$1,500 - Help?

[Kodakk]

Re: $1,500 - Help?

What do you guys think of this? One of my friends suggested the following:

 CPU:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775
[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017[/url]

GPU:
EVGA 9800GTX 512MB
[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130339[/url]

RAM:
CORSAIR XMS2 DOMINATOR 2GB (2 x 1GB)
*best RAM you can get in the market*
**if you want 4GB, you can. No problem**
[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145168[/url]

MotherBoard:
EVGA 680i SLI
*best MOBO out right now*
[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188012[/url]

Monitor:
[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009094[/url]

Harddrive:
[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136131[/url]

[=98=]

Re: $1,500 - Help?

I would say don't be sucked in by the "best RAM on the market", go for some cheaper PC-6400 stuff and get 4gb.

The graphics card is nice, but you could get similar performance from a 8800gts 512mb, and you would save a bit.

Then, with that saved cash, upgrade the CPU to a Core 2 Duo Q9450.

And, unless your gagging for SLI (which, in my eyes, is pointless), go for a intel based chipset board such as the Asus P5K Deluxe. it is the best overclocking motherboard out there, and at stock, the best performer.

Also, try and swap the hard disk for a Samsung Spinpoint F1. CustomPC magazine reviews shows its faster than a RaptorX in a lot of tasks thanks to the huge platters.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152100

Dont take notice off the Newegg reviews, they are complaining about the RAID function and the Nvidia motherboard chipsets. The newer ones still have problems hence why i suggest Intel.

It's also cheaper.

[Kodakk]

Re: $1,500 - Help?

Alright thanks, a few of my friends are disputing whether to go for quadcore or dualcore, but you're saying stick with a dualcore? What's the reasoning for that, just curious.

I'll check out that motherboard as well. Thanks for the help.

[=98=]

Re: $1,500 - Help?

Alright thanks, a few of my friends are disputing whether to go for quadcore or dualcore, but you're saying stick with a dualcore? What's the reasoning for that, just curious.

I'll check out that motherboard as well. Thanks for the help.

The Q9450 is the latest and greatest quad core. If it is too much, go for the E8400. That thing will hit 4ghz on air, check overclocking forums.

The lack of effectively multi threaded applications means that the raw speed of the E8400 makes it better (better for gaming that is, not running a huge number of applications at the same time)

[sava700]

Re: $1,500 - Help?

I wouldn't go eVGA right now for that card... I would slide over to BFG and grab one of the OCX cards which I believe would only add another 50$ to the price which isn't bad for the higher clocks. Plus with BFG it will give you 100Days to step up vs eVGA's 90.

[=98=]

Re: $1,500 - Help?

Or you can just overclock yourself safely. It would save you the money and you'd get a higher overclock :salute:

I'm here to help if you need :)

[Kodakk]

Re: $1,500 - Help?

Alright, thanks.

Last thing, I really don't want to go with onboard sound, so I was asking around for a sound card. I got one recommendation: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102018 , but it doesn't appear to have very good reviews. Is it still a good card, or do you guys recommend a different one?

[=98=]

Re: $1,500 - Help?

To be honest, that card is overkill.

Most gamers use this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102006

[Kodakk]

Re: $1,500 - Help?

Haha, I was searching around for different ones and picked that exact one out before you even posted! Thanks :)

[Eagle101]

Re: $1,500 - Help?

I would say don't be sucked in by the "best RAM on the market", go for some cheaper PC-6400 stuff and get 4gb.

The graphics card is nice, but you could get similar performance from a 8800gts 512mb, and you would save a bit.

Then, with that saved cash, upgrade the CPU to a Core 2 Duo Q9450.

And, unless your gagging for SLI (which, in my eyes, is pointless), go for a intel based chipset board such as the Asus P5K Deluxe. it is the best overclocking motherboard out there, and at stock, the best performer.

Also, try and swap the hard disk for a Samsung Spinpoint F1. CustomPC magazine reviews shows its faster than a RaptorX in a lot of tasks thanks to the huge platters.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152100

Dont take notice off the Newegg reviews, they are complaining about the RAID function and the Nvidia motherboard chipsets. The newer ones still have problems hence why i suggest Intel.

It's also cheaper.

The Q9450 is the latest and greatest quad core. If it is too much, go for the E8400. That thing will hit 4ghz on air, check overclocking forums.

The lack of effectively multi threaded applications means that the raw speed of the E8400 makes it better (better for gaming that is, not running a huge number of applications at the same time)

:nod::nod::nod:

I would listen to Alex's suggestions Kodak as they seem pretty reasonable and i would prolly suggest the same

[jake_]

Re: $1,500 - Help?

:nod::nod::nod:
I would listen to Alex's suggestions

Wise words of advice.

[Kodakk]

Re: $1,500 - Help?

Yeap, I've made all the changes he suggested - I'll post back later with a "finished" setup and see if you guys approve.