Next system

[stnicralisk]

I only need

The intention of the system is to be used for gaming. I don't want to build another system for at least 2.5 years but I don't mind turning settings down at the end of my systems life cycle.

CPU (e7400 vs Phenom II x3 720)
RAM (currently have 2gb of ocz platinum ddr800 I can use but would like to use 4)
MOBO (for the intel build I am looking at either a gigabyte p45 or evga 790i, for phenom I have no idea)
GFX Decided 260 gtx

My original thoughts were to grab the 790i for the purpose of SLI in the future. However I have been somewhat dissuaded from this thought process in the PSU forum and have been leaning towards the gigabyte with a 280 instead. I have also heard some negative things about the nforce boards. Gigabyte over nforce? Neither and go with Phenom?

My biggest question at the moment after reading the phenom II reviews is. Once the price settles on a Phenom II x3 - would it be a better gaming choice than an intel chip at the same price range. The Phenom is supposed to settle at just a few dollars more expensive than the e7400 and on guru3d it showed it spanking that chip in COD4 and UT3.I could splurge a little and grab the q8200 but it would definitely stretch my budget. e7400 or x3?

Decided the 280 wasnt worth it over the 260 core 216 - only 5 - 6 more fps avg in some games and 90$ more expensive.

Any input appreciated.

Edit: yes i plan to oc

 

[batuchka]

Aha good news - i actually do up more AMD rigs so i can offer some input Now if you look at reviews the X3 720 BE is getting temps like 37 deg celsius on air at a 3.7 clock and it keeps up with the best out there at high resolutions for the multi core optimised games so for me this is a clear cut case I'd go with either:

1) 770 chipset on SB700 for single GPU set up
2) 790GX/790FX on SB750 for crossfire
3) 750a/780a for sli
4) GF8200/8300 or 780g for mATX

If you are set on GTX 260 then option #2 with Vista would open up another avenue: hybrid power! Also being 95W TDP it could run on $59 mobos like Biostar GF8100!

 

[stnicralisk]

batuchka do you think the Biostar would be reliable and overclock like a more expensive board? Obviously the key with the BE is the overclockability so I don't want to cripple it with a cheap board.

GIGABYTE GA-MA770-UD3

This board seems to have the features i need for only 74.99 and it has a brand name on it (not that, that always means much) I hope some of the people who bought out the x3 on newegg (you all know who you are!) post some reviews of their OCs

 

[yh125d]

Originally posted by: stnicralisk
batuchka do you think the Biostar would be reliable and overclock like a more expensive board? Obviously the key with the BE is the overclockability so I don't want to cripple it with a cheap board.

GIGABYTE GA-MA770-UD3

This board seems to have the features i need for only 74.99 and it has a brand name on it (not that, that always means much) I hope some of the people who bought out the x3 on newegg (you all know who you are!) post some reviews of their OCs

Since the BE has an unlocked multiplier, you can just raise the multi to overclock and not mess with the HT or anything. Although the Biostar should overclock fairly well anyways

 

[AstroManLuca]

I was just about to post a link to that same board! Yeah, looks good, and for $75 it seems like a steal. I added it to my wish list so once I get my tax return I'll be able to remember what to look for. Of course, by then a whole lot will have changed.

More I think about it, going SLI/CF just doesn't make sense. In hindsight you always wish you had it, but think about it - you're putting $50-$75 extra into your system just so that 1-2 years in the future you can improve your graphics performance for a little cheaper than it would cost to just replace your GPU. With that money you could have gotten a better case, or a better starting GPU, or any number of other nice little things. Hell, you could just put that money away and then when you want to improve your graphics, just combine it with what you get from selling your old GPU and buy a new one.

 

[stnicralisk]

Well that board is SLI so if you decide to use it - it is there. Also a 40$ discount when comboed with corsair 850w PS. Which also has a 20$ rebate currently putting the PSU at effective 89$ + s. pretty sure that is a silly good deal.

I would love to buy 2 260 gtx right away - but i'm basically already gearing up to buy a toy i probably shouldn't

The only positive thing about SLI i can tell atm is that 260gtx SLI > 280, 285 and costs the same as about a single 285 and 100 more than a 280.

After core 216 came out they really nullified the market for a 280 imo.

 

[stnicralisk]

Originally posted by: yh125d

Originally posted by: stnicralisk
batuchka do you think the Biostar would be reliable and overclock like a more expensive board? Obviously the key with the BE is the overclockability so I don't want to cripple it with a cheap board.

GIGABYTE GA-MA770-UD3

This board seems to have the features i need for only 74.99 and it has a brand name on it (not that, that always means much) I hope some of the people who bought out the x3 on newegg (you all know who you are!) post some reviews of their OCs

Since the BE has an unlocked multiplier, you can just raise the multi to overclock and not mess with the HT or anything. Although the Biostar should overclock fairly well anyways

You didn't make mention of what you thought about the x3 over an intel. Any suggestions?