New High-End Gaming Rig

[Blitz KriegeR]

Ok, so I?m putting together a new cutting-edge gaming system since my current one is more than a little out of date?
I?m really hoping you can offer up some advice, there is so much to choose from!

Notes:

• All parts will be ordered/shipped in the US, preferably exclusively from the one and only NEWEGG.COM

• Overclocking is not only intended, it's implied! I'm not looking for crazy OC like 4ghz CPU or DDR2-1333 RAM, just a modest 3.2-3.6!

• Operating System will be Vista x64 Ultimate -$319.99 (Yes, the retail DVD is necessary! I rather like the ability to flit between 32bit and 64bit if I need to, and the license on the retail version is far better than that of the OEM!)

• Performance is primary, heat is secondary, noise is tertiary!

Ok, so here is the list?


CPU
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 - $279.99
This one I'm 100% sure about. I'm quite the multi-tasker, even known to run multiple games at once! I realize that most games will not be able to fill four cores, but that will change in time, and like I said, I REALLY like to have the power to tab out of Crysis and still have low latency response times in other apps!

Motherboard
EVGA N-Force 680i A1 - $209.99 before $20MIR
---> or <---
ASUS Striker Extreme 680i - $299.99

I know both boards are excellent performers and overclockers. I've been flitting back and forth between these two in my build for months.
Personally, I want the STRIKER because of the tuning options and the rock-solid cooling system that will work wonders in my case* (XCLIO Windtunnel, see below). However, my research has lead me to believe the STRIKER is very picky about components, particularly RAM. That scares me a little, since I don't want to be dealing with buying new/more RAM due to compatibility issues. I can?t afford to need a BIOS update to POST, since this will be my only LGA775 CPU. It needs to at least POST. Also, I read on the ASUS forums that there is a high probability of stability issues/performance penalty (more than normal) when running with all 4 DIMM slots populated, as the A channel is optimized for T1 drive while the B channel is optimized for T2 Drive. My reaction to this was to go for the more "out of the box" EVGA 680i. I've read it is much more component friendly, but I would probably be spending $60+ (and time) to replace the MCP heatsinks with Arctic Silver 5 and a pair of Thermalright HR-05s. (Northbirdge + Southbridge)
Input is GREATLY appreciated on this topic!

RAM
Mushkin XP 996580 - DDR2-800 @ 4-4-4-12, 2.0-2.1v - $199.99
---> or <---
G.Skill F2-8000CL5D - DDR2-1000 @ 5-5-5-15, 2.0-2.1v - $189.99
---> or <---
OCZ P8004GQ - DDR2-800 @ 4-5-4-18, 2.1v - $190.99

I started with some Corsair DOMINATOR, but soon realized most DOMINATOR kits did not run at specified timings in a 4GB configuration, and that I could get similar/same performance RAM for 1/3rd the price that would run in 4x1GB. I was (and still am) trying to weigh the performance penalties of 4x1GB (4 standard DIMMS) or 2x2GB (2 high-capacity DIMMS). I am certain I want 4GB of RAM, but which configuration will yield the best performance in an overclocked situation? Since this is primarily a gaming rig, I've read I should not settle for more than CAS4 @ DDR2-800. I really don't know much about EPP, and since most listings don't disclose EPP ratings anyway, I'm a little confused trying to pick some memory! HELP!
The baseline I have been assuming is a 400x8-9 CPU with 1:1 DRAM yielding 3.2-3.6Ghz @ DDR2-800 with 4-4-4-12 timings. Is that reasonable? Should I settle for that, or can I do better?

