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07/31/2007 05:59:13 PM · #26 |
Originally posted by SamDoe1:
Originally posted by Atropos:
The difference will be minimal, if at all noticable. |
So then what's the point in using the latest and greatest CPUs? For example, why buy the 3.0GHz Core2Extreme chip ($1000) as opposed to the 2.66GHz C2D($225)? |
The latest greatest processor is always ridiculously overpriced. I remember a long time ago when my athlon xp 1700+ crapped the bed way before it's time, I went out and got a athlon 2400+ (top of the line for athlon's at the time, for a high price) to replace it. I got about 3fps average difference in quake 3. Not a noticable difference in anything else, and the 3fps wouldn't have been noticable if I wasn't always paying attention to my fps and trying to tweak things. |
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07/31/2007 06:01:07 PM · #27 |
Originally posted by Atropos:
The latest greatest processor is always ridiculously overpriced. I remember a long time ago when my athlon xp 1700+ crapped the bed way before it's time, I went out and got a athlon 2400+ (top of the line for athlon's at the time, for a high price) to replace it. I got about 3fps average difference in quake 3. Not a noticable difference in anything else, and the 3fps wouldn't have been noticable if I wasn't always paying attention to my fps and trying to tweak things. |
So then would to suggest that I save the $40 and go down to the 2.33GHz or stick with what I have? I have the budget to go either way, just that $40 is $40 and can go into some other part for the machine (like the monitor...)
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07/31/2007 06:09:36 PM · #28 |
Originally posted by SamDoe1:
I'm going to be putting together a new computer in a few weeks and wanted to get some opinions on parts.
Here's what I have planned so far:
2.66GHz Intel E6750 Core2Duo CPU
2GB (2x1GB) OCZ Gold DDR2 800 RAM
NVidia GeForce 8800GTS graphics card
2x320GB Western Digital 7200rpm SATA hard drives
Gigabyte motherboard with Intel P35 chipset and optical digital audio output(a must!)
Thermaltake Matrix Aluminum case w/2x120mm fans
Antec 550W power supply
A TBD LCD monitor
Logitech G5 laser mouse
Whatever keyboard is the cheapest
Built in card reader (USB 2.0 front mount)
Those are all the new parts, I already have the following and am going to cannibalize as much as possible:
LITE-ON DVD burner
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX speakers
Copy of Windoze
So now for the questions:
1.) Should I go for the quad core cpu? Should I go for the E6850? either option will cost me around $100 more. Or is what I have fine?
2.) Recommended monitors? I can't afford anything that's expensive.
3.) Is there anything I'm missing?
4.) Any other changes you'd recommend?
Thanks in advance!
Edit to add: Computer will be used for games, photoshop, internet, and messing around. I have a laptop for all my school work. |
You don't need Quad core.
Get the biggest monitor you can afford.
Check out Alienware Area 51 7500 Desktop.
Don't listen to those Mac-en-ites. Mac is a great machine, don't get me wrong, but, Alienware is a hot rod among PC's.
You may be surprised.
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07/31/2007 06:21:03 PM · #29 |
I have samsung, acer, viewsonic and dell monitors. But I primarily use the dell because its the sharpest and i use 2 computers on the one monitor. The monitor has 4 ports and U can switch thru different inputs like u would on a tv. I also hooked up cable to the svideo port and use the PIP :)
Dell monitors rock. And is about the only thing about dell that does IMHO.
And BTW MSI boards and support services suck. GO ASUS
Many things can go wrong on your build, dont pinch on the essentials. get 1 one hd instead of 2 unless u plan to go RAID off the start.
Basics: motherboard, powersupply, case. Pinch on everything else
Message edited by author 2007-07-31 18:24:02.
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07/31/2007 07:38:31 PM · #30 |
Originally posted by Man_Called_Horse:
Check out Alienware Area 51 7500 Desktop.
Don't listen to those Mac-en-ites. Mac is a great machine, don't get me wrong, but, Alienware is a hot rod among PC's. |
I checked it out and to have the EXACT same PC (only difference is a 700W PSU instead of a 550W), you pay $2031. I have this one priced to $1077. While it may be an excellent PC, it's just too expensive.
I agree that Mac is a great machine, but it's not for me. And don't try and sell the whole, you can run windows on a mac. What's the point in that anyway? You pay more to run the same thing? Unless you plan on using OSX, which I won't, it's pointless.
I am definitely leaning towards a Dell or a Samsung right now, do you notice any lag or trailing on your Dell monitor? I don't know if you do games or anything like that...but just out of curiousity.
Why use one HDD instead of two?
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07/31/2007 08:55:43 PM · #31 |
Originally posted by wavelength:
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Often, Macs run windows better than PC's. |
Mac owners are switching to XP? There's all the proof I need. Never heard of a PC owner using OSX.
