Need help with PC Upgrade

[Jawshh]

I was wondering if its really important to have more than one PCI-e x16 slots. Any advice? Because if I buy locally, I get only mobos with one PCI-e x16 but I get 2 years warranty. And I don't get warranty when buying online.

Thanx

 

[Ritwik7]

I was wondering if its really important to have more than one PCI-e x16 slots. Any advice? Because if I buy locally, I get only mobos with one PCI-e x16 but I get 2 years warranty. And I don't get warranty when buying online.

Thanx

It's not important unless you decide to go Crossfire in future. Moreover, most single card solutions are sufficient for any present games and apps.

Hey,


Is Foxconn, biostar and MSI good for overclocking?

The best chipset for OCing the Phenom IIs is the AMD 790FX. However, they are probably going to be over your budget. The Gigabyte board you mentioned is a decent option. Foxconn / Biostar / MSI will also probably be good enough boards.

 

[Ritwik7]

On a personal note I would definitely recommend that you go ahead with the Gigabyte GA-MA790X-UD4P. It will be an above average overclocker too. One of the best boards at price/performance ratio.

 

[Jawshh]

Hi,
thanx rit.

Can someone compare an onboard Radeon HD 4200 with an ECS 9600GT 1GB video card for me?

Thanx.

 

[Ritwik7]

IMO the 9600GT should be better. Onboard gfx solutions are not really for gaming. However, if you're planning to buy the 9600GT I'd tell you to wait a while. Graphics card prices may drop sooner or later enabling you to buy a better card.

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

The 9600 would be better, the 512mb version will make it more cost effective with little decrease in performance.

 

[Jawshh]

The 512mb version is just $5 less than the 1GB one . I'll go for the 1GB.

Thanx

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

I would recommend not buying ECS or Jetway; they are among the worst choices. The best would be XFX, eVGA, BFG (for NVIDIA)\XFX, Visiontek, Sapphire, HIS (for ATI), followed by other companies like PowerColor, Sparkle, Zotac, PNY, Gigabyte, ASUS, Leadtek and others.

 

[Jawshh]

Hi,

Rage, what's the difference between the various brands you listed?

Thanx

 

[Jawshh]

Well, I was going to get an ECS one. But there is also gainward. Is it good?

 

[red1776]

Hi,

Rage, what's the difference between the various brands you listed?

Thanx

Hi Jawshh,
warranty and the cooling solution.

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

Yep, that's it Greg, but build quality is also a factor. ECS seem to have more problems with failing cards and the like, compared to the other makers.

 

[Jawshh]

Hi,

Thanx Red and Rage. And, What about Gainward? Is it a good manufacturer?

Thanx

 

[Jawshh]

Hi,

Is MSI K9A2 CF a good mobo? Is it good for overclocking?

Thanx

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

Gainward are decent. The MSI is okay, but not recommended for OCing.

 

[Jawshh]

Hi,

thanx rage i'll keep that in mind.

 

[Jawshh]

Hi,

Can someone tell me what are the best video cards ranging from $80 to $200. Give me a list if possible. By the way, I want to experience maximum settings on all games(that should help you decide).

Thanx

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

The 9600GT, HD 4770 and HD 4870 are the best picks in that price range IMO.

 

[red1776]

don't forget the HD 4890, its at $200 now.

 

[Jawshh]

So, I will be able to max out settings in all games with those cards? And are they future proof? I was wondering what was making the GTX 275 + Series so expensive.

Thanx

 

[red1776]

most games @ 1900x1200 you will be able to with the 4870 or the 4890.....and no such thing as future proof, if get one of those the DX11 cards come out in a few weeks. you need to determine what is important to you...and go with it

 

[Jawshh]

if get one of those the DX11 cards come out in a few weeks.

Well, I am sure their launch price will be awful.:suspiciou Right?

 

[red1776]

early indications (leaks) are that they will start at $280 and run through $600. but if you do want to wait, they said they would be mass produced by the end of October- early November. there will be a few rounds of price adjustments between Nvidia and ATI which will bring the price down somewhat...but yes, its would be more of an investment than a DX10 card

 

[Jawshh]

Ok sounds great. Are there major improvements in the DX11 compared to DX10.1?

Are there any places I could read articles about DX11? I don't find useful info on google.

 

[red1776]

I scan these for news on DX11....
http://www.techreport.com/gpu/
http://pcper.com/index.php

and take your pick here,
https://www.techspot.com/search-x.p...SO-8859-1&q=ati+amd+DX11&sa.x=38&sa.y=12#1577