First build, need opinions.
#1
http://pcpartpicker.com/b/CHy
This is what I'm thinking about building at the moment, kinda new to building pc's so take it easy on me. Any opinions on if I should change anything? Basically just for cracking and some general gaming and what not. Only looking to spend $1500 on this build.

all opinions/suggestions are appreciated.
#2
not sure why you would waste your money on two mid-range GPUs and have to fight with heat & power requirements, instead of just buying one high-end GPU which will be just as fast without the headache.
#3
I went by the chart here, http://golubev.com/gpuest.htm
and based on it 2 7870's will be a bit faster than 1 7970 for near the same price.
#4
2x7870 are around 1.35 times faster than 1x7970, but they produce 350W and the 7970 only 230W TDP
#5
(06-20-2013, 03:49 PM)atom Wrote: 2x7870 are around 1.35 times faster than 1x7970, but they produce 350W and the 7970 only 230W TDP
Yes, but I'm not too worried about the power usage as I'm not gonna be using them 24/7.

But what do you think of the build in general? Is it good for a first build and should I change anything?
#6
by my calculation, 2x 7870 Ghz Edition would only be 16.28% faster than a single 7970 Ghz Edition, but will require 120W more power. not worth it, just get a 7970.
#7
You will, like the rest of us, quickly develop what is commonly known as "Need for speed". Go with one 7970 now and get another when you feel things are not finishing fast enough...by the end of the year you will be reading epixoips guide on how to get vclhashcat running.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq27JR-0xBY
#8
hmm, thanks for your guys opinions, I'll think about getting 1 7970, but I'm kinda set on getting the 2 7870's though.
#9
i agree with everyone. single 7970 is more future proof

for hash cracking you don't need a high end CPU or motherboard. can save money in those areas and probably don't need dvd drive.
#10
With a modern motherboard you can install your OS from a usbstick.

I have "a lot" of computers running oclhashcat and everyone except for one is on budget motherboard/cpu/memory. I always keep one with highend motherboard, cpu and memory (loads of memory) to build wordlists etc with. It also acts as broker node in my vcl setup.