Getting a new PC - Guild Wars Guru archive powered by Guild Wars Legacy

malevolence

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jun 2006

10 Apr 2008 at 13:36 - 1

Hi everybody , I will build a new machine (next month, or next week if I get the money )

, and here is the hardware I selected/you recommended :

EDIT: More changes...

-Memory: OCZ ReaperX HPC Enhanced Bandwidth 4096 MB, PC3-10666, 1333 MHz, 6, Non-ECC, Kit Of 2
-MotherBoard: XFX NForce 790i 3-Way SLI (Systeem Bus:1600 MHz - Chipset: NVIDIA nForce 790i Ultra MCP )
-CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 2.50 GHz, 1333 MHz, 6 MB, Tray
-Case: Thermaltake SwingRS 100 Black with window
-Monitor: Samsung TFT SyncMaster 226BW 22 Inch, 2 Ms, Black
-HD:Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 320 GB, 7200 Rpm, 16 MB, S-ATA II/300
-PowerSupply: Thermaltake Toughpower 850 Watt, 20+24 Pins (compatible with GX2)
-Video Card: XFX GeForce 9800 GX2 1024 MB, PCI-e 16x
-CPU cooler: Xigmatek HDT-S1283 Aluminium, Koper

In total is like: 1994 €

What do you think , is all ok ? please advice and leave a comment.

Thank you.

Cheers.

Pasha the Mighty

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Nov 2007

South Park, Colorado

OtDL

D/A

10 Apr 2008 at 13:39 - 2

I dunno about that cooler. Why dont you get the scythe infinity? It's like the best one out there. Also, that's going to be one hell of a computer
EDIT: typo

malevolence

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jun 2006

10 Apr 2008 at 13:53 - 3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pasha the Mighty

I dunno about that cooler. Why dont you get the scythe infinity? It's like the best one out there. Also, that's going to be on hell of a computer

The new version of scythe infinity looks great

and all coolers from scythe are nice

. Thank you for the advice.

Brianna

Insane & Inhumane

Join Date: Feb 2006

10 Apr 2008 at 15:09 - 4

I wouldn't get that exact Zalman heatsink, I'd go for a better one like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118019 I was personally going to buy this model, but bought a different one because I thought it would hit my RAM.

Is this the Scythe Infinity you mean?

If so, that is huge. I think the Zalman is much smaller than that, but yeah it looks like it's effective none the less.

Pasha the Mighty

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Nov 2007

South Park, Colorado

OtDL

D/A

10 Apr 2008 at 15:13 - 5

It definitely is huge, and it definitely get's the job done. It's so super awesome you'll hit other problems while oc'ing the cpu before you start to get near a too high temp.

Brianna

Insane & Inhumane

Join Date: Feb 2006

10 Apr 2008 at 15:26 - 6

Heh, yeah, well no doubt, it's huge.

I think on my next system build, I'll go with the Zalman, I just hope I don't chop my finger off with it like some other people almost have.

Right now I have a Thermaltake Mini Typhoon, it's full copper with 6 heat pipes and all that, about 20-30$ USD now for it, it's decent but there is way more effective things out there.

Painbringer

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Jun 2006

Minnesota

Black Widows of Death

W/Mo

10 Apr 2008 at 18:14 - 7

And to think back in the day... I built a Pentium 166 mini ATX mother board with 16 ram / 4 meg maxtron graphics with sound blaster and a 200 meg Hard drive (I think if I remember right I am at work)

Only had problems copying the windows software from my older system to the new machine. I thought it was awesome.

