Hi, this looks like a pretty knowledgeable forum and I'm happy to have joined. I consider myself a "power user", but I'm not an expert by any means. I'm looking to buy a new computer, that I'll be using to watch HD video, play games, and perform resource-intensive database work (with PostgreSQL). I haven't paid any attention to the computer market for the last five years or so, and I'm pretty out of the loop.
With the research I've done so far, I've decided on these components (obviously I still have quite a ways to go
):
Motherboard: XFX MB-N780-ISH9 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI Intel
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 Yorkfield 2.66GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core
Memory: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit
I will have this computer connected to a 1080p 42" plasma TV when I watch movies (20" 1600x1200 LCD monitor for regular usage) and I'd like to have it connected via an HDMI cable that can transmit video AND sound. I'm not even sure if that's possible, is it? If it is, then that would be a requirement for the video card. If it's not, then I guess I'll have to settle with a DVI>HDMI adapter and a 3.5mm Stereo to RCA cable for sound, correct?
Some more requirements:
SLI support - I don't plan on immediately buying two cards, but I'd like to have it as an option for the future if I upgrade.
HDCP Ready - I'm not entirely sure what this is, but it seems important for watching movies.
PCI Express 2.0 - The motherboard supports it so it seems smart to take advantage of that.
Compatible with Vista 64-bit - It's the OS I'm going to be using, so obviously this is important (+DirectX 10).
I don't have a maximum on the amount I'm spending, but obviously more expensive isn't necessarily better, and no sense paying a ridiculous amount more for a tiny boost in power (e.g. the Extreme processors... $1K difference!) So if you guys have any suggestions or answers, I'd be happy to hear. Thanks!
With the research I've done so far, I've decided on these components (obviously I still have quite a ways to go
):Motherboard: XFX MB-N780-ISH9 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI Intel
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 Yorkfield 2.66GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core
Memory: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit
I will have this computer connected to a 1080p 42" plasma TV when I watch movies (20" 1600x1200 LCD monitor for regular usage) and I'd like to have it connected via an HDMI cable that can transmit video AND sound. I'm not even sure if that's possible, is it? If it is, then that would be a requirement for the video card. If it's not, then I guess I'll have to settle with a DVI>HDMI adapter and a 3.5mm Stereo to RCA cable for sound, correct?
Some more requirements:
SLI support - I don't plan on immediately buying two cards, but I'd like to have it as an option for the future if I upgrade.
HDCP Ready - I'm not entirely sure what this is, but it seems important for watching movies.
PCI Express 2.0 - The motherboard supports it so it seems smart to take advantage of that.
Compatible with Vista 64-bit - It's the OS I'm going to be using, so obviously this is important (+DirectX 10).
I don't have a maximum on the amount I'm spending, but obviously more expensive isn't necessarily better, and no sense paying a ridiculous amount more for a tiny boost in power (e.g. the Extreme processors... $1K difference!) So if you guys have any suggestions or answers, I'd be happy to hear. Thanks!
Facebook
Twitter