Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: 38ruk on January 20, 2010, 09:56:26 PM
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I will be Reusing my 680W PSu , 36g Raptor ,200g WD storage, XFI and 8800GTS for right now . I'm going CHEAP and keeping XP , I know about the ram limitation but I will go Win7 sometime in the future ....so what do you guys think? Thanks.
Setup 1) $295
Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 Wolfdale 2.8GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3L LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
Setup 2) $323 total
AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition Callisto 3.1GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Processor
ASUS M4A79XTD EVO AM3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
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I haven't went and looked, but does that ASUS board have onboard video on it?
just looking at the 2 setups....... and I am not up to par on thesenew Callsisto 550 AM3 specs......
I would say got with the AMD setup.. you got the DDR3 ram and heck it is only $8 bucks more........ over the Intel
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If you decide to go AMD I would suggest the *Phenom II X3 730 BE. Only about 10$ more, but from what I can see well worth the few extra dollars. If you go Intel the E7400 will due very well. When combined with a GeForce 9800GTX+ (only set-up I have used the 7400 in) it can run AH on max (2-4K shadows) at 60FR easily.
Really it's a personal choice. AMD AM3 will hopefully last a while (since it's their newest) and LGA 775 is showing age, but still does very very well.
One thing though: RAM. You have 4GB (2x 2GB sticks) for DDR3, you want to run it in Triples (hence DDR'3'), so set-ups like 3GB/6GB/9GB (3x 1GB/3x 2GB/3x3GB...do they even make 3GB sticks?). Also, DDR3 isn't really needed for the price. The Phenom II's run perfectly on DDR2.
Just some ideas thrown out there, good luck. :salute
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I haven't went and looked, but does that ASUS board have onboard video on it?
just looking at the 2 setups....... and I am not up to par on thesenew Callsisto 550 AM3 specs......
I would say got with the AMD setup.. you got the DDR3 ram and heck it is only $8 bucks more........ over the Intel
Yep the Asus has onboard ..... I can't believe i missed that . Thanks for the heads up ...I will be changing that right away .
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I read in a few different reviews....( will go find them and link them if I have too )
that the X3 ( triple core ) AMD's are just Quad Core CPU's that did not make the cut...meaning one of the core's had a flaw so is considered disabled.. so they market them as Triple Core to sell them........
also, have I missed something?
I thought the newer Intel setups used DDR3 in triple.. did not realize that also applied to AMD?
I would stick to either a true dual core CPU or to a Quadcore... I weary of that X3 core stuff.......
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Reading the reviews on the AMD 550 X2 alot of people are able to unlock 2 extra cores with the right chipset . I was thinking the same thou .... I was really only looking for dual cores ... I see no need for a quad for what i'm gunna use it for .
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"I thought the newer Intel setups used DDR3 in triple.. did not realize that also applied to AMD? "
Well heck I don't know, I just assumed it did. I only ever see DDR3 in Intel, so I figured it would work the same in AMD.
As for the X3 thing, I've heard the same thing, but I've never heard anything bad about em, just that one core had to be shut-down. Guess it's all a luck of the draw?
Also..."unlock 2 extra cores with the right chipset" that requires 790 Chipsets with ACC (think that's the name).
Unno, you people know more. :P
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If you decide to go AMD I would suggest the *Phenom II X3 730 BE. Only about 10$ more, but from what I can see well worth the few extra dollars. If you go Intel the E7400 will due very well. When combined with a GeForce 9800GTX+ (only set-up I have used the 7400 in) it can run AH on max (2-4K shadows) at 60FR easily.
Really it's a personal choice. AMD AM3 will hopefully last a while (since it's their newest) and LGA 775 is showing age, but still does very very well.
One thing though: RAM. You have 4GB (2x 2GB sticks) for DDR3, you want to run it in Triples (hence DDR'3'), so set-ups like 3GB/6GB/9GB (3x 1GB/3x 2GB/3x3GB...do they even make 3GB sticks?). Also, DDR3 isn't really needed for the price. The Phenom II's run perfectly on DDR2.
Just some ideas thrown out there, good luck. :salute
Thanks for the heads up . I didn't realize that about DDr3 . I was wondering why the board only had 3 ram slot's . I'm planning on overclocking either setup so thats why i went with the better ram , but if i don't need it ...I wont bother. Thanks again guys .... very helpful ! <S>
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"I thought the newer Intel setups used DDR3 in triple.. did not realize that also applied to AMD? "
Well heck I don't know, I just assumed it did. I only ever see DDR3 in Intel, so I figured it would work the same in AMD.
As for the X3 thing, I've heard the same thing, but I've never heard anything bad about em, just that one core had to be shut-down. Guess it's all a luck of the draw?
Also..."unlock 2 extra cores with the right chipset" that requires 790 Chipsets with ACC (think that's the name).
