Hi all. I'm planning to build a new rig real soon, and have been reading probably WAY too much.
Problem is I just can't decide on what platform to go with. I am a complete noob about overclocking, but it almost seems criminal to NOT o/c a high end set-up these days.
I am going back and forth between an i7 860, a Thuban 1090, and an i7 930.
I really like the fact that the first 2 use dual-channel memory, and lower priced motherboards. Another issue is heat. I already bought a case that apparently isn't the greatest for air-cooling (Obsidian 800D), so I will try to keep the heat build-up low.
My single biggest concern is the EASE of overclocking. Some of the stuff I've been reading just makes my head spin (messing with what seems like alot of voltage-type settings,etc.)
So, if some of you would be so kind as to share your knowledgable opinions with me : which platform would be the simpliest to get a modest ( 3.8 -ish) o/c with ? By simple I mean having to do the least amount of BIOS settings,experimenting with various settings,voltages,and fun stuff like that.
It seems to me (I could be WAY wrong) , that the 860 might need alot of work to get there.
It doesn't look like anything real game-changing is coming in the next few months, and I don't want to wait for Bulldozer or Sandy Bridge.
I know you probably need some more info to try and answer, so:
- Rig would be mostly for gaming, but probably also some minor HD home- video work in the near future.
- Upgrade cycle is years, I tend to hold on until it's obsolete, then build something high-end. Although if Gulftowns ever become cheap, or if the first Bulldozers were AM3, that *might* make me upgrade.
- Want to try a Corsair H50 in push/pull for a cooler, seems pretty neat.
- Really doubtful if ever go CF or SLI...... I usually buy whatever single ATi card is the best at the time. RAID doubtful too, just single SSD likely.
Sorry for the mini-novel. And I honestly am not just trying to start a "which is the better performer" type debate........ just for the ease of overclocking only.
Thanks for any advise or suggestions !
Problem is I just can't decide on what platform to go with. I am a complete noob about overclocking, but it almost seems criminal to NOT o/c a high end set-up these days.
I am going back and forth between an i7 860, a Thuban 1090, and an i7 930.
I really like the fact that the first 2 use dual-channel memory, and lower priced motherboards. Another issue is heat. I already bought a case that apparently isn't the greatest for air-cooling (Obsidian 800D), so I will try to keep the heat build-up low.
My single biggest concern is the EASE of overclocking. Some of the stuff I've been reading just makes my head spin (messing with what seems like alot of voltage-type settings,etc.)
So, if some of you would be so kind as to share your knowledgable opinions with me : which platform would be the simpliest to get a modest ( 3.8 -ish) o/c with ? By simple I mean having to do the least amount of BIOS settings,experimenting with various settings,voltages,and fun stuff like that.
It seems to me (I could be WAY wrong) , that the 860 might need alot of work to get there.
It doesn't look like anything real game-changing is coming in the next few months, and I don't want to wait for Bulldozer or Sandy Bridge.
I know you probably need some more info to try and answer, so:
- Rig would be mostly for gaming, but probably also some minor HD home- video work in the near future.
- Upgrade cycle is years, I tend to hold on until it's obsolete, then build something high-end. Although if Gulftowns ever become cheap, or if the first Bulldozers were AM3, that *might* make me upgrade.
- Want to try a Corsair H50 in push/pull for a cooler, seems pretty neat.
- Really doubtful if ever go CF or SLI...... I usually buy whatever single ATi card is the best at the time. RAID doubtful too, just single SSD likely.
Sorry for the mini-novel. And I honestly am not just trying to start a "which is the better performer" type debate........ just for the ease of overclocking only.
Thanks for any advise or suggestions !