My new system build-input please.

[Artista]

Here is what I bought already, parts wise:

OS: Windows 7 64bit $124
PSU: 650 watt Antec Earthwatts $50
RAM: 8 Gb G. Skill RipjawX DDR3 1600 $90
HD 1 Tb Samsung F3 7200RPM $55
SSD 90Gb OCZ Vertex 2 3.5 inch $102

Below is what I am considering to buy to complete the build.

CPU: one of below

AMD Phenom II x2 555BE 3.2 Ghx $90 (Banking on it unlocking to x4 core)

AMD Phenom II x4 955BE 3.2 Ghz $140

MB: one of below
Foxconn A88GM Deluxe AM3 AMD 880G
HDMI SATA 6Gb/s Micro ATX $65

ASRock 870 EXTREME3 AM3 AMD 870
SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX $90

GIGABYTE GA-880GMA-UD2H AM3
AMD 880G HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0
Micro ATX $103

GPU: one of below

NVIDIA GTX 560Ti $250

Radeon HD 6950 ~$250

Case

Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming <-three fans, front ports, eSATA
ATX Mid Tower $55

All prices are after rebates if any.

Tired of waiting for Sandy Bridge. (If it comes out next week I will wait for it.)

Plus I am sure getting hold of a Sandy Bridge MB for a fair price is gonna be difficult for a good while once they hit market again. (Given supply and demand model but who knows.)

If I go with cheapest MB and CPU listed here, I would upgrade when Ivy bridge or Bulldozer comes out (or Sandy Bridge if it goes on shell shocker or gets a rebate or other discount) and hope to get something on Black Friday Deals 2011.

Will either CPU choice bottleneck either GPU?


Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thank you!

 

[jaydeee]

I only have to suggestions:
1. HDD, get another 1TB western digital.
2. GPU, go for your Nvidia.

 

[mnewsham]

I only have to suggestions:
1. HDD, get another 1TB western digital.
2. GPU, go for your Nvidia.

No just no, 6950 1gb is better then the 560ti from most benchmarks

and why get the WD? Samsung F3 is cheaper and performs the same.

 

[Artista]

No just no, 6950 1gb is better then the 560ti from most benchmarks and why get the WD? Samsung F3 is cheaper and performs the same.

True on both points.

Good job by the way on your computer build postings you are doing. I read them all.

Though I think it will not I still will ask...so the Phenom II wont bottleneck the Radeon 6950?

Oh and I am probably going to get the 2 Gb version of the 6950. It is 25 more bucks than the 1Gb version. To me thats worth it.

I do wish the sandy bridge was here today but for a real world build what I have listed should do quite well for now.

What is the day/month the new Sandy Bridge MB's are to hit newegg?

 

[mnewsham]

True on both points.

Good job by the way on your computer build postings you are doing.

Though I think it will not I still will ask...so the Phenom II wont bottleneck the Radeon 6950?

Oh and I am probably going to get the 2 Gb version of the 6950. It is 25 more bucks than the 1Gb version. To me thats worth it.

I do wish the sandy bridge was here today but for a real world build what I have listed should do quite well for now.

What is the day/month the new Sandy Bridge MB's are to hit newegg?

There is really no difference at 1080p from the 1gb to 2gb but w/e you want, and then phenom II probably wont, as to SB ncix is already taking pre-orders (at least in canada) no official date yet, but within the next 3 weeks i would assume

 

[mfenn]

Oh and I am probably going to get the 2 Gb version of the 6950. It is 25 more bucks than the 1Gb version. To me thats worth it.

The only reason to get a 2GB 6950 is if you're planning to unlock it to a 6970.

As for the mobo and CPU, I'd get the 955 and the ASRock Extreme3.

 

[betasub]

OP: what resolution are the monitor(s) you have, or plan to get?

 

[Artista]

Yes I plan on flashing the 6950 2Gb card with shader unlock bios when I get it. I do not think a 6950 2Gb is over kill? In the next two years I am sure that there will be bigger badder games that are resource hogs that will use 2Gb.

Unless the world economy blows up.:\

OP: what resolution are the monitor(s) you have, or plan to get?

Good question. I have not figured that out yet but will probably get a 1080p 22'-24' monitor. If there is a great sale I will buy bigger or a small tv to use as a monitor (ie. 27inch on sale for price of 24inch) Middle of the road specs on monitor, not top end but not low end.

So I believe I will be playing at 1920 x 1080 on a ~23-24inch monitor.

I also will at times use my TV for gaming. Specs are below.

Toshiba 40RV525U 40" 1080p LCD HDTV
Display Area: 40"
Contrast Ratio: 10000:1 Dynamic
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Signal Compatibility: 1080p
Input Video Signal: ATSC
QAM
NTSC
Compatibility: VESA (300 mm X 400 mm)
Speakers: Yes
Inputs: HDMI In
Component
VGA
Outputs: Audio
Power Source: 120 V AC, 60 Hz