Zlow Posted July 24, 2009 Report Share Posted July 24, 2009 Would you guys recommend the Phenom II 955 or the Core i7 920 for someone who plans to use the same comp atleast for the next 5 years? During the next 5 years the only upgrade will be the GPU, that too only if it dies within 5 years or if my current CRT monitor dies and I have to purchase a Full HD LCD monitor. I know that currently I can't go wrong with the performance of either processor. But I'm looking at the performance after 4-5 years...or in the 4th-5th year because I'm not someone who frequently upgrades their comp. So at the end of the 4th year, I'd like to have a comp that doesn't drag as slow as my current comp (7 years+, p4 1.6Ghz, 133Mhz 512MB SDRAM, 5400rpm IDE HDD). I know the Phenom II 955 will save me a lot of money right now but it won't matter if it will be too slow to work with in the 4th-5th year of purchase. I think the Core i7 920 would atleast give me some performance headroom to work with 5 years into the future but I'm unsure about the same for the Phenom II x4 955. For eg. with my current comp, if I open MS word 2007, I have to wait a good 1min+ before it loads and my processor is at a 100% at that time. I'd like to avoid a repeat of this situation in the future. Below are the two configs I'm looking at: Core i7 920 Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5 GSkill 3 x 2GB 1333Mhz DDR3 7-7-7-something Phenom II X4 955 Gigabyte GA-MA790GP-UD4H GSkill 2 x 2GB 800Mhz DDR2 5-5-5-something 640GB WD Caviar Blue Corsair TX750W HAF922 GPU - If I go ahead with the Core i7, I think a 9600GT would be enough as my monitor only supports a maximum resolution of 1280x1024 and I don't mind gaming at even lower resolutions. If I go with the Phenom II, I may not even get the 9600GT as the GA-MA790GP-UDH has an IGP which should be enough for my CRT monitor. If I need to buy a Full HD LCD monitor in the future then for that I'll get a corresponding GPU at that point in time. I know that in today's date, both these system's are more than enough for any/all of my computing needs. But do you think 4-5 years from now: 1. Would a Phenom II 955 system still be good enough for general usage? (does not include gaming) 2. Or would a Core i7 920 system's performance feel just the same as a Phenom II 955's? (if so then I might as well save some money today by purchasing a Phenom II 955) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtheK Posted July 25, 2009 Report Share Posted July 25, 2009 intel is a safe bet for future proofing, but if you can wait for sometime check the i5 they should be good too. I bought my QX6700 extreme 3 years back and it is still awesome and i have no need to change it for next 2 years, so go for i7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthVader Posted July 25, 2009 Report Share Posted July 25, 2009 i7 + Gigabyte X58 UD5 = WIN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zlow Posted July 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 26, 2009 That's exactly what I thought would be the advantage of getting a high end processor. I had almost made up my mind about getting the Core i7 920 + GA-EX58-UD5 but then I saw that Gigabyte has a new (for me atleast) AM3 motherboard based on the 790GX chipset, the GA-MA790GPT-UD3H. One of the reasons I was leaning more towards the Core i7 was because of DDR3 RAM. Now If this new AM3 motherboard is available locally, then a Phenom II X4 955 + GA-MA790GPT-UD3H (HD3300 IGP, DDR3 RAM), would be just too much value for money to pass up. I think I'll email Gigabyte and check if they are about to launch a **GA-MA790GPT-UD4H** anytime soon or not, because their UD4 series are usually one better than their UD3 series. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~--YeSH--~ Posted July 27, 2009 Report Share Posted July 27, 2009 Asus M4a78t-E is gr8 am3 mobo ... i own it personally it just rocks .. OC is a breeze but i recommend u go for i7 its just amazing and only 5-7k more edit:: ya i bought this mobo locally in HYD @ a Rashi's outlet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zlow Posted July 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2009 I had checked out the Asus M4a78t-E. It does have features similar to the Gigabyte GA-MA790GPT-UD3H but I prefer Gigabyte over Asus. I was reading some customer reviews on the Asus M4a78t-E (I think on newegg) and some people were having trouble with the IGP. If I am to go with the Phenom II config then the IGP absolutely has to work, otherwise its a huge price advantage that becomes a disadvantage, because I intend to use the IGP atleast till directx11 gpu's are out. I don't expect the IGP to run games at Full HD but it should be able to handle HD videos. Have you tested the IGP on your Asus motherboard with your LCD monitor? How much were you able to overclock it to? How is a Core i7 920 config just 5-7k more than a Phenom II x4 955 config? Which motherboard did you have in mind for the Core i7 920? BTW would a Zebronics Bijli case be enough for a Core i7 920? Not that I'm too inclined towards the Bijli, it can't hold a candle to the HAF 922 but just getting to know my options. Another thing is that by this time next year Intel will probably have their 6 core 12 thread processors which will pwn the Core i7's in sheer power. So barely 1 year's worth of bragging rights for 15k! Incase I get the Core i7 920, I'll need the cheapest GPU which can handle HD videos. I've had the 9600GT in mind, but I don't mind knowing if there are cheaper GPU's that can hold the fort till the release of directx11 GPU's. So any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
