Yet another build check request

[Zuddud]

Right now there's no real advantage for me to go DX10. Especially in a card that probably won't even perform as well as the DX9 cards. I won't be going Vista for quite some time and I don't tend to be on the cutting edge of gaming. I'd rather wait until there are DX10's in my price range with more than 128-bit memory.

 

[willssi]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
For under $600, I like this a lot better (especially if you're planning on gaming with it for 3 years).

Core 2 Duo E2160 Retail - $99

ASRock 4CoreDual-VSTA - $60

Wintec 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 667 - $60

PNY GeForce 8800GTS 320MB - $270

XClio GoodPower 500W PSU - $50

Total: $539 plus shipping/tax.

I think that is a good list, except I would change the PSU to the Corsair 520HX (review of bigger brother 620HX @ hardocp). Stability and accuracy of power rails is really important to your components living a long life, and if you're going to be using this for 3 - 5 years and plan on upgrading, I think it's an important part to invest a bit more in. Keep an eye on deals too, $95 isn't the cheapest I've seen it, but it's the lowest I see right now. buy.com had it on sale for $85 a little while ago.

 

[Zuddud]

I'd really like to see some benchmarks on the 2160. With the reduced L2 cache I wonder how well it will stack up to AMD.

 

[Skeeedunt]

I could be wrong, but I'd say getting 512MB of RAM on a budget card is waste. If you want to save some cash, go for one of the cheaper 256MB x1950pro's. (I haven't looked at the 8600 series ^^^ much, that may also be an option at that price range.)

 

[Nnyan]

While I agree that the Corsair 520HX is a better PSU (I own the 620 and its a seasonic rebrand) for that this guy is using it for (and no OCing or moderate OC) the Antec's are more then fine.

You can save a few bucks getting a 256mb video but with Vista and DX10 I would say that you want to get as much ram on your video as you can afford, IMHO for a few bucks you can prolong the life of your card a bit.

I would get the Wintec Ampo sticks instead (look for the reviews here) 3AMD2800-2G2K-R which are rock solid. Upgrade to an 8800GTS 320MB, get the cheapest P965 or 650i mobo that fits your needs (I like the 650i's more myself) or come with rebates, and get yourself an E4300/4400 CPU. Stick with the Antec Trio and the $25 rebate or if you're really concerned get the OCZ gameXstream 600 or the Corsair 520HX.

With the ECS 650i mobo and the Antec you've got $45 MIR, sure you'll go over your budget a bit but you'll have a significant increase in performance in your games.

 

[Zuddud]

Well at this point I think I'm just going to wait a little while longer. Apparently there will be quite a few price changes in July, so I think I'll just wait and see what happens with that.