I require recommendations/checks for my PC build

I plan on constructing a PC with these following parts:

EVGA 132-CK-NF78-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500

CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5

Seagate ST303204N1A1A-RK 320GB 7200 RPM IDE Ultra ATA100 Hard Drive

EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card(multiple down the road)

Now let me get to the parts that I am still pondering over:

The PSU: The mobo listed up at the top allows dual/tri SLI and i want to know how much Wattage i would need to run 2 8800GT 512MB 256-bit DDR3 and also three of them. (I want a PSU and Mobo that is future-proof so i can just simply upgrade or add GPUs whenever I wish without having to worry about buying new ones. Also no multiple-rail PSUs please)

Heat sink/fan: Well, I know that the above Intel processor comes with a Heat sink and fan but I would like to know if it would provide adequate cooling for the rig I plan to build.

DVD/CD drive: I don't want to play blu ray disks so nothing with hi-def formats please.:P I would like someone to recommend me a good one that is reliable and doesn't make so much noise.

Casing: Can someone recommend me a casing that would fit all of this.(Nothing too expensive please:P Nothing to bland also)

OS: What OS would you recommend for gaming purposes? Is Vista worth getting for the Directx10? I never used Vista and with all of the negative reception, I am not sure whether I should get it or not.

I don't need a monitor.

And yes, all of these parts are from Newegg.com. If you feel a certain part is inadequate please give me feedback.

i would get a 4870x2, seems more worthy of the other components, and also sli isnt that great, you get about 30%performance increase with 2 and about 10% with 3 and thats not really worth it, seeing as a 4870x2 would be alot better, if not a single 4870 would still be awesome.

im getting a Silverstone tj07 as a case its very expensive but its wickid, if you want a good case or want to spend some money :P have a look at silverstone or lian li.

i would get an external dvd drive cos the look disgusting in the bay of a good case.

and i would just browse around for a cpu cooler, although with a silverstone or lian li case it might not be totally neccessary.

hope that kinda helps?

So, I take it that the fan/heatsink that comes with the Intel is inadequate.:?

Also, 30% greater than with just one card with SLI?:? I require evidence that SLI is that inefficient.:P Also, how is the performance of the HD 4870 compared to Nvidia's most powerful GTX 280s? The prices of both are still OMGOMG:shock:, but the ATI is cheaper, and I would like to know, if it offers similar performance.

I still need a lot more info, PSU especially.

EDIT: If SLI is that inefficient, what makes Crossfire any better?

So, I take it that the fan/heatsink that comes with the Intel is inadequate.:?

Also, 30% greater than with just one card with SLI?:? I require evidence that SLI is that inefficient.:P Also, how is the performance of the HD 4870 compared to Nvidia's most powerful GTX 280s? The prices of both are still OMGOMG:shock:, but the ATI is cheaper, and I would like to know, if it offers similar performance.

I still need a lot more info, PSU especially.

EDIT: If SLI is that inefficient, what makes Crossfire any better?

1337Bloodbender

HD4870x2 is better than two GTX280s. And I wouldnt get all fixated on multiple GPUs. There's a thread up on this forum right now that talks about a chip that will enable better scaling for multiple GPUs. Simply put, Crysis @ 60fps with just two 9800GTXs. Hell, you can even own Crysis with two 8800GTs with that chip. So go check that out.

As for the CPU heatsink/cooler. Do you plan to overclock? If not, you dont need an aftermarker CPU cooler. Seeing as how you're building a PC, I take it you will overclock. I'd recommend Thermalright 120, Tuniq Tower, or Noctua.

PSU - Definitely Corsair. Very reliable and durable. Plenty of cables for your PC needs. I recommend getting a modular Corsair PSU. The non-modular ones can get very messy. There are TONS of cables.

OS - Get Vista 64-bit. DirectX 10.1 will be worth it. I like Vista except but you gotta learn to be patient with it. That's all. I like it over XP. Get 64-bit so your PC can detect full 4GB, up to 8GB. A 32-bit will only detect 3.0-3.3gb. So it's pretty much crap you see, especially for gaming. It's even frustrating for desktop use. 4GB is the standard now for DDR2.

DVD: Asus 20x Lightscribe or Lite-on. Hell, even Samsung.

Case: For your budget, Cooler Master or Antec 900. If you're feeling lucky. Thermaltake Armor MX Mid-tower.

RAM: I know you picked Corsair which is an excellent brand but I like G.Skill over Corsair.

Hard drive: I'd also recommend Western Digital. Excellent brand.

Lastly, dont cheap out on the motherboard. Whatever you do, get what you need when it comes to the motherboard. Make sure it has what you need. SLi, Crossfire, etc. Make sure it supports 2 full x16 lanes. You know the deal.

If this PC is mainly for gaming, a dual-core will do just fine because you can really push those CPUs in terms of overclocking. If you're not going to do so much overclocking, I would just get a good Quad-core like a Q6600/6700 or Q9450/9550. The Q9000 series are amazing.

