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Unleashing the beast

E

electricx

Junior Member
So... It's finally time to build a new rig... Everything is starting to look like a slideshow at max res so I've relegated it to internet browser status running Ubuntu attempting to extend its utility while I share my wife's machine for my gaming fix... 🙂

My current system sits as follows:

Antec Phantom 500W PS
ABIT IC7-G
Northwood P4 @ Stock 2Ghz w/ Zalman CPS7000u HSF
1GB (2x512MB) Kingston ValueRAM
Chaintech 6600GT 128MB
36GB Raptor
150GB Raptor X
SoundBlaster X-FI Fatal1ty Edition
HP 640i DVD-DL Lightscribe Optical Drive
Matsushita 3.5" floppy
All tucked into my Kingwin 436-BW Case
Showing on a Samsung 226BW (1680X1050 max res)

Now, on to the good stuff... As I'm an avid fan of RTFM, I have read the sticky post regarding specifics...

1. I will use this for gaming/folding, everything else is nice but sits on the back burner. My "old" machine can do my downloading and internet stuff now.

2. My budget sits at $1300 max (Tax, shipping, everything)

3. USA

4. My brand loyalties are based on research and hard numbers

5. I plan on canabalizing my raptors, my x-fi, and sticking with the same case

6. I have read some similar threads, as well, I devour the news on this site daily!

7. I do plan on OC'ing this bad boy, not to the point of phase change or even liquid, but air is good with me, or maybe Peltier. Speaking of which has anyone checked out MSI's new tech? Interesting stuff...

<cue red eyes and evil voice in echo chamber> I would definitely like to see a 3DMark score over 10K without question (Ahem, hardware addiction took over right there, sorry if I listen to him this build would be in the 3 grand range lol)

My current thoughts:

PS: PC Power & Cooling S75QB (750W)

Mobo Intel P35: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L or Abit IP35P (The orange board is nice looking)
Vid Card if P35: Sapphire Radeon HD 3870 X2

Mobo Nvidia 780i: EVGA 132-CK-NF78-A1 (P03 BIOS does yorkfield without issue) (Black on highlighter green is nice also)
Vid Card if Nvidia Mobo: 2x EVGA GeForce 8800GT SSC 512MB SLI'd

CPU: Q9450 (street date mid to late march supposedly)
RAM: Kingston Hyper X KHX9600D2K2/2G (PC2 9600)
Samsung 20X SATA Optical Drive
Vigor Gaming Monsoon II Lite HSF or Perhaps a Thermalright IFX-14 (or are these overkill maybe?)


Other thoughts are that there are a LOT of new parts touting lots of great things right around the corner which is a very exciting thing! I'll of course stay tuned to the news on the front page! Perhaps it could drop some prices on the parts I'm already looking at if the urge isn't there or the hardware isn't there (maturity wise) to complete a build. On the other hand, I plan to have this system for another 5 years or so. Thus my hesitation nad wanting of input from some like minded individuals.
 
I'd go with a different PSU, because there are less loud PSU's to be had, that will give the same performance, as well as cheaper. Good thing you don't plan on skimping on the PSU though. http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817256009 modular, which the PCP&C is not. If you don't care about modular, consider this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817608006 it's a server grade PSU, and not many psu's can touch it in terms of performance/stability/ripple. Then there's this one too: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...E16817139006&Tpk=750tx Take your pick ...

First things first though, the HD3870 X2 is nice, but I don't know, with two of these bad boys: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814127329 you'd be getting similar and most of the time BETTER performance, for a good few bucks less then a single HD3870 X2. Only problem is, the 780i mobo is more expensive, so in the end you pay the same most likely. Tough choices for sure. You COULD go with a single card too, and pocket like 300$ saved from the more expensive videocard, mobo and PSU, and upgrade your videocard in 12-18 months.

I'd just get a q6600, they are going for 200$ at microcenter if I'm not mistaken. The e8400 is faster in games btw, especially when oc-ed to 3.6-4.0ghz, but if you fold too, the q6600 would be the better CPU. The e8400 will still fold like a madman though, especially compared to what you have right now.

The ram you picked is complete overkill, and probably way to expensive as well ? This ram is all you need: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231145 and will allow for a 4.0ghz overclock on the e8400. For a q6600 all you really need is ddr2 800mhz, because that puts you at 3.6ghz, which is the highest you could possibly do with aircooling.

Aircooling, I'd get the tuniq tower 120, http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835154001 performs within 5% of the thermalright ultra extreme, for about half the money. These 2 are the top aircoolers, and for 40$ it's a no brainer.

