Configuration Advice ($2500-3000)

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Hi,
I could use some help configuring my future computer  I have had the same DELL Dimension 8200 for several years and am finally ready to upgrade.  I plan on placing my order within the next 4-6 weeks.  I think DS is the way to go in terms of Service and Quality.  
 
My Budget is: $2200 - 3000 max for the desktop alone.  
 
My Expectations/Usage: I plan on using this computer for 50% FPS gaming (maybe try Crysis or Black Ops out) and 50% combination of watching/burning Blu Ray & DVD movies, net surfing, word processing, photo processing/editing, try out Starcraft II, and listening to music.  I suppose that could be summed up as general usage.  
 
I want a fast computer, with adequate room and easy access to updgrade, clean, and change components over time.  So, if I ever want to SLI my GPU, change out/upgrade the SSD or Blu Ray Player, or inrease the RAM it should not present a problem.  I also want it to be somewhat quiet and stylish, with some internal lighting.  I want to make an investment and have the pc last for years.  
 
Special Needs:  I have a decent sized room set up to use it in but I do have to deal with some dust.  So, a somewhat enclosed case is probably better for me in terms of Dust exposure.  
 
Extras: I will need a new monitor, mouse and keyboard for my DS system.  Suggestions are welcome.  I have a EPSON R200 printer already.  
 
Ticket Number: 482401
Total Price with Instant Savings: $2,957.00
Direct Load URL: http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=482401
Specifications:
Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Black OPS Assassin Edition
Processor: Intel Core i7 950 3.06GHz (Quad Core)
Motherboard: EVGA X58 SLI 3 Edition (USB 3.0 & SATA 6Gb/s) (Model: 131-GT-E767)
System Memory: 6GB DDR3 1600MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series  (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested)
Power Supply: 1000W Corsair (Dual/Triple/Quad SLI Compatible)
Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: 1x (80GB Solid State (By: Intel) (Model: X25-M MLC Edition) (Extreme Performance)
Hard Drive Set 2: Multimedia\Data: 1x (1TB Western Digital Caviar (7200 RPM) (64MB Cache) (Model: Black Edition WD1002FAEX)
Optical Drive 1: Blu-Ray Writer/Reader (Burn and Play Blu-Ray Discs)
Optical Drive 2: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x)
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Video Card: 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 1.5GB (Includes PhysX Technology)
Sound Card: Creative Labs X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional (PCI-Express Slot Based)
Extreme Cooling: H20: Stage 2: Asetek Liquid CPU Cooler (120mm Radiator) (Great Value)
Chassis Airflow: Standard Factory Chassis Fans
Internal Lighting: Internal Chassis Lighting System (Red)
Boost Processor: FREE: Stage 1: Overclock the processor between 3.3GHz to 3.9GHz (Cooling Upgrade Recommended)
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-Bit Edition)
Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows 7 CD)
Benchmarking: - No Thanks
Install/Test Game: FREE: Hot-selling game with a NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250 or above graphics card


