From someone with a Spider platform, I can recommend the K9A2 Platinum V2. excellent board, full support, 8GB of RAM, and QuadFire...
time to build my new rig
Serafita Kayin
Cyb3r
oh and blackhearted you can get the uninstaller to only uninstall the video driver 
select this when deinstalling : only deinstall the following (should be an option 
oh and never ever install the nvidia network manager what ever you do don't do that or the ide drivers both are a hassle to deinstall and a hassle overall (network manager corrupting downloads, slowing down the network and the list goes on)
and the 16X.XX series of nvidia drivers don't have too big bugs with gw however i remember that 166.XX caused problems with trees and alot off the things displayed in the distance the only good 16X.XX driver that worked for me was a custom 169.21 one where sli worked liked it should on Dual 7800gt's (frame rates maxed at 80 (about the same now with the newer drivers, but with the older ones i topped at 55 fps vsync off btw btw that was @ 1680x1050 if you wonder which resolution i use )
And it's told that the G8/9 series have troubles cause of a certain reason namely hardware lightning not rendered well in UT2K4 by those cards there is a temp fix for it and that's disabling HW TnL (hardware transform and lightning) off
offtopic: Oh serafita you got too much money? :P
select this when deinstalling : only deinstall the following (should be an option oh and never ever install the nvidia network manager what ever you do don't do that or the ide drivers both are a hassle to deinstall and a hassle overall (network manager corrupting downloads, slowing down the network and the list goes on) and the 16X.XX series of nvidia drivers don't have too big bugs with gw however i remember that 166.XX caused problems with trees and alot off the things displayed in the distance the only good 16X.XX driver that worked for me was a custom 169.21 one where sli worked liked it should on Dual 7800gt's (frame rates maxed at 80 (about the same now with the newer drivers, but with the older ones i topped at 55 fps vsync off btw
btw that was @ 1680x1050 if you wonder which resolution i use )And it's told that the G8/9 series have troubles cause of a certain reason namely hardware lightning not rendered well in UT2K4 by those cards there is a temp fix for it and that's disabling HW TnL (hardware transform and lightning) off
offtopic: Oh serafita you got too much money? :P
Serafita Kayin
Try sponsorship. Mithril is a very popular mod, even unfinished. And, I have quite a catalog of work before her...
Blackhearted
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Cyb3r
oh and blackhearted you can get the uninstaller to only uninstall the video driver
select this when deinstalling : only deinstall the following (should be an option oh and never ever install the nvidia network manager what ever you do don't do that or the ide drivers both are a hassle to deinstall and a hassle overall (network manager corrupting downloads, slowing down the network and the list goes on) |
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Cyb3r
And it's told that the G8/9 series have troubles cause of a certain reason namely hardware lightning not rendered well in UT2K4 by those cards there is a temp fix for it and that's disabling HW TnL (hardware transform and lightning) off
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Brianna
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Blackhearted
oh wow, i didn't know that. Last time i changed drivers it never showed me that menu with those choices. Which was why i thought i couldn't do it without killing my mobo drivers too. And now for some reason it does. Odd.
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Came back to find everything messed up, no internet, sound, bah.. then I had to dig up the Mobo CD again. I'll be sure to not do that again.
LockerLoad
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief
That isn't true.
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief
Moriz is waiting for the 4870
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief
Thus, it would be pointless to get a 90nm (NINETY!!) based fab at this point.
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief
That is so wasteful, is an energy hog, and would bottleneck the new PCIe 2.0 based 4870's.
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief
PS: I don't need to read articles on Tom's. Anandtech is a better site anyways
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I'm not trying to start a pissing match, just stating the facts as I see them.
LockerLoad
Moriz, I guess you're SOL on the 780g board barring a trip to Kingston.
I urge you to reconsider the Intel system. It's only a little more expensive than the 780g+6400 system and a whole lot faster(and energy efficient in case you're feeling green).
Aside from the CPU and Mobo the rest of the components are compatible. You'd just need a cheapie vid card to get you by until the 4870 is available.
I urge you to reconsider the Intel system. It's only a little more expensive than the 780g+6400 system and a whole lot faster(and energy efficient in case you're feeling green).
Aside from the CPU and Mobo the rest of the components are compatible. You'd just need a cheapie vid card to get you by until the 4870 is available.
Blackhearted
Quote:
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Originally Posted by LockerLoad
Last I checked the AM2 6400 was a 65nm process.
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Only the Brisbane cores in the Athlon 64 x2 series are 65nm.
