Uninformed oldtimer buying new rig

[morten]

Hey everyone,

I'm a bit inexperienced in hardware which might show in my questions I'm building a new rig (last time i build one was like 3-4 years ago), and find myself pretty un-updated on gaming hardware. I've read quite a lot on forums, techsites etc but still have a few questions which I hope can be answered here. Thanks a lot for reading and replying.

The machine is going to be used for gaming. Overclocking potential is not very important to me (since I typically never overclock my rigs).

The Setup
Purpose: Mean gaming machine

CPU: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 12 MB (believe its quad core at 3.0 ghz)
Graphics: ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2

HD: WD velociraptor 10.000 RPM Sata

Samsung Syncmaster 2493HM 24" widescreen monitor
samsung syncmaster 2043bw 20" aux monitor

RAM: 4 GB undecided make and model
Motherboard: Undecided

Questions

1) Graphics card
I read some outstanding benchmark results for the ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 card when compared to the current nVidia topcard (cant remember the name), however I have read on ATI forums that a lot of users have trouble with the drivers, card getting overheated, only using one GPU etc. Is there a "general consensus" on hardware sites / forums that the nVidia makes up for lower performance through better stability / compatibility with the newer games, or is it considered that the ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 is the best card available, and the new catalyst drivers (8.9 I think) are stable?

2) Vista or XP?
It seems from a lot of comparison reviews that XP is actually better (faster) for games than Vista. However, I've read that the newest version of DirectX, will only run on Vista. Is this really true? If yes, is there any way it can run on XP? I've seen comparison screenshots, and it seems DX10 is really cool compared to 9. On the other hand I'm not exactly a fan of vista, and would do anything to be able to stay on XP.

3) 32 vs 64 bit CPU?
If I have a 64 bit processor (which I believe the Intel QX9650 is), will it run with no performance drop on a 32 bit operating system? Im a bit worried about going to a 64 bit OS, since I've read that there is typically a lot of driver issues, and the games does not actually run any faster on 64 bit (sometimes even slower), as they are typically written for 32 bit. Is this still factual? I know that 32bit will only utilize a maximum of 3.2 gb or 3.3 gb of ram, but since I will only have 4 gig, I don't mind that much.

4) RAM
I have read on quite a few sites that high-performance RAM such as Corsair, is typically
not worth the added cost since the difference in performance is very small. If I don't need to overclock the machine, will I need Corsair RAM or can I do with something more generic? If I can go with more generic, which kind would you recommend?

5) Sound level
In which ways can I reduce the noise level of the PC? I hate too much noise from the pc, on the other hand I'm a bit worried that low-db fans, doesnt give as much cooling as the noisier ones... Am I worrying for no reason?

6) Cooling
Im aiming for one of these newer cabinets which is a bit larger than ATX (eATX I think its called), whichs should hopefully give some more airflow inside. Im a bit worried that the fast processor together with the graphics card will get too hot with only the standard fans. Is there any special equipment or techniques I can use for decreasing temperature? Im not very interested in an expensive water cooling or similar. Or maybe the standard heatsinks and fans are sufficient?


7) Motherboard
Havent decided anything on this front, but havent really researched it yet either. Any recommendations would be appreciated though.

8) Solid state drive compared to 10K rpm
I have seen the new OCZ solid state drives are beginning to be somewhat lower than the earlier obscene prices. I was thinking of buying a 64gb solid state drive for C: for Windows, games and applications and then another normal, magnetic disk for data. However, I have read a lot of frustrated posts about Windows and applications crashing when installed on a SSD. Im starting to think I would be better off with one of the fast 10.000 RPM western digital drives, since maybe mainstream SSD's are still too young?


Sorry for the long post, hope someone will be able to help me with as many of the questions as possible. Thanks again on advance.

Best regards,
Morten

 

[CGR]

to the forums.

1. Most places say the 4870X2 is the best single card you can get. One thing though is you can get a 9800GX2 for a lot less and be close in performance. Really depends on what resolution you play at. The higher you play then the better the 4870x2 may be. As for the cat drivers, I do not know.

2. Yes, DX10 only runs on Vista. If you really do not care for the small amount of eye candy DX10 gives, then go with XP.

3. A 32bit OS works fine with 64bit procs.

4. I would go with G.skill, PDP or OCZ memory. All are good and you do not need $200 memory. Can get 4gb for under $100 nowadays.

5. What case will you be using? You need to decide that before discussing fans

6. See answer 5 above.

7. Look into Asus models.

8. You will be happy with the vraptor. Just get a second high capacity drive for storage.

 

[ou_phidelt]

Hey everyone,

I'm a bit inexperienced in hardware which might show in my questions I'm building a new rig (last time i build one was like 3-4 years ago), and find myself pretty un-updated on gaming hardware. I've read quite a lot on forums, techsites etc but still have a few questions which I hope can be answered here. Thanks a lot for reading and replying.

The machine is going to be used for gaming. Overclocking potential is not very important to me (since I typically never overclock my rigs).

