Best Gaming CPU/Video combo?

[DannyNYC]

I'm about to build a new SN95G gaming system but is having problems deciding which CPU/Videocard combo. THis build will have to last for the next 2 years, so I want the best possible combo; money is not much of an issue but also don't want to waste money. Will be playing WOW, HL2, Doom3...etc. Here are my choices:

1) AMD64 3800+ 130nm AND ATI X800XT PE - most $$$, but is it worth it?
2) AMD64 3800+ 130nm AND Nvidia 6800GT - Will CPU be overkill for the video?
3) AMD64 3500+ 90nm AND ATI X800XT PE - Will I be CPU bound?
4) AMD64 3500+ 90nm AND Nvidia 6800GT - Best bang for buck?, But will I regret it later?

I am also bound by a couple of things: Size of videocard (no double slots) and HEAT. I am leaning towards the X800XT PE and 3500+. Any insight will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Tarrant64]

I dont' think you'll see too much of a difference between the 3500+ and the 3800+. I think 3 or 4 would be your best options.
I haven't ready anything on the X800XT PE so I don't know which is the better deal when it comes up against the 6800GT.

 

[JBDan]

Originally posted by: DannyNYC
I'm about to build a new SN95G gaming system but is having problems deciding which CPU/Videocard combo. THis build will have to last for the next 2 years, so I want the best possible combo; money is not much of an issue but also don't want to waste money. Will be playing WOW, HL2, Doom3...etc. Here are my choices:

1) AMD64 3800+ 130nm AND ATI X800XT PE - most $$$, but is it worth it?
2) AMD64 3800+ 130nm AND Nvidia 6800GT - Will CPU be overkill for the video?
3) AMD64 3500+ 90nm AND ATI X800XT PE - Will I be CPU bound?
4) AMD64 3500+ 90nm AND Nvidia 6800GT - Best bang for buck?, But will I regret it later?

I am also bound by a couple of things: Size of videocard (no double slots) and HEAT. I am leaning towards the X800XT PE and 3500+. Any insight will be greatly appreciated.

I say go for #4. Both cpu/gpu are highly oc'able and will last 2 years. In one year there will be a card that whips the 850xt anyways. Go for the cheaper gfx card now and upgrade since $ is no issue down the road aft the next gen gfx cards are out.

 

[DannyNYC]

Thanks for the replys guys...

A couple of things I need to clear up:

Money is not much of an issue THIS time around, I got $1600 to spend on this system, but it'll have to last for 2 years = no upgrades for 2 years...

Heat is a BIG issue in this system, so there will be no OCing...everything will be running stock 12/7 (12 hours avg/7days a week). Anyone have the X800XT PE? and how it compares to a 6800GT? Anand's charts show about a 10-15% performance increase? Is the 3500+ good enough for the X800XT PE?

 

[Sean Maxwell]

Definately go with option #4

3500 is right up there with 3800 pretty much, dont waste the extra cash, my 3200 hits 2.6ghz (only costed me $220)

same goes for 6800 GT and X850XT PE..

for the price, 6800 GT rips up the x850XT PE... and after OC'ing (if you do that) it will beat out the x850xt pe stock, for a fraction of the cost

Keep in mind if you have an SLI capable mobo you will be able to run dual cards in or out of the shuttle

that's my input

 

[Sean Maxwell]

If you want a very powerful single card or dual card solution go AMD 3500+ with 6800 Ultra... Deeply consider a 6800 Ultra instead of the X850XT PE

X850XT PE = $750 and up
> almost exact performance = no brainer
6800 Ultra = $450



3500+ = $295
> almost exact performance = no brainer
3800+ = $630

 

[JBDan]

I dont believe the 3500+ will hold back the 850xt at all. You want the best? $ is not an issue NOW? Get the 850xt. The 850 is a 2 slot solution if I'm not mistaken. Can you use this in the shuttle? The 6800gt is a single slot solution.

 

[DannyNYC]

Originally posted by: Sean Maxwell
If you want a very powerful single card or dual card solution go AMD 3500+ with 6800 Ultra... Deeply consider a 6800 Ultra instead of the X850XT PE

X850XT PE = $750 and up
> almost exact performance = no brainer
6800 Ultra = $450



3500+ = $295
> almost exact performance = no brainer
3800+ = $630

I think everyone here has gotten my post wrong a bit...I'm htinking about the X800 XT PE, not 850! HUGE price difference!

3500+ = $275
3800+ = $428
6800GT = $419
X800 XT PE = $519

All prices from Newegg/Zipzoomfly

Hopefully this clears things up a bit...

 

[JBDan]

oops srry. I like the 6800gt better. If ya search game benches the 6800gt equals and sometimes beats the x800xt. If ya like 3dmark then ati wins.

 

[ayman]

#4 wins my vote!

 

[DannyNYC]

Anyone else?