Which Spec to choose?

[Jimbo.UK]

Am gonna build myself a new computer..

Firstly - i want to go for a Q6600.. So need the 775 motherboard.

Option 1

always been an ATi fan.. but a recent build for someone swayed me.

Asus P5NT-e 780i

8800 GTX ( future possible upgrade - add a second )

Option 2

The ATi Option

Asus Maximus Extreme X38

ATi 3870 X2 - - ( future possible upgrade - add a second )


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Resolution i run is 1650x1080
will be playing games such as crysis ( not expecting the Very high everything miracle there )... Eve online... new games that come out soon too.. spore etc... Want it to perform very nicely on that resolution.

Anyone give info as to which i should go for... the purpose for this rig will be mostly gaming... allready have my design rig and my server.. and the older gaming computer.... also would like to use this machine for blu ray purposes....

or perhaps a different bundle altogether ?...

unfortunatly... time is of the essence... need to order by the end of my fiscal year.... 31st Jan.

 

[mp260767]

have you thought about going with one of the new wolfdale processors ?, link that with the x38, decent memory and a decent cooler should be able to get close to 4ghz.

 

[Jimbo.UK]

no i havent, but it really is the graphics cards im torn over atm..

I have 2 x Q6600's on my own machines, and loved the performance from them running at stock speeds.. havent overclocked them yet..

Probably wouldnt overclock a wolfdale either, and think i would prefer to keep with the Q6600... just out of my own experiences Although i have heard good things about the Wolfdales

 

[mike gunnz]

If you're gaming at 1680x1050 you want an 8800GT or perhaps a GTS 512MB. It will easily max out any game at that rez.

I dont think you will see any noticeable improvements with a GTX or X2 unless you are using a higher resolution eg. 1920x1200 or above.

Edit: Sorry just read your post properly this time.

However if cost is unimportant to you then I would choose your option 2.

 

[LoadsaMoney]

Have to agree, i wouldn't bother with an X2 at that res, unless your going to upgrade your monitor as well to 24" or something.

 

[Jimbo.UK]

Prefer to get best now, can spend up to 900 ish (so 1 card for now and blu ray player in a month or 2.. let em come down a bit ) - i will perhaps get bigger monitor at some point...

bare in mind i am also using this machine as a blu ray player too.. dont know what GT is like for that but have a 43" TV with 1080P to get this onto for now... for the movies.

http://www.computerbase.de/artikel/...on_hd_3870_x2/24/#abschnitt_performancerating that review also really pushing me towards the 3870X2...

And...... Do love ATi, from past cards

 

[Jimbo.UK]

Quick Basket Idea at the moment... will revise