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Replacing old gaming rig

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So my rigs a bit old.... (built it back around 12/05) and it's not holding up anymore.

Old rig specs:
AMD 64x2 5000+
original mobo failed and replaced it with a cheap asus m2n mx-se
Geforce 7800 GTX (512)
original mem failed and replaced it with cheap ebay mem
original PSU failed and replaced it with 500w antec


I want something that will last me at least another four years. I havn't really looked around much and wanted to get some more imput. Also hoping there might be some deals to be had for cyber monday. Here's what I'm looking at so far.

Intel Core i7-920
ASUS P6T SE LGA 1366
GeForce GTX 260 896MB
OCZ 6GB (3 x 2GB)

I plan on using my old case and have enouph hard drives laying around...

Also looking at this combo...

AMD Phenom II X4 965 MSI 790FX-GD70 AM3
CORSAIR XMS3 8GB
 
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Ah and this PSU

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W

Also my budget is around 800-900 and would like to stick to that range...

Also I'm not really in a great hurry... How would waiting a few months effect prices/decisions on mobo/processor. I believe theres some new upgrades due to be released in a few months, although I don't think there is a firm date.
 
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Binge

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That's right! wait... That's horridly wrong! I would never give up the chance to go i7... it's just so good. :D
 

Wile E

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If you are looking to get 4 years out of a rig, buy the fastest you can afford right now. My vote goes to LGA1366 and i7.
 
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lol,cgoodman you basiclly need build a whole new rig excluding DVD drive and hard drive.
You would need a new case if you want get an i7.
 

DirectorC

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A GTX260 is out of place (read: underpowered) in your rig. Get a 4590/5770 minimum or a GTX275 if you must have nVidia. I'm an nvIdiot and I will wait for their next gen cards before buying an ATI card, but right now the 4890/5770 will kick the 260s ass and cost as much or less.

The 750 is what I use, and it is nice, but beware, the hulking mass of spare cables is shoved into empty 5.25 bays.
 
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Thanks for all the suggestions so far...

The comparisons are exactly what I'm looking for. I have been a bit out of touch keeping up with exactly what's best these days.
 
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lol,cgoodman you basiclly need build a whole new rig excluding DVD drive and hard drive.
You would need a new case if you want get an i7.


Haha, yea basically a whole new setup. Why the new case though? Cooling? I havn't read up on the i7s too much. Basically posting here is my first step on building the new machine.
 

Binge

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Haha, yea basically a whole new setup. Why the new case though? Cooling? I havn't read up on the i7s too much. Basically posting here is my first step on building the new machine.

He has no good reason to suggest a new case... unless he means you can't use a large air cooler in your case. No idea.
 
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He has no good reason to suggest a new case... unless he means you can't use a large air cooler in your case. No idea.

Thanks. My case has fairly decent cooling. Completely air cooled, but always managed to keep a good temp. It's just something I would try out and keep a close eye on at first I think.
 
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He has no good reason to suggest a new case... unless he means you can't use a large air cooler in your case. No idea.

i basiclly mean he might need new case for good cooling but if he has good case already then there is no need and maybe a bigger case if he wants like a ati 59** or when nvidia release there GTX300 series or something.
 
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So if I wanted to go a less expensive quad route rather then the i7, Is the amd a good choice? Or is there something else you guys would recommend?
 
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So if I wanted to go a x4 route rather then the i7, Is the amd a good choice? Or is there something else you guys would recommend?


Yes, AMD is a really great choice, but intels core i7 are even greater (thats coming from an AMD/ATI fanboy lol):roll::nutkick::p
 
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Yes, AMD is a really great choice, but intels core i7 are even greater (thats coming from an AMD/ATI fanboy lol):roll::nutkick::p

For gaming, no. i7 is just overkill. You will not get any significant performance gains with an i7.

I would recommend a PII 965 x4 125w. Not just because I own one, but they are great for gaming, easier to overclock. Not to mention i7's are incredibly hot.

*Oh, and unless you are folding I would go with an ATI 58xx series card.
 
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Considered this?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.286097

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.290305

Hate to throw a wrench in there but 1156 chipset for the 750 or 860 are certainly worth considering. If you primarily game, why pay more.