About your other thoughts, you could save some money getting a e8400, and replace it with a qaudcore in 2-3 years. The ddr2 1000mhz ram should still be fast enough for the 'new' cpu, and allow for a good overclock. You do need a new HD, right ? I mean, 36gb is nothing nowadays, it can hold a few games, that's it ? Vista is 40gb allready or so. Dunno, get something like this for storage: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822152052 or this if you've got the money: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822152100 750gb HD's are often as fast as 150gb raptors, because of their much higher density.
 
Another option would be to get the P35-DS3L and downgrade the video card slightly to an eVGA 8800GT or 8800GTS 512. Pocket the cash for now, and use the Step Up program and upgrade to the 9800 series that's coming up around the corner.

Otherwise, MarcVenice hit everything else on the dot basically.
 
I agree with Marc's suggestions, and will add that I would keep the 36gb raptor as the OS drive in your surfing/downloading machine, move the 150gb raptor to your new rig as the OS drive and add a high density drive for storage.

And I also think your choice in CPU should be between the E8400 and Q6600, especially since you want to overclock. The stock performance and efficiency of the Q9450 will be great, but when overclocking is considered the gap between the Q6600 and Q9450 will narrowed considerably or even eliminated so the large price premium will not be worth it. Once the prices become the same Q6600=Q9450, then the Q9450 becomes the clear favorite, but with Q6600 @ $200-220 and the Q9450 @ $350 the Q6600 is a no brainer IMO

If you want the fastest CPU for games get the E8400, if you want the best folding CPU get the Q6600. If you want the best balance between the two that would also be the Q6600 as it will hang not far behind the E8400 in gaming if well overclocked, but will show significant increases over the E8400 in folding.
 
WOW! Thanks to you guys I have a bit more of a solid foundation laid out and my choices are becoming far more clear. MarkVenice, thanks for letting me know about the noise issues with the PCP&C. In light of that fact, I think the silverstone would be the way to go, especially since cable management in my case is very tricky due to both sides being clear.

VERY good looking out on the Q6600 price! $200 for a Q6600 is not happening anywhere else it seems after a precursory glance online. So I'll have my friend who has a micro center near her pick one of these up for me and I'll just pick it up next time I go see her since that price was for in store only. Locally I'm looking at $269 - $289 for that processor. Online I'm seeing $259-320 for it. Based on Guitardaddy's response on the significant extra folding power I'll get out of it, and not losing to much to the E8400 in games. It seems like a no brainer if I can get it for $200 flat!

Those MSI vid cards look sexy as hell, and with a nice rebate to boot?! So tempted to go with two of those on the EVGA 780i motherboard. At the same time though, if the 9800 series just demolishes that setup, then I'll be left wanting I'm sure. Realistically, time will tell how much better the new 9800 series is going to perform/whether there are any issue with HSF mounting, etc... I'll hang back on that and find out.

I will also be leaving my 36GB Raptor in my download/Internet machine as per the suggestion of GuitarDaddy, and grabbing that Samsung 750GB for the storage drive on the new rig!

Again, thanks to all who responded, and so quickly! I've been thinking this reply up all day and night, doing more research. 🙂 I'm getting really hyped, and can't wait to make this baby burn!

Current proposed specs:

The Beast:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Case: Kingwin 436BW Case
Monitor: Samsung 226BW
Speakers: Logitech X-640
PSU: Phantom 500W?
Mobo: Abit IP35-E
CPU: Intel Q6600
Memory: G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 800Mhz (Blue) (Since going with the Q6600)
Video Card(s): EVGA 8800GT (Blue works, so does black)
Audio: SB X-FI Fatal1ty
OS Drive: 150GB Raptor X
Storage Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F1 HD753LJ 750GB
CPU HSF: Tuniq Tower 120 (Will use included thermal paste per suggestions)
Vista X64 Ultimate
Total is sitting around $750 or so w00t! =)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The difference between thermal compounds is pretty small. You'll be fine even if you just use whatever comes with your choice of heatsink. (Even the stuff on the stock Intel heatsink isn't bad.)

These days people like AS5, Shin-Etsu, and MX2 if you're looking for aftermarket stuff. I've heard some people like IC Diamond 7, and if you check the "Free Stuff" section, the company is giving away IC Diamond 7 in exchange for your feedback on how well it works. (It's made with diamond. Ooooh! Aaaaah!)
 