What is the price range you are spending for this machine?

majestikk

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Aug 2006

10 Apr 2008 at 19:07 - 8

if you're going to be spending that much money why not get a monitor with a higher contrast ratio
the one you selected is 700:1
the Samsung 226BW 22IN Widescreen is 3000:1 with a 2ms refresh rate
and the newer version, 2253BW, is supposed to have like 8000:1 and not have a panel lottery

Pasha the Mighty

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Nov 2007

South Park, Colorado

OtDL

D/A

10 Apr 2008 at 19:46 - 9

If we're recommending new monitors, consider the hp w2207. It was compared to the 223CW, and it was said to have the WOW factor the samsung didn't. BTW, the 223CW is similar, but also doesn't have a panel lottery. here's the comparison: http://reviews.cnet.com/lcd-monitors...7&cval=2447317
btw, it has a refresh rate of 5ms, but I don't think you'll notice the difference between the 2ms of the CW. It is more expensive though

Nazar Razak

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Mar 2006

10 Apr 2008 at 19:54 - 10

Malevolance, the Cooler AFAIK will fit. they are both Socket 775. So i dont see what problem there would be. But in my opinion, this is a better one. ^^
Anyway. I also think that getting a physics card is totally useless. PhysX is used in only a few games.
The video card im not sure, there is alot of debate, whether the 8 series, or 9 series are better. Many people go for the 8800 Ultra, while others go for the 9800 GX2. so uh...yeah.

Pasha the Mighty

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Nov 2007

South Park, Colorado

OtDL

D/A

10 Apr 2008 at 20:21 - 11

I'm sorry, but seeing as the 8800gts-512 can match the gtx, and the gtx and ultra are similar, and the gx2 is pretty much 2 gts-512's, I don't really see any debate room. Also, isn't the 9800gtx better than the 8800gtx and ultra, and isn't the gx2 better than the 9800gtx (but also way more expensive)? Anyway, who is going to spend 230 pounds on a cpu cooler? that's 450 dollars, or in other words, another gx2 for quad-sli. I think I proved my point. You can oc all you want with that cooler, but with that kind of money, I'd go for quad sli.
anyway, OT: I agree that you don't need the physx. Also, you really should look into the scythe infinity, it's like 30 dollars, which is normal for a good cpu cooler, but it has the capability to mount 4 120mm fans in 2 push-pull configurations.

Nazar Razak

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Mar 2006

10 Apr 2008 at 20:32 - 12

The cooler, i was joking :P
But the thing is, the GX2 is basically two GPUs in one, performance with it is very similar to the 8800 Ultra in non-SLI supported games. the 9800 GTX has similar performance to the 8800 Ultra aswell. Anyway, if you would want to do SLI, three 9800 GTXs perform better than two GX2s (those being the most you can put in a system).
As for coolers, look into Arctic Cooling fans, cheap and cheerful :P.
Your CPU, i uh...dont know much about it, but look into getting a Q6600, (they are perfect for overclocking) many people OC to 3ghz on Air! (and some crazy people to 4ghz, but hey.)

Pasha the Mighty

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Nov 2007

South Park, Colorado

OtDL

D/A

10 Apr 2008 at 20:59 - 13

Well, if we're recommending other cpu's, don't get a quad. I'm telling you, the ones which are good now will be obsolete by the time they get used to their full potential. Get an e8400. I heard you can get it to run on 4ghz easily. I read about the tri-sli, but I think we're spending the topic starter's money, money that he might not want to spend on a freakin' tri-sli capable mobo and three 9800 gtx's. BTW, the 9800gtx is cheaper than the ultra, and just as much as the 8800gtx, so I'd choose it over anything, including the gx2, cuz that thing is way overpriced.

Nazar Razak

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Mar 2006

10 Apr 2008 at 21:16 - 14

The thing is about the Q9660, is its Cheap, and easy to overclock to something that would be about £500 more expensive.
Edit: looking at the e8400, its the same price as a Q9660, but dual-core?
the thing is, wont dual-core CPUs just become obsolete...faster than a good Quad-Core?

Pasha the Mighty

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Nov 2007

South Park, Colorado

OtDL

D/A

10 Apr 2008 at 21:42 - 15

No, because games and programs are at the moment properly adjusted to dual core cpu's, but not quad's. Only with video encoding and stuff like that would you profit from a quad right now. Now don't get me wrong, your computer will react a bit faster with a quad core, but it has less processing power per core, that's why I'm going for the dual core.

