Advice for new system build.

[rkanjl]

The stars have aligned and due to an unexpected windfall, a part time temp job and our IRS refund (a "perfect storm" of events, if you will) it appears that we will not only be able to take care of a few problems around the old homestead but that I will have the opportunity to build myself a new system!  Excuse me while I take 5 and breath in a paper bag.

I am now in the process of deciding on hardware and I have run into my first major dilemma.  I am looking to be able to run the game on maxed settings and run Fraps at the same time without a frame rate hit.  So the big question is, which is better, one video card or two?  I have done some research and while the argument rages both directions, it appears that a small majority leans on the side of getting the biggest single card you can afford vs two SLI'ed.  Any advice from you system building techies out there?

While I have replaced components and installed upgrades on computers before, this will be my first system build so ANY information or advice you guy's can give will definitely be appreciated.

 
   rkanjl

[Ghosth]

There may be exceptions out there in other games. But at this point Aces High is not going to see a more than 15% increase in output by going with SLI or crossfire.

That being the case you are much better off going with one good card for 300$ instead of 2 mediocre cards for 150$ each. Even that 15% figure is not easy to reach, more common is 10%.

So SLI/Crossfire is pretty much a rip off and a marketing gimick.

RK I would at least "consider" choosing a motherboard bundle from Mwave
so you can get the "assemble and test" for 9$.

That means the CPU and cooler is mounted on the Mboard, Ram is inserted into the correct slots.
And the whole is booted up to check for problems. Then it is packaged back up into the original motherboard box and shipped to you. So when you get it, you KNOW its going to work if you do the rest right.

ATI or Nvidia, that is a matter of personal taste. For me its ATI, but there is not that much difference between them. To my eye's ATI just has a bit more vibrant color.

Hard drive I'd look for Western Digital Caviar Black in 500 gb to 1 terrabyte size.

Don't skimp on the power supply!
If your going to get a good video card, they are power hogs, so you need to anticipate how much they are going to need. Personally I think about 650 watt is as low as I'd go. I'm running on a 550, but this video card has no fan, no power supply plug in, so I can get away with it.