New member...appreciate rig evaluation.

[blitzula]

I'm going to have a pc built, mine is old. I use my pc to surf the web and games, and I'd like to be able to play those games with full graphics on my 22" widescreen monitor.. I want to buy something that is future proof for at least the next three years....what do you think of this?

Desktop: Motherboard, Intel S775: ASUS P5N72-T Premium SLI, Nvidia 780i SLI, S775 ($275)
Desktop: CPU Model, Intel S775: Intel Quad Core 2 Q9550 2.83GHz (12MB),1333MHz ($350)
Desktop: Intel CPU Cooling: Intel Stock CPU Fan (S775) ($15)
Desktop: Memory, DDR2: 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-800 CL4 RAM, GSkill ($80)
Desktop: Case: Antec Nine Hundred Gaming ($80)
Desktop: Power Supply: Thermaltake 850W Toughpower ($190)
Desktop: Floppy Drive: Please Select
Desktop: Hard Drive: Western Digital 1TB SATA2, 7200rpm ($153)
Desktop: 2nd Hard Drive: Please Select
Desktop: RAID: Please Select
Desktop: SATA Cables: High Quality SATA Cables With Clips (Qty 2) ($15)
Desktop: Round Drive Cables: Please Select
Desktop: CD/DVD Drive: ASUS 20x DL DVD-RW Burner, Lightscribe ($29), quieter
Desktop: 2nd CD/DVD Drive: Please Select
Desktop: Gaming Video Card: Nvidia GeForce GTX260 896MB PCI-E ($250)
Desktop: 2nd SLI Video Card: Please select one (Must choose an identical model for SLI)
Desktop: TV Tuner: Please Select
Desktop: Sound Card: Creative Labs X-Fi Xtreme Audio 7.1, PCI ($60)
Desktop: Modem: Please Select
Desktop: Wireless: Please Select
Desktop: Monitor: Please Select
Desktop: Keyboards: Please Select
Desktop: Mice: Please Select
Desktop Software: Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, 32 or 64-bit ($166)
Desktop Software: Productivity: Please Select
Desktop Software: Security: Please select one
Desktop Services: Warranty: *** 1 Year Warranty On All System Components ***
Comments: Type any specific requests or comments here.

1. $2,200+$100 shipping=$2,300 (cost from quick google search is roughly $1,663 plus 10% uplift for shipping/taxes=$1,830). Seems like their margin is healthy but not unreasonable (the company is KC Computers http://www.resellerratings.com/store/KC_Computers ).

2. I keep hearing that motherboard might not be the right choice, although KC stands by it. What do you guys think?

3. Is now a bad time to buy a PC? Some people have told me that Nehalem and Deneb are coming soon, I can wait if I should.

Any insight into whether this system is reasonable for my needs would be greatly appreciasted.

 

[sonnygdude]

Ever given any thought to doing it yourself? The idea of paying someone $400 to do something you could do in four hours is painful.

If you're not going SLI, go with an intel chipset motherboard. The Nvidia chipsets are regarded to have stability issues.

Are you going to OC? You probably want a different CPU cooler if you are.

If you get a decent motherboard with on-board HD audio, the sound card is not necessarily a good buy. I'd recommend trying on-board audio first, and if you don't like it you can always add a sound card later.

The power supply is a bit overkill too, especially if you're only running one graphics card.

In terms of waiting, there is a risk with new technology. Nehalem promises some fast performance, but there was a blog on this website that asserted that Nehalem wasn't going to offer any performance increase in games, so the benefit of waiting for that chip may not be worth the hassle of dealing with the first generation of a new socket. Plus there's the added expense of DDR3. If you want a computer now, get it now. Or maybe wait until Nehalem comes out and see if there's any good price reductions on the Yorkfields. There's always going to be something new around the corner. I was in the same boat two monhts ago, I decided to pull the trigger and I'm glad I did

 

[heyheybooboo]

If you are gaming at 1680 x 1050 and up, your best gains in performance will come from less cpu and more video power.

You could easily build a comparable rig yourself for $1,100 or buy the parts yourself and pay a local shop $200-$300 (a great deal for them!) to build it for you.

