Looking for Advice on New System

if you want a build that will last you and you can upgrade, then go with the new system.

the system you are posting is old and for less then $500 you can be in a new system.

you have no choice but to go with vista 64bit, xp can't use all of your total systm memory ram.

this pc will eat the one you have listed and is a brand new system, it can take the next round of cpus coming out and more.

here you go Ticket# 235173 --- Price: $2200 (To see this build click here)

Copy of Specifications:
Chassis Model: Cooler Master HAF 932
Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish
Interior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish
Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish
Processor: Intel Core i7 920 2.66GHz (Quad Core)
Motherboard: EVGA X58 3X SLI (Intel X58 Chipset) (Supports Triple SLI or CrossFire)
System Memory: 6GB DDR3 1333MHz Corsair XMS3
Power Supply: 650W Corsair TX (Dual SLI Compatible)
Card Reader: - No Thanks
Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: 500GB Western Digital (16MB Cache) (7200 RPM) (SATA)
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 20x / 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 9800GTX+ 512MB (Includes PhysX Technology)
Add-on Card: - No Thanks
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
Extreme Cooling: AIR: Stage 2: Cooler Master V8 (Compatible With i7 Processors)
Liquid Color:- Not Applicable, I do not have a H20: Stage 3 Cooling System Selected
Chassis Airflow: Standard Factory Chassis Fans
Internal Lighting: Internal Chassis Lighting System (Red)
Enhancements: - No Thanks
Chassis Mods: - No Thanks
Boost Processor: Yes, Overclock the processor as much as possible with complete stability
Boost Video Card: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s)
Boost Memory: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my memory
Tweak Windows: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (64-Bit Edition) (For Enthusiasts)
Restore Kit: Digital Storm Specialized Recovery System (DVD Image Based)
Virus Protection: - No Thanks
Office: - No Thanks
Benchmarking: - No Thanks
Install/Test Game: - No Thanks
LCD 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
Priority Build: - No Thanks
Warranty: 3 Year Platinum Care Extended Parts & Labor Warranty


you get another $125 off that price.

you wanna pay $1600 for a 2005 toyota with zero miles

or

you wanna pay $2000 for a brand new 2009 toyota?

your decision.

so the total price for my config is $2075, however my system will have a speed of 3.5 to 3.8GHz even at 3.5 its much faster then the dual core 3.0.

Edited by DST4ME - 24 Jan 2009 at 3:10pm

The problem you are going to run into with your budget is that you will be getting a machine that is pretty much already out of date and cannot be upgraded too much. With the release of the i7 intel has changed the chipset they are using on mobos and they will be using this chipset for the next few years. So what you need to do is get a mobo with this new chipset so that you can upgrade your processor when the sandy gets released in  3ish years. The other problem that you will run into is having a low psu which will limit your uprage-ability. The only real option other than waiting to get more money would be to get a system with an older dual or quad core (pre i7). Ticket Number: 235434

I heard the 09 Ferrari comes with gps and a built in chick magnet.

I'll take both

We are by no means trying to insult you and believe me as a college student I am more than aware of how much $2000 is. It is just this is a little bit of an awkward time because of the chipset change. There are ways around it and you can still get an AMAZING machine for $2000. We are just trying to give you options that would keep the machine you get on the cutting edge for as long as possible. As for upgrades, the great thing about DS is that they will do the upgrades for you or walk you through them. But I would definatly give them a call Monday and explain your situation and I gurantee that they will have some great suggestions...they did for me.

I've always been budget concscious... well... the mom is... so I know how hard it can be to get the pc you really want. The major thing to consider here is how long your new purchase can be upgraded to maximize its useful life span. Rather than buy cheap and have a struggling pc for years before you buy a new one, it is more cost effective to purchase a flexible system that can be upgraded through a process of changing out key components as new designs emerge.
What DST is saying is to go with a system that gives you more forward flexibility so that you don't have to replace your entire pc as soon. It's not difficult to upgrade most components in a computer and yet see vast performance improvements. If you can't afford the $2,000 system atm, it may actually be more prudent to save for the more expensive system if it offers a more future-proof upgrade path.
As an FYI, this time frame puts the consumer in a bit of a split dilemma. The older socket / mobo platforms are often cheaper, but the new socket / mobos are what the new processors will be using. i7 mobos are the future atm. They're more expensive, but the other platform is not going to support the newer cpus that come out.

