Final Build - rate me!

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Noobtastic

Banned
Jul 9, 2005
3,721
0
0
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Blain
"Here is the wishlist:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://secure.newegg.com/NewV...e=Michael%27s+Computer"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://secure.newegg.com/NewV...e=Michael%27s+Computer">https://secure.newegg.co.........l%27s+Computer</a></a>

I need to know, can you see the list without logging in?

this is very important."

For crying out loud... Just list your parts.
All it takes is a quick copy & paste. :shocked:

</end quote></div>




I need to know if you can see the list cause I'm sending it to a relative.

It's a yes or no answer.


Please??





Qty. Product Description Unit Price Savings Total Price
1 COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel, SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #: CAC-T05-UW
Item #: N82E16811119068

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$49.99 -$5.00 Instant $44.99
1 TRIPP LITE STRIKER 6 Feet 7 Outlets 750 joules Power Surge Protector - Retail
Model #: STRIKER
Item #: N82E16812120306

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$7.99 $7.99
1 GIGABYTE GA-965P-S3 LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #: GA-965P-S3
Item #: N82E16813128017

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$109.99 -$10.00 Instant $99.99
1 SAPPHIRE 100186L Radeon X1950XT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 VIVO HDCP Video Card - Retail
Model #: 100186L
Item #: N82E16814102067

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$179.99 $179.99
1 FSP Group (Fortron Source) Blue Storm II 500 ATX 2.2V 500W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: Blue Storm II 500
Item #: N82E16817104034

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$86.99 $86.99
1 Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600 - Retail
Model #: BX80557E6600
Item #: N82E16819115003

Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy

In Stock
$222.90 $222.90
1 mushkin 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996527 - Retail
Model #: 996527
Item #: N82E16820146118

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$87.99 $87.99
1 Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: ST3320620AS
Item #: N82E16822148140

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$79.99 $79.99
1 Saitek PZ30AU Black USB Wired Standard Eclipse Keyboard - Retail
Model #: PZ30AU
Item #: N82E16823175103

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$44.99 $44.99
1 SAMSUNG 931C High Glossy Black 19" 2ms (GTG) DVI LCD Monitor - Retail
Model #: 931C
Item #: N82E16824001085

Return Policy: [LCD] Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$269.99 -$20.00 Instant $249.99
1 Logitech G5 2-Tone 6 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB Wired Laser Mouse - Retail
Model #: 931376-0403
Item #: N82E16826104191

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$45.99 $45.99
2 PLANTRONICS .Audio 60 3.5mm Connector Supra-aural Analog Headset - OEM
Model #: 67523-04
Item #: N82E16826265036

Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$9.99 -$2.00 Instant $15.98
1 LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM write and LightScribe Technology Black E-IDE/ATAPI Model LH-20A1H-185 - OEM
Model #: LH-20A1H-185
Item #: N82E16827106055

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$31.99 $31.99
1 ESET NOD32 Anti-Virus for Windows - OEM
Model #: SN-N500-1
Item #: N82E16832114002

Return Policy: Software Return Policy

In Stock
$39.99 -$15.00 Instant $24.99
1 Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B 1 Pack - OEM
Model #: N09-01991
Item #: N82E16832116056

Return Policy: Software Return Policy

In Stock
$89.99 $89.99
1 Battlefield 2: Deluxe Edition PC Game EA - Retail
Model #: 15290
Item #: N82E16832130008

Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$27.99 $27.99
1 Battlefield 2142 PC Game EA - Retail
Model #: 014633152654
Item #: N82E16832130015

Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$27.99 $27.99
1 ZALMAN VF700-CU 2 Ball VGA COOLER - Retail
Model #: VF700-Cu
Item #: N82E16835118117

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$29.99 $29.99
1 Logitech S-100 BLK 5 Watts RMS 2.0 Speaker - OEM
Model #: 970144-0403
Item #: N82E16836121125

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$11.99 $11.99
1 Microsoft Works 8.5 - OEM
Model #: 070-03125
Item #: N82E16837102081

Return Policy: Software Return Policy

In Stock
$9.99 $9.99
Subtotal: $1,422.70


Please tell me if you can see the list that i linked.

 

coolpurplefan

Golden Member
Mar 2, 2006
1,243
0
0
I did a quick search and saw that there were some $12 or $13 Altec Lansing and Logitech headsets. I've never heard of Plantronics before.

