Time for a new computer.

[Bagel]

My old computer has finally become outdated and it's time for a new one. Though I do know a little about computers and have built 2 or 3, problem is I'm a bit behind on the newer hardware and what is set to release soon. I'm looking for a setup that will be able to handle most any game now and in the future, budget is at around $1000-$1100. I'm a bit of an ATI fanboy so I was thinking about a HD3870 for the graphics card, other than that I have no idea what to pick up in the mobo, CPU, PSU, or ram department. So I was hoping you guys could help me out there, thanks in advance fellas.

[Bagel]

Bump.

http://lolcat.com/pics/halpquicksandcat.jpg (http://lolcat.com)

[ExodusC]

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017)
RAM: Crucial Ballistix 2x1GB DDR2 800 Dual Channel Kit (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146565)
Video Card: EVGA 8800GT 512MB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130318) (This does outperform the HD3870)
Motherboard: ABIT IP35 Pro (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813127030) (Haven't used this myself, but I've heard it's the best P35 board out there.)
Power Supply: OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI ATX12V 700W Power Supply (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341002) (This seems to be a very popular power supply.)

[Dawgdoc]

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017)
RAM: Crucial Ballistix 2x1GB DDR2 800 Dual Channel Kit (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146565)
Video Card: EVGA 8800GT 512MB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130318) (This does outperform the HD3870)
Motherboard: ABIT IP35 Pro (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813127030) (Haven't used this myself, but I've heard it's the best P35 board out there.)
Power Supply: OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI ATX12V 700W Power Supply (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341002) (This seems to be a very popular power supply.)

2nd on most of that.

I like the Corsair HX620W or HX520W myself. More than enough power for OCing a Q6600, 8800 GTX, 4 HDs, and plenty to spare.

Ive heard great things about that mobo too. I am running a P5K premium myself and quite happy with it.

[revogamer]

HX620 +2, and the rest looks good. can go 3870 if you prefer, but the 8800GT 512mb does outperform it, so its up to you.

[Dawgdoc]

If a few $$$ makes a difference, Xeon3210 are down to $240 at clubit (http://www.clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=A1938012)(guaranteed G0).

Yes its default clock is lower than a Q6600 (2.13 vs 2.4) but every single X3210 G0 Ive seen OCs to the common quad "sweetspot" of 3.6 Ghz so.....

Just food for thought :)

Its tough to go wrong on a Q6600 for less than $300 though as far as a price to performance ratio. Just make sure you get a G0 :)

[Dawgdoc]

Some backup info on the X3210 and its oc-ability

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=524717

[Bagel]

Love it. I think I'm going stick with the Q6600 since I'm not much of an overclocker. Also I was wondering about the RAM, I don't know to much about it and the price on the Crucial seems to good to be true( =P). Is there a step up from that ram or is it pretty much top of the line?

[Dawgdoc]

There is a step up yes.

They sell a PC8500 (1066 Mhz) ram too.

But if you arnt overclocking it isnt going to make any difference whatsoever to you :)

On backorder off the Egg now :( (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148069)

These are the same as the linked ones above. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148070)Uses the same EXACT D9 chip it just has some added bling with flashing lights. Not worth more money though IMHO....

[NickS]

I think this setup will get you more performance/bang 4 buck.

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

The Q6600, just like everyone else. Great CPU, espec. for the money.

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130098&Tpk=MSI%2bneo2-fr

Amazing motherboard, espec. for the price. Not that I don't like the IP35 Pro, but this is just a more "well rounded" motherboard IMO. I've dealt with both extensively, and I will honestly say the MSI P35 Neo2-FR will suit you better. It's less buggy, still overclocks great if you want to, and is a lot cheaper.

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002&Tpk=corsair%2b620

Corsair HX620, best psu for the $.

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

G.Skill 4GBPQ. Yes, 4GB for $99. Clocks to 1000-1100Mhz EZ, runs very cool, low voltage, etc. Won't die like D9. Anyone who buys D9 (2x1GB) now is a complete fool with 4GB prices the way they are.

VGA: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102713

Sapphire 3870. It works, it's what you want, and it will play anything.

Have fun with your new rig! :up:

[ExodusC]

Love it. I think I'm going stick with the Q6600 since I'm not much of an overclocker. Also I was wondering about the RAM, I don't know to much about it and the price on the Crucial seems to good to be true( =P). Is there a step up from that ram or is it pretty much top of the line?
Those Ballistix are amazing RAM, I've got mine running at 1066MHz at 5-5-5-15 timings, it could probably go higher if I tweaked it.

There are the DDR2 1066 Ballistix, but the price is so nice on the DDR2 800 ones, I wouldn't bother with the DDR2 1066 kits.

[Dawgdoc]

Those Ballistix are amazing RAM, I've got mine running at 1066MHz at 5-5-5-15 timings, it could probably go higher if I tweaked it.

There are the DDR2 1066 Ballistix, but the price is so nice on the DDR2 800 ones, I wouldn't bother with the DDR2 1066 kits.

Ive got 4 X 1 GB of Crucial Ballistix Tracers PC 8500 (they were $5 more when I bought em) running 24/7 at 1081 at 4-4-4-6 :)
EDIT: STRIKE THAT...ERROR :) 4-4-4-6 is my bench timings. I run 4-4-4-12 for 24/7 sorry.

