Computer Hardware Opinions

[Akula]

I'm looking at buying the parts for a system rebuild over the next 3-4 months, and just want to see if anyone has any opinions on what I am looking at for right now. Also if anyone can answer some questions in a way that I can understand.

 

The mainboard:

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813157163

 

http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Mode...0Extreme&s=

 

The CPU:

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819115202

 

http://processorfinder.intel.com/Details.aspx?sSpec=SLBCH

 

Memory:

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820227365

 

http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memo..._triple_channel

 

Video Card:

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814130339

 

So, firstly does this look like a good upgrade to everyone? I do realize I'll have to get a better power supply, so I'll pick up one before I put it together.

 

Also, on CPUs does the ghz rating mean as much as the number of cores anymore? I a bit behind on what makes a good CPU anymore.

 

Please, comments welcome. If its good that's great, if its not, pls save me from my own stupidity.

[TonyE]

My 2 cents (and when building a computer there are sure a variety of 2 cents!)...

 

Not the biggest fan of ASRock motherboards, quite big fan of say Asus.

 

Big fan of the Intel i7 series of processors and no, GHz isn't a great measure of performance, performance charts at places like Tom's Hardware and elsewhere are imho about the only way to go these days (i7 at 2.6GHz will tend to beat a Core 2 Quad core at 2.6GHz without breaking a sweat for instance).

 

Memory looks good, a bit overkill and you could get faster timing by going with something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820231230 You should only need the memory you spec'ed if you are going to overclock, otherwise the link here will give you faster performance due to the lower latencies. If you plan to overclock, definitely go with what you picked out.

 

Bang for buck I think you'd get better video performance right now with ATI but if you stick with NVidia (the safe and comfortable bet!) look thru the cards again. You can get GTS 250 cards with faster core clocks for less money than the 9800 GT cards (similar chip, GTS250 = 9800GTX+ which is faster than 9800GT, smaller die in the 250 series = less heat = better for overclocking, ...) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814261051 as one example but there are many there (including 1GB cards at higher clock and lower price than your 9800GT).

[Akula]

My 2 cents (and when building a computer there are sure a variety of 2 cents!)...

 

Not the biggest fan of ASRock motherboards, quite big fan of say Asus.

 

Big fan of the Intel i7 series of processors and no, GHz isn't a great measure of performance, performance charts at places like Tom's Hardware and elsewhere are imho about the only way to go these days (i7 at 2.6GHz will tend to beat a Core 2 Quad core at 2.6GHz without breaking a sweat for instance).

 

Memory looks good, a bit overkill and you could get faster timing by going with something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820231230 You should only need the memory you spec'ed if you are going to overclock, otherwise the link here will give you faster performance due to the lower latencies. If you plan to overclock, definitely go with what you picked out.

 

Bang for buck I think you'd get better video performance right now with ATI but if you stick with NVidia (the safe and comfortable bet!) look thru the cards again. You can get GTS 250 cards with faster core clocks for less money than the 9800 GT cards (similar chip, GTS250 = 9800GTX+ which is faster than 9800GT, smaller die in the 250 series = less heat = better for overclocking, ...) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814261051 as one example but there are many there (including 1GB cards at higher clock and lower price than your 9800GT).

 

I have no plans to overclock, so I won't need anything that is designed for overclocking. I'd rather keep everything within the tested specs so that is should last longer (after all, It'll be another 3-4 years before I replace this one). If you can find a better video card that is cheaper that is always a plus. I'm not sure about ATI, I've always used NVidia so I'm definately familiar with that brand.

 

What ASUS MB would you suggest? I've used both ASUS and ASRock (currently using and very happy with an ASRock board) and had good luck with both brands, so I'm open on that topic, and price does matter.

 

I'm not going to skimp on the CPU this go around like I've done every previous time, but I don't think the $900+ one is going to be a bit out of my price range. Somwehere in the $300 range is more my budget.

[Warhorse64]

I'd agree with Tony on the motherboard, I've had nothing but good news with Asus. No particular suggestions as to which one, I stopped paying attention after I built my last system a year or so back. I would avoid anything made by Gigabyte, their stuff was quite economical when last I bought any, but it also turned out to be rather seriously flaky. I'm currently running an Asus ATI-chipset video card, and I've been quite happy with it, but I am very definitely not demanding of my video cards, so this endorsement may not mean all that much.

[Akula]

I'd agree with Tony on the motherboard, I've had nothing but good news with Asus. No particular suggestions as to which one, I stopped paying attention after I built my last system a year or so back. I would avoid anything made by Gigabyte, their stuff was quite economical when last I bought any, but it also turned out to be rather seriously flaky. I'm currently running an Asus ATI-chipset video card, and I've been quite happy with it, but I am very definitely not demanding of my video cards, so this endorsement may not mean all that much.

 

For me, the Video card is going to be a major componant since I play so many graphics intensive games. While I like cheap (hey who doesn't?), I'd rather get something that can stand up to the workload and pay more for it if I have to.