I have been out of the computer game for a very long time now.
My current computer is:
AMD Athlone Xp +2600
1Gb ram
Win xp sp3
80Gb HDD
nvidia Gefores 5600 Ultra
15" Dell monitor
So I need an upgrade but Im not gonna build it this time, it seems the game has moved on since lol.
Ok so who wants to build it for me (as in what to get) was looking to get it from Komplett? Alienware? I live in Ireland
Was thinking Vista ultimate? 64 bit or 32?
2Gb ram or 4Gb?
250Gb HDD enough?
SLi? 8800 gts? 9800gtx/gx2? gtx 280? lol
Also was thinking 20" Samsung monitor?
PSU 1000w or 750?
CPU?
Was wanting to get something that would last 4 years at least.
was gonna get it for Christmas so was gonna order around November?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Got €2000 for a new computer...
The Muffen Man
zamial
personally I would wait untill the new chips come out near end of year. if not then.
790i mobo or a skull trail
8 or 4 gigs of the best ddr3 ram you can get.
a qx series intel chip (skull trail uses 2)
3 x280 nvidia graphics cards
2 western digital velocoraptor hard drives
a 1500 watt thermaltake psu
a case that has some REALLY good cooling.
a big monitor
and vista 64-bit
any thing I miss?
if its gonna be around x-mas get a nehalm chip and mobo for it(not out yet). soz didn't see that part.
790i mobo or a skull trail
8 or 4 gigs of the best ddr3 ram you can get.
a qx series intel chip (skull trail uses 2)
3 x280 nvidia graphics cards
2 western digital velocoraptor hard drives
a 1500 watt thermaltake psu
a case that has some REALLY good cooling.
a big monitor
and vista 64-bit
any thing I miss?
if its gonna be around x-mas get a nehalm chip and mobo for it(not out yet). soz didn't see that part.
nebuchanezzar
2000 pounds is what?, like 3k+ american? While it wont buy you a top-of-the-line Voodoo/Falcon/Alienware you could certainly build one for that much.
Since you are looking at future proofing(yes an oxymoron in computing but..) then focus on the big things that should last that long.
1. A big fat juicy power supply with more power than you need, cuz you will probably need it down the line.
2. A well designed case with good layout and excellent cooling. If you like some DIY then adding a "blowhole" to the top helps tremendously in many cases.
3. The most recent chipset/motherboard you can within reason. I personnaly don't buy bleeding edge hardware. I let it come down a notch to just cutting edge =]. Then I have some history to compare and reference myself.
4. The monitor
Those items are the main things that will stick around. The CPU, Ram, GPU, HDDs, etc can and often do still get replaced/upgraded.
While you can certainly go all out on the first attempt and hope to never have to change anything for 4 more years, I would build the base as strong as I can. Start with only 1 or maybe 2 GPUs and 4 GB of Ram. You then have possibilities of adding more of either as time/need requires without rebuilding the whole system. I myself include the CPU in that but most don't want the hassle of pulling the heatsink, then cpu, then thermal paste and reseating everything.
Also, I have no clue whom to recommend for a build on your side of the pond, sorry =[.
Your time frame is actually in your favor. Whether you decide to get the new Intel CPU or not you will have plenty of options. Top of the line new components, or (assumably) highly discounted "current" hardware as the next stage is launched. I haven't got personal input on the new Intel package, but the buzz is implying that it really is a leap in terms of the technology this time instead of just a die shrinking or slight architecture modification.
Since you are looking at future proofing(yes an oxymoron in computing but..) then focus on the big things that should last that long.
1. A big fat juicy power supply with more power than you need, cuz you will probably need it down the line.
2. A well designed case with good layout and excellent cooling. If you like some DIY then adding a "blowhole" to the top helps tremendously in many cases.
3. The most recent chipset/motherboard you can within reason. I personnaly don't buy bleeding edge hardware. I let it come down a notch to just cutting edge =]. Then I have some history to compare and reference myself.