On the Intel side consider an e8400 - with AMD the Phenom 9850/9950 Black Editions. Cost: $170

For less than $200 you can purchase an Asus M3A79-T Deluxe AMD 790FX w/sb750 or an Asus P5Q Deluxe Intel P45. They are CrossFire mobos but you have saved $300 - that right there will buy you a 1Gb Radeon HD 4870 - and you can bump your video to a GeForce 9800 GX2 if nVidia is your thang

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Intel chipet: either a P35 or a P45
Intel CPU: 8400
PSU: @ a 700w make sure its a 80% or above psu
GPU: your choice -
OS: there is a guy on this forum selling Vista Ultimate-nonupgrade-full retail-32bit/64bit for 160$ = Vista Ultimate 160$

 

[Roguestar]

$15 for 2 SATA cables?! Are you serious? Do they do backflips around the room when you open the box, and jump into your computer and affix themselves?

They've got quite a nice price markup on the stuff they're putting together for you.

There's no point in buying such an expensive quad core CPU for gaming, put more money into the graphics card.

If you're ditching the SLI setup, get an Intel P35 or P45 motherboard. Gigabyte and Asus are highly recommended.

What model 1TB Western Digital Caviar drive is it? The Green model is quieter and uses less power but the Black model is much better performing.

 

[blitzula]

Originally posted by: sonnygdude
Ever given any thought to doing it yourself? The idea of paying someone $400 to do something you could do in four hours is painful.

If you're not going SLI, go with an intel chipset motherboard. The Nvidia chipsets are regarded to have stability issues.

Are you going to OC? You probably want a different CPU cooler if you are.

If you get a decent motherboard with on-board HD audio, the sound card is not necessarily a good buy. I'd recommend trying on-board audio first, and if you don't like it you can always add a sound card later.

The power supply is a bit overkill too, especially if you're only running one graphics card.

In terms of waiting, there is a risk with new technology. Nehalem promises some fast performance, but there was a blog on this website that asserted that Nehalem wasn't going to offer any performance increase in games, so the benefit of waiting for that chip may not be worth the hassle of dealing with the first generation of a new socket. Plus there's the added expense of DDR3. If you want a computer now, get it now. Or maybe wait until Nehalem comes out and see if there's any good price reductions on the Yorkfields. There's always going to be something new around the corner. I was in the same boat two monhts ago, I decided to pull the trigger and I'm glad I did

Thanks for the insight (and thanks to everyone else also).

FYI to all:

1. The only cost I was provided was the $2,200 system cost...I added the individual part costs myself using a google search.

2. I'm not going to overclock or build the system on my own (because of waiting for parts, having to diagnose the problems myself, the cost savings aren't that great when you factor in the value of my time, etc.).

3. I'm going to investigate a non-SLI setup also....I'll post here again once I decide whether I'm going SLI or not, and see what you guys think on the revised system.

 

[jae]

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 2.5GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor
Item #:N82E16819115043
Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
$259.99

G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Memory
Item #:N82E16820231122
Return Policy: Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy
-$40.00 Instant
$105.99
$65.99

ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model DRW-2014L1T
Item #:N82E16827135156
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant
$39.99
$34.99

ASUS P5Q Pro ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #:N82E16813131299
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy
-$20.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate
$139.99
$119.99

Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Item #:N82E16822136284
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy
$169.99

PC Power & Cooling Silencer PPCS500 500W Power Supply
Item #:N82E16817703015
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$89.99
$79.99

Antec Nine Hundred Black Computer Case With Side Panel Window
Item #:N82E16811129021
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$139.99
$129.99

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD
Item #:N82E16832116488
Return Policy: Software Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$109.99
$99.99

MSI Rainbow6 Vegas2 Bundled Game Gift
Item #: N82E16800127001
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

MSI GeForce GTX 260 N260GTX-T2D896 OC Video Card
Item #: N82E16814127361
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant
-$39.99 Combo
$30.00 Mail-in Rebate
$304.98
$259.99
------------------------------------
Grand Total: $1,220.91

Free 3-Day Shipping on everything

 

[blitzula]

Ok, I THINK I'm almost done. If the system below is good, I can operate it in X-fire mode and use two graphics cards. I won't do so for at least a year though.

