New fun build... opinions?

[AstroCat]

New (Game and fun) Build:

CPU: E8400 (Want to OC to 3.6 or hopefully 4Ghz)
MB: GIGABYTE GA-X48-DQ6 DDR2
Mem: G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000)
PS: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX
HD1: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB
HD2: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD7500AAKS 750GB (already own)
OP: SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S203B
Case: P182 (already own)
HS: Thermalright Ultra-120 (already own)
Fans: 2 x 120mm S-Flex Scythe (already own)
TC: Arctic Silver 5 (already own)
Vid: EVGA 8800GTX (already own)
Sound: X-Fi (already own)

I went for the X48/DDR3 after looking at some benchmarks. Once I went passed P35 I just had to finish it out and go ahead with X48/DDR3. I considered then ASUS P5E3 PREMIUM/WIFI-AP but the reviews of the Gigabyte board were very good as well, and I wanted to give them a shot after years of Asus boards, plus it was a bit cheaper as well.

I know in a year or so I might upgrade again when Nehalem comes around but I didn't want to have to wait another year plus to upgrade.

I almost went 790i but I had a really bad time with 2 bad 680i boards and even though this system is mostly for gaming I don't think the trouble of SLI is worth it, plus I can't stand the NB fan noise.

I am open to advice or comments.

Update: After some more research and consideration I bailed on the DDR3... and went the DDR2 route.

 

[MarcVenice]

So you're spending INSANE amounts on a x48 board and ddr3 when you allready mention upgrading to nehalem in a years time, but you are not replacing your 8800gtx ? What cpu you got now ?

I'd get this PSU btw: http://microcenter.com/single_...tml?product_id=0265149 it's probably equally good as the tx750 or better. It's most likely twice as cheap as well.

 

[AstroCat]

Well the DDR3 is around 450 and the MB around 310. P35 and DDR2 would have been a lot cheaper for sure 125 and 100. I figure it will be at least a year if not more till Nehalem gets settled. So the soonest upgrade might be in a year but it could be up to 2. I'm coming from an AMD 4000+/939 system.

I will see how much the 9800GTX goes for when it is available when it comes out.

I know there were cheaper ways, I almost went P35/E8400/DDR2 but I started looking at the benchmarks and between P35 and X48 there is a difference.

 

[MarcVenice]

A difference worth 300% the price ?

 

[AstroCat]

I know what you are thinking and I tend to agree but you know if it comes down to 30fps or 20fps and not playable it was worth it to me. Otherwise the whole thing is a waste.

I've been building these boxes for around 18 years and it is a total drag when you are just behind the curve of where you want to be. I figured this way I am going to be a bit ahead, at least for now, and have some real fun with this build before the inevitable tech curve catches up with me. I didn't want to be too far behind right from the get go.

 

[MarcVenice]

The difference isn't 30fps or 20fps. It's 29fps vs 30fps. You'd be better of getting a nice new, or second monitor, and a new videocard. Perhaps watercool it, and overclock that e8400 to 4.5ghz using ddr2 1066mhz ram. I don't know, you seem to be pretty deadset on it, don't know why you are asking for advice in the first place. If the fact that you are paying 300% for a mere 5% speed improvement doesn't bother you, by all means, go ahead and have a little fun. I'd rather spend 1/3th now and another 1/3th in 6 months and another 1/3th in 12 months and have 150%, 150% and 150% of an performance increase instead.

 

[AstroCat]

I just wanted to see what people thought of the setup, maybe bounce some ideas around, that's all.

If all the benchmarks I saw really were only 1fps from x48/DDR3 to p35/DDR2 there is no way I would have done it but from the benchmarks around the sites it is a lot more than that.

I'm only interested in dealing with air cooled and I still might get a new vid card, we'll see.

 

[MarcVenice]

What benchmarks ? Show me, so I can judge for myself. I gave you my ideas though, and the dq6 is a highly regarded mobo so you won't be dissapointed.

 

[imported_wired247]

Here's the deal AstroCat ... a LOT of people are tempted by DDR3. It looks cooler, sounds incredibly fast, and feels better when it's in your shopping cart.

However, the CPUs of today are not NEARLY fast enough to require DDR3. You gain little performance (like Marc said 1-2FPS) going from 1:1 DRAM:FSB ratio to 2:1 DRAM:FSB ratio. And that's the only thing you will gain from going DDR3. The ability to run at higher DRAM:FSB ratio.

Just say no.

If you have that kind of money to spend, I would suggest SLI to you, or if you don't like SLI then I would go for a 9800 GX2. Oh wait, I did

 

[AstroCat]

Haha... It is a tough decision. I still can switch if I want from the DDR3 to DDR2 version...

Update: After a little "computer soul searching" I think you guys are on to something with DDR2 vs DDR3. I've decided to go with the DDR2 route instead.

Thanks for the advice, I try and stay open to suggestions and input. I think even being at this game a long time I got caught up in the misplaced DDR3 hype.