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Please review my configuration

Post Date: 2008-06-25
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TomTom26 View Drop Down
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Posts: 26 		  Quote TomTom26 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Topic: Please review my configuration
    Posted: 25 Jun 2008 at 3:47pm

Hi All,

I got some great feedback about video cards and I'm ready to buy!  Please review my configuration (ticket link:  http://digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=160679  )

I made a couple of assumptions for the config below:
-memory is not really a bottleneck so I can put my money in other things
-the 280 runs hot, but I can't get liquid cooling for it without SLI, so I declined liquid cooling.
-I plan to use my 1680x1050 Viewsonic for a display.  Also I already have a mouse & keyboard.
-My budget is roughly $3000, and I'm hoping I won't have to consider any upgrades for at least 2 years or consider a new computer for 3 years.
 
Thanks a lot!
 
-Tom
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skyR View Drop Down
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Posts: 2220 		  Quote skyR Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 25 Jun 2008 at 3:53pm
A couple of things.

You want to select a 64-bit operating system because 32-bit operating systems are limited to 4GB of memory. Your GPU already takes up 1GB of ram and Windows will take up a small portion for itself so you would only be left with about 2.7GB.

You don't need a 1000W PSU unless you are planning to go tri-SLI so you can drop that down to 650W or 750W depending if you want to go SLI later on.
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star.
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TomTom26 View Drop Down
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Posts: 26 		  Quote TomTom26 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 25 Jun 2008 at 4:05pm
Thanks Sky! 
 
Regarding Windows, any down-sides to 64-bit Premium?  I'm considering Photoshop CS3 and I noticed copy that said "certified for 32-bit editions).  I was also wondering if any games would have problems with 64-bit.
 
I'm unsure whether SLI for the 280 was something to consider for the future, as I wonder if a Q9450 CPU would become a bottleneck.  Any thoughts?
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skyR View Drop Down
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Posts: 2220 		  Quote skyR Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 25 Jun 2008 at 4:16pm
Photoshop CS3 does work on 64-bit. You won't have an issue with most software. Only problems you might run into will be old hardware that does not have 64-bit drivers (such as printers).

I wouldn't recommend SLI GTX 280 unless you are running at resolutions of 1920x1200+ as the cards are quite expensive. I'd just save the money for a new PC.

The Q9450 won't be a bottleneck, most games are reliant on the GPU.
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star.
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TomTom26 View Drop Down
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Posts: 26 		  Quote TomTom26 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 25 Jun 2008 at 4:39pm
Thanks again.
 
I just spoke to DS sales and they recommended a few additional tweaks. My new config is 160724  -  http://digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=160724
 
Here's some of the changes made:
-no overclock to GPU
-upgrade to 1066 memory to get closer to bus speed (I assume he meant closer to the CPU's 1333 FSB
-he suggested the 1000W PSU to run the 280.  I upgraded to the PC Power PSU since it's supposed to be very quiet.
 
Please let me know what you think.  Thanks!
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TomTom26 View Drop Down
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Posts: 26 		  Quote TomTom26 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 25 Jun 2008 at 6:13pm
Thanks Harleyman!
 
Hmm... I have my doubts about DS' recommendation to go with a 1KW power supply since I'm running a 280.  HardOCP (thanks for the link Wallyguitar) says that power consumption isn't as bad as everyone thought:  
 
Quote:  "Undoubtedly, one of the big rumors that have been thrown around the Net has been about the 280's power consumption. Once many of the "journalists" saw the massive size of the die, we immediately started hearing just how hot this thing was going to be. While it is far from being cool, it is far from the mini-nuke plant that many made it out to be.
 
We could not push the card to use anywhere near the rated power numbers we were quoted. We are using “FurMark” at 1600x1200 for our power testing and from my experience it will give you quite a bit more GPU load than running Crysis. Now, while we are surely seeing the GTX 280 eat into the 160w range that was much less than we thought considering the architecture. What is truly amazing about this card is the power savings we are seeing at idle, which tends to be more important in the overall picture many times for the enthusiast. A top of the line GTX 280 OC is coming in idling 30w less than an 8800 GTX. Should you be thinking about SLI configuring a couple of 280s, I would suggest at least a 700w PSU if you are an overclocker. You could possibly slide by with a very strong 600w PSU, but you would likely be pushing it too hard and would likely be better off with an 800w unit in the long run."
 
Since I'm not planning to SLI, what do you all think about the Corsair 750W Silent Edition?
 
(Thanks SkyR for pointing this out to me earlier)
 
Thanks!

Tom
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TomTom26 View Drop Down
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Posts: 26 		  Quote TomTom26 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 25 Jun 2008 at 9:15pm
Thanks Harleyman!  Changed to a 750W PSU, and my final config is now done, which I'll purchase tomorrow!   :)
 
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TomTom26 View Drop Down
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Posts: 26 		  Quote TomTom26 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 25 Jun 2008 at 9:42pm
Great advice again, thank you!  I take it that Big Brown was responsible for the shipping damage... I'll go FedEx if I can :)
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TomTom26 View Drop Down
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Posts: 26 		  Quote TomTom26 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 26 Jun 2008 at 1:39am

I see...

Does DS do local pickup?  I live 30 mins away  :)
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!ender_ View Drop Down
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Posts: 4219 		  Quote !ender_ Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 26 Jun 2008 at 1:42am
yes, i believe they do
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TomTom26 View Drop Down
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Posts: 26 		  Quote TomTom26 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 26 Jun 2008 at 1:01pm
Thanks guys!  Ordered my computer and requested a tour/pickup.
 
I'm psyched!!!!
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Alex View Drop Down
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Posts: 16314 		  Quote Alex Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 26 Jun 2008 at 1:28pm

Glad you are local! Smile

Also, I do not want to scare any customers away from us. The amount of damages is low. Having shipping damages is part of any company that does business nationally. We ship Hundreds of systems every month and have a low shipping damage rate.

We are also one of the very few that have custom packaging designed for each case. We don't re-use the packaging the case came with and just double box it. We have special foam pieces that are designed to absorb impacts and vibrations from shipping.

Regards,
Alex



Edited by Alex - 26 Jun 2008 at 1:34pm
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widdlecat View Drop Down
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Posts: 840 		  Quote widdlecat Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 26 Jun 2008 at 2:50pm
You guys keep missing the point! Think pink!!! Gotta go pink to be kewl! Tongue
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