Looking for input on a new computer build

[onemorekornkid]

So I've decided that my overclocked nf7-s, 6800 gt, and AMD Athlon 2400+ M rig has finally met it's match of time. It's time for an upgrade!

The only problem is, I'm pretty much out of the loop as far as hardware goes now. I really don't understand how Pentium is performing against AMD currently, as well as nVidia against ATI. Also, technical things like RAM timings mean nothing to me anymore because I really don't understand what's considered good anymore.

Basically, I was looking for some recommendations on what I should put in my new computer. I'm interested in overclocking at one point in the future, but for now I just want a stable computer that I can use to play games and create music for. My budget is about 1,200 dollars and I've already used about 600 picking out a nice case, power supply, monitor, and hard drive.

I'm not looking to spend more than 300 dollars on a graphics card, but I will be willing to pay a little more if it will get me the top of the line. If you guys can maintain a 600 dollars budget constraint on RAM, a motherboard, graphics card, and processor that would be excellent, though I'm really looking for good products with overclocking potential

So what do you guys think I should get? I appreciate any input! Thanks guys.

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

whats your purpose for this rig? if your just a gamer then I dont think you really want to go i7 (my opinion) I would wait for phenom II for gaming (very soon to be released)

if your doing some other things list 'em that way the rig can be tailored to you more aptly :up:

[Nasgul]

Processor: Intel Q6600 Quad $190: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

RAM: G.Skill 4GB DDR2 800 $50: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231192

MoBo: ASUS P5Q Deluxe $125: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131297R

VPU: BFG 216GTX 216 $239 ($220 AMIR): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143155


As you said, $600 for the parts that you needed. That's $4 more but you'd get back some AMIR.

[reberto]

Processor: Intel Q6600 Quad $190: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

RAM: G.Skill 4GB DDR2 800 $50: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231192

MoBo: ASUS P5Q Deluxe $125: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131297R

VPU: BFG 216GTX 216 $239 ($220 AMIR): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143155


As you said, $600 for the parts that you needed. That's $4 more but you'd get back some AMIR.
Swap the GTX260 for this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131117
Cheaper and faster :up:

[onemorekornkid]

I7? Phenom II? What are those?


Primarily, I'm looking to game and do sound editing, but primarily gaming.

Thanks for the list above. How is that system for overclocking do you think? That was a big hobby and obsession about three years ago, and it's something I'd like to get back in to.

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

way cheaper for the 4870, allows you to buy this for big overclocks: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115054

[Nasgul]

I7? Phenom II? What are those?


Primarily, I'm looking to game and do sound editing, but primarily gaming.

Thanks for the list above. How is that system for overclocking do you think? That was a big hobby and obsession about three years ago, and it's something I'd like to get back in to.

Games and editing? The Quad Q6600 is a great choice and as you can see in my system, I got mine running at 3.15ghz, easy and I allow it to use the power saving features, so the 4 cores run at 2.10ghz when they speed is not needed but for when I'm editing, the 4 cores run at 3.15ghz when needed of course.

And i7 system would cost more than $600 and the other one isn't even out yet, and for gaming the Q6600 is just as good when you see the benchmarks and again, it fits your budget.

[onemorekornkid]

Okay, this is what I'm thinking about getting:

Case:
LIAN LI PC-6070APLUS Silver Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

Hardrive:
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD753LJ 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

Monitor:
ASUS VH226H Black 21.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail

Videocard:
POWERCOLOR AX4870 512MD5-PPH Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

Soundcard:
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional 70SB088600002 7.1 Channels PCI Express Interface Sound Card - Retail

Powersupply:
OCZ OCZ700MXSP 700W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

Ram:
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL4D-4GBPI - Retail

Motherboard:
Open Box: ASUS Rampage Extreme LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard

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

What does thew Open Box mean for the mobo? Does that mean it's refurbished? Is that a bad choice?

