Rate my Gaming rig

Blackjack

Blackjack

[H]ard|Gawd
2FA
Joined
Oct 29, 2007
Messages
1,352
Antec 900 with all fan slots filled
Windows Vista Ultimate x64
Q6700 @ 2.66 (not planning on overclocking so im using the stock Intel heatsink/fan)
EVGA 680i SLI T1
4GB PNY DDR2 PC5300 (5-5-5-15 i think)
BFG GeForce 8800GT OC (again no overclock)
500GB 7200RPM Seagate SATA Hard Drive
Creative X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty
Antec LED PCI cooler
Samsung 20x SATA DVD+-RW DL
Samsung 22 inch 2232BW Moniter
G15 Rev1
Microsoft SIdewinder

What do you guys think? i'm not really into overclocking so i tried to build a mid range gaming rig.
 
Firstly 680i with quad core is not a very good idea, secondly you won't benefit much from the 64MB XRAM of the X-FI so you could save money by just getting a normal XtremeGamer which also has the same sound quality as the Fatal1ty or if you want a better sound quality, get the Auzentech X-Fi Prelude that also has 64MB XRAM.

Thirdly the Q6700 is much more expensive than the Q6600. Instead of 680i + Q6700 + 8800GT, I would suggest you to get Q6600 G0 + X38 + 2xHD3870 + Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme. I can easily OC my Q6600 to 3.0GHz by just changing the FSB to 1333MHz at stock voltage and most Asus X38 mobos support 1600MHz FSB anyway so a slight FSB OC from 1066MHz to 1333Mhz won't be a problem. HD3870 + Ultra 120 Extreme is more quiet than stock Intel fan + 8800GT. I would also suggest a Corsair 520W or 620W PSU.
 
I agree with alg7_munif's suggestion of getting a Q6600 over a Q6700. If you're concerned about the speed difference, you can do a simple OC. Get the Q6600 from ClubIT, which has guaranteed G0 stepping (which runs cooler).

But don't get the normal XtremeGamer model of the X-Fi. The XtremeGamer Fata1ity uses hardware-based sound drivers (and is based off the discontinued XtremeMusic model), whereas the normal XtremeGamer uses software (and your CPU) to emulate the X-Fi features.

There has been reported stability problems with quad-core processors and the 680i chipset. You may want to purchase a P35-based motherboard instead.

Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L Intel P35 Motherboard - $86
Abit IP35-E Intel P35 Motherboard - $105
Abit IP35 Intel P35 Motherboard - $120
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R Intel P35 Motherboard - $130
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P Intel P35 Motherboard - $145
Abit IP35 Pro Intel P35 Motherboard - $168
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4 Intel P35 Motherboard - $175

The P35 chipset supports the new 45nm Penryns, and PCI Express 2.0 is backwards-compatible with PCI Express (x16) 1.0, so you don't have to purchase an X38-based board right now.

Also, have you chosen a power supply? If not, here are some suggestions.

Corsair 450VX 450W PSU - $70
Corsair 550VX 550W PSU - $91
Corsair 520HX 520W PSU - $101
Corsair 650TX 650W PSU - $137
Corsair 620HX 620W PSU - $140

If you don't need the Business features of Vista Ultimate (BitLocker, Remote Desktop, Backup and Restore, Fax and Scan), you may be better served by using Vista Home Premium.

You can also purchase a 4GB (2x2GB) set of G.Skill DDR2 800 RAM right now for $110.
 
Since i work at bestbuy i get a good discount on most of the stuff there. It is all already bought and put together i was just wondering what people thought. The Q6700 was actually MUCH cheaper because of the purchase program i got it through. But i will take a look at the P35 boards you mentioned
 
Blackjack988 said:
Since i work at bestbuy i get a good discount on most of the stuff there. It is all already bought and put together i was just wondering what people thought. The Q6700 was actually MUCH cheaper because of the purchase program i got it through. But i will take a look at the P35 boards you mentioned
Click to expand...

Hooray for purchase program!!

But like mentioned above you didn't put up a power supply, I'd like to say the 520HX will probably handle your system very well.

Also what OS are you going to be running?
(Should I assume the Vista Home Premium you got through Intel? :) )
 
tiraides said:
But don't get the normal XtremeGamer model of the X-Fi. The XtremeGamer Fata1ity uses hardware-based sound drivers (and is based off the discontinued XtremeMusic model), whereas the normal XtremeGamer uses software (and your CPU) to emulate the X-Fi features.
Click to expand...

XtremeGamer uses hardware-based sound drivers, XtremeAudio uses software :eek:
 
Actually im planning on using ultimate 64 that i got last year. Powersupply wise i have one i got from Bestbuy its labeled as a Rocketfish 700w but its actually a Huntkey Titan 650W.

Also remember i dont not plan on overclocking anything at all, ive tried out a few games with it so far and am more than happy with the graphics as they are
 
All sounds well with your rig. If i may make a suggestion:

I myself have had no luck getting more than a 2.7 GHz OC on my q6600 with DDR 667. I would go with DDR 1066 if you want to OC in 3 GHz range.
 
Blackjack988 said:
The Q6700 was actually MUCH cheaper because of the purchase program i got it through. But i will take a look at the P35 boards you mentioned
Click to expand...

What'd you do with the G33 mobo? You got the Intel Retail Edge pack, right? Shoulda mentioned that in your OP. :rolleyes:
 
I'm holding that aside as a spare just in case my other one goes. Or ill just build a HTPC with it once i pay off this rig.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top