Curse

The Muffen Man · Jul 07, 2008, 11:24 AM // 11:24

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...odid=FS-049-OK

Would you go:

crossfire HD4870
sli 9800 gtx
sli 9800 gx2

Single HD4870
9800 gtx
9800 gx2
gtx 280

For €2000 I can get this:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/viewcart.php

Evil Genius · Jul 07, 2008, 12:32 PM // 12:32

Second link doesn't work.

The first system looks pretty good - uses quality parts. Rahja would object to the Corsair RAM though. I would go Crossfire 4870 over any other option you listed, or single 4870 depending on what resolution you play at.

The Muffen Man · Jul 07, 2008, 01:14 PM // 13:14

Oh sorry second link is the basket this is what's in it for €2000

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...odid=SP-000-AE

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...odid=MO-020-DE

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...odid=FS-049-OK

it also includes windows vista home premium 64 bit

I came across chill blast and for the roughly same price ( I think this one is €100 more)

I can get this:

http://www.chillblast.com/pconf.php?productid=18394

http://www.chillblast.com/pconf.php?productid=18394

I changed the OS to 64 bit and changed the 9800 gx2 to a gtx 280 and the case to the antec 900

Which is the better system?

Evil Genius · Jul 07, 2008, 01:26 PM // 13:26

OCUK:
Worse CPU (Q6600 compared to Q9450)
Better Graphics (2 4870 compared to 9800GX2)
Better case (Antec 900 compared to C690
Better PSU (More personal opinion than fact)
Better HDD (In terms of space)
Better RAM? (Corsair dominator compared to presumabley generic)

Chillblast:
Better speakers (7.1 compared to 2.1)
Better sound card (X-fi compared to onboard)
Better peripherals overall

Summary: OCUK - Better performance and case
Chillblast: Better peripherals

Can't be bothered looking of monitor reviews though, so can't comment on that. Can't comment on the shops, build quality etc either given I have never purchased a system or read reviews.

The Muffen Man · Jul 07, 2008, 01:40 PM // 13:40

Thanks, ditched the 7.1 speakers to 2.1 and changed the 9800 gx2 to the gtx 280 also changed the chillblast case the the 900 one.

I can change to the dominator memory for +£15

but over all even if the chillblast has the better cpu the OCuk is the better buy?

what if I put the crossfire 4870 in the chill blast it would make it even more expensive due to the cpu, is it worth it?

moriz · Jul 07, 2008, 01:46 PM // 13:46

the gtx 280 is slower than a 9800GX2, just so you know.

The Muffen Man · Jul 07, 2008, 02:19 PM // 14:19

I see, I see. So the consensus is HD 4870 in crossfire is the way to go?

zamial · Jul 07, 2008, 03:39 PM // 15:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by moriz

the gtx 280 is slower than a 9800GX2, just so you know.

This is a misleading statment. the 9800gx2 is actually 2 vidieo cards, while the 280x is 1 video card. The 9800gx2 barley beats the 280. 2 vs. 1

If it was me I'd hold of a week or 2, as the price of the 280 is going to drop, then id get 2 280's and sli them but you better have a monster power supply to drive them. Like I said that is me. I would get the cheapest 45nm dual core chip at this time. Nehalm is comming near end of the year, from what I have heard this thing is going to stomp on everthing, It will use a different mobo so be warned now.

I am hoping for a larger number of ram slots say 6 or 8. Vista 64 supports up to 16gb of ram, that sounds like fun to me!

moriz · Jul 07, 2008, 03:48 PM // 15:48

the 9800GX2 is two GPUs on one card. the keyword is one card, so it should be judged as such. yes, it comes with all the benefits+disadvantages of SLI, but to the end user, there's no difference since it's still one card. being ~$100 cheaper kinda seals the deal here.

zamial · Jul 07, 2008, 04:05 PM // 16:05

The difference is you can run 2 9800gx2 and 3(or 4?) 280's. 2 9800gx2's will not touch 3 280's. The other issue is the bus bottle neck on the 9800gx2 both gpu's are running through 1 pci 2.0 slot. With the 280's it is 1:1. Yes, the 280 is more but the price is going to drop, soon. I am not trying to argue with you Moris, as you are 1 of the most knowledgable vid card people I know.

To OP I would still wait a few weeks to see what the prices do. Another thing to consider: are you planning on running dual monitors? If so, Ati is the best for that. If not, then I would go Nvidia.

moriz · Jul 07, 2008, 04:14 PM // 16:14

i understand. SLI does come with their share of quirkiness and disadvantages, especially if it's bundled up in a single card.

for the OP: yes, dual HD4870 is currently the best dual card solution you can find. i mean, this configuration will give you 110% scaling in some games. how can you get more than double the performance when you add in a second card, i don't know. it's almost illogical... but it actually does it.

The Muffen Man · Jul 07, 2008, 04:17 PM // 16:17

Blah Im so confused now

No I wont be running duel monitors, but I plan to get a 24" and run it at max res.

I was thinking bang for bucks crossfire 4870 would be the best no?

moriz · Jul 07, 2008, 04:20 PM // 16:20

best bang for bucks is probably crossfire HD4850, since it's $200 cheaper but not a whole lot slower.

but if you just want the BEST crossfire solution, then it's crossfire HD4870.

Snograt · Jul 07, 2008, 05:40 PM // 17:40

Minor personal opinion: I'd go for the Thermaltake over the Antec 900/1200 any day.

Spending euros at OcUK? Irish?

The Muffen Man · Jul 07, 2008, 05:55 PM // 17:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snograt

Minor personal opinion: I'd go for the Thermaltake over the Antec 900/1200 any day.

Spending euros at OcUK? Irish?

And why is that?

Yeah Ill be spending Euros so with system and the 2.1 speakers, 24" dell monitor and Vista home premium 64 bit, it comes to £1,566.98 which is €1,969.02