udayrulz Posted July 27, 2009 Report Share Posted July 27, 2009 Can you specify your budget ? You can get the i7 920 D0 + Gigabyte UD3R .. Combo should cost you around 15 + 14k = 29k . UD3R is a very stable motherboard but not an good clocker if you intend to OC .. then better of with an Biostar tPower x58 / UD5 / eVga x58 . The Phenom II 950 is awesome as well however it can not match Core i7 performance wise . Also regarding the Bijli being able to handle i7 .. these chips actually run hot .. so you can get the CM ELITE cabinet for around 2k which has 120MM intake fan and one for exhaust as well . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zlow Posted July 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2009 I don't have a fixed budget in mind. I have enough for both a Core i7 920 and a Phenom II x4 955. But obviously I don't want to spend too much either. You can say that I'm looking for most VFM + performance wise it should be future proof. Now I know that where performace is concerned, the Core i7 920 is future proof but the Phenom II X4 955 is the most VFM. If I can find the Gigabyte GA-MA790GPT-UD3H then without a doubt I'll get the Phenom II X4 955. Right now it doesn't seem to be available. As I feel that if going with the Phenom II having an IGP would be a huge plus, the other best motherboard IMO is the GA-MA790GP-UD4H which is AM2+ and DDR2 and that's not future proof. The UD5 has a much better heatsink than the UD3R, thats why I don't want to compromise by getting the UD3R. Yes I do plan to overclock in the future but not heavily, just a bit of a nudge as and when I feel the need more power. EVGA is good but its too costly so that makes it non VFM for me and quality wise I would not rate Biostar (or Asus) over Gigabyte. For the Core i7 920, I would have preferred the GA-EX58-UD4, it would have a lot more VFM and probably be less costlier than the UD5 but it doesn't seem to be available anywhere. So I'm back at the UD5. There's slim chance I may be able to get the UD4 imported from Japan but then I don't know if the BIOS would be in japanese or english and I could even have problems claiming warranty. The risk of losing the warranty, maybe I can live with but having a BIOS in japanese would be a deal breaker. So anybody know for sure whether a motherboard imported from Japan would have the BIOS in japanese or english? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phoenix Wright Posted July 27, 2009 Report Share Posted July 27, 2009 Incase I get the Core i7 920, I'll need the cheapest GPU which can handle HD videos. I've had the 9600GT in mind, but I don't mind knowing if there are cheaper GPU's that can hold the fort till the release of directx11 GPU's. So any suggestions? 8600GT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
udayrulz Posted July 27, 2009 Report Share Posted July 27, 2009 I don't have a fixed budget in mind. I have enough for both a Core i7 920 and a Phenom II x4 955. But obviously I don't want to spend too much either. You can say that I'm looking for most VFM + performance wise it should be future proof. Ok , first of all IMO VFM and Performance don't go hand in hand .. you ll have to sacrifice either way .. but yea a well balanced combinations is quite possible .. i Now I know that where performace is concerned, the Core i7 920 is future proof but the Phenom II X4 955 is the most VFM. If I can find the Gigabyte GA-MA790GPT-UD3H then without a doubt I'll get the Phenom II X4 955. Right now it doesn't seem to be available. As I feel that if going with the Phenom II having an IGP would be a huge plus, the other best motherboard IMO is the GA-MA790GP-UD4H which is AM2+ and DDR2 and that's not future proof. i7 is definitely future proof , support for triple channel memory and lightening speeds . Going for an onboard IGP actually disrupts the whole balance of the configuration .. i take it that you plan to game on this config sooner or later and for that you ll need atleast an HD4850 to take full advantage of Phenom II / i7 .. MA790GP is an insane overclocker but not avail in India , only way is to get via newegg as of now . The UD5 has a much better heatsink than the UD3R, thats why I don't want to compromise by getting the UD3R. Yes I do plan to overclock in the future but not heavily, just a bit of a nudge as and when I feel the need more power. EVGA is good but its too costly so that makes it non VFM for me and quality wise I would not rate Biostar (or Asus) over Gigabyte. For the Core i7 920, I would have preferred the GA-EX58-UD4, it would have a lot more VFM and probably be less costlier than the UD5 but it doesn't seem to be available anywhere. So I'm back at the UD5. There is actually more to UD5 than just he heatsink compared to UD3R . . UD3R although supports SLi it is not officially certified for the same and has 2 x PCI-E slots compared to 3 on UD5 . Also UD3R has 3 ram slots . I personally have the UD5 and it isn't really an awesome board . Biostar actually makes quite decent boards now .. their P45 series as well as the 790GX series are both good products .. same with the x58 .. 