One more config attemptPost Date: 2008-07-10 |
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Gabe123 
Newbie 
Joined: 09 Jul 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36 |
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 Topic: One more config attemptPosted: 10 Jul 2008 at 7:51pm |
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For $2675
Copy of Specifications: Chassis: Antec 900 Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish Interior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish Power Supply: 750W Corsair HX (Dual SLI Compatible) (Silent Edition) Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 2.5GHz (1333MHz FSB) (6MB Cache) Motherboard: Asus Rampage Formula (Chipset: Intel X48) (Supports CrossFire) System Memory: 4GB DDR2 Corsair at 800MHz Dominator DHX (High-Performance) Card Reader: - No Thanks Hard Drive 1: 500GB Western Digital (16MB Cache) (7200 RPM) (SATA) Hard Drive 2: - No Thanks Raid Option: - No Thanks Hard Drive 3: - No Thanks Optical Drive 1: DVD±R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 20x / CD-Writer 48x) (LightScribe Edition) Optical Drive 2: - No Thanks Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections) Video Card: 2x CrossFire Dual (ATI Radeon HD 4850 512MB) TV Tuner: - No Thanks Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio Extreme Cooling: Air Cooled Stage 3 WindTunnel (Copper Heatpipe Heatsink & Additional Case Fans) Internal Lighting: Blizzard Internal Lighting (Blue Edition) (Cold Cathode Tubes) Modifications: - 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) Protection: McAfee Internet Security (Includes: AntiVirus, FireWall and AntiSpyware) Office: Microsoft Office 2007 Basic (Word Excel Outlook) Benchmarking: - No Thanks Install/Test Game: - No Thanks LCD Display: - No Thanks Surge Shield: - No Thanks Speakers: Logitech 2.1 System (Black Edition) (Model R20) (Includes Subwoofer) Keyboard: - No Thanks Mouse: - No Thanks my keyboard comes with a mouse External Storage: - No Thanks Warranty: 3 Year Platinum Care Extended Parts & Labor Warranty Asus Mobo works well with intel processor, right? Is there any thing I should know about this machine before I buy it? Any compatibility issues? Anywhere I should definitely downgrade or upgrade because some component is unnecessarily powerful/not powerful enough to keep up with everything else? And the dual 4850s with crossfire assus rampage is definately better than anything nvidia has right now for a similar price? Any general advice at all? I know that my configurations are all over the place but I think I've started to narrow it in and I've decided that spending a few hundred more than my original around $2000 estimate is a worthy Cost:Performance ratio choice, or is it? Also, I'm not 100% yet on overclocking because even if this system is out of date in three years I don't want it to be burned up by OC, I'll still want to play games that come out three years from now in six years (if that makes any sense at all) p.s. sorry for clogging your forum with a bunch of my posts, I really hope it hasn't become a total nuisance and I can't tell you guys enough how amazing your help has been. 
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schulni
Groupie 
Joined: 28 Jun 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 58 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 10 Jul 2008 at 7:56pm |
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This is starting to look pretty good. I definitely think the few extra hundred dollars will make a worthwhile difference. If you want to save money, don't order the extras from DS. Speakers and software are available elsewhere for less money. You might consider overclocking the memory, or upgrading to the ATI 4870, but other than that, I think you'll be happy.
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Bismark
Senior Member 
Joined: 21 Jun 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 120 |
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Posted: 10 Jul 2008 at 8:14pm |
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I think it looks Good man, I might shell out the little bit extra for the Q9450, but the Q9300 is a decent choice. I've heard alot of good reviews on the Asus MOBO thats why I chose it myself, and I'll be able to relate my findings very soon, my system is in its last stage before shipping.
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Asus Rampage Formula
Core 2 Quad Q9550 2 ATI Radeon HD4870 Crossfire 4GB Corsair DHX 1066 1000W Corsair HX DS 850Si |
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Gabe123
Newbie
Joined: 09 Jul 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36 |
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Posted: 10 Jul 2008 at 8:15pm |
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Sorry 2 more questions, does crossfire work fine with vista 64bit?