4. The monitor
Those items are the main things that will stick around. The CPU, Ram, GPU, HDDs, etc can and often do still get replaced/upgraded.
While you can certainly go all out on the first attempt and hope to never have to change anything for 4 more years, I would build the base as strong as I can. Start with only 1 or maybe 2 GPUs and 4 GB of Ram. You then have possibilities of adding more of either as time/need requires without rebuilding the whole system. I myself include the CPU in that but most don't want the hassle of pulling the heatsink, then cpu, then thermal paste and reseating everything.
Also, I have no clue whom to recommend for a build on your side of the pond, sorry =[.
Your time frame is actually in your favor. Whether you decide to get the new Intel CPU or not you will have plenty of options. Top of the line new components, or (assumably) highly discounted "current" hardware as the next stage is launched. I haven't got personal input on the new Intel package, but the buzz is implying that it really is a leap in terms of the technology this time instead of just a die shrinking or slight architecture modification.
Evil Genius
There's not much point naming specific components at this time. By November Nehalem (Intel's new chip) will (likely) be released and so will motherboards based on the X58 chipset. Prices will be cheaper on everything. New video cards will be out etc. SSDs will be finally affordable.
November sounds like an awesome time to buy a computer. However, don't buy an Alienware. They charge too much of a price premium. Best to build yourself, or choose components and have your local computer store build it for much less.
November sounds like an awesome time to buy a computer. However, don't buy an Alienware. They charge too much of a price premium. Best to build yourself, or choose components and have your local computer store build it for much less.
Snograt
He said € not £ - we're talking Euros.
€2000 = $3157 = £1584
That's still plenty of computer
€2000 = $3157 = £1584
That's still plenty of computer
The Muffen Man
Good advice here Keep em coming!
What Im confused most about is what operating system to go for and in turn the amount of ram that would be needed.
Also graphics cards there are so many atm I'm looking at 2x 8800 gts but would that be worth getting by X-Mas time?
What are my graphics cards options? And is SLi or crossfire a good option?
Also a question about Quad core lets say I go for a 2.6 GHz is it 2.6 per core or total?
Games Im looking to play atm would be GW2 and Diablo 3 but I haven't looked at games for a while because my computer really isn't up to playing any of the latest games or those that have been out for the past 2 years.
Also HDD size, I was toying with the notion of getting a 1TB HDD but would I really need such a big one? I don't really have any movies on or much music so??
What I know for sure though is that I will be getting a 20"-22" Samsung widescreen monitor.
Any way all suggestions are very welcome.
Also another question, what is a Aegia Phys-X processor what does it do and is it worth getting?
Keep em coming!What Im confused most about is what operating system to go for and in turn the amount of ram that would be needed.
Also graphics cards there are so many atm I'm looking at 2x 8800 gts but would that be worth getting by X-Mas time?
What are my graphics cards options? And is SLi or crossfire a good option?
Also a question about Quad core lets say I go for a 2.6 GHz is it 2.6 per core or total?
Games Im looking to play atm would be GW2 and Diablo 3 but I haven't looked at games for a while because my computer really isn't up to playing any of the latest games or those that have been out for the past 2 years.
Also HDD size, I was toying with the notion of getting a 1TB HDD but would I really need such a big one? I don't really have any movies on or much music so??
What I know for sure though is that I will be getting a 20"-22" Samsung widescreen monitor.
Any way all suggestions are very welcome.
