Possible New Build - Opinions Please

Azrael

Azrael

Azrael

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Joined
29 Aug 2008
Posts
107
Location
Canterbury, Kent
Hi guys, been lurking on these forums for months. Thought it was time to finally post something.

I was thinking about getting a new machine so I took a quick look at the hardware on the site and wondered what your opinions on it were.

BFG Geforce GTX 285
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-084-BG

EVGA Intel X58 Motherboard
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-014-EA

Intel Core i7 920 CPU
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-265-IN

Corsair HX 1000W ATX2.2 Modular PSU
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-012-CS

Corsair 6GB DDR3 RAM
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-164-CS

If I go for a build like this, is it worth it to SLI the graphics cards, or just stick with the one? I picked 6 GB of ram as I plan to upgrade to 64 bit as well.

Also I was hoping to get this on finance (pay in 12 months). Shall I go for that, or see if I can get a no interest credit card?

Thanks in advance for the help, it'll be appreciated.
 
Yea could probably do with a new one. They're not too expensive so I'll add it to the list if I go ahead with the build.
 
It's a "just in case" thing, not only to future-proof my machine, but also I put it in there if I went down the SLI route of the GTX 285s.
 
Azrael said:
If I go for a build like this, is it worth it to SLI the graphics cards, or just stick with the one?
Click to expand...

I'd try the one for now. Trust me, apart from crysis NOTHING really uses that much power yet, however when the cards get cheaper dont write of SLI...

Unless you game at 2500x1600, that much power isn't yet needed
 
With regards to the finance, if you can definitely afford to pay it all off in 12 months then why not, but if you don't know then I'd advise against it, as it will be very costly paying it monthly with the rather large interest thrown on top.

For the system, what resolution are you planning on playing at?

Even for 2 GTX285's you won't need a 1000W PSU, and tha corsair unit is quite costly. If you want enough for Sli in the future then a decent 800W PSU will be more than enough.

For me the GTX285 is still too expensive, considering for the same amount of money you can get a 4870x2. It's pretty much an overclocked GTX280. If you plan on playing at a resolution of 1900*1200 or below then go for something like the GTX260 or 1gb 4870, much better for the money and will provide enough power for gaming at that res. Also you can add another later on for either Sli or crossfire.

You'll need to add a cooler to that spec, the oem version of the i7 CPU doesn't come with a cooler. I'd suggest the noctua, one of the best coolers you can get.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-005-NC

You can also take a look at the i7 spec I've just done in another thread.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17981005
 
SMB30 said:
+1

A velociraptor would suit that system well :)

Edit: Why a 1000w psu? seems like overkill.
Click to expand...

And a Velociraptor isn't? ;p


I'd just get a nice quick little hard drive for OS (say a 320GB F1) then a nice big hard drive for storage (640GB-1.5TB).

Graphics wise, depending on what resolution you're gaming at a GTX285 may be overkill. A 4870 1GB is quite capable upto 1920x1200, and a good bit cheaper than a GTX285.
A 4870 only really requires a maximum of a 650W PSU, so you could save a good few pennies there as well.
 
I'd recommend a couple of GTX260's as their performance is very similar to GTX280/285's at a much smaller price.

Good review HERE by a fellow OCUK member Mishima.

Rest looks ok - you'd probably be fine with a 750w psu but the 1000 gives you extra headroom if you wanted to add a third GPU. :D

gt
 
My budget is essentially limitless, but I wouldn't want to go above the £1500 mark if I can help it.
 
ocuk105.jpg


This is what I'd go for that budget (the £1500 one, not the limitless budget :p). Just to give you an idea. Although don't spend too much, especially if you plan on sticking it on finance.

I'd go for just the one graphics card the now, if you feel it isn't enough (which it should be), then add another one. The 4870 is at an excellent price and will offer enough power for your needs. For future proofing I've stuck in an 850W PSU, it has all the connections for adding in additional cards and should enough power for most things.

I've put in 2 hard drives, the smaller one would be for the OS and any other associated program. Then the 1tb drive for additional data and games and any extra space needed. You can reduce or increase the size of these depending on your needs.

For the budget, why not throw in a blu-ray player and a decent sound card, I can highly recommend them both (have them in my own PC).

The noctua CPU cooler is regarded as one of the best coolers you can get, so should help with overclocking the 920.

Just add in a case of your choice and it's sorted.
 
Thanks for that, although I just want to say that I already have an additional hard drive for storage plus a sound card/blu-ray player :)

My final choice will probably be a mash-up of my original choices and the choices mentioned in this thread. All I've got to do now is persuade the missus to let me get it on finance :P
 
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