Mouse is a personal preference but I like my Razer Diamondback mouse.
 

Noobtastic

Banned
Jul 9, 2005
3,721
0
0
Originally posted by: jpeyton
I'm not going to do too much research, but off the top of my head:

Antec Sonata II w/ 450W PSU $50 AR Frys.com
XFX nForce 650i Ultra Motherboard $80 AR Newegg.com
PQI 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 667 $65 Frys.com
Sapphire X1950PRO $107 AR Newegg.com
Maxtor 320GB SATAII $60 Frys.com
Viewsonic 19" WS LCD $140 AR Buy.com

There's a core system with 90% of the performance for $502. Even if you add your software and accessories, you will still spend a lot less than the $1422 in your wish list right now. The keys to saving money are not buying everything a Newegg, and purchasing your parts as they come on sale (all the parts I listed are on sale right now, or were on sale last week and will probably be on sale again next week). In the weeks you've wasted making threads and pondering items, you could have had a nice computer in your hands right now.

Scrap NOD32 and download AOL (Kaspersky) Active Virus Shield for free. Kaspersky is equal to or better than NOD32.

Scrap MS Works. Download OpenOffice for free.



If you've read my previous threads you would understand why I need to order everything at once and at the same retailer.

I chose the XT because it has significant weight over the pro (the pro was my first choice) in BF2 and BF2142. The Samsung moniter was recommened over the viewsonic and nec for BF2 for max settings. Centurian 5 came is definitely better than the Sonata.


Everything else (excluding the anti-virus, which was my personal choice) cannot be changed.



I'm not going to be upgrading my computer....ever. I want to extend it's lifespan as long as I can under a reasonable price with all necessary components for a power gaming and multimedia computer. If I chose the GTS, I'd have to get a way better PSU and probably additional heatsinks and fans...which would definitely up my budget.


I'm satisfied with my build (except for the RAM, which I'm still confused with,) and it seems others are to....since the majority of the core components were recommened by anandtech members.




Now, can you guys see this link without being logged into newegg. I HAVE TO KNOW!

https://secure.newegg.com/NewV...e=Michael%27s+Computer

 

Noobtastic

Banned
Jul 9, 2005
3,721
0
0
Ok, I sent the list to my uncle.

All we can do is pray that all this hardwork hasn't gone to waste.


Wish me luck.

 

Noobtastic

Banned
Jul 9, 2005
3,721
0
0
Originally posted by: jpeyton
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Noobtastic
If you've read my previous threads you would understand why I need to order everything at once and at the same retailer.</end quote></div>
Tell us again, why?

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>I chose the XT because it has significant weight over the pro (the pro was my first choice) in BF2 and BF2142.</end quote></div>
AT 1280x1024, 4x/8x AA/AF, the X1950Pro pumps out ~120FPS in BF2. Are you saying you can tell the difference between 120FPS and 170FPS on an LCD with a refresh rate of 60/75Hz?

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>The Samsung moniter was recommened over the viewsonic and nec for BF2 for max settings.</end quote></div>
Not really sure what that means.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Centurian 5 came is definitely better than the Sonata.</end quote></div>
The Sonata has much better thermal/silent properties than the Centurion.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Everything else (excluding the anti-virus, which was my personal choice) cannot be changed.</end quote></div>
NOD32 got spanked badly by a lot of good AV programs (including Kaspersky), but feel free to spend money on it.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>I'm not going to be upgrading my computer....ever. I want to extend it's lifespan as long as I can under a reasonable price with all necessary components for a power gaming and multimedia computer.</end quote></div>
That's a silly philosophy, since upgrading your machine DOES extend its lifespan. How long does it take to open the case and pop in extra RAM? 60 seconds? 2 minutes?

How long does it take to upgrade the CPU? 5 minutes? 10 minutes?

Swapping in a better graphics card (including installing the new drivers)? 5 minutes?

You've probably wasted more time than all of those upgrades combined browsing this forum just today.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Now, can you guys see this link without being logged into newegg. I HAVE TO KNOW!

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://secure.newegg.com/NewV...e=Michael%27s+Computer"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=6829208&WishListTitle=Michael%27s+Computer">https://secure.newegg.co.........l%27s+Computer</a></a></end quote></div>
Yes, we can.


