Configuration Update

Hey again everyone! A few weeks ago I posted some configurations and got a great start on a 2K build, however, more recently I have decided to go for a 2.5K range build. Hear are the two builds that I am thinking about, any comments or suggestions would be great.

This is my $2,701.00 build based on the GTX 280

http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=164536

Some questions and comments about this build:

1)      I realize that I probably have to upgrade Air Cooled Stage 2 to Stage 3 is this a must?

2)      Is 750W enough power for this build because I know the 280 is a power hog?

3)      Are there any areas with this build that could be compromised for price that would have little effect on performance?

This is my $2,621.00 build based on the 2x ATI Radeon HD 4850

http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=165233

Some questions and comments about this build:

1)      I know 4850 run hot is stage 3 cooling enough?

2)      Is 750W enough power for this build?

3)      I like this build better than the previous build because I think 2 4850s give me comparable performance to the GTX 280, I like the motherboard (Asus Rampage Formula) better, it is obviously less expensive!

So what do you think guys?

 

If you like the ASUS rampage mobo better, go with that. Of all the things to upgrade at a later date, the mobo would be the biggest pain. The stage 3 cooling will give you a side fan blowing cool air right to the graphics cards, so that's a good choice if you don't wanna buy your own later. They offer zalman fans, but if you have another preferred fan, then you might just buy it on your own, or see what options DSO can offer you.

Also, for $30 more than your first configuration, you could go with 2 HD4870s that would definitely outperform the GTX280 according to all reviews I've read so far. SkyR could tell you better, but I believe that the antec 900 case is well-engineered for cooling any system. With a full complement of fans, everything should be happy.

Just Like Widdlecat said if you like a specific motherboard run with it, its the foundation of your system.

From what I've seen posted the HD 4850's and 4870's run hot because the drivers arnt really established very well for them yet but theres supposedly a hotfix. The drivers arnt allowing the fan speed to go up in proportion to the heat and they only start spinning faster when the GPU gets to 80c. I've heard theres a fix, but alot of people are manually setting fans at 35-40 percent and are having good luck with the cards staying at 50-60c.