Thanks for the heads up, but I don't have a MicroCenter near me unfortunately. I did just find a deal for the processor at a different website for $185 shipped, so that knocks another $20 off my total.Kaako said:Just fyi, Microcenter had the same processor for $169.99. They may be out of stock but if there is one near you just give them a call and find out. Definitely worth the cheaper price.
They also have the core i5-655K unlocked for $149.99.
-
Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!
"I need a new PC!" 2010 Edition
- Thread starter Spy
- Start date
Mr Nightman
Banned
well I got ahold of some extra money, what is a nice cheap keyboard with light up keys?
Okay - so my computers are built and awesome!
The one I built from scratch (girlfriends) is flawless, no issues whatsoever.
Mine... well mine acting weird. It just hangs a lot, if I try to do more than one thing at a time, it just has so much trouble. It plays FFXIV great, no problem at all - but if I try to watch youtube, sometimes it freezes up. I check my resource monitor, and nothing is being used to capacity, so I have no idea what the dealio is.
The only thing I can think of is, because I upgraded everything in my computer, but kept my HDD the same (including 32bit windows instead of 64bit) it's mad at me now that it has a 64bit compatible processor? But even that doesn't sound right.
Halp.
The one I built from scratch (girlfriends) is flawless, no issues whatsoever.
Mine... well mine acting weird. It just hangs a lot, if I try to do more than one thing at a time, it just has so much trouble. It plays FFXIV great, no problem at all - but if I try to watch youtube, sometimes it freezes up. I check my resource monitor, and nothing is being used to capacity, so I have no idea what the dealio is.
The only thing I can think of is, because I upgraded everything in my computer, but kept my HDD the same (including 32bit windows instead of 64bit) it's mad at me now that it has a 64bit compatible processor? But even that doesn't sound right.
Halp.
It definitely isn't that. Processors have been 64bit for a long time. If you can run games fine, it sounds like a software problem. Open up MSconfig (start, run, msconfig) and choose diagnostic startup. Run like that for a while, and if it works it's some background app causing your problem. Random freezing could also be the HDD, you could try running a chkdsk: http://www.w7forums.com/use-chkdsk-check-disk-t448.htmlKinitari said:
cartoon_soldier
Member
avadirect shipped my PC. So excited !!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Combo...523179&cm_sp=ShellShocker-_-523179-_-10072010
How bad is this processor for gaming? Thinking about picking up this deal, getting 4gb DDR3 and a gtx460 1gb for ~$600 total. This would be an upgrade from a e8400/4850 system. I have to buy a new PC for my fiancee, so am thinking about just giving her mine and spending a few hundred more to get a newer mid-level PC.
AMD Athlon II X4 630 Propus 2.8GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor ADX630WFK42GI - OEM
Edit: Nevermind, seems like L3 cache is kind of important when gaming at higher resolutions. Who knew?
How bad is this processor for gaming? Thinking about picking up this deal, getting 4gb DDR3 and a gtx460 1gb for ~$600 total. This would be an upgrade from a e8400/4850 system. I have to buy a new PC for my fiancee, so am thinking about just giving her mine and spending a few hundred more to get a newer mid-level PC.
AMD Athlon II X4 630 Propus 2.8GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor ADX630WFK42GI - OEM
Edit: Nevermind, seems like L3 cache is kind of important when gaming at higher resolutions. Who knew?
Hey GAF,
I'm planning to buy a Netbook for my family this weekend (because I'll move next year and take the desktop with me), but I don't know much about them, honestly. Any netbook users here could give me some advices on which model to choose? I am looking forward to 250GB HDD, 2GB RAM, decent video card, solid construction and a powerful battery.
Thanks for the help.
I'm planning to buy a Netbook for my family this weekend (because I'll move next year and take the desktop with me), but I don't know much about them, honestly. Any netbook users here could give me some advices on which model to choose? I am looking forward to 250GB HDD, 2GB RAM, decent video card, solid construction and a powerful battery.
Thanks for the help.
TheExecutive
Member
GAF, I need help... bad. I havent had a gaming PC in a decade and have fallen so far out of the loop I am circling back on myself 
. Anyway, I am looking to build a gaming PC for around $800. I need to build it myself to keep costs down but have never done so. It isnt that hard is it? Also, any suggestions on parts?
