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$2k..build it

Post Date: 2007-10-04
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Greg View Drop Down
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  Quote Greg Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Topic: $2k..build it
    Posted: 04 Oct 2007 at 10:35pm
the machine...currently abroad.  I have been doing my homework on a lot of computer building company's.  Bad exp. with Cyberpower...very bad taste.  So, I have been reading up on DS and have decided to steer my business in your direction.  A lot of customer satisfaction and also excellent tech support.....something @ Cyberpower that was non-existent.  Anyway, I am looking to get a new gaming rig built.  Basically, I am looking for the local community experts/past customers/DS reps to give me some options and experienced inputs on a new machine.  Please, provide some feedback on main decisions....i.e. processor/gfx card/mobo/ etc.
 
---play WOW way to much...good system for that... die hard raider
---system able to play new/soon to be released games also....I am not real up
to speed on DX10 either...on my list to research though.
---basic internet/email/video play
---20 Samsung LCD monitor currently
---amd/intel--no prefs... just performance
---O/S....not sold on Vista--leery of new products that have not been debugged, but could be convinced
 
Thank you ahead of time for all those who help me in deciding on a new sytem...could give another  $100-200 on top of that $2k ---for the right reason.
 
Greg
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Alex View Drop Down
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Posts: 16314 		  Quote Alex Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 04 Oct 2007 at 10:45pm
Check out: http://digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=85317 (I picked the E6850 because, we have overclocked this CPU above 3.5GHz+ with the right setup [680i A1, Stage 3 cooling system, and 1066MHz memory]).
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skyR View Drop Down
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Posts: 2220 		  Quote skyR Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 04 Oct 2007 at 10:49pm
http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=85319

any questions?

vista isn't as bad as it is made out to be on the internet. A course people don't want change and going to cry over little things since XP has been on the market for 5.5 years.


Edited by skyR - 04 Oct 2007 at 10:55pm
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star.
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gdhart View Drop Down
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Posts: 131 		  Quote gdhart Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 04 Oct 2007 at 11:04pm
Here's another one.
 
 
This one provides the ability to add a second 8800GTS in the future, good HD space,  a decent overclock, RAM that is not quite as fast as what Alex recommended but more than skyR. 
 
Another possible change is to go with the Extreme QX6600 2.40GHz Quad Core (1066MHz FSB) (8MB Cache).  This would only add $3 but in the future when more apps take advantage of 4 processes, will be able to handle it.
850W PSU/Pro Case
Q6600-G0 2.7GHz
nVidia 680i A1 Revision
4GB 800MHz XMS2
1x500 GB WD, 2x500GB WD RAID-1
2x500GB Ext
nVidia GeForce 8800GTX 768MB
ATI TV Wonder 650
Air Cooled Stage 3
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Posts: 0 		  Quote Tyler Lowe Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Oct 2007 at 12:12am
I decided to put together a sytem that would push your budget a little bit, not much, just a touch:
 
 
I put in a Raptor for blazing fast access times for your OS of choice and your primary game (WoW it looks like), and a larger secondary drive for more mudane tasks such as storing those videos.
 
Quad vs Duo is really a personal call. It's so close performance wise with the E6850 taking a slight edge in most applications... for now. It's not possible to know exactly when more multi threaded apps will start to show up, but when they do, the Quad should start flexing more of it's muscle and start to outpace the Core 2 Duo's. By how much? Time will tell. In the mean time, both chips are very close in performance, and nearly identical in price. It's worth noting that the upcoming title Crysis makes use of the Quad's power to support a more realistic physics model.  I do expect an increasing number of game developers to follow in Crytek's footsteps and make similar use of multi cored CPU's, and I think this is where Quads will eventually really shine when it comes to game play.
 
The 800Mhz RAM in the build I submitted is a fine match for the Q6600, but a bit less so if you were using the E6850 and wanted a good overclock.
 
