Would this be a wise choice?

[Xylaquin]

To save me off-topic'ing in a certain thread, I'd like to know if my intentions are valid and advisable.

I get 12,286 in 3dmark06 with a stock C2D e6700 (2.6ghz 1066fsb), 2GB of PC4200 ddr2 ram and a GTX 280. It is clear that is low, and so I have deducted the obvious reasons why:

My motherboard is a micro ATX motherboard with a maximum RAM speed of PC4200 (that's DDR2 533). It has a VIA chipset not paticularly designed with a GTX 280 in mind. On top of that, the RAM slots are not dual channel.

lol

So I'm looking at this motherboard. It has the IP43 Express chipset, dual channel memory up to 1200mhz, a nice PCIe2 16 slot, and a FSB up to 1600.

I'd also purchase faster RAM, but a new motherboard is my main focus right now since I should be able to use my current RAM on this motherboard unless i'm unfortunate.

[=98=]

Re: Would this be a wise choice?

If i were you, i'd ditch the 15" screen first

[Xylaquin]

Re: Would this be a wise choice?

That would lower my 3dmark06, not improve it...

If I can get the hardware upgrades first, then maybe the monitor.

[=98=]

Re: Would this be a wise choice?

Who cares about 3dmark06? It wouldn't lower it since you just use the default resolution, you don't have to change it to suit the monitor. Otherwise, 3dmark06 wouldn't work as you couldn't compare it to anyone else.

I still think you should upgrade that monitor first. I had a 15" once, i can't imagine ever, ever going back.

[Xylaquin]

Re: Would this be a wise choice?

It wouldn't lower it since you just use the default resolution, you don't have to change it to suit the monitor. Otherwise, 3dmark06 wouldn't work as you couldn't compare it to anyone else.

It does lower because when I run it on my current monitor it runs at 1024x768. I ran the tests on a 1280x1024 monitor which is the default and got 11,862 marks.

[=98=]

Re: Would this be a wise choice?

Oh, well, your CPU is good enough. If you don't change the monitor, i'd try to go for an Asus P5K or P5Q (if you can afford it) and some PC6400 memory.

[Evil Spongebob]

Re: Would this be a wise choice?

Since when do we play 3dmark ?

[Xylaquin]

Re: Would this be a wise choice?

lol I just like to use 3dmark06 as a reference to how good it is.

I was actually considering the Asus P5Q, although I was turned off by the position of the ATX power connector:

I have an Antec 900, routing my chunky main ATX power cable to that position on the motherboard, past a large gpu and considering the window, will make cable management tricky

[Hellsent 2.0]

Re: Would this be a wise choice?

Wow..that sucks...Thats where it used to be on really old motherboards...thats just stupid...

[Flt. Sgt. Powderhound]

Re: Would this be a wise choice?

Can you stretch to the -pro or -e models?

[Xylaquin]

Re: Would this be a wise choice?

Well technically I'm loaded with cash, and can afford any motherboard in existence.

[Flt. Sgt. Powderhound]

Re: Would this be a wise choice?

Then definitely don't go for a P5Q- get something with a bit more pizazz.

[Xylaquin]

Re: Would this be a wise choice?

such as...

[Hellsent 2.0]

Re: Would this be a wise choice?

If your loaded go Skulltrail...

[Flt. Sgt. Powderhound]

Re: Would this be a wise choice?

If your loaded go Skulltrail...

That's a little OTT, and since he's scottish, he'll spend no more than is absolutely necessary. laugh:

Anyway, look at the P5Q-E or possibly Deluxe as I said before.