Why_Me

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Apr 2006

New Jersey

Mo/

10 Apr 2008 at 21:43 - 16

The absolute best (air) coolers on the market are the thermalright ultra 120 extreme and the Xigmatek hdt-s1283. The xigmatek is also cheaper than the other coolers recommended.

Nazar Razak

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Mar 2006

10 Apr 2008 at 22:22 - 17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pasha the Mighty

No, because games and programs are at the moment properly adjusted to dual core cpu's, but not quad's. Only with video encoding and stuff like that would you profit from a quad right now. Now don't get me wrong, your computer will react a bit faster with a quad core, but it has less processing power per core, that's why I'm going for the dual core.

ok, lets compare the e8400, with the Q6600.
the Q6600 is very easily overclocked, so you could OC it to 3ghz per core. so even if a program only utilates 2 cores, it would get the same performance as the e8400.
But anyway, getting a quad-core would probably last longer IMO, when technology moves on, quad-core multithreading would be used more.
Its not like he's going to wait a few years to get a new computer because the current quad-core CPUs arent being used to their full potential. And if two cores out of four in a quad-core amount to the same of both cores in a dual-core. at the same price, whats the point?

malevolence

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jun 2006

11 Apr 2008 at 00:00 - 18

Hi, thanks for the advices

, yeah I was looking into the Q6600 cpu first , and its a good idea to buy the Q6600, I will fix that. About the monitor great adivice , I hope price dont get higher :S , all I can spend is 2000e , no more.

I saw a good review with several games (including Crysis) and benchmarks comparing the 9800 GX2 and the 8800 Ultra , the GX2 performed better in overall , and the price is really low comparing to the 8800 ultra, so I will stick with the GX2 at the moment, the only problem at the moment is the driver , but I am sure Nvida will fix that soon.

One question now, whats the different with the Q6600 and the Q6600 G0 ?

Quaker

Hell's Protector

Join Date: Aug 2005

Canada

Brothers Disgruntled

11 Apr 2008 at 00:04 - 19

Quote:

Originally Posted by malevolence

-PhysX card: BFG PhysX

Don't bother. The PhysX card is essentially a dead issue.

Quote:

Actually , I am having 1 issues here, the CPU cooler , I am not sure if it will work well with the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550.

Unless you plan to overclock it, the stock cooler should be more than enough. Other than that, you'd need to make sure the cooler you get can actually fit on the motherboard/cpu.

Nazar Razak

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Mar 2006

11 Apr 2008 at 00:34 - 20

the GO version overclocks better, (uses less energy, makes less heat). It wont matter which version you get, unless you start overclocking above 2.8ghz (which i would do, when i get it :P).

Why_Me

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Apr 2006

New Jersey

Mo/

11 Apr 2008 at 01:36 - 21

To clarify, G0 is the stepping (basically like a "revision" of the processor). It can be either B3 or G0. G0 overclocks better. TBH if you bought a q6600 now there is a 90% chance it will be G0, B3 are steadily shifting out of stock with the production of the superior G0's.

Tachyon

Forge Runner

Join Date: Nov 2005

Stoke, England

The Godless [GOD]

W/

11 Apr 2008 at 01:37 - 22

Quite frankly, if you're stumping up cash like that for new PC then personally I'd drop another ton and add this Raptor into the mix. Then you can have the OS and applications on that shit-fast Raptor, and leave the 500GB 'Cuda dedicated for Games.

Oh yeah, Ditch the PhysX! They're nowt but a waste of money, space and power!

Blackhearted

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jan 2007

Ohio, usa

none

Mo/

11 Apr 2008 at 02:34 - 23

Since this has yet to be mentioned in any way... Do you plan on putting a 64 bit version of windows on it so you can actually use all of that ram?