Also another question, what is a Aegia Phys-X processor what does it do and is it worth getting?
moriz
you can easily build a GW2 and D3 capable computer for ~$1000 US nowadays. whatever their requirements, i'm willing to bet that they will be very forgiving.
the best dual card solution right now is 2x HD4870. by christmas, there might be different options available.
lastly, getting such a powerful machine just to game on a 22" monitor is a waste of money. my current rig costs me $1400 CDN, which probably amounts to €900 (including the monitor, btw). it handles everything i throw at it on a 22" monitor (1680x1050). if you really want to spend €2000, at least get a 24". or better yet, 30".
the best dual card solution right now is 2x HD4870. by christmas, there might be different options available.
lastly, getting such a powerful machine just to game on a 22" monitor is a waste of money. my current rig costs me $1400 CDN, which probably amounts to €900 (including the monitor, btw). it handles everything i throw at it on a 22" monitor (1680x1050). if you really want to spend €2000, at least get a 24". or better yet, 30".
The Muffen Man
Is the dell xps 630 any good? If so which one to go for?
Lurid
Its not horrible, but its very over priced for what it is.
Edge Martinez
I'm running 2 Geforce 8800GT SE's and I have no problem running everything. The RAM you get should be based on whether you run 32 bit or 64 bit Vista.
But bro, seriously, with that kind of cabbage, if you wait even a month or two more, you'd be able to build a monster, and that's compared to the monster that you can already buy now.
But bro, seriously, with that kind of cabbage, if you wait even a month or two more, you'd be able to build a monster, and that's compared to the monster that you can already buy now.
Clarissa F
The Next gen nVidia 200s are out. Of course, they cost a mint, but one of them runs better than two SLI 8800's. For an OS, get a Vista 64. Since you will have the cash for plenty of ram, there should be no problem running it, and you can take advantage of the 64 bit technology, as more programs are being made to do so. You will notice the speed difference. You will also be set for DX 10, which is becoming the rule for all new games, and will be such for GW2.
Like Martinez said, give it a few months and you will have a beast to build. Whatever you do, a comp you put together will be a better buy than something off the shelf, and will be something you know was made with what you want.
Like Martinez said, give it a few months and you will have a beast to build. Whatever you do, a comp you put together will be a better buy than something off the shelf, and will be something you know was made with what you want.
moriz
i'm pretty sure the GTX280 is slower than 2 8800GT SLI, since it is slower than 9800GX2.
The Muffen Man
I really wish I could build it myself but I'm not confident I could do so. 
I did build my current comp some nearlt5 years ago now but they were simpler times. Its never failed on me (Except for a HDD dying on me a while back) but it is a very noisy beast (got a massive heatsink/fan over the cpu)and I did manage to fry the mobo the first time I installed it cause I put the screws in the wrong holes lol.
I wont be getting the comp till Nov/Dec time, so I guess I got some time for the newer stuff coming out now to go down in price.
Now, to get Vista Home Premium or Ultimate? ( the rig will be used for games and the net only)
I was thinking of get one of these new Ati HD4870x2 cards would they be the best card out atm?
Now the big Q is to go SLI/Crossfire or to go single GPU?
Again thanks to everyone for their input to this its all very helpful.
I cam across this site as regards to the Dell 6300:http://www.my630i.com/
Which concerns me a lot, also the Dell is using a 650 chipset for the mobo is that very bad?
Also another question, what is a Aegia Phys-X processor what does it do and is it worth getting?
I did build my current comp some nearlt5 years ago now but they were simpler times. Its never failed on me (Except for a HDD dying on me a while back) but it is a very noisy beast (got a massive heatsink/fan over the cpu)and I did manage to fry the mobo the first time I installed it cause I put the screws in the wrong holes lol.
I wont be getting the comp till Nov/Dec time, so I guess I got some time for the newer stuff coming out now to go down in price.
Now, to get Vista Home Premium or Ultimate? ( the rig will be used for games and the net only)
I was thinking of get one of these new Ati HD4870x2 cards would they be the best card out atm?
Now the big Q is to go SLI/Crossfire or to go single GPU?
Again thanks to everyone for their input to this its all very helpful.
I cam across this site as regards to the Dell 6300:http://www.my630i.com/
Which concerns me a lot, also the Dell is using a 650 chipset for the mobo is that very bad?
