Overdue Upgrade: 1055T or P55 build?

[shredz]

1. What your PC will be used for:
-gaming (BF2, FPS, SC2, etc.., probably won't sli, currently at 1680x1050 but max would be 1900x1200)
-web surfing
-I would like to use Powerdirector 8 or something similar to make HD movies from my home movies
-Also Photoshop Elements to edit my 10gb of family pics
2. What YOUR budget is. -->New build: <1400$ preferred - plan to use my current GTX 275 for a while
3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from. --> USA
4. IF YOU have a brand preference. --> No Brand Pref.
5. If You plan to reuse any parts --> GTX 275, Dell 2209wa LCD, [also may reuse Antec P180B, OCZ Gamexstream 600w PSU, WD SATA 3.0 gbs HD for backup]
6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads. --> Yes, read many threads, still unsure.
7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds. --> Would like to overclock moderately if it's simple and can be done on air without too much noise/heat
8. What resolution do you plan on gaming. --> currently using 1680x1050 but may buy a new monitor max res would be 1900x1200
9. WHEN do you plan to build it? -->Probably this month but can wait a while if there is a reason to hold off

My current rig is working fine, but showing it's age on games and when using powerdirector/photoshop. It's also pretty loud and would like something more quiet and that puts out less heat.

Here is my current rig:
AMD Opteron 185 (2.6ghz), DFI Ultra 939, 2 gb, GTX 275, Antec P180, OCZ GameXstream 600w PSU, WD 7200 SATA Drive, Dell 2209wa, Win XP

My current rig is working fine, but showing it's age on games and when using powerdirector/photoshop. It's also pretty loud and would like something more quiet and that puts out less heat.

I have a microcenter about 50 miles away so the 930 ($199) is an option, as well as the 1055T combo (mobo: 785G-E53 AM3 ATX) for $230.

I looked at the i7 930 but the motherboards are pretty pricey as well as the ram and it seems that the P55's might be better anyway (i7 860 or i7 875k).

I've started picking out components like cases, psu, hd, etc... but I'm still stuck at which chipset to choose. Right now I'm leaning toward the i7 860/875 due to Anandtech recommendation over the amd x6 for general uses here: (http://www.anandtech.com/show/3674/amds-sixcore-phenom-ii-x6-1090t-1055t-reviewed/12).

The thing holding me back is wondering how an overclocked (just a moderate overclock like 3.5g) would fare against the i7 860 stuff? It would save me maybe $200 or a little more.

What do you people think? Once I pick a chipset, then I will need some help with components.

My usual strategy is to stay one step behind the bleeding edge with CPU and MOBO, and then upgrade the vid card every 2 yrs or so for around $200.

 

[Sp12]

Detailed info on what apps you use, and what resolution/game detail settings you want. You seem to take a while in between builds, so an X6 would age better than a P55 system.

Budget?

 

[shredz]

Thanks SP12, I updated my main post a bit to clarify things.

 

[mfenn]

Your overall upgrade plan is very good.

I agree with Sp12 that the 1055T will probably age better than an 860 (or 870 now that they're close in price), but the 870 is quite a bit faster than the 1055T in current apps.

As for the rest of the components, aside from the mobo, they're going to be pretty much the same for an AMD or P55 build.

GA-P55A-UD3 $120 or GA-870A-UD3 $106 or Microcenter combo
4GB G.Skill DDR3 1333 $82 - double it to 8GB if you like
Intel X25-M 80GB $215 - with your budget, you'd be crazy not to get an SSD IMHO
1TB Samsung F3 $75
Samsung DVD Burner $20
Corsair 650TX $90 - $20 rebate
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit $100
Total: w/o CPU ~$672

Keep your current monitor and case, as they are both still excellent. You're coming in much less than your budget, so you either enjoy the savings or get a new GPU like GTX 470.

 

[Sp12]

Those benchmarks are very compelling, I would say the 870 is definitely faster in every non-threaded, and several lightly threaded apps. However, it is 45&#37; more expensive than the 1055t (although you are underbudget a lot).

