Gpu for new i7 build

[nyfirefly11]

Planing on upgrading my p4 3.4ghz/radeon x700 to an i7 for FSX. I've never used FSX before (only FS9), so I'd like to build it right.

Probable specs:
i7 920 (overclocked)
Asus p6t deluxe or gigabyte udp4
6 GB 1333 CL9
Good heatsink
FSX on it's own sata drive
Vista 64bit

In terms of a gpu, I was looking at:
HD 4870
260 216
260 216 overclocked version

They are all around the same price...I keep hearing that Nvidia is better for FSX, though a few who have the 4870 have said it's working great.

One person said the OC 260 can get hot, but I guess i could turn up the fan.

I'd get a 280/285, but not sure I want to spend the extra $$$.

Any thoughts? (I don't know what addons I'll have set up, but probably some standard textures/weather)

Thx so much!

[Wingo]

A 280 GTX would match that system the best. Also if you are overclocking up into the region of 4ghz you will need to buy some 1600mhz ram to give you room to breathe. Also go witht he asus motherboard.

[nyfirefly11]

Wingo, how far could 1333mhz ram take me?

also, you think the Aus is better than the ud4p? This review has them pretty similar, the gigabyte is cheaper: http://www.techspot.com/review/136-giga ... page5.html

[SubZer0]

first of all, you get what you pay for

I (and just about anyone else in this forum that understands hardware) will recommend you the P6T Deluxe... please don't get the gigabyte... not if you want to OC that i7

I know it's more money, but I also recommend the 285... if that's too much then just get the 260 and clock it yourself. that's actually what I'm running

Wingo is right. if you want to clock that i7, don't even bother with the 1333, that won't get you anywhere to be honest. get at least 1600-2000 and you're good to go to 4ghz easy if you have good temps. get this cooler:

http://www.quietpcusa.com/Thermalright- ... 507C0.aspx

with some good OCZ Freeze thermal paste applied correctly and you are good to go

[nyfirefly11]

all good to know...well, the price tag for this thing keeps going up and up

superbiz has good deals on the gigabyte and 1333, part of the reason I was thinking that route...

how has your oc 260 performed?

[SubZer0]

the 260 has performed better and cooler than I ever expected. I overclocked the crap out of it. from 576mhz (quite slow compared to the newer ones out there now) to 670mhz. the shader from 999 to 1200. fan still running at the stock and quite silent 40% with temps well under control. tested several times and no problems during testing or gaming for hours.

I imagine if you're able to get your hands on one of the OCed ones you might be able to OC it even higher than what you might reach on the non-OC cards.

just make sure you have good air-flow on your case to keep it at the right temps

I understand the price dilemma. but like I said, you get what you pay for. if you were to get some cheap hardware, you'd get cheap performance. good hardware, equal performance.

good luck, let us know how it goes or if you have any questions

[nyfirefly11]

Thx so much for the help...very appreciated.

I'll let you know what I decide....