. Anyway, I am looking to build a gaming PC for around $800. I need to build it myself to keep costs down but have never done so. It isnt that hard is it? Also, any suggestions on parts?Yeah, meant that. When the i5/i7 popped up there was a scare about putting the voltage too high and causing damage since it's a more linked system.MrBelmontvedere said:
If you can find one, the original Saitek Eclipse. $20-$25Mr Nightman said:
Looks great. Even with tax I think the 620W is on sale at newegg right now so it might be cheaper. I feel you on the tax though.BigAT said:
You might also want to look at the HAF 912 or the CM 310/320/330 if you want to save a tad.
Something similar to this would be better. I would not want a RAIDMAX powering my system.coopolon said:
http://i36.tinypic.com/33ubz2q.jpg Swap in GPU of choice of course.
L3 matters a bit, but if you are on that budget rig it's not a deal breaker. Phenom II doesn't cost that much more however.
*Upgrading from your current system to that it's a good idea. Just drop in a quad or decide when you want to move onto Sandy Bridge / AM3+.
*Warning* Old Hardware *Warning*
Sooo, looks like my brother´s pre-built pc´s graphics card won´t work anymore (3 beeps upon boot, no picture, monitor shows "no signal" warning, that´s a defect gpu, right?). The graphics card is sitting tightly in place and has good contact, so it shouldn´t be a simple loose connection.
Problem: I don´t really know all the pc´s details. It´s a Medion akoya P34592 and going from reviews it SHOULD have
Mainboard MSI MS-7502
CPU Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, 2,4GHz, 1.066 MHz FSB, 8 MB Cache (that´s actually decent, right, it seems it was popular with OC´ing)
RAM 2 x 1.024 MB + 2 x 512 MB DDR2 667 MHz
GPU Nvidia GeForce 9500GS
Sound Onboard
Disk 1 x Western Digital, 500 GB, 16 MB Cache, 7.200 U/min.
Network 1 x Gbit onboard
I just screwed it open and took out the PSU, it´s 400 Watts, but probably of questionable quality.
My google-fu being almost as bad as my skills as a pc technician so I can´t really find good infos about the rather old stuff it´s made of, but I think the mobo has only one PCI slot. That limits the pool of available replacement cards, doesn´t it.
So the options I can see are
-simply replace the GPU with a similiar one (but hey, my hardware price comparison site lists Geforce 9500 Gs for 250 , that´s 30 more than I paid for my 5850 :lol )
-upgrade the pretty shitty GPU, but then there´s power and slot concerns
-upgrade PSU and GPU, probably still slot restricted and the case is crammed and a PSU with lots of outputs might not even fit into it
-rip everything out, replace mobo, PSU, GPU and probably RAM, but that´s rather expensive and you can´t re-use the OEM Windows on the pc, right?
He just told me that he only uses it for web browsing, music and dvd watching at the moment, but that could be the GPU having always been a hinderance to games. And Pokeymanz and Disgaea not being on pc :lol
Pleeeease help me help, GAF. Thanks in advance.
PS: He might just be inside warranty. Still I´d like to know about possible upgrade choices if he isn´t OR for a christmas present to him. I might make a pc gamer (and co-op buddy) out of him!
Sooo, looks like my brother´s pre-built pc´s graphics card won´t work anymore (3 beeps upon boot, no picture, monitor shows "no signal" warning, that´s a defect gpu, right?). The graphics card is sitting tightly in place and has good contact, so it shouldn´t be a simple loose connection.
Problem: I don´t really know all the pc´s details. It´s a Medion akoya P34592 and going from reviews it SHOULD have
Mainboard MSI MS-7502
CPU Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, 2,4GHz, 1.066 MHz FSB, 8 MB Cache (that´s actually decent, right, it seems it was popular with OC´ing)
RAM 2 x 1.024 MB + 2 x 512 MB DDR2 667 MHz
GPU Nvidia GeForce 9500GS
Sound Onboard
Disk 1 x Western Digital, 500 GB, 16 MB Cache, 7.200 U/min.
Network 1 x Gbit onboard
I just screwed it open and took out the PSU, it´s 400 Watts, but probably of questionable quality.
My google-fu being almost as bad as my skills as a pc technician so I can´t really find good infos about the rather old stuff it´s made of, but I think the mobo has only one PCI slot. That limits the pool of available replacement cards, doesn´t it.
So the options I can see are
-simply replace the GPU with a similiar one (but hey, my hardware price comparison site lists Geforce 9500 Gs for 250 , that´s 30 more than I paid for my 5850 :lol )
-upgrade the pretty shitty GPU, but then there´s power and slot concerns
-upgrade PSU and GPU, probably still slot restricted and the case is crammed and a PSU with lots of outputs might not even fit into it
-rip everything out, replace mobo, PSU, GPU and probably RAM, but that´s rather expensive and you can´t re-use the OEM Windows on the pc, right?