And since Macs use Intel x86 architecture now, that statement is seriously flawed. |
Yes but you do see PLENTY of pc people running linux. There is no reason to run osx compared to linux imho
Originally posted by Man_Called_Horse:
You don't need Quad core.
Get the biggest monitor you can afford.
Check out Alienware Area 51 7500 Desktop.
Don't listen to those Mac-en-ites. Mac is a great machine, don't get me wrong, but, Alienware is a hot rod among PC's.
You may be surprised. |
Alienware PC's might be "hotrods" but they are WAY overpriced for what you get. If you are looking to get absolute top of the line and DONT want to build your own, call me. I will build the same thing for you and keep the difference :)
Oh and as for the quad core. Photoshop and other programs (but not all by ANY means) are multithreaded. A quad core would really be a good investment as long as the programs that a person uses most are multithreaded. And as far as I know photoshop pretty much uses processing power to render as opposed to the graphics card iirc. I would personally aim at the Q6600 (especially if you can get a g0 stepping and oc the thing).
The fact that I think that photoshop uses its processor for rendering is why I will recommend against the 8800. I just cannot see the OP actually using that thing unless he game at high resolutions and settings. You can save an easy 200 bucks getting a 7900gs or something (that is what I have and I game).
And harddrives. Personally I am a fan of getting two hdds and putting them in raid 0 and then having a seperate backup. I am running two hitachi t7k500's 320gb drives in raid 0 and they fly. Startup time is way decreased and moving big files around is much quicker. Of course then you have all the issues that come along with having a raid. But for 140-150 bucks you can have 600gb of raid 0.
Oh and check here. www.ocforums.com Good forum with a section for cyberdeals. You can see if anything there would help you out. Good luck!
Message edited by author 2007-07-31 22:01:52. |
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07/31/2007 10:01:28 PM · #32 |
Originally posted by SamDoe1:
Originally posted by Man_Called_Horse:
Check out Alienware Area 51 7500 Desktop.
Don't listen to those Mac-en-ites. Mac is a great machine, don't get me wrong, but, Alienware is a hot rod among PC's. |
I checked it out and to have the EXACT same PC (only difference is a 700W PSU instead of a 550W), you pay $2031. I have this one priced to $1077. While it may be an excellent PC, it's just too expensive.
I agree that Mac is a great machine, but it's not for me. And don't try and sell the whole, you can run windows on a mac. What's the point in that anyway? You pay more to run the same thing? Unless you plan on using OSX, which I won't, it's pointless.
I am definitely leaning towards a Dell or a Samsung right now, do you notice any lag or trailing on your Dell monitor? I don't know if you do games or anything like that...but just out of curiousity.
Why use one HDD instead of two? |
I'm a hard core gamer and notice no lag on the DELL or the SAMSUNG but the dell is sharper and has all those inputs.
I recommended the single harddrive because u seem to be on a budget and If u did'nt plan to go RAID then u could put that saving toward the essential hardware.
Remember! dont pinch on the essentials, get the best motherboard powersupply and case u can. The rest u can modify down the road. |
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08/01/2007 12:13:29 AM · #33 |
I'll probably go with RAID 0 and have a backup external drive. I think I'll pass on the quad core for now. I'm sure it's the way of the future as dual core was not too long ago, but it can wait and be upgraded later. I also picked out a new motherboard, PSU, and case as per your recommendation(s).
Thanks for all the help guys, keep it coming!
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08/01/2007 09:01:14 AM · #34 |
Originally posted by IAmMoen:
Originally posted by wavelength:
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Often, Macs run windows better than PC's. |
Mac owners are switching to XP? There's all the proof I need. Never heard of a PC owner using OSX.
And since Macs use Intel x86 architecture now, that statement is seriously flawed. |
Yes but you do see PLENTY of pc people running linux. There is no reason to run osx compared to linux imho
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Unless Linux has dramatically improved since I tried it, it's not a viable solution for most users.
I found support and drivers for many peripherals to be limited or non-existent.
I'm sure that some people can make it work, but why go to all the bother?
Do you want to use your PC or do you want to work on your PC? |
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08/01/2007 09:44:07 AM · #35 |
If you are running your two HDs in RAID 0 you need a third for backup. Maybe use your current drive? Make sure case and MB are big enough for several HDs.
If you shoot RAW regularly, 250GB may run out quite quickly.
If you get a monitor with a CF reader/USB port extender in it (some Dells have this), then you can avoid the need to buy these separately.
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08/01/2007 10:10:19 AM · #36 |
My current drive isn't big enough to back up much...it's only 80gb. All my essentials and things that I NEED are already on it (it's an external since I only have a laptop right now). So I suppose that would work. I plan on upgrading it/adding a new external later on in the future as well. Would this work?
