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Seron

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2005

USA

E/Mo

09 Jun 2005 at 11:44 - 1

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i'm wondering which would be the better motherboard for speed/SLI pci-e and with firewire. right now i'm looking at asus a8n delux sli

also: which would be best: amd or intel (i'm assuming amd)
and which of the amd is better: 4000 and under series since fx is just way too expensive right now (basically double what 4000 is and not much of an increase)

also: what other additions i'd have to get in order to make it run faster.

(i plan on making this pc a media center too with 300g hard drive in order to have all in one)
will media center sp2 slow down gaming in any way to xp home or profesional?

I Am A Sasquatch

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: May 2005

CT

Lost Order

W/R

09 Jun 2005 at 11:49 - 2

amd is better for gaming, but it produces more heat. the 64 fx is the best processor, and asus mobos are always a good choice

Principa Discordia

Site Contributor

Join Date: Apr 2005

England.

09 Jun 2005 at 12:22 - 3

If you want the best gaming system money can buy then you'll want a DFI Lanparty SLI motherboard, an AMD AthlonFX processor, 4GB RAM, and two 512mB Geforce 6800 Ultras in SLI.

But yeah...

Motherboard: DFI Lanparty, but Asus are also good.
Processor: AMD, hands down the best for gaming.
RAM: The more the better really, but you won't need more than 2Gb.

For a serious processor suggestion, I'd suggest something like a Socket 939 Athlon64 with a Venice core, as they're a lot cheaper than the San Diego cores.

Personally, I'm still using a Socket 754 Newcastle core 3400+ and it's amazing.

ElRey

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: May 2005

Outside your window

First Degree [FiR]

W/Rt

09 Jun 2005 at 12:23 - 4

depends on your budget, but i would get at least a AMD 3200+... bare minimum

Seron

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2005

USA

E/Mo

09 Jun 2005 at 13:26 - 5

Quote:

Originally Posted by Principa Discordia

If you want the best gaming system money can buy then you'll want a DFI Lanparty SLI motherboard, an AMD AthlonFX processor, 4GB RAM, and two 512mB Geforce 6800 Ultras in SLI.

But yeah...

Motherboard: DFI Lanparty, but Asus are also good.
Processor: AMD, hands down the best for gaming.
RAM: The more the better really, but you won't need more than 2Gb.

For a serious processor suggestion, I'd suggest something like a Socket 939 Athlon64 with a Venice core, as they're a lot cheaper than the San Diego cores.

Personally, I'm still using a Socket 754 Newcastle core 3400+ and it's amazing.

are you sure dfi lanparty is better? i checked it out, didn't see firewire capabilities, and it only has 2 pci slots, the asus has more slots/capabilities, including 2 13--- firewire... i think.

Vertical_Zer0

Academy Page

Join Date: May 2005

Ohio

Aiwevorn Tirith

R/Mo

09 Jun 2005 at 14:01 - 6

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Am A Sasquatch

amd is better for gaming, but it produces more heat. the 64 fx is the best processor, and asus mobos are always a good choice

AMD is better for gaming in almost every case, but they do NOT produce more heat. Intel's Prescott core is the current heat output champion.

I wouldn't recommend an Athlon 64 FX at this point unless you happen to have oodles of cash laying around - I recommend ANY Athlon 64 processor. A 3500+ would probably be an excellent choice for you.

Algren Cole

Banned

Join Date: Jun 2005

09 Jun 2005 at 14:07 - 7

Quote:

Originally Posted by Principa Discordia

If you want the best gaming system money can buy then you'll want a DFI Lanparty SLI motherboard, an AMD AthlonFX processor, 4GB RAM, and two 512mB Geforce 6800 Ultras in SLI.

that's more than any user could ever possibly use. I do high resolution intensive 3d rendering on my system and what you described would blow my system out of the water.

agreed on the DFI LANPARTY NFII ULTRA B MB...<3

as far as RAM goes if you buy something like Corsair XMS...something thats considered 'performance ram' in that it has a low latency and high voltage...you should only need 1GB. But go with 1.5 to 2GB if you are buying anything else.

I'm using a 939 Athlon64 3000+ and couldn't possibly complain...it's an amazing processor.

