Validate my Gaming Rig Components

[Starbuck1975]

First, the sticky thread inputs:

1. Gaming, gaming, and more gaming...with some basic office type tasks thrown into the mix between sessions of gaming.
2. $1000
3. USA USA USA
4. Partial to Abit motherboards...last three builds were with AMD processors, but I am open to going Intel this time around...partial to nVidia GPUs.
5. Only thing I can salvage is my case, sound card and hard drives from my current rig.
6. Yes, and my build selection is largely based on those threads...just have a few specific questions...provided below.
7. Default speeds, but I may use the Abit overclocking utility to do some minor overclocking, as I have done with my current rig.

This is my current system:
Abit AN8 32x
eVGA GEFORCE 7900 GT KO
2x1GB OCZ Dual Channel Platinum PC-3200
Athlon X2 3800+
WD Caviar SE16 250 GB SATA 2.0 x 2
Soundblaster Audigy 2
ENERMAX Liberty ELT500AWT ATX12V 500W PSU
WIN XP

Here is my situation...the primary PCI-E slot on my Abit AN8 32X died...I am currently running my GPU on the secondary PCI-E slot, which is working fine for the time being...however, I was planning on upgrading my GPU this Spring, which will also require an RMA on my MOBO at this point...in doing the cost/benefit analysis, I thought it might be better to explore a new build at this point as my current system struggles to play games like Crysis or BioShock without the eye candy turned down...and my current line of thinking is that if I simply get a new GPU for my current rig AND get the MOBO RMAed AND do a fresh install of my OS, I might be better served just doing a new build as my current rig is showing its age...2 years old at this point.

I plan on salvaging my two hard drives, case, and sound card...everything else is going on the auction block.

Here is my proposed new build:

ABIT IP35 Pro
EVGA 512-P3-N802-AR GeForce 8800GT
Antec NeoPower 650 ATX12V / EPS12V 650W Power Supply
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit

Estimated Cost: $850

Now my questions:

PSU Questions:
1. Could I possibly salvage my Enermax Liberty 500W, or will it not provide enough power for my proposed new build?

2. The OCZ GameXStream 700W seems to be receiving better user reviews than the Antec NeoPower 650W, but most enthusiast sites rate the Antec PSU fairly well...I am partial to modular PSUs, hence the selection of the Antec NeoPower 650W...would anyone strongly suggest AGAINST going with the Antec in favor of the OCZ? My current PSU is the Enermax Liberty, which I like a lot, but their 620W version is not receiving rave reviews.

MEMORY
My current rig uses OCZ memory, and my previous rig used Crucial memory...I am not familiar with G.SKILL, but I know many recommend going with value RAM regardless of brand...so I have never gone premium on RAM ever...and the G.SKILL dual channel kit is getting rave reviews on several sites...any words of warning on G.SKILL RAM, or is this a suitable choice at this point?

CPU
It is killing me that I have to choose an Intel processor this time around...all of my builds have been AMD, so I have an emotional attachment to their products...is it worth waiting for AMD to get their act together with Phenom, or does Intel have the pedestal for at least the next year? However, the Abit IP35 Pro is getting rave reviews as ushering in a new era of Abit MOBOs, so selecting this MOBO would essentially drive the Intel CPU decision.

GPU
Conventional wisdom says that the 8800GT is the bang for your buck option, but since I am doing a new build, should I consider a more powerful GPU?

OS
I am still running XP...I still like XP...but I know the change to Vista is inevitable...should I just switch my OS at this point?

MOBO
My understanding is that both nVidia and Intel are on the verge of releasing new chipsets...is it worth waiting for X48 or 790i?

 

[DSF]

1. Probably, but I don't know anything about the unit so I couldn't say for sure.

2. The Corsair 520HX is modular, quiet, stable, and would have plenty of power for your setup.

Mem: An inexpensive G.Skill set would be fine.

CPU: Despite whatever emotional attachments you may have, Intel is the better buy at the mid- to high-end right now. With the usage you outlined though, I don't know that I'd buy a Q6600. I'd probably go for an E8400.

GPU: Nothing at all wrong with an 8800GT. However, prices have dropped on the 8800GTS 512MB, which has performance very close to the 8800GTX. Some models are as low as $250 after rebate:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...on=8800GTS+G92&x=0&y=0

OS: If you have an XP install disc that you can use, I'd go with it for the simple purpose of saving money. You can always upgrade to Vista later if you want.

 

[MarcVenice]

Your enermax liberty should hold up just fine. 500w is more then enough for nowadays builds, how old is it exactly ? If you were to get a new one, I'd prolly get the 520hx from Corsair, if you are deadset on modular.

