Support NeoGAF

[Black Deatha]

I have got most of the components picked out:

AMD Athlon 64 3800+ s939
Asus nForce4 PCI-E SLI delux modo
Still trying to decide between getting 2 sets of either Corsair of Kingston dual channel twin PC3200 512MB for 2GB.
Creative SoundBlaster Audigy 2 ZS Platinum (already own)
WD 160 GB HD (already own)
I have decided to go with a Coolermaster Centorian 5 case, looks pretty nice on there site
Havnt decided on a video card.


Ok, first off I am hoping someone can clarify for me 2 things, first, as I understand it, the mobo I want supports dual dual channel RAM support, so if I am not mistaken, I should be albe to put in 4 sticks of 512 and have it run dual dual channel? Secondly, who would you recomend, Kingston or Corsair?

Secondly, the video card, I had a GeForce 3, and I switched to a 9800 Pro, I was really planning on getting a PCI ATI card, I was looking at the X700, but I want a jump from my 9800 Pro, and from what I have seen of the X700 it doesnt seem to be that much better. But I was in Future Shop a while back, when I was looking at video cards, and when I told one of the guys the board I was considering getting, he reccomended 2 of these with SLI.

Now there price isnt too bad, I could get 2 for around $600, but is it worth it? I have heard that apperantly a lot of games dont support SLI mode yet? Eitherway, these I would just use to hold me over for a year or more, would they be a good holdover?

I cant wait to be able to finish HL2, something my current POS PC wont let me do, even thought it shouldent have a problem playing the game.

Any additional advice you guys would like to offer would be appreciated as well.

Also please note guys, I am CANADIAN, so please dont mistake prices as USD, and post all these links to newegg.

~Black Deatha

 

[Drexon]

You seem to have your horses in the stable. I went for Kingston. They have a lifetime garantuee, only reason I went for them. As for GFX card just get whatever you feel will satisfy your needs aaand... well, I'd just get the most expensive one I could. I'm sure you'll find your card, look at some comparisons y don't you?

 

[teh_pwn]

Here's your video card. Buy it before the deal expires...meaning within the next few hours. It will expire soon.

http://www.slickdeals.net/#p6073

Buy an AGP mobo

SLI is worthless unless you run games beyond 1600x1200 res.

 

[element]

whatever you do, don't buy a DFI mobo

 

[Black Deatha]

Here's your video card. Buy it before the deal expires...meaning within the next few hours. It will expire soon.

http://www.slickdeals.net/#p6073

Buy an AGP mobo

SLI is worthless unless you run games beyond 1600x1200 res.

I have considerd that but I really want to go PCI-E this time...

~Black Deatha

 

[AntoneM]

the card I'd recommend is the X800 XL, basically it's as fast as the 6800GT and it's usually cheaper (and yes it comes in PCIe). Should be good for a couple years.

 

[Black Deatha]

the card I'd recommend is the X800 XL, basically it's as fast as the 6800GT and it's usually cheaper (and yes it comes in PCIe). Should be good for a couple years.

Ok, but who makes it ATI? Spahire? And is it better than 2 6600 OC SLI?

~Black Deatha

 

[Error Macro]

I'm staying with AGP for one final PC build. I bought a Leadtek 6800 GT for $300.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814122195

Best deal out now, in my opinion.

MSI K8N Neo2 seems to be the best AGP motherboard, if you're going to go that route. Also, make sure that the CPU you get is the 3800+ Rev. E (Venice core). Much better memory controller, and is on a new process and can overclock higher.

I was all set to build a badass SLI rig, but then I started thinking about how much a waste of money it would be. A single card is plenty for now. Next year we might start to see SLI actually mean something.

 

[Myoclonic Jerk]

suggestion:

with that kickass PC you should get 2 of this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144200

 

[Error Macro]

Actually, if you're interested in Raptors, the 74GB is faster than the 36GB version, and RAID striping does not increase the speed on these drives. You'd actually be better off still by getting a Maxtor Maxline III 300 GB drive for the same price, and have the same performance. That is if you can trust the Maxtor brand name, I cannot. Western Digital's 3200JD or JB drive (SATA or PATA) is very, very nice. It's fast and is 320GB. I'm going to get that one.