Edited by LWRC_REPR - 30 Jan 2011 at 12:15pm

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LWRC_REPR Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 28 Jan 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 17	Quote Reply Topic: Configuration Advice ($2500-3000) Posted: 28 Jan 2011 at 9:50pm
	Hi, I could use some help configuring my future computer I have had the same DELL Dimension 8200 for several years and am finally ready to upgrade. I plan on placing my order within the next 4-6 weeks. I think DS is the way to go in terms of Service and Quality. My Budget is: $2200 - 3000 max for the desktop alone. My Expectations/Usage: I plan on using this computer for 50% FPS gaming (maybe try Crysis or Black Ops out) and 50% combination of watching/burning Blu Ray & DVD movies, net surfing, word processing, photo processing/editing, try out Starcraft II, and listening to music. I suppose that could be summed up as general usage. I want a fast computer, with adequate room and easy access to updgrade, clean, and change components over time. So, if I ever want to SLI my GPU, change out/upgrade the SSD or Blu Ray Player, or inrease the RAM it should not present a problem. I also want it to be somewhat quiet and stylish, with some internal lighting. I want to make an investment and have the pc last for years. Special Needs: I have a decent sized room set up to use it in but I do have to deal with some dust. So, a somewhat enclosed case is probably better for me in terms of Dust exposure. Extras: I will need a new monitor, mouse and keyboard for my DS system. Suggestions are welcome. I have a EPSON R200 printer already. Ticket Number: 482401 Total Price with Instant Savings: $2,957.00 Direct Load URL: http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=482401 Specifications: Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Black OPS Assassin Edition Processor: Intel Core i7 950 3.06GHz (Quad Core) Motherboard: EVGA X58 SLI 3 Edition (USB 3.0 & SATA 6Gb/s) (Model: 131-GT-E767) System Memory: 6GB DDR3 1600MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested) Power Supply: 1000W Corsair (Dual/Triple/Quad SLI Compatible) Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: 1x (80GB Solid State (By: Intel) (Model: X25-M MLC Edition) (Extreme Performance) Hard Drive Set 2: Multimedia\Data: 1x (1TB Western Digital Caviar (7200 RPM) (64MB Cache) (Model: Black Edition WD1002FAEX) Optical Drive 1: Blu-Ray Writer/Reader (Burn and Play Blu-Ray Discs) Optical Drive 2: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x) Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections) Video Card: 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 1.5GB (Includes PhysX Technology) Sound Card: Creative Labs X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional (PCI-Express Slot Based) Extreme Cooling: H20: Stage 2: Asetek Liquid CPU Cooler (120mm Radiator) (Great Value) Chassis Airflow: Standard Factory Chassis Fans Internal Lighting: Internal Chassis Lighting System (Red) Boost Processor: FREE: Stage 1: Overclock the processor between 3.3GHz to 3.9GHz (Cooling Upgrade Recommended) Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-Bit Edition) Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows 7 CD) Benchmarking: - No Thanks Install/Test Game: FREE: Hot-selling game with a NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250 or above graphics card Edited by LWRC_REPR - 30 Jan 2011 at 12:15pm

DST4ME Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List DS ELITE Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36758	Quote Reply Posted: 29 Jan 2011 at 12:56am
	You want a case that is easier to work in and a bit more room, the haf x has filters and better airflow. Here you go Ticket# 482445 --- $2715 (To see this build click here) Copy of Specifications: Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Cooler Master 942 HAF X Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish Processor: Intel Core i7 2600K 3.40GHz (Unlocked CPU for Extreme Overclocking) (Quad Core) Motherboard: ASUS P8P67 Pro (Intel P67 Chipset) (Features USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s) System Memory: 8GB DDR3 1600MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested) Power Supply: 1000W Corsair (Dual/Triple/Quad SLI Compatible) Expansion Bay: - No Thanks Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: 1x (80GB Solid State (By: Intel) (Model: X25-M MLC Edition) (Extreme Performance) Set 1 Raid Options: - No Thanks Hard Drive Set 2: Multimedia\Data: 1x (1TB Western Digital Caviar (7200 RPM) (64MB Cache) (Model: Black Edition WD1002FAEX) Hard Drive Set 3: Backup\Misc.: - No Thanks Optical Drive 1: Blu-Ray Writer/Reader (Burn and Play Blu-Ray Discs) Optical Drive 2: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x) Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections) Video Card: 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570 1.2GB (Includes PhysX Technology) Add-on Card: - No Thanks Sound Card: Creative Labs X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional (PCI-Express Slot Based) Extreme Cooling: AIR: Stage 1: Noctua NH-U12P SE Dual 120mm Fans High Performance Cooler H20 Tube Color:- Not Applicable, I do not have a FrostChill or Sub-Zero LCS Cooling System Selected Chassis Airflow: Standard Factory Chassis Fans Internal Lighting: Internal Chassis Lighting System (Red) Enhancements: - No Thanks Chassis Mods: - No Thanks Noise Reduction: - No Thanks Boost Processor: FREE: Overclock the processor between 3.6GHz to 3.9GHz Boost Video Card: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s) Boost Memory: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my memory Boost OS: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-Bit Edition) Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows 7 CD) Virus Protection: - No Thanks Office: - No Thanks Benchmarking: - No Thanks Install/Test Game: FREE: Hot-selling game with a NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250 or above graphics card Display: - No Thanks Surge Shield: - No Thanks Speakers: - No Thanks Keyboard: - No Thanks Mouse: - No Thanks External Storage: - No Thanks Exclusive T-Shirt: FREE: Digital Storm T-Shirt - Black (Xtra Large) Priority Build: - No Thanks, Ship Within 5-15 Business Days After Order Is Successfully Processed Warranty: Life-time Expert Customer Care with 3 Year Limited Warranty this will do dual sli and whatever else upgrades you want.
	Nvidia Drivers----AMD Drivers

