Upgrading, need some help

[wewdeadeye]

Ok, so my old comp took a dump, and its time to upgrade anyhow, so these are the new components Im thinking about:

ASUS Maximus Formula (X38) - I want to be able to upgrade to the new penryn/yorkfield eventually, so this looked like a good board

2GB ( I run XP, if I ever use vista, I will just double) Corsair Ballistix DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)

E6850 Core 2 Duo (3.0GHZ) with 1333FSB

Here is my dilemma, and a problem for me. Can't decide between the 8800gt from EVGA, or the Radeon 3870.
The one thing is, with the 3870, I could do crossfire, but I would need a new PSU, if I don't already. I was thinking the evga 8800gt for their step up program, in case the new one comes out in 3 months, but if you guys don't think it will, then which should I go for? You think the 3870 will come closer to the 8800gt with some driver improvements?

Here is the real problem though, I have a 480w PSU, and I heard that would be enough, I only have 1 HD, and 2 DVD drives, one is a burner, but this was before PCI-Express, and the new board will have PCI-E 2.0. I heard something about needing 6 and 8 pin (6+2?) connectors, which I don't think my PSU has. Do I need to get a new one, or is there some sort of converter that can go from the old connectors to the new style ones? Please help me sirs, I need it bad, I am planning on ordering it this coming Monday, and I want to make sure I get everything I need.

Mainly used for gaming, not media or multitasking, I have a Mac for that (puts flamesuit on). I won't be overclocking it, thats why I am going with the E6850 (would it be worth waiting for the new E8500?? Something tells me not, and I need a computer by end of next week, but I would like to know).

The main thing is the power supply issue, I don't want to order this all and then find out I can't even hook it up to my PSU. If i were to go crossfire (assuming any of you think that is a wise decision) what kind of PSU would I need for that.
PS: I have 1 SATA 250GB HD, a DVD drive, and a DVD burner, and 2 case fans. Hopefully I gave you guys enough info, help would be much appreciated, thank you guys!!

 

[cprince]

I think that you should get a new power supply. 480W might be too little, even with one video card. There are all different kinds of converters out there; you just need to know what you want, but I think that this is what you are talking about: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16812201005

 

[aigomorla]

Edit:

Wait i reread your thread.

Your getting the MAXMIMUS with no intentions of overclocking? Um, people get that board so they can overclock. If you have no intentions on overclocking how about getting an enterprise board + Xeon processor.

That would be SOOOO MUCH more reliable and rock solid stable if your not overclocking... Also if you close your eyes, and pretend real hard, it will be a MAC. I believe that is what the MAC is. A Xeon processor.

 

[Denithor]

Seconded. If not overclocking you are simply throwing away money on the ASUS board. Also, save $90 by going with the e6750, even without overclocking you will never tell the difference in gaming (or most other applications). Get DDR2-800 memory, DDR2-1066 is meant for extreme overclocking and nothing else (and heck, you can get 4GB of great quality mushkin DDR2-800 for the same price so you will be ready if you decide to move to a 64-bit OS).

Here are the components I would recommend for a really quick gaming rig.

abit IP35 $127
e6750 $190
mushkin 2x2GB DDR2-800 $88 (after $25MIR)
Seasonic SS-500ES $70

With the money you save here (even after adding the power supply you will save $165 versus the parts you chose) you can afford to go with even the 8800GTS 512MB. Go with an EVGA card and you may be able to step-up to the next generation if they launch within 90 days of your purchase.

EDIT: I would not recommend SLI/Crossfire as this often does not scale well and is usually a waste of money, especially if planning to go dual cards in 6-12 months. Usually within that time frame a new generation of card is launched that is better in a single card than two of the previous generation cards combined. If you decide you must have the option of going dual GPU get the abit IP35 Pro motherboard, still $100 cheaper than Maximus board and has dual x16 PCI-E slots.