The ram is fine. If you're building a gaming rig, buy the e8400 instead of the q6600, the e8400 is simply better for gaming, especially when you don't overclock. http://www.buy.com/retail/prod...egory=Comp&dcaid=16375 It's the XEON version of the e8400, will work just fine, is reasonably priced, AND it's in stock.

8800gt all the way: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814127329

No real need to switch, I mean, it will cost another 100$, and XP is still fine for now, so if you allready have it, then I'd stick with it.

No, not worth to wait for new chipsets, they'll be expensive, and won't offer you anything you need. Why the abit Pro ? You need firewire/esata/raid 6 sata ports ? Otherwise consider the abit ip35-e or the gigabyte ds3l.

 

[Starbuck1975]

CPU: Despite whatever emotional attachments you may have, Intel is the better buy at the mid- to high-end right now. With the usage you outlined though, I don't know that I'd buy a Q6600. I'd probably go for an E8400.

If you're building a gaming rig, buy the e8400 instead of the q6600, the e8400 is simply better for gaming, especially when you don't overclock. http://www.buy.com/retail/prod...egory=Comp&dcaid=16375 It's the XEON version of the e8400, will work just fine, is reasonably priced, AND it's in stock.

So that is two votes for the E8400...correct if I am wrong, but isn't the E8400 a dual core CPU?

If that is the case, what kind of performance boost am I seeing from going with a new e8400 rig vs. my current Athlon X2 3800+ rig...assuming that in both cases, I am running an 8800GT?

No, not worth to wait for new chipsets, they'll be expensive, and won't offer you anything you need. Why the abit Pro ? You need firewire/esata/raid 6 sata ports ? Otherwise consider the abit ip35-e or the gigabyte ds3l.

I don't require the additional firewire/esata/raid 6 sata ports , but the Pro does have better capacitors, uGuru and I like that the CMOS switch is accessible without having to open the case...all gimmicks, I know, but I think worth the price premium. Several reviews I read mentioned that while both are excellent boards, the minimal price premium for the PRO is worth it.

 

[MarcVenice]

At stock speeds, the e8400 will be NEARLY twice as fast as the x2 3800+. Overclock it to 3.6ghz, and it's no longer comparable. Games don't really take advantage of qaudcores though, so a faster clocked dualcore will be better. You COULD just throw a 8800gt into your current rig, and overclock that x2 3800+ to 2.6ghz. That's what I have, and it's still serving me VERY well in pretty much any game.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: Starbuck1975
So that is two votes for the E8400...correct if I am wrong, but isn't the E8400 a dual core CPU?

If that is the case, what kind of performance boost am I seeing from going with a new e8400 rig vs. my current Athlon X2 3800+ rig...assuming that in both cases, I am running an 8800GT?

The E8400 is indeed dual core, and it will be considerably faster than your 3800+. I don't have any benchmarks handy to confirm Marc's claim of twice as fast, but I imagine that's reasonably accurate. The Core2 architecture is faster clock-for-clock than the X2, and the E8400 is clocked significantly higher.

The current state-of-the-art in gaming is such that a faster dual core is more beneficial than a slower quad core most of the time. The only real exception that I know of is Supreme Commander. I've heard there's a boost in UT3, but I haven't seen evidence that's satisfying to me. For the next year or two I would expect that trend to continue. After that time there may be more multi-threaded games, but four cores won't be a necessary for a good gaming experience for quite some time I would say.

Heck, a modern single core CPU will run just about any of today's games with little to no trouble. Even Crysis was playable on my P4 Northwood 2.6.

 

[jdkick]

What are the specs on Liberty? I'd snag them from Enermax but they don't keep manuals/spec sheets available older models. :\ I had no hesitation using my 495W Enermax NoiseTaker for my new machine.

The G.Skill memory seems to popular. I'm generally a Corsair fan tho, and there's almost always rebates out there for the stuff.

From what I understand, the P45/X38 aren't going to bring a whole lot to the table. You could either wait and jump in when they're released, or go with a proven P35 board now that has a mature BIOS, etc. Besides, there will no doubt be a hefty premium on some of new chips/boards whenever they do hit shelves.

Do you have a budget in mind? The 8800GT is certainly good value for the money, tho you can find some good deals on an 8800GTS (G92) from time to time for a little extra boost. Outside of that, you'd have fork over quite a bit more money (>$400) for something like a 3870 X2.

The OS is up to you. I went with Vista x64 as I needed a Windows OS - I have no complaints. You could certainly ride XP for a little longer and keep the $$$ for now.

BTW, there's nothing stopping you going AMD if you're partial to the brand.