Originally posted by: DSF
The difference between thermal compounds is pretty small. You'll be fine even if you just use whatever comes with your choice of heatsink. (Even the stuff on the stock Intel heatsink isn't bad.)

These days people like AS5, Shin-Etsu, and MX2 if you're looking for aftermarket stuff. I've heard some people like IC Diamond 7, and if you check the "Free Stuff" section, the company is giving away IC Diamond 7 in exchange for your feedback on how well it works. (It's made with diamond. Ooooh! Aaaaah!)
Click to expand...

lol Thanks for the input DSF. I'm pretty sure I'll have plenty of the stuff with getting a retail processor and the tuniq also. Aftermarket grease used to make a pretty big difference, guess it's not so important anymore with these mammoth cooling towers and heat pipe systems. Just don't want to leave any potential obstacles in the way of my overclocking.
 
The TX2 that comes with the tuniq is very good thermal grease, no need to get anything else. As for the videocards, why not go with a single 8800gt or perhaps a 8800gts ? It will blow away your old 6600gt, and if in 1-2 months you don't like the new videocards enough, you buy another 8800gt or 8800gts. Or, you simply save yourself some money and buy a 'cheap' p35 mobo, a SINGLE 8800gt/8800gts, call it a day, and upgrade again when the REAL next-gen stuff comes out. That way you could also go with a cheaper PSU btw, like a 520hx, http://www.buy.com/prod/corsai...loc/101/203270716.html which is modular to. Not modular, but a great price is this PSU btw, http://www.buy.com/prod/corsai...loc/101/203270716.html just had to at least let you know about it.

Oh, and in case you still want 2 8800gt's, I think there's also a hot deal on EVGA 8800gt, going for 180$ or so, check the hot deals forum.
 
Originally posted by: electricx
Originally posted by: DSF
The difference between thermal compounds is pretty small. You'll be fine even if you just use whatever comes with your choice of heatsink. (Even the stuff on the stock Intel heatsink isn't bad.)

These days people like AS5, Shin-Etsu, and MX2 if you're looking for aftermarket stuff. I've heard some people like IC Diamond 7, and if you check the "Free Stuff" section, the company is giving away IC Diamond 7 in exchange for your feedback on how well it works. (It's made with diamond. Ooooh! Aaaaah!)
Click to expand...

lol Thanks for the input DSF. I'm pretty sure I'll have plenty of the stuff with getting a retail processor and the tuniq also. Aftermarket grease used to make a pretty big difference, guess it's not so important anymore with these mammoth cooling towers and heat pipe systems. Just don't want to leave any potential obstacles in the way of my overclocking.
Click to expand...

Pretty sure the stuff that comes with the Tuniq Tower is good.
 
OK, so thanks for the info on the TX2 thermal grease! That'll save me some more money! Seriously guys, thanks for keeping me sober during this whole exchange and not allowing me to waste even a cent on unnecessary parts. I think the smart money is on getting a P35, probably the ABIT IP35 in some flavor (IP35-E seems pretty popular, price is amazng at the egg currently, and it's a decent OC'er) and a single 8800GT. This way I can pocket some cash and use it for upgrades later as the next gen tech hits, as was stated many times during this thread! I'm wondering if I shouldn't keep my Phantom 500W PSU (Specs) now also? lolz! Should handle a rig like this pretty easily if you're recommending a 520W, no? Then, as I'm finding out, I'll prolly need a new power supply with the magic 8-pin PCI-E adapter when the new vid cards refresh anyway if the new Albatron 9800GX2 pics that are floating around are any indication. Something such as the Siverstone Strider 850W would be appropriate at that point, and the egg has it for $169 AR or so! Gentlemen, seriously, thank you for your time and opinions, they have been well received! :beer: 😀 Now, the wait for the funds begins...
 
The video card will LARGELY depend on what resolutions you're playing at. An 8800 GTS for the most part will be sufficient at 1650x1050 and under for a while. Hell, on my rig, Crysis runs 25-45 fps on the built in benchmark test on high settings and no AA, 1360x768.

That PSU should be plenty in terms of power. The Silverstone is definitely overkill but of great quality I believe. The Corsair 620HX is another option you may want to look into.
 
Oh, yeah... I will be running at 1680X1050 most all the time. Seems like the GT should do pretty well... Maybe the GTS would be worth it, since I'm saving tons of cash elsewhere? Just looking to throw something decent in there until the next gen stuff hits and I won't have to worry because of the step-up program! Seems like a win-win situation! 😎:thumbsup:
 
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