Guys and gals
I've posted in the specific spec thread, but I don't seem to be getting any repsonses... in any case, I've done a bit more research and have picked what I think is a good system for me - but was hoping those with more up-to-date knowledge might be able to guide me elsewhere...
Background
I'm looking to build a machine mostly for gaming. I don't have a budget as such, but I'm not going to splash £5k on an uber-rig. I just want something that'll last me a while (I don't upgrade regularly like I used to - current rig is over 3 years old and untouched!). The games I'll be playing will probably be X:Terran Conlfict, GTA IV, plus anything new that comes along... I'm not really much of a FPS person, but Assassins creed might tempt me when it goes budget.
Current thinking
I'm liking the look of the OCUK Titan Pro. To save you looking;
Antec 300 + Corsair 650W
Core 2 Due 8400 + Artic 7 cooler
Asus P5Q Deluxe
Corsair Dominator 4Gb (1066 Mhz)
4870 512Mb
500 GB SATA2 (Seagate Barracuda)
Vista Home Premium 64
Total: £1067 (inc VAT)
Questions
I've gone for a Duo rather than a Quad since I doubt games will start using Quads for a while yet - and I can then upgrade when the processors will be cheaper (or I've saved up again!). Even with I7 just released, I imagine the 775 chips will be with us for a while yet - either new or second hand. Does this sound sensible? Other options are;
8200 +£5
7300 -£43
6600 +£10
9550 +£105
Would you recommend any of those? The 9550 is quite a lot of extra money, especially if I'm not using all 4 cores!
The P5Q looks decent enough, but I could go for the X48 Rampage for £50 more - any reason to do so?
The 1066Mhz memory could be downgraded to 800Mhz to save £40, but this might restrict overclocking?
The 4870 - ideally I'd have gone for the 1024Mb version, but I'm liking the idea of having OCUK build the rig for me... Should I go for the extra 4870 at a whopping £170, or will there be little benefit? I'm currently using a 21" CRT, so I'm flexible on resolutions, but when it dies I'll probably get a 22" or 24" TFT. My current thoughts are to only get 1 GFX, and maybe buy another or replace it later.
I'll grab 3 of extra fans for the case- any recommendations? The Noctua looks good?
Sorry for the long thread - but £1,100 is quite a few beers so I want to get it right!
PS - I've checked and could build the rig myself for £922 inc VAT. I might go for this if I decide I've got the time...
Edit: I forgot to mention overclocking. I've not done it before, but I'm prepared to give it a go, if I could get a significant boost without much effort/risk.
I've posted in the specific spec thread, but I don't seem to be getting any repsonses... in any case, I've done a bit more research and have picked what I think is a good system for me - but was hoping those with more up-to-date knowledge might be able to guide me elsewhere...
Background
I'm looking to build a machine mostly for gaming. I don't have a budget as such, but I'm not going to splash £5k on an uber-rig. I just want something that'll last me a while (I don't upgrade regularly like I used to - current rig is over 3 years old and untouched!). The games I'll be playing will probably be X:Terran Conlfict, GTA IV, plus anything new that comes along... I'm not really much of a FPS person, but Assassins creed might tempt me when it goes budget.
Current thinking
I'm liking the look of the OCUK Titan Pro. To save you looking;
Antec 300 + Corsair 650W
Core 2 Due 8400 + Artic 7 cooler
Asus P5Q Deluxe
Corsair Dominator 4Gb (1066 Mhz)
4870 512Mb
500 GB SATA2 (Seagate Barracuda)
Vista Home Premium 64
Total: £1067 (inc VAT)
Questions
I've gone for a Duo rather than a Quad since I doubt games will start using Quads for a while yet - and I can then upgrade when the processors will be cheaper (or I've saved up again!). Even with I7 just released, I imagine the 775 chips will be with us for a while yet - either new or second hand. Does this sound sensible? Other options are;
8200 +£5
7300 -£43
6600 +£10
9550 +£105
Would you recommend any of those? The 9550 is quite a lot of extra money, especially if I'm not using all 4 cores!
The P5Q looks decent enough, but I could go for the X48 Rampage for £50 more - any reason to do so?
The 1066Mhz memory could be downgraded to 800Mhz to save £40, but this might restrict overclocking?
The 4870 - ideally I'd have gone for the 1024Mb version, but I'm liking the idea of having OCUK build the rig for me... Should I go for the extra 4870 at a whopping £170, or will there be little benefit? I'm currently using a 21" CRT, so I'm flexible on resolutions, but when it dies I'll probably get a 22" or 24" TFT. My current thoughts are to only get 1 GFX, and maybe buy another or replace it later.
I'll grab 3 of extra fans for the case- any recommendations? The Noctua looks good?
Sorry for the long thread - but £1,100 is quite a few beers so I want to get it right!
PS - I've checked and could build the rig myself for £922 inc VAT. I might go for this if I decide I've got the time...
Edit: I forgot to mention overclocking. I've not done it before, but I'm prepared to give it a go, if I could get a significant boost without much effort/risk.
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