LWRC_REPR Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 28 Jan 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 17	Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jan 2011 at 1:04pm
	Thank you for the advice and new ticket to reference! I researched the "Sandy Bridge" Processor and the Asus Mobo you recommended and they sound fantastic and leading edge. Based on your recommendations and given my purposes a 570 GPU might be all that is needed. I have to think if the 580 is worth the extra money. I have read debates online between the 570 and 580 and it seems I would get close (70%) in performance for a bit less money. But, as people talk about games maxed out in settings, it seems the 570 might be at the limit. So, I have to think is it more ego than bang for the buck at that point. How hard would it be to upgrade to a 580 later on down the road as prices drop? Also, can this new setup support anymore than 8gb of RAM? However, based on the config builder advice that I have read so far, more than 8gb could be overkill for my purposes. Lastly, I researched some computer gaming rig builds in a PC GAMER issue and they liked the following for a monitor, keyboard, and mouse: Monitor: Acer GD235HZ LCD Keyboard: Logitech G19 Mouse: Microsoft SideWinder X5 What are your thoughts on my choices? Also, any idea if my components would be compatible with 3D? It seems that the Processor, MOBO, GPU and Blu Ray would be. Not sure how that impacts my monitor choice too. I am not sure what Blu Ray reader/writer they would include in the package. I am getting excited!!!!!

speedhandle Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 24 Jan 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jan 2011 at 9:33pm
	I am open to correction on this, but for more bang for your buck the i5 2500K is a better choice for gaming. From what I have read the i7 2600k will work fine but is only going to benifit you if your going to be doing alot of video processing or sound editing, stuff that actually benefits from Hyper Threading which does nothing for games. The i5 2500k is more suited for gaming. Again I'm open for correction on this as I have only been researching this stuff for a couple of months. Also the GTX570 runs cooler then the 580 which will also mean fan noise is reduced. I'm using a Samsung 23" PX2370 monitor Ticket Number: 482826 http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=482826 PSU.Specifications: Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Corsair 600T Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish Processor: Intel Core i5 2500K 3.30GHz (Unlocked CPU for Extreme Overclocking) (Quad Core) Motherboard: ASUS P8P67 Pro (Intel P67 Chipset) (Features USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s) System Memory: 8GB DDR3 1600MHz Corsair Dominator DHX (High-Performance) Power Supply: 750W Digital Storm Certified (Dual SLI Compatible) (Silent Edition Recommended) Expansion Bay: - No Thanks Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: 1x (80GB Solid State (By: Intel) (Model: X25-M MLC Edition) (Extreme Performance) Set 1 Raid Options: - No Thanks Hard Drive Set 2: Multimedia\Data: - No Thanks Hard Drive Set 3: Backup\Misc.: - No Thanks Optical Drive 1: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x) Optical Drive 2: - No Thanks Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections) Video Card: 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570 1.2GB (Includes PhysX Technology) Add-on Card: - No Thanks Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio Extreme Cooling: H20: Stage 2: Corsair H70 Liquid CPU Cooler (High-Performance Edition) H20 Tube Color:- Not Applicable, I do not have a FrostChill or Sub-Zero LCS Cooling System Selected Chassis Airflow: Standard Factory Chassis Fans Internal Lighting: - No Thanks Enhancements: - No Thanks Chassis Mods: - No Thanks Noise Reduction: - No Thanks Boost Processor: FREE: Overclock the processor between 3.6GHz to 3.9GHz Boost Video Card: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s) Boost Memory: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my memory Boost OS: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-Bit Edition) Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows 7 CD) Virus Protection: - No Thanks Office: - No Thanks Benchmarking: - No Thanks Install/Test Game: - No Thanks Display: - No Thanks Surge Shield: - No Thanks Speakers: - No Thanks Keyboard: - No Thanks Mouse: - No Thanks External Storage: - No Thanks Exclusive T-Shirt: - No Thanks I didn't select an additional HDD because I have one ready to go in once I get the rig.
	Speed