GPU
EVGA GeForce 8800 Ultra @ 636/2250 - $679.99
---> or <---
MSI GeForce 8800 Ultra @ 660/2300 - $594.99 before $30MIR

I'll be running @ 1680x1050 with everything on ultra high, so GPU power is critical. An 8800 Ultra was a no brainer, but which one? I am very fond of EVGA's lifetime warranty, but the price premium is a little shocking! That MSI card is clocked higher, and is $85 cheaper PLUS a $30MIR. My only concern is that this MSI card is a little too good to be true. You know, unstable at specified frequency with shitty customer support. I'm really not looking to be GPU-less whilst I wait for an RMA on a $600 card... Comments?
UPDATE: Looks like the EVGA 8800GT @ 650/1900 is an incredible card for an inconceivably low price, perhaps 8800GT SLI over these 8800 Ultras? - 2x$279.99 = $559.98

PSU
Rosewill RX850W - $199.99 before $30 combo discount with Q6600

Lots of power for future upgrades, a good variety of connectors, and a good price. What else can you ask for? I was originally looking at a Thermaltake 850-1000W PSU for over $300 but I realized that would be a bit excessive...

Case*
XCLIO Windtunnel - $129.99

Big. Cool. I like ridicously oversided cases for airflow and ease of modification. These dual 24cm fans will certainly keep me running cool...

Cooling
CPU Cooler - Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme - $64.99
with Arctic Silver 5, and a 64CFM Scythe S-FLEX or a 110CFM SILVERSTONE
--> I will be ordering 4 of each of the above fans for allocation to various cooling purposed around the case. I chose the Scythe for the excellent Anand reviews and longevity while I chose the Silverstones for pure CFM. Heatsink $64.99 + Fans/AS5 $127.91 --> Total cooling costs - $192.90

Display
SAMSUNG 226BW 22'' 2ms - $309.99 before $40MIR
---> or <--
NEC 20WMGX2 20'' 6ms - $459.99 before $100MIR

Both of the above are 1650x1080 displays, and were chosen from xtknight's excellent LCD guide here at Anandtech. I'm really looking for quality, and have been reluctant to purchase an LCD for years. I'm still using an NEC Multicync 991SB CRT that I purchased back in 2003. It's served me well, but I think I?m ready to jump on the digital bandwagon with LCDs and DVI/HDMI links. I Like the Samsung for the 22'' screen and the low(er) price, but is the WSXGA+ panel in the NEC a better option? I don't like all the bells and whistles attached to the NEC. All I want is a crystal clear, good color display with 0 dead pixels... (Oh, is that all?)
Comments?

Sound
-->Rollover
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Platinum Pro, PCI
with
505W Klipsch Pro Media Ultra 5.1 Surround Sound

I think what I have is sufficient, and see no reason so spend another $300+ on an Creative X-Fi sound card. Any comments?

Hard Drives
1x HITACHI Deskstar SATAII 7200rpm 500GB - $109.99
1x HITACHI Deskstar SATAII 7200rpm 1TB - $359.99
--> Rollovers
1x Maxtor 7L300S0 SATAII 7200rpm 300GB
1x Maxtor 7V250F0 SATAII 7200rpm 250GB

At first I was thinking duh, RAPTOR! However, after more thought I found that today?s high-density PRT (Perpendicular magnetic Recording Technology) drives come very close to raptor performance in most cases. That, and I don't think I could live with 139GB formatted capacity. I'm currently using over 200GB in operational software, Vista is much larger than XP Pro, and games are 2-14GB each (yes, FSX is using 13.854GB on my drive!) I think I?ll forgo the Raptor. The 500GB Hitachi will be my operational drive with the others being for various storage needs. (Yes, the 1TB drive is necessary! I currently have over 700GB of stored media and the only reason I?ve stopped is because I?ve run out of room!)
Thoughts?

Media Drives
1x LITE-ON LH-20A1L-06 - $36.99
1x LITE-ON LH-20A1H-185 - $32.99

Uh, aren?t they all the same? Listed anyhow.


Estimated Total: $2782.80 before MIRs (I hate those!) and shipping
-->$217.20 under budget
---> Max final total ~$3200 (If it's more, it better be worth it! lol)
-->Room to play: ~$300 extra


Kudos to those that made it this far, treading though this myriad of technical jargon and ranting! If you feel you're now dumber for reading this, my apologies, it was as much for me to compile my thoughts as it was to ask for advice.

Any and all comments/suggestions/constructive-criticism are welcome and greatly appreciated.


Thanks ~3000 ways!
KriegeR

 

[tigersty1e]

I only breezed through your post, but I would opt for 2 8800 GT in sli.