Tachyon

Forge Runner

Join Date: Nov 2005

Stoke, England

The Godless [GOD]

W/

11 Apr 2008 at 03:42 - 24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackhearted

Since this has yet to be mentioned in any way... Do you plan on putting a 64 bit version of windows on it so you can actually use all of that ram?

I took it for granted that they would be. After all, in this day and age you'd be pretty daft not to go for the 64bit OS when building a new high-soec gaming system.

I'd say that Vista Home Premium 64bit should suffice. Can't see the point in shelling out more cash on Ultimate if you're not going to be using the extra content.

malevolence

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jun 2006

11 Apr 2008 at 07:30 - 25

Thanks for the G0 information both , I took that one right away

, and about the Raptor HD great idea

its 10000rpm , I will look for it. And regarding the Physx card is no need ? if so I will take it out and save some money.

I was planning to have both windows installed , of course the vista 64bit for directx 10.

Admael

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Sep 2005

California

Xen of Heroes

11 Apr 2008 at 07:53 - 26

Yeah, throw out the PhysX card, not worth the money.

Raptors are great, you'll definitely notice the access time increases, the single platter 320GB Barracudas from Seagate are also great, low noise, low heat, low vibration, faster read/write access/seek times. Essentially a better drive!

The Q6600 G0 is/was a good chip, but it's almost times up. You'd definitely want to go with the E8400 unless you're dead on about having a quad core.

EDIT: As for high end HSF, I'd go for either the Zalman 9700 or the Tuniq T-120 depending on your chassis airflow.
The Tuniq Tower-120 is huge, might not fit if you're use to clutter. Here's what mine looks like:

malevolence

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jun 2006

11 Apr 2008 at 14:08 - 27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Admael

Yeah, throw out the PhysX card, not worth the money.

Raptors are great, you'll definitely notice the access time increases, the single platter 320GB Barracudas from Seagate are also great, low noise, low heat, low vibration, faster read/write access/seek times. Essentially a better drive!

The Q6600 G0 is/was a good chip, but it's almost times up. You'd definitely want to go with the E8400 unless you're dead on about having a quad core.

EDIT: As for high end HSF, I'd go for either the Zalman 9700 or the Tuniq T-120 depending on your chassis airflow.
The Tuniq Tower-120 is huge, might not fit if you're use to clutter. Here's what mine looks like:

According to one review about the MotherBoard , the model I want cannot use the cooler Tuniq Tower-120

because is too big , I will look for the Zalman 9700 later , cuz now I am out of time

BTW your PC looks nice

specially with that cooler

, I see you have two EVGA in SLI mode, how is the perfomance of a EVGA ?

THanks.

Pasha the Mighty

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Nov 2007

South Park, Colorado

OtDL

D/A

11 Apr 2008 at 15:04 - 28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nazar Razak

ok, lets compare the e8400, with the Q6600.
the Q6600 is very easily overclocked, so you could OC it to 3ghz per core. so even if a program only utilates 2 cores, it would get the same performance as the e8400.
But anyway, getting a quad-core would probably last longer IMO, when technology moves on, quad-core multithreading would be used more.
Its not like he's going to wait a few years to get a new computer because the current quad-core CPUs arent being used to their full potential. And if two cores out of four in a quad-core amount to the same of both cores in a dual-core. at the same price, whats the point?

If that's your argument, why dont I use it too? There's no problem in overclocking an e8400 to 4ghz, and if it'll still take a year or longer for programs to utilize 4 cores properly, why don't you get a super awesome dual core now, and get a new super awesome quad core then? Also, most people with good airflow and cpu coolers will get it higher than 4ghz.
I still recommend the scythe infinity as best cpu cooler, but nobody seems to back me up here

What monitor did you settle for?
Anyway, good luck with your rig

zamial

Site Contributor

Join Date: Apr 2006

Usa

TKC

N/

11 Apr 2008 at 15:39 - 29

Well, my system is near the above 1 by Admael.(btw I have the same case too, nice build)

Just room for some thought.
The 790i ONLY supports ddr3 ram, which is reaaallllyyy expensive and the latencies SUX.

