Help with a Gaming/graphics heavy software rig.

Auxie

Auxie

Auxie

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Joined
18 Jul 2009
Posts
13
Okay so I'm new to build a computer from parts but I know a little bit about them and wondered if I could get some help choosing a rig for a system. My intentions for the computer are fairly high end gaming and I'm also a animation student so running heavy graphics programs such as Maya, zbrush, PS etc will be needed. Also I don't need a cd/dvd drive as I'm using the one from my old system. I am using a 19" widscreen flat monitor. I am looking for a intel quad core definitely. My budget is around 600 pounds, I can go a little over. This is what I have came up with atm:

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/6504/pc2w.png

REVISED RIG :http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/1872/pc3k.png

Any comment on it would be much apprieciated. Also will this rig work together properly, will all the parts fit in the case? I've never built a pc before!

Thanks, Matt <3
 
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Hi and welcome
why do you definitely want an intel quad? at this time AMD phenom II is a better option
that being said looking at your spec, why have you selected an X48 mobo and an NVidia gfx card? If you want X48 g for ATI, if you want NVidia get P45 (no dual gfx option mind) you'd need an nforce board for dual gfx, the earlier revisions are buggy and the newer ones are v expensive (more than i7)
not sure on your case, not seen anything of it, for that sort of budget most ppl tend to go for the coolermaster cm690
other than that dont forget a decent aftermarket cpu cooler if u plan to OC
 
I've been advised to go for intel over amd for generally better performance I dunno how true this is. I'm going to be using maya to render mass images out when making animations so I'm looking for something pretty powerful. I also know nothing about motherboards so that may be why its wrong! Hence why I'm making this post :) Could you reccomend a mobo for a simialr price?

Would this mobo be better?
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-340-AS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1155
 
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coupe69 said:
From the info you're giving us, it might be worthwhile saving a bit more cash and going down the Core i7 route.
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Yeh for rendering, encoding, PS, etc the best price for performance chip is the i7 920 at the moment so i'd just save up for that if you can. The q9550 is a good chip and is what i'm using right now, but for what you need it for i'd look at nothing other than the i7. Those extra threads help massively in those apps.
 
Thing is I don't REALLY have a income atm being a student so I can't really save up so to speak. I just have my loan!
 
My friend was talking about using some thermal paste opposed to the standard "pads" for the processor or something? Will this make much difference and is in nessecary?
 
Auxie said:
Thing is I don't REALLY have a income atm being a student so I can't really save up so to speak. I just have my loan!
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Fair enough mate, next to the i7 i'd say the core2quads will be the best range for what you need so that q9550 you spec'd will do nicely. The am3 chips serve well as gaming chips, but some of the PS benchmarks i've seen are lower than the intel quads.
 
Auxie said:
My friend was talking about using some thermal paste opposed to the standard "pads" for the processor or something? Will this make much difference and is in nessecary?
Click to expand...

You usually get a thin layer of thermal paste pre-applied on the stock heatsink which is great if you want to leave the cpu at stock speed. If you're looking to overclock i'd look at getting an aftermarket cooler like a noctua NH-U12P and some arctic silver 5.
 
Nocky24 said:
You usually get a thin layer of thermal paste pre-applied on the stock heatsink which is great if you want to leave the cpu at stock speed. If you're looking to overclock i'd look at getting an aftermarket cooler like a noctua NH-U12P and some arctic silver 5.
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Not really looking to overclock initially. =]
 
Something like this perhaps

image1.jpg


You could knock the best part of fifty quid off that if you went with the stock intel CPU hsf, and got an ATi 4890 like this one, as they are very similar in performance to the Nvidia 275
 
I cannot afford 800 pounds really.

The Cpu cooler there is that needed? I mean, I don't think I included one in my original rig. I am not looking to overclock just yet, so would it be needed?
 
I would definitely go for a better power supply, maybe the mod xtream OCZ 600W one thats on offer atm. Mainly because this power supply doesnt have 2 PCIX connections for the G card, and doesn't have an 8pin connector for the CPU. (i have the same power supply and had to use one of those 2 normal power connector to one pci express leads, which i dont like using!)
 
I specced my gf a very similar system to the one you originally specified btw (same processor and RAM), only with an ATI card, and it's very, on all applications, just to let you know haha.
 
That link just takes you to the ocuk homepage, If you want a decent clocking 775 board get something like this or if you fancy using ATi video cards ie the 4890 stick with the one you've already specced.
 
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