18 Aug 09
My last one was based around a Q6600 quadcore, and two 8800 GT's.
This time i want to get as couple of these...
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-091-BG&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1341
GTX 285 H2OC 1024MB
I know i should base my build around the CPU, and my quad is still a great processor, but would i notice the difference by going i7? Or, should i farm my quad from my old build. and upgrade when there is sufficient need? Your thoughts please.
Oh...and for those who like hardware porn.....
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-203-AS&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1324.
I'm sorely tempted.
18 Aug 09
Originally posted by huckleberryhoundIf you're going to stick with your old quad, which is probably a socket 775 then you won't be able to simply upgrade to the i7 because...
I know i should base my build around the CPU, and my quad is still a great processor, but would i notice the difference by going i7? Or, should i farm my quad from my old build. and upgrade when there is sufficient need? Your thoughts please.
The i7 uses socket 1366, so you'll need a new motherboard. The i7 also has an on-board memory controller which only allows you to use DDR3 memory, so if you want to go that route then you'll need new memory too.
The current i7s use a 45nm process, and IBM have recently announced that they're going to be selling 28nm process processors in 2010. As IBM has partnered with AMD you can probably expect another big drop in prices (and profit margins) for Intel when it hits the fan due to the delicious competition.
As for your GPU, I wouldn't recommend a watercooled card unless you plan to overclock it, you can probably get a card that performs better for less money without watercooling, like a GTX295. If you want to go SLI then you can get the most bang for your buck by going with two GTS250s.
Also, remember, if you want to run an SLI gaming rig then it's better to have a decent processor, so the upgrade of the whole system should ultimately be decided by that. How many pixels do you want to push?
18 Aug 09
Originally posted by CrowleyBecause I can play every game out at the moment at full spec and will be able to do so for the next year or so. I've never had that before and it's a personal pleasure when I play with mates who can't keep their frame rate above 20.
Then why pay it?
I'm just trying to understand.
That and it looks cool, allows bragging rights and is useful for work. Of course the last point is how I convinced my partner I needed it...
18 Aug 09
1 edit
Originally posted by StarrmanUgh. I'm just jealous because I can't afford one of those babies (<- hint as to why...).
Because I can play every game out at the moment at full spec and will be able to do so for the next year or so. I've never had that before and it's a personal pleasure when I play with mates who can't keep their frame rate above 20.
That and it looks cool, allows bragging rights and is useful for work. Of course the last point is how I convinced my partner I needed it...
Please just ignore my cynicism.
18 Aug 09
Originally posted by StarrmanMy other half want's a 3 grand watch, so i've done her a deal....she get's the watch, i get to launch the space shuttle from my bedroom.
Because I can play every game out at the moment at full spec and will be able to do so for the next year or so. I've never had that before and it's a personal pleasure when I play with mates who can't keep their frame rate above 20.
That and it looks cool, allows bragging rights and is useful for work. Of course the last point is how I convinced my partner I needed it...
18 Aug 09
Originally posted by hopscotchI want the watercoolers for their silent properties. I play in the bedroom atm, and i work mainly nights, meaning that a lot of my playing time is at night also (when i'm off).
If you're going to stick with your old quad, which is probably a socket 775 then you won't be able to simply upgrade to the i7 because...
The i7 uses socket 1366, so you'll need a new motherboard. The i7 also has an on-board memory controller which only allows you to use DDR3 memory, so if you want to go that route then you'll need new memory too.
T ...[text shortened]... e whole system should ultimately be decided by that. How many pixels do you want to push?
How many pixels do i want to push? I want to see the birth marks of the model on the nespaper picture of the newspaper that floats by my fps guy as he runs down the street.
18 Aug 09
1 edit
Originally posted by huckleberryhoundDoes the 2 card SLI make a huge difference? I'm not really up to speed on graphics cards etc. but a while ago I read that it turns into a pink elephant after the novelty wears off.
I want the watercoolers for their silent properties. I play in the bedroom atm, and i work mainly nights, meaning that a lot of my playing time is at night also (when i'm off).
How many pixels do i want to push? I want to see the birth marks of the model on the nespaper picture of the newspaper that floats by my fps guy as he runs down the street.
18 Aug 09
Originally posted by CrowleyIt only makes a difference at high resolutions, that's why I asked about pixels. At a standard res of like 1024 x 768 or 1280 x 1024 (which is all you really need, godammit), games will actually run slower on SLI than on a single card because your processor has to work harder with SLI. If you're running one of those massive widescreen monitors with a native res of 499432 x 203083, then yes, SLI is advised for gaming.
Does the 2 card SLI make a huge difference? I'm not really up to speed on graphics cards etc. but a while ago I read that it turns into a pink elephant after the novelty wears off.
18 Aug 09
Originally posted by CrowleyTo be honest. I never had 1 GB of graphics before, so hard to compare that to two 512 SLI. Enough to say that i am happy with what i've got at the moment, and get a warm and fuzzy glow when i go through seemless fight scenes with no drag whatsoever.
Does the 2 card SLI make a huge difference? I'm not really up to speed on graphics cards etc. but a while ago I read that it turns into a pink elephant after the novelty wears off.