Need help with new system $2k budget

[Lurker501]

I finally have approval from the CFO (wife) to get a new system. It's about time since the last time I built was was an Athlon 2500 barton.

I'm looking to spend around $2k and I'm interested in opinions. These are the items I'm thinking about.

CPU E8400

Motherboard SLI capable

2 x Nvidia 8800GTS 512 (G92) cards

Memory 4 Gig running at least 1333

Hard drive 500GB

Sound card (do not want to use onboard. Will be using this system not only for gaming, but my guitar so the sound card will need to have ASIO 2 capabilities.)

I wouldn't mind the ability to OC, but what's more important to me is Quiet and stability.

So.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

upgrade to a newer wife that'll allow you more computer upgrades

totally kidding

Start with choosing a North bridge chipset. I don't think i'll run a scalable link interface, meaning either Xfire or SLI) and if i do, i think reviews said a secondary pci-e slot running at 4x isn't bad. ??? not sure though. I chose a P35 chipset. But basically you want to start there cause choosing the right core-logic with the right component quality can devour alot of review reading hours. Personally I look for motherboard using 8-phase power management as they have been said to keep things more stable. I don't think the Intel North bridge chipsets support Nvidia SLI, so you may want to look towards the Nvidia North Bridge camp and I think they just put out a new chip which is gives the X48 Intel chipset a run for its money, ...big run but the motherboard costs more than a Q6600 That'll support your Nvidia discrete video card solution of 2 8800 GT's Ask some of the memory forum readers about what memory to choose. I just now found out I could of gotten better speeds if i would of chosen PC 4800 @ 600Mhz instead of this PC3200 @ 400Mhz ...

well anyways, theres my 2 cents, hope this helps

 

[Lurker501]

I was hoping to stick with an x16 SLI board. I mean if they're capable of running at that speed, why not. right?
Also, I've had issues with P35 chipsets that I've built for other people. They seem to be really picky on what ram it will work with. And like you said, I don't think they work with SLI.

So, Anyone have any experience with the Nvidia solutions? I would love a 790i board, but the price! wow.