Why are you so mean? I had all my parts checked and rechecked by over 6 anandtech members (including the monitor and anti-virus). They all said I should go with the XT over the pro, since it was only 5 dollars more.


I'm not building the computer BTW. I just want a PC that can play all battlefield games at max settings while also supporting my demanding educational studies (movie editing, basic text, hardcore multitasking, etc..)


anyways...way to go in making me feel bad.

My first PC build and I'm already regretting it.


:(

 

coolpurplefan

Golden Member
Mar 2, 2006
1,243
0
0
Yes, we can see the list on newegg.

Order the parts, build it, and tell us how it works.

Even if someone else does build it for you, look at the BIOS settings anyway. I'll give you an example of something I found. I saw a setting that said: "Boot Init display..." or something that like. Anyway, it was set on PCI and I set it PCIex. That tells the computer to look for a PCI Express video card when it boots instead of PCI first then PCIex. In any case, after looking at various BIOS settings I realized some were set wrong. The motherboard auto-detects things but it won't set everything correct.

For one, I put CD-ROM (even if it's DVD-RW) ahead of the hard drive in the boot order so I could load Windows XP. If you have the computer set to boot to hard drive first and don't have anything in there, then it's not going to load Windows.

Anyway, I hope you get my drift. It may take a while to verify the BIOS settings and research them on the Internet, but once it's done, you're all set. Besides, I noticed the BF2 demo I play is smoother after I looked at the BIOS settings and changed a few things. I'm too cheap to buy the game now. I just play the demo. Hahaha.
 

Noobtastic

Banned
Jul 9, 2005
3,721
0
0
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: coolpurplefan
Yes, we can see the list on newegg.

Order the parts, build it, and tell us how it works.

Even if someone else does build it for you, look at the BIOS settings anyway. I'll give you an example of something I found. I saw a setting that said: "Boot Init display..." or something that like. Anyway, it was set on PCI and I set it PCIex. That tells the computer to look for a PCI Express video card when it boots instead of PCI first then PCIex. In any case, after looking at various BIOS settings I realized some were set wrong. The motherboard auto-detects things but it won't set everything correct.

For one, I put CD-ROM (even if it's DVD-RW) ahead of the hard drive in the boot order so I could load Windows XP. If you have the computer set to boot to hard drive first and don't have anything in there, then it's not going to load Windows.

Anyway, I hope you get my drift. It may take a while to verify the BIOS settings and research them on the Internet, but once it's done, you're all set. Besides, I noticed the BF2 demo I play is smoother after I looked at the BIOS settings and changed a few things. I'm too cheap to buy the game now. I just play the demo. Hahaha.</end quote></div>


Building also includes installing the o/s.


The guy seems really knowledgeable about computers so I have my confidence that everything should work out. He says he's been building computers for over ten years (he's from Korea.)


Since he is installing the o/s, does that mean he will be browsing the bios? (which I have no idea that that is)


I'm going to write down some notes and give them to the builder. I'll need him to remove the jumper from the hd or else it will be stuck on 1Gb/s instead of the described 3Gb/s.


 

coolpurplefan

Golden Member
Mar 2, 2006
1,243
0
0
When he installs the O/S, he won't be looking into the BIOS. The BIOS is a totally different thing. Refer to your motherboard manual to see what it means. There should be a pdf file you can download at the gigabyte website. You can get the manual and read it now if you want.

BTW, from what's read, the jumper on a hard drive has to do with master and slave settings.
 

coolpurplefan

Golden Member
Mar 2, 2006
1,243
0
0
lol, I'm still on old technology PATA hard drives and PATA optical drives.

I even have round, single device IDE cables for my two machines. w00t!
 

mrfatboy

Senior member
Sep 3, 2006
841
0
76
I'm a big BF2 player and I would suggest that you switch out the G5 mouse for the G18 gamer mouse. It has to buttons on the left side and they come in really handy if you map them to Commander VOIP and squad VOIP.


 

aCynic2

Senior member
Apr 28, 2007
710
0
0
Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Speakers - http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16836121125 (I'll get more expensive ones later.)

This is totally the wrong way to think.

