Critique my computer build

orcmauler · 10-10-2006, 07:28 PM

So I am looking at buying a new computer. I am a computer idiot, but my wife (luckily) can usually build anything. So without further ado, what do you guys think of this setup???

I am working with about 2000 dollars give or take:

Hard Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144701

Mobo: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...121&CatId=1533

Processor (will probably overclock it): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115003

Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134046

Graphics Cards (in SLI): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130256

Sound Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102178

Power Supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817256006

Case: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...666&CatId=1510

Grand total without tax is around 23-2500.

Comments? Monitor is a non-issue, I just got a viewsonic vx922 on the cheap

Edit: Corrected the processor link

Zuuljin · 10-10-2006, 07:35 PM

You have the power supply for the processor link. Change your video card to a single 7900gt, and then wait for DX10 cards to come out. Get a raptor drive or equivalent if you can afford it. Dont really need a sound card, as that MB has an 8 channel audio on the board. Its actually the exact one I have and it sounds fine to me.

Vinen · 10-10-2006, 09:44 PM

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay Overboard on the case. You can probably cut that down to ~100 with a better choice.

Unless you plan to do some real hardcore OCing... thats probably not nesseccary... even then its probably not.

Warrik · 10-10-2006, 09:52 PM

Dont buy those video cards. eVGA jsut release these, which are the same cards are 7900 GTX with teh voltage turned down.

Best deal going right now

650Mhz core clock....its a real fast card with 512gddr3

Better card for cheaper than the ones you were looking at.

Zuuljin · 10-10-2006, 09:53 PM

Totally forgot about the GTO. Yea, get that, best deal out there. OC it and your golden until the DX10 cards come out.

Millie · 10-10-2006, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orcmauler

Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134046

I use Kingston RAM (replaced my factory build RAM with 2x 1GB Kingstons), and it's worked like a charm for me. However, when I was researching RAM cards back in the day, I learned of a rumor that Kingston cards don't respond well on overclocked machines. Your best bet is Corsair if you're planning to overclock. Otherwise, Kingston is fine.

Personally speaking, I have no need or know-how to overclock my system. But if I were the sort who'd overclock her PC, I'd buy Corsair RAM.

Dekton · 10-10-2006, 10:54 PM

Nice list overall, I would think that a $400 dollar case for a 2k comp may be overkill. Cool case though.

I would not recommend you spend money on SLI for a system at a resolution of 1280x1024 and a total budget of 2k. I think that the 7800gt would be a poor choice, it is an older card hopelessly outclassed by cheaper and more powerful cards. I would think one of two things for monitors. Either sell what you have and go bigger or get another. Having two monitors WILL increase your productivity. You will wonder how you did without it. Lastly do you have some speakers and a DVD drive? If I had 2k to spend here is what I would do.

Processor- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115003

Mobo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131045

Memory - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820144032
Remember, you will need some good ram to overclock.

CPU cooler - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835186134 there are other good choices as well.
Paste - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835100007

Powa - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151030

Sound Card - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102190
Like Zuuljin said, not an absolute necessity but having the front ports of the platinum is great. It depends on what you use your comp for.

Video card - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130065
Get it, OC it, GTX on the cheap.

Monitor - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824116375
You really need two!

Hard drive - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148140
You could leave out the sound card and upgrade to a 150gig Raptor.

Case - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811112099
Quiet, good airflow, basic, black.

DVD - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827129001

With shipping, $1980 to your door. I did not include software like WinXp/Anti virus etc…a couple changes and you could include that for under 2k as well.

orcmauler · 10-10-2006, 11:18 PM

Ok couple of questions:

One--a 19 inch monitor is more than enough--i dont really see the need to go higher--but feel free to convince me.

Second: Regarding the case. I have heard from "people" (basically the it people where i work) that water cooling is the way to go for the new processors, especially the core 2's. Will fans alone be able to compensate for the processor, video card(s) and an average ambient temp of 80-85 farenheit?

Phoenix · 10-10-2006, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orcmauler

Ok couple of questions:

One--a 19 inch monitor is more than enough--i dont really see the need to go higher--but feel free to convince me.

Second: Regarding the case. I have heard from "people" (basically the it people where i work) that water cooling is the way to go for the new processors, especially the core 2's. Will fans alone be able to compensate for the processor, video card(s) and an average ambient temp of 80-85 farenheit?

SLI would be a complete waste on a monitor that is limited to 1240x1028, major overkill for that low of a resolution. If youre going SLI, spend $400ish for a quality 1680x1050 display. That will allow a SLI configuration to actually be put to use. Or hell, go for a 1920x1200 display to get the most out of SLI.