Unno, you people know more. :P
I have read people have had luck with the 785 chipset as well , but i changed it to a 790 anyways because i didn't realize the original asus i had up had onboard video lol.
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I have read people have had luck with the 785 chipset as well , but i changed it to a 790 anyways because i didn't realize the original asus i had up had onboard video lol.
790 NB & 750 SB is ideal .. will give you multitudes of overclocking features in the BIOS with these chipsets....
but the 710 SB ( south bridge chipset ) is no slouch........
ACC is on the SB 750 chipset IIRC and this helps with better onboard RAID controlling / and other stuff.... I posted about somewhere back awile ago... will dig it up if you want it... Rukee......
niters all
hope I was of some help ~S~
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You were a ton of help ....thank you . No need to dig it up , I think i 've got enough info from you guys to decide . Thanks again <S>
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If you go with Intel I'd get an 8xxx series CPU for the bigger cache and faster FSB. You won't be dissapointed. I didn't look at the motherboards you chose so you might be able to downscale there slightly.
You also don't need 1066 RAM. DDR2 800 will allow up to a 25% overclock on the CPU without bottlenecking and will likey be faster due to lower latencies. You might even save a few dollars there for the better CPU.
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One thing though: RAM. You have 4GB (2x 2GB sticks) for DDR3, you want to run it in Triples (hence DDR'3')
Not sure where you were going with this but...DDR3 does not = must run 3 chips together...if that's where you were going with it...you can use from 1 to whatever number your motherboard supports. It will run in "triple channel" mode if your mobo supports it, otherwise it will run single and double channel as well.
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Not sure where you were going with this but...DDR3 does not = must run 3 chips together...if that's where you were going with it...you can use from 1 to whatever number your motherboard supports. It will run in "triple channel" mode if your mobo supports it, otherwise it will run single and double channel as well.
Didn't mean to say it "can't" run in 1/2/3/4 or whatever mode, but I thought the 'best' way, as with DDR2 Dual, was best to run in 3s. Again, I don't know well. :)
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Didn't mean to say it "can't" run in 1/2/3/4 or whatever mode, but I thought the 'best' way, as with DDR2 Dual, was best to run in 3s. Again, I don't know well. :)
DDRx means data rate. Dual/triple channel means parallel memory channels that improve bandwith. DDRx itself does not require more than 1 stick, dual/triple channel operation requires two/three sticks.
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I'd go with the AMD solution. I would use ddr3 for the upgrade path in the future, also the possibility of unlocking the other 2 cores as a bonus. The 550 is suppose to be a decent overclocker.
I use the phenom and not the phenom2, I don't have any issues with the spinning clipboard in game that was associated with the earlier AMD dual core.
Last note I have had good luck with gigabyte motherboard, the last board I purchased.
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I use the phenom and not the phenom2, I don't have any issues with the spinning clipboard in game that was associated with the earlier AMD dual core.
IIRC, it was posted in the update notes and also by Skuzzy , that with I think version 2.16 or may have been version 2.17 patch 1 the spinning clipboard problem that was actually a problem for both AMD & INTEL ( dual cores ? ) was finally solved and also the AMD users no longer had to use the AMD Optimizer patch file from AMD if they had a dual core processor......
yes it was a major AMD dual core problem..but Intel CPU's also had the problem on select setups/systems regarding the spinning clipboard.... AMD dual cores major problem was having to disable one of the cores and or run under win98 compatibility...
just saying.....
not saying it will not happen anymore....... sometimes a video driver might even cause it to reappear in the future.....
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Reading the reviews on the AMD 550 X2 alot of people are able to unlock 2 extra cores with the right chipset . I was thinking the same thou .... I was really only looking for dual cores ... I see no need for a quad for what i'm gunna use it for .
I've got both a 550 black and a 720 black. While you can often unlock the cores on the 550 its not a sure thing (one of mine is stable but the other is not). I'd go with the 7x over the 550 or the lower level intel CPU
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Thanks for all the reply's gent's !
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Well I went with this ....
AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition Callisto 3.1GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Processor
ASUS M4A79XTD EVO AM3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
I will be Reusing this:
36gb WD Raptor for OS / AH
200gb WD storage
8800GTS 320
Creative XFi
Tt 680W PSU
DVD/CD R-RW
Tt 745 H2o system
The nic i have I'm wondering about .... Intel Pro 1000/GT . I'm wondering if people are just using the onboard Nic's now a days or if I should carry over the Intel card?
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Well I went with this ....
AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition Callisto 3.1GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Processor
ASUS M4A79XTD EVO AM3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
I will be Reusing this:
36gb WD Raptor for OS / AH
200gb WD storage
8800GTS 320
Creative XFi
Tt 680W PSU
DVD/CD R-RW
Tt 745 H2o system
The nic i have I'm wondering about .... Intel Pro 1000/GT . I'm wondering if people are just using the onboard Nic's now a days or if I should carry over the Intel card?
