Buying A New PC

[Geek90210]

Hi I want to buy a new pc I like the brand HP but I have a few questions regarding the pc in general and Best Buy. The PC will be used as a Gaming PC, Media Center PC and Video and photo Editing.

Here are the Custom Specs I chose via the HP Website

Here is the Motherboard Information

Manufacturer: Pegatron IPMTB-TK
HP: Truckee-UL8E


Operating system Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit)
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-940 processor (2.93GHz, 1MB L2 + 8MB shared L3 cache with QPI Technology)
Memory 12GB DDR3-1066MHz SDRAM [6x2048]
Hard drive 1TB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive
Graphics card 1GB NVIDIA GeForce 9800GT [2 DVI, HDMI and VGA adapters]
Primary DVD/CD drive Blu-ray writer & Lightscribe SuperMulti DVD burner
Secondary DVD/CD drive 16x max. DVD-ROM
Networking Premium Wireless-N LAN card
Front Productivity Ports 15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, 1394, audio, video (for TV Tuner)
TV & entertainment experience TV tuner, dual format ATSC-NTSC with PVR, remote
Speakers Logitech X-540 5.1 stereo speakers
Keyboard and Mouse HP wireless keyboard and HP wireless optical mouse
Removable Storage 320 GB 5400rpm HP Pocket Media Drive
HP Personal Media Drives 1 TB 7200 rpm HP Personal Media Drive

I have a couple of additions I would like to make to the pc

So here are the questions

1. I would like to add a new graphics card to get rid of the integrated one?

2.I would like to add SLI or CrossFire plus a third graphics and for Physics is this possible with the specs I choose above or can I replace the graphics with an off the shelf graphics cards if so which are compatible with the motherboard listed above?


3.Is Qaud SLI Or Crossfire Possible?


4. I would like to have a touch screen monitor which is compatible with this pc?, I
would also like to know if there is a monitor that supports touch screen functionality and
GeForce 3D Vision Hardware?

5.I would like to add a Video Editing Card is this possible?

6.I would like to add a Dual HD TV Tuner Card to replace the analog one is this possible

7.I would like to add a new sound card to get rid of the integrated one is this possible?

8.I would like to add an internal AM Tuner Card is this possible? Do such products exist?

9.I would like to add an FM Tuner Card is this possible?

10.I would like to add an HD Radio Tuner Card is this possible? Do such products exist?

11. .I would like to add an Sirius XM Radio Tuner Card is this possible? Do such products exist?

12.I would like to add an internal data/fax/voice modem is this possible?

13. I would also like to add an internal floppy drive is this possible ?c case or

14.Will all of these upgrades fit in the case or will I have to buy a new case to fit all the components?

Bestbuy Questions

1.If I add another pc component to the pc will that void my service plan?

2.I would like to get a bestbuy service plan but I have a couple of questions if the pc breaks and I go and get a replacement do I get to keep the pc components I bought?

3.If I Overclock the pc will that void my service plan?

 

[Rifter]

I only found one link to that mobo on google and it was not in english, i did look at the pictures however. It has only 2 PCIex16 slots so you are limited to 2 cards, also it only has 2 other PCIe(x4 and x1) which would both be blocked if using 2 double height vid cards which almost all are now so if you had 2 vid cards that would be it for expansion, no TV tuner or any other addon card. Also that mobo didnt even have all solid caps and only 4 SATA ports and i did not see a floppy or IDE connector, i would consider picking a higher quality board for sure if you are going with that high end of a system. my $.02

 

[InflatableBuddha]

A few thoughts:

Since you want so many expansion cards, you need to go with a custom built system with a larger case. Even if you have a store assemble it for you, you need to go that route.

Don't bother with a separate sound card; integrated is fine.

I think many of those radio functions can be achieved with a single card, but I don't know enough about tuner cards to recommend one.

The spec you picked already includes a discrete graphics card; this is also used for video editing.

