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New Computer build
beckettgame
Member Posts: 12
I am going to be builing a new machine as I am forced to part with my current one. I don't have a huge budget and but would like something nice for gaming...mmorpg's of course.
I know that I will probably go with an Asus A8N32-SLI Deluxe video card with an Athlon 64 3800+ processor....because i found a good deal at Pricewatch at $315 for the set. I would really like to go with dual video cards with this motherboard to make best use of the SLI function.
Anyone have any suggestions as to what video card(s) to go for? I wanna keep it under $200 each if possible. Also, any suggestions on changing my motherboard/processor choices are welcome...thanks.
I know that I will probably go with an Asus A8N32-SLI Deluxe video card with an Athlon 64 3800+ processor....because i found a good deal at Pricewatch at $315 for the set. I would really like to go with dual video cards with this motherboard to make best use of the SLI function.
Anyone have any suggestions as to what video card(s) to go for? I wanna keep it under $200 each if possible. Also, any suggestions on changing my motherboard/processor choices are welcome...thanks.
Comments
What is your total budget and what do you have to get with it - complete system with monitor or just replacing the old 'guts'?
make sure you get a direct x 10 compliant card.
Its worth splurging on because youll get alot of mileage out of it.
Video card >>>>>everything else.
Here's something I threw together from Newegg.com
eVGA 8800GTS superclocked ed $410
Abit KN9 nForce 570 Ultra $110
Athlon X2 - 3800+ EE $135
Antec Sonata case w/450W PS $100
G.Skill 2x1024 DDR2-800 $185
Seagate 250GB $75
TOTAL = $1015 Leaves some room for DVD, keyboard, mouse, speakers, shipping, etc.
Intel CPUs are faster but also more expensive, but you might be able to squeeze in a 6300 Core Duo chip in your budget.
Here's something I threw together from Newegg.com
eVGA 8800GTS superclocked ed $410
Abit KN9 nForce 570 Ultra $110
Athlon X2 - 3800+ EE $135
Antec Sonata case w/450W PS $100
G.Skill 2x1024 DDR2-800 $185
Seagate 250GB $75
TOTAL = $1015 Leaves some room for DVD, keyboard, mouse, speakers, shipping, etc.
Intel CPUs are faster but also more expensive, but you might be able to squeeze in a 6300 Core Duo chip in your budget.
Honestly, if you don't have money to go top end SLI you're better off going 1 top end card an d waiting a few months to pick up the second card. You'll get better performance in many cases off 1x8800 (~550) than you will off two lower end cards just because so many games support sli poorly or don't support it at all. SLI doesn't mean you get 2x the performance of 1 card. Much like duel processors don't give 2x the performance of a single processor.
Shadus
my 2 bits.. look into a sli motherboard, right now, get one 7800-7950 video card (that'll handle what you need for the next 6 months) after that.. if in another 6 months you need more graphics muscle, pair it. let that ride for another 6 months, by then dx 10 will be much more available, and prices on the dx10 cards won't be so insane.
riding the backside of the tech wave is much easier on your pocket than riding the front of it.
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TheCore
How do you figure? Check most gaming benchmarks, by the time you set the resolution and effects up to make the most of the graphics engine, the video card is usually the bottleneck. In a gaming rig, the video card should be the priority.
When it comes to fps per dollar, the scale is fairly linear in the video card dept. (unlike with CPU's). You will get what you pay for, so I disagree that a 7950 is a much better value. It is a cheaper card but it is also a slower card. Pick your performance point.
EDIT - Another thing to factor in is if the OP intends to get a big LCD screen. LCDs don't look so great in non-native resolutions but high res gaming takes a bunch of vid card power. Try running a an nVidia 7600 at 1600x1280 resolution.
my 2 bits.. look into a sli motherboard, right now, get one 7800-7950 video card (that'll handle what you need for the next 6 months) after that.. if in another 6 months you need more graphics muscle, pair it. let that ride for another 6 months, by then dx 10 will be much more available, and prices on the dx10 cards won't be so insane.
riding the backside of the tech wave is much easier on your pocket than riding the front of it.
Yes DX10 is not in the picture but the 8800 series card is also currently the top performer in DX9 apps too. IMO DX10 is a minor consideration in the big picture.
I do agree that riding the back end of technology is easier on the wallet but some people may not want to make the sacrifices that come with it. They may want to play the latest and greatest titles with all the effects maxed. However I dont understand why you recommend buying an SLI board now if hes not going to use it until later. Not only would he have to buck up for an SLI (ideally 16X) but he may also have to go with a separate case and high end power supply to supply enough 12v current. IMO buy what you need now, not what you might need later.
How much money are you trying to spend and what parts do you need? also what game do you plan on playing with that system. if you're playing wow you wont need a very powerful computer. if you plan on playing newer mmorpgs you may need something more powerful.
i'd check out www.silkyvenom.com and look in the hardware section. he had 1000, 1500, and 2000 dollar builds listed there that may help you decide what to get.
and if you plan on sticking with the 3800 processor i wouldnt bother getting a top of line video card.
hope my advice helps