Two graphics cards require an 850W power supply, which is a $140 more.

Is it worth it to spend $140 extra for the power supply, or will cards advance so much that one powerful card will be better then having two lesser cards? What do you think on that issue, and this system in general?

Selected options:
Desktop: Motherboard:ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
Desktop: CPU Model, Intel S775: Intel Quad Core 2 Q9550 2.83GHz (12MB),1333MHz
Desktop: Intel CPU Cooling: Intel Stock CPU Fan (S775)
Desktop: Memory, DDR2: 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-800 CL4 RAM, GSkill
Desktop: Case: Antec Nine Hundred Gaming
Desktop: Power Supply: Thermaltake 600W Purepower
Desktop: Hard Drive: Western Digital 640GB SATA2, 7200rpm
Desktop: SATA Cables: High Quality SATA Cables With Clips (Qty 2)
Desktop: CD/DVD Drive: ASUS 20x DL DVD-RW Burner, Lightscribe, quieter
Desktop: Gaming Video Card: ATI Radeon 4870 512MB PCI-E
Desktop: Sound Card: On-board Sound
Desktop Software: Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, 32 or 64-bit
Desktop Services: Warranty: *** 1 Year Warranty On All System Components ***

$1,740 plus shipping is my cost.

 

[Roguestar]

Having one powerful card is always better than having two mediocre cards. I wouldn't SLI anything but the highest end cards for a massive screen setup, personally. I don't believe it makes sense as an upgrade path. Avoid tying yourself to a specific motherboard or type of motherboards and just get a whole new, better card, a year from now .

The rest of that build looks pretty good other than my point below (and aside from the price, but you've already made peace with having someone else build it for you ).

* Gaming = dual core. Get a dual core CPU for gaming. For gaming, get a higher clocked dual core than a slower quad core. Games will perform better on a higher speed dual core than a slower quad core. Consider the E8400/E8500.

 

[blitzula]

Alright, I'm sticking with the 600 watt power supply then, and one card.

If I switch to the Dual Core below instead of the Quad Core...

Desktop: CPU Model, Intel S775: Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 3.33GHz Dual (6MB),1333MHz, 45nm

....I'll be gaining some gaming speed. What will I be losing, now and in the future (for gaming and other apps)? One of my goals is to have a pc that should be good for about three years (outside of possibly needing a new video card).

 

[Roguestar]

You'll not lose much else, seeing as you didn't mention you render or transcode stuff a lot.

 

[sonnygdude]

Yeah, personally this setup looks a lot better to me.

For a one card solution, maybe look at the HD4870 1GB models? Same card with a performance boost, makes me wish I would have waited a little while longer on mine!

 

[blitzula]

Alright...I think this is my final system (the only thing I may change is buying a 1 GB card of the same model).

My goal is for this to last me three years, with no upgrades outside of perhaps a video card.

The system will be overclocked by the builder to 3.8 ghz, which I was told was safe.

Am I good to go, you guys think?

Desktop: Motherboard, Intel S775: ASUS P5K, Intel P35, S775
Desktop: CPU Model, Intel S775: Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 3.33GHz Dual (6MB),1333MHz, 45nm
Desktop: Intel CPU Cooling: XIGMATEK HDT-S1283, S775 w/ secure clips
Desktop: Memory, DDR2: 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-800 CL4 RAM, GSkill
Desktop: Case: Antec Nine Hundred Gaming
Desktop: Power Supply: Thermaltake 600W Purepower
Desktop: Hard Drive: Western Digital 640GB SATA2, 7200rpm
Desktop: SATA Cables: High Quality SATA Cables With Clips (Qty 2)
Desktop: CD/DVD Drive: ASUS 20x DL DVD-RW Burner, Lightscribe, quieter
Desktop: Gaming Video Card: ATI Radeon 4870 512MB PCI-E
Desktop: Sound Card: On-board Sound
Desktop Software: Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, 32 or 64-bit
Desktop Services: Warranty: *** 1 Year Warranty On All System Components ***


$1,700.00+$50 overclocking/testing = $1,750.00

 

[Roguestar]

3.8GHz, interesting. What kind of voltage adjustment will he make for that? How is he testing it?

I think you should test it yourself as soon as you get it just to make sure.