As for SLI cards, go with the new 7950GT KOs from eVGA. Best graphics card company in the business hands down. The cards they build are extremely high quality and can pull off some massive OCs. Right now my 7900GT performs if not out performs 7900GTXs.

And for HDs, Id go with something bigger, but thats just me.

Dekton · 10-10-2006, 11:36 PM

Yeah man air cooling is still fine. It's simple, cheap and effective. Water is nice but not necessary for your needs.

As far as monitors, bigger really is better. I can't imagine working/playing on anything less than 21". I worked with a 30" and a couple different 2-3 monitor setups and got retarded about monitors. Basically, you will never go back. Plus, its in your budget.

Jabberwhacky · 10-11-2006, 12:57 AM

I'm looking into a new video card and wanted to ask about them. When can we expect DX10 cards to come into play? I was hoping to upgrade my 6600gt (agp slot) but don't really want to spend 255 bucks on a card that I'll replace in a year. I think I spent like 210 on my card 2 years ago and it's served me well. How long can I expect that 7900 GTO to last?

Zuuljin · 10-11-2006, 01:34 AM

First round of DX10 cards come out next month. However they wont reach their potential till DX10 is actually released with Vista, sometime early next year. You need a new computer though, because you have AGP. All new cards are PCI-e, so you need a whole new setup.

Drauk · 10-11-2006, 01:44 AM

Why are you choosing some shitty overpriced PSU ? Here is much better 700w http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104015

Not to mention that you don't need 700 Watt with that setup. 700 watt is Quad-SLI and a lot of hard drives. 500-550 Watt is more than enough.

Jabberwhacky · 10-12-2006, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zuuljin

First round of DX10 cards come out next month. However they wont reach their potential till DX10 is actually released with Vista, sometime early next year. You need a new computer though, because you have AGP. All new cards are PCI-e, so you need a whole new setup.

Actually I got that covered, I bought an ASROCK (I think it's called) that has both a PCI-E and AGP slot. I bought that because I didn't want to upgrade a new video card when I bought the motherboard but knew I would want to eventually and probably without buying a new mobo.

If that's true what you say about the timeframe, I can't see myself spending 250 bucks on a card that would be sizeably outdated in a year (moreso than previous years since we have the tech jump to DX10). Are there any like $100-150 cards that would be a noticeable upgrade to a 6600GT? I really don't want to have to rape Gothic 3's beauty by turning off all the cool effects because I'm on a 2 year old video card

Oh and just to hijack the thread even more, what's the deal with power supplies? I'm still sportin a 450 watt, is that a concern for any card you might recommend?

The Dauntless One · 10-12-2006, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milf

I use Kingston RAM (replaced my factory build RAM with 2x 1GB Kingstons), and it's worked like a charm for me. However, when I was researching RAM cards back in the day, I learned of a rumor that Kingston cards don't respond well on overclocked machines. Your best bet is Corsair if you're planning to overclock. Otherwise, Kingston is fine.

Personally speaking, I have no need or know-how to overclock my system. But if I were the sort who'd overclock her PC, I'd buy Corsair RAM.

personally speaking, mushkin, ocz, and crucial are the best

EDIT: just wondering, does anyone know when DX10 games will start to release? i haven't checked but i dont know any games that is planned to be designed under that engine

10-10-2006, 07:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
orcmauler <3 $$mas Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 502 +0 Internets	Critique my computer build So I am looking at buying a new computer. I am a computer idiot, but my wife (luckily) can usually build anything. So without further ado, what do you guys think of this setup??? I am working with about 2000 dollars give or take: Hard Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144701 Mobo: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...121&CatId=1533 Processor (will probably overclock it): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115003 Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134046 Graphics Cards (in SLI): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130256 Sound Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102178 Power Supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817256006 Case: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...666&CatId=1510 Grand total without tax is around 23-2500. Comments? Monitor is a non-issue, I just got a viewsonic vx922 on the cheap Edit: Corrected the processor link Last edited by orcmauler : 10-10-2006 at 11:15 PM.