The Setup
Purpose: Mean gaming machine

CPU: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 12 MB (believe its quad core at 3.0 ghz)
Graphics: ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2

HD: WD velociraptor 10.000 RPM Sata

Samsung Syncmaster 2493HM 24" widescreen monitor
samsung syncmaster 2043bw 20" aux monitor

RAM: 4 GB undecided make and model
Motherboard: Undecided

Questions

1) Graphics card
I read some outstanding benchmark results for the ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 card when compared to the current nVidia topcard (cant remember the name), however I have read on ATI forums that a lot of users have trouble with the drivers, card getting overheated, only using one GPU etc. Is there a "general consensus" on hardware sites / forums that the nVidia makes up for lower performance through better stability / compatibility with the newer games, or is it considered that the ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 is the best card available, and the new catalyst drivers (8.9 I think) are stable?
I haven't head a bunch of issues my self but I don't spend a lot of time in the GPU forums. I am sure others can better comment here. But the 4870X2 is the best performing card at the moment.
2) Vista or XP?
It seems from a lot of comparison reviews that XP is actually better (faster) for games than Vista. However, I've read that the newest version of DirectX, will only run on Vista. Is this really true? If yes, is there any way it can run on XP? I've seen comparison screenshots, and it seems DX10 is really cool compared to 9. On the other hand I'm not exactly a fan of vista, and would do anything to be able to stay on XP.
DX10 is Vista only. Load up on 4GB of memory with Vista 64 and call it a day. I have had no issues with Vista, yes there will be an adjustment period but you'll get used to it. On the other hand some will say to stay with XP until Windows 7 or beyond. At some point you have to cut the cord and move on.

3) 32 vs 64 bit CPU?
If I have a 64 bit processor (which I believe the Intel QX9650 is), will it run with no performance drop on a 32 bit operating system? Im a bit worried about going to a 64 bit OS, since I've read that there is typically a lot of driver issues, and the games does not actually run any faster on 64 bit (sometimes even slower), as they are typically written for 32 bit. Is this still factual? I know that 32bit will only utilize a maximum of 3.2 gb or 3.3 gb of ram, but since I will only have 4 gig, I don't mind that much.
The 9650 will run fine on a 32bit system. If most of your hardware is newer you shouldn't have any driver issues with Vista 64, it is getting pretty solid support. But it is prudent you check that they are available for anything(i.e printers, scanners, etc) that you intend to carry over to the new build. Most software will not run faster in a 64bit OS, the main benefit is the ability to run additional memory, which Vista loves.

4) RAM
I have read on quite a few sites that high-performance RAM such as Corsair, is typically
not worth the added cost since the difference in performance is very small. If I don't need to overclock the machine, will I need Corsair RAM or can I do with something more generic? If I can go with more generic, which kind would you recommend?
You don't need blazing fast ram but I would stick with a name brand. Going with a generic will not save you that much and the trade-off of poorer quality and customer support just isn't worth the hew dollars to me. Name brand CAS PC6400 will serve you well.

5) Sound level
In which ways can I reduce the noise level of the PC? I hate too much noise from the pc, on the other hand I'm a bit worried that low-db fans, doesnt give as much cooling as the noisier ones... Am I worrying for no reason?
Slow spinning 120mm fans. An Antec P180 with a 120mm based HSF will make you system very quiet. Your biggest issue is going to be quieting the video card.

6) Cooling
Im aiming for one of these newer cabinets which is a bit larger than ATX (eATX I think its called), whichs should hopefully give some more airflow inside. Im a bit worried that the fast processor together with the graphics card will get too hot with only the standard fans. Is there any special equipment or techniques I can use for decreasing temperature? Im not very interested in an expensive water cooling or similar. Or maybe the standard heatsinks and fans are sufficient?
For a non-OC'd system you don't need to go to that extreme. The set-up I mentioned above would be more than sufficient.


7) Motherboard
Havent decided anything on this front, but havent really researched it yet either. Any recommendations would be appreciated though.
I would go with a P45 based board. Since your not OCing you don't need anything high end/ A P5Q would do nicely.

8) Solid state drive compared to 10K rpm
I have seen the new OCZ solid state drives are beginning to be somewhat lower than the earlier obscene prices. I was thinking of buying a 64gb solid state drive for C: for Windows, games and applications and then another normal, magnetic disk for data. However, I have read a lot of frustrated posts about Windows and applications crashing when installed on a SSD. Im starting to think I would be better off with one of the fast 10.000 RPM western digital drives, since maybe mainstream SSD's are still too young?
Stick with the Velociraptor. There are way to many issues with the Core drives. You have to step way up in price to get a good performing SSD, just not worth it at this point.

Sorry for the long post, hope someone will be able to help me with as many of the questions as possible. Thanks again on advance.

Best regards,
Morten

 

[MARCI]

Velociraptor for OS/Games. If you're gonna do movies as well, get a High Capacity 7200 for data.

Aslo, think about a Sound Card, just to take one more thing off the Mobo/cpu. Small thing, but can add to framerates