6 ram slots , insane OC'r , cheap etc .. eVga is decent but their pricing in India is way over the top . There's slim chance I may be able to get the UD4 imported from Japan but then I don't know if the BIOS would be in japanese or english and I could even have problems claiming warranty. The risk of losing the warranty, maybe I can live with but having a BIOS in japanese would be a deal breaker. So anybody know for sure whether a motherboard imported from Japan would have the BIOS in japanese or english? AFAIK gigabyte has International warranty , I am almost certainly sure that BIOS will be in JAP , but you can flash english BIOS of the same board on JAP version . 10 Chars ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zlow Posted July 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2009 If I have to choose between VFM and Performance then I think I'll choose VFM provided I can get my hands on the GA-MA790GPT-UD3H. Incase I import the UD4, even if Gigabyte has international warranty but if the motherboard itself is not available in India then to avail of the warranty, I'll have to send it back to Japan. That's what I was referring to when I said I could have problems claiming warranty. I don't know about flashing an english BIOS over a japanese one. It sounds too risky considering the warranty problems I could have. Hmm I think it's time to email Gigabyte and ask whether this can be done safely. Anyway I think Gigabyte will be releasing newer revisions of its X58 boards and they seem to have replaced the 3rd PCI slot on the GA-EX58-UD4 with a 3rd PCI-E slot on the revised GA-EX58A-UD4. That 3rd PCI slot on the GA-EX58-UD4 was actually what made it so appealing to me over the UD5 but now with that 3rd PCI slot "revised out" the GA-EX58-UD5 makes more sense. So if I go Core i7, then it's definitely the UD5 for me. Anything in particular about the UD5 which you don't like? I think the HD4850 is the minimum if you want to game at Full HD but I'm not an enthusiast gamer, just casual gaming. I'm someone who used to play HL2 at 800x600 @10fps. So I don't mind gaming at lower resolutions. I remember reading news that Intel plans to stop production of the Core i7 920, any idea how true is that and if true how will it affect the warranty for Core i7 920 buyers? I was thinking of getting an XFX graphics card because of their lifetime warranty. Does XFX have lifetime warranty in India? According to theitwares: Zotac 8400GS 512MB DDR2 Rs.1650 XFX 8600GT 512MB DDR2 3400 Palit 9600GT 512MB DDR3 Rs.4750 PowerColor HD4350 512 MB DDR3 Rs.2050 So incase I go Core i7, which GPU do I get for now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
udayrulz Posted July 28, 2009 Report Share Posted July 28, 2009 If I have to choose between VFM and Performance then I think I'll choose VFM provided I can get my hands on the GA-MA790GPT-UD3H. Incase I import the UD4, even if Gigabyte has international warranty but if the motherboard itself is not available in India then to avail of the warranty, I'll have to send it back to Japan. That's what I was referring to when I said I could have problems claiming warranty. I don't know about flashing an english BIOS over a japanese one. It sounds too risky considering the warranty problems I could have. Hmm I think it's time to email Gigabyte and ask whether this can be done safely. Flashing shouldn't be a problem really .. very simple .. but yea contacting gigabyte about it is the way to go . Anyway I think Gigabyte will be releasing newer revisions of its X58 boards and they seem to have replaced the 3rd PCI slot on the GA-EX58-UD4 with a 3rd PCI-E slot on the revised GA-EX58A-UD4. That 3rd PCI slot on the GA-EX58-UD4 was actually what made it so appealing to me over the UD5 but now with that 3rd PCI slot "revised out" the GA-EX58-UD5 makes more sense. So if I go Core i7, then it's definitely the UD5 for me. Anything in particular about the UD5 which you don't like? Ok , well i like to do a lot of benching on my PC , which you might not be interested it .. but when over clocking the UD5 actually has a high vDroop and has memory compatibility issues with Corsair Dominators . I think the HD4850 is the minimum if you want to game at Full HD but I'm not an enthusiast gamer, just casual gaming. I'm someone who used to play HL2 at 800x600 @10fps. So I don't mind gaming at lower resolutions. That's true , i think if you don't want to game as much .. you ll be better off with AMD as the onboard IGP along with sideport memory should be able to play HD content easily . I remember reading news that Intel plans to stop production of the Core i7 920, any idea how true is that and if true how will it affect the warranty for Core i7 920 buyers? Nothing concrete that i am aware of , i have a i7 940 myself .. if it does die / or something i am covered my Intel warranty .. and might get an i7 950 as replacement . I was thinking of getting an XFX graphics card because of their lifetime warranty. Does XFX have lifetime warranty in India? AFAIK , they don't According to theitwares: Zotac 8400GS 512MB DDR2 Rs.1650 XFX 8600GT 512MB DDR2 3400 Palit 9600GT 512MB DDR3 Rs.4750 PowerColor HD4350 512 MB DDR3 Rs.2050 So incase I go Core i7, which GPU do I get for now? Out of these , the 9600GT .. however i would certainly invest a bit more and get the HD4770 which is a very efficient and powerful GPU .. but not readily available .. also you might find a bargain on used HD4850's . 