Need help choosing a build

[hayze]

i have two different builds an AMD build and an Intel build.

Intel
Case
Mobo
Video Card
RAM
HD
CPU
PSU

the next build is all the same except for cpu, mobo, ram

AMD
Mobo
CPU
RAM

This build is mainly for gaming.
My monitor is 1680x1050
I will also hook up my 32 inch TV to my computer, but i wont game on it, if i did i would play only RTS's or MMORPGs
I'm wanting to add liquid cooling as well only for the CPU for now to keep the price down.

My budget for the pc is about $850 not including the liquid cooling.

i know the AMD build is more futur proof than the intel, reason why im kinda leaning towards that, but if the intel build is better i might go with that.
is ddr3 ram really any much better than the ddr2 800? would i notice a big difference or none really?

 

[gkay09]

I would do this...

CPU + Mobo
X3 720 + ASUS M4A78T-E AM3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.205337

RAM - G.SKILL Trident 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231259

HDD - WD Black 1TB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

Graphics card - The mobo supports crossfire, hence going with ATI cards, would allow for future crossfire...
SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102801

Rest - Same...
This config would be more powerful...And the X3 720 is a black edition CPU, hence easy to overclock...

 

[hayze]

would i really ever need two 4870's? i mean i know i would if i decided to go with a bigger monitor, but would i notice any performance gain on a 22inch with two of those cards?

also what would be a good liquid cooling system for my CPU? i was looking at swiftech and saw a kit for $159.99 but can i get just as good by buying the parts separate?

 

[Outlander_04]

Gkays combo is a lot better than either of the dual core systems .

And you dont HAVE to crossfire , but it is nice to have the option

 

[gkay09]

You might not need 2 4870s for that resolution...
And for that resolution, going with 2x 4870s is not at all required...

And are you gonna overclock ?

If you are spending $850 for the PC core components alone, then I would suggest this config...

CPU + Mobo
X4 955 + ASUS M4A78T-E AM3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.212580

RAM - Same GSKillz Trident

HDD - Same WD Black

Graphics card - XFX HD 4890
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150359

CASE -
CM Storm Sniper
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119196
or
CM 690
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

PSU - Same Antec

Total - $855

And it has a very powerful Quad core CPU + a very powerful graphics card, that can even run 1920X1200 resolution monitors well...

 

[hayze]

yeah since i would be going with liquid cooling i will probably over clock.

just wondering do you think it would be easy to mod the CM 690 to make it where it has a window on the side to see in.

 

[Helloworld_98]

^ you can get the NV edition of it if you want a window.

for liquid cooling, the corsair H50 looks the best bet if it's just the CPU you're liquid cooling. if you want to cool the GPU aswell then you'll want a custom loop.

 

[hayze]

well later when i have more money i will want to expand to water cooling my video card