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I have my processor, 3000+. That is not going to change, ever. Video card- there's 3 brands I am looking at: eVGA, XFX, or Leadtek.
Leadtek is 288$ and comes with 2 games, some video editing software, and a HUGE copper heatsink. (as well as a BUNCH of cables are I also hear that Leadtek overclock the highest?
The XFX & eVGA are well.....malnourished. :P They don't come with that much 'goodies'....
XFX & eVGA both have lifetime warranties, correct? But I hear that Leadtek only has a 3 year warranty? (This is the only thing keeping me from buying the Leadtek)
Which video card should I get and why?
Secondly, RAM.
I already have 1 stick of Kingston HyperX 2-3-2-6-1 timings CL2 latency. But, I hear now that HyperX suck at overclocking, so I'm probably going for Crucial Ballistix, OCZ Gold VX, or Corsair XMS. Which overclocks the best? Which is the most stable? And should I buy PC4000 or higher to allow for higher overclocking headroom?
And last of all, what MOTHERBOARD? :wub:
EPoX EP-9NPA+ or DFI LanParty UT nF4 Ultra-D?
I hear GRRREAT things about both of them, but which one to choose? I hear DFI are harder to tweak, but give you A LOT of performance and overclocking features?
But then, I hear EPoX overclocks better at lower voltages than the DFI and runs cooler than the DFI. (I got this from a guy who has had both motherboards)
So, hope this doesn't bombard any of you, but I need some help too! :P
Last edited by Predator on Mon Oct 10, 2005 11:00 pm; edited 1 time in total
Contributed by Predator, Guest 510 iVirtua Loyalty Points • • • Back to Top
The CPU is a perfect choice and exactly what I would choose.
For the video card I would choose the Leadtek since it is a nice package.
Seriously, don't even waste your money on \"performance\" RAM. Just get some Crucial Value RAM and with the money leftover you can get something like a 7800GT. This would be a MUCH wiser choice.
Both the motherboard choices are great, but nothing beats the DFI when it comes to overclocking potential.
How much do you want to spend on the RAM? If you can spend $145 for 2x512 (for dual-channel), I'd get this If like $120 is max, I'd get this I really wouldn't suggest going with anything less if you're wanting to overclock.
Added to that, since I am going to be overclocking, I want heat spreaders on my RAM..
Even if you are overclocking, there isn't a huge need for expensive RAM. Value RAM will do just fine with overclocking, though it might be good to install an extra fan in your case. If you are willing to spend the extra money though, I would not dis-recommend overclocking RAM.
If you have a good CPU cooler, this should take you anywhere you want on AIR. If you can get to DDR500 you should see a noticeable increase in speed. Your CPU will run much faster and you will have much more memory speed without having to use a multiplier. You would be lucky to get 440MHZ ddr out of PC 3200. Thats an increase of CPU speed of only 180MHz. Not to mention your warranty on the ram is VOID.
*disclaimer* The above was all based on my opinion and experiences with Corsair XMS using an FX-55.
I don't know, but who keeps a video card for 3 years? Mine would be sold long before then.
Really?
I want to keep mine for some time...
If you do any amount of serious gaming I doubt that a 6800GT will be able to carry you for three years. It may come close but towards the end it will definitely start to show its age. And if it does keep working for three years I doubt its just going to fall over and die. If its going to die sooner than average it will probably do it sooner rather than later.