my pc gaming build

[pickxx]

I dont know if a 3800+ would be all he needs. From when i have seen the 7800GFX is still pretty cpu limited in some games.

Now don't assume i mean its holding this beast to 30fps....but we are talking 16x12 and higher and very high settings on everything.

I think if you are going to get the 3800+ and OC it to around ~3.2Ghz on water you can be pretty sure that you are not CPU limited. Why build a rig that costs $2,500 and settle for a bottleneck that doesn't have to be there? No matter what something will be the bottleneck....IMO it should be the one piece where you can upgrade. If you have the best CPU and still are CPU limited, you tryed. If spend that much money and you are cpu limited and didn't go all out...shame on you.

__________________________________________
Chaintech VNF3-250/A64 2800+/1GB(512x2) OCZ VX GOLD 2-2-2-5/BFG 6800GT/Thermaltake 420W/WD 200GB/Maxtor 300GB

 

[scrapser]

Thanks for those details. That changes the equation considerably. Now I'll have to look at what I want for a performance target and see what CPU can get me there without costing me more than necessary and not turning into a science project.

How about the San Diego core? That seems to be important the way the articles talk about it. My main use of the PC is games (Doom3, Half-Life2, Silent Hunter 3, Falcon4, etc.) By the way, Silent Hunter 3 recommends a minimum of 1 gig of RAM but runs on 512 pretty good.

Thanks again

scrapser

 

[pickxx]

Venice 512K cache
San Diego 1MB cache

Those are the differences between those cores.


What you said is exactly correct. Pick a level you want, and get there as cheaply as possible. Or get there as reliably as you can, without exceeding a certain budget.

My advice would be to OC the 3800+ SanDeigo on water, the 7800 you talked about, and a gig of TCCD or VX and you will fly. Also a Raptor is nice for some of those longer load times for games.

__________________________________________
Chaintech VNF3-250/A64 2800+/1GB(512x2) OCZ VX GOLD 2-2-2-5/BFG 6800GT/Thermaltake 420W/WD 200GB/Maxtor 300GB

 

[shawnlizzle =]]

errm... okay,

1) no such thing as a 3800 san diego (not that i know of)... highest is 4000 right now

2) i'm nto sure, but even with 3700+ san diego, you'll be VERY lucky to push 3ghz with water. most ppl use phase or cascades to push beyond 3 ghz. if you look at the over clocks that ppl do, with the 3700, its usually around 2.8 ghz. (which is still darn good in my book)

fx57 = $1100
3700 = $339

3700 @ 2.8 = fx57

think about it ;D


<font color=red>gforce mx100/200 @ 230/440 =]</font color=red>

 

[scrapser]

I discovered that when I went looking at the chips (only 3700's). I must say this is all very interesting. I never realized a chip was introduced, then improved upon until it's clock speed is maxed out by the manufacturer (and overclocking is simply a consumer doing this on their own). I thought each new chip was an improved manufacturing process and each had the ability to be overclocked.

So the FX-57 is really near the end of that particular core's potential in terms of clock speed. Since AMD is now focusing on dual core because single cores have been pushed as far as they can go, I guess there won't be any new single core processors that will be faster than the Athlon line.

One question...when you add up the cost of what's required to overclock a chip (water cooling for example) how does that compare price wise to buying the faster chip and not having to overclock at all?

scrapser

 

[pickxx]

I typed 3800 but i ment 3700...sorry. i do that all the time. Fat fingers.

I am no expert but i know that people are getting right at 3Ghz on a dedicaded water loop. I have seen screen shots and stuff. I was looking around to see what OC best a while ago....air will get you to 2.8, water slightly over 3, and Cascade to around 3.4. Or atleast thats what i have seen...its all luck of the draw.



__________________________________________
Chaintech VNF3-250/A64 2800+/1GB(512x2) OCZ VX GOLD 2-2-2-5/BFG 6800GT/Thermaltake 420W/WD 200GB/Maxtor 300GB

 

[pickxx]

Think about it like this...
fx57 = $1100
3700 = $339

That means you have $761 bucks to buy cooling for it. Water cooling is more exspensive then air...but its not $761. Once you buy a good water cooling kit, or make one, you will have plenty of money left over for other things for your computer.....or maybe just some beer and pizza. A LOT of beer and pizza

__________________________________________
Chaintech VNF3-250/A64 2800+/1GB(512x2) OCZ VX GOLD 2-2-2-5/BFG 6800GT/Thermaltake 420W/WD 200GB/Maxtor 300GB