I don't know why you would need a fax/modem nowadays.

You can add a floppy drive if you want, but since you can load drivers from a USB drive, it's not really necessary.

I'm not sure about touch screens - I think you need a prebuilt all-in-one machine for that. You may not be able to do that with a custom machine.

 

[mpilchfamily]

You definatly need a custum system made. There are options for upgrading a standard screen to touch but they all kind of suck and won't give the full fuctionality your looking for. Besides Vista isn't really set up well for touch screen operation. Win 7 will be much better at it.

Now your wanting allot of cards in there. I know of no known AM tuner card. But many TV tuner cards come with an FM tunter built in. There is no need for an XM tuner card. If you have XM radio then you have an account that allows you to stream it over the internet. Don't know if there is an HD radio tuner for the PC yet. There are also TV tuner cards that can handle dual inputs. But then those may be lacking the FM tuner.

Just keep in mind the mothebroard will only have 7 slots. If you do tri SLI with the 3rd card as physics then you've lost 3 slots already. Often 2 or 3 of the slots are going to be PCI leaving 1 or 2 slots for either a 1x or 4x PCI-e slot. So a better solution for all those cards may be to get a nice sound card with multiple inputs so that you can have an HD radio and whatever else plugged into the system. Then you have the HD radio, FM radio and AM radio covered in one box with the sound being pumped into the PC threw the sound card. The fax modem isn't needed. There are online solutions that allow you to fax documents as needed. For the most part you don't need a fax anymore. A good scanner is all you need to copy your documents to the PC and then email them.

In the end the motherboard itself will be you limiting factor. But there are ways to get everything in one. But it would require you to bould the system yourself. Its a matter of getting a large enough case that can be modified to hold 2 PC inside it. Then you build a KVM switch into it so you only need a single monitor, KD and mouse to togle back and forth to control them.

The best buy service plans are a waste of money. its not worth it. If you buy an OEM from best buy you won't be able to OC it since the features in the bois you would need to tweak are locked out in an OEM system. Opening the OEM system to add parts and what not will void the manufactures warenty which is the main one you want to worry about anyway. So have the system built from scratch. Do some research online and find any and all options for reducing the amount of hardware you want to cram into it.

 

[Geek90210]

I would like to know if buying a Gateway FX6800-05 PC is a better buy so I can at least add the following components to it

1.I would like to add SLI or CrossFire plus a third graphics and for Physics is this possible with the specs I choose above or can I replace the graphics with an off the shelf graphics cards if so which are compatible.

2.I would like to add a Dual HD TV Tuner Card to replace the analog one

3. I would also like to add an internal floppy drive

4.I would also like to know what exact motherboard is in this pc.

I take it this pc has a dedicated graphics card and soundcard from looking at the specs on the gateway website.

 

[DSF]

How large of a monitor are you buying? I can't seem to find it in yout post.

 

[Geek90210]

30-50 Inches

 

[Imager]

Originally posted by: Geek90210
30-50 Inches

and you're buying a HP or Gateway PC for that?

*sighs*

From fixing PC's I learned something along the way - HP's are for the most part garbage. The "P" in HP stands for "Printers" They make good printers, but not really PC's.

I agree with the others and build your own. Those pre-made ones are really limited.

If you MUST buy a premade try places like cyberpowerpc.com

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: Imager

Originally posted by: Geek90210
30-50 Inches

and you're buying a HP or Gateway PC for that?

*sighs*

From fixing PC's I learned something along the way - HP's are for the most part garbage. The "P" in HP stands for "Printers" They make good printers, but not really PC's.

I agree with the others and build your own. Those pre-made ones are really limited.

If you MUST buy a premade try places like cyberpowerpc.com

The P stands for Packard actually... as in Hewlett-Packard.

Also, if the OP is saying a 30-50" monitor, my best guess is that he is referring to a TV used a monitor, so 720p-1080p meaning 1366*768 - 1920*1080 in resolution.