LockerLoad
I stand corrected
EDIT: It stings to be wrong but I suddenly feel much better about my Opty 180 ^^
EDIT: It stings to be wrong but I suddenly feel much better about my Opty 180 ^^
moriz
believe me, i'm seriously considering the intel option with a cheapie card, especially since i can get a gem like this one: http://www.factorydirect.ca/catalog/...p?pcode=AT1650
i'll have to get it shipped to the ottawa location though, since it's sold out there. let's hope factory direct allows that.
i'll have to get it shipped to the ottawa location though, since it's sold out there. let's hope factory direct allows that.
LockerLoad
Should you go Intel NCIX has some good prices on DFI Mobos.
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...anufacture=DFI
Compatible with 45nm CPU (E8400) boots but doesn't identify CPU properly until bios upgrade.
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...anufacture=DFI
Lanparty!!! that's the stuff extreme game systems are made of. Supports 45nm out of the box. Upgrade bios for VTT voltage control.
Should you decide to overclock an E8400 either of these boards will rock your socks.
I'd go with the Lanparty
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...anufacture=DFI
Compatible with 45nm CPU (E8400) boots but doesn't identify CPU properly until bios upgrade.
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...anufacture=DFI
Lanparty!!! that's the stuff extreme game systems are made of. Supports 45nm out of the box. Upgrade bios for VTT voltage control.
Should you decide to overclock an E8400 either of these boards will rock your socks.
I'd go with the Lanparty
moriz
harddrive: http://www.pccyber.com/?v=product&i=HD-ST3500320AS $79.99
memory: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...597&CatId=2368 64.99
motherboard: http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...anufacture=DFI $115.91
CPU: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...?EdpNo=3574211 $243.99
powersupply: http://www.pccyber.com/?v=product&i=PS-ANTEC-EA500 $88
case: http://www.everbest.on.ca/ver2/showProduct.php?id=2897 $69
DVD drive: http://www.everbest.on.ca/ver2/showProduct.php?id=2503 $31
video card: http://www.factorydirect.ca/catalog/...p?pcode=AT1650 $49.99
total: $742.87
after tax: $839.44
still under budget.
there's also the E7200 processor that has caught my eye. according to this website: http://techgage.com/article/intel_co...et_superstar/9 , the processor performs almost identical to the E8400 in game benchmarks. it's also at least $70 cheaper, which is nice.
memory: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...597&CatId=2368 64.99
motherboard: http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...anufacture=DFI $115.91
CPU: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...?EdpNo=3574211 $243.99
powersupply: http://www.pccyber.com/?v=product&i=PS-ANTEC-EA500 $88
case: http://www.everbest.on.ca/ver2/showProduct.php?id=2897 $69
DVD drive: http://www.everbest.on.ca/ver2/showProduct.php?id=2503 $31
video card: http://www.factorydirect.ca/catalog/...p?pcode=AT1650 $49.99
total: $742.87
after tax: $839.44
still under budget.
there's also the E7200 processor that has caught my eye. according to this website: http://techgage.com/article/intel_co...et_superstar/9 , the processor performs almost identical to the E8400 in game benchmarks. it's also at least $70 cheaper, which is nice.
LockerLoad
looks good. The only thing I have to add is that for a small fee NCIX will flash your BIOS for you upon request. I recomend this to avoid any potential problems.
EDIT: The Lanparty(2nd link) don't need a bios flash for 45nm compatibility but it is $34 more.
EDIT: I'd go for the E8400 http://techgage.com/article/intel_co...fdale_arrives/
Great chassis BTW.
I'm envious.
EDIT: The Lanparty(2nd link) don't need a bios flash for 45nm compatibility but it is $34 more.
EDIT: I'd go for the E8400 http://techgage.com/article/intel_co...fdale_arrives/
Great chassis BTW.
I'm envious.
Snograt
$2 surcharge on credit card payment? That company living in the dark ages, or is it a Canadian thing?
moriz
having been to the store (everbest that is), i can safely say that they DO live in the dark ages. that store has got to be the most dimly-lit store that i've ever been too 
Lord Sojar
Poor AMD, I feel sry for them. 
Admael
If I'm not mistaken, only the Phenoms and newer are 65nm. AMD doesn't have a dual-core 65nm chip.
Lord Sojar
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Admael
If I'm not mistaken, only the Phenoms and newer are 65nm. AMD doesn't have a dual-core 65nm chip.
