New computer build, suggestions?

[phexac]

Easy just downgrade the processor to E2160 and OC that to 3.0 GHz. You will get a faster rig than stock E6550 and at a cheaper price.

 

[MarcVenice]

Tynopik, anything to back up your statement ? Vista 64x is just fine, and there's actually no reason NOT to run it. The only compatibility issues are with really old software, or really old hardware with old drivers.

I'd go with this 8800gt: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814127329 Why the APEVIA case ? I'm sure you're wife would appreciate something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811129024 which comes with the earthwatts 500w preinstalled. And no, no real reason to go with the e6xxx series anymore, there's also this btw: http://www.buy.com/retail/prod...egory=Comp&dcaid=16375 you should keep checking it to see if they come back in stock again. It's a e8400 called xeon, no real difference as far as I know.

 

[hoovie]

One of the things I like about the case I picked, is that it's got a blow hole on top(with fan), vents on the side, and a fan on the rear of the case. Besides, I'm not completely sure about the earthwatts 500w anyway. My other choice is the 520hx, which I realize is a bit more expensive, but I understand the corsair PSU's are better quality.

If that's the case with the Xeon cpu, I think I'll see if I can get my grubby hands one one of them, instead, assuming the E8400 isn't stocked again in the next few days.

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: tynopik
well anything smaller than the 1680x1050 resolution 20" and 22" provides just seems cramped to me

newegg has pretty good return policy although shipping it back may be steep

watch on fatwallet or something, they're always running lcd specials at officemax/officedepot/bestbuy/circuitcity/etc if you're patient

> Vista 64 bit -> why not?

why?

more likely to run into compatibility issues (both hardware and software) and the only thing you would gain would be <0.5GB ram (as 64bit binaries are bigger and take up more memory)

He'd gain around .75GB RAM 'back' out of 4GB but a 64-bit version of Vista will let him use much much more than that. Is it true that 64-bit binaries are generally bigger? Or is that just you multiplying by 2? Vista hardware support is only getting better, and most manufacturers have 64-bit digitally signed drivers out for their hardware. If he can afford it, Vista x64 is a good idea.

 

[hoovie]

I can certainly afford it...I already had vista home premium 32bit, so getting 64 bit was a simple matter of ordering a disc from MS for about $10.

Is there any point to SLI at this point, or is it still worthwhile for the average user to just stick with one video card for now? Also, I assume that you MUST have identical cards for SLI to work, correct?

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: hoovie
I can certainly afford it...I already had vista home premium 32bit, so getting 64 bit was a simple matter of ordering a disc from MS for about $10.

Is there any point to SLI at this point, or is it still worthwhile for the average user to just stick with one video card for now? Also, I assume that you MUST have identical cards for SLI to work, correct?

The only point in getting SLI is if you'll be running two top-of-the-line graphics cards because you absolutely must have the best quality visuals on a massive monitor. SLI is not a valid upgrade path; it makes more financial sense to get a single better card now or save the money for a single better card for later. You'll also be free to choose amongst more motherboards if you don't go for SLI.

 

[frankbo]

I know you said you're set on the GPU, but have you looked at the new 9600GT since its release? Could save a bit of scratch there.

 

[sgrinavi]

never mind