The 920 from what I've read is definitely a beast and for future upgradeability probably a better choice.

But you played your computer 4 years with good components, I'd say you could go with a good 1156 setup and put the money you saved on the motherboard and ram and invest in a really good power supply. Good psu = less power. 1156 chipset less power. New psu in mix means option for xfire or sli if you start to need more power.

I wasn't paying good attention to anything but i7 920 when I bought my rig. If I were buying today I'd probably have just bought an 1156 chipset.

One more thing to keep in mind is core 2 duo / quad are still extremely viable chipsets and you could probably get one of those now and a superior video card, have it last you a couple more years, and save money. People are practically giving them on the for sale forums. Honestly I think I should have waited myself. My core 2 system is still completely viable for gaming.
 

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For gaming, no. i7 is just overkill. You will not get any significant performance gains with an i7.

I would recommend a PII 965 x4 125w. Not just because I own one, but they are great for gaming, easier to overclock. Not to mention i7's are incredibly hot.

*Oh, and unless you are folding I would go with an ATI 58xx series card.

Yeah, but he plans to keep it for 4 years minimum. I still say i7 is the way to go, as longevity is a concern. My guess is there will likely be a clear cut difference in performance with new games in 4 years.

And it doesn't matter how hot i7 is, as long as it's within it's design limits.
 
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Yeah, but he plans to keep it for 4 years minimum. I still say i7 is the way to go, as longevity is a concern. My guess is there will likely be a clear cut difference in performance with new games in 4 years.

And it doesn't matter how hot i7 is, as long as it's within it's design limits.

Well right about when I build my comp games like fear, battlefield 2 an quake 4 were coming out. That gives you an idea of what things will look like in another 4 years. :)

in everyones opinion... Since I'm on a limited budget... What should I put a chunk of cash into.... Processor/mobo combo or gpu??

I should also mention I'm not a hardcore gamer and only play about 5-10 hours a week and I'm not overly concerned with having everything on high all the time. As long as I can play the game with decent detail I'm happy. Ideally the rig would be able to be play games on high detail no and lower the detail when newer games cone out. Just as I did with my old system.

Again thanks for all the input and help. It's been invaluable.
 

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Well right about when I build my comp games like fear, battlefield 2 an quake 4 were coming out. That gives you an idea of what things will look like in another 4 years. :)

in everyones opinion... Since I'm on a limited budget... What should I put a chunk of cash into.... Processor/mobo combo or gpu??

I should also mention I'm not a hardcore gamer and only play about 5-10 hours a week and I'm not overly concerned with having everything on high all the time. As long as I can play the game with decent detail I'm happy. Ideally the rig would be able to be play games on high detail no and lower the detail when newer games cone out. Just as I did with my old system.

Again thanks for all the input and help. It's been invaluable.
If gaming isn't the biggest of concerns, then I say cpu/mobo is where to spend your money. If not, at least split the difference between cou/mobo and gpu.

Perhaps grab an LGA1156 board and i7 860 cpu, and grab the best video card you can with leftover funds.
 
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in everyones opinion... Since I'm on a limited budget... What should I put a chunk of cash into.... Processor/mobo combo or gpu??

CPU/mobo, GPU's are alot easier to upgrade in the future, and video card technology changes alot more often.
 
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If gaming isn't the biggest of concerns, then I say cpu/mobo is where to spend your money. If not, at least split the difference between cou/mobo and gpu.

Perhaps grab an LGA1156 board and i7 860 cpu, and grab the best video card you can with leftover funds.

Why the 860 and not the 920? I know ther are different sockets, but they are pretty much the same price.
 
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Aw... it looks like socket 1156 is going to be more easily upgradeable in the future?
 
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Why the 860 and not the 920? I know ther are different sockets, but they are pretty much the same price.

I don't own one but I believe the 1156 motherboards are cheaper as well as ram. As far as future upgrades, there's writing on the wall for i9 with a 1366 chipset already, haven't read anything about 1156 yet.

Since the 1366 is supposed to be a server chip, it is quite probable 1156 could have many more options available. Just look at how many different compatible 775 chips there are.
 

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