i7 is pointless will give you like 2-5 extra frames. different brands of ram work fine but it is best to have matched pair per channel. imprezawrx500

[QUOTE="killeroo7"]bump... input on weather to get ssd or not and how many gb would be good? and will my ram have an issue??Amith12

Your RAM may have a problem, as the timings and voltage required between the 2 manufacturers would be different. This may cause major instability.

For the SSD, if you can find the cheap 32GB drive, which is $100 AUD (cheaper in USD I would think), then grab it, and install the OS on that. Would provide a big improvement in load times, and its relatively cheap.

I am planning on buying a t220 or t240 hd monitor. Anyone one either of these models or have any comments on it before i buy one? Also is there any better 22 inch or 24 inch monitor out there then this one?

Yah It's not a HUGE increase really. So ur prolly right on that one and it would be better probably just to get the 5870. Im kind of crazy like that tho lol. Mine OC's amazingly with no problamo.lordlunch2

No you don't need to upgrade to a I7 its just a waste of money. And for gpu pick up ATI 5830 gpu if your on a tight budget.Hekynn

To lordlunch2, i read that 480 is 10% performance wise better than the 5870 and they are a pain to oc... also that they use more power around 220 while 5870 is 150 range. Correct me if im wrong. But to my understanding giving up 10% performance for better power useage and a cheaper price wouldn't it be worth it more??

Hi guys. I ordered some new parts and just wanted to know if i made the right decision and i need to decide on a few things so want some input.

1. I have 2gb ram, i ordered 2gb more ram from gskill. The one i own right now is not from gskill so will it make a difference if my rams are from the same manufacturer or not? it is 2 x 1gb. I have 2 in same color slots for dual channel and will do the same with the other 2 x 1gb. Just wanted to know if it makes a difference or slows performance or anything.

2. I ordered a 750 watt PSU. I just want to know if it will work with a 5800 series graphics card.

3. I am holding back till i can decide which graphics card to get i use a 9800 right now. But i want to buy either a 5830 or 5850 or 5870. Also the nvidia 400 series is out. I just want to know which graphics card is better. I know the 5830 is good but way overpriced so its not worth the money. But a 5850 vs 5870 what is the difference in performance vs price between the two. Also the 470 and 480 i heard they use a lot of power and are very very slightly better then the ati cards. What would you guys reccomend of the 4 cards.

4. I use a quad core right now 2.66ghz. Should i upgrade this to i7?? or is a quadcore capable or running and handling the gfx card and everything else.

5. I use windows xp right now and am upgrading to windows 7. I was thinking of getting a ssd. Should i get this or hold back also how many gb should i get 60, 80 or 120? 120 seems a bit too much to me but just wanting to know what is reccomended to get.

Edit: Just a random question for the mac users macbook pro 13 inch vs 15 inch.... what is good for a student? Is the 15 inch portable enough to carry around and do your work in? The 13 inch resolution sucks i saw them both at the store but just need some input from people who own both or either one. Is the 15 inch portable enough like put in your bag and stuff and carry it around places?

thanks for taking the time to read this and for all the replies in advance