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Some questions re: Core i7 setup

Post Date: 2008-11-23
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boobie View Drop Down
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Posts: 40 		  Quote boobie Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Topic: Some questions re: Core i7 setup
    Posted: 23 Nov 2008 at 8:55pm
I am very interested in completing a Core i7 configuration.  However, I am a little confused how much memory to go with.  Notwithstanding the "more is better" theory, I am hoping somebody can help sort this out.

1) After much consideration, I have decided to stay with a 32-bit OS.  A maximum of 4GB of memory can be used and the rest (if any) is not utilized.  A bummer but I am reconciled with it.

2) Core i7 uses 3 channel memory.  It is my understanding that the memory is utilized better when the memory is installed in all 3 DIMM slots (3 GB = 1GB + 1GB + 1GB) instead of 2 slots (3 GB = 2GB + 1GB + empty slot).

If I were to elect to install 6GB of memory as suggested, would Windows be able to utilized 4GB without diminishing the efficiency?  Or put in a different way, as long as the memory is installed correctly (in groups of 3), the only downside will be that only 4GB will be seen and used by the OS?

Hope this makes sense and thanks for the help.
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Posts: 2220 		  Quote skyR Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 23 Nov 2008 at 9:06pm
32-bit can only address 4GB of memory as you already said. That includes not only system ram but also gpu ram and other hardware that need memory in order to operate.

For example, if you have a 4870X2 which has 2GB of memory. You'll only be left with 2GB of system memory.
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 23 Nov 2008 at 11:03pm
what is your budget and what resolution are you going to be gaming at?

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Posts: 40 		  Quote boobie Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 23 Nov 2008 at 11:36pm
Originally posted by skyR

32-bit can only address 4GB of memory as you already said. That includes not only system ram but also gpu ram and other hardware that need memory in order to operate.

For example, if you have a 4870X2 which has 2GB of memory. You'll only be left with 2GB of system memory.


Hmmm...I did not know that before.  That could be a game changer then and take me back to the drawing board!

So, roughly, if I had a 1GB card, the other 3GB would be used for the system?  Then it might make more sense to get only 3GB instead of 6GB, no?

Any idea about my original question though?


Edited by boobie - 23 Nov 2008 at 11:50pm
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Posts: 40 		  Quote boobie Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 23 Nov 2008 at 11:41pm
Originally posted by DST4ME

what is your budget and what resolution are you going to be gaming at?


Budget is in the $3.5k range.  Resolution is not a big issue for me.  I am probably getting a 1GB card

Any idea about the questions concerning system RAM?
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Posts: 292 		  Quote Rad!caL Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 24 Nov 2008 at 12:01am
There's absolutely no reason to not get Vista 64. 
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 24 Nov 2008 at 12:36am
this is a killer system:

here you go Ticket# 209760 --- Price: $3593 (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 Extreme Edition 965 3.2GHz (Quad Core) (Extreme Performance)
Motherboard: ASUS P6T Deluxe (Intel X58 Chipset) (Supports Dual SLI or CrossFire)
System Memory: 6GB DDR3 1600MHz OCZ (High-Performance)
Power Supply: 750W Corsair TX (Dual SLI Compatible) (Silent Edition)
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-ROM/CD-ROM (DVD Reader 16x / CD Reader 40x)
Optical Drive 2: - No Thanks
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Video Card: 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260+ 896MB (Includes PhysX Technology)
Add-on Card: - No Thanks
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
Extreme Cooling: H20: Stage 3: High-Performance Liquid Chilled FrostBite System For CPU
Liquid Color:UV Green: Glowing Non-conductive High-Performance Fluid (Requires H20: Stage 3 & UV Lighting)
Chassis Airflow: Standard Factory Chassis Fans
Internal Lighting: Internal Chassis Lighting System (UV) (Creates Glowing Effect For H20: Stage 3 UV Fluid)
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

or a bit different:

here you go Ticket# 209761 --- Price: $3278 (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: Paint All Trim Accents: Chassis Vents, Grills, Screws, and Hose Clamps (Red)
Processor: Intel Core i7 940 2.93GHz (Quad Core)
Motherboard: ASUS P6T Deluxe (Intel X58 Chipset) (Supports Dual SLI or CrossFire)
System Memory: 6GB DDR3 1333MHz Corsair DHX (High-Performance)
Power Supply: 750W Corsair TX (Dual SLI Compatible) (Silent Edition)
Card Reader: - No Thanks
Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: 300GB Western Digital VelociRaptor (10K RPM) (16MB Cache) (Extreme Speed)
Set 1 Raid Options: - No Thanks
Hard Drive Set 2: Multimedia\Data: 500GB Western Digital (16MB Cache) (7200 RPM) (SATA)
Hard Drive Set 3: Backup\Misc.: - No Thanks
Optical Drive 1: DVD-ROM/CD-ROM (DVD Reader 16x / CD Reader 40x)
Optical Drive 2: - No Thanks
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Video Card: 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260+ 896MB (Includes PhysX Technology)
Add-on Card: - No Thanks
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
Extreme Cooling: H20: Stage 3: High-Performance Liquid Chilled FrostBite System For CPU
Liquid Color:UV Green: Glowing Non-conductive High-Performance Fluid (Requires H20: Stage 3 & UV Lighting)
Chassis Airflow: Standard Factory Chassis Fans
Internal Lighting: Internal Chassis Lighting System (UV) (Creates Glowing Effect For H20: Stage 3 UV Fluid)
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

as your ram question, if seat a different size ram, your speed will be as fast as your slowest, so go with 6GB = 2GB + 2GB + 2GB

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boobie View Drop Down
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Posts: 40 		  Quote boobie Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 24 Nov 2008 at 1:30pm
Originally posted by Rad!caL

There's absolutely no reason to not get Vista 64. 