Also another question, what is a Aegia Phys-X processor what does it do and is it worth getting?
Evil Genius
Quote:
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Originally Posted by The Muffen Man
I wont be getting the comp till Nov/Dec time, so I guess I got some time for the newer stuff coming out now to go down in price.
Now, to get Vista Home Premium or Ultimate? ( the rig will be used for games and the net only) I was thinking of get one of these new Ati HD4870x2 cards would they be the best card out atm? Now the big Q is to go SLI/Crossfire or to go single GPU? Also another question, what is a Aegia Phys-X processor what does it do and is it worth getting? |
ATI 4870X2 hasn't been released yet, however it is very likely it will be the best card when released.
If your getting/have a monitor with a resolution equal to or above 1920 by 1200 (24 inch and up) SLI/Crossfire will be a good option.
Aegia Phys-X processors are useless as far as I am aware. New GPUs have Physics built in anyway.
Really not much point discussing specific components at this point though.
Chaos Rofl Copter
Quote:
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Originally Posted by The Muffen Man
Also another question, what is a Aegia Phys-X processor what does it do and is it worth getting?
|
Plus not many games support the physics proccessor enough for the card to actually see good use.
You can maybe find a list of games that support the proccesscor on google or something :P
Snograt
I'm hoping the PhysX processor might get new life now that it's owned by a proper company. I remember when it came out, they tested the bundled "games" and could find no benefit to the PhysX at all ^^
Lord Sojar
Quote:
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Originally Posted by moriz
i'm pretty sure the GTX280 is slower than 2 8800GT SLI, since it is slower than 9800GX2.
|
Considering the price drop on the GTX 260 and 280s, I would go with dual GTX 280s, with a 3.0GHz+ Nehalem, and 4GB DDR1600+, as well as a 32GB SSD for your boot drive, and a 300GB Velicoraptor drive for your games etc. Get a Sata 3.0Gb drive for storage, as they are very cheap these days. Oh, and of course the new Nehalem motherboards as well.
Total cost ~ $3000 or less.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Chaos Rofl Copter
It enhances the physics in games to make them more realistic, if your just gunna be playing gw, its kinda a waste of 200 bucks,
Plus not many games support the physics proccessor enough for the card to actually see good use. You can maybe find a list of games that support the proccesscor on google or something :P |
The Muffen Man
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief
No, it is faster. And the GTX 280 can keep pace with the 9800GX2 pretty well.
Considering the price drop on the GTX 260 and 280s, I would go with dual GTX 280s, with a 3.0GHz+ Nehalem, and 4GB DDR1600+, as well as a 32GB SSD for your boot drive, and a 300GB Velicoraptor drive for your games etc. Get a Sata 3.0Gb drive for storage, as they are very cheap these days. Oh, and of course the new Nehalem motherboards as well. Total cost ~ $3000 or less. nVidia owns Aegia now, and PhysX engines are built directly into the GTX 260 and 280. Using CUDA, that allows the PhysX engine to benefit many many more games. That list is obsolete. |
Lord Sojar
Quote:
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Originally Posted by The Muffen Man
You must live in America? That system sounds nice but it would cost you €3000+ here in Europe.
|
GTX 280 = 449 USD
GTX 260 = 299 USD
Nehalem chips range = 200-500 USD
32GB SSD = 150 USD
Nehalem motherboard = 300 USD
Velociraptor 300GB drive = 200 USD
4GB DDR3-1600 = 300 USD
Grand max total assuming 2 video cards and maxed setup:
GTX 280 SLi = 2,350 USD
GTX 260 SLi = 2,050 USD
Convert, that well under budget.
moriz
it's not a simple matter of converting currency rahja. it's a different continent, and commodity prices are subjected to different amounts of supply/demand, and can be quite different in prices.
it's generally better to list us a few european E-tailers and we'll configure a system for you.
it's generally better to list us a few european E-tailers and we'll configure a system for you.