I have two monitors at home I can use, a Mac Cinema HD Display 23" or an HP f1905b 19". I know the Mac is bigger but will it have compatibility issues? Edited by Gabe123 - 10 Jul 2008 at 8:18pm |
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SunfighterLC
DS Veteran 
Joined: 18 Feb 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1527 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 10 Jul 2008 at 8:20pm |
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1) yes, The only real effect would be DX10 and Quad SLI set ups. As quad sli can be handled diffrerent with Vista vs XP. The bit type doesnt matter as far as i know.
2) id say yes just due to the larger cache as well as a slightly higher mutltiplyer as that will help when overclocked. I cant say there is anything else in your build where there would be a large improvement for 63 bucks.
3) im not sure about the 3rd one. Though SLI or crossfire on a 19 inch would be such a huge waste of money..lol
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E8500@ 4.03Ghz
XFX 790i Ultra 1000W Corsair HX 2 280 GTX EVGA FTW 4GB OCZ Reaper 1800Mhz 250-80-300GB VR HD Logitech Z-2300 2.1 Speakers Asus Xonar 7.1 Hanns-G HG 281D 28" HDMI Monitor |
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Bismark
Senior Member
Joined: 21 Jun 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 120 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 10 Jul 2008 at 8:21pm |
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Crossfire should work fine with Vista
The Hp shouldnt have issues, the mac monitor... I'm not really sure but it shouldnt have any trouble I cant see why because it has Mac written on it that it would be designed differently from other monitors. But wait for a more stable answer on that from someone who really can tell you... try posting in the hardware section about it, you may get a faster response. |
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Asus Rampage Formula
Core 2 Quad Q9550 2 ATI Radeon HD4870 Crossfire 4GB Corsair DHX 1066 1000W Corsair HX DS 850Si |
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!ender_
DS Veteran
Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Online Status: Offline Posts: 4219 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 10 Jul 2008 at 9:12pm |
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i would upgrade to the 850i case
the 9450 processor
and a single 4870 or a gx2. at 23" sli/crossfire are not worth it imo.
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Gabe123
Newbie
Joined: 09 Jul 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36 |
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Posted: 10 Jul 2008 at 11:00pm |
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what size monitor would you recommend with this setup?
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Bismark
Senior Member
Joined: 21 Jun 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 120 |
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Posted: 10 Jul 2008 at 11:06pm |
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Whatever monitor you want to use. If you like a 15 inch screen use it, thats a personal preference. Some folks love running there rigs on 60 inch flatscreen tv's others dont. Use what you like. I have a 30 inch lcd, at times its too big, after hours of gaming i get eye bleed a bit quicker than on my old 20 inch. Use what size monitor you feel most comfortable with.
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Asus Rampage Formula
Core 2 Quad Q9550 2 ATI Radeon HD4870 Crossfire 4GB Corsair DHX 1066 1000W Corsair HX DS 850Si |
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Tyler Lowe
Newbie
Joined: 14 May 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0 |
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Posted: 10 Jul 2008 at 11:13pm |
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A 9800gx2 is SLI based...
At 22" SLI/Crossfire is just starting to get warmed up and has plenty of resolution left before it's truly taxed, but you will absolutely notice a performance impact. To really see the benefits of multi GPU, at 24" things *really* take off, but 22" is a very solid choice and the best current bang for the buck IMO.
Here is a review at AnandTech on the 4850 and 4870 which includes crossfire performance. The resolution you want to look at carefully, is 1680x1050 for 22" screens. Note the difference between the crossfired 4850 and single 4850 card, as well as the crossfired 4850 and single 4870.
