Building these crossover rigs is among my favoruite passtimes(and second job)
Here's some points to consider, IMO, of course >>>
*xp media center edition is a 32 bit OS> you arent really going to see much use out of all 4gb. If you want to be a RAM 'whore', Vista x64 is your only option >> still, there are simply not that many games that are x64 optimisied out there, yet
Other apps, sure, gaming...not yet.
2x9800GX2 or tri-sli 9800GXT is a lot of grunt >> BUT, a heck of a lot of power being chewed up... you didnt mention a PSU in your build plan > which is one of the most vital considerations here... Youd be looking at a 1000W+ PSU, which will quite simply murder your electricity bill >> be warned.
Also, theres also not much point in using 2x DX10 ready cards in an xp based OS. Whether you like/understand DX10 aims or not.... the hardware being produced is designed to optimise it... Games like Crysis and Bioshock are only among a few that do though.. If youre laying out that type of cash, youd think future proofing is among one of your build aims
Why dont you wait for the next gen of GPUs coming out after the G92 series >> thats what I'd do... with the significant jump in transistor count they'll be packing, it simply defeats the purpose of something like the 9800GX2, esp from a power consumption POV. I myself am not upgrading until there is a single pcb solution that can do crysis maxxed at 1600p >> this is about 12-18 months away...
Other factors >>
*Despite being an AMD fanboy, intel quads are proven performers for high end. If you got the cash(and you seem to), an Intel QX(quad extreme) variant will give you the CPU kick you need.
*Display > You must surely have 1080p or 1600p display if youre wanting to pack that much punch. Anthing less than this is overkill with those specs
*What type of games do you actually want to play ? Crysis better be in this list, otherwise, again >>overkill with those specs !!
*What thermal countermeasures and case are you thinking about... Youre looking at a pretty hefty rig here, definitely not in keeping with minimal av sized aesthetic and a 'quiet as can be' approach
For what you are aiming at, I'd almost lean towards recommend you to build 2 separate rigs, or even get a pS3 !!
If youre building such a serious gaming rig, you must be somewhat serious about gaming, why have 2+ tuners rattling on recording desperate houswives/big bro etc for your missus whilst you are trying to destroy foes in crysis in glorious HD
From my experience, a crossover rig tends to be more appropriate and practical if the user a low-mod intensity TV recorder/gamer. For these purposes. something like an 8800/9800GT(x) in a case like the antec fusion(for example) is more than adequate.
anyway, my 2c
feel free to fire away any more questions
astro