P.S. When I worked in retail services, I always offered this advice to people. Once we figured out what would suit their needs, then we looked at cost. If they couldn't afford it, and there was too great a compromise in the lesser purchase, I would always recommend that they save a few more months or whatever it took in order to get the more satisfying purchase. It certainly beats underpurchasing and having buyer's remorse for a product you will be frustrated with. That's why I'm still waiting on my next pc purchase. Well... that an the mom won't let me waste my money on yet another pc. LOL!


Edited by widdlecat - 26 Jan 2009 at 12:58am

Yep that lifetime free labor on replacement parts is very cool. As well as the entire 3 year warranty.

Edited by Sodius - 26 Jan 2009 at 9:41am

Ok here is my 2 cents this will get you into an i7 system with room to grow and you still get an addtional 100 of with the current promotion that leaves room to be able to get you a flat panel monitor

Originally posted by Wolfie Thanks again for all the support and comments.   By no means did  I think folks were trying to put me down. =)  I was just stateing my frustration.  The people on this site are far more  helpful and knowledgeable than any others I have visited.   It is one  of the reasons I would like to buy from DS,  I am  counting on the support and help of the forum members here.  Hopefully?   MY "budget"  for a new computer, started out at around $1300.   After checking several sites and prices, I realized that was going nowhere.  So I have managed to push it to the $1500 - $1700 range.    So that was why I made the remark about the $2000 price.  That is almost 50% above where I started.  lol   It figures my timeing would be bad with the new chip change.   Just a question about upgradeing.  If I go with the new type mobo.  What all is entailed in adding a new CPU (down the road)?   Is it just a matter of plugging in the new chip?  Or do you have to reinstall all your drives, OS, programs etc?    I have managed to add memory to my old system but that is the extent of my knowledge.   Also, the configs and prices we are tossing about, does not include a monitor.  I don't know what to get,  or if I can use my old "Dell" CRT.  I would prefer a new flat screen anyway.  But then that adds on to the total cost of a new system for me.  I am guessing around $200 more, minimum for a decent monitor.  Add that to the configs and it kicks them up to  the $1900 to $2000 range, or $2200 with a $2000 ticket.    Thanks all for the many responses.  Hope I am not wearing on anyone nerves yet.  Isn't dealing with  non- techie types fun?

if you go with my ticket, your upgrades will be just upgrading to 2 x 260+ down the road when needed.

adding a new cpu is like adding your ram, with the exception that you need to remove your cpu cooler to get to it, where as the ram does not have that.

other then that, you remove the cpu cooler, and then replace the cpu, apply paste, put cooler back on, thats it. DS would be happy to walkt you thru when you are ready. everything else stays the same.


I/we are here to help anytime you need it

Thanks again for all the valuable input -

Edited by Wolfie - 27 Jan 2009 at 1:38pm

OK -  

Edited by Wolfie - 27 Jan 2009 at 11:14pm

Wolf you are not ocing so why did he suggest extra $50 for a cooler? if you are not ocing you don't need that.

Not a problem Dark all is well Every one is trying to help!

Originally posted by DST4ME Wolf you are not ocing so why did he suggest extra $50 for a cooler? if you are not ocing you don't need that.

Not sure what you are reading or where you are getting your info.

you still have not answered my question, which would you recommend to me?

the 2005 for $1700

or

the 2009 for $2000

BTW when it comes to games you won't see much of a difference between the 965 and 920 but below you see the big difference bettween i7 and dual core:









Ok Wolfie, listen, I don't' wanna twist your arm, I'm here to make sure people that don't know what is going on get their money's worth.

but I can't make you guys do anything, I can only provide proof.

as a customer, I have nothing to gain from advising, other then having a clear conscious that I spoke out when something needed to be said.

the rest is up to you

honestly, there is not one reason in the world I would pay for $1700 for a system that is old technology already and if I were to sell it next year it would be worth pretty much no where near the $1700 I paid for it today.

when I can go and pay $2000 for a system that has the up to date technology and is going to last me longer and be upgradeable.

I have nothing to gain here can every other party that is helping you say the same thing?

anyways good luck I hope you make the choice that is right for you now and in the long run, otherwise in a year you gonna be pretty pissed at yourself.

guys please stop telling people that the 965 provides huge difference from 920 in games, it does not, the difference is very small.

the difference between 620 and 965 is not much other then unlock multiplier (for ocing) and better memory control.

so this 965 only being better for games, is false. i7 all performe very close in games but they provide a difference in games.

Edited by DST4ME - 28 Jan 2009 at 5:55pm

Hello All - 

Edited by Wolfie - 29 Jan 2009 at 11:43pm