Help bring me up to speed?

[TimmiT]

Have just begun looking at a updating my system for gaming. It has been a while since I have done a game system, but have the following:

ASUS Striker II Formula LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #: Striker II Formula
Item #: N82E16813131255 $329.99

2x MSI NX8800GTS 512M OC GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #: NX8800GTS 512M OC
Item #: N82E16814127325 $499.98

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
Model #: BX80562Q6600
Item #: N82E16819115017 $254.99

2x CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF - Retail
Model #: TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF
Item #: N82E16820145197 $378.00

ZALMAN CNPS9500 AT 2 Ball CPU Cooling Fan/Heatsink - Retail
Model #: CNPS9500 AT
Item #: N82E16835118003 $41.99


Any suggestions? Really need input on the mobo and gfx cards. Thanks

[vipernet]

What case and psu you got?

I'd be more tempted to go down the penryn line and get an e8400 along with one of the newer intel based chipsets.

However if you want to go sli I'd go for 2x8800gtx, the new 9800s don't look like much of an improvement and the 8800gtx prices will fall for sure.

[TimmiT]

Lian Li. Believe it is a PC60 with a window. I would like to reuse it.

I think the PSU is Thermaltake, in the 5XX watt range. I would look at needing to replace if required (likely). I got th Corsair for the wife's work machine, and have been pleased with it.

[TimmiT]

Forgot to mention, I have been partial to Abit boards in the past, but ould be willing to look at others. This would be an upgrade to last a while, too. I don't mind throwing some cash at it since I will hold for a while.

[Thorsson]

PC60 is not a brilliant case IMO, the airflow is not brilliant. And Thermaltake PSUs are so-so. I've had both and was deeply unimpressed.

If you want SLI then I think 8800GTS is a good choice. The GTX definitely is not as it's overpriced. I'd save the money and wait for a 9800 and then upgrade myself, as SLI never seems to work very well with the games that really need it, e.g. Crysis scales very poorly.

The Corsair RAM is normally overpriced, but I see Newegg have a $40 rebate (bloody hate those things myself). Zalman isn't the best cooler around, but it's OK if you don't mind noise or don't want to OC too much. Thermalright or Scythe make better, but they are monsters.

[Hunain]

Have just begun looking at a updating my system for gaming. It has been a while since I have done a game system, but have the following:

ASUS Striker II Formula LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #: Striker II Formula
Item #: N82E16813131255 $329.99 Should be fine!

2x MSI NX8800GTS 512M OC GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #: NX8800GTS 512M OC
Item #: N82E16814127325 $499.98 Good choice!

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
Model #: BX80562Q6600
Item #: N82E16819115017 $254.99 A good choice IMO since you want to keep the system for long, for long term I think a quad is better than any dual core, Plus it OC's good 2!

2x CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF - Retail
Model #: TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF
Item #: N82E16820145197 $378.00 Good ram but do you really need 1066? 800 would do it and save you some money as well...but your choice in the end

ZALMAN CNPS9500 AT 2 Ball CPU Cooling Fan/Heatsink - Retail
Model #: CNPS9500 AT
Item #: N82E16835118003 $41.99 Have a look at Scythe Ninja Copper and Thermalright Ultima..


Any suggestions? Really need input on the mobo and gfx cards. Thanks

The motherboard is good IMO, and a pair of 8800GTS would be the best choice, as for the price dropping in the GTX section, its more of a long shot and you will have to wait.

As for the 5XX watt PSU you have, Id say get a Corsair PSU, you will do better to replace your old PSU, im not sure but I think the HX 620 will do.

You can give Antec 900 a look, for the case! Good Luck with your build.

[Thorsson]

The Antec 900 is a good choice, as it moves air better than just about anything else, and your proposed system is going to churn out hot air like no tomorrow.

P.S. I haven't seen anything to indicate that those diddy fans on the Dominators are anything other than a gimmick. In a case with good airflow they probably perform worse than just allowing the natural airflow cool the RAM. I'd buy the GSkill.

[TimmiT]

I think I meant to select the GSkill. I was looking at a few different options, was tired, and just roughing it out. I used the GSkill in the wife's comp.

Any input on the mothrboard?

[Thorsson]

If you want SLI then that is certainly a good, maybe the best, option. As noted on HardOCP, it's a shame that Formula is usually a poor relation to the Extreme (the DDR3 version), but still it's a very good board. Obviously if you don't go SLI then you could save a bundle. And I would definitely advise against SLI unless you have a 24"+ monitor.

Let me take that a stage further. SLI on a top level card can only achieve these possibilities at the moment:

1. Allow you to play at a higher resolution, which is not really an option on LCD screens, and doesn't happen often anyway.
2. Allow faster frame rates on exiisting resolutions, but rarely does this make any game more playable by doing so, e.g. what does it matter if COD4 runs at 100fps rather than 80?

[TimmiT]

Agreed on the FPS. I'm not looking to hit numbers just for the sake of it. I believe do believe the more capable, the longer it will be usable, to some degree. This does all depend on what sort of changes are made when manufacturers come out with new product.

I am running a 24"

[Thorsson]

Well SLI will do something for you then, but I'm a little puzzled as to why someone who spends as much on their system as you do, skimped on a decent case. I'd also worry about your PSU on an SLI system. Thermaltake are somewhat hit and miss on PSUs - depends who made your particular model - but they don't tend to be top end and SLI takes it out on the 12v rails.

[Biscuit]

I agree with thorsson tbh. i reckon the SLI idea should be scrapped and you should look at getting a full new box.

Antec P182 case
Corsair 620w PSU
Q6600/Q9450
4GB 800/1066 ram (depending on which cpu u choose)
Abit IP35 Pro Motherboard
512MB 8800GTS
Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme

Will eat any game you throw at it!

[Thorsson]

Except Crysis. And nothing eats that currently.