Expensive != better, unless it trully is better. I have logitech Z-5500s, $300 speakers and I wish I had known that Klipsh still has 5.1 pro medias avilable out there. I don't know whcih is more expensive, but I hear Klipsh pro-medias are the speakers to have. I would have bought them if I had known all this before.

 

Noobtastic

Banned
Jul 9, 2005
3,721
0
0
Originally posted by: aCynic2
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Speakers - http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16836121125 (I'll get more expensive ones later.)
</end quote></div>

This is totally the wrong way to think.

Expensive != better, unless it trully is better. I have logitech Z-5500s, $300 speakers and I wish I had known that Klipsh still has 5.1 pro medias avilable out there. I don't know whcih is more expensive, but I hear Klipsh pro-medias are the speakers to have. I would have bought them if I had known all this before.

I'm not really an audiophile. I'll mostly be using my headset, but it's good to have a pair of speakers just in case. :D


If it gets to the point where my ability to hear enemies or friendlys in battlefield than perhaps I'll switch out the speakers, but until then..


: )

 

Noobtastic

Banned
Jul 9, 2005
3,721
0
0
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: mrfatboy
whoops sorry, it's the mx518


mx518</end quote></div>



Is there really that big of a difference besides the extra buttons between the G5 and MX?


I only say this because I already sent the public wishlist to my uncle (which cannot be altered) that contained the G5 mouse, and not the MX. I only chose the G5 because it was a newer, so naturally I thought it would be better.


Should I return it and exchange it for an MX?



Is there a difference in gaming abilities between the two?



 

Blain

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
23,643
3
81
You really should drop by a Circuit City or Best Buy to find out what mouse "feels" right for you.
I've bought "the hot" mouse before, only to end up trading it off because I didn't like it's feel and button position.

I've made the mistake of buying before feeling. You can...
1. Heed my advice and head to a store to find out which mouse feels right for you.
2. Ignore my advice and roll the dice on buying a mouse.
3. Stick with your current mouse and tell your grandmother that you'll take the cash for right now, because you haven't decided on which mouse to get.
 

Noobtastic

Banned
Jul 9, 2005
3,721
0
0
I'm not going to cancel the whole order because I'm not 100% sure on the mouse.


My grandmother wants to order everything at once, and she won't write a check because of some family issues (don't ask.)



I replaced the G5 with the MX158, to be paired with the Saitek keyboard which I've heard great things about (and I've used it before.)



Now let's hope they actually order the computer. :D



All in all, what do you think of my entire set-up? Money isn't really an issue (although 1,500 shipped it pretty the limit), so going a couple over dollars over for 10% of additional performance is perfectly fine.


What do you think of the build?


If I had 1,500 to buy just the case, mobo, ram, cpu, psu, harddrive, and videocard....I could probably get top of the line-hardware. But since I need everything, including software, games, cooling solutions, accessories, opticial drive, and a $250 moniter....the price goes a tad bit up.


I think the X1950XT will let me play the games I want at super max settings, and will most likely enable me to play the next battlefield games at relatively high settings.



I played BF1942 for 3 years on an integrated 64mb mx-something card. Anything more is an upgrade. :cool:
 

benzylic

Golden Member
Jun 12, 2006
1,547
1
0
I'm confused is your grandma or uncle buying this for you, because you've thrown both relatives out there. If your grandmas buying it then why did you send the wishlist to your uncle?
 

Roguestar

Diamond Member
Aug 29, 2006
6,045
0
0
wtf man you paid $220 for 2GB of RAM at today's prices? :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:


Oh I see, your post was just badly formatted...

Well, that's not far too bad now. There's cheaper RAM but if you're scared of memory problems (that I told you like four times now don't exist any more, for god's sake mine is running at 2.2V) then you should be fine with the mushkin.
 

Roguestar

Diamond Member
Aug 29, 2006
6,045
0
0
Originally posted by: jpeyton
Originally posted by: Roguestar
wtf man you paid $220 for 2GB of RAM at today's prices? :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:
No, that's for the CPU. $90 for the RAM, which is still overpaying.
Yeah, I noticed that when reading the wishlist :p.

His post said
In Stock
$222.90 $222.90
1 mushkin 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996527 - Retail
Model #: 996527
Item #: N82E16820146118

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy


Which is somewhat confusing :p