I decided to go with 2x320gb, so 640gb total...for now. :)
I'll have to look into the Dell monitor and see if it has a card reader, thanks for the heads up!
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08/01/2007 10:25:22 AM · #37 |
Originally posted by SamDoe1:
I decided to go with 2x320gb, so 640gb total...for now. :)
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If you only have 80GB of images now, then you'll be able to keep a copy of your data on both drives to start with. That should give you time to save up for a third HD or bigger external (prices are dropping all the time).
One area where you could save is the graphics card - the 8800GTS is not a cheap card, and prices on these tend to fall quickly. It depends on how many and what types of games you want to play.
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08/01/2007 10:40:51 AM · #38 |
Originally posted by Matthew:
If you only have 80GB of images now, then you'll be able to keep a copy of your data on both drives to start with. That should give you time to save up for a third HD or bigger external (prices are dropping all the time). |
I'm thinking that's the best plan for now.
Originally posted by Matthew:
One area where you could save is the graphics card - the 8800GTS is not a cheap card, and prices on these tend to fall quickly. It depends on how many and what types of games you want to play. |
I can't skimp on the graphics. I do lots of games and plan on doing more with this machine. I've already dropped down from the 8800gtx card which is what I originally wanted. I need all the GPU power I can get out of this thing.
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08/01/2007 11:14:11 AM · #39 |
more memory - 4Gb. More won't work unless you have XP64 or some similar Vista OS, but apps can't use it yet, so save the money/hassle.
dual core is fine - I'm getting a 2.33 (arriving tomorrow UPS says!). I figure if it's 10% faster then it shouldn't be more than 10% costlier - price/performance deal.
If you do a C drive, a 200gb (more or less) should be fine. Windows slows if the C drive is more than 50-60% full, so allow for that. A 10,000 RPM dive can be handy (i skipped the faster drive).
For data I got a maxtor Diamond21 500Gb. I plan to get a network MAS later this year or next
Mobo - I had a hard time picking - a friend loves the Commando 850 (forget the maker, check newegg) for $199 - LOTS of cool features. Picky on memory though, as is any Mobo with that chipset.
Monitor...for editing you want the max contrast you can get. Other than that you need to spend thousands to make a difference. Try dual monitors - I run an older 19" CRT and newer 19W LCD and it's great!
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08/01/2007 12:08:42 PM · #40 |
On the monitors I still say Samsung, Dell, Hatachi. And Dell Monitors are usually modified OMS so are good monitors made by someone else with the dell name. ANd yes Dell monitors usually very good.
Good choice on a MB and processor, is my theory to get the best bang for the buck because the fastest is always the premium price but the performance boost usually isnt that great over a chip 3 steps down which can be 1/3 the cost!
Ram 2 gig is great in xp, much more is really overkill.
HDs I used to Run WD and only WD, now am using hatachi/IBM drives and they are working great very soild performanc and running for 3 years on 1 and 2 on the others with no bad sectors and I d/l and erase alot of stuff. Good luck with your build.
1 more recommendation install XP with a sp2 on the disk and you wont need a sata driver disk during the install process |
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08/01/2007 12:13:39 PM · #41 |
Not sure if someone said this but...
I would stay away from built in audio. I built a PC recently and wanted to stick to audio on my motherboard. To my surprise most of the audio effects were not avaliable in lots of games. Even suround sound was not suported. So I pulled out my old Audigy 2 sound card and it was WAYYY better.
Nick
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08/01/2007 02:37:30 PM · #42 |
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Originally posted by IAmMoen:
Originally posted by wavelength:
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Often, Macs run windows better than PC's. |
Mac owners are switching to XP? There's all the proof I need. Never heard of a PC owner using OSX.
And since Macs use Intel x86 architecture now, that statement is seriously flawed. |
Yes but you do see PLENTY of pc people running linux. There is no reason to run osx compared to linux imho
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Unless Linux has dramatically improved since I tried it, it's not a viable solution for most users.
I found support and drivers for many peripherals to be limited or non-existent.
I'm sure that some people can make it work, but why go to all the bother?
Do you want to use your PC or do you want to work on your PC? |
How long ago do you use linux? And for that matter what distro? All distros have certain pros and cons. You should pick the one that works best with your hardware.
Oh and as for monitors. Look for the refurbished dells. They come with the same super warranty, they were looked over from top to bottom which not even the new ones get to this extent, AND they are cheaper. Oh and if you are set on buying a new one you can go on ebay and buy coupons for monitors. This will help save quite a bit of money.
Message edited by author 2007-08-01 14:40:50. |
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08/02/2007 12:36:04 AM · #43 |
Originally posted by Nikolai1024:
Not sure if someone said this but...