On some games, such a Crysis, it's a wash. On some games such as Call of Duty 4, Oblivion, or The Witcher, the crossfire is a very clear cut winner, and in some titles such as Quake Wars, a single more expensive card is better. One advantage to going with the single 4870 is it does allow you to upgrade to crossfired 4870's at a later date.
I have already expressed my views on spending more on the processor to get an extra 200MHz of speed in one of your other threads.
Your Cost:Performance ratio is awesome IMO.
Have the overclocking done, tell them you would prefer a conservative OC if you are concerned with premature wear and tear. Even with stock cooling and volts, that CPU has alot of room. You're definitely doing better than stock cooling with this setup. Edited by Tyler Lowe - 10 Jul 2008 at 11:15pm |
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Gabe123
Newbie
Joined: 09 Jul 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36 |
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Posted: 11 Jul 2008 at 1:34am |
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Ok, so I scaled back a little to about $2300. I realized I don't need as crazy of hardware for a 19-23 inch monitor and for mostly rts and rpg titles. So here is what I really believe to be my final configuration.
Chassis: Antec 900 Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish Interior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish Power Supply: 650W Corsair HX (Dual SLI Compatible) Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 2.66GHz (1333MHz FSB) (12MB Cache) Motherboard: NVIDIA 780i Core 2 Quad (Chipset: nForce 780i SLI) System Memory: 4GB DDR2 OCZ at 800MHz Hard Drive 1: 500GB Western Digital (16MB Cache) (7200 RPM) (SATA) Optical Drive 1: DVD±R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 20x / CD-Writer 48x) Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections) Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 9800GTX 512MB Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio Extreme Cooling: Air Cooled Stage 2 (Silent Artic Cooling Heat-sink Upgrade (Copper Heatpipes) Internal Lighting: - No Thanks Modifications: - No Thanks Boost Processor: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my processor 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) Protection: McAfee Internet Security (Includes: AntiVirus, FireWall and AntiSpyware) Office: Microsoft Office 2007 Basic (Word Excel Outlook) Benchmarking: - No Thanks Install/Test Game: - No Thanks LCD Display: - No Thanks Surge Shield: - No Thanks Speakers: Logitech 2.1 System (Black Edition) (Model R20) (Includes Subwoofer) Keyboard: - No Thanks Mouse: - No Thanks External Storage: - No Thanks Warranty: 3 Year Platinum Care Extended Parts & Labor Warranty I want it to last more than three years because I'm pretty sure that 5 years from now or whatever I'll still want to play my favorite games that are going to come out 3 years from now (If that makes sense), so I'm not going to overclock my system. I went with the 9800 GTX because I thought it was the most solid choice for the price range, but the asus rampage formula with the ATI 4870 is a total of only $72 more (Does the 4870 have to be with an Asus, because the Asus is where the 72 bucks extra comes from. The 4870 and 9800 GTX are the same price with this setup). Oh, and is it worth paying 60 dollars extra from the setup above for GTX 260 896MB? Edited by Gabe123 - 11 Jul 2008 at 1:58am |
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Tyler Lowe
Newbie
Joined: 14 May 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0 |
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Posted: 11 Jul 2008 at 3:44am |
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Gabe,
I think your view of overclocking may not be entirely accurate. It is quite possible to run at higher than factory clock settings without exceeding factory voltage and temperature recomendations. In the review of the Q9300 I linked for you in your other thread, that overclock they performed was done with standard heatsink and fan, and no increase in voltage at all. In return, they were turning in performance levels on par with a $1400 CPU.
I have done the same with my own CPU, again, operating well, well, under what Intel recommends for temperature, and well within what they recommend for voltage to run at *normal* clock speeds. What I am saying is, I have gained performance to a level that Intel, had they done the increase in clock speed at the factory, would have charged me over a thousand dollars for, and at zero risk to my processor. In fact this is exactly what Intel and AMD do. They clock some parts higher at the factory and charge more for them. The reason you pay more for a premium grade motherboard is so you don't pay more for the CPU.
