Occasional gamer - system advice

BlackRabbit · 28th June 2009, 14:01

As I'm currently working on an XP1800+ system, I long for a system that can handle my multi-tasking. I occasionally play 3D games as well, hence the choice for a medium-class videocard. I intend not to spend too much money on the hardware.

I do not intend to overclock the system in the immediate future (maybe up the CPU as it's multipliers are unlocked) but I'd like to keep my options open for time to come.

Quote:

* Samsung SpinPoint F2EG Desktop Class 1.5TB
* OCZ ModXStream Pro 500W - Voeding ( intern )
* Gigabyte GA-MA790XT-UD4P - Moederbord
* 2x Kingston ValueRAM - Geheugen - 2 GB
* AMD Black Edition - Processor - 1 x AMD x3 720
* Sapphire RADEON HD 4870 512MB
* Samsung WriteMaster SH-S223F -

Total: ~600EUR

Advice is welcome.

BlackRabbit · 28th June 2009, 19:01

Or would one advice to wait 1-2 months (price-drops, new hardware, ...)

damian · 29th June 2009, 02:54

The 550 can be had for a cheaper price and is on par with the 720, even in multi threaded apps.

geoffrey · 29th June 2009, 08:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackRabbit

Or would one advice to wait 1-2 months (price-drops, new hardware, ...)

In IT you can wait forever, if you're not waiting for new hardware to be released I'd say go for the current selection, you won't regret it.

BlackRabbit · 29th June 2009, 09:17

What about CPU-cooling?
Are the AMD boxed cooler quiet? (I love the silence of the current Intel stock coolers).

geoffrey · 29th June 2009, 09:41

I had no problem with using AMD boxed cooling on one of their latest quads, dunno what you'll find problematic but give it a try

BlackRabbit · 29th June 2009, 09:57

Can you compare the noise production against an Intel stock cooler?

Are these the current AMD stock coolers:

?

What AM3 cooler would you advice?

jmke · 2nd July 2009, 00:24

start with what you get in the box, if that doesn't offer you the desired performance/noise ratio, you can take a look at any of the entry level directheatpipe touch 120mm HSFs (Xigmatek, Sunbeamtech, OCZ, ....) at <€30

BlackRabbit · 2nd July 2009, 10:25

Thanks, figured that out on myself by now. In the meantime I read the stock coolers aren't that quiet. We'll see (or hear

).

I went for the 720 btw. Price difference with 550 is only 25EUR, and I think the 720 might be a bit more future-proof. In the meantime, the third core can occupy itself with background tasks. (also, as I'm planning to do some multi-threaded programming, some extra cores could be welcome.)

koensa · 2nd July 2009, 12:01

what OS? 64bit?
I would advice 4 gigabye of ram,the prices are very low these days (40€ 4gig) and maybe will help with the multithreading if you have serious applications running

instead 1.5 TB i would advice two disks and use the onboard raidcontroller for better performance.

4870vs4850 i dont know,an 4770(4850 performance) is really good for games and will be a big step up then the card u used before.

just my 2 cents
grtz

28th June 2009, 19:01	#2
BlackRabbit [M] Reviewer Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 1,202	Or would one advice to wait 1-2 months (price-drops, new hardware, ...) __________________ >> imagehosting.jumbee.net -> Free Image Hosting >> favorites.jumbee.net -> Bookmark Manager >> www.datanuke.be -> Lanparty Network Rental, community & reviews

29th June 2009, 09:17	#5
BlackRabbit [M] Reviewer Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 1,202	What about CPU-cooling? Are the AMD boxed cooler quiet? (I love the silence of the current Intel stock coolers). __________________ >> imagehosting.jumbee.net -> Free Image Hosting >> favorites.jumbee.net -> Bookmark Manager >> www.datanuke.be -> Lanparty Network Rental, community & reviews

29th June 2009, 09:41	#6
geoffrey [M] Reviewer Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 4,117	I had no problem with using AMD boxed cooling on one of their latest quads, dunno what you'll find problematic but give it a try __________________

29th June 2009, 09:57	#7
BlackRabbit [M] Reviewer Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 1,202	Can you compare the noise production against an Intel stock cooler? Are these the current AMD stock coolers: ? What AM3 cooler would you advice? __________________ >> imagehosting.jumbee.net -> Free Image Hosting >> favorites.jumbee.net -> Bookmark Manager >> www.datanuke.be -> Lanparty Network Rental, community & reviews Last edited by BlackRabbit : 29th June 2009 at 10:00.

2nd July 2009, 00:24	#8
jmke Madshrimp Join Date: May 2002 Location: 7090/Belgium Posts: 78,458	start with what you get in the box, if that doesn't offer you the desired performance/noise ratio, you can take a look at any of the entry level directheatpipe touch 120mm HSFs (Xigmatek, Sunbeamtech, OCZ, ....) at <€30 __________________

29th June 2009, 02:54	#3
damian Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 21	The 550 can be had for a cheaper price and is on par with the 720, even in multi threaded apps.

2nd July 2009, 10:25	#9
BlackRabbit [M] Reviewer Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 1,202	Thanks, figured that out on myself by now. In the meantime I read the stock coolers aren't that quiet. We'll see (or hear ). I went for the 720 btw. Price difference with 550 is only 25EUR, and I think the 720 might be a bit more future-proof. In the meantime, the third core can occupy itself with background tasks. (also, as I'm planning to do some multi-threaded programming, some extra cores could be welcome.) __________________ >> imagehosting.jumbee.net -> Free Image Hosting >> favorites.jumbee.net -> Bookmark Manager >> www.datanuke.be -> Lanparty Network Rental, community & reviews Last edited by BlackRabbit : 2nd July 2009 at 10:27.

2nd July 2009, 12:01	#10
koensa Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Kortrijk Posts: 741	what OS? 64bit? I would advice 4 gigabye of ram,the prices are very low these days (40€ 4gig) and maybe will help with the multithreading if you have serious applications running instead 1.5 TB i would advice two disks and use the onboard raidcontroller for better performance. 4870vs4850 i dont know,an 4770(4850 performance) is really good for games and will be a big step up then the card u used before. just my 2 cents grtz __________________ I reject your reality,and i substitute my own

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