So far behind on current hardware

[biggiy6]

I'm building a new system but I am so far behind on the current hardware. Last time I was looking at a new system Dual Core was the best. That should tell you just how far behind I am.:lol:

I don't need a $5,000 gaming rig. Is SLI/Crossfire worth going for or will I only see a moderate increase? Unless the performance gains are worth the investment then I'll stick to one card.

AMD or Intel?

ATI or Nvidia?

Mobo suggestions?

4gb enough for memory or do I want 6gb?

I'm thinking a Corsair 750w psu. That's enough juice for everything right?

[fillip]

Lol, you stop paying attention for a week and it feels like you're way behind when it comes to tech.

In short, my opinion is:
SLi, One really strong card is always > than 2 mediocre cards
Intel > AMD if you wanna take full advantage of the low DDR2 prices and better OCing
ATi offer best bang for buck, so them unless you need CUDA video processing capability.
More than 4GB of ram is pointless unless you go 64-bit Windows or Linux. 32-bit Windows OS can't see more than 4GB TOTAL system memory (inc. onboard chips and GPU)
750W PSU would be plenty for a high end rig running 2 x GPU's, Quad Core, multiple HDDs with OCing I reckon. Certainly if it's a good quality one.Can't give you a recommendation on Mobo, though check out Bit-Tech's monthly hardware buyer's guide -HERE (http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/buyers-guide/2009/05/06/what-hardware-should-i-buy-may-2009/1)
Check out either the Enthusiast OCer or the Gaming Workhorse setups for inspiration. :thumb:

[Da_Rude_Baboon]

DDR3 prices have come down enough i would go for it tbh.

[biggiy6]

I can build a nice rig for almost half of what I thought I would pay. The hard part is finding a case I like that I can also butcher....I mean modify.

[Knipex]

Arastechnica recently updated their build guide and its allways a good place to start.

http://arstechnica.com/hardware/guides/2009/04/ars-technica-system-guide-april-2009-edition.ars/2

[mnpctech]

I can build a nice rig for almost half of what I thought I would pay. The hard part is finding a case I like that I can also butcher....I mean modify.

what ya wanna spend on the case?

[biggiy6]

what ya wanna spend on the case?

I don't really have a set budget yet. Anything over $500 is out.:lol:

As long I can modify it to an extent, fits an ATX mobo and has room for a WC system then I'm open to suggestions.

[biggiy6]

Here's the setup I decided on. If anyone has any suggestions or knows of some hardware that's just as good but cheaper then by all means let me know.

Case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112099)

Hard drive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320)

GFX card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102810)

PSU (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005)

CPU (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115055)

RAM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231226)

Mobo (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128356)