The Muffen Man
Quote:
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Originally Posted by moriz
it's not a simple matter of converting currency rahja. it's a different continent, and commodity prices are subjected to different amounts of supply/demand, and can be quite different in prices.
it's generally better to list us a few european E-tailers and we'll configure a system for you. |
Snograt
Ye gods - and I thought our 17.5% was high 
The Muffen Man
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Snograt
Ye gods - and I thought our 17.5% was high
|
Yep
Well I couldn't wait till Christmas
I got a new gaming PC for exactly €2000 including shipping.
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 GO 2.40GHz Quad Core CPU Overclocked too a minimum of 3.30GHz and beyond. (8/9 x 400MHz - 1600MHz FSB) OC'd to 3.4Ghz
Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro Intel approved cooler
Arctic Silver 5 Heatsink compound
Asus Rampage Formula Intel X48 (Socket LGA775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard
Corsair Dominator 4GB PC2-8500 CAS5 (2x2GB) Dual Channel Kit (Overclocked at 1000MHz+)
(1TB) Samsung Spinpoint F1 SATA-II Interface, 7200RPM Spin Speed, 32MB Cache
2X Sapphire HD4870 in Xfire
Corsair TX 750W Next Generation Power Supply
Antec 900 gaming case
Vista Home Premium 64 bit
24" 1920x1200 wide screen S-Pva Monitor (not TN film) the monitor is amazing
2.1 Logitech speakers
(already have a Logitech wireless mouse and keyboard LX 700)
I'm very happy with this system the cable management is excellent they did a really good job with it considering what a pig the case is for cable management.
I got 620 fps playing GW lol
Just need to get back a SATA DVD-RW so I can install some new games to really see what this rig has got to offer.
Snograt
Awesome - nice picks.
When the Corsair memory blows up, come back and we'll tell you what to do.
(Only half kidding - you'll probably be ok)
When the Corsair memory blows up, come back and we'll tell you what to do.
(Only half kidding - you'll probably be ok
)
The Muffen Man
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Snograt
Awesome - nice picks.
When the Corsair memory blows up, come back and we'll tell you what to do. (Only half kidding - you'll probably be ok ) |
why would it blow up? is there something wrong with corsair memory? I thought it was crucial memory that's a bit iffy or did I get them mixed up?
moriz
well, rahja (our all powerful mod) seriously dislikes corsair because a few sticks blew up on him.
overall though, the quality difference is generally not significant. the actual differences between well-known brands are tiny.
if those sticks hold up for a couple weeks, then they should hold up for a long time. almost all hardware defects show up either immediately or in a few days.
overall though, the quality difference is generally not significant. the actual differences between well-known brands are tiny.
if those sticks hold up for a couple weeks, then they should hold up for a long time. almost all hardware defects show up either immediately or in a few days.
Snograt
Note: dont worry! "Blow up" in the sense of fail - they won't literally explode. They're C5, not C4 (I just made a tech pun )
)
Hannes
lol and to quote Rahja...
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief
If you buy Corsair RAM, I will personally come and hunt you down.
<font color="red" font size="4">Just say NO to Corsair!</font> Go with Crucial or Gskill. |
Lord Sojar
Quote:
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Originally Posted by moriz
well, rahja (our all powerful mod) seriously dislikes corsair because a few sticks blew up on him.
|
Corsair is like a mutt dog company. They use the cheapest memory fabs they can find. Crucial is a purest company, they use Micron exclusively. Micron and Samsung are considered the best fabs of memory you can use.