10 Chars .. Good Luck . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devd Posted July 28, 2009 Report Share Posted July 28, 2009 Go For i7 920 gigabyte GA-EX58UD5 (X58) nvdia gtx 260 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~--YeSH--~ Posted July 29, 2009 Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 the main reason there were bad reviews on Asus M4a78t-e was people were trying to use PII x4 940 on it which is not possible... the board is highly optimised one for am3 cpu... as far as i7 is concerned ya Gigabyte UD3 will do.... and UD5 is also avail for 15.5k and there is always intel x58 SO for 14k... rite now cheapest x58 AFAIK is MSI one for 13.5k...but i will not suggest this one and the m4a78t-e is 11k and 955 is 13k so if u take 15k x58 and 15k 920... the diff in price is 6k and both are ddr3 and core i7 in a Zeby bijli is unthinkable.... perhaps u didnt have a look at the bijli cabinet (or any zebby one) their build quality is cheap... the least expensive cabinet id suggest is CM elite 2.1k and CM 690 4.2k which are easily available... and dont go for HAF series .. 'coz they are dust magnets and in india u can hardly find a dust free space and... 9600gt is an OK gpu but 8600gt may just be enough for u... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
udayrulz Posted July 29, 2009 Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 ^ UD5 is 17k . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devd Posted July 29, 2009 Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 the main reason there were bad reviews on Asus M4a78t-e was people were trying to use PII x4 940 on it which is not possible... the board is highly optimised one for am3 cpu... as far as i7 is concerned ya Gigabyte UD3 will do.... and UD5 is also avail for 15.5k and there is always intel x58 SO for 14k... rite now cheapest x58 AFAIK is MSI one for 13.5k...but i will not suggest this one and the m4a78t-e is 11k and 955 is 13k so if u take 15k x58 and 15k 920... the diff in price is 6k and both are ddr3 and core i7 in a Zeby bijli is unthinkable.... perhaps u didnt have a look at the bijli cabinet (or any zebby one) their build quality is cheap... the least expensive cabinet id suggest is CM elite 2.1k and CM 690 4.2k which are easily available... and dont go for HAF series .. 'coz they are dust magnets and in india u can hardly find a dust free space and... 9600gt is an OK gpu but 8600gt may just be enough for u... I Think ud5 is available for rs 14000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john117 Posted July 29, 2009 Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 BTW would a Zebronics Bijli case be enough for a Core i7 920? FFS stay away from zebronics bijli if you want to put a high end card later.I was cursing myself when I installed HD4870 in zebby bijli case, its too small for gpus with big pcb/coolers, and air circulation is not sufficient.I had to add an extra 120mm fan to ensure proper air cooling.If you are spending big on your rig then spend a little on cabby too, CM690 is a tried and tested option for you and it doesnt cost a bomb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zlow Posted July 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 and dont go for HAF series .. 'coz they are dust magnets and in india u can hardly find a dust free space I'm aware of that but its not that difficult to rig up a home made dust filter. I wanted a cabinet with plenty of depth, which would allow me to have the option of adding a large GPU(s) later on if required, without interfering with the cooling of the other components. The HAF 922/932 seem to have the depth. The HAF 932 is too big, I won't ever use it to the optimum. So I'll get the HAF 922. I Think ud5 is available for rs 14000 Where?! stay away from zebronics bijli if you want to put a high end card later.I was cursing myself when I installed HD4870 in zebby bijli case, its too small for gpus with big pcb/coolers, and air circulation is not sufficient.I had to add an extra 120mm fan to ensure proper air cooling. Thats exactly what I wanted to know about the Bijli. TY. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthVader Posted July 29, 2009 Report Share Posted July 29, 2009 ^ UD5 is 17k ..by mistake its written 14k on deltapage.in ..i had called them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~--YeSH--~ Posted July 31, 2009 Report Share Posted July 31, 2009 ud5 is 15.5k here in hyd... i just asked tht guy and wht have u decided??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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