Hey guys, I'm in the process of building my first ever PC, and I want to use it mainly for gaming. I've read up on some hardware that I plan on getting, but some advice would be nice. I have about $2,000 to spend and I already have a monitor. Mobo: Looking for a decent Mobo to run the new 4870x2 when it comes out, any suggestions? I've heard rave reviews about the Rampage Formula, but I was wondering if this was overkill considering its price ($329.99) http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=29239&vpn=RAMPAGE FORMULA&manufacture=ASUS RAM: Mushkin XP PC2-8000 Redline 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-1000 CL5-5-5-12 240PIN Dual Channel Memory Kit ($129.99) http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=28269&vpn=996593&manufacture=MUSHKIN CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Pro Q9550 2.83 GHz Quad Core Processor (1333 MHz 45NM) Socket 775 (12MB L2 Cache)($359.95) http://www.pcvonline.com/productDetails.aspx?id=6560 Case: Coolermaster Cosmos Full Tower ATX Case 5X5.25 6X3.5INT No PS Front USB Firewire Audio eSATA ($192.66) http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26047&vpn=RC-1000-KSN1&manufacture=COOLERMASTER GPU: ATI 4870x2 when it comes out (~$500) HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 3.5IN 500GB SATA2 8.5MS 7200RPM 32MB Cache NCQ Hard Drive OEM ($89.00) http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=27144&vpn=ST3500320AS&manufacture=Seagate PSU: Corsair TX750W 750W ATX 12V 60A 24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 120MM Fan ($105) http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26415#CustomerReviews Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE PCI 7.1 Surround Sound Card (OEM)($30) http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=17424&vpn=30SB057000000&manufacture=Creative Labs ODioneer DVR-116DBK DVD+RW 20X8X16 DVD-RW 20X6X16 DL 12X Black OEM IDE DVD Burner No Software http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=32224&vpn=DVR-116DBK&manufacture=Pioneer So a couple questions first off. Will 750W be enough to run the new 4870x2? Is that overkill? Also, I was wondering if the heatsink that comes with the processor is good enough. I've heard that it is usually better to use an aftermarket 3rd party heat sink. I don't really plan on overclocking this machine so would it suffice to use the retail heat sink? Also, I'm not sure if any of you are big fans of the coolermaster cosmos. I chose it because it seems to be aesthetically pleasing, as well as very user friendly (no screws except for HD). Do you have any cheaper alternatives? Lastly, the case already comes with fans. Do I need to purchase any additional ones? To sum up, I'm trying to build my system around the GPU (HD4870x2). If there are any incompatibilities or suggestions to improve this build I welcome them all. Thanks a bunch.
Nice build, I have no issue with any of those parts. Just be advised that a screwless case does not exist, you will always have to screw in the PSU and the Motherboard, which have as many screws as several HDDs or ODDs, so to find you have to screw in the hard disks as well is weird, screwless PCI slot systems are usually pretty tacky and annoying, and I often remove them.
What do you think about heatsinks? Should I stick with the stock Intel heatsink or purchase a third party one? I know the HD4870x2 is basically 2 4870s stuck together. Does this mean I need a crossfire mobo? For that matter, does a crossfire mobo just have 2 PCI-E slots? Thanks for your help!
a) I recommend a third party cooler, primarily for overclocking purposes, such as this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154002 b) It only uses one PCIe slot, so you don't need a crossfire mobo. c) There's more to it than that, Crossfire boards should really have two full 16x bandwidth slots. Ones with 8x/8x or 16x/4x will work with crossfire, but it's not recommended.
Thanks Sam, you're really helping me out. Since it only uses one PCI-E slot, should I get another mobo then? Can you suggest one that would good for my system but perhaps a little less expensive?
He means you don't need a Crossfire motherboard to run the 4870X2 because it fits in one slot. Any P35, P45, o X48 mobo will work. If you want something cheap, then a GA-EP35-DS3r will work well.
The new ones post fine. Plus it's a great board when you're using the correct BIOS. But yes, it's VERY retarded to ship a board with a BIOS that doesn't post. Pants on head retarded