The A1 revision motherboard was selected not only for it's better overclocking capability, but also for better cooling of the chipset controllers. Things can get decidedly hot on the Northbridge and the LT, while good, just isn't as well equiped to deal with this as the A1 revision with it's heatpipe and fan setup.
 
The GPU was selected with your monitor size in mind. Unless you want to head towards an ultra, the 8800GTS 320MB GPU will provide an outstanding gaming experience. If you plan on upgrading your monitor to something larger, you will want to look at a card with more VRAM. More Video RAM means better support for higher resolutions. At a 20" monitor size, there's not much to be gained by moving past the 320MB card unless you want one of the higher clock speed 8800's.
 
I chose the Extreme case because  it has fantastic airflow, in a: very high quality, durable, and clean build. There are plenty of slots to install additional 120MM fans in this case should you have the need. The only downside is, being constructed of 2.0mm aluminum sheet, with a 5.0mm aluminum front plate it's as heavy as it is durable. If you don't move your PC around much, this isn't much of a drawback, but if you do, it's something to consider.
 
The 750W PSU should realistically enough to support anything you decide to upgrade with in the future. Odds are good you'll not even need that much, but if you do, it's there. If you think you might want to run SLI Ultra GPU's or something along those lines in the future, you could always bump that up to the 850W version.
 
The stage 3 cooling is an easy choice. It's a performance boost with a garantee. For $74 including a *very* nice CPU cooling fan setup, there's really nothing else you could buy at even close to that price that will increase performance to the same extent.
 
The lighting and cabling... well, tbh, I just like them, so I put them on the build. With a windowed case, the technology inside becomes art IMO, and in the same way you would look for the right lighting or spot in a room to display a sculpture, having a case light just showcases that art. The Cabling helps airflow, and again, you'll be able to see the wiring job in any of the cases offered. My preference is towards something that looks the part of a well tuned machine.
 
The OS. I think Vista is fine, but there's not any reason you *have* to go to it yet. You will likely have to within the next two years, but that is two years away, not now. The other option is to ask for two OS to be installed and run a dual boot. That would allow you to continue use XP  and start taking those baby steps into Vista.
 
You could always ditch the DS workshop niceties, and downgrade the case to fit in a nice soundcard or move up to the 8800 Ultra if you have your heart set on running Crysis at max settings.


Edited by Tyler Lowe - 05 Oct 2007 at 12:53am
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Phreak View Drop Down
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Posts: 118 		  Quote Phreak Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Oct 2007 at 12:19am

this build is about $2100 but you can drop it to 2k by downgrading the motherboard from the A1, it all depends about the processor OC. A1=higher OC.

 
 
 


Edited by Phreak - 05 Oct 2007 at 12:20am
Core 2 Quad Q6600 OC @ 2.7Ghz
2GB DDR2 Corsair 800Mhz XMS2
GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB
nVidia 680i LT
Stage 3 w/ TwisterBoost
EXTREME DS case
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  Quote commast Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Oct 2007 at 2:56am
Check out this built here :  http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=85350

It's right at $2001 Smile  There's nothing wrong with Vista on a new system. I choose the 150GB Raptor since it's faster for games and you can always add another drive later if you need to. The 8800GTS card because it's a great Dx10 mid-range card. The E6850 (3 Ghz) is perfect for games and it should be able to OC very well along with the 680i A1 motherboard. The 800Mhz ram is easier to overclock and it's faster than the lowly 667mhz.
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  Quote Greg Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Oct 2007 at 6:44pm
Sweet!!  Thank you all who have tossed up suggestions/configs.  I really appreciate it.  Time for me to do some more homework/research on suggested items.  More suggestions are welcomed.  I'll post a config in the next day or 2 for some feedback.  Once again, thank you.
 
Greg
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Alex View Drop Down
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Posts: 16314 		  Quote Alex Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 05 Oct 2007 at 9:37pm
It's amazing how great of a community we have here. One customer asks for help, and a Digital Storm army comes to the rescue! Thanks everyone! Clap
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Greg View Drop Down
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  Quote Greg Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 06 Oct 2007 at 2:04am

Here is what I came up with along with all your suggestions.  I would still like to hear some discussions on the Processor and memory.  I read the post about memory...dam I am lost on that post lol.  Anyway, here is what I have for a config.

