I'm still researching my upcoming build and using the low cost system build that just got posted for price points I've come up with 2 sysyems that take different approaches to the same end.

Gigabyte EP45-ds4 $190
2x2gig A-Data memory $ 80
E8400 CPU $200
ATI 4870 Video $309
Totals about $779

Gigabyte X48-ds4 $225
2x2gig A-Data memory $ 80
E7200 CPU $130
2 x ATI 4850 in Crossfire $340
Totals about $775

Staying on a budget any thoughts of improvement and what are the PRO's and CON's of these 2 options?

Q6600 or Q9300 OCed
2x2GB RAM from Corsair or Crucial
X48-DS4
It is obvious that 1x4870 have more power than 1 x 4850, 2 x 4850 is more power than 1 x 4870, and 2 x 4870 is stronger than 2x4850.

I like the first build better. The two 4850s will score higher on the benchmarks, but a single GPU is the ticket for consistent hassle free (most of the time) gaming.

I am prepared for the downrating

I would take second option.......my friend oced his e7200 to 3.4ghz so you be set.......x48 has full 16x speed on both pcie 2.0 ports, p45 has 8x 8x......I also would take 2x 4850's over single 4870 since online benchies show they scale well and each one takes just 6pin connector not like 2x 6pin for 4870

So if I get the opinions right the x48 is a great option. For a single or dual GPU. Don't buy into the hype of the P45 OCing. For if I read right I'll bottleneck a single GPU before the CPU is fully overclocked. If I want to save money on processor what is the slowest I should look at and could I further get a single 4850 on the X48 with a slower CPU and still be happy with gaming preformance? I know the x48 doesn't force me to Crossfire But like I originally stated I was looking at 2 approaches for a reasonable build. So far it seems to be get the x48 and go from there.

^Huh? Why no overclocking on the P45??

Didn't mean that. Just that I'd reach the limits of the GPU sooner on a P45 than I would on the x48 with Crossfire. I've been thinking that for heat a single GPU may be a smarter option. Yet after looking over my M9 case I'm thinking I'll put 2 side fans on it exausting case air.

Gigabyte X48-ds4 $225
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) $ 90
E8400 CPU $200
ATI 4870 Video $309
Total $824

Will be the best
Come on
Just 50$ more

PS: Mwmory http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231166

So true for only $50 more. Or Single 4850 for now and save me $100. As I'm sure all the guru's can tell I didn't look real hard at prices. I just ballparked them. I'm hoping this to be my next system for 7 years.. Least that's what my P4P has lasted me. Did the Gigabyte X48-ds4 gave dual LAN? Thought I might use my old system for a file server or something.

I know this is sounding a little one sided, but i hope you have a large power supply. the 4850 claims 110w which is a load of crap as of now. Im seeing people pulling over 175w each card. 350w PSU just on video.

Secondly definately x48 no question full x16 x16 for crossfire versus the x8 x8.

Third I would go with 4870 if you dont have fantastic cooling in your case(it vents hot air outside). IE 80mm cooling fan and power supply fan. If you have a antec 900 or something designed for gaming your 2x 4850 will be the clear victor.

If you dabble in overclocking no need for a quad core, otherwise a q6600 is nice for stock daily usage and a 200 price tag.

hope this helps