new ultra high end rig help

[omghaxcode]

I'm going to be putting together a extremely high end rig by the end of April and I need some help with some of the basics. I have an extremely flexible budget and I think $5,000 isn't out of the question. I'll be buying from the US and I typicaly buy from zipfoomfly and newegg. I've put together one computer a few years ago but I haven't been staying completely up to date with the new tech out today (because the stupid GTS/GTX/GT and all the other stupid naming conventions). I'm going to be taking my 150 gb raptor from my old computer and possibly buying another for RAID or backup so I'm really open to a lot of things. I didn't OC my first computer but I'm planning on OCing this one but I don't want to push anything too much my first time so it will be moderate. Any suggestions? (also thinking SLI)


video card: two(quad sli) XFX GeForce 9800 GX2
motherboard: no idea, I've never understood what made one mobo better than another
RAM: 4 sticks x 1gb of some mushkin or corsair DDR2 800
CPU: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650
power supply: not sure yet
hard drive: 