5870 or a 5970

[Tensa Zangetsu]

Hi guys,

I have a problem; am building a slim gaming rig/media server with either of the following specifications:

Intel Xeon L3426 1.86Ghz or Intel I7 860 2.8GHz
4GB OCZ DDR3 1800
DFI LP P55 MI ITX Motherboard
ATI 5870 or 5970
Coolermaster Extreme 460W PSU

The PSU will be modded for watercooling to provide maximum efficiency to provide at least 78-86% efficiency at load.

I will be playing at 1920x1080 on a 24" TFT for the next one year with plans of Eyefinity later.

The problem is that I can't decide on the best processor and card for this setup. The options are either Intel Xeon L3426 or i7 860 and 5870 or 5970.

Everything will be water cooled.

What combination of processor/card should I go with and why?

 

[mdsx1950]

When again are you planning on upgrading?

 

[Fourstaff]

5870, then CF when you get your Eyefinity. I see it as the cheaper option for now. Processor though, I have no idea given that Intel will be ditching S1156 soon. I have doubts about the PSU though, even at 86% efficiency, I don't think you will be able to provide enough juice for all your things.

Edit: I just saw you are using a ITX Mobo, that means you only have a PCIe if I am correct. In that case you are in a dilemma, 5870 cannot properly power eyefinity, 5970 will take too much power. How about building a cheap media server and a gaming rig seperately?

 

[Tensa Zangetsu]

When again are you planning on upgrading?

I should be building this rig in the next month, why?

 

[mdsx1950]

Read your post again... Depending on the power supply its not recommended that you get a 5970. So get the 5870.

 

[mdsx1950]

I should be building this rig in the next month, why?

What i meant was after you build it. When approximately are planning on upgrading again.. If your not gonna upgrade for a long time get the 5970 but you gotta do something about the PSU. Atleast a 750W.

 

[Tensa Zangetsu]

5870, then CF when you get your Eyefinity. I see it as the cheaper option for now. Processor though, I have no idea given that Intel will be ditching S1156 soon. I have doubts about the PSU though, even at 86% efficiency, I don't think you will be able to provide enough juice for all your things.

The motherboard I've chosen has only one PCI-Express slot, so X-fire is out. About the power, I have used the watercooled 460 W PSU on an E8600+ nVidia 9800GX2 successfully.

 

[Fourstaff]

The motherboard I've chosen has only one PCI-Express slot, so X-fire is out. About the power, I have used the watercooled 460 W PSU on an E8600+ nVidia 9800GX2 successfully.

Edited before I saw this post. I still think 460w is risky, but if you think you will be fine, go ahead. I am not liable to a dead pc due to an underpowered psu though.

 

[Tensa Zangetsu]

What i meant was after you build it. When approximately are planning on upgrading again.. If your not gonna upgrade for a long time get the 5970 but you gotta do something about the PSU. Atleast a 750W.

I should be upgrading in 1.5years. I am not going to overclock the parts beyond 5%, so am thinking 5870...

 

[twicksisted]

I'd be very nervous about running watercooling through a psu..... if you got the money for a 5870 / 5970 then surely you can get a better psu that dosent need tinkering?

 

[mdsx1950]

I should be upgrading in 1.5years. I am not going to overclock the parts beyond 5%

Go for the 5970. You'll enjoy it

 

[Tensa Zangetsu]

I'd be very nervous about running watercooling through a psu..... if you got the money for a 5870 / 5970 then surely you can get a better psu that dosent need tinkering?

It's not about getting a better PSU. This is a modded PSU, down from a height of 80mm to 40mm to fit within the thin case am building. Water is used to reduce fans and noise and numerous air intakes...