The 780i supports only ddr2 ram which you can get 8 gigs for the price of 1 or 2 gigs of ddr3.

On both boards the stock heat sink fan is garbage for over clocking. With the Tuniq you can not mod it to have a real 60mm x 60mm x 25mm fan, instead of the crappy 40 mm stock.

I suggest the: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118020

I started with the ac freezer pro and in 2 weeks I will have the above zalman and I WILL smash that ac 7 to pieces before it goes in the recycling bin. It can NOT hang with over clocking it is cheap, hits my northbridge fan, and is the cause for hours of headaches, It will DIEEEEEEEEEE.

Both boards support the new soon/not/just recently released 45nm chips.

I also love my hp monitor.

Tachyon

Forge Runner

Join Date: Nov 2005

Stoke, England

The Godless [GOD]

W/

11 Apr 2008 at 16:27 - 30

Can I just say that, Admael I hate you! It's nothing personal you understand, I just hate everyone who builds their own PC's and manage to keep the cabling tidy. At the moment, mine looks like an explosion in a snake factory!

Zamorakk

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Aug 2007

Team of the North

W/

11 Apr 2008 at 17:24 - 31

If i where u, I wouldnt go for zalman cpu coolers, they realy arent the best anymore.

Zamorakk

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Aug 2007

Team of the North

W/

11 Apr 2008 at 17:28 - 32

The Scythe is one of the best cpu coolers, better than the Big Tuniq Tower 120 STANDARD, the Tuniq towers hfs isnt straight, but if u make it staight its the best cpu cooler (with a scythe s-flex fan).

And raptors are old, a samsung F1 almost gets the same speed, and costs about 140 euros for 1TB!

and Admael, I love ur pc

Are that 2 8800Ultras? (the fan looks like an ultra one)

Brianna

Insane & Inhumane

Join Date: Feb 2006

11 Apr 2008 at 17:36 - 33

Those are (G92) 512MB 8800 GTS's I believe, they have the unique cooler.

even though Zalman may not be as effective, you have to think about the SIZE of those coolers you are talking about, not everyone can use those.

malevolence

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jun 2006

11 Apr 2008 at 18:04 - 34

Well , the system I want to build must work for at least 5 or 6 years, I know the DDR3 has a bad latency (9 ,8 or 7 ) , but I believe that in the future there will be better DDR3 options and better CPUs at 1600 MHz FSB , so I think a good option for DDR3 / 1600 MHz FSB is the 790i ultra SLI. Now , I made my calculations and a 780i (with 4GB DDR2) are only 200 euros difference from the 790i Ultra SLI.

I am planning to buy another GeForce 9800 GX2 later to use the SLI-Quad GPU option to use it with the 790i Ultra SLI motherboard.

But if you tell me that the 780i + DDR2 gonna make it till 5 years , that change my mind for sure.

Cheers.

Pasha the Mighty

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Nov 2007

South Park, Colorado

OtDL

D/A

11 Apr 2008 at 18:40 - 35

Quote:

Originally Posted by malevolence

Well , the system I want to build must work for at least 5 or 6 years, I know the DDR3 has a bad latency (9 ,8 or 7 ) , but I believe that in the future there will be better DDR3 options and better CPUs at 1600 MHz FSB , so I think a good option for DDR3 / 1600 MHz FSB is the 790i ultra SLI. Now , I made my calculations and a 780i (with 4GB DDR2) are only 200 euros difference from the 790i Ultra SLI.

I am planning to buy another GeForce 9800 GX2 later to use the SLI-Quad GPU option to use it with the 790i Ultra SLI motherboard.

But if you tell me that the 780i + DDR2 gonna make it till 5 years , that change my mind for sure.

