Member Avatar for lee42lee

Ok I made up my mind for my new gaming system and ordered the new Gigabyte GA-K8NXP-SLI motherboard. Now I need to know what processor you all reccomend. I have always used Intel and have never had any AMD products. I notice people are comparing the P4 3.0 to AMD 2.0's. I had a P4 2.8 and since I have already spent this much on the motherboard I want something that is going to out do my old P4 I just have never messed with AMD and don't really know what to look for. I also need to know what the best graphics card and the best memory would be for this board. Thanks for the help.

Lee

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by nizzy1115

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The GA-K8NXP-SLI is a good foundation for a gaming build, but a few practical checks will save time and headaches. Confirm the board's CPU compatibility list on Gigabyte's site and flash the latest BIOS before installing a high-end chip. Populate the DIMM slots exactly as the manual shows to enable dual‑channel memory and avoid odd single‑channel performance.

When picking a processor, focus on real-world single‑thread performance, cache size and overclock headroom rather than raw clock speed — as noted, GHz alone is misleading. If choosing a top‑end or unlocked part plan for better cooling and make sure the board's VRM cooling and CPU fan header are adequate.

For a multi‑GPU plan (the route mentioned), the system build changes: case clearance, airflow, and a stout power supply become priority items. Use a high‑quality PSU with the required PCIe power plugs, fit one graphics card first to verify stability, then add the second. Install chipset/northbridge drivers before video drivers and verify SLI options in the driver control panel.

Memory and validation: buy matched DIMM pairs from a reputable maker, favor capacity for gaming (1–2GB was the practical sweet spot at the time) and use the rated timings. After assembly run memtest86 and a CPU stress test (Prime95 or equivalent) to validate stability. As warned, balance features against cost — a well‑balanced system with sane cooling and power will outperform a head‑line part in a poorly built rig.

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Member Avatar for Member #11424

The best always comes with an appropriate price tag.
A 3500+ should be a good performance/price cpu.
As for the graphics card, I don't know my PCI-Express cards..

Member Avatar for nizzy1115

The best always comes with an appropriate price tag.
A 3500+ should be a good performance/price cpu.
As for the graphics card, I don't know my PCI-Express cards..

if you have the cash go with a 6800gt or ultra...or if you really have the cash, go with 2 6800gt in sli format and have one of the best gaming rigs around :cheesy:

Member Avatar for Catweazle

Forget gigahertz. It's no indication of performance, nor has it really been one since the proginal Pentiums went off the market. But especially nowadays!

If your budget stretches to a 3500+, get that. A 3200+ is fine of course (it outperforms a Pentium 3.2GHz) and if you're really cashed up try to get hold of a 3800+ or 4000+ Those should be available soon, if they're not already.


6800GT or Ultra sounds a good vid card choice for sure.

Member Avatar for lee42lee

I have decided to get the FX-55 processor and two 6800 Ultra's. I really didn't want to spend this much but maby I will be happy with it for a while and not need to upgrade. Thanks for all the help.

Lee Harrell

Member Avatar for nizzy1115

i have only one thing to say I AM JEALOUS! lol great choice on the system you should be one of the happiest people in the gaming industry! once you get it all could you post back with a benchmark score? im really curious to see how well an extreamly high end computer preforms :) and so i can dream of what i can build lol! nice buy tho!

Member Avatar for lee42lee

I sure will. It may take a week or so as I have just ordered the processor and graphic cards. I will post just as soon as I get it all done.

Lee

Member Avatar for nizzy1115

sounds great ill be lookig foreward to it!

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