DST4ME Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List DS ELITE Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36758	Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 2011 at 2:05am
	You can oc a 570 and close to performance of a 580, the 580 is not worth the money. go with the 570, by the time you need more gpu power there will be something much better then a 580 for you to upgrade to if you see you need the extra power, changeing gpus is so easy, in a case like haf, it will take 2 minutes if you have never done it before. 8GB is more then enough but adding ram is as easy as adding a gpu, even easier, adding ram/hdd/gpu are very easy things for somebody who has never done it before, they are very easy to do. that monitor can do 3D, but its picture quality is not better then the ones I posted. @speedhandle, is that build for you? if so please open your own thread, as to why go with 2600K if its in the budget, read here Edited by DST4ME - 31 Jan 2011 at 2:07am
	Nvidia Drivers----AMD Drivers

LWRC_REPR Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 28 Jan 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 17	Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 2011 at 7:59pm
	Thanks for the advice DST4ME! Would you suggest I have DS overclock the GPU during the build process, since they offer that service? Can overclocking the GPU make it less stable? Also, what monitors did you post? I would like to see what else is out there for options. And where do you typically buy your monitors? I tend to lean towards Amazon or Tigerdirect for the most part for the best price/service. Thanks, LWRC_REPR

DST4ME Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List DS ELITE Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36758	Quote Reply Posted: 01 Feb 2011 at 1:32am
	Any oc done wrong can cause issues, oc on gpu is very simple. DS's oc on the gpu is very mild, so we need to oc it ourselves. use MSI Afterburner and oc the gpu yourself if you want to see real performance, we can help you if you like. oh looks like I was thinking about another thread, a good ips panel for that res is like the dell23 Dell UltraSharp U2311H 23 . I don't do any 3D yet so I get most of my monitors from Dell, I have been satisfied with their ips panels.
	Nvidia Drivers----AMD Drivers

LWRC_REPR Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 28 Jan 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 17	Quote Reply Posted: 01 Feb 2011 at 7:23pm
	Thank you for the GPU OC advice. I will start shopping for monitors now. The Dell models seem pretty good. What cable connection would I aim to use coming off the GPU? DVI, HDMI, etc. Is there a difference or preference in which I would aim to connect to? I am getting close to initiating my build with DS. I am waiting for some questions to be answered from the sales rep first. Plus, I am wondering if I should just wait until March until the Sandy Bridge issue is worked out. I know DS will offer me an extra year coverage as it stands, but just have to consider my options. T

DST4ME Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List DS ELITE Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36758	Quote Reply Posted: 01 Feb 2011 at 11:51pm
	dvi and hdmi is the same, hdmi has sound, dvi does not, most of us use sound thru the pc and not the gpu, so dvi will do, most come with a converter of dvi > hdmi or vise versa anyways. You get the pc whenever you feel comfortable.
	Nvidia Drivers----AMD Drivers

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