Recent content by dstaiti

OK - I'm getting the 4870... is one make/manufacturer much better than another? Also, just wanted to check that my RAM is good, or should I go with something else? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145197&Tpk=N82E16820145197

OK - so the only thing I seem to get conflicting messages on is the GPU... should I get the: gtx280 gtx260 HD 4870 9800gx2 Barbaric says the 9800gx2 is as fast at the gtx 280, and it is a couple hundred cheaper? What is the best card for the money above? I don't mind spending a...

Ok, so let's assume I drop the paste and fan, and switch out the GPU for the 9800GX2, do I have a good build here?

so, the chip i have is 2.83, i'm going to have to increase by more than 33% to support that GPU well? I'm getting nervous now that this is more of a project then I can handle! If I don't want to overclock, and i'm just looking for a rig that will allow me to edit HD home movies, play the...

i know nothing, i'm just doing what was recommended above. first of all, i don't plan on oc'ing right now, down the road, who knows. is the fan and paste critical to get now, or is it something I can add when/if I decide i'm going to overclock? i picked the paste, again, because it is what...

Final Build? Ok... Am I missing anything? Brackets, etc.? Qty. Product Description Savings Total Price ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model DRW-2014L1T - Retail Item #: N82E16827135156 Return Policy: Standard Return Policy Protect Your Investment...

May be a dumb question, but the thermal paste is applied to the TOP of the CPU, the part that I will be looking at once it is installed on the motherboard, right?

I can switch the cases to one you recommend (can't see the pictures). I'm less concerned with looks, more concerned with getting something that is easy to install the MB, PSU, etc. and route the cables easily How do I know if the CPU I'm buying has factory thermal paste?

is thermal paste necessary, or is it just for overclockers? also, do I need any type of bracket to mount the cpu fan?

I definitely do not and I have no idea what it is, how to use it, etc. Any info on the forums?

Final build? What am I missing? OK, based on the feedback in this thread, I think I have come up with my build... what, if anything, do I need to buy that I don't have here? Cables, thermal paste, brackets, etc.? Again, I'm a newbie, so please take that into consideration... do I need any...

Assuming I don't want a dual card set up and I'm just going with the 280, what motherboard and PSU will work best?

How does this look then... I upgraded the CPU and the GPU. The Q9450 was on back order, so I switched to the Q9550. That said, should I wait for the new processors to come out at the end of the month? Will they really be so much better? If I'm missing anything, let me know. Is my PSU...

that sounds good. I was already thinking that. is the gtx280 much better than the 4870? also, how do I know which exact model/manufacturer video card to buy? seems like each category above has a lot of options...

A great question, the answer to which I have no idea. I don't know if I will want/need to overclock. I basically want to be able to run games like Neverwinter Nights 2, Witcher, and other new graphic intensive games on maxed out settings. What do you suggest? My american express card...