I really think you should talk to someone at DSO when you place your order so they can put any fears you have to rest. Most of the time when somone is afraid of overclocking, it's because they don't understand overclocking. The only other reason to be afraid of it is if your only prior experience was with someone trying to overclock that did not understand overclocking. If you want them to go super conservative, make the special request that the overclock be done at stock voltage rather than "maximum stable speed". They will accept any reasonable special request.
Other than that:
A HD4850 will outperform a 9800GTX in most situations.
A HD4870 will perform at the same level or outperform a GTX260 in most situations.
I can see you are very determined to pay for M$ office and McAffee along with that 3 piece speaker set, so I left those in this build. If I were going to put more into any single item in the build I just linked, it would be in the power supply. Going to a 750W PSU will put less limitation on future improvement to this system. Edited by Tyler Lowe - 11 Jul 2008 at 3:51am |
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widdlecat
DS Veteran
Joined: 11 Mar 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 840 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 11 Jul 2008 at 11:33am |
I agree with Tyler on overclocking. If done properly, that is configured by someone knowledgeable, it is safe and stable. I believe that the 9800 GTX isn't the best performance you can get for that amount of money anymore. The ATI 4870 isn't limited to being used with the ASUS rampage unless you might go crossfireX in the future. IMO, the ASUS rampage is worth the extra money simply for the superior "sound card" with the "premium" cirrus logic DAC vs. the ubiquitous Realtek chip. |
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Gabe123
Newbie
Joined: 09 Jul 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36 |
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Posted: 11 Jul 2008 at 2:45pm |
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Thanks for all the support, and I should definitely go with the Q9300 over the Q9450 if I'm overclocking? Or would a Q9450 overclocked be even better? That seems like it would be common sense but I've heard that the Q9300 overclocks really well so I'm not sure on that one last component.
"I can see you are very determined to pay for M$ office and McAffee along with that 3 piece speaker set, so I left those in this build." I just thought those seemed sensible, but I really don't know. What should I replace Office, McAffe and those speakers with? p.s. I think I'll go with the 750W p.s.s. Thanks for all the support, you guys are awesome. |
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skyR
Newbie
Digital Storm Apprentice 
Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2220 |
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Posted: 11 Jul 2008 at 3:25pm |
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The Q9300 has a 7.5x multiplier (1333 / 4 = 333.3 * 7.5 = 2.5ghz). Assuming motherboard caps fsb at 450 (most do), 450 * 7.5 = 3.3ghz.
The Q9450 has a 8x multiplier (1333 / 4 = 333.3 * 8 = 2.66ghz). Assuming the above, 450 * 8 = 3.6ghz. Why pay for microsoft office when google docs or openoffice does the same job for free? Edited by skyR - 11 Jul 2008 at 3:26pm |
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Atmogon
Newbie
Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 17 |
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Posted: 11 Jul 2008 at 3:45pm |
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I've never found it to be much use to go above a 19-20" at 1280x1024. It's a nice resolution for just about anything. A bigger screen doesn't necessarily make anything look better. Plus, if you've outfitted a system that would run everything at 1600x1200 if you wanted it to, any you only used 1280x1024, you get better gaming performance.
