Ok guys I'm really conflicted on a few things here. I am currently doing some research on the interwebs on some different pc components. I have a 4 year old pc that I have had really good luck with but I'm ready to take that next step into multi-core processors and DX10 compatible hardware. I am trying to make this thing as future-proof as I can all while spending less than $3000, hopefully closer to $2500. I am conflicted over a few things here.
First of all I will list out the parts I'm leaning towards right now (and the cheapest I can buy them for right now).
Motherboard: Asus Striker Extreme ($310)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 ($315)
PSU: Thermaltake Toughpower 1200W ($340)
RAM: Crucial Ballistix PC6400 2 GB ($110)
Video Card: EVGA Nvidia 8800 GTX ($550)
Hard Drives: Western Digital Caviar RE 7200 RPM 250 GB [X2] ($150) -------> Running in Raid 0.
DVD Burner: LG ($40)
DVD Drive: Lite-On ($24)
Floppy Drive: Some random shit ($15)
Case: Thermaltake Shark Full Tower ($160)
Total cost for the tower: $2016
Ok so my thought process here is to make this thing super upgradeable for the next 5 years or so. With this setup I'm allowing the future upgrades of 2 more GB's of RAM, Quad Core processor upgrade eventually, and the addition of another 8800 GTX running them in SLI.
Now to the 2 MASSIVE decisions I have to make.
1. Right now I have a standard 19" CRT monitor, native res. at 1600 X 1200. My question is with this new pc aren't I just bottlenecking my pc with a monitor that can only do 1600 X 1200?
So I think I need to upgrade to a new LCD monitor. Should I go 22" or 24". The price difference is substantial but you also raise your max res. from 1680 X 1050 to 1920 X 1200. What should I do, is the $350 price difference worth it?
2. The processor. It's either going to be the Core 2 Duo E6700 or the Quad Core QX6700. The price difference is MASSIVE (about $600). Should I just go cheaper now with the E6700 and upgrade to a Quad Core later? Or should I spring for the Quad Core right away.
I'm afraid with my budget it is going to have to be either the cheaper processor or the cheaper 22" monitor. Which one of these makes more sense to choose right now?
Thanks alot for the help... hopefully.
First of all I will list out the parts I'm leaning towards right now (and the cheapest I can buy them for right now).
Motherboard: Asus Striker Extreme ($310)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 ($315)
PSU: Thermaltake Toughpower 1200W ($340)
RAM: Crucial Ballistix PC6400 2 GB ($110)
Video Card: EVGA Nvidia 8800 GTX ($550)
Hard Drives: Western Digital Caviar RE 7200 RPM 250 GB [X2] ($150) -------> Running in Raid 0.
DVD Burner: LG ($40)
DVD Drive: Lite-On ($24)
Floppy Drive: Some random shit ($15)
Case: Thermaltake Shark Full Tower ($160)
Total cost for the tower: $2016
Ok so my thought process here is to make this thing super upgradeable for the next 5 years or so. With this setup I'm allowing the future upgrades of 2 more GB's of RAM, Quad Core processor upgrade eventually, and the addition of another 8800 GTX running them in SLI.
Now to the 2 MASSIVE decisions I have to make.
1. Right now I have a standard 19" CRT monitor, native res. at 1600 X 1200. My question is with this new pc aren't I just bottlenecking my pc with a monitor that can only do 1600 X 1200?
So I think I need to upgrade to a new LCD monitor. Should I go 22" or 24". The price difference is substantial but you also raise your max res. from 1680 X 1050 to 1920 X 1200. What should I do, is the $350 price difference worth it?
2. The processor. It's either going to be the Core 2 Duo E6700 or the Quad Core QX6700. The price difference is MASSIVE (about $600). Should I just go cheaper now with the E6700 and upgrade to a Quad Core later? Or should I spring for the Quad Core right away.
I'm afraid with my budget it is going to have to be either the cheaper processor or the cheaper 22" monitor. Which one of these makes more sense to choose right now?
Thanks alot for the help... hopefully.