Bezerker

Academy Page

Join Date: Apr 2005

09 Jun 2005 at 15:38 - 8

Alien Ware

Seron

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2005

USA

E/Mo

09 Jun 2005 at 15:42 - 9

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bezerker

Alien Ware

sure, if you want to spend $2000+ dollers on a machine than you would pay buying the stuff individually, alien ware has to be the most overcharging company i have seen yet.

Dirkiess

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2005

Uk, England.

E/Mo

09 Jun 2005 at 15:45 - 10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seron

sure, if you want to spend $2000+ dollers on a machine than you would pay buying the stuff individually, alien ware has to be the most overcharging company i have seen yet.

But they do have nice cases. All the reason to spend all that lovely money, don't you think?

Seron

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2005

USA

E/Mo

09 Jun 2005 at 15:46 - 11

i'm still wondering WHY people keep saying dfi lanparty is better than the asus a8n delux sli, have you guys seen the stats and compared them both? asus has 1 extra pci slot as well as 1 extra pci-e x4 slot.

it also has a few MORE additions other than that than the dfi lan party

someone please explain why you people say the lesser of the 2 is better O.o

Bezerker

Academy Page

Join Date: Apr 2005

09 Jun 2005 at 15:47 - 12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seron

sure, if you want to spend $2000+ dollers on a machine than you would pay buying the stuff individually, alien ware has to be the most overcharging company i have seen yet.

Ppl also spend 10k gold on a Fiery Dragon Sword max dmg rare, simply cuz they find it cool.

Alien Ware looks awesome, and has awesome preformance.

Yep they are VERY expensive, so very true, but if you have the money...heck why not.

Principa Discordia

Site Contributor

Join Date: Apr 2005

England.

09 Jun 2005 at 15:56 - 13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seron

are you sure dfi lanparty is better? i checked it out, didn't see firewire capabilities, and it only has 2 pci slots, the asus has more slots/capabilities, including 2 13--- firewire... i think.

I was talking about for a pure gaming system, I didn't see you questioning the FX55 processor or 4Gb RAM, lol.

If you want a gaming motherboard, DFI Lanparty = Win. If you want a massive range of function then Asus or MSI is your winner.

Dirkiess

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2005

Uk, England.

E/Mo

09 Jun 2005 at 15:56 - 14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seron

i'm still wondering WHY people keep saying dfi lanparty is better than the asus a8n delux sli, have you guys seen the stats and compared them both? asus has 1 extra pci slot as well as 1 extra pci-e x4 slot.

it also has a few MORE additions other than that than the dfi lan party

someone please explain why you people say the lesser of the 2 is better O.o

I think they might be talking about the Over Clocking ability of the DFI Lan boards. They have some of the best in the business, although not some of the best designed Mobos as evidenced in a review I read only yesterday, as someone else mentioned them too.

If you are into overclocking your machine, then maybe the DFI is for you, if you want a board that is well laid out, and has a large company behind it, with a history, I would go with the ASUS.

That of course is my opinion, but I would suggest reading reviews on the boards mentioned and then decide for yourself. Take a point of view from more than one source before you make a purchase.

Principa Discordia

Site Contributor

Join Date: Apr 2005

England.

09 Jun 2005 at 15:57 - 15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bezerker

Ppl also spend 10k gold on a Fiery Dragon Sword max dmg rare, simply cuz they find it cool.

Alien Ware looks awesome, and has awesome preformance.

Yep they are VERY expensive, so very true, but if you have the money...heck why not.

AlienWare is nothing but a status symbol. Someone who puts status symbols before practicality should be shot in my eyes for being so ignorant.

Dirkiess

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2005

Uk, England.

E/Mo

09 Jun 2005 at 16:05 - 16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Principa Discordia

AlienWare is nothing but a status symbol. Someone who puts status symbols before practicality should be shot in my eyes for being so ignorant.

OT.

I bought a 5 series BMW. Some might see it as a status symbol, I see it as a Tank against those morons on the road who can't drive for S&*T.
Oh, and did I mention the comfort and ride. Lovely. ROFL.