 

[blitzula]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
3.8GHz, interesting. What kind of voltage adjustment will he make for that? How is he testing it?

I think you should test it yourself as soon as you get it just to make sure.

I'm not sure...the company, KC Computers, is very highly rated on reselleratings, so I'm pretty much relying on them to bee trustworthy and competent.

 

[Roguestar]

Testing yourself wouldn't hurt and if you did and it was all up to scratch then you could post a good review for them in good faith .

 

[blitzula]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
Testing yourself wouldn't hurt and if you did and it was all up to scratch then you could post a good review for them in good faith .

Good idea, thanks. When I get the system, how would I test it?

 

[Roguestar]

I think there's a thread in the CPU forums about that, but an easy way to test it is to download Orthos (google) and run the "blend" test overnight. This stresses both the CPU and the RAM and if it passes it overnight it'll likely not have any problems. You can also download a program like CoreTemp and keep an eye on temperatures while it's preforming the stress test, to make sure it's not getting too hot. Anything even in the low 70s or lower, at load, is fine.

 

[blitzula]

Thanks to everyone for their input, it's really appreciated. I put the order in today, we'll see how things turn out.

 

[Roguestar]

Good luck. Let us know how it turns out and any problems you have, any incompatibilities and whether or not you're happy with it overall (I think it'll go just fine). :thumbsup:

 

[blitzula]

Alright...got my computer mid-week. This is what I ended up buying:

Case: Antec Nine Hundred Case w/no PS ($160)
Motherboard: ASUS P5KQ Pro Mbrd, S775 ($180)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 3.33GHz CPU, S775 ($350)
CPU Cooling: XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 clips ($90)
Video card: ATI 1GB HD4870 PCI Express Video Card Asus ($345)
Hard Drive: Western Digital 640GB SATA Hard Drive, 7200rpm, 16MB cache ($135)
Memory: 4GB PC2-6400 800MHz TWIN (2X2GB) DDR2 RAM GSKILL CL4 ($100)
Power supply: Thermaltake 600W ATX Power Supply ($140)
SATA Cable: SATA Drive Cable secure (2) ($30)
CD/DVD Drive: ASUS 20x DVD+-RW, Lightscribe, SATA ($60)
Operating system: MS Windows Vista Home Premium DVD (full version), 32 bit ($150.00)


Labor: Overclock CPU to 400FSB, 4.0GHZ ($50)
Warranty: Extended 3 year (labor/parts and shipping paid both ways by vendor) ($150)
Shipping: N.Y. to CA ($90.01)



Total: $2,030.01

I ran Orthos blend (priority 10-although I heard it might not be any harder) and checked the temperature with core temparature (average roughly 59 or so) for about 12 hours with no issues.

I ran Orthos again about an hour later, for a little over 18 hours, before I got an error message (which, stupidly, I didn't save). The core temp averaged a bit over 61.

So...how stable is my rig?

If these numbers are OK, I'm very satisfied with my purchase from KC Computers and can recommend them without reservation. E-mails were responded to very quickly, advise was professional, and delivery was as promised.

 

[betasub]

Originally posted by: blitzula
I got an error message....

So...how stable is my rig?

LOL. Either it is stable or it is not: you tell us.

 

[blitzula]

Originally posted by: betasub

Originally posted by: blitzula
I got an error message....

So...how stable is my rig?

LOL. Either it is stable or it is not: you tell us.

That's not a very helpful response to a new member who's legitimately trying to learn and has shown real appreciation for the helpful advise he's seen so far.

I'm asking if those numbers (Orthos stress time and tempartures) are reasonable or not, or what I need to weigh in determining that if there's not a clear answer. Or if I need to rerun the stress test and find that error message to get some input on that.

If anyone is feeling friendly, please let me know.

 

[blitzula]

I ran Orthos again for another 24 hours with no issue, core temp again a shade above 61 degress. My resting temp is around 44.

Looks like I'm good...I'm very pleased with the purchase, as well as a monitor I bought sometime back (Samsung 226BW, a 22" widescreen).

This is the first time I've spent the extra money to get a decent rig...it was worth it.

Thanks for all the help...see you guys in a few years when I need another PC! Couldn't have done it without your advise.