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Gabe123
Newbie
Joined: 09 Jul 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 11 Jul 2008 at 4:15pm |
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OK, Here it is:
For $2,566 Chassis: Antec 900 Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish Interior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish Power Supply: 750W Corsair HX (Dual SLI Compatible) (Silent Edition) Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 2.66GHz (1333MHz FSB) (12MB Cache) Motherboard: Asus Rampage Formula (Chipset: Intel X48) (Supports CrossFire) System Memory: 4GB DDR2 Corsair at 800MHz Dominator DHX (High-Performance) Card Reader: - No Thanks Hard Drive 1: 500GB Western Digital (16MB Cache) (7200 RPM) (SATA) Hard Drive 2: - No Thanks Raid Option: - No Thanks Hard Drive 3: - No Thanks Optical Drive 1: DVD±R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 20x / CD-Writer 48x) Optical Drive 2: - No Thanks Internet Access: D-Link Wireless-G 108Mbps (Supports 802.11g/b) Video Card: ATI Radeon HD 4870 512MB TV Tuner: - No Thanks Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio Extreme Cooling: Air Cooled Stage 2 (Silent Artic Cooling Heat-sink Upgrade (Copper Heatpipes) Internal Lighting: - No Thanks Modifications: - 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) Protection: McAfee Internet Security (Includes: AntiVirus, FireWall and AntiSpyware) Office: Microsoft Office 2007 Basic (Word Excel Outlook) Benchmarking: - No Thanks Install/Test Game: - No Thanks LCD Display: - No Thanks Surge Shield: - No Thanks Speakers: Logitech 2.1 System (Black Edition) (Model R20) (Includes Subwoofer) Keyboard: - No Thanks Mouse: - No Thanks my keyboard comes with a mouse External Storage: - No Thanks Warranty: 3 Year Platinum Care Extended Parts & Labor Warranty I also decided to upgrade system memory to the dominator DHX High performance for an extra 56$, is that just a marketing gimmick or really worth it? And is stage 2 cooling good enough for all that or would it be worth it to upgrade to stage 3 for 80$ Edited by Gabe123 - 11 Jul 2008 at 4:17pm |
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workingman
Senior Member
Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 411 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 11 Jul 2008 at 6:22pm |
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sweet set up..please talk to dso about the ram upgrade...if you arent overclocking the memory...the performance difference maybe small..but sweet set up none the less
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Tyler Lowe
Newbie
Joined: 14 May 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 12 Jul 2008 at 12:14am |
Your last build looks fantastic. I am with SkyR on the Microsoft office software. Open Office does everything the software you selected does, and it's *free*. Seriously. Open Office.org, check it out. I personally lean towards ESET Security Suite for firewall and anti virus. I use the free edition of Lavasoft's Adaware to get rid of tracking cookies.
The speakers are something I would just pick up locally to be honest. Those are not really all that expensive though. The largest savings is that office software.
Corsair RAM is very high quality and overclocks well generally speaking. You should not need more than 800MHz to overclock a Q9450, but Corsair also has a very good reliability record. If you want the best chance at a stable and reliable build long term, I think you could not pick a better supplier of RAM. Edited by Tyler Lowe - 12 Jul 2008 at 12:16am |
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Gabe123
Newbie
Joined: 09 Jul 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36 |
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Posted: 12 Jul 2008 at 1:43pm |
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Well, thanks a ton for all the help guys, I finally ordered my computer.
It's the same as the one in my last post except with stage 3 cooling in case I want to do some more thorough overclocking or upgrading later on. Thanks everybody Gabe p.s. I decided to stick with Microsoft office suite because it had exactly what I needed and I just feel more comfortable with it. The extra for McAfee and speakers are worth it too so I'm all setup when it arrives. Thanks again. Edited by Gabe123 - 12 Jul 2008 at 1:50pm |
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Bismark
Senior Member
Joined: 21 Jun 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 120 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 12 Jul 2008 at 2:43pm |
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Hooray Gabe... now the wait begins...
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Asus Rampage Formula
Core 2 Quad Q9550 2 ATI Radeon HD4870 Crossfire 4GB Corsair DHX 1066 1000W Corsair HX DS 850Si |
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Gabe123
Newbie
Joined: 09 Jul 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36 |
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Posted: 12 Jul 2008 at 5:45pm |
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Indeed...The wait
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Tyler Lowe
Newbie
Joined: 14 May 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0 |
Quote Reply
Posted: 12 Jul 2008 at 9:54pm |
Congrats. 
Oh yeah, and we want pics when you get that machine in!  Edited by Tyler Lowe - 12 Jul 2008 at 10:08pm |
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