He just told me that he only uses it for web browsing, music and dvd watching at the moment, but that could be the GPU having always been a hinderance to games. And Pokeymanz and Disgaea not being on pc :lol
Pleeeease help me help, GAF. Thanks in advance.
PS: He might just be inside warranty. Still I´d like to know about possible upgrade choices if he isn´t OR for a christmas present to him. I might make a pc gamer (and co-op buddy) out of him!
Got the majority of my components in today:
On the table:
Silverstone FT02 (no window) Chasis
Corsair AX850
Gigabyte P55A-UD4P mobo
Intel i7-870
G.Skill 8GB (2 x 4GB)
OCZ Vertex2 120GB SSD (OS, Apps, Games)
Hyper 212+ Heatsink
Scythe 800RPM Slipstream fan to replace stock fan on 212+
Yet to buy/arrive:
Monitor (probably Dell U2711 if I decide to splurge or HP ZR24W if not)
WD Caviar Green 1TB HDD (music, pictures/lightroom library, other storage)
DVD Drive (probably will go internal despite my question)
Keyboard/Mouse (have ones to use, but want to buy a good mechanical keyboard - probably a Filco Majestouch Tactile Touch - and undecided on mouse, need one that's good for everyday use but decent for gaming)
Second GTX460 for SLI (waiting to see if prices drop when AMD makes a move)
Too bad I'm sick this weekend and really don't feel like messing with it this weekend. Hopefully I'm better next week and can get on it.
If I install a second GTX460 later for SLI, would it be prudent to uninstall and reinstall the Nvidia drivers, or will it just detect the second card upon booting up and I can enable SLI?
On the table:
Silverstone FT02 (no window) Chasis
Corsair AX850
Gigabyte P55A-UD4P mobo
Intel i7-870
G.Skill 8GB (2 x 4GB)
OCZ Vertex2 120GB SSD (OS, Apps, Games)
Hyper 212+ Heatsink
Scythe 800RPM Slipstream fan to replace stock fan on 212+
Yet to buy/arrive:
Monitor (probably Dell U2711 if I decide to splurge or HP ZR24W if not)
WD Caviar Green 1TB HDD (music, pictures/lightroom library, other storage)
DVD Drive (probably will go internal despite my question)
Keyboard/Mouse (have ones to use, but want to buy a good mechanical keyboard - probably a Filco Majestouch Tactile Touch - and undecided on mouse, need one that's good for everyday use but decent for gaming)
Second GTX460 for SLI (waiting to see if prices drop when AMD makes a move)
Too bad I'm sick this weekend and really don't feel like messing with it this weekend. Hopefully I'm better next week and can get on it.
If I install a second GTX460 later for SLI, would it be prudent to uninstall and reinstall the Nvidia drivers, or will it just detect the second card upon booting up and I can enable SLI?
According to what I found (Here), that motherboard has 2 PCIe slots: 1x and 16x. If I remember correctly, PCIe 2.0 cards work in a standard PCIe slot, so your options are fairly open. It depends on how much you trust the PSU, if it is standard sized, and how much you want to spend altogether.Binabik15 said:
Also, since I'm in here, I have an issue that I would like a second opinion on: the computer I'm using right now has a 7950GT in it which is idling at 57C in SpeedFan. When I go into a game, the screen flashes black every 15-20 seconds and there are horizontal lines flashing across my monitor. Should I start looking around for a new GPU?
DodgyGeezerFella
Member
Something im not sure of, probably a stupid question.
I have a heatsink/fan from a Q6600, this wouldnt be a problem for use on an E6600 right ?
I have a heatsink/fan from a Q6600, this wouldnt be a problem for use on an E6600 right ?
Mr Nightman
Banned
I think as long as they are the same socket type, or the same heatsink mount you should be fineOgs said:
Any PCI-E card is fine.Binabik15 said:
Depending on your price range and current sales you could be looking at 9600GSO, 5650, etc. Most of the mid range cards today are low power so that 400W PSU should be fine.
Check to see if it has a 6 pin PCI-E power connector though. Some of the lower power cards won't need one though.
teiresias said:
It should boot up normally and tell you to enable SLi in options. I believe that is it.
