New PC Build ~1,500 for gaming

[ricknash61]

Hey guys,

I'm in the process of building my first ever PC, and I want to use it mainly for gaming. I've read up on some hardware that I plan on getting, but some advice would be nice. I have about $2,000 to spend and I already have a monitor.

Mobo: Looking for a decent Mobo to run the new 4870x2 when it comes out, any suggestions? I've heard rave reviews about the Rampage Formula, but I was wondering if this was overkill considering its price ($329.99)
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?s...anufacture=ASUS

RAM: Mushkin XP PC2-8000 Redline 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-1000 CL5-5-5-12 240PIN Dual Channel Memory Kit ($129.99)
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?s...facture=MUSHKIN

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Pro Q9550 2.83 GHz Quad Core Processor (1333 MHz 45NM) Socket 775 (12MB L2 Cache)($359.95)
Buy Intel Core 2 Quad Pro Q9550 2.83 GHz Quad Core Processor (1333 MHz 45NM) Socket 775 (12MB L2 Cache) - BX80569Q9550

Case: Coolermaster Cosmos Full Tower ATX Case 5X5.25 6X3.5INT No PS Front USB Firewire Audio eSATA ($192.66)
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?s...re=COOLERMASTER

GPU: ATI 4870x2 when it comes out (~$500)

HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 3.5IN 500GB SATA2 8.5MS 7200RPM 32MB Cache NCQ Hard Drive OEM ($89.00)
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?s...facture=Seagate

PSU: Corsair TX750W 750W ATX 12V 60A 24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 120MM Fan ($105)
NCIX.com - Buy Corsair TX750W 750W ATX 12V 60A 24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 120MM Fan - CMPSU-750TX In Canada.

Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE PCI 7.1 Surround Sound Card (OEM)($30)
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?s...Creative%20Labs

OD:Pioneer DVR-116DBK DVD+RW 20X8X16 DVD-RW 20X6X16 DL 12X Black OEM IDE DVD Burner No Software http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?s...facture=Pioneer

So a couple questions first off. Will 750W be enough to run the new 4870x2? Is that overkill?

Also, I was wondering if the heatsink that comes with the processor is good enough. I've heard that it is usually better to use an aftermarket 3rd party heat sink. I don't really plan on overclocking this machine so would it suffice to use the retail heat sink?

Also, I'm not sure if any of you are big fans of the coolermaster cosmos. I chose it because it seems to be aesthetically pleasing, as well as very user friendly (no screws except for HD). Do you have any cheaper alternatives?

Lastly, the case already comes with fans. Do I need to purchase any additional ones?

To sum up, I'm trying to build my system around the GPU (HD4870x2). If there are any incompatibilities or suggestions to improve this build I welcome them all.

Thanks a bunch.

[SugarJ]

Well, the Rampage Formula is an overclockers dream board. If you are not planning on OC'ing, thats a waste of money. Check out the Asus P5Q series, or even the Biostar Tpower P45. Those should save you about $175.

Also, if you don't plan to OC, you could easily use DDR2-800 memory.

Nice CPU, love those Cosmos Cases.

HDD, nothing wrong with that Seagate, but the WD 640GB drives are faster and can be pricematched to the $75 range. So get 2.

PSU - Corsairs are probably the best in the business right now. That 750 will do you fine, and leave you some room to add on later.

Sound Card - Sigh. That one is junk. Sorry. I'd suggest an Asus Xonar DX or Auzentech X-plosion. More money, but way better than onboard sound. I can't forgive Creative for disabling card functions on their drivers when I "upgraded" to Vista.

HSF - Even if you don't plan to OC, a better heatsink will lower your CPU temps and extend the operating life. OCZ Vendetta 2, see review on this site.

This will be an awesome build, you'll have tons of fun. What monitor do you have?

[ricknash61]

Hey,

Thanks for the quick reply and useful information. I just picked up a 22" LG W2252TQ from futureshop for $250: let me tell you, it's a big improvement from a 19" CRT.

I understand that my max resolution will be 1680X1050, so here's another question for you. Should I get a crossfire mobo and buy 1 4870 now and one later when they come down in price once the 4870x2 is introduced (cheaper), or should I buy a mobo for the 4870x2 (someone mentioned it should be priced around $500) which would probably be more expensive. My logic is that one 4870 can run most games now and if ever I need to upgrade in the future I could just tack another one on in crossfire, and by then priced will have surely dropped.

With the money I save on the mobo I could definitely upgrade that sound card and get the OCZ vendetta 2.

Can't wait to hear what you think.

[SugarJ]

Originally Posted by ricknash61

I understand that my max resolution will be 1680X1050, so here's another question for you. Should I get a crossfire mobo and buy 1 4870 now and one later when they come down in price once the 4870x2 is introduced

I'd grab a P45 Crossfire board, like Asus P5Q Pro, Biostar Tpower I45, or Giga-byte EP45-DS3R. A single 4870 will do everything you want on a 22" monitor. Even 2 4850's would be great. As for the 4870x2, SKYMTL's review went live about 20 minutes ago. Introductory price $550. So less than two 4870's, by a few bucks. Although I found a Diamond 4870 for $263 on DirectCanada earlier.

So, personally, I'd grab a 4870, and drop another one in as prices drop or you get a larger monitor. That's what I'm planning to do once I sell some extra parts.

[MAKAVELI]

$360 is a bit too much to pay for a gaming cpu since almost no games utilize 4 cores. it would be good if you had 20 different programs running at once, but other than that i don't see much benefit in at at this time.

save $180 and get a e8400 or e8500.