Your last question. SLi nor Crossfire is efficient. That's why I recommend checking out that thread about the chip that is suppose to really optimize multiple GPU setups. You'll like it. At this point, multiple GPUs, whether it be SLi or Crossfire is a gimmick and I dont use that term loosely either. They scale like crap unless you plan to play at high resolution - 30-inch monitor. Believe me, I've heard it so many times that it finally sunk into my brain and the people that warned me are absolutely right. The performance gains with multiple GPU setups are laughable. I stick in a second GTX280 card and performance should double right? Logically, it should. But it probably increases performance by a fraction. Yeah, just wait until 2009 for that new chip. If it materializes, PC gamers will be very, very, VERY happy.

That's all for now. Good luck.

the 4870 is almost as good and in some games actually better than the 280, it depends on drivers and developers of the games, as elann2008 said there is a thread saying why sli is inefficient, cool but not that great. and i didnt mean 2 seperate 4870's crossfired the 4870x2 is a single card, but crossfire is the same as SLI in the way it isnt that great.

for the PSU im getting a silverstone 850w for my rig to be safe but you would be fine with a 750w, just look up reviews for the best 750?

This is my edited build:

LG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner w/ SecurDisc Tech Black SATA Model GH20NS15

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

PC Power & Cooling S75CF 750W EPS12V NVIDIA SLI NVIDIA SLI Certified (Dual 8800 GTX and below) ATI CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-8500C5D

ASUS P5E LGA 775 Intel X38 ATX Intel Motherboard

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500

POWERCOLOR AX4870 512MD5-H Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card

Is this much better? I changed the mobo, after I opted to use the HD4870.

I still need more case recommendations.:(

Good choice on the motherboard. I got one open-box and it's served me well. If you're overclocking, I suggest that you get an Antec Spot Cool and aim it at the Northbridge, as it gets hot.

For a case, I would suggest the Antec 300 or 900. They're both good cases with great airflow, it's just that one comes with LED fans and a window and the other doesn't.

This is my edited build:

Is this much better? I changed the mobo, after I opted to use the HD4870.

I still need more case recommendations.:(

1337Bloodbender

EDIT: try these RAM, there almost half the price after MiR.

[QUOTE="1337Bloodbender"]

This is my edited build:

Is this much better? I changed the mobo, after I opted to use the HD4870.

I still need more case recommendations.:(

reyad-u

EDIT: try these RAM, there almost half the price after MiR.

Gigabyte EP35-DS3L motherboard $84.99
Intel C2D E8500 CPU $189.99
4GB DDR2 800 G.Skill RAM $79.99
ASUS HD4850 GPU $182.99
WD 500GB 7,200RPM HDD $74.99
LITE-ON 20x DVD -RW burner $24.99
500w Thermaltake PSU $59.99
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit $99.99
Antec Nine-Hundred case $99.99
Grand total:$892.91 without rebates and shipping

You'll have to grab a P45 motherboard if you're planning on overclocking.

Well if you google search the difference between DDR28500 and DDR26400 benchmarks you should get a better idea.reyad-u

I tried, but I cannot find any.:( Link?:D

Also, how will my edited build run Crysis? (Lol, I just had to put that:P)

EDIT: Oh also, thx kodex for the case recommendations, they both are very nice.:D

i would get a 4870x2, seems more worthy of the other components, and also sli isnt that great, you get about 30%performance increase with 2 and about 10% with 3 and thats not really worth it, seeing as a 4870x2 would be alot better, if not a single 4870 would still be awesome.

im getting a Silverstone tj07 as a case its very expensive but its wickid, if you want a good case or want to spend some money :P have a look at silverstone or lian li.

i would get an external dvd drive cos the look disgusting in the bay of a good case.

and i would just browse around for a cpu cooler, although with a silverstone or lian li case it might not be totally neccessary.

hope that kinda helps?

rikjiallen

30% Where did you hear that? I got a huge difference in framerates in crysis very high with 4xaa compared to noaa very high and a huge jump in my Vantage score as well. I had to rma the card because of artifacting and an overheating problem.

Elann, I have no idea what thread you're referring to. How about a link?kodex1717

Im pretty sure he talking about this. http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3385 Ill beleve it when I see it.

And for a cas you cant go wrong with an Antec 1200. I love mine. http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0288150

Thats a nice psu. The pc pwer and cooling 750w runs a nominal current of 750 watts. Its peak power is like 830w. Most psu manufactures advertise their peak power rating. Crossfire dosnt work like that. You can use 2 4870's or 2 4870x2's.artiedeadat40

Also, you can't run an HD 4870 with an X2? Techreport is lying to me then.:P

[QUOTE="artiedeadat40"]Thats a nice psu. The pc pwer and cooling 750w runs a nominal current of 750 watts. Its peak power is like 830w. Most psu manufactures advertise their peak power rating. Crossfire dosnt work like that. You can use 2 4870's or 2 4870x2's.1337Bloodbender

Also, you can't run an HD 4870 with an X2? Techreport is lying to me then.:P

Yeah that psu will be fine. Yeah your right im sorry. I forgot you can crossfire any two ati cards. Sorry about that.

Elann, I have no idea what thread you're referring to. How about a link?kodex1717

http://www.gamespot.com/pages/forums/show_msgs.php?topic_id=26560274