Same socket and mounting, you are good.Ogs said:
Sho_Nuff82
Member
JudgeN said:
So I put together the rig I posted about a few days ago (tonight), and I'm getting no where fast. I think it may be the PSU.
With the Radeon 4870 installed, I get the equivalent of RROD - One solid light, two blinking, and the fans starting and stopping every few seconds. Absolutely no picture in my display, not even BIOS.
Tried unplugging each component individually from the power supply, no dice.
My roommate finally plugged in his video card - solved the starting/stopping issue, but still, no picture. Could the BP550 be at fault here? BTW, I've tested the monitor (and the DVI/HDMI converter), it works fine.
Edit:
NVM, took the processor out, it was installed improperly on the MB, just got it up and running. :lol
asdad123 said:
Yup, not for gaming. I saw a pretty good offer of an Acer model, AO532h, but it isn't that powerful. Asus EeePC 1021T looks to be pretty good for multimedia, and the higher storage capacity is appealing, but I don't know if it's worth the higher price. Also, which brand generally has the best construction quality/finishing?
MrBelmontvedere
Member
Mr Nightman said:
Razer Lycosa
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...004&cm_re=razer_lycosa-_-23-114-004-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...008&cm_re=razer_lycosa-_-23-114-008-_-Product
see this video for an explanation of the difference between these two:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXyLf1Yij7w
Mr Nightman
Banned
Thanks for the suggestions, but I just ended up going with a cheaper gigabyte mouse and keyboard set.MrBelmontvedere said:
Ok, now that I've awakened after blacking out from the pricetag, I'm prepared to share my potential PC build with GAF. Please let me know your thoughts and where I can/should spend money differently.
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=18548487
The only thing missing is some sort of media drive because I haven't decided whether or not I want to put a Blu-Ray drive in there for shits and giggles. This will be the first PC I've built for gaming since... uhh, when did Unreal 2004 come out? :lol
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=18548487
The only thing missing is some sort of media drive because I haven't decided whether or not I want to put a Blu-Ray drive in there for shits and giggles. This will be the first PC I've built for gaming since... uhh, when did Unreal 2004 come out? :lol
IrishNinja
Member
replying way late, but i've finally got the $ together & looking to take the plunge, just need help on a final few steps for my portable gaming rig, GAF!
taking Fredescu's much-appreciated advice, i'm going with the SG07 case, i think it gives me the room i want for the parts im looking at, trying to cover my bases but its looking like:
Case: SG07 - $210
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163169&cm_re=SG07-_-11-163-169-_-Product
CPU: i5-760 $209 - planning OC to 3.4 or so
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115067
Board: GA-H55N-USB3 $105
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128448
RAM: 4GB DDR3 $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ..._re=g.skill_ripjaw_4gb-_-20-231-276-_-Product
HDD: Samsung 1TB 7200 $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...=samsung_spinpoint_1tb-_-22-152-185-_-Product
Optical drive: Samsung $20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151188&Tpk=N82E16827151188
puts me at $704 before the GPU and whatever you guys recommend for a CPU cooler (friend i'm putting it together with should have thermal paste).
I was looking at about an ATI 5870, should be adaquate for running current/upcoming games on high settings, no? i could swear it was mentioned in the dolphin/PCSX2 emulator threads (the other half of this rig's purpose) that intel/ATI were the way to go for this stuff.
1) i'm not seeing wifi off this board. having never put together a rig before: do i need a separate card, or do other boards tend to offer this?
2) besides things like HDMI to VGA adapter (for work), mouse & keyboard to take with it etc, any other obvious pieces missing?
3) any particular recommendations vs whats here, or any potential complications you see from the case's size vs parts listed? the review of said case that Fredescu linked prior showed that specific board, so i'm not sure what else to be concerned about.
case is pricey, but the power unit it comes with should handle everything, i'm told.
4) is there a good/standard headset or mic for gaming?
thanks GAF, looking forward to joining some of youse on Steam in the near future if this works out!
taking Fredescu's much-appreciated advice, i'm going with the SG07 case, i think it gives me the room i want for the parts im looking at, trying to cover my bases but its looking like:
Case: SG07 - $210
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163169&cm_re=SG07-_-11-163-169-_-Product
CPU: i5-760 $209 - planning OC to 3.4 or so
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115067
Board: GA-H55N-USB3 $105
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128448
RAM: 4GB DDR3 $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ..._re=g.skill_ripjaw_4gb-_-20-231-276-_-Product
HDD: Samsung 1TB 7200 $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...=samsung_spinpoint_1tb-_-22-152-185-_-Product
Optical drive: Samsung $20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151188&Tpk=N82E16827151188
puts me at $704 before the GPU and whatever you guys recommend for a CPU cooler (friend i'm putting it together with should have thermal paste).