Cheers.

You're right, ddr3 will probably the widely used standard by then. Go with that by all means. It's just that by the time it is the standard, the prices will probably be closer to affordable than that they are now. But if you don't want to change a thing for 5 years, I'd say go for it. But don't listen to me, I don't have that much expertise on building pc's, I ordered a p5k-e motherboard without checking wether my d805 would work with it! It's really weird that it isnt compatible with a 533 FSB...
Btw, Admael, your computer looks awesome with the whole black thing going on.

Why_Me

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Apr 2006

New Jersey

Mo/

11 Apr 2008 at 21:01 - 36

Seriously, the xigmatek hdt-s1283 will destroy any tuniq tower 120, scythe infinity, or zalman, not to mention being cheaper and thinner. This is because the copper heatpipes have direct contact with the processor heatspreader. Look up some reviews.

I recommend seagate barracudas. They have the same transfer speed as raptors, and are quieter and cheaper. The raptor is only superior in looking up many small files (due to its superior seek time).

Pasha the Mighty

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Nov 2007

South Park, Colorado

OtDL

D/A

11 Apr 2008 at 21:07 - 37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Why_Me

Seriously, the xigmatek hdt-s1283 will destroy any tuniq tower 120, scythe infinity, or zalman, not to mention being cheaper and thinner. This is because the copper heatpipes have direct contact with the processor heatspreader. Look up some reviews.

I recommend seagate barracudas. They have the same transfer speed as raptors, and are quieter and cheaper. The raptor is only superior in looking up many small files (due to its superior seek time).

superior seek time means that your computer will boot faster, and all your programs will also startup faster, because the raptor can find them quicker than a 7.2k hdd. But, I must admit, I also read a lot of reviews, and saw benchmarks where the 750gb samsung, forgot the actual model number, comes pretty close to the raptor.

Tachyon

Forge Runner

Join Date: Nov 2005

Stoke, England

The Godless [GOD]

W/

11 Apr 2008 at 21:11 - 38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Why_Me

Seriously, the xigmatek hdt-s1283 will destroy any tuniq tower 120, scythe infinity, or zalman

There's only one way to find out!

Pasha the Mighty

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Nov 2007

South Park, Colorado

OtDL

D/A

11 Apr 2008 at 21:30 - 39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Why_Me

Seriously, the xigmatek hdt-s1283 will destroy any tuniq tower 120, scythe infinity, or zalman, not to mention being cheaper and thinner. This is because the copper heatpipes have direct contact with the processor heatspreader. Look up some reviews.

I hate to admit it, but he's right. http://www.frostytech.com/top5heatsinks.cfm

Admael

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Sep 2005

California

Xen of Heroes

11 Apr 2008 at 22:02 - 40

I'll have to agree with the HDT-S1283, it is a superior air cooler than the Tuniq-T or Zalman.

Quote:

Originally Posted by malevolence

According to one review about the MotherBoard , the model I want cannot use the cooler Tuniq Tower-120

because is too big , I will look for the Zalman 9700 later , cuz now I am out of time

BTW your PC looks nice

specially with that cooler

, I see you have two EVGA in SLI mode, how is the perfomance of a EVGA ?

THanks.

All video cards are the same, all companies buy the boards bulk from the same manufacturers, then slap their own stickers and coolers on them. When you buy EVGA (or any brand) you're buying their box, their manuals, their customer service, and their warranty, nothing more.

EVGA will take care of you, if they service your country, then definitely look into it. They performance of those cards are definitely worth the SLi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zamorakk

and Admael, I love ur pc

Are that 2 8800Ultras? (the fan looks like an ultra one)

They're 8800 GTS 512, like Brianna says, but my build doesn't look like that anymore. Because it's an old picture (I just wanted to show the Tuniq Tower), I don't even have the 8800 GTS 512's anymore, I traded them in for 9800 GTX.

http://admael.exofire.net/images/ad780ilc.jpg