get you less computer than $1250 build/upgrade every other year.

You say yourself the higher end build is pushing it budget wise, and saving money where it needn't be spent is always prudent at this time of the year and with the economy in it's current state.

I see what your saying, but I think my situation is unusual. No matter what, I'm spending a ton of money on this puppy, and I think I should go "all-out" for a few reasons. First off saving money right now isn't that important to me. Almost most of my money I got from working my job which I only got as a resume-booster for college. I wasn't saving up money for anything, and one day I went to the bank and was like, "Wow, I have $2000 here!" Being that I've worked really hard through high school and this is probably the last time in my life I'll have this much financial freedom (no girlfriend, no car, no rent, etc.) I figured I should spoil myself a little. Now I know no computer can be future-proof and eventually I'll have to pay for some upgrades. However, with the cost of living on my own at college, I doubt I'll be able to make ANY upgrades within the next four years. So for that reason I think it would be best to get some overkill items to give me that extra couple of years until I need to upgrade. After that I'll probably adopt the "two-year plan" you suggest, but right now I have to accommodate for my unique situation.

 

[Edgeoc]

I think you answered your own question in your last post. If your not planning on upgrading for a while then the smarter move is higher end rig now. In school it's hard enough to get money for food, much less upgrade lol.

 

[jae]

Originally posted by: Edgeoc
I think you answered your own question in your last post. If your not planning on upgrading for a while then the smarter move is higher end rig now. In school it's hard enough to get money for food, much less upgrade lol.

No, he wont need to upgrade an component for some time, UNLESS he just has to have the highest FPS on campus with all settings maxed out or the latest, which he does not or he wouldnt even consider a C2 setup.

You dont understand; he isnt buying cheap now, spending more later. Hes buying cheap now, and still buying cheap later. You think he should go i7 because the price will fall later. Although your correct about the price falling, if he buys i7 now, hes paying that premium that you say will fall!

But if he gets the C2D now, upgrades to a C2Q in the future (if he needs to), then finally builds a i7 some time after that... he wins! i7/PII parts will be mature and far less inflated.

You dont buy something knowing the price will fall greatly and better performing ones will be cheaper in the future; UNLESS you absolutely have to as in its a NEED.

My apologies for the somewhat long post. OP, buy Core2, let the i7 mature and price depreciate.

 

[CoinOperatedBoy]

Yeah, I think you have your mind made up at this point, so you can stop looking for someone to convince you otherwise.

Personally, I think your "cheaper build" looks fantastic and I would be pleased as punch to have that rig myself right now. Disregarding your present situation, I don't see the more expensive build outperforming the cheaper one to such a degree as to make up for the $500 difference.

But you've got your own ideas about what you want to do with your money and what you'll be able to do when it comes time to upgrade. If you want the Core i7 and want to spend that cash on high-end, then pull the trigger and be happy with your purchase.

 

[jae]

Originally posted by: CoinOperatedBoy
Personally, I think your "cheaper build" looks fantastic and I would be pleased as punch to have that rig myself right now. Disregarding your present situation, I don't see the more expensive build outperforming the cheaper one to such a degree as to make up for the $500 difference.

Agreed.