I was looking at about an ATI 5870, should be adaquate for running current/upcoming games on high settings, no? i could swear it was mentioned in the dolphin/PCSX2 emulator threads (the other half of this rig's purpose) that intel/ATI were the way to go for this stuff.
1) i'm not seeing wifi off this board. having never put together a rig before: do i need a separate card, or do other boards tend to offer this?
2) besides things like HDMI to VGA adapter (for work), mouse & keyboard to take with it etc, any other obvious pieces missing?
3) any particular recommendations vs whats here, or any potential complications you see from the case's size vs parts listed? the review of said case that Fredescu linked prior showed that specific board, so i'm not sure what else to be concerned about.
case is pricey, but the power unit it comes with should handle everything, i'm told.
4) is there a good/standard headset or mic for gaming?
thanks GAF, looking forward to joining some of youse on Steam in the near future if this works out!
IrishNinja
Member
ah, shit, didn't catch that!:lol good looking out, man.
can you link one that'd fit, on the cheap? also, still hoping for GPU recommendations; for some reason, i thought a 5870 would be cheaper...
can you link one that'd fit, on the cheap? also, still hoping for GPU recommendations; for some reason, i thought a 5870 would be cheaper...
MrBelmontvedere said:
this is a bell curve. you want to be on the outer edges of the curve, where defects are very low. the more you overclock (move outside manufacturers specifications) the more you move towards the middle of the curve, where defects are higher. this doesn't mean that the minute you overclock a processor all hell breaks loose, it means that the PROBABILITY of encountering a defect is higher. granted that probability may remain low except for the most extreme cases of overvolting with >30% overclock, nevertheless if you did a survey of 1,000 people with stock clocks and 1,000 people with overclocked processors the defect rate would be higher in the latter group. without question. even though there would certainly be cases of successful overclocking for 2-3 years, I'm talking about probability here, not individual cases.
I'm just trying to give advice for those GAFers that might not know about these things. if you accept the risk and tread lightly, more power to you.
You read too much.......
The main issue with clocking is voltage, if you ram too much voltage through a chip you will burn it.
My i7 920 for instance does 4.0ghz at 1.29V, with core temps of 65c there is absolutely no reason as to why you wouldn't run at those settings 24/7 in a gaming rig.
My 460 1GB's do 850mhz at stock volts, with temps of 75C, there is again NO reason not to run those clocks 24/7 in a gaming rig.
IrishNinja said:
Holy cow, 210$ for that tiny little case? It's your money but personally I'd save 180$ by buying a micro-ATX case and put that towards the GPU or whatnot.
Edit: Ah I see most of that 210$ is from the PSU in it. Typically ITX power supplies are the pits and you pay through the nose for a decent one. Looks like someone threw a 5970 in one, that's pretty neat.
IrishNinja
Member
Shambles said:
yeah, i know right? i had it in my head this thing was the size of a shoebox or so, but it's 13" high...i just cant find anything better without compromising the pieces.
trust me, im trying to find corners to cut for a really good GPU!
kitch9 said:
GAH, why did you go ahead and say that? Now I gotta do that aswell :3. But before I do anything stupid : questiontime!
1) Overclocking your gpu, you use MSI afterburner I assume? What do I have to keep in mind while doing this with a stock cooler & voltages? All I have to do is adjust the core clock am I right?
2) I have 2 460s running in SLI, anything I need to be extra cautious about? Will the program show me core clock options for both or will it just give me one slider for both cards? Anything I need to keep in mind ?
Thank you,
http://ninite.com/Wes said:
Unregistered007
Banned
Hi, can someone guide me.
I want to get a Video Card, I am in Toronto.
Right now I have a ATI Radeon HD 4650 1024 MB in the PC.
What is the best card around 200 dollars and can Play Crysis and SFIV on MAX, I am open to there options, 200 is just a figure.
I have Quad Core i5 750 - 2.67 ghz
8 gb ddr3 ram
Please advise.
I want to get a Video Card, I am in Toronto.
Right now I have a ATI Radeon HD 4650 1024 MB in the PC.
What is the best card around 200 dollars and can Play Crysis and SFIV on MAX, I am open to there options, 200 is just a figure.
