[rhysduk]

Evening all..

Unfortunately I'm a bit out of the loop with what's hot and what's not... Although I read PC GAMER every month.

I'm looking to be building a new gaming rig sometime soon and need some help.
I was looking into the new i7 920 Nehalem chip. I had more or less settled on that for just over £200. Then I saw the Q9550 for approx £180. (all from OCUK)

Now, I'm wondering would I be better off with the i7 or the Q9550?
@ £30 more than the Q9550, would I be better off spending that for that bit extra in performance or not? I'm wondering if the extra 4mb on the L2 cache is worth it... Also overclocking;

I'll be likely to overclock whatever processor I get, using aftermarket cooler (more likely of the Zalman variety).. which one would be best for this?

Now I have to decide on a MOBO.. Im looking at the Asus P5Q Pro for the Q9550...

Cheers, Rhys

[Carbon]

http://www.computer-juice.com/forums...posting-26507/

In short, the i5 750. The Q9550 is outdated (and was never really worth it over other 775 processors), the i7 920 is a ripoff on a dead socket and occasionally slower than the i5 750. The i5 750 is the processor to buy, although processor selection doesn't really matter as much as the graphics card.

[P5200]

Originally Posted by Carbon

http://www.computer-juice.com/forums...posting-26507/

In short, the i5 750. The Q9550 is outdated (and was never really worth it over other 775 processors), the i7 920 is a ripoff on a dead socket and occasionally slower than the i5 750. The i5 750 is the processor to buy, although processor selection doesn't really matter as much as the graphics card.

Hi, read your article has lots of great info! I have a build sold so, I think I will go by your suggestion of the i5 processor and, the GA-P55-UD3L motherboard for my new main build. I have been looking at this ram what are your thoughts on it? Thanks Again!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231277

[Carbon]

I would suggest getting the RAM linked in that guide because the Ripjaws is not on the compatibility list.

[P5200]

Originally Posted by Carbon

I would suggest getting the RAM linked in that guide because the Ripjaws is not on the compatibility list.

I keep looking but, so far I haven't seen the compatible ram. Seems my Glaucoma is messing with me a lot lately.

[Carbon]

It's this one.

edit: I'd also go with the UD2 unless you have a reason not to. Unless you are running more than one PCI card, for example, or you have a lot of hard drives or optical drives, the UD2 is nice to have being smaller and cheaper.

[P5200]

Thanks very much, I see what your saying I will only have the one graphics card.

[P5200]

Originally Posted by Carbon

It's this one.

edit: I'd also go with the UD2 unless you have a reason not to. Unless you are running more than one PCI card, for example, or you have a lot of hard drives or optical drives, the UD2 is nice to have being smaller and cheaper.

I've been looking at graphics cards and wanted to know if this card would go good with the i5 and mentioned UD2 board? ps. also I planned on using the Corsair TX650 PS which I already have. Thanks! http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161297

[xactly]

Originally Posted by P5200

I've been looking at graphics cards and wanted to know if this card would go good with the i5 and mentioned UD2 board?... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161297

What is the most intensive 3D application you will use?
What resolution, settings and quality?

I'd wait (if you can) for the Nvidia DX11 GPU' to be released; they should have an effect on the price of current cards.

[P5200]

Hi, this won't be used for high speed gaming only games that are played are when grandma plays pogo games lol! by resolution I assume you mean screen resolution? if so, mine is set to 1024x768. we burn movies and browse the net and that's about it. Thanks!