 

[Blitz KriegeR]

Thanks for the reply!

After reading today?s anand review I think 8800GT SLI could be a very viable option, if it works. I?ve read horror stories of Nvidia?s 64bit SLI driver, some actually netting a 5% performance loss with SLI enabled.

Anybody that could shed some light on that?

 

[MarcVenice]

Meh just fluff SLI alltogether. I'd buy a 8800gt right now, it approaches GTX speeds, buy a 512mb 8800gt OC, and I'm pretty damn sure it will equal the 8800gtx. Can't beat that for 300$. Then wait till q1 2008 for a MONSTER videocard, where you can drop 500-600$ on, after selling the 8800gt of course. Just pick a decent p35 motherboard, 680i isn't nearly as overclockable and as stable. Besides, it's saving you 100's of dollars which can be put towards more performance later on. Remember, hardware doesn't last long, the value of hardware diminishes faster then water evaporates in the sahara desert. Go with the mushkin ram, nice timings, and not overly expensive. 2x2gb does OC easier then 4x1gb, and you can throw in another 2x2gb kit later on. As for the PSU, don't buy rosewill when you are about to spend 2 grand on a frigging PC. Think about corsair, silverstone, seasonic, pc&p, etasis. If you are not going to SLI any videocards, then you won't need a huge PSU. Corsair 520hx would be plenty of power for you, 620hx leaves plenty of room to upgrade. This one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817608006 is one the best PSU's you could possibly buy, but it does have a 80mm fan and might be a little noisier, but it's still fairly quiet for a 80mm fan PSU. PLENTY of power, and comes really cheap AR.

Your HD's, you could just throw away those 2 maxtors, and buy 4x500gb hitachi's. It'll cost you LESS then 1x500gb and 1x1000gb, and will give faster HD's, and you can always sell those maxtors, after you ghosted them on your 500gb HD's. Not a bad idea, huh? Oh, and personaly I'd pick the samsung 500gb t166 spinpoint, least noisiest and very cool running HD. I know you don't care much about it, but why not if you can ? Last but not least, I like the looks of the antec 900 case far better then the xclio windtunnel, could be me though. And as for the screen, pure because of the price I'd buy the samsung 226bw, it'll do the same as the other screen, for a lot less money.

 

[m1ldslide1]

The one glaring problem is the Rosewill PSU, as MarcVenice pointed out. Do NOT go with that one. I think the Corsaic 620hx or the etasis Marc recommended would be perfect for your rig.

I don't really understand the price premium for the NEC display. The Samsung is bigger, and the response times and contrast ratios should be very similar. The NEC lists 1600:1, but AFAIK its impossible to know anymore whether that's a TRUE native CR as opposed to the dynamic stuff all of the manufacturers are listing.

I would also avoid the Maxtors. I've heard too many horror stories over the last couple of years. Seems like Seagate and WD are the brands to target - I'm not very familiar with the Hitachi. I've purchased and used probably 15 WD drives, and haven't ever had any problems.

I also agree strongly that you should get that 8800GT 512 OC card and hold onto it until early next year when some sick shit can be had. With the money you save now added to what you'll sell the GT for you should come out way ahead.

My $.02.

Edit: I also have that Silverstone 110CFM case fan, and it's awesome. :thumbsup:

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Get a P35 or X38 motherboard, 680i is inferior to either chipset

Get the 2x2gb gskill kit

Get an 8800gt instead of the over priced ultra

Get a Corsair 620HX instead of the rosewill PS

Get 2 Hitachi 750gb you will get the same 1.5tb and save $60-70bucks and the 750gb drives are as fast a the 1tb's

 

[Blitz KriegeR]

I wasn?t sure when the next generation cards were coming out from N-vidia?s side of the fence, my understanding is they were going to milk the 8800 a while longer. I think I?ll go with a single 8800GT and upgrade to the latest in Q1. I?ll certainly look into some P35s too, I don?t know why I had discounted them. I didn?t think a 620W PSU would be enough, especially if I ever went the SLI route, but I?ll defiantly check out one of those Corsair PSUs.

Thanks very much for all of the input, greatly appreciated!