First time builder for a gaming machine

[_WBaS_]

I'd say yes. SLI is A LOT of money for a really small benefit.

Agreed. With a budget of $2000, you can get a really sweet single card setup (especially if you build it yourself)! I don't see a need for dual card unless you are running huge resolutions.

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by _WBaS_

Agreed. With a budget of $2000, you can get a really sweet single card setup (especially if you build it yourself)! I don't see a need for dual card unless you are running huge resolutions.

I agree 100%. SLI is not necessary for most people, nVidia just wants to sell more video cards!

[avatar9]

i just read a review which basically said the asus 650i motherboard gives pretty much the same as 680i motherboards. what do u guys think between 650i and 680i

[Elysium]

Originally Posted by avatar9

i just read a review which basically said the asus 650i motherboard gives pretty much the same as 680i motherboards. what do u guys think between 650i and 680i

Was the review about the ASUS P5N32-E SLI Plus? I have that board and it pretty good, but if your not going to run SLI, I think your better off getting a P35 board or even a P965 board.

[Capper]

If you go through either of those boutiques, make sure you told them we sent you. also make sure you check for any discounts or rebates.

However, why not assemble your own system? you'll save money, and be able to use EXACTLY the parts you want. Building a system is not too difficult....it just takes a little patience and common sense, and we're always here to help.

As to the parts you listed.....if you can't wait until mid November to buy, then I'd recommend a Q6600 with a P35 motherboard or a 680i board, I prefer the P35 myself, but if you ever plan on SLI, then a 680i should be your choice.

As you are a gamer, I'd personally recommend a 8800GTS (640MB), and take the money you save and invest it in a good 2GB kit of memory, or considering the price, even a 4GB kit and a 64-bit version of Vista.

[Stormcrow]

I'm thinking I should do an article on the benefits over costs of SLi/Crossfire. Basically, SLi should only be a consideration when running really high resolutions (1920x1200 and up), or later on down the road when you can pick up another card on the cheap while waiting for the next generation to come down in price. With the way the GPU market moves and how multi-GPU tech is implemented a single card from the next generation will outperform two of it's replacements in SLi. Your resolution is the current mainstream for LCDs and a single 8800 will be more then enough when paired with a good processor.

I definitely support building your own, by the time you're done you have an intimate knowledge on how your machine works and have a better understanding of where to take it when overclocking and such. Also the feeling of getting the first POST on something you spent a few hours assembling coming to life is awesome. And if you build it yourself you'd be able to pick up an 8800GT coming out at the end of this month; which is supposed to be equal to if not a better performer then the current GTS for a lot less.

[Capper]

I personally think SLI/Crossfire are a waste of money.....

[Elysium]

I too support building your own, for all the reason Capper and Stormcrow listed. Also as Stormcrow said, that first POST feels awesome.

[avatar9]

great advice so far guys, as for the video card im seriously considering the XFX 8800 GTX

[avatar9]

These are the motherboards im choosing from. Not sure which ill get yet.

MSI P35 Neo-F P35 Chipset LGA775 Supports Core 2 Duo CPU FSB1333 DDR2/800 Mainboard w/GbLAN,USB2.0,&7.1Audio

Asus P5N-E nForce 650i SLI Chipset LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2 Mainboard((Quad-Core FSB1333) Asus P5N-E nForce 650i SLI Chipset LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2 Mainboard)

EVGA nForce 680i SLI Chipset LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2 Mainboard