I would stay away from built in audio. I built a PC recently and wanted to stick to audio on my motherboard. To my surprise most of the audio effects were not avaliable in lots of games. Even suround sound was not suported. So I pulled out my old Audigy 2 sound card and it was WAYYY better.
Nick |
I would say this depends on what your doing. if your really into gaming and the cool sounuds then yes pony out for a good sound card, but if you just watch movies and do graphics and photography, then intergrated sound is just fine.
And for sound Creative labs sound blaster are the best!! for pro audio then go EMU |
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08/02/2007 01:18:19 AM · #44 |
Originally posted by nemesise1977:
Originally posted by Nikolai1024:
Not sure if someone said this but...
I would stay away from built in audio. I built a PC recently and wanted to stick to audio on my motherboard. To my surprise most of the audio effects were not avaliable in lots of games. Even suround sound was not suported. So I pulled out my old Audigy 2 sound card and it was WAYYY better.
Nick |
I would say this depends on what your doing. if your really into gaming and the cool sounuds then yes pony out for a good sound card, but if you just watch movies and do graphics and photography, then intergrated sound is just fine.
And for sound Creative labs sound blaster are the best!! for pro audio then go EMU |
I'd go one further and say that it depends of the mobo audio chipset. Most on-board audio now is ACL-650 (realtek) with the HD Audio drivers or better. I have (2) Creative Labs Audigy2's sitting in a drawer because the on-board audio on the (ASUS) nForce rigs I got are as good as the Creatives, one system I am running 7.1 sound on... (that is Center, Front, Side, Surrond and a sub)...
Now if you by an ECS (Elite Group) budget mobo that could be a different story.
But the real sin would be to use on-board video... that is a faux pas. |
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08/02/2007 01:33:15 AM · #45 |
Originally posted by IAmMoen:
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Originally posted by IAmMoen:
Originally posted by wavelength:
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Often, Macs run windows better than PC's. |
Mac owners are switching to XP? There's all the proof I need. Never heard of a PC owner using OSX.
And since Macs use Intel x86 architecture now, that statement is seriously flawed. |
Yes but you do see PLENTY of pc people running linux. There is no reason to run osx compared to linux imho
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Unless Linux has dramatically improved since I tried it, it's not a viable solution for most users.
I found support and drivers for many peripherals to be limited or non-existent.
I'm sure that some people can make it work, but why go to all the bother?
Do you want to use your PC or do you want to work on your PC? |
How long ago do you use linux? And for that matter what distro? All distros have certain pros and cons. You should pick the one that works best with your hardware.
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It's been a few years and I tried 3 or 4 distributions: Red Hat, Mandrake, Debian and one other. Some supported some hardware well, others not so well. I thought it was a good idea, but really not ready for prime time. |
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08/02/2007 08:22:44 AM · #46 |
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Originally posted by SamDoe1:
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Chuck all that silliness and get a Mac. |
No thank you for the mac. Bash Windows all you want, but I'm still a fan.
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Often, Macs run windows better than PC's.
Enjoy your BSOD's. |
still living in the 90's? |
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08/02/2007 08:23:16 AM · #47 |
| i take it you want to play games or do 3D modeling? |
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08/02/2007 09:09:51 AM · #48 |
Originally posted by SamDoe1:
Bash Windows all you want, but I'm still a fan. |
Originally posted by SamDoe1:
(I like to format my OS drive a lot to keep things fresh). |
Go with whatever makes you comfortable, but thanks for the morning chuckle. ;-)
One thing to consider on your new system is that a Firewire reader will be 2-5X faster than USB 2.0. |
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08/02/2007 10:01:36 AM · #49 |
Originally posted by Bobster:
i take it you want to play games or do 3D modeling? |
Games, I do some 3D modeling (Solid works, CAD, etc) but all that is handled by my school issued laptop since that's the one that has all the licenses for those programs.
Originally posted by Scalvert:
Go with whatever makes you comfortable, but thanks for the morning chuckle. ;-)
One thing to consider on your new system is that a Firewire reader will be 2-5X faster than USB 2.0. |
I know that everyone will say that mac is better, but I just can't stand it. I don't know why. I've grown up on windows and still live and work on windows. It's not perfect and mac may or may not actually be better...but Windows is my thing.
I don't have anything that uses firewire...
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08/02/2007 10:11:01 AM · #50 |
Originally posted by SamDoe1:
I don't have anything that uses firewire... |
If you buy a Firewire card reader, then you will. The first time you use it, the difference in speed will be so startling that you'll spew Mountain Dew all over your new computer, thereby rendering the rest of the specs a moot point as it goes up in a small mushroom cloud.
Edited for clarity. ;-)
Message edited by author 2007-08-02 10:46:41. |
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