thanks a lot..but are the ati cards as you suggested, dont have any driver issues..coz i heard previously that ATI cards are prone to overheating and power consumptions????
what about their performance over power consumption.
i am sorry but i really need some justification of the price and performance.
ATI cards are decent. If you get one with a good slot design (dual) they are just as hot as the nVidia ones...and they are good performers.
HD4850 and HD4870 tend to get a bit hot. you need to pick one's that come with dual fan design.
also, you can look for nvidia chipset based mobos and then you can pick dual nvidia GTS250 or GTX260.
Yes..go for dual slot design..
Over all : Some general things to keep in mind:
1. Go for the i7 set up, choose a motherboard which has SLI and Crossfire capabilities.
2. Do get 3 sticks of RAM so you can optimize the tri-channel. Since you are spending so much, go for the fastest available ram -- and with head spreaders. Corsair/OCZ have them. 6 GB should suffice.
3. Go for the highest GPU available. I would suggest the GTX 295 -- this way you will not have to worry about SLI since the board will internally SLI. Or the 4870 x 2 - this will internally Crossfire. Less of a pain in terms of cabinet occupancy, power connectors, heat issues. And you will have a dual GPU system. If you can be patient, wait a while for the 5XXX series to release. I think there are some X58 motherboards with internal VGA. YOu can get one of those, and wait for the 5XXX series, and use the internal VGA --- but you will not be able to game. Once the 5XXX series come out, decide what you want to get.
4. Go for the CM690 with the transparent panel -- a system like yours needs to be viewed. But the motherboard lights leak through and is a pain in the eyes at night. (I put black tape over the motherboard LEDs. You can mount there 120MM fans and one 80MM fan. It comes with a default 3 x 120MM fan.
5. For power supply I would suggest the TX750. Though the TX650 is good, but it is not DUAL GPU certified. Only has two 6 + 2 PCI.E connectors. I am running my Crossfire on this, it is fine..but I had to use molex--->6 Pin converters, this strains the rails. And this way am pushing my PSU. The TX750 has 4 independent 6 + 2 PCI.E connectors. This way you can mount futuristic power hungry cards. You will also not push the PSU to its limits. Though if you go for an internal SLI/Crossfire card then the TX650 should be good to go.
6. Do get an aftermarket cooler. The stock ones are total crap. Infact Intel should stop supplying them as default. Get a cooler which IS NOT pushpin type. Get one which fastens using nuts on the back of the motherboard. You get a strong integral HSF to CPU block connection then. Also purchase good TIM. Coolermaster fusion is available easily and does not have a 'settle in' period.
Let us know, what you buy..and DO DO DO post photos.