Besides if he is talking about SLI and Crossfire graphics, I think he will have the chops for even a 30" Monitor (2560*1600 resolution)

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: Geek90210
I would like to know if buying a Gateway FX6800-05 PC is a better buy so I can at least add the following components to it

1.I would like to add SLI or CrossFire plus a third graphics and for Physics is this possible with the specs I choose above or can I replace the graphics with an off the shelf graphics cards if so which are compatible.

2.I would like to add a Dual HD TV Tuner Card to replace the analog one

3. I would also like to add an internal floppy drive

4.I would also like to know what exact motherboard is in this pc.

I take it this pc has a dedicated graphics card and soundcard from looking at the specs on the gateway website.

1: I believe the FX is a gaming chassis, so you should be able to put a second graphics card in the system. Whether or not the board supports SLI or Crossfire is an entirely other situation and you might want to contact HP Tech Support.

2: That should be possible, but I have no idea.

3: If you don't mind my asking... why? What is wrong with a USB based one?

4: I don't think you will ever know that answer. Most OEMs use an in house design unless otherwise specified.

I believe that you are wrong on that count, certainly with regards to the video card. The 9800 is definitely not an integrated card, but the sound card very well could be.

Honestly, you might want to consider either building your own system, or going to a site like iBuyPower or something along those lines. They are more likely to have the customization that you are looking for.

What exactly is your budget, and are you averse to building your own?

 

[Imager]

Originally posted by: TheStu

Originally posted by: Imager

Originally posted by: Geek90210
30-50 Inches

and you're buying a HP or Gateway PC for that?

*sighs*

From fixing PC's I learned something along the way - HP's are for the most part garbage. The "P" in HP stands for "Printers" They make good printers, but not really PC's.

I agree with the others and build your own. Those pre-made ones are really limited.

If you MUST buy a premade try places like cyberpowerpc.com

The P stands for Packard actually... as in Hewlett-Packard.

Also, if the OP is saying a 30-50" monitor, my best guess is that he is referring to a TV used a monitor, so 720p-1080p meaning 1366*768 - 1920*1080 in resolution.

Besides if he is talking about SLI and Crossfire graphics, I think he will have the chops for even a 30" Monitor (2560*1600 resolution)

HA HA! I know what the "P" stands for...it was a JOKE as most of their PC's that I've ever worked on/fixed are garbage. They make good printers, but not so good PC's...hench why I said the "P" stood for "printers"...again as a Joke!

Well I guess we would all assume the 20"-50" is a TV and not a 'monitor" technically has I've personally never seen a 50" monitor...but then again it doesn't mean it doesn't exist....

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: Imager

Originally posted by: TheStu

Originally posted by: Imager

Originally posted by: Geek90210
30-50 Inches

and you're buying a HP or Gateway PC for that?

*sighs*

From fixing PC's I learned something along the way - HP's are for the most part garbage. The "P" in HP stands for "Printers" They make good printers, but not really PC's.

I agree with the others and build your own. Those pre-made ones are really limited.

If you MUST buy a premade try places like cyberpowerpc.com

The P stands for Packard actually... as in Hewlett-Packard.

Also, if the OP is saying a 30-50" monitor, my best guess is that he is referring to a TV used a monitor, so 720p-1080p meaning 1366*768 - 1920*1080 in resolution.

Besides if he is talking about SLI and Crossfire graphics, I think he will have the chops for even a 30" Monitor (2560*1600 resolution)

HA HA! I know what the "P" stands for...it was a JOKE as most of their PC's that I've ever worked on/fixed are garbage. They make good printers, but not so good PC's...hench why I said the "P" stood for "printers"...again as a Joke!

Well I guess we would all assume the 20"-50" is a TV and not a 'monitor" technically has I've personally never seen a 50" monitor...but then again it doesn't mean it doesn't exist....

Well, not everybody does know what HP stands for