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Oh btw, for for the E8400. The 45nm technology allows for some really nasty playroom for Overlocking, even for a beginner. Not only that, but it runs cooler (meaning it should last longer if all other variables are in line), and it uses significantly less power.
moriz
i know. apparently, the E8400 can be overclocked up to 4GHz, which is pretty insane.
i'm pretty much settled on the E7200 right now. its performance is comparable to the E8400 in games. if not, it's a simple matter of overclocking this thing up to 3GHz. and of course, it's much cheaper.
i'm pretty much settled on the E7200 right now. its performance is comparable to the E8400 in games. if not, it's a simple matter of overclocking this thing up to 3GHz. and of course, it's much cheaper.
Lord Sojar
Quote:
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Originally Posted by moriz
i know. apparently, the E8400 can be overclocked up to 4GHz, which is pretty insane.
i'm pretty much settled on the E7200 right now. its performance is comparable to the E8400 in games. if not, it's a simple matter of overclocking this thing up to 3GHz. and of course, it's much cheaper. |
EDIT: I just realized I am an idiot. I was thinking of a different model... the 7200 should be 45nm, it was on the die shrink lineup. Umm, I guess get it.
The only real differences are the FSB (1066 on E7200 vs 1333 on e8400) and their L2 Cache (which will hurt performance in some games) as well as virtualization technology (e7200 lacks it, but that shouldn't effect you), and base clockspeeds (3.0 vs 2.5ish?) So yeh, gotta weigh out the differences. Personally, I would go with the e8400, but it really is up to you.
LockerLoad
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief
EDIT: I just realized I am an idiot.
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BTW I'd buy the 8400 over the 7200 in the blink of an eye. It's cheaper than the Phenom Moriz was first considering and I just can't resist 500mhz for $70.
moriz
ok, slight dilemma on the cheapie card.
essentially, it's between these two:
http://www.factorydirect.ca/catalog/...p?pcode=AT1650
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...699&CatId=1826
by all indications, the X1650PRO is the faster card. however, it's sold out here in ottawa, and i'll need it to be shipped here from somewhere else. i don't know if factory direct will do that or not. and if they do, will they charge extra, andi don't know when will it actually get here.
the 6600GT is weaker by all likelihood. if i were to order it though, it would simply arrive with the rest of my parts.
essentially, it's between these two:
http://www.factorydirect.ca/catalog/...p?pcode=AT1650
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...699&CatId=1826
by all indications, the X1650PRO is the faster card. however, it's sold out here in ottawa, and i'll need it to be shipped here from somewhere else. i don't know if factory direct will do that or not. and if they do, will they charge extra, andi don't know when will it actually get here.
the 6600GT is weaker by all likelihood. if i were to order it though, it would simply arrive with the rest of my parts.
Snograt
Is a 7200GS better than a 6600GT? This one's dirt cheap - less than $30 after rebate http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...397&CatId=1558
LockerLoad
They're both dogs since they use slow DDR(like what you'll slot in your mobo) rather than GDDR that said the x1650 is probably the better card.
This would be a better choice although a little more expensive. http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...IN#detailspecs
Not only is it a much faster card with faster RAM, but I'd wager you could flog it to someone for hybrid crossfire use on a 780g system when you get your new card.
Those cards are $60 after taxes... Hell, I'll sell you my EVGA 7900GT for $60. I'm certainly due for an upgrade.
EDIT: retracts offer to sell card, don't want to replumb my WC system just now.
This would be a better choice although a little more expensive. http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...IN#detailspecs
Not only is it a much faster card with faster RAM, but I'd wager you could flog it to someone for hybrid crossfire use on a 780g system when you get your new card.
Those cards are $60 after taxes... Hell, I'll sell you my EVGA 7900GT for $60. I'm certainly due for an upgrade.
EDIT: retracts offer to sell card, don't want to replumb my WC system just now.
moriz
i'll take it
EDIT: damn
EDIT: damn
moriz
UPDATE:
half of my paycheck will be delayed until the middle of June. with the HD3800 series launch around that date, i might as well put off building until the 25th of June or something. so there's no need for a cheapie card now.
oh well, looks like i'll be one of the first to benchmark the HD3800 series. can't wait to see what it can do.
half of my paycheck will be delayed until the middle of June. with the HD3800 series launch around that date, i might as well put off building until the 25th of June or something. so there's no need for a cheapie card now.
oh well, looks like i'll be one of the first to benchmark the HD3800 series. can't wait to see what it can do.
LockerLoad
I'd wager Ram prices will fluctuate the most. You might be best off buying that sooner than later. DDR3 is on the rise, remember how DDR 400 prices skyrocketed once they became obsolete.
Bear in mind that increasing fuel prices will drive up the cost of imported goods as inventories are depleted.
