New Build and upgradable

J

jwoma003

New Member
I am about to start a new build and had a few questions.

REGARDING GPU AND RAM

I am purchasing 2 EVGA GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB PCIe cards along with 2GB of OCZ EL DDR PC-3200 Dual Channel Platinum Rev 2.
with the RAM is there a difference between buying 4 512MB sticks and 2 1024MB sticks?

REGARDING MOTHER BOARD AND CPU

I was considering putting a AMD FX-60 2.60GHz processor into the machine but realized it is the last socket 939 model made. would it be wise to purchase this or to purchase a different socket CPU so that I would be able to upgrade without changing motherboards?

As far as motherboards, I don't know what I am going to purchase since I have not picked the CPU. Please give your input on a motherboard you suggest based on whether I should purchase the AMD FX-60 2.60GHz or go with a different socket type.

Thanks, can't wait to hear the responses on this one.
 
I wouldn't suggest an FX-60. S939 is basically a dead socket, and an FX-60 will be heavily CPU limited with a pair of 8800GTSs. If you really want AMD, go with an AM2 based build. You'd get much better performance out of a Core 2 Duo based build, though. Obviously you'll want a very high end processor to take advantage of two of those cards.

RAM wise, I'd recommend 2x1GB sticks over 4x512MB.

Do you have a budget for the build?
 
My budget on the build is around $1000-1200.

If comparing the following 3 CPU's which would you recommend? I'm not to savy when it comes to CPU's and I don't know if the price increase is worth the perfomance on some of these.

-Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz
-AMD Athlon 64 X2 5400+ Windsor 2.8GHz
-AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ Windsor 2.8GHz

Also, what kind of mother board would you suggest for the AM2 socket and the LGA 775 socket?

And one more thing I forgot, how much of a power supply would I need to run SLI on those cards?
 
The Core 2 Duo E6600, hands down.
Not sure on a good C2D oc-ing board which can handle 2 8800GTX's, with a PCI slot between the two for airflow.
You're looking at around a decent 800W PSU for SLI 8800GTX's. Make
 
Decided..... Almost

Ok, I have almost made up my mind on this new build but still need some input.

Keep in mind I am trying to go for a machine that will last me awhile but that will be easy to upgrade as well.

CPU
Going with a core 2 duo but not sure if I should get the 6600 2.4 Ghz or 6700 2.6 Ghz, please give me some opinions on the price/performance upgrade on these two CPU's.

GPU

Going with the 8800 GTS but not sure which manufacturer brand? any recomendations?

MOBO
EVGA 122-CK-NF68-TR. Am going to be adding a second GPU for sli and this seemed a good option for that.

POWER SUPPLY
Thermaltake Toughpower 850W.

RAM
Undecided... going with at least 2 Gigs possibly 4, please offer up your suggestions on this. Thanks!
 
About the 6600 C2D get it since is cheaper than the the 6700 for around 200$ (only if you want to save up some cash, if you aren't worried about cash get a 6700 or a quad :p)

GPU:
Hmm i would go with a EVGA or a XFX or a BFG since those are the 3 main brands i would/could trust.

MOBO:
i would get one with a nVidia nForce 680i or a nVidia nForce 650i

Note: this is only if you have the extra cash

Edit:
sorry for the mobo mistake lol, mobo seems fine
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top