Golgotha

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: May 2005

Rt/

09 Jun 2005 at 18:00 - 17

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Am A Sasquatch

amd is better for gaming, but it produces more heat. the 64 fx is the best processor, and asus mobos are always a good choice

Intel's produce more heat than the A64 line. A lot more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seron

i'm still wondering WHY people keep saying dfi lanparty is better than the asus a8n delux sli, have you guys seen the stats and compared them both? asus has 1 extra pci slot as well as 1 extra pci-e x4 slot.

DFI's are reportedly much stabler with high end overclocking.

Seron

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2005

USA

E/Mo

09 Jun 2005 at 23:21 - 18

are there any motherboards that accept higher mhz memory than 3200?
like 4200 at 533mhz or something.

and which is the best kinda memory... buffered, unbuffered, and so on.

Serafita Kayin

Exclusive Reclusive

Join Date: May 2005

Tuscaloosa, AL

Seraph's Pinion (wing)

R/Me

09 Jun 2005 at 23:53 - 19

Lemme get back from anime club, and I'll answer you.

For the record, (and i have the benches to prove it) I have a system that will eat those alienwares alive, and I'll lay it out for ya.

Seron

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2005

USA

E/Mo

10 Jun 2005 at 04:18 - 20

since this is still my first computer i'm making (right now my NEWEST computer is 8 years old, 433mhz celeron processor)

with the asus a8n delux sli mobo, do i need to purchase a sound card, lan card, and other additions, or do they all come pre-made with the mobo, to where i basically just put the lan into the back of the comp and can be online without extra purchases.

and is there anything i can get to upgrade speed, like firewire products and such.

remember: the mobo i'm getting is asus a8n delux sli

cannonfodder

Tech Monkeh Mod

Join Date: May 2005

Good Old North East of England

Mo/Me

10 Jun 2005 at 10:10 - 21

Yep my new Pc has a 3700 San diego core on a Dfi lanparty sli mobo, and the htt(fsb to normal people) can go upto a staggering 425mhz, but no ddr could ever do that.......mine is very stable with an fsb of 300mhz, but my memory aint

Edit - the asus a8n, comes with excellent onboard sound and gigabit ethernet, so you would need no add-ons, plus its a bit cheaper than the dfi

Dirkiess

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2005

Uk, England.

E/Mo

10 Jun 2005 at 11:28 - 22

Quote:

Originally Posted by cannonfodder

Yep my new Pc has a 3700 San diego core on a Dfi lanparty sli mobo, and the htt(fsb to normal people) can go upto a staggering 425mhz, but no ddr could ever do that.......mine is very stable with an fsb of 300mhz, but my memory aint

Edit - the asus a8n, comes with excellent onboard sound and gigabit ethernet, so you would need no add-ons, plus its a bit cheaper than the dfi

If sound on the Asus is anything like my Asus A7N8X Deluxe, it's more than perfect and the LAN I have on there too, is excellent too. Never had any problems with it so far.

I thought the HTT meant it went up to something along the lines of 1000mhz, or have I read that wrong in the reviews and it's some sort of doubling feature? I haven't bothered looking into AMD 64 yet, as I have no need for it. Well, at the moment.

Seron

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2005

USA

E/Mo

12 Jun 2005 at 05:51 - 23

if i bought 2 150g hardrives and put them into raid 0 (if it's even possible without more additions)
will they run at a combined 14400 rpm, so i'd have a 300g hard drive running at 14400 rpm (better than the 10000 rpgm new series hard drives)?

and if i can do that with my motherboard, how do i do it, lol

i heard raid 0 combines them like that and allows them to go at 2x the speed.

Bezerker

Academy Page

Join Date: Apr 2005

12 Jun 2005 at 18:48 - 24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Principa Discordia

AlienWare is nothing but a status symbol. Someone who puts status symbols before practicality should be shot in my eyes for being so ignorant.

WRONG Alien Ware is one of the best gaming pc's around the globe, this which has been tested and written down in magazines tons of times.

