Building/Upgrading a PC for TS2
ScoobyDoo:
You want a doorstop!? I was running Sims 2 on a P2@450 with a mere 384MB using a geforce 2 gts. ;D Sims 2 wasn't that horrible, ok it was bad.. but not nearly as bad as trying to do mental ray rendering in max. :D
B:
Quote from: ViveElBarto on 2007 September 20, 04:36:47
If you had $500, and had to replace both, can you get a good motherboard now, and a modest CPU? Or replace both on the cheap? I did wan't to have a board I could use with a new chip eventually, so I wanted to avoid buying a board and memory that I'm only going to use for maybe a year.
Any suggestions?
It's absolutely possible to get a good mobo and current generation midrange processor for $500. Since these are apparently the only components getting replaced at the time, I need your other system specs before making any suggestions (in order to ensure the components I advise you to get are compatible).
Also, since you're doing mobo and CPU at the same time, it would be possible to switch from AMD to Intel if you want. Please let us know if this is an option you'd entertain.
KatEnigma:
Crossfire and SLI are two completely different standards. I looked this up when I was looking to build a couple months ago. There are a few rare boards that can do either, but not many right now.
B:
Quote from: ViveElBarto on 2007 September 20, 23:03:57
Sure, I'll consider Intel, too - I just don't know as much about those boards. I have a new 500W PSU standing by - It's marked SLI ready, but I don't see why it wouldn't be Crossfire compatilble either.
Be careful with low wattage cards that claim dual GPU capabilities. I'm guessing your supply could power two midrange cards in SLI or Crossfire, but it would definitely not be able to run two high end cards. I'll talk more about a dual GPU setup below.
Quote from: ViveElBarto on 2007 September 20, 23:03:57
I don't know if I'd go to two boards eventually, but I'd like to have the option - only the 500W probably wouldn't cut it by then anyway.
To get the full benefit of a two card configuration, you need to have a mobo capable of piping each card at x16. Most boards that come with two PCIE16 slots do not have this ability, managing at most x24 between the two cards. As a result, you end up getting into situations where one card runs at x16, and the other gets throttled to x8, or (even worse) both cards are throttled to x8. If you are willing to get a top shelf board, you will have the ability to run both cards at x16, which can be rather spectacular (I've got two 8800GTX in SLI, and I have yet to encounter a game that won't run at 50fps or greater with everything maxed). Just keep an eye on this when buying your upgrades.
Quote from: ViveElBarto on 2007 September 20, 23:03:57
Obviously, the AGP graphics have to go too - I can justify going over budget on a midrange PCIE card and memory, as long as I can use them going forward. But I don't want to be stuck with say, DDR2 600 or graphics that are underwhelming on a larger monitor a year or two out.
Yes, the AGP will be gone. Fortunately, you can pick up a 7600GT or x1650 for under $100 which will both give you reasonable performance while you save up for a future generation card (the G92 is due out this winter, and should be an excellent choice if Nvidia hasn't screwed things up royally). Everything I list below is at least DDR2 800. Your RAM should still be compatible, although you might want to check with the manufacturer to confirm.
With that out of the way, here are my mobo suggestions (in order of attractiveness to me). Please keep in mind that I generally prefer Intel boards, since I run with a 6800 processor. I've also included one AMD option that I've heard good things about.
Bearlake X- Of course, I'm going to start with a board that does not actually exist yet. Bearlake X is due out in the next month or so, and is going to be the first board on the market that supports PCIE 2.0. It will take DDR3 1066 or DDR 2 800. The board will allow full bandwidth for both GPUs. Unfortunately, I can't give you an idea on price at the moment, since no partners have given a pre-release notice (as far as I know). It will probably be somewhere in the 200-300 dollar range on release. If you want to be prepared for the future, this would be an ideal motherboard for you.ASUS Striker- This is the best Intel mobo on the market right now, and it's the one I use for my gaming system. The cost is high ($300) and so it might be pushing your budget a little (refer to the processors I suggest lower down the page). Read the spec page at NewEgg to get an idea of the features, and you'll see that this has everything you could want. A big advantage with this board is that it comes with an IDE connector. Nowadays, many boards only support SATA. If you want the best enthusiast board currently on the market, get a Striker.EVGA nforce 680i- Since entering the motherboard market, Nvidia has impressed quite a few people. Their boards are well made, and do extremely well with two GPUs in SLI (although you would not have good Crossfire capabilities). Like the Striker, this board also comes with an IDE connector. For reference, it uses an Intel socket.ASUS 580X Crossfire- This is the only AMD socketed board I feel comfortable recommending. Although I do not have any first hand experience with it, one of my buddies is an AMD fanboy, and this is the mobo he uses. It is also the cheapest board on my list ($120) and will be outdated sooner than any of the others. However, if you want to stick with an AMD processor, this is probably your best bet. It also will support your IDE HD.
Now that we've done mobos, let's look at processors. Keep in mind that the first three boards above use the Intel LGA 775 socket, and so you'd need a Core 2 chip for them. The AMD board has an X2 socket. In general, I suggest you figure out how much can be spent on the actual computer after deciding on a motherboard. Get the best you can afford. A couple of quick things to consider (all good buys for the money):
Intel C2D 6600- An excellent buy for $230 bucks.Intel C2D 6400- Best Intel card you can get at the $200 mark. Overclocks well.AMD X2 6000- Again, I don't have much experience with AMD processors, but I've heard good things about this one. It can be procured for $165.
Keep in mind, these are not necessarily the best processors on the market, but they do give the best performance for the amount you pay. In your situation, I'd seriously consider the EVGA board with the Intel 6600 (cost to you: $400 after rebate). Both components are relatively high end, and you should get excellent performance for at least three years (provided the other pieces of your system get updated in good time). Of course, if you stick with AMD, you can get decent performance for quite a bit less (the mobo and X2 come to just under $300). Like I said, I prefer Intel, but your mileage may vary. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.
Edit to correct some confusing statements.
simsfreq:
In general, which video card make would be the best to run The Sims 2 on? I'm currently using an NVidia but there seems to be a lot of problems with these cards. Also, what kind of processor speed am I looking at to run a video card that's the high end of affordable? (Say ideally under £250 or $500)
No, I don't know what motherboard I have but if you could just give me a rough idea of what to look for I know someone who will be able to help me put all the information together into something meaningful.
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