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[PrISM506]

So it's time for me to update my system with the impending DX10 and all the snazzy new hardware. I've started putting the pieces together and I wanted to see what you guys thought. One major question I have is about a cooling solution and if I should use water or air. Please see my thread in the Cases & Cooling section. I welcome any suggestions and comments you might have.

CPU: E6600
MoBo: ASUS P5N-E
RAM: Corsair XMS-2 2GB DDR2 800
GPU(s): BFG Tech 8800GTS
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 200GB SATA 3.0GB/s
Case: Antec 900
PSU: OCZ GameXStream 600W

Some notes:
-I plan on expanding the RAM to 4GB, but for now I just wanted to start out with 2.
-I'm still up in the air as to the GPU that I want, and whether or not to go SLI. Right now I'm leaning more towards a single 8800GTS or GTX and then adding a second for SLI in the future.
-I realize that the 600W PSU is not sufficient for an SLI system so that's something else that's tentitive. However, would that PSU be sufficient for a single-card solution?

Thanks guys.

 

[Roguestar]

If you want to overclock go for different RAM. If you don't the Corsair is fine. The PSU should be fine for that. Buying SLI 8800GTS is much worse in terms of price/performance than a single 8800GTX. Consider getting an E6400 instead of an E6600 and spending the difference on getting a GTX.

 

[Bobthelost]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
If you want to overclock go for different RAM. If you don't the Corsair is fine.

Clarification:
The corsair will let him overclock, but it's not the best out there for it.

If you're not overclocking then don't waste your money on DDR2 800, just get 533 and be happy.

 

[PrISM506]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
If you want to overclock go for different RAM. If you don't the Corsair is fine.

I'm still up in the air as to whether or not I'll be overclocking. I haven't tried it before, but I've been giving it some consideration. Which RAM would you recommend me if I do overclock?

Originally posted by: Roguestar
Buying SLI 8800GTS is much worse in terms of price/performance than a single 8800GTX. Consider getting an E6400 instead of an E6600 and spending the difference on getting a GTX.

Why do you suggest dropping the E6600 for the E6400? The price difference is about $100 on newegg.

I'm starting to lean more towards getting a single GTX and then possibly adding another at a later time as the prices come down a little (and my funds go up).

 

[mcurphy]

Originally posted by: PrISM506

Originally posted by: Roguestar
If you want to overclock go for different RAM. If you don't the Corsair is fine.

I'm still up in the air as to whether or not I'll be overclocking. I haven't tried it before, but I've been giving it some consideration. Which RAM would you recommend me if I do overclock?

Originally posted by: Roguestar
Buying SLI 8800GTS is much worse in terms of price/performance than a single 8800GTX. Consider getting an E6400 instead of an E6600 and spending the difference on getting a GTX.

Why do you suggest dropping the E6600 for the E6400? The price difference is about $100 on newegg.

I'm starting to lean more towards getting a single GTX and then possibly adding another at a later time as the prices come down a little (and my funds go up).

If price is not a factor, I say go with the E6600. An extra 2MB of cache never hurt anyone

 

[StopSign]

Since you're building this with DX10 in mind.....

1. Wait a month or so and get the E6420.

2. Wait a couple months for DX10 to actually come out and get one of nVidia or ATI's new cards then. I highly doubt the 8800 series will remain as the flagship. Nobody talks about the incredible 7800GTX 512 anymore, do they? It will be quite some time before DX10 becomes mainstream because it only runs on Vista. It's not in your best interest to break the bank right now to buy the first ever DX10 card months before the actual DX10 launch...

 

[PrISM506]

Originally posted by: StopSign
1. Wait a month or so and get the E6420.

What's that CPU about?

 

[StopSign]

It's an E6400 with 4 MB cache instead of 2. It's supposed to replace the entire E6400 line so it will be the same price as the E6400 when it comes out.

There's also the E6320.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: PrISM506
Rate My Build

3.75 out of 10

 

[Roguestar]

Blain, has anyone gotten a 4 on your scale?

 

[Blain]

Mine...

 

[PlasmaBomb]

Whats your rig Blain?

 

[Hulk]

I would downgrade to GTS and 6400.

Upgrade hard drive to 320GB Western Digital, not Seagate 7200.10. I have both and the WD is so much quieter and I don't notice any speed difference. Both are very fast.

I'd also go with a Seasonic power supply.

Just my opinions.

 

[dev0lution]

I'd swap out the E6600 for a E6400 or E6300, the GTS for the GTX, and the power supply for the 520W Corsair if you're only planning on running the single card.

Depends on your usage though. You could use the extra cache for some apps, but if you're going to go gaming then why not save a bit on the CPU and put it towards a better card?