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

dont get a rampage extreme, your gonna be lost in the bios.

the best board for you is a Gigabyte EP45-UD3P. killer overclocker, simpler, cheaper and you use cheaper ram.

ddr3 aint the greatest thing in the world for sckt 775


buy a nicer processor with the money you save, like a q9550 or if you can reach for it Q9650

[Nasgul]

buy a nicer processor with the money you save, like a q9550 or if you can reach for it Q9650. I can't seem to pay attention to your request/budget, reading and comprehension are not my forte
onemorekornkid; If you guys can maintain a 600 dollars budget constraint on RAM, a motherboard, graphics card, and processor that would be excellent

Fixed! :up:


________________________________



What does thew Open Box mean for the mobo? Does that mean it's refurbished? Is that a bad choice? Means :The pictures shown are from the NEW version of this item. If you purchase this Open box product you will receive an OEM BAREBONE, meaning it is just the item itself. Accessory items are NOT INCLUDED with Open box products. Accessories are shown in the pictures so that customers will know what is missing from the item.

The scoop on that is from what I've seen, several members in this forum did buy an "open box" MoBo from egg but ultimately they end getting everything the board comes with and some other guys at another forums as well. I've never heard/seen anyone complaining that they didn't get anything but the board itself when ordering the open box item.

[onemorekornkid]

haha, is that Gigabyte motherboard really a better suggestion? It doesn't seem to have nearly as much popularity in terms of reviews compared to the Rampage Extreme, which has a lot of positive reviews.

Any other thoughts?

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

onemorekornkid; If you guys can maintain a 600 dollars budget constraint on RAM, a motherboard, graphics card, and processor that would be excellent

Fixed! :up:


________________________________


Means :The pictures shown are from the NEW version of this item. If you purchase this Open box product you will receive an OEM BAREBONE, meaning it is just the item itself. Accessory items are NOT INCLUDED with Open box products. Accessories are shown in the pictures so that customers will know what is missing from the item.

The scoop on that is from what I've seen, several members in this forum did buy an "open box" MoBo from egg but ultimately they end getting everything the board comes with and some other guys at another forums as well. I've never heard/seen anyone complaining that they didn't get anything but the board itself when ordering the open box item.

well that is a rampage extreme on there... $220 rampage - $137 UD3P = $83 + 100 saved on not going ddr3 + 190 from q6600 not being bought = $373 for processor.

that way he would get a processor that he can actually overclock to 3.8-4ghz easy on air instead of an extra sh**ty 3.15ghz clock that wont do anything for games.


haha, is that Gigabyte motherboard really a better suggestion? It doesn't seem to have nearly as much popularity in terms of reviews compared to the Rampage Extreme, which has a lot of positive reviews.

Any other thoughts?

For you yes the gigabyte will be much better :yepp: I have tried to use that abomination they call a bios on the rampage extreme and its unfriendly to even me, an experienced tweaker of DFI BIOSes known for being some of the most complex around.

also x48 have trouble taking any C2 quad over 465 FSB which is really annoying and limiting.

[onemorekornkid]

Oh, one things I forgot. What is a good heatsink? For the last five years I've had a thermaltake cpufan that basically sounds like a vacuum. I remember that Zalman was a very good brand, is that still the case?

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

this cooler is very very good, beats the best offerings from other companies.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233023

[onemorekornkid]

Which processor are you referring to that I could easily oc to 3.8-4 ghrz?

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

q9550 E0 on the UD3P

[onemorekornkid]

and which ram would you suggest then?

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

this G/skill is very good and looks the part:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231211

[onemorekornkid]

Hmmm, well I made those adjustments. The systems looks good. I feel like I'm embracing my old habits again. It's good to be back interested into hardware again. It's funny how I practically know everything about overclocking and what were the best products for 2005, but everything has changed so fast I feel retarded.


Thanks for the help!

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

your welcome man, make sure to hit up the gigabyte UD3 thread in the intel section when you get your parts together, that way you can get some help with the experts there on settings :up: