[amw_drizz]

Okay for Christmas I finally got my parents to buy me components for a new computer system limit is $1200 shipped. Don't get me wrong my Current AMD Athlon XP 2400+ is a nice system and all, just that its performance or lack there of is starting to show in the newer games that come out. My main problem is that I am torn between Intel and AMD. So I'll list the components for each I would like your opinions of each

Edit: I should also mention that the main purpose for this rig is Gaming, but I will be doing a bit of everything on it. And my goal is to build another rig that will last atleast 3-4 years with out Major upgrades (ie video card, cpu, main board). As the last system I built for myself is still going strong, it just can't play Brothers in Arms :: Hells Highway very well. My current FPS in that game is between 11-19.

Components that will stay the same
Case
APEVIA X-Gear ATXB5KLW-BL Blue Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 420W Power Supply - Retail
Model #:ATXB5KLW-BL
Item #:N82E16811144043
$49.99 $49.99
Video Cards (SLI) 2
EVGA 512-P3-N871-AR GeForce 9800 GTX(G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
Model #:512-P3-N871-AR
Item #:N82E16814130339
$159.99 $319.98

PSU
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
Model #:CMPSU-750TX
Item #:N82E16817139006
$179.99 -$70.00 Instant $109.99

Memory
Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KHX8500AD2K2/4GR - Retail
Model #:KHX8500AD2K2/4GR
Item #:N82E16820104060
$92.99 $92.99

Hard Drive
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3750640AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #:ST3750640AS
Item #:N82E16822148134
$89.99 $89.99

DVD - RW
LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04 - OEM
Model #:iHAS120-04
Item #:N82E16827106263

Okay for AMD I am looking at the following 2 Choices for mainboards and cpus
Mainboard
MSI K9N2 SLI Platinum AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA nForce 750a SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813130161
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy
$144.99

CPU
AMD Phenom 9950 2.6GHz Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor Model HD995ZXAGHBOX - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103291
$184.99

OR

CPU
AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz Socket AM2 89W Dual-Core Processor Model ADA6000CZBOX - Retail
Model #:ADA6000CZBOX
Item #:N82E16819103233

$89.99 $89.99

Mainboard (same as One from above different cpu
MSI K9N2 SLI Platinum AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA nForce 750a SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #:K9N2 SLI Platinum
Item #:N82E16813130161
$144.99

Eh Intel will blow my budget too much....

Edited by amw_drizz, 13 November 2008 - 09:13 AM.

[Advertisements]

What were your Intel options again?

From those two AMD's the Phenom Quad-Core would be my choice.

Troy

[Troy]

What were your Intel options again?

From those two AMD's the Phenom Quad-Core would be my choice.

Troy

[=OSS*ROID=]

ya id like to know ur intel options also, and i agree with troy, definitly the phenon, proven to be better and much more efficient.

[amw_drizz]

First CPU I am considering
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500 - Retail
Customer Choice Award2x Winner of Customer Choice Award - Processors - Desktops

* Processors Type: Desktop
* Series: Core 2 Duo
* FSB: 1333MHz
* L2 Cache: 6MB
* Manufacturing Tech: 45 nm
* 64 bit Support: Yes
* Hyper-Threading Support: No
* Virtualization Technology Support: Yes
* Model #: BX80570E8500
* Item #: N82E16819115036
$188.99

Second CPU I am considering
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor - Retail $182.45

[=OSS*ROID=]

Hands down I would highly recommend the Intel Core 2 Quad processor over any other quad processor on the market right now, except the i7s. But if the Intel makes you go over your budget, go with the phenom.

Cheers

[amw_drizz]

Well the CPU doesn't push me over my budget, the motherboard does, for a compatible sli 1333 fsb main board is $270.00

Motherboard -> ASUS Striker II NSE LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 790i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $269.99


Edit. I guess I am from the older days when I thought Speed was everything and getting a 2.4 ghz Quad core makes me think I am only getting .4 ghz gain from my current AMD. But I want to build one [bleep] of a gaming machine for under $1200 shipped. I am going to need a new case as the one I have right now is staying complete (my AMD system is in it now). I really want a game of which that can handle all the games out today and atleast 2-3 years into the future before a major upgrade is needed. Right now Brothers in arms hells highway on my amd system gets about 12-17 FPS and I would like to see that at 100+ on max settings @ 1360x768 res (that is the max res for my 32" lcd tv) that i have hooked up. As then I know it should handle all future games for a few years.

Edited by amw_drizz, 16 November 2008 - 07:07 PM.

[=OSS*ROID=]

Well you dont have to get a Asus Striker II board, there are other great boards for less that compare with that board. EVGA is definitly my recommended brand when it comes to a motherboard. A good motherboard from theme for a good price would be the NVIDIA nForce 750i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard. It has a 1333 FSB, supports Quad-core, has PCI-E 2.0, and a bunch of other cool features, plus it is built directly with nVidia chips so it works perfectly with your nVidia graphics cards. Plus it looks good which is always a plus in my book. Unless you absolutely need a nForce 790i chipset, i would recommend getting this board. It only costs $145 dollars after a mail in rebate ($175 without the rebate), and Newegg shipping is always awesome. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813188026

Edited by X IBLaCK0uT X, 16 November 2008 - 08:17 PM.

[amw_drizz]

the other thing I am looking at is over clocking abilities as well

[Candu]

Well the CPU doesn't push me over my budget, the motherboard does, for a compatible sli 1333 fsb main board is $270.00

Motherboard -> ASUS Striker II NSE LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 790i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $269.99


Edit. I guess I am from the older days when I thought Speed was everything and getting a 2.4 ghz Quad core makes me think I am only getting .4 ghz gain from my current AMD. But I want to build one [bleep] of a gaming machine for under $1200 shipped. I am going to need a new case as the one I have right now is staying complete (my AMD system is in it now). I really want a game of which that can handle all the games out today and atleast 2-3 years into the future before a major upgrade is needed. Right now Brothers in arms hells highway on my amd system gets about 12-17 FPS and I would like to see that at 100+ on max settings @ 1360x768 res (that is the max res for my 32" lcd tv) that i have hooked up. As then I know it should handle all future games for a few years.

Really, as this is primarily a gaming pc dont bother with a quad core.

One of these

and one of these

in one of these

or in one of these

My recomendation based on you being happy to overclock the cpu to 4GHz (thus the mahoosive cooler), but getting this overclock on an E8400 is about as easy as fighting your way out of a paper bag

(NB all CPUs are different and your overclocking experiance may vary.)

[amw_drizz]

now is the intel core 2 duo e8400 better than the amd phenom i am looking at?


What I would love to know right now, Should I be sticking with AMD or switch to Intel? I have been a AMD Fan so know I would like to know if Intel is the better choice now for gaming?

[amw_drizz]

So For a final system I am looking at

APEVIA X-SNIPER G-Type X-SNIPERG-BK Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

APEVIA X-SNIPER G-Type X-SNIPERG-BK Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #:X-SNIPERG-BK
Item #:N82E16811144239
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
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$84.99 -$5.00 Instant $79.99


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APEVIA CF12SL-UBL 120mm Blue LED Case Fan

APEVIA CF12SL-UBL 120mm Blue LED Case Fan - Retail
Model #:CF12SL-UBL
Item #:N82E16811998121
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

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$7.49 $7.49


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EVGA 123-YW-E175-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard

EVGA 123-YW-E175-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #:123-YW-E175-A1
Item #:N82E16813188026
Return Policy:Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate

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$179.99 -$5.00 Instant $174.99


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2x BFG Tech BFGE98512GTXOCE GeForce 9800 GTX 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

BFG Tech BFGE98512GTXOCE GeForce 9800 GTX 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #:BFGE98512GTXOCE
Item #:N82E16814143137
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

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$169.99 -$10.00 Save $319.98


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CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
Model #:CMPSU-750TX
Item #:N82E16817139006
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
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$179.99 -$60.00 Instant $119.99


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Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
Model #:BX80562Q6600
Item #:N82E16819115017
Return Policy:Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
In Stock

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$189.99 $189.99


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2x Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KHX8500AD2K2/4GR

Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KHX8500AD2K2/4GR - Retail
Model #:KHX8500AD2K2/4GR
Item #:N82E16820104060
Return Policy:Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock

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$92.99 $185.98


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Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3750640AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3750640AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #:ST3750640AS
Item #:N82E16822148134
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock

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$89.99 $89.99


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LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04 - OEM
Model #:iHAS120-04
Item #:N82E16827106263
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock

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$23.99 $47.98


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Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit English 1pk DSP OEI DVD for System Builders

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit English 1pk DSP OEI DVD for System Builders - OEM
Model #:66R-02034
Item #:N82E16832116493
Return Policy:Software Return Policy
In Stock

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$179.99 $179.99
Subtotal: $1,396.37

But What I would like to know is should I keep the quad core or go with core 2 duo e8400? I would like to get a cpu that can hit 3.4-4ghz OC'ed I like the Idea of a quad core as I am sure more Apps are going to be coming out that will have more support for it. Like I said in the beginning and through out is that I do not want to putting any new components (asides a hard drive in the future) in to it for the next 3-4 years (current age of current amd system).

