Which computer would give best gaming performance

[Scarecrow]

Of the following two computers, both of which are within $200 AUD of each other, which would be the best for gaming performance?

Computer 1
Motherboard - ASUS Striker Extreme (nForce 680i 1333MHz FSB, DDR2 800mHz, SLi, 7.1 Sound)
CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
Memory - OCZ Reaper HPC 4Gb 800MHz 4-4-4-15 DDR2
Video Card - 2 x XFX Geforce 8800 Ultra
Case - CoolerMaster CM Stacker 832 Evo Case - Black
Power Supply - CoolerMaster Real Power M1000 1000w ATX 2.3 Power Supply
Hard Drives - Western Digital 74 Gb 10000 RPM, 2 x 500GB Western Digital Cavier 7200 RPM
DVD ROM - Sony 16x/48x DVD-ROM – Black – Drive Only
DVD Burner - Sony AWG170SB2 Internal DVD Writer - S/ATA, Drive Only - Black
Other - 4 x CoolerMaster UV 120mm Fan - Blue
Operating System - Windows Vista 32 bit Home Premium OEM

Computer 2
Motherboard - ASUS Maximus Extreme (Intel x38 1600MHz FSB, DDR3 1800mHz, 7.1 Sound)
CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad QX6600
Memory - Corsair Dominator 4Gb 1600MHz 7-7-7-20 DDR3
Video Card - XFX Geforce 8800 Ultra
Case - CoolerMaster CM Stacker 832 Evo Case - Black
Power Supply - CoolerMaster Real Power M1000 1000w ATX 2.3 Power Supply
Hard Drives - Western Digital 74 Gb 10000 RPM, 2 x 500GB Western Digital Cavier 7200 RPM
DVD ROM - Sony 16x/48x DVD-ROM – Black – Drive Only
DVD Burner - Sony AWG170SB2 Internal DVD Writer - S/ATA, Drive Only - Black
Other - 4 x CoolerMaster UV 120mm Fan - Blue
Operating System - Windows Vista 32 bit Home Premium OEM

 

[panchoman]

i would say computer one because gaming is dependent a lot more on your video cards then your cpu, and you're better off getting the dual 8800ultras since the q6600 really shouldn't be a bottleneck for gaming.

 

[kwchang007]

Computer one. At high resolutions you're going to be bottlenecked by the gfx cards not the cpu. But both are very nice anyways and would be excellent gaming machines.

 

[JrRacinFan]

With both rig's, my beleif is this ....

You may be bottlenecked by your monitor! Just think about this for a second, what happens when you get the strongest video card available but a cheap 15" LCD monitor?

Now I am not saying your going to put a pair of 8800Ultras with a small 15" LCD, I am just speaking in retrospect.


EDIT: All I am saying is this, no matter what you do, you will have a bottleneck somewhere in a build. In this aspect if you go with a cheaper monitor might as well buy rig #2.

 

[Scarecrow]

i have a 27" Monitor, so i plan on "hopefully" running most games on max with AA/AF at 1920x1200. Hence why i was leaning towards 2 Ultras.

 

[JrRacinFan]

I still wouldn't get the 4GB of ram in either machine. 2GB would be plenty plus you would always have that "can only see 3.25GB".

 

[Scarecrow]

i was also going to OC the Q6600 to get it the same as Q6700 as i heard on here that was relatively easy, and i know nothing of overclocking, and i was going to also try to OC the Ultras, but im not sure.

I want to buy now, but i just dont know, especially with all the new CPU's, DDR3 and the NVidia 9800 on the way... i just dont know if i can wait till the 9800 though .

 

[newconroer]

You'd think for that kinda money they'd at least spring for 64bit...

Anyways, how much do these systems cost in total?

 

[JrRacinFan]

Well then, I say for now, since they have GREAT reviews, pickup an HD2600XT/8600Gt(S). You think one of those would hold you over til then? Hey might even be able to get a pair of the new 8800GTX's when they get released.

 

[niko084]

Um no doubt computer one..

But ya I would go 64bit to seeesh.

 

[Fitseries3]

DONT GET A STRIKER EXTREME, I'VE HAD 3 NOW AND ALL WERE PIECES OF SHIT. they suck for quads. you can't get past a 333fsb(1333qdr). there is NO simple workaround.

a sli setup would be better IF you plan on getting twin 8800gtx/ultra's and tri-sli will be out soon. otherwise, ati would be great if you got 2 2900xt's or 2 (new cards name here) cards.

im a nvidia fan my self but i can admit that ATI is writing some KILLER drivers right now.

 

[Scarecrow]

does anyone know when the 9800 will be out?

 

[newconroer]

No mate, we haven't a clue, and with Nvidia's recent announcement, of putting lots of resources into the tri-SLI technology, it may be quite a while.

 

[Scarecrow]

ah ok.... tri SLi is asking for trouble... 2 would be hot enough...