When I loosen up the timings I can get 1300+ with 2GB, and 1260ish with 4GB.

I cant speak highly enough about the whole ballistix series.

If the OP isnt overclocking, I agree.....go with the PC6400 (800 mhz) ram. Its good stuff.

[Bagel]

After looking over everything I think this is what I'm going to get, what do yall think?

CPU : Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
PSU : Corsair 620HX
MOBO : Abit IP35 Pro
RAM : G.Skill 4GB DDR2 800
GPU : Sapphire Radeon HD 3870 512MB

Sort of a hybrid between the 2 recommended builds, I'm the thinking the 4gb of ram just for longevity.

[Dawgdoc]

After looking over everything I think this is what I'm going to get, what do yall think?

CPU : Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
PSU : Corsair 620HX
MOBO : Abit IP35 Pro
RAM : G.Skill 4GB DDR2 800
GPU : Sapphire Radeon HD 3870 512MB

Sort of a hybrid between the 2 recommended builds, I'm the thinking the 4gb of ram just for longevity.

Looks like a nice system no doubt....BUT....what OS you gonna be using?

Unless its X64 Id stick with 2GB of memory instead of 4GB.

[[cTx]Raptor22]

I think this setup will get you more performance/bang 4 buck.

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

The Q6600, just like everyone else. Great CPU, espec. for the money.

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130098&Tpk=MSI%2bneo2-fr

Amazing motherboard, espec. for the price. Not that I don't like the IP35 Pro, but this is just a more "well rounded" motherboard IMO. I've dealt with both extensively, and I will honestly say the MSI P35 Neo2-FR will suit you better. It's less buggy, still overclocks great if you want to, and is a lot cheaper.

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002&Tpk=corsair%2b620

Corsair HX620, best psu for the $.

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

G.Skill 4GBPQ. Yes, 4GB for $99. Clocks to 1000-1100Mhz EZ, runs very cool, low voltage, etc. Won't die like D9. Anyone who buys D9 (2x1GB) now is a complete fool with 4GB prices the way they are.

VGA: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102713

Sapphire 3870. It works, it's what you want, and it will play anything.

Have fun with your new rig! :up:

Arent SeaSonics supposed to be better quality?

And the Crucial Ballistix are great ram.... +1 to everything else though! :up:

[revogamer]

the HX620 is made by seasonic and branded and sold by corsair, its the best psu in its price range, no if's or buts

[ExodusC]

Won't die like D9. Anyone who buys D9 (2x1GB) now is a complete fool with 4GB prices the way they are.
NickS, I thought only the "fat body" D9 chips were prone to these sudden deaths.

I've not heard of D9 chips just dieing.

[Lev]

why wont you get that msi p35 neo2? its like $90 at clubit I think.

I know you dont want to overclock.. but you should really consider it as it can be really safe and really beneficial.. I have my proc running under stock voltage and at 2.7ghz instead of 2.13ghz, and this will probably increase its life span.

and if you really dont want to overclock.. you dont really need such a fancy expensive motherboard.. you can probably settle with something cheap and stable without a lot of features..

i seriously recommend the 8800gt OVER the 3870 because of all the fuss ive heard about ati driver support, i dont know maybe im biased but nvidia has always been perfect for me..

i recommend that 4gb gskill kit..

and for hard drives im not really up to date on things but a good setup is just 2x 7200.10 300gb in raid0

i can vouch for corsair powersupplies being the shiznat


case: personal preference but the luna at newegg is 0 dollars after rebate ATM, cant go wrong with paying only shipping...
but I would still opt for a CM690.

that msi neo2 deal is really a steal though in my opinion.. you should jump on it and overclock the quad

oh and q6600 or x3210 doesnt really matter which you pick.. they are both worth more then what you pay.

[NickS]

NickS, I thought only the "fat body" D9 chips were prone to these sudden deaths.

I've not heard of D9 chips just dieing.

They die. They allll die. I've had more sets of D9 than most people have had RAM. They die.

[Bagel]

After reading up on the Abit forums it seems that the Abit IP35 Pro and Corsair power supplies aren't the best of buds, So I guess I will be going with the MSI board. Only thing that worries me about that board is the bad reviews it's gotten.

[Lev]

if youre really worried about the motherboard then you can check out other psus, there are a lot of good ones out there...

but i would get the msi board and the corsair psu

[NickS]

After reading up on the Abit forums it seems that the Abit IP35 Pro and Corsair power supplies aren't the best of buds, So I guess I will be going with the MSI board. Only thing that worries me about that board is the bad reviews it's gotten.

Those are most likely older reviews. Heres a more recent one.

http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3169

http://dynamic1.anandtech.com/www/delivery/ai.php?filename=02.gif&contenttype=gif

[Bagel]

Well then everything looks great. This is probably the final build will be ordering it all sometime Wednesday, thanks for the help guys, I really appreciate it.

CPU : Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
PSU : Corsair 620HX
MOBO : MSI P35 Neo2
RAM : G.Skill 4GB DDR2 800
GPU : Sapphire Radeon HD 3870 512MB

[revogamer]

great system, hope you enjoy it!

[Lev]

I like the setup :)