Looking for advice for a first time build

[1337_JohnN]

Umm.. Maybe get the newest GPU later, and put the old GPU in a diff mobo? I think most people would do that if they have two computers. Or maybe just build a new rig.

Oh yeah, I forgot Nos benchmarks. >.< Why do people compete to get higher numbers? Might as well play the game, and kill eachother to the last man standing.

 

[NosBoost300]

because benchmarking is a different kind a game... a different kind of skill... requiring you to know how to work with hardware, and understand how to work through a bios, and know what requirements are needed to cool a cpu a certain extent to get to a certain point

 

[Hussein19891]

Benchmarks are to trim down the herd. To see what hardware reigns supreme and what hardware just plain suck. Its a game in itself.

Basically its to test what hard ware is capable of. Since most games (except for Crysis) don't really tax video cards or CPU's much.

 

[NosBoost300]

the way i see its... the heard in this wranch... is to see who's got the brain, and skill to squeeze every last once out of his hardware

 

[Nastt]

Whoa, a lot of replies while I was out today Thanks for all the advice, I think I have a pretty good idea of what I want now except for the motherboard. Still a bit iffy on that. The only board recommended was one of the boards I remembered had video corruption bugs while playing videos/gaming (did they ever release a BIOS that fixed that?). Anything decent in the $100-125 range compatible with what has been suggested would be awesome - and I think I'd prefer to go with just the one GPU slot unless there's a really good SLI motherboard for a similar price. Thanks again :happy:

 

[NosBoost300]

video corruption has been fixed through bios updates

 

[1337_JohnN]

LoL, you just said benchmarking is like a TCG. Who has the best set wins. But at least you can use your collectible for naughty stuff. ;p

 

[Nastt]

Any compatibility issues with this setup?

Motherboard Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards

Processor Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

CPU cooler Newegg.com - Sunbeam CR-CCTF 120mm "Core Contact Freezer" CPU Cooler - CPU Fans & Heatsinks.

RAM Newegg.com - OCZ SLI-Ready 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

Video Card Newegg.com - XFX GX260NADBF GeForce GTX 260 Black Edition Core 216 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

Power Supply (undecided) Newegg.com - PC Power & Cooling S61EPS 610W Continuous @ 40°C EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies or Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies

Also, does the OS make much difference? I currently run XP and was wondering if Vista had any real edge when it comes to gaming performance. Thanks

 

[NosBoost300]

all is well

only reason to get vista is if you want to use direct x 10

 

[1337_JohnN]

^^^ Which is awesome, because it look kewl. And helps you get you game on! d:O')-<