 

[Starbuck1975]

You COULD just throw a 8800gt into your current rig, and overclock that x2 3800+ to 2.6ghz. That's what I have, and it's still serving me VERY well in pretty much any game.

Looks like I am at the same decision point...send my MOBO in for an RMA and upgrade my video card...that is a viable option apparently.

Out of curiosity, what games are you playing, and at what settings...my current rig can run CoH, Supreme Commander, BioShock and Crysis...granted, on the latter two, I have a lot of the settings dialed down a bit, but I am somewhat surprised that I can still get playable framerates on a lot of new games, even with some of the settings turned up.

Maybe RMA + new GPU is the right decision, and wait a year to see if AMD gets its act together.

 

[Roguestar]

Don't hold your breath for AMD, but I'd say saving your cash and only getting a new graphics card now would be the best bet.

 

[dodgybob]

I would agree that at this point it just makes sense to rma the board and buy a new graphics card. I have an opteron 170 and i reckon that this setup will last another year before I'll consider a change of platform. By the way the Enermax Liberty is an excellent power supply unit and would certainly be able to power a quad core setup with a more power hungry graphics card if you upgraded in future.

 

[MeSh1]

MOBO
My understanding is that both nVidia and Intel are on the verge of releasing new chipsets...is it worth waiting for X48 or 790i?

I say its worth waiting for and youre not going to be waiting much longer. Im on the verge of building my system as well. Currently i just have my antec p180 case and my corsair620. Im debating between x48 or 790i and im leaning towards x48. 790i has some hectic chipset cooling which means its gonna run hot, but to previous nforce owners this shouldnt come as a surprice. Also nvidia is using the same ol' MCP i guess its not a big deal but considering the price of the board and the next gen claim i guess im just expecting too much. Another thing is they claim native pcie 2.0 for tri sli, but one of them (from what ive researched) is going to be 1.0. I believe its the southbridge slot. I guess if you absolutely cannot live without sli and want pcie 2.0/ddr3/official support for 1600 then 790i is the way to go. If you do not plan on SLIing then stick with x48. Asus looks very promising right now. Currently the Rampage looks like the premier option for those of us who want to stick with ddr2. Anyway just my thoughts on the matter. Hopes this helps. Peace

 

[Starbuck1975]

Sent my MOBO in for RMA...they can't fix the problem, and do not have any replacement boards available of the same model...and they are not offering up many options for another Socket 939.

I cannot find anyone who still carries the AN8 32X, so it looks like I am stuck building a new rig.

This is what I am salvaging from my current rig:

WD Caviar SE16 250 GB SATA 2.0 x 2
Soundblaster Audigy 2
ENERMAX Liberty ELT500AWT ATX12V 500W PSU

and here are the new components:

ABIT IP35 Pro LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit
eVGA 8800GT

This sound like a suitable upgrade worth pulling the trigger for?

 

[chinaman1472]

Very suitable upgrade. Just remember to shop around for the best prices

 

[Starbuck1975]

Just noticed that the Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale is out of stock just about everywhere.

As I am not familiar with the various Intel names, what is the advantage of going Wolfdale to say Conroe or one of their other dual core CPUs?

I did a comparison, and the only difference I can see is that the Conroe is 65nm where the Wolfdale is 45nm...and the L2 cache for the Conroe is 4M shared, and 6MB for the Wolfdale.

Performance wise, what does this mean exactly?

 

[Margalus]

the E-8400 uses less power, produces less heat and performs a few percent better than it's conroe counterpart. It also overclocks better, if you can believe that I would definately choose the e8400! Oh, wait. I did!! :laugh:

as for it being twice as fast, don't believe that. If you use a cpu benchmark it may well be more than twice as fast. Playing games though it's not going to be that dramatic. Don't want you to be dissapointed. the cpu is only 1 part of the whole rig that affects performance.

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: Starbuck1975
Just noticed that the Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale is out of stock just about everywhere.

As I am not familiar with the various Intel names, what is the advantage of going Wolfdale to say Conroe or one of their other dual core CPUs?

I did a comparison, and the only difference I can see is that the Conroe is 65nm where the Wolfdale is 45nm...and the L2 cache for the Conroe is 4M shared, and 6MB for the Wolfdale.

Performance wise, what does this mean exactly?

The Conroe was the first family of the new breed of Intel processors, based on the Core 2 microarchitecture. Wolfdale is a revision and process shrink, using 45nm-manufactured chips. This means that the new chips can overclock farther and run cooler. The extra cache is a little boost compared to the Conroe. Overall, Wolfdale is the natural progression of the Core 2 family down the line of smaller/faster/cooler.