I have Quad Core i5 750 - 2.67 ghz
8 gb ddr3 ram
Please advise.
Unregistered007 said:
sf4 and crysis aren't in the same class ^^, you can easily play sf4 on max with like 100fps with one gtx 460, which is around 200$ , while crysis will run at about 25-30 on max settings depending on resolution and processor.
grap3fruitman
Banned
I'd still recommend the Radeon 5850 or 5870 (pricier) over the GTX 460 or that whole line.Unregistered007 said:
Would a 5870 even fit in that case? It barely fit in my brother's Antec 900 case which is fairly roomy. Now I'm gonna be throwing a second one in there, haha.IrishNinja said:
Unregistered007
Banned
Corky said:
what do you need for Crysis ?
TouchMyBox
Member
teiresias said:
:O Do it. Best $730 I've spent.
TouchMyBox said::O Do it. Best $730 I've spent.
Yeah, if I could find it for only $730! Where'd you get that price? I haven't seen it lower than $850 on the random occasion. I'm hoping it pops up in the last day or two of the current Dell "Days of Deals" event, but not seeming likely with their choices so far.
Since you have the monitor, may I ask, do you game at all, and if so what do you use? I have one GTX460, and if I go with the U2711 I suppose I may want to SLI to get good performance at its native resolution, but was just wondering what you thought having a monitor that size?
crisdecuba
Member
K, looking to build a video editing rig with some decent capabilities for games (e.g. run the newest games at medium-ish settings).
Here's the motherboard I'm looking at:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...31641R&cm_re=p6x58d-e-_-13-131-641R-_-Product
and looking to couple it with the i7-930 and 6GB of memory (3 x 2GB)
So here are my questions:
1. Is this Mobo overkill? I don't plan on overclocking anything but I like the possibility of upgrading components in the future but keeping the MB.
2. Graphics cards: Does going the Crossfire approach double performance? Or is it not a straightforward doubling? I like the idea of adding a second graphics card down the road when the prices come down rather than shelling out more money for an entirely new card.
3. Would the i7-950 be worth the extra $25 over the 930?
Thanks in advance!!
Here's the motherboard I'm looking at:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...31641R&cm_re=p6x58d-e-_-13-131-641R-_-Product
and looking to couple it with the i7-930 and 6GB of memory (3 x 2GB)
So here are my questions:
1. Is this Mobo overkill? I don't plan on overclocking anything but I like the possibility of upgrading components in the future but keeping the MB.
2. Graphics cards: Does going the Crossfire approach double performance? Or is it not a straightforward doubling? I like the idea of adding a second graphics card down the road when the prices come down rather than shelling out more money for an entirely new card.
3. Would the i7-950 be worth the extra $25 over the 930?
Thanks in advance!!
crisdecuba said:
All the current Intel sockets will be obsolete when the new processors come out since they've already announced that the Sandy Bridge processors will use a new socket. You could upgrade RAM and video cards though. I do think you're right for going with an X58 rig if you want to do video editing (if you're sure you don't want to wait a few months for Sandy Bridge).
Crossfire doesn't scale as well as Nvidia's SLI setups do, at least in gaming. Since you're talking video editing I'm not sure, and I'm not sure if Crossfire/SLI buys you anything in that scenario or not anyway. I'd have to read around to know.
950 and 930 are the same aside from clockspeed. You could read and see what the overclock potential is of the 930 vs the 950 and decide from there, but if you're doing video editing you may not want to deal with overclocking. $25 isn't a huge markup, IMO, so I'd probably just eat it personally to know I had the higher end part.
crisdecuba
Member
teiresias said:
Thanks for the response! As far as crossfire / sli is concerned, that would be more for gaming purposes. The idea being that I can buy a second card at a cheaper price and see the same performance gain that I'd get with buying a single, newer more expensive card.
I'm open to either crossfire or sli - whichever one scales better. But it sounds like either way it's not a straight doubling of the performance. Is that right?
TouchMyBox
Member
teiresias said:
And that's $730 Canadian
but yeah, I used shopbot to find that price. It's not my primary gaming monitor as i'm more of a 120Hz or nothing type of guy. I use it more for productivity, but I do play the odd game on it and they all look stunning. It's noticeably slower than my 120Hz acer, but I many people would be hard pressed to tell the difference anyway.As for videocards, the rig I have this thing connected to has a 5770, so yeah, a GTX 460 should be pretty great at driving one. The 5770 does a less than stellar job, but it's still solid.