 
A few questions I have are regarding the processor...looking for PRO'S and CONS.  Also, with the config I posted is there a noticeable increase/decrease between 2g ddr2 800 and 1066?
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Greg View Drop Down
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  Quote Greg Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 06 Oct 2007 at 2:08am
Hahahah.  Ooops wrong link.
 
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skyR View Drop Down
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Posts: 2220 		  Quote skyR Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 06 Oct 2007 at 2:11am
No performance increase you will notice. Just about the future and overclocking.

With 800MHz ram, you would be able to overclock to 3.6GHz and maintain a 1:1 fsb ram ratio. With 1066MHz, you would be able to upgrade to 1666MHz FSB processors in 2008.

If you aren't going to upgrade or overclock beyond 3.6GHz, 1066 is surely a waste of money. Bigger numbers just sell better, you should know that by fact.


Edited by skyR - 06 Oct 2007 at 2:12am
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star.
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Greg View Drop Down
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  Quote Greg Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 06 Oct 2007 at 2:34am
Any input on the processors? Pros/Cons?  Personal preference and why?
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Tyler Lowe View Drop Down
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Posts: 0 		  Quote Tyler Lowe Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 06 Oct 2007 at 2:37am

I like the build Greg.

 The RAM should let DS get the max possible OC for that system with the least extra volts/heat tossed ito the mix.  I'm glad to see that you decided to go with a Pro and wait if not an Extreme or Ultra, rather than go to the Lite case. Misery loves company Wink.
 
Edit:
I have friends that went E6850 and now tell me they are envious I am getting a Quad. I think it's mostly psychological since the odds are fair that by the time a Quad makes a real difference, my quad will be a relic, but I am playing it the way I think it'll fall.  You have to pick something you feel comfortable with, and the E6850 is no slouch. 


Edited by Tyler Lowe - 06 Oct 2007 at 2:42am
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skyR View Drop Down
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Posts: 2220 		  Quote skyR Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 06 Oct 2007 at 2:52am
Originally posted by Greg

Any input on the processors? Pros/Cons?  Personal preference and why?


pros-
- best duo processor on market atm

cons-
- 45nm processors being released in Janaury
- only have 2 cores, not four =p
- Not the best price for performance processor but still a great one.

I am not saying you should wait for Janaury. It is a good choice that will last you atleast 4-6 years. I am just one of those people who want the newest stuff when it comes to buying =x I waited 5 months for Ipod Nano 3g x.x

I prefer the Q6600 for multi-tasking since I do a lot of things =x but the E6850 is a great choice.


Edited by skyR - 06 Oct 2007 at 2:53am
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Greg View Drop Down
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  Quote Greg Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 06 Oct 2007 at 2:57am
Anyone able to shed some light on the BIOS issues i have been reading about regarding the 680i?  I noticed that eVGA just released a new BIOS on 5 Oct.
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commast View Drop Down
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  Quote commast Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 06 Oct 2007 at 3:29pm
The Bios issue with the 680i has been fixed a while back. As fas as RAM speed go 1066 Mhz is faster than 800 Mhz no matter how you look at it. Read the November 2006 article in Maximum PC. A 1066Mhz DDR2 will fetch 4 chunks of data at 266 Mhz every cycle hence the 1066 Mhz speed.
Here's the benchmark results in the article:


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skyR View Drop Down
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Posts: 2220 		  Quote skyR Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 06 Oct 2007 at 3:35pm
a performance gain of 1 is not worth $100.
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star.
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  Quote commast Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 06 Oct 2007 at 3:50pm
Originally posted by skyR

a performance gain of 1 is not worth $100.


True, in Quake4 or Fear but i am looking at overall system performace since i really don't care about a few frame rates in games.
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