transitioning from ASROCK Dual Sata 2 + Opteron 148

[logicmaster2003]

Hey all,

As of December 2005, my current gaming PC = ASROCK DUAL SATA2 + Opteron 148 (OC to 2.6 GHZ) + 2GB DDR 400 PC3200.

I'm using winXP Pro (32-bit) and running on MSI 7900GT pcie. The games that I usually play: CSS, HL2, Ghost Recon Advance Warfighter, Rainbow6 Vegas I, Flatout 2, etc.

Although my current gaming system still functioning really good (FPS on games, winxp boot-up and etc). I would like your opinion on what are some of the best option (mobo + CPU + Video card) because I want to "migrate" to a newer rig for the sake of it.

Please list all your mix-and-match ideas for Mobo + CPU + Video card, and the prices as well. I'm also looking for a CPU that doesn't generate too much heat (say green-friendly chip)

And should I migrate to Vista to take advantage of the direct x 10 ? And should I get the 64 bit version of Vista ?

Thanks for all your suggestions Smile

 

[ZootyGray]

There's a new batch of AMD motherboards now being released by most major mobo manufacturers. These boards feature a 790GX northbridge and an SB750 southbridge. They are socket AM2+ and will support all recent cpu's such as any Athlon 64x2 dual cores, or any Phenom x4 quad cores. They support DDR2 dual channel ram - various speeds up to 1066mhz. The best onboard video available - or - you can use any PCIe video card such as your 7900GT - or - you can use 2 matching PCIe vidcards in the 2 available PCIe x16 slots. You could also use 6 sata2 drives.
Also offers AOD and ACC - amd overdrive and advanced clock calibration - big excitement about those.
Price for mobo, cpu, ram depending on your choices and desires range from roughly $300 to 400ish .

These 790GX boards are brand new and really loaded with tons of multimedia features that enable you to basically waltz right into HD hi definition Home Theatre possibilities - including BluRay simply using the onboard video - with a remarkably low end dual core cpu and ddr2 ram - because the onboard GPU does the HD encoding rather than the cpu. Also has HDMI AND DVI. 8 channel sound. more.

Google 790GX - there are reviews all over the internet - there's a really good one at Tom's Hardware Guide (THG).

These mobos also approach futureproof. A small cpu now could be upgraded to a nextgen cpu next year since the socket is not going to change.

If you want hi performance gaming, an ATI HD-4850 for under $200 - or - next year - add a 2nd ATI HD-4850 in "CrossfireX" mode. This is the best bang for the buck vid combo currently and will run with higher priced $650 cards for less than a total of $400.

But don't believe me - google these items I mention and read all about it for yourself. This is new high performance hardware for low cost and will make an easy migration for you. The onboard video alone will easily run the games you mention - and more.

I do not know what socket your opteron is - the AM2+ socket I mention will also support socket AM2 cpu's but not earlier sockets such as 939, 754 or Socket A.

I hope this helps - you might not find a great deal of support here for AMD systems since this site seems to be perhaps biased to ntel. Me - I don't support antitrust monopolies.

Hope this helps. Peace.

 

[logicmaster2003]

Thank you so much , ZootyGray That was one marvelous reply !!
I've heard bout ATI HD-4850 being the current best mid-range Video card, compared to nvidia.

My current Opteron-148 + Asrock dual sata2 is the "939" socket version.

The only reason why I want to upgrade my gamer PC is because I want to be in the direct x 10 games realm.

Direct x 10 is not available for win XP correct ? And is there a 64-bit version of Vista ? sorry im so far behind (still on win XP pro , 32 bit).

cheers mate

 

[ZootyGray]

I am in a very similar position. Been catching up for a few months now. And the new 790GX boards seem to cover all the options and offer superior power handling
.
An athlon 64 x2 5000 BlackEdition (unlocked for oclox) s/b adequate for now esp. w a HD-4850.

Yes xp means no dx10 - but I don't think that's a biggy really. I am in no hurry to commit to vista anyway. I would like to try a 64bit os but xp is good enough for now.

I want to get a platform that will enable me to do whatever I want eventually. And then gradually add the upgrades - that's my idea of futureproof - if there is such a thing.

I don't think there is much need for a quad cpu yet either - although I hear Crysis will use a quad - Crysis is one huge grafx pig. I heard people say that nothing runs it at full grafx in hi rez. But if it spreads the load over 4 cores, that would be easier. But really everything is about grafx now. So the option of a 2nd 4850 is nice if needed.

But I need to keep costs low - I plan on a new psu and case also. at least 600 watts - not sure what brand.
My current pc is a rag - so it all has to go eventually.

 

[ZootyGray]

btw - the new ACC -adv clox calib - only applies to Phenom cpu's and esp. 'black edition' unlocked versions.

Choice of ram is cpu dependent - most people are using ddr2 800; - ddr2 1066 ram requires a Phenom.
Phenom is AM2+ (ddr2-1066 or 800) The Athlon 64x2 cpu's are AM2 (ddr2-800). The word is that ddr2-1066 costs more and offers little in speed increase. It is tempting to go Phenom 9950BE
(- note that 9850 and 9950 are very similar; 9850 will probably phase out; difference of 100 mhz stock clox) (approx clox 2700 will go over 3.1 ghz++ with ACC!)

Cost of Phenom is higher - price cuts recently happened, but still approx $200+ ballpark. An Athlon 5000BE is about $85ish.

The nextgen Phenom is "daneb" and will be AM2+, probably die shrink to 45nm. (near future?) (45 nm die shrink would mean less power consumption?)

If you go Phenom get a "B3 Stepping" = designated as "9X50" as opposed to "9X00" which is B2 stepping and has a cpu errata issue. AMD changed the numbering to example 9850 rather than example 9600 to make it easy to choose a cpu without this errata.

The 790GX /SB750 is the improved version of the 780G chipset. (similar features but less power handling - designed for a lower power cpu. such as a Athlon 64 x2 4850e cpu, 45 watts) Phenoms run 125-140 watts! Athlon 64 x2 5000BE is 90 watts.

I am overloading you with details of my research. Read the reviews.


(more)
- and for extra drooling - just when you thought it would be easy
- if you want a really hi-perf rocket mobo - check this out

http://www.amdzone.com/phpbb3/...topic.php?f=6&t=135417

- no onboard vid, 4x PCIe2 x16 slots dual crossfirex!!!! - target is serious oclockers

 

[logicmaster2003]

hi zooty sorry for the late reply - i got really busy.

but yea.... i drooled over your topic I think i'll first renovate my bathroom /showerroom, paint my bedroom then replace my bedroom carpet. Then continue looking and buying electronics. My list:
* 47" westinghouse LCD (its around $895 average on ecost.com)
* a barebone gamer PC ( I think I might go with that Athlon 5000 black version, ATI 4850 like you mentioned, and whatever motherboard with 2 IDE in addition to sata - cuz i have 2 IDE-style dvd writer).
* a real bed (i've been sleeping on inflatable bed for the last 2 years !).

well take care