Need advice re MB/graphics for new system with C2D

[mcurtin]

New to these forums; posted similar message on MB forum but maybe this would have been better forum. Small company in Chicago Metro area will soon build PC for me.

Mostly will do video editing but would like to have top notch gaming and graphics capabilities as well for when adult son's visit.

Plan to use Core 2 Duo 6700 or 6600 processor. Will use 10,000rpm disc for OS and executable programs, then data on 2 mirrored 400 GB discs (7200).

Need advice re best MB to use for this system and best graphics board to match with it. Stability is big issue; would prefer known great board rather than being on the bleeding edge.

Asking for helpWon't buy 2 graphics boards now but would like to preserve that capability if possible (but not crucial). I already have a great 24" 1920x1200 monitor.

Please give specifics on model numbers, etc of any MB or graphics card(s) mentioned.

I can delay a little while if nVidia or any other company will soon release great new graphics systems for these new processor chips and motherboards.

Many thanks in advance.

-------------------------
Michael J Curtin

 

[savvy]

DX10 cards are coming out soon, but it can just be a "paper launch" perhaps. Like in January 2007. I suggest going with the E6600 and save around 200 dollars for around the same performance. (You can also overclock.)

 

[acegazda]

The asus p5w wh deluxe is an excellent choice if you have the $$$ to drop on it. Regularly hits 400fsb. Though it doesn't have sli capabilities, you can just throw a 7950gx2 in there and get great performance on your beautiful 24" widescreen or utelize its xfire capability and throw in two x1900xt's. What is your budget? If your budget is <$2000 don't bother with a raptor. The new seagate 7200.10 drives are nearly as fast as the raptors (except the 150gb one) and about 1/2 the price most of the time. Make sure you get a good psu as well.

Since you asked so nicely, I'll even provide links!
PSU
xfire MoBo
SLi MoBo
HDD

 

[mcurtin]

Many thanks for your prompt and helpful reply...I also sent you a private message yesterday. Using your info I have read a lot more and if you don't mind will fine tune a few more questions soon.

 

[Howard]

Budget?

 

[secretanchitman]

mobo - Asus P5W DH Deluxe
video - Nvidia Geforce 7900GT/7950GT whenever it hits stores.

then you can upgrade to G80 later on.

 

[mcurtin]

Up to $2500 (maybe + 10 %)
Thank you

 

[mcurtin]

Thanks for your help and suggestions. Can you give me some of the pros over any cons to be choosing the Nvidia Geforce 7900GT/7950GT (btw, is this the same as 7950 GX2?) over the ATI or ASUS 1900XTX? And if the Asus P5W DH Deluxe supports Crossfire how does that fit in to choosing the video card? I realize that the ATI cards are 512 and the Geforce 1024--is that a big factor in your choice?
Again, thanks I appreciate the help. As indicated previously video editing will be my primary task, maybe even some high def video.

 

[mcurtin]

Sorry, I answered part of my own question--I see that the 7900 GT is certainly NOT the same as the 7950 GX2.

 

[mcurtin]

Thanks to all for advice: Here's where I am now

Intel E6600
Asus P5W DH Deluxe
OCZ Platinum 2x1GB Latency 4 DDR800 PC 6400 (Got for $185 after rebate)
*** Revised thinking on HDDs
2 x 150G Raptor 10,000 in Raid 0 (which is the default on the ASUS board and is plug and play) for OS, executables, and data This should really improve through put for video editing
1 x 400 GB Caviar 7200 set to be internal backup of my data (builder of system told me he would install software that would automatically do backups to this drive.)

EVGA's iteration of the nVidia GeForce 7950 GX2

Dell 24" widescreen (had purchased this previously)
Also have old Viewsonic GS 790 which has been languishing in basement but now could also be used with this system. However, I think I was just reading that if you go with 2 monitors with this card, you first exit the SLI mode -- is that correct?

Enermax Liberty 620 W
Lite on 16 x DVD burner (yes, found for $36.90)
XP Pro
I will get some mid-range speakers unless I can get my home theater speakers connected to the PC (they will be close). Also will decide on sound card after I see what the on board audio sounds like on this ASUS.
3. Components are slowly arriving (gads, the verification process for Newegg and others is maddeningly tedious; once you decide on these things, you want them yesterday).
Thanks for various helps with this system as it evolves...any other thoughts??
MJC