Nice setup...just be careful of space on your primary drive. If the onboard nic doesn't give you any problems, use it.
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Nice setup...just be careful of space on your primary drive. If the onboard nic doesn't give you any problems, use it.
Thanks for the advise . I run bare bones on the Primary . For instance ......right now that drive has 27 gig free . I install every program I can to the storage drive..... except drivers and AH.
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Well I went with this ....
AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition Callisto 3.1GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Processor
ASUS M4A79XTD EVO AM3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
I will be Reusing this:
36gb WD Raptor for OS / AH
200gb WD storage
8800GTS 320
Creative XFi
Tt 680W PSU
DVD/CD R-RW
Tt 745 H2o system
The nic i have I'm wondering about .... Intel Pro 1000/GT . I'm wondering if people are just using the onboard Nic's now a days or if I should carry over the Intel card?
Just used the same MB and ram in my new rig. Working well so far.
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Ty sir .... Thats reassuring 8) . It took me a couple of days to make the decision lol.
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Ty sir .... Thats reassuring 8) . It took me a couple of days to make the decision lol.
Since AH only uses 2 cores I'm suspecting you wouldn't notice a diff from my 965 black. :D
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Since AH only uses 2 cores I'm suspecting you wouldn't notice a diff from my 965 black. :D
Hows the 5770 running?
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Hows the 5770 running?
I'm using an old CRT at 1280x 1024 refresh set at 85. Game settings maxed except shadow I think. Every time I glance at the FPS it bounces 84-85. I did go with the XFX instead of the sapphire, was a better combo deal. The game has never looked so good.
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I'm using an old CRT at 1280x 1024 refresh set at 85. Game settings maxed except shadow I think. Every time I glance at the FPS it bounces 84-85. I did go with the XFX instead of the sapphire, was a better combo deal. The game has never looked so good.
Ick...CRT :( Is that with Vsync off? Ma be the older monitor...I have a 19" lcd and get solid 60. PErsonally the shadows stayed off on my comp, they got annoying in fights. XFX is good too, regardless it's a 5770 eh. :)
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Ick...CRT :( Is that with Vsync off? Ma be the older monitor...I have a 19" lcd and get solid 60. PErsonally the shadows stayed off on my comp, they got annoying in fights. XFX is good too, regardless it's a 5770 eh. :)
Vsync on :aok
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Vsync on :aok
I would bet that if you tested online with vsync turned off you prob be pushing 140 to 180 framerates...... they would just fluctuate more up and down......
my old ASUS EAH 3870 512meg card pushes 158 FPS with a little fluctuating down to 140's in hvy areas with vsnyc turned off in game .everything set to MAX and shadows set to what is it? 2048? using hires pkg & 1280 x 1024 screen res with vsnyc on it is maxed at 75 hz solid 99% of the time...... on my DELL Ultrasharp 19" LCD......
did that just to test to see what my card was capable of, and did not experience any tearing or stuff..... but I play with vsnyc on, and synchronized with my monitor refresh rate.....
just saying.....
edit: am glad it is all working out for you 38ruk :aok
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Since AH only uses 2 cores I'm suspecting you wouldn't notice a diff from my 965 black. :D
My understanding is that all multithreaded apps can and do use 3 cores. Not up to snuff on all the details but back when I was doing research a bunch of studies on 3 vs 4 core gaming stuff popped up. I think Toms and others have run all the benchmarks. Basically there is a step up from 2 to 3 but almost nothing from 3 to 4. I'm guessing that the game runs on 2 cores and all other stuff on the 3rd but i'm not really sure beyond noticing the observable benchmarks. So I got a 720black...then 2 days later wife's system bit the dust so I built out a 550 black for her. I'd had some issues with by 6600 (cpu went) and wasn't completely sure about the MB...so I popped a 6300 in and gave it to my son since I couldn't afford on going issues. Figure that I'll either build out a gaming upgrade or go back to a laptop for my workstation sometime this year since I don't like using my business system for general use. The 720 black easily outpaces my old 6600 btw....
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Just a little update . I went with the AMD build but had to RMA the Asus board that wouldn't post. Went with a Gigabyte MA790xt board and then found that one of G Skill sticks is bad lol....RMa'ing those aswell . Other than that it went smooth hehe . I'm running a stable overclock of 750mhz (3.1ghz stock to 3.85ghz on water) and could prolly go more but see no need to . I let Prime run for 3 hours and the load temp was only 36C . I opened up the 3rd and 4th core but it's pretty unstable with all 4. It run's 3 no problem but the 4th must be defective .... I was only looking for a dual core so i've disabled the 3rd core for now and will mess with it at a later date.
All in all it was a cheap upgrade.....but the performance over my old 4400+ is great, thanks for all the advise <S>