First Build, video card advice.

mikejp

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Dec 22, 2009
13
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18,510
First time poster, first time builder. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. My first items were purchased as a package on newegg for about $320. Trying to keep the budget pretty reasonable.

CPU-AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103674

Mobo-ASUS M4A79XTD EVO AM3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131402

RAM-G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277

Im current looking at the Radeon 4890(is there any difference between xfx and sapphire?) or the 5770(for dx11). Im intending on x-firing whichever I get sometime in february when I get some extra money and hopefully the prices drop a little more.

Items Im contemplating on next:
COOLER MASTER Silent Pro 600 RS-600-AMBA-D3 600W ATX12V V2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171036

COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119196

Thanks in advance for any feedback, and please help a noob out with some advice. :)
 
Solution
Ok here are my thoughts. between the 5770 and 4890, the 4890 definitely has the most power and outperforms the 5770 to no end. However, the 5770 has DX11 support and used less power. You mentioned that you are looking to crossfire whichever you choose. Now, this is where my thoughts come in. With that PSU you could NOT run (2) 4890's. It would draw to much power, and while it may work initially I have a feeling you will be toast sooner or later. The 5770 would run comfortably in crossfire on that PSU. So that may play on your decision.

Another thought is, why not just get a 5850 right off the bat, skip buying one card now and another later? Running crossfire can be a challenge because of heat issues. Your best bet is to run...
Ok here are my thoughts. between the 5770 and 4890, the 4890 definitely has the most power and outperforms the 5770 to no end. However, the 5770 has DX11 support and used less power. You mentioned that you are looking to crossfire whichever you choose. Now, this is where my thoughts come in. With that PSU you could NOT run (2) 4890's. It would draw to much power, and while it may work initially I have a feeling you will be toast sooner or later. The 5770 would run comfortably in crossfire on that PSU. So that may play on your decision.

Another thought is, why not just get a 5850 right off the bat, skip buying one card now and another later? Running crossfire can be a challenge because of heat issues. Your best bet is to run one single powerful card. I would suggest the 5850.
 
Solution
- monitors are one of those things that end up having alot of opinions. You will hear people praising one brand and bashing the next. It ends up being your own research and just getting what you want and are willing to pay for. I am still in search of a replacement monitor and can't pick a 1920x1200 display.

- Just get the 5850. Your current PSU is great for just about any single card setup. 600w and 40A. If you are looking at crossfire down the road, first consider selling your current card and upgrading to the latest highend card. It is alot of times more cost effective this way. With the 5850 you won't have to deal with that for at least a year, unless you are a relentless gamer with a 30" display or multiple displays. But just to throw it out there, probably a 700-800W for crossfire 4890's and a good amount of Amps. 50A+.
 
Jay has hit the nail on the head with the graphics: It's usually better to have one strong card than two weaker ones-see the SLI/CF FAQ at the top of the page for more detailed information on the subject.
Take your time over the monitor decision and get one that is right for you, monitors are a very subjective experience; What is good for one is a total midden to someone else.
Try to see it working before you purchase, and if possible, try to get one on extended test from a local store so you can see exactly how it performs in your environment.
For example, I was given a highly rated Samsung monitor for Christmas a few years ago; 22" 1680x1050 ect...I HATED it- poor viewing angles, lousy colour, terrible DVD contrast. The person I sold it to tried to kiss me, she loved it so much-see what I mean?
 

wh3resmycar

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^ i hope you'd be getting an OS upgrade as well as 7 looks good (in case you dont have vista yet)

the good thing about the deal is that you'd get dirt2 for free. its not worth it if you gonna buy it separately.

no amount of dx11 tessellation can save its rubbish handling.
 


BUY THAT COMBO RIGHT FREAKING NOW!.... I have never seen such a good deal. Thermaltake is one of the most respected PSU manufacturers and they usually cost a bit more than most. I'd be ALL over that deal. That PSU gives 48A on the 12V rails which will easily run a 5850.
 

mikejp

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Dec 22, 2009
13
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18,510
Ordered the combo and added this on to http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119196. Now all that is left to get is CD/DVD Burner, Hard Drive and Monitor. Thanks for the help guys.

Looking at these Monitors.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005126

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005125

Is it really worth it to go for the 1920 x 1200 and go with something like this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001280

 
I really like that case!

I like the 1920x1200 res because its a higher resolution. But I see more and more 1920x1080 panels and less 1920x1200's. I always try to go for the 2ms displays for games. I am on a 5ms display now and i can tell its not as smooth as a 2ms. Granted the rated speeds are a little off in most cases.

My buddy has this display and its REALLY nice and fast and BIG. It might be out of your budget, but just thought I would share. I am waiting to get the non webcam version.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236046
 

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