Hi!
I'm about to change my computer so I was looking around, reading reviews and specs in order to build a machine that will (hopefully) last some time, be upgradable as long as possible (for example motherboard ready for Duo, Quad and 45nm) and as stable as possible (I don't overclock).
I have some "limits" however: in order to save some money I have to order stuff through a distributor my company works with (this way I can pay without the VAT) so I'm stuck with the brands they deal in. Luckily they're good, just for the case and the power supply I'll have to go to a shop.
Processor:
Intel Pentium Core2 Duo 3.0 Ghz (E6850) - For now the only Quad within the same price range is only 2.4 Ghz so, since I don't like overclocking, I thought it would be better to start with the E6850 and change later on, when the 45nm will be available at reasonable prices.
Motherboard:
Asus... but which one? At first I was oriented towards the P5N32E-SLI (I prefer nVidia) but the lack of a PCI-E 2.0 (and the lack of ANY SLI motherboard with PCI-E 2.0) made me reconsider. Now the choice is between P5E and Maximus Formula. Reading an Asus forum I've found out there are a lot of problems with both of them with the latest BIOS. Any advice? Apart from Asus I can only choose an MSI but I would definitely prefer an Asus motherboard.
RAM:
Here I'm a bit undecided between 2 Gb and 4 Gb. On the forums I've mentioned there was talk about a bad allocation of memory under XP-32, resulting in bad performances with 4 Gb and Crossfire. Do you know anything about it? If I go for 2 Gb which would you recommend between a single 2 Gb stick and 2x1 Gb? The brands I can choose from are Corsair and Kingston.
Graphic card:
2x Asus ATI HD3870 in Crossfire mode. While browsing around I've come across a website which tested the 3870 opposed to the 8800 GT and while the nVidia was better in single mode the Crossfire system outperformed the SLI. Combined to the lack of a SLI motherboard with PCI-E 2.0 this made me, for the first time, change sides and abandon the nVidia graphics.
HDD:
1x Western Digital 250 GB S-ATAII 7200RPM (WD2500JS) - For the OS and work programs.
2x Western Digital 500 GB S-ATAII 7200RPM (WD5000KS) - One for games and one for music and movies.
I know it would be better to opt for a 10000RPM for the OS but at the moment the only one with a decent capacity is 150 GB and costs more than the two 500GB together (I'm talking about the ones available through that supplier).
No audio card, opting for the on-board one.
Logitech G15 gaming keyboard and G9 laser mouse.
What would you change, what would you recommend, what have you tested yourself?
Given the Core2 Duo and the two Crossfire HD 3870 cards will I have any overheating problems or will it be within the norm even with a middle tower case (I've been always using the big tower but for once I would like something "cooler" ghghgh)?
Thanks for the help!
I'm about to change my computer so I was looking around, reading reviews and specs in order to build a machine that will (hopefully) last some time, be upgradable as long as possible (for example motherboard ready for Duo, Quad and 45nm) and as stable as possible (I don't overclock).
I have some "limits" however: in order to save some money I have to order stuff through a distributor my company works with (this way I can pay without the VAT) so I'm stuck with the brands they deal in. Luckily they're good, just for the case and the power supply I'll have to go to a shop.
Processor:
Intel Pentium Core2 Duo 3.0 Ghz (E6850) - For now the only Quad within the same price range is only 2.4 Ghz so, since I don't like overclocking, I thought it would be better to start with the E6850 and change later on, when the 45nm will be available at reasonable prices.
Motherboard:
Asus... but which one? At first I was oriented towards the P5N32E-SLI (I prefer nVidia) but the lack of a PCI-E 2.0 (and the lack of ANY SLI motherboard with PCI-E 2.0) made me reconsider. Now the choice is between P5E and Maximus Formula. Reading an Asus forum I've found out there are a lot of problems with both of them with the latest BIOS. Any advice? Apart from Asus I can only choose an MSI but I would definitely prefer an Asus motherboard.
RAM:
Here I'm a bit undecided between 2 Gb and 4 Gb. On the forums I've mentioned there was talk about a bad allocation of memory under XP-32, resulting in bad performances with 4 Gb and Crossfire. Do you know anything about it? If I go for 2 Gb which would you recommend between a single 2 Gb stick and 2x1 Gb? The brands I can choose from are Corsair and Kingston.
Graphic card:
2x Asus ATI HD3870 in Crossfire mode. While browsing around I've come across a website which tested the 3870 opposed to the 8800 GT and while the nVidia was better in single mode the Crossfire system outperformed the SLI. Combined to the lack of a SLI motherboard with PCI-E 2.0 this made me, for the first time, change sides and abandon the nVidia graphics.
HDD:
1x Western Digital 250 GB S-ATAII 7200RPM (WD2500JS) - For the OS and work programs.
2x Western Digital 500 GB S-ATAII 7200RPM (WD5000KS) - One for games and one for music and movies.
I know it would be better to opt for a 10000RPM for the OS but at the moment the only one with a decent capacity is 150 GB and costs more than the two 500GB together (I'm talking about the ones available through that supplier).
No audio card, opting for the on-board one.
Logitech G15 gaming keyboard and G9 laser mouse.
What would you change, what would you recommend, what have you tested yourself?
Given the Core2 Duo and the two Crossfire HD 3870 cards will I have any overheating problems or will it be within the norm even with a middle tower case (I've been always using the big tower but for once I would like something "cooler" ghghgh)?
Thanks for the help!