Actually, that brings up the point that you can probably spring for a new monitor or blu-ray drive of either of those interest you (my advice is a new monitor). You could also just pocket it for food/an upgrade later.

Mfenn's build looks stellar. You mentioned you wanted a quieter system, so I think an aftermarket cooler is justified. The cooling forum has a list of good coolers stickied.

 

[CaptCanada]

I am also in a similiar postion. I currently have a socket 775 based system and find myself wondering if I should build an AMD AM3 system with a 1055t or an I5 750/760 system.

Is the X58 chipset a viable upgrade, considering that Sandy Bridge is due out later this year/next year? Should I wait for SB or upgrade now?

My heart would love an X58 rig, but know that I would kick myself in the ass if I do and SB walks all over it and I should have waited.

Thanks

 

[CaptCanada]

I am also in a similiar postion. I currently have a socket 775 based system and find myself wondering if I should build an AMD AM3 system with a 1055t or an I5 750/760 system.

Is the X58 chipset a viable upgrade, considering that Sandy Bridge is due out later this year/next year? Should I wait for SB or upgrade now?

My heart would love an X58 rig, but know that I would kick myself in the ass if I do and SB walks all over it and I should have waited.

Thanks

 

[mfenn]

I am also in a similiar postion. I currently have a socket 775 based system and find myself wondering if I should build an AMD AM3 system with a 1055t or an I5 750/760 system.

Is the X58 chipset a viable upgrade, considering that Sandy Bridge is due out later this year/next year? Should I wait for SB or upgrade now?

My heart would love an X58 rig, but know that I would kick myself in the ass if I do and SB walks all over it and I should have waited.

Thanks

The i5 750 and 760 use the P55 chipset, not the X58 one. To answer your question, there is always something faster just around the corner. If you need it now, buy it now. If you don't need it now, wait.

 

[sandorski]

Just a note: the 1055T can't be run at Stock, using the Stock HS/Fan, without ear splitting noise. An After Market HS/Fan is a must. Fortunately there are many of options in the $30 range.

 

[shredz]

Thanks for the input so far...looking good.

I'm wondering if I can overclock a 1055T to about 3.5 ghz or so on air that it would perform better against an i7 860 or will it still be limited due to architecture, etc..

For cpu cooling, I'm planning on the CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Plus from Microcenter for ~$30 if it will fit my Case and won't be too loud (haven't decided if keeping current case or not).

 

[CaptCanada]

The i5 750 and 760 use the P55 chipset, not the X58 one. To answer your question, there is always something faster just around the corner. If you need it now, buy it now. If you don't need it now, wait.

Sorry, guess it looked like I thought that the 750/760 would work in the X58 chipset, but they don't as you pointed out.

I guess the P55 chipset would be the way to go, that way I won't feel so bad when SB comes out and is the new "IT" chip

 

[mfenn]

Thanks for the input so far...looking good.

I'm wondering if I can overclock a 1055T to about 3.5 ghz or so on air that it would perform better against an i7 860 or will it still be limited due to architecture, etc..

For cpu cooling, I'm planning on the CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Plus from Microcenter for ~$30 if it will fit my Case and won't be too loud (haven't decided if keeping current case or not).

:thumbsup: to the Hyper 212+. It should it in a P180.

 

[shredz]

Ok, I'd like to get some specific components picked and price it out.

P55
cpu: i7 860 $239 (incl tax) @ microcenter
mobo: GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3 -$139.99 @newegg
ram: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL - $98 newegg P55 Total: $477


X58
cpu: i7 930 $217 (incl tax) @microcenter
mobo: GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R - $209 @ newegg
[another choice ASRock X58 Extreme LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard $168 @newegg (sold out right now)]
ram: G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ - $145 @ newegg
X58 total: $571

AMD
cpu & mobo: Phenom X6 1055T & MSI 785G-E53 AM3 785G combo = $249 @ microcenter (incl tax)
ram: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL - $98
X6 Total: $347


How do these look? I want get all the parts and prices picked before I select one. Thanks in advance.

 

[Sp12]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231277

Ram for the P55/AM3.

That AMD deal with the mobo is nice, but for ~60$ more you can get a more modern board with USB/Sata 3 and a currentgen chipset. That may or may not be worth it. Mobos. Limited to current-gen chipsets.

Interestingly, I see a mainstream fuzion board in there... that's new!

 

[shredz]

SP12, your link to the ram doesn't seem to be working for me.

 

[Sp12]

SP12, your link to the ram doesn't seem to be working for me.

That's the stupid redirect system AT forums use.

http: //www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277

Copy/paste and remove the space.

 

[shredz]

Updated:

P55
cpu: i7 860 $239 (incl tax) @ microcenter
mobo: GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3 -$139.99 @newegg
ram: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL - $98 newegg P55 Total: $477


X58
cpu: i7 930 $217 (incl tax) @microcenter
mobo: GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R - $209 @ newegg
[another choice ASRock X58 Extreme LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard $168 @newegg (sold out right now)]
ram: G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ - $145 @ newegg
X58 total: $571

AMD
cpu & mobo: Phenom X6 1055T & MSI 785G-E53 AM3 785G combo = $249 @ microcenter (incl tax)
ram: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL - $98
X6 Total: $347

 

[Arcanedeath]

I'd go for the X58 based system, More memory and still under budget, if you do elect to overclock it has the best potential performance

 

[Sp12]

I'd probably go P55/AM3 and use the extra budget on the SSD/monitor.

 

[mfenn]

I'd go for the AM3 and save the rest for a new GPU. The 2209WA is still a great monitor.

 

[Rifter]

I would go with the i7 build. Intels single threaded advantage makes a difference in many games and applications that are not heavily multi threaded. And im telling you this as a AMD owner considering a platform swap to intel.

A buddy recently built a P55 i7 860 system OC'ed to 3.5GHz with a ATI 5770 and its smoother overall than my system in sig. I put a few hours gaming into that system last weekend with fraps open the whole time and even though my 4890 is faster than his 5770, he has higher minimum's and less frame rate dips, and its noticeable in games when you have maxed out settings when running close to the GPU's limits. Dropping to 30-35FPS is noticeable, but when you stay above 40-45 its not so bad which the i7 system could pull off. The truth is AMD is lacking in single threaded performance and it shows in games minimum frame rates, i dont think games getting more multi threaded is going to have a large effect on this either. I didnt really buy the whole intel better single threaded thing till i saw it with my own eyes, now im putting serious though into a i7 system.

Also a intel platform will allow Both crossfire and SLI, with AMD chipsets you are stuck with ATI GPU's if you want multiple cards. I always buy the best bang for the buck at the time with no brand pref and dont like being tied to one side for GPU's.

 

[shredz]

Ok, thanks for the input so far. Right now I think I will go for the P55 setup with either an i7-860 or i7-875k, depending on where prices go in the next month. This is what I'm thinking so far:

cpu: 7 860 $239 (incl tax) @ microcenter
mobo: GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3 -$139.99 @newegg
ram: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL - $98
SSd: ocz vertex 2??
case: recycle my antec p180b or a new one (antec 902, CM690 II)
monitor: recycle Dell 2209wa
psu: recycle my 600w OCZ gamexstream (or should I get a new one since this one is 3 yrs old?)
vid: recycle evga gtx275
cpu cooler: coolermaster hyper 212 + $30
op sys: windows 7 home premium oem $99

any suggestions for an SSD, case, psu? also, if I want to go 8gb, which ram should I get?

 

[Sp12]

I would go for a new PSU. Corsair 650 watt should be good.

You're missing a vidcard from that list?

 

[shredz]

Ooops, added the GTX 275 I have to the list. Copy corsair 650...have modular PSU's gotten better? When I built my last rig, they had some stability issue IIRC.

Does this 650W modular PSU look good? CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-650HX 650W ATX12V v2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

 

[Rifter]

that is a great PSU