Thank you for all your opinions. and I got my budget raised to a absolute max of $1500 shipped. Which allows me to get a new OS as well to utilize the 8 gigs of ram i am putting in the system.

[Candu]

Congrats on a very nice looking system, Im sure that it will do all the things that you want! There are a couple of things that you might like to think about before you order

8GB of memory is really quite a lot (but then you are using vista). It cant really hurt, and DDR2 is nice and cheap these days compared to DDR3, but you could use 4GB and still have a lovely speedy PC. You could spend the $90 on something else, like a cpu cooler that I dont see in your list.

Speaking of cooling, if you want the overclock that you talk about with that CPU then Im affraid you are going to need a nice big cpu cooler, the 4 cores means that it puts out a lot of heat and the standard cooler it comes with would be overwhelmed long before the cpu. The choice between the 2 CPUs is a difficult one, the quad core will be a little slower ion todays games but I guess it may be a little more future proof too.

Im not sure, but how much are 1GB (not 512MB) 4870 graphics cards over in the states? I think that they might be a bit cheeper than the cards you are looking at at the mo (around $290) so you could save a bit of money there too and would probably get the same or better graphics.

ATB and happy shopping

[amw_drizz]

Okay after some of the opinions and what not and figuring out the costs and everything my finalized system

Quick Response to Candu

4870 graphics cards

I am going to guess that is an ATI Card. Now do get me wrong ATI is great but I have heard better on the 2 gfx cards I have selected for SLi

And for the list

I also made my wish list public so all could see it Click Here I think you may have to have a newegg account to view it so just word of advise

Qty. Product Description Savings Total Price



LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04

2x LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04 - OEM
Item #: N82E16827106263
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

Protect Your Investment (expand for options|hide options)

Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan

The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info27-106-263.0.18)

* 1 year: $9.99
* 2 year: $14.99



$47.98
($23.99 each)




RAIDMAX Tornado ATX-238WU Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

RAIDMAX Tornado ATX-238WU Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811156223
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy



$44.99




Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16822136319
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

Protect Your Investment (expand for options|hide options)

Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan

The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info22-136-319.0.18)

* 1 year: $14.99
* 2 year: $19.99



$84.99




BFG Tech BFGE98512GTXOCE GeForce 9800 GTX 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

2x BFG Tech BFGE98512GTXOCE GeForce 9800 GTX 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814143137
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

Protect Your Investment (expand for options|hide options)

Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan

The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info14-143-137.0.18)

* 1 year: $24.99
* 2 year: $39.99

-$10.00 Sale


$339.98
$319.98
($159.99 each)




CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817139006
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

Protect Your Investment (expand for options|hide options)

Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan

The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info17-139-006.0.18)

* 1 year: $24.99
* 2 year: $39.99

-$60.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate

$179.99
$119.99




2x Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KHX8500AD2K2/4GR

Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KHX8500AD2K2/4GR - Retail
Item #: N82E16820104060
Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy


$40.00 Mail-in Rebate

$185.98
($92.99 each)




EVGA 123-YW-E175-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard

EVGA 123-YW-E175-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813188026
Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy

Protect Your Investment (expand for options|hide options)

Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan

The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info13-188-026.0.18)

* 1 year: $24.99
* 2 year: $39.99

-$5.00 Instant
$30.00 Mail-in Rebate

$179.99
$174.99




Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail
Item #: N82E16819115037
Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy

Protect Your Investment (expand for options|hide options)

Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan

The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info19-115-037.0.18)

* 1 year: $24.99
* 2 year: $39.99



$164.99




Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit English 1pk DSP OEI DVD for System Builders

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit English 1pk DSP OEI DVD for System Builders - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116493
Return Policy: Software Return Policy



$179.99




Rosewill RCX-Z775-SL 92mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler

Rosewill RCX-Z775-SL 92mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler - Retail
Item #: N82E16835200024
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

Protect Your Investment (expand for options|hide options)

Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan

The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info35-200-024.0.18)

* 1 year: $9.99
* 2 year: $14.99



$19.99

I am welcome to all opinions on this comp, I plan on OC'ing the cpu a little bit, and I heard that vista 64 can chew alot of memory at start up so that is why i am choosing the 8 gigs over the 4