TWO new builds

[Jim Johnstone]

I'm currently using a single computer (Tyan Thunder K8WE, dual socket 940 dual core cpu's, with 2 gigs of DDR400 ECC RAM) for double duty as both my general PC (email, internet, mild bit of gaming) and as a workstation, primarily Solidworks with a few other CAD packages as well. I'm looking to replace this current setup, with two computers, one for general use, and one as a dedicated workstation.

My plan for my day to day use computer is as follows:

Motherboard: Asus M4A77TD Pro, socket AM3, $90 or so
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955, $190
RAM: OCZ Gold DDR3-1600, 2x2Gig kit, $90
Optical Drives: reuse my current pair
HDD's: reuse my current WD 250 Gb Sata II's
PSU: reuse my current OCZ Powerstream 520 watt
Case: Generic mid tower case I already have

Vid Card: this is where I need some advice, I currently use a set of Nvidia 9600GT's in SLI, and would like to replace them with a single card that will be at least as good, or better than the two 9600's. I was thinking something like an ATI 4870?

Workstation: This is the computer that I will be slowly piecing together and want it all done right.

Motherboard: Asus Rampage II Extreme: already own
CPU: Intel i7 920, likely overclock it to 3.5 or a bit higher, $300
RAM: OCZ Gold DDR3 1800, triple channel 3x2gig kit, possibly 12 gigs total, $180 per kit
Optical drive: LG DVD/RW sata, $35
HDD's: thinking a couple of WD 1Tb Caviar's in RAID 1 for file storage and backup of O/S drive. Thinking about using a SSD for my O/S but really don't know much about them. I'm assuming that the faster drive would be useful in a workstation application that does a lot of read/write work.
PSU: Not too picky, thinking something like an Ultra modular, 700 watts or so
Case: Thermaltake Armour that is currently in use for this computer
Vid cards: Nvidia Quadro FX series, likely a 3700 or as high as I can afford when the time comes.

Any comments or suggestions on these components?

Thanks,
Jim

[Raserei408]

Unfortunately, finding single cards to replace dual-card setups and get better performance is difficult. Furthermore, since your motherboard doesn't really support Crossfire, you can't get a mid-range card and Crossfire them later. The only cards I think will actually match that performance would be a 5850 or an overclocked 5770.

[3.0charlie]

Hmmm. No. The 9600s in SLI equal a single 9800GTX in performance (give or take 1-2 fps).

The 4870s, the GTX275s / 285s would be good choices. Heck, even the GTX260 is still a very potent GPU.

[Raserei408]

Really? I thought it would have a lot more power than that....Mah bad.

I do have to disagree, however, with your recommendations for replacements. As far as I'm concerned, right now the 5xxx series is the way to go. I'd say a 5770 would be a good choice. It gets ~4870 performance, and OCs up to a 4890. The drivers in some games need some smoothing out, but otherwise it's pretty good.

[3.0charlie]

For a daily driver? I stand by my choices. The 260 even looks better by the minute.

[Jim Johnstone]

I really am not much of a gamer. I play the occassional game, favourites are games like Hitman series/Assassin's Creed, not the really fast action, graphics intensive kind of games, so I am pretty sure a single decent card will handle any gaming I do on this new machine. What are your thoughts on the M4A77TD-Pro motherboard? Is there anything that would be a more suitable alternative in the same price range?

[3.0charlie]

Why did you select that board?

I would use this one for AM3: NCIX.com - Buy Gigabyte GA-MA770-UD3 ATX AM2+/AM3 AMD770 PCI-E16 2PCI SATA2 RAID 1394 HD Sound GBLAN Motherboard - GA-MA770-UD3 In Canada.

[Jim Johnstone]

The main reason for that board is that I am an Asus fan in general, had good luck with their boards in the past, and found it at Canada Computers in Hamilton while doing a little research. What is it about the Gigabyte Board that you like better?

[3.0charlie]

Cheaper, and does not have the SB700 chip from Ati.

[Jim Johnstone]

What is wrong with the SB700 chip? Also, I notice that board is DDR2, but I think I found a newer version of that board at CC with DDR3 for the same price as the Asus.