Bear in mind that increasing fuel prices will drive up the cost of imported goods as inventories are depleted.
moriz
i'm probably going to buy the ram and motherboard, since those two are more or less settled. i'll hold off on the processor, since there's a local store that sells the E7200 at $153, but is currently out of stock.
LockerLoad
That's sound reasoning, go for it
LockerLoad
CPU prices falling:
E8400 199.99 http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...=CP1-DUO-E8400
Q6600 209.99 http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...=CP2-DUO-Q6600
E8400 199.99 http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...=CP1-DUO-E8400
Q6600 209.99 http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...=CP2-DUO-Q6600
moriz
UPDATE:
it's ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVEE!!!!!!!!!!
it's ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVEE!!!!!!!!!!
Lord Sojar
So you built it? Wait, so... you didn't wait for the 4870 cards? @_@ why?
moriz
the computer is currently running on a cheapy stand-in card. i'm still going for the HD4870 when they come out.
LockerLoad
Gratz Moriz,
What did you end up with? Pics pls.
What did you end up with? Pics pls.
moriz
pictures might have to wait a bit, since the rig does not have a flashcard reader, and i can't find my camera's USB connector cord. however, here's something that will make me buy antec products for a long time to come:
"Dear valued Customer,
It has come to our attention that a recent production of 120mm Tri-Cool fans may suffer from a minor defect in the speed control that prevents some units from working properly at the low speed setting. Since the problem was discovered in post-production Quality Control there is no way to determine precisely which units suffer from this issue without opening and testing tens of thousands of cases. So, in the interest of customer service and satisfaction, Antec has included a complete set of new, fully tested 120mm Tri-Cool fans with this case, free of charge."
really fortunate for me, since mine DOES work. so now i have 2 120mm fans going. to avoid the problem entirely, i've set the top and rear fans to "medium", and installed the replacement fan in front, near the bottom of the case.
here's what windows experience index thinks of my rig:
obviously the graphics department will suffer, since i'm using a cheapie card. i have no idea why it rates my memory and harddrive that high though.
specs:
intel core 2 duo E7200, 2.53ghz
4gb corsair PC6400 ram
ati radeon HD2400PRO
asus P33 chipset motherboard
pics will come later, after i find that USB connector.
"Dear valued Customer,
It has come to our attention that a recent production of 120mm Tri-Cool fans may suffer from a minor defect in the speed control that prevents some units from working properly at the low speed setting. Since the problem was discovered in post-production Quality Control there is no way to determine precisely which units suffer from this issue without opening and testing tens of thousands of cases. So, in the interest of customer service and satisfaction, Antec has included a complete set of new, fully tested 120mm Tri-Cool fans with this case, free of charge."
really fortunate for me, since mine DOES work. so now i have 2 120mm fans going. to avoid the problem entirely, i've set the top and rear fans to "medium", and installed the replacement fan in front, near the bottom of the case.
here's what windows experience index thinks of my rig:
obviously the graphics department will suffer, since i'm using a cheapie card. i have no idea why it rates my memory and harddrive that high though.
specs:
intel core 2 duo E7200, 2.53ghz
4gb corsair PC6400 ram
ati radeon HD2400PRO
asus P33 chipset motherboard
pics will come later, after i find that USB connector.
Brianna
Antec is pretty horrible in my opinion, though I do have their Tri-Cool fans which work fine, but the intake one stays on medium because it is a jet engine on High.
Looks like a really nice computer, should be smoking when you get the new offerings from ATI. My Vista scores a 5.4 due to the processor only scoring 5.4, HDD is 5.7 and everything else is 5.9, so yours will only top out at 5.4 too.. not that it's lousy ratings mean anything though.
Looks like a really nice computer, should be smoking when you get the new offerings from ATI. My Vista scores a 5.4 due to the processor only scoring 5.4, HDD is 5.7 and everything else is 5.9, so yours will only top out at 5.4 too.. not that it's lousy ratings mean anything though.
moriz
alrighty, pics:
picture quality is poor, since i used my cellphone.
i personally really like this case. it's easy to work with, it's got a lot of room, and is very, very well ventilated.
picture quality is poor, since i used my cellphone.
i personally really like this case. it's easy to work with, it's got a lot of room, and is very, very well ventilated.
Snograt
Some fool painted over your window. I can't see all the lovely blue lights.
Brianna
Like that case, would be nice if it came with a clear side panel like the Centurion does, but none the less it's still neat to me. Would probably buy it if I had to get another case.
LockerLoad
Nice looking case.
Does the HD2400 run GW at acceptable resolution and details?
Does the HD2400 run GW at acceptable resolution and details?