Few questions

Aricin

Aricin

Aricin

Associate
Joined
5 Aug 2010
Posts
174
Hi,

Been browsing OC for about 2 months now and just joined to ask a few questions. First Post o_O

I am planning on getting a new comp at some point after new years. Now I usually just buy a whole new set, but I am tempted to may change components and upgrade

Just for reference this is my current specc. (and i mostly use comp for gaming/movies/music etc)

Case: Antec P180 Silver
Power Supply: Antec True Power Trio 650W
Processor: Core 2 Quad Q6600 8MB cache
CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Golden Orb Cooler
Graphics Card 1: BFG GeForce 8800 GT OC 512MB PCI Express
Graphics Card 2: BFG GeForce 8800 GT OC 512MB PCI Express
Memory: 8GB Corsair DDR2 XMS2-6400C5 Twin2X
Motherboard: Asus P5N32-E SLI Plus Socket 775
Hard Disk Drive One: 320GB Caviar SE16 SATA 300
Hard Disk Drive Two: 320GB Caviar SE16 SATA 300
Optical Drive One: BTC DVD-Rom x16
Optical Drive Two: NEC 4570A DVD-RW


Now to my questions, apologies in advance for my ignorance etc.

I currently use a 22” screen and am going to upgrade to something in the range of 27”. My first question to play at higher resolutions, are you better of with a single high end GPU vs 2 mid range (GTX460) in SLI?

Secondly I been eyeing the overclocked bundles on OCuk, it has been stated that if you wanted more “ram” then they may not be able to reach the same overclocking as with the amount ram listed. I assumed overclocking a processor depends on the mobo, the processor and the cooler etc.

Thanks,
 
Welcome
I always advocate getting the best single card you can afford at the time, regardless, you then have the option of adding a 2nd later, if you get 2 mid range cards now when you want to upgrade you have to bin them (well re-sell, not literally bin)
The reason more RAM effects the OC is it puts more strain on the system, very basic explanation
 
I currently use a 22” screen and am going to upgrade to something in the range of 27”. My first question to play at higher resolutions, are you better of with a single high end GPU vs 2 mid range (GTX460) in SLI?
Click to expand...

Depends on the budget and future upgradability options. I always aim for a single GPU though as the cost is around the same and there are less issues usually.
Secondly I been eyeing the overclocked bundles on OCuk, it has been stated that if you wanted more “ram” then they may not be able to reach the same overclocking as with the amount ram listed. I assumed overclocking a processor depends on the mobo, the processor and the cooler etc.
Click to expand...

It also depends and relies on RAM though. The latter can become a limiting factor when overclocking and certain voltages need to be raised if you use more than 2/3 sticks of RAM.

There's no point talking about an upgrade if you're not ready for it yet. There will be new CPUs and GPUs coming out early next year thus you'd have to wait and see what happens anyway.
 
I think the VAT in the UK is going up in the new year to 20% so maybe do it b4 1st Jan so you get to spend the extra dosh on components :)
It also gives you chance to get your posts up 4 free delivery b4 the new year ;)
 
w1llyg said:
I think the VAT in the UK is going up in the new year to 20% so maybe do it b4 1st Jan so you get to spend the extra dosh on components :)
It also gives you chance to get your posts up 4 free delivery b4 the new year ;)
Click to expand...

You'll save max £21 on every £1000 spent. Not really worth waiting or rushing, it really depends on good timing for special offers.
 
Well running dual cards and the performance gains will depend on the mobo you use (not sure on your mobos lane speeds). Ideally you want a mobo that will run both xpress lanes at X16. I see many people suggesting upgrading to a second card later and ignore the fact that the mobo isn't going to make the most of the setup (in some cases it's X16 & X4!)

As a rule of thumb get the best single card you can afford. Of course in this world of high tech it's never that simple. Some people run dual ati 5770s as they match and in some games pip a single 5870 for less money. Also Nvidia have a rival tech to eyefinity (multi screen gaming) but this requires SLI to do and atleast 3 screens of course ;p

It's really a case of sitting down with a budget and thinking what you want from the system. I would guess in your case a good single gfx card and biggest screen you can get in the budget would be best but have a think and tell us your thoughts.

Hope this helps
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom