System build help. Budget of $2300.00 not counting monitor

[DaveyTN]

Its strictly for gaming. I've got most of the parts figured out except for the main two.

1. AMD Processor : Do I go with 3800+, 4000+, or wait for Venice/San Diego?

-I've ruled out the fx55 because it seems to only perform about 6% faster in games than
4000+.

2. Video Card(s) : Do I go with 1 Geforce 6800 Ultra, 2 sli Geforce 6800gt or ATI X850xt.

I keep going back and forth on all this stuff and its driving me crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Accipiter22]

Can you find an x850xt?

 

[DaveyTN]

Yes, Monarch has the Sapphire x850xt. I'm probably going to order the computer from Monarch.

 

[ribbon13]

I can find X850 XT's all day long! Easy w/1yr warranty!!!

Honestly... I'd say wait for Venice, or get a 3000+ to enjoy it now and get a Venice later.

 

[DaveyTN]

When do you think we will actually be able to purchase a Venice/San Diego? Thanks!!

 

[ribbon13]

Hopefully within a month.

 

[DaveyTN]

Cool. I can probably wait a month. How about video card recommendations? I like the x850xt but will the lack of shader model 3.0 support hurt?

 

[ribbon13]

I dunno. I haven't seen any benefit from it.

 

[SrGuapo]

Originally posted by: DaveyTN
Cool. I can probably wait a month. How about video card recommendations? I like the x850xt but will the lack of shader model 3.0 support hurt?

there won't be a real benefit until more games start using it.

do you really want to spend that much? I'm sure you could put together a kick-ass system for under $1500, especially if you are not OCing.

 

[DaveyTN]

Bump

 

[imported_Kensai]

I'd wait for a while and get the next generation of nVidia GPUs as they'll be a better upgrade path since you can just add another card and run them as SLI.

 

[DaveyTN]

When will the next generation NVidia's be out?