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New Build Suggestions

post #1 of 24
4/29/08 at 2:20am
Thread Starter 
I am leaning towards a x48 MB based system

Going with a intel Quad Core CPU and thinking of Dual ATi 3870 x 2 GPUs.

So which x48 based MoBo would you suggest.

Over Clocking is a Must.
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post #2 of 24
4/29/08 at 2:50am
a lot of the high end builds I've seen here in the work log are asus rampage; and tony has an x38 DFI lan party, which is the same as the x48 basically

I'm still learning really, but depends if you need ddr3 or ddr2 and just personal choice. The all seem to clock close to each other. I've just gone through this myself and theres really not much price difference from P35 to X48 board and P45 is coming out soon. There's a review in this section of the DFI and toms hardware has some X38/48 tests. I was suprised at how cheap the motherboards are ~$300 relative to the complete build

Hey your in canada, Ive been using ncix for pricing/info. Any other good suppliers, I dont want to go cross border for the customs charges (&new egg doesnt ship ca anyway, think)

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...minorcatid=133

[the high end ones all have 2xpcix16 slots etc]
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post #3 of 24
4/29/08 at 3:43am
Asus Rampage Formula.

I have one. It's spiffy. Buck has one too.

I think Hammerhead does too.
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post #4 of 24
4/29/08 at 7:20am
Yep, I have one. It's pretty slick.

If you're REALLY into overclocking, you should also check out the DFI Lanparty X48 board. Be warned though that the DFI boards have tons of settings, so unless you really know what you're doing you can get yourself into trouble.

The Asus Rampage Formula is pretty stupid proof and easy to either auto OC, or do it by each setting individually.
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post #5 of 24
4/29/08 at 10:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dave-p View Post
I am leaning towards a x48 MB based system

Going with a intel Quad Core CPU and thinking of Dual ATi 3870 x 2 GPUs.

So which x48 based MoBo would you suggest.

Over Clocking is a Must.
Your decision to build right now is good. New mobos with the latest chipsets are rolling out almost daily - make sure you choose what is right for you.

If you want X48, my suggestion is to stay with DDR2. Specifically, the Rampage, DFI LP-Series, or Gigabyte X48-DQ6. Don't get caught up in the 'flashing X38 w/X48 BIOS' fad. While it may seem to work, it is now clear that the X48 does indeed offer more than X38. If you read into those 'flashing' threads, the vast majority have stability issues at higher OCs - compared to the simplicity of the X48. Don't rule out the P45, also due in May. I eagerly await the first P45 reviews.

I would hold off on buying a GPU for a week or two. The 1GB and 2GB versions of the 4870X2 will be available - reportedly by the end of May.

Which Quad are you looking at?
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post #6 of 24
4/29/08 at 5:36pm
DFI LANParty X48-T2R

Core 2 Quad Q9450/Q9550

4GB DDR2-800/1066


/end discussion
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post #7 of 24
4/29/08 at 8:42pm
Thread Starter 
I was looking at the Q6700 which just dropped in price by half this week.

but the Q9300 is just 20 dollars more so more likely the choice.
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post #8 of 24
4/29/08 at 8:49pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZX81 View Post
a lot of the high end builds I've seen here in the work log are asus rampage; and tony has an x38 DFI lan party, which is the same as the x48 basically

I'm still learning really, but depends if you need ddr3 or ddr2 and just personal choice. The all seem to clock close to each other. I've just gone through this myself and theres really not much price difference from P35 to X48 board and P45 is coming out soon. There's a review in this section of the DFI and toms hardware has some X38/48 tests. I was suprised at how cheap the motherboards are ~$300 relative to the complete build

Hey your in canada, Ive been using ncix for pricing/info. Any other good suppliers, I dont want to go cross border for the customs charges (&new egg doesnt ship ca anyway, think)

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...minorcatid=133

[the high end ones all have 2xpcix16 slots etc]
I use NCIX alot, They usually have the best prices for a Canadian based retailer, I used some others from time to time, but I save 8% sales tax right off the top since it is shipped from BC to Ontario.
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post #9 of 24
4/29/08 at 10:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fenuxx View Post
DFI LANParty X48-T2R

Core 2 Quad Q9450/Q9550

4GB DDR2-800/1066


/end discussion
I can't argue with Tony's recommendation. When it comes to your board, make sure it fits your needs (PCI, PCI-e slot placement). All of the other features are pretty much equal, fanboyism aside.
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post #10 of 24
4/29/08 at 10:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dave-p View Post
I was looking at the Q6700 which just dropped in price by half this week.

but the Q9300 is just 20 dollars more so more likely the choice.
I hear ya. The Kentsfield price drop has alot of folks thinking real hard about which quad to pick up. Intel is in the middle of re-tooling lines across the globe. 65nm prices drop as a result. A hard choice between the Yorkfield/Kentsfield...just go with what you think the better value is.
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post #11 of 24
4/29/08 at 11:10pm
Thread Starter 
Well I am thinking of this

OCZ Reaper Hpc Edition PC2-8500 DDR2 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-1066 CL5-5-5-15 Dual Channel EPP Memory Kit $ 114.00

ASUS Rampage Formula X48 ATX DDR2 2PCI-E16 CrossFire SATA2 RAID Sound GBLAN Motherboard $ 313.00

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 Quad Core Processor LGA775 2.50GHZ 1333FSB 6MB OEM No HSF $ 289.00

2 ATI 3870 x 2 GPU's @ $420.00 eACH After Rebates
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post #12 of 24
4/30/08 at 12:11am
Thread Starter 
I just caught on about the 4870 x 2 Cards.

hmm maybe I will just sit and wait for those babies to come out.

chances are 30 days from now this stuff will be even cheaper lol
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post #13 of 24
4/30/08 at 1:47am
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produc...dlist=celebros

Rampage formula for $289
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post #14 of 24
4/30/08 at 2:08am
Shipping Restrictions
ZipZoomfly sells and ships items only within the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. We regret that no shipments can be made to PO Box addresses, APO or FPO addresses, United States territories, or other addresses outside the United States.


Thought he was in Canada


Looks like a nice build and yeah I'd hold off on the 3870x2. New cards will be out soon.
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post #15 of 24
4/30/08 at 4:29am
I didn't look at his location.

there is also

http://www.motherboardpro.com/ASUS-R...ail-p-553.html

they ship to Canada.
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post #16 of 24
4/30/08 at 6:59am
Thread Starter 
Well the other problem with dealing with USA shipments into Canada is I would have to pay an additional 8 % in tax plus brokerage fees, so the NCIX is still the best option.

I still kind of itching to pull the trigger now and get the 3870 cards, maybe upgrade to the 4870 later. lol
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post #17 of 24
4/30/08 at 7:01am
Thread Starter 
and I got the GPUs for $ 404.00 each after a rebate and a combo price on the CPU of $ 284.00

But still going to wait a little more to see if the price drops on the GPUs
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post #18 of 24
4/30/08 at 2:37pm
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...anufacture=DFI

DFI LANParty LT X48-T2R - $296.99

Seriously, you won't regret it. And it's cheaper than the price you quoted above for the Rampage.
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post #19 of 24
4/30/08 at 2:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fenuxx View Post
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...anufacture=DFI

DFI LANParty LT X48-T2R - $296.99

Seriously, you won't regret it. And it's cheaper than the price you quoted above for the Rampage.

I'd say this is a good deal.
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post #20 of 24
4/30/08 at 4:53pm
Also might try to find a Blackops mobo if you plan to oc. It has been great with the latest quads.
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