Just about to order this gaming setup - advice?

WiPPaH · 31 Jul 2009 at 18:03

Hi Guys,

Im just about to click the purchase button on the following for a new gaming pc - just wanted to make sure its all compatible.

Will also add a Dell 2209WA (once restocked).

Thoughts?

cmndr_andi · 31 Jul 2009 at 18:10

Looks good, all the parts should play happily together

But, if its just for gaming you may want to drop the CPU to a Phenom II X3 720BE and upgrade the GPU to a 4890 or GTX275. The X3 is plenty fast enough for games and the extra GPU power will give you better FPS and gaming lifetime for the same money.

WiPPaH · 31 Jul 2009 at 18:44

Thanks cmndr_andi for getting back soo quickly!

Would the 4890 show any advantage when gaming at the dell native resolution of 1680 x 1050?

cmndr_andi · 31 Jul 2009 at 19:02

Aye, most reviews put 10-20% faster than the 4870 at that res, at stock clocks. Most games (except Crysis) will play fine on either card - but future games will obviously fare better on the faster card.

Plus, the 4890 overclocks very well indeed. Most will hit 950Mhz core clock. If you want to push it hard - a cooler like this may be worth a look.

moppy89 · 31 Jul 2009 at 19:08

Pretty much exactly what Im thinkin about. Id go for the ASUS 790GX mobo which is a few quid cheaper with integrated gpu as well. Apart from that no probs.

BIGBC · 31 Jul 2009 at 19:53

If you have any experience overclocking or fancy learning its worth doing it yourself to save a few quid and get things more tailored to you.
+1 for stepping up to 4890/GTX275

PermaBanned · 31 Jul 2009 at 20:02

Get this Optical Drive instead, it's faster, cheaper and LightScribe discs are far cheaper than LabelFlash:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CD-039-OT&groupid=701&catid=10&subcat=951

Shawreyboy · 31 Jul 2009 at 20:25

You appear to have two WD Black drives.. Im guessing you planning to go with a RAID setup. Considered one drive of equal size for £25 cheaper.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-053-SA&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=

WiPPaH · 31 Jul 2009 at 21:53

Thanks for all the comments guys!

WiPPaH · 31 Jul 2009 at 22:45

Update: What 4890 do you think I should go for?

The Powercolor or the XFX for 99p more?

cmndr_andi · 31 Jul 2009 at 22:52

I hear the stock cooler on the 4890 is pretty loud (any owners with experience please give your thoughts). If I were you - get the XFX one (nice warranty deal) and get this cooler to keep the heat and noise down (a bit of extra overclocking too

)

WiPPaH · 31 Jul 2009 at 23:13

Thanks again cmndr_andi, dont really feel confident enough to change the stock cooler, so it would be good to know how this compares to the asus 4870 on the noise front?

Any XFX ATI Radeon HD 4890 owners about?