MadeInChina

Academy Page

Join Date: May 2005

Maryland, USA

GNYU

W/E

12 Jun 2005 at 19:12 - 25

Eh, I have an Alienware and I did not buy it for being a "status symbol." I could care less what the case looked like but I chose it for its performance, and I preferred the Alienware cooling system which would almost always prevent my computer from overheating. I have bought separate parts before from newegg and compiled my own computer to create the cheapest, while efficient, computer I could. It was an alright computer, but the heat killed my room and the video card ending up burning. Overall, I believe buying a pre-built computer is always better and tends to work a lot better (UNLESS you are one of the computer geniuses that build computers for a hobby).

Anyways, I've had this computer for more than 4 years and it still works better than most of the computers I've seen.

Principa Discordia

Site Contributor

Join Date: Apr 2005

England.

12 Jun 2005 at 19:17 - 26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bezerker

WRONG Alien Ware is one of the best gaming pc's around the globe, this which has been tested and written down in magazines tons of times.

Your appeal to authority fallacies aside, anyone can build a PC just as good as (if not better than) an AlienWare machine, and probably for less cost. That's a solid fact. Oh well, if this thread is going to get fanboyish count me out.

Bezerker

Academy Page

Join Date: Apr 2005

12 Jun 2005 at 22:21 - 27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Principa Discordia

Your appeal to authority fallacies aside, anyone can build a PC just as good as (if not better than) an AlienWare machine, and probably for less cost. That's a solid fact. Oh well, if this thread is going to get fanboyish count me out.

True, you can build a better machine for less money then a Alien Ware pc, you buy Alien Ware for its looks, but to say Alien Ware is a waste of money....hell no.

ElRey

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: May 2005

Outside your window

First Degree [FiR]

W/Rt

12 Jun 2005 at 22:27 - 28

It is.... Example: Im getting this comp for 754 bucks
AMD Athlon64 3400+
1 GB RAM
160GB Harddrive
Nvidia GeForce 6800 128mb AGP
DVD Burner
And it runs at 80F in idle, 120F under full load, and thats because of the 5 fans it came with the case and the 2 heatsinks

At alienware, this comp costs 1072 bucks
AMD Athlon64 3200+
1GB RAM
NEC 3250A dvd burner (same one as in my other comp)
ATI Radeon 9550SE 128mb

See my point ?

Seron

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2005

USA

E/Mo

12 Jun 2005 at 22:37 - 29

here's what i'm getting now:

amd athlon 4000+ san diago core
asus a8n delux SLI
xblade atx black/silver custom midtower.
skyhawk/eagleteck 620w supply
2x seagate barricuda 120g SATA150 hard drives which will run in raid 0 format (if anyone here will help me with that)
xp proffesional
ATI x800xl video card.

this whole system is going to cost me around $1400

i checked it out on alienware, and those thiefs want to charge $2500 for it.

ElRey

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: May 2005

Outside your window

First Degree [FiR]

W/Rt

12 Jun 2005 at 23:59 - 30

How much RAM are you getting and make sure you are Getting a DVD burner as CD Burners are fading out and DVD burners have CD burning capabilities if you get a combo drive.

Seron

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2005

USA

E/Mo

13 Jun 2005 at 00:27 - 31

ah yes, 2-2-2-5 latency corsair 1gb ram.

and of course a dvd+-rw

also: i saw the intel dual core 830 series, which would be better for gaming and everything else, the dual core 3.0ghz intel or amd's single core 4000+?

MadeInChina

Academy Page

Join Date: May 2005

Maryland, USA

GNYU

W/E

13 Jun 2005 at 03:12 - 32

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElRey

It is.... Example: Im getting this comp for 754 bucks
AMD Athlon64 3400+
1 GB RAM
160GB Harddrive
Nvidia GeForce 6800 128mb AGP
DVD Burner
And it runs at 80F in idle, 120F under full load, and thats because of the 5 fans it came with the case and the 2 heatsinks

At alienware, this comp costs 1072 bucks
AMD Athlon64 3200+
1GB RAM
NEC 3250A dvd burner (same one as in my other comp)
ATI Radeon 9550SE 128mb

See my point ?

I didn't even know Alienware sold computers at 1072 bucks..

Anyways, you are also excluding some other factors of the Alienware computer. Clearly the case adds a lot to the cost and the other internal materials that your computer will not have. I must say that the Alienware cooling system is more than just a bunch of fans that you can buy. I still believe that all of us are biased in our own ways and have different arguments for each side.

theclam

Jungle Guide

Join Date: May 2005

13 Jun 2005 at 04:18 - 33

Seron, there's no point in going SLI unless you're getting an nVidia card.

Alienware may be massively overpriced, but they don't just throw off-the-shelf parts in and send it to you. They place the drives, cards, cords, fans, and other parts inside the case in a way that guarantees maximum cooling efficiency. You also get a good warranty, which is not something that I get when I build a box myself.

Sure, I'd never buy from them unless I won the lottery, but they are still a good manufacturer.

MadeInChina

Academy Page

Join Date: May 2005

Maryland, USA

GNYU

W/E

13 Jun 2005 at 04:55 - 34

Quote:

Originally Posted by theclam

Seron, there's no point in going SLI unless you're getting an nVidia card.

Alienware may be massively overpriced, but they don't just throw off-the-shelf parts in and send it to you. They place the drives, cards, cords, fans, and other parts inside the case in a way that guarantees maximum cooling efficiency. You also get a good warranty, which is not something that I get when I build a box myself.

Sure, I'd never buy from them unless I won the lottery, but they are still a good manufacturer.

Ah yes...I forgot about the warranty =). I actually did win the lottery and that's why I have one =D.

Well no I didn't, my g-ma just has tons of money.

Lews

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Mar 2005

Seattle, Washington

R/E

13 Jun 2005 at 06:30 - 35

If you are buying a really, really nice computer--> do not buy alienware!

Voodoo Pc and Falcon NW have both gotten better reviews, and they look better, in various magazines. Thats if you put your stock in reviewers.

I'd build my own, but if you want to buy the best possible, get a Voodoo or Falcon. Read aliewnares re-seller ratings, they have horrible customer service

Seron

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2005

USA

E/Mo

13 Jun 2005 at 09:24 - 36

i've decided to change the processor, it's now going to be:
amd athlon x2 dual core 4400
which is $120-$130 more than the amd athlon 64 4000+
according to the amd website, this processor SHOULD increase speed by 80% compared to the 4000+ model.

unfortunatly no one has it in stock, and it is going to be shipped in 3 days they say.

Dirkiess

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2005

Uk, England.

E/Mo

13 Jun 2005 at 09:34 - 37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seron

i've decided to change the processor, it's now going to be:
amd athlon x2 dual core 4400
which is $120-$130 more than the amd athlon 64 4000+
according to the amd website, this processor SHOULD increase speed by 80% compared to the 4000+ model.

unfortunatly no one has it in stock, and it is going to be shipped in 3 days they say.

WHat do you intend to do with this PC? You need to ask yourself this, before going through any advice anyone can give you, as it all depends on what you want to do with it, which determines in the end what is best for you to buy?

Seron

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2005

USA

E/Mo

13 Jun 2005 at 09:44 - 38

want it for ultimate gaming for now and the future, i don't want to have to buy new parts/upgrades for at least 3 years heh.

Vorkronor

Academy Page

Join Date: May 2005

Czechia, Europe

Drums Of Doom

N/E

13 Jun 2005 at 09:59 - 39

While the dual core CPU might server you well for the next 3 years, the GPU will not IMO.
Look at what CPUs were around 3 years ago and compare that to the GPUs, that were around at that time.

Got it?

So don't expect to play top notch games in 3 years with today's best GPU.

P.S.: Consider the PPU (physics processing unit) an addition when it comes out

Seron

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2005

USA

E/Mo

13 Jun 2005 at 10:21 - 40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vorkronor

While the dual core CPU might server you well for the next 3 years, the GPU will not IMO.
Look at what CPUs were around 3 years ago and compare that to the GPUs, that were around at that time.

Got it?

So don't expect to play top notch games in 3 years with today's best GPU.

P.S.: Consider the PPU (physics processing unit) an addition when it comes out

well consider i'm using a 8 year old 433 mhz celeron computer right now, that really has had no problems other than virus/spyware on it, i'd say some computers, if properly kept, will be able to play future games, this computer can play just about all games (except really high end ones like guild wars of course) and this isn't even a gaming pc, it's a celeron, basically meant for e-mail and browsing. I still can't believe i had to pay $800-900 for this thing when it was newm, lol.