Help me with CPU (AMD vs. intel), motherboard, SLI vs. XFire, etc... - by Hit Deity
Hit Deity on 3/5/2010 at 23:35
{EDIT: I just changed the title to reflect more of the subject matter to match what I had asked...}
I'm in the early stages of piecing together my next custom built system. I'm set on an AMD processor, an ASUS brand motherboard, WindowsXP (but, Home or Pro? I don't know which...), and a single high-end graphics card.
As for the Socket type, I'd like to go with an AM3.
Only problem is, all the AM3 type motherboards seem to ONLY support XFire, not SLI. I'm leaning toward SLI (although, admittedly, I might not even use it, but just in case, I'd like to have the option...). What's up with the AM3 socket type MBs only supporting XFire? Did I miss some "war" while I snoozed? I don't see any Socket type 775s supporting AMD Phenoms, the FSBs don't seem to be as spiffy.
Am I missing some other (obvious, but not to me) option?
Hmmm, it seems like every High-end pre-fab system on the market features an Intel Core i7 CPU... thoughts?
Brian The Dog on 4/5/2010 at 00:27
This is probably due to AMD buying ATI in 2006. Technically ATI no longer exists, but AMD keep the name on the chips for customer recognition reasons.
It certainly looks like nVidia don't make an nForce chipset for AM3, Wiki only lists the AM2+ chipsets. I think you're stuck with AMD chipsets, and hence CrossFire rather than SLI. If you're not thinking of having 2 graphics cards then I guess it doesn't matter, but it'd be nice to have the choice.
Socket 775 is Intel CPUs only, btw, AMD are Socket AM2+ and AM3. The latest Socket is Intel's 1366, which has superior FSB support for those tasty i7's you've seen, but also a hefty pricetag.
bikerdude on 4/5/2010 at 00:51
Quote Posted by Hit Deity
I don't see any Socket type 775s supporting AMD Phenoms, the FSBs don't seem to be as spiffy.
Am I missing some other (obvious, but not to me) option?
Ok...
1. whats your budget?
2. what are you planning on doing with the pc and what level of computer knowledge do you have?
Its all down to the motherboard chipset, motherboards that support AMD cpu's traditionally only have support for xFire. But there are a few board out there that do have support for sli, but that means an nVidia based mobo chipset, and nVidia motherboard chipsets are know for being fully compatiblee or reliable.
Intel chipset mobos based on the X58 chipset do support both SLi and xFire that only support intel cpus
MSi have released a mobo ((
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/motherboards/2010/01/08/msi-big-bang-fusion-lucid-hydra-arrives/1) Fuzion) that has support for hybrid gfx. You can mix and match both ATi & nVidia and have a multi gpu acceleration similar to xFire and SLi, but as its still relatively new tech its gonna cost $200 just for the mobo...!!!
And lastly socket 775 is for intel cpu's only, socket AM3 is for AMd cpu's.
Hit Deity on 4/5/2010 at 01:23
I don't really want to go over $2000 if I can help it.
Unfortunately, generally the fastest-rated CPUs (Intel Core i7) for gaming run you right up to about $1400 right off the bat for a good CPU/MB combination with all the features and top-notch performance level.
Quote Posted by Bikerdude
and nVidia motherboard chipsets are know for being fully compatiblee or reliable.
Bikerdude, are you saying Nvidia is known for reliable ones or not? It sounded like there was supposed to be a NOT in there somewhere.
bikerdude on 4/5/2010 at 01:47
Quote Posted by Hit Deity
I don't really want to go over $2000 if I can help it.
Bikerdude, are you saying Nvidia is known for reliable ones or not? It sounded like there was supposed to be a NOT in there somewhere.
Whats your current system specs..?
And yeah Im saying that nVidia chipset while convenient arent know for their reliability. I owned a 680i based mobo and I had nothing but issues with it.
1. it killed 3 pairs of memory - the 680i was infamous for it.
2. it corrupted files on the hard drive due to the crap nVidia raid driver.
I cant speak for the 980i based mobos though..
Hit Deity on 4/5/2010 at 03:53
Currently,
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ (dual-core)
GeForce 7950GT graphics card
2GB DDR2 Dual-channel memory
350GB Western Digital Caviar HD
onboard audio
If you need more details (specifics) I can find it out. Currently, I don't use it much, since nothing new will run (decently) on it and I'm stuck playing HL2, Thief 2, the Splinter Cells over and over and over. I stopped at Dragon Age: Origins, because the stupid thing is barely playable in its current molasses-like slowness. I just can't buy anymore new games until I upgrade.
I'm definitely anti-MSI: I've had two of them crap out on me and MSI wouldn't do a thing to fix them. Kept giving me the runaround, so I gave up on them. As for ATI: I've owned one video card by them, and except for it being fast, it wasn't all the graphically pleasing (to my eye at least). Had numerous issues with different games getting them to look right on it (Thief included), so I probably won't go ATI again. Of course, I understand the whole AMD/ATI chip thing doesn't matter about the video cards, but one of the MSI boards I had die had an ATI chipset. Just like the 3 hard drives by Seagate that I've had die on me way before I thought their times should be up, so I don't buy those anymore either. It's just hard to go with hardware I've had bad experiences with.
bikerdude on 4/5/2010 at 08:35
Quote Posted by Hit Deity
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ (dual-core)
GeForce 7950GT graphics card
2GB DDR2 Dual-channel memory
350GB Western Digital Caviar HD
onboard audio
Ok well the above system looks like it has the potntial to be upgraded, thus saving you a big upgrade spend (you can leave some money in the saving account for a rainy day etc)
* Whats the make and model of the current motherboard?
* Whats the make and model of your case?
* Whats the make and model of the memory
Brian The Dog on 4/5/2010 at 09:50
Quote Posted by Hit Deity
I'm definitely anti-MSI: I've had two of them crap out on me and MSI wouldn't do a thing to fix them. Kept giving me the runaround, so I gave up on them. As for ATI: I've owned one video card by them, and except for it being fast, it wasn't all the graphically pleasing (to my eye at least).
Yes, I've had problems with MSI as well. The best motherboards I've come across have been Asus, they're reliable and you can flash the BIOS easily from on-motherboard software if you need to do that sort of thing.
One advantage nVidia have over ATI is that their Linux drivers are way better. That may not matter to you, but I thought I'd mention it.
Hit Deity on 4/5/2010 at 12:08
I want to keep my current PC. Even with its current list of problems (it has an MSI motherboard in it; sound is wonky, some random unidentifiable crashes, etc.) I want to keep it to act as a "decoy" so to speak. With three download-happy offspring in the house, I'd like to keep my new system "inaccessible" while leaving one to work with. You'd have to be here...
bikerdude on 4/5/2010 at 14:50
are you after a complete new system including monitor, case keyboard etc (as in the whole lot) or just a replacement base unit..?