Gskill uses a lot of Samsung fabs, and Crucial uses Micron. OCZ is heavy on Samsung use. Team is also a great company, almost forgot about them.
moriz
well, it depends on the expected longevity and usefulness of the RAM module.
if the average crucial ram can last 10 years due to good fabs, and the average corsair ram can last 5 years due to cheap fabs.... then.... who cares? i know i'm really pulling numbers out of my ass, but 5-10 years is the expected life of most electronics.
in the rapidly changing tech world, having a product that can outlive its actual USEFUL life is a waste of money. this is especially true for enthusiast market, which these products are targeted, since most of us will upgrade more often than every 5 years (i myself will upgrade once every 2 years, and that's considered a pretty long time for a power user).
if the average crucial ram can last 10 years due to good fabs, and the average corsair ram can last 5 years due to cheap fabs.... then.... who cares? i know i'm really pulling numbers out of my ass, but 5-10 years is the expected life of most electronics.
in the rapidly changing tech world, having a product that can outlive its actual USEFUL life is a waste of money. this is especially true for enthusiast market, which these products are targeted, since most of us will upgrade more often than every 5 years (i myself will upgrade once every 2 years, and that's considered a pretty long time for a power user).
TheGuildWarsPenguin
Rahja, you have Corsair in the "good RAM" section of your RAM guide though. 
imnotyourmother
was this your ping?
"I got 620 fps playing GW lol"
My computer is 3 years old and my ping is 35 to 90 most of the time with my high speed internet
"I got 620 fps playing GW lol"
My computer is 3 years old and my ping is 35 to 90 most of the time with my high speed internet
moriz
no, that's his frames per second.
The Muffen Man
Quote:
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Originally Posted by imnotyourmother
was this your ping?
"I got 620 fps playing GW lol" My computer is 3 years old and my ping is 35 to 90 most of the time with my high speed internet |
My ping can be anywhere from 60-600 but normally averages at around 200.
I'm on a 2 megabit package for €30 a month with a 20Gb quota both ways.
I just called my ISP there yesterday to upgrade to the next package which is 7.6 Mb for €40 and was told that I would have to email them my request, but I haven't heard from them yet.
You would think they would get back to me straight away.
Snograt
That email probably took you over the tight-arse 20GB limit.
zamial
Quote:
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Originally Posted by moriz
well, it depends on the expected longevity and usefulness of the RAM module.
if the average crucial ram can last 10 years due to good fabs, and the average corsair ram can last 5 years due to cheap fabs.... then.... who cares? i know i'm really pulling numbers out of my ass, but 5-10 years is the expected life of most electronics. in the rapidly changing tech world, having a product that can outlive its actual USEFUL life is a waste of money. this is especially true for enthusiast market, which these products are targeted, since most of us will upgrade more often than every 5 years (i myself will upgrade once every 2 years, and that's considered a pretty long time for a power user). |
moriz
then muffen (haha, it) is currently limited by the CPU FSB right now. the OP will have to overclock that CPU severely before he/she/it needs to even touch the memory clocks.
unless of course, you're talking about the memory timings... which makes very little difference in gaming usually.
unless of course, you're talking about the memory timings... which makes very little difference in gaming usually.
Snograt
But 4-4-4-12 looks so much nicer than 5-5-5-18
Lord Sojar
Still, why pay the same amount of money for an inferior brand? That seems silly to me. Corsair overcharges and under performs.
The Muffen Man
Well what do you know!!! one of my corsair dominator sticks failed on me last night!!!
was playing Age of Conan last night (yeah I know waist of €50 ) then all of a sudden BLAH POOP @#!*% BAMP computer reboots and gets stuck on
det mem or words to that effect on the lcd poster.
So I took the over clock off and tried the sticks individually and one of them would POST.
So back they go, no computer for however long it takes to get new ones back
Damn you Corsair damn you!!!
/shakes fist
was playing Age of Conan last night (yeah I know waist of €50
) then all of a sudden BLAH POOP @#!*% BAMP computer reboots and gets stuck on det mem or words to that effect on the lcd poster.
So I took the over clock off and tried the sticks individually and one of them would POST.
So back they go, no computer for however long it takes to get new ones back
Damn you Corsair damn you!!!
/shakes fist