10-10-2006, 09:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
Vinen A Cat is Fine Too Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Not in fucking Acton, MA anymore! Posts: 2,889	Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay Overboard on the case. You can probably cut that down to ~100 with a better choice. Unless you plan to do some real hardcore OCing... thats probably not nesseccary... even then its probably not. __________________ Vinna, Feral Druid, Stormrage Server Len, Disciple of Khaine, Averheim Server Hope is not a strategy

10-11-2006, 01:44 AM	#13 (permalink)
Drauk Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Russia Posts: 686 -1 Internets	Why are you choosing some shitty overpriced PSU ? Here is much better 700w http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104015 Not to mention that you don't need 700 Watt with that setup. 700 watt is Quad-SLI and a lot of hard drives. 500-550 Watt is more than enough. __________________ God to Earth: “Cry more, noobs!”

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10-10-2006, 07:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
Zuuljin So there's this plane on a treadmill... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,935 +5 Internets	You have the power supply for the processor link. Change your video card to a single 7900gt, and then wait for DX10 cards to come out. Get a raptor drive or equivalent if you can afford it. Dont really need a sound card, as that MB has an 8 channel audio on the board. Its actually the exact one I have and it sounds fine to me.

10-10-2006, 09:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
Warrik Ive been reading these boards since noows....that makes me uber Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 2,090 -3 Internets	Dont buy those video cards. eVGA jsut release these, which are the same cards are 7900 GTX with teh voltage turned down. Best deal going right now 650Mhz core clock....its a real fast card with 512gddr3 Better card for cheaper than the ones you were looking at.

10-10-2006, 09:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
Zuuljin So there's this plane on a treadmill... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,935 +5 Internets	Totally forgot about the GTO. Yea, get that, best deal out there. OC it and your golden until the DX10 cards come out.

10-10-2006, 10:54 PM	#7 (permalink)
Dekton Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 52 +0 Internets	Nice list overall, I would think that a $400 dollar case for a 2k comp may be overkill. Cool case though. I would not recommend you spend money on SLI for a system at a resolution of 1280x1024 and a total budget of 2k. I think that the 7800gt would be a poor choice, it is an older card hopelessly outclassed by cheaper and more powerful cards. I would think one of two things for monitors. Either sell what you have and go bigger or get another. Having two monitors WILL increase your productivity. You will wonder how you did without it. Lastly do you have some speakers and a DVD drive? If I had 2k to spend here is what I would do. Processor- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115003 Mobo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131045 Memory - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820144032 Remember, you will need some good ram to overclock. CPU cooler - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835186134 there are other good choices as well. Paste - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835100007 Powa - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151030 Sound Card - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102190 Like Zuuljin said, not an absolute necessity but having the front ports of the platinum is great. It depends on what you use your comp for. Video card - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130065 Get it, OC it, GTX on the cheap. Monitor - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824116375 You really need two! Hard drive - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148140 You could leave out the sound card and upgrade to a 150gig Raptor. Case - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811112099 Quiet, good airflow, basic, black. DVD - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827129001 With shipping, $1980 to your door. I did not include software like WinXp/Anti virus etc…a couple changes and you could include that for under 2k as well.

10-10-2006, 11:18 PM	#8 (permalink)
orcmauler <3 $$mas Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 502 +0 Internets	Ok couple of questions: One--a 19 inch monitor is more than enough--i dont really see the need to go higher--but feel free to convince me. Second: Regarding the case. I have heard from "people" (basically the it people where i work) that water cooling is the way to go for the new processors, especially the core 2's. Will fans alone be able to compensate for the processor, video card(s) and an average ambient temp of 80-85 farenheit?

10-10-2006, 11:36 PM	#10 (permalink)
Dekton Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 52 +0 Internets	Yeah man air cooling is still fine. It's simple, cheap and effective. Water is nice but not necessary for your needs. As far as monitors, bigger really is better. I can't imagine working/playing on anything less than 21". I worked with a 30" and a couple different 2-3 monitor setups and got retarded about monitors. Basically, you will never go back. Plus, its in your budget.

10-11-2006, 12:57 AM	#11 (permalink)
Jabberwhacky Walker told me I have AIDS Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: In da FACE!! (two times) Posts: 2,739	I'm looking into a new video card and wanted to ask about them. When can we expect DX10 cards to come into play? I was hoping to upgrade my 6600gt (agp slot) but don't really want to spend 255 bucks on a card that I'll replace in a year. I think I spent like 210 on my card 2 years ago and it's served me well. How long can I expect that 7900 GTO to last?

10-11-2006, 01:34 AM	#12 (permalink)
Zuuljin So there's this plane on a treadmill... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,935 +5 Internets	First round of DX10 cards come out next month. However they wont reach their potential till DX10 is actually released with Vista, sometime early next year. You need a new computer though, because you have AGP. All new cards are PCI-e, so you need a whole new setup.