Given that it is not an OS that is used by even a large minority of users (in Windows) shouldn't there be concerns about driver availability and such?  Windows still seems to focus on 32-bit software, even as it develops Windows 7.

Any advice about this would be appreciated.
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Posts: 2220 		  Quote skyR Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 24 Nov 2008 at 1:43pm
All recent hardware should have drivers for 64-bit.

Majority of 32-bit software will run in Vista 64-bit. 16-bit software will not be able to run at all.
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Posts: 40 		  Quote boobie Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 24 Nov 2008 at 1:44pm
Originally posted by DST4ME

this is a killer system:


as your ram question, if seat a different size ram, your speed will be as fast as your slowest, so go with 6GB = 2GB + 2GB + 2GB


The systems are of interest though I think I want an air-cooled system.  Liquid cooled would be nice but more concern than I need.

I noticed that both systems lack a soundcard- I know integrated motherboard audio has progressed a bit but I often use the computer as a home theater also- any thoughts.  Thanks.
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 24 Nov 2008 at 2:41pm
I think the intergrated sound is 7.1, I'm not sure but if sound is important to you then go ahead and add a sound card.

Liquid cooling has no problems so I'm not sure what you are concered about it, its more quiet and will get you better OC speeds.

People don't use the vista 64bit cause of all the myth and bashing vista has gotten.

In reality its a great OS and most people bashing it never even used it, you will find the majority of users on this forum and majority of people with DS systems are on vista 64bit with no problems.

hope that helps

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Posts: 40 		  Quote boobie Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 24 Nov 2008 at 3:58pm
Originally posted by DST4ME

I think the intergrated sound is 7.1, I'm not sure but if sound is important to you then go ahead and add a sound card.

Liquid cooling has no problems so I'm not sure what you are concered about it, its more quiet and will get you better OC speeds.

People don't use the vista 64bit cause of all the myth and bashing vista has gotten.

In reality its a great OS and most people bashing it never even used it, you will find the majority of users on this forum and majority of people with DS systems are on vista 64bit with no problems.

hope that helps


Thanks.

Concerns about LC are more psychological than anything- thoughts of liquid dripping over thousands of dollars worth of computer gear.  Yes, probably totally unrealistic but...

I am reconsidering 64-bit strongly...maybe a dual boot with XP.  Are dual boots better on different drives or do different partitions suffice.  I wanted to spring for a 150GB VelociRaptor but my budget won't allow two of them.
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Posts: 40 		  Quote boobie Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 24 Nov 2008 at 4:00pm
Originally posted by skyR

All recent hardware should have drivers for 64-bit.

Majority of 32-bit software will run in Vista 64-bit. 16-bit software will not be able to run at all.


As it is, I am considering a dual boot with XP so that might be the best way...a strong push to 64-bit. Just not clear the best way to set up a dual boot is.  Anybody have any experience with it...and any thoughts negative/positive?
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Posts: 198 		  Quote gamerk2 Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 24 Nov 2008 at 4:31pm
Seperate partitions are fine, but given how XP is basically for everything pre-DX10, I'd keep it on a seperate HD for legacy reasons.
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Posts: 292 		  Quote Rad!caL Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 24 Nov 2008 at 6:31pm
Vista 64 bit is the best Windows OS you can get right now. It's had enough updates (and SP1) along with driver support to be fast and stable.

If you want a fast computer, 32-bit will handicap your performance due to the memory restrictions etc. Anything 32-bit is backwards compatible with Vista 64.

Get a real sound card, the Xonar D2X is an excellent choice.
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 24 Nov 2008 at 7:10pm
dual boot XP and vista 64 is a good idea but both drives are gonna share the boot files on one of the drives.

Also I had another customer request this and DS was not comfortable with it so they ended up not doing it.

you can dual boot on one drive but personally I don't like that.

as mentioned, vista 64bit has a program folder for those apps that can run on only 32bit so you can install 32bit or 64bit apps and stuff.

the liquid in your system is air tight, but if you like you can spill the liquid onto your system.

nothing will happen, its none conductive liquid, which means when spilled, nothing will happen, and your system is under warranty anyways

Edited by DST4ME - 24 Nov 2008 at 7:11pm

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Posts: 40 		  Quote boobie Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 25 Nov 2008 at 4:38pm
Thanks for the input.  I think I definitely will go with a dual boot system, separate drives and a 64-bit OS.

I am still not sure about the liquid cooling.  Any thoughts on why air-cooling would NOT be the way to go?  I will let DS overclock the processor but I don't need to be crazed with it.
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Posts: 726 		  Quote XpubuX Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 25 Nov 2008 at 5:20pm
your temps will be 10-15 degrees cooler wih liquid which alows for more voltage and higher overclocking. Also It looks really cool
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 25 Nov 2008 at 5:29pm
As XpubuX said, with LC you get better temps, if you are not interested in pushing it yourself or you are OK with moderate OC speeds then go ahead and go with air

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Posts: 40 		  Quote boobie Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 25 Nov 2008 at 6:26pm
While the bling factor is enticing and the performance boost really is an incentive, I can tolerate moderate overclocks so me thinks I will go with air.
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 25 Nov 2008 at 6:28pm
You got to go with what you likes

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Posts: 292 		  Quote Rad!caL Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 26 Nov 2008 at 1:01am
Yeah it's all up to you but LC offers:

Better cooling performance
Significant OC potential
Lower noise
Attractive aesthetics

Also I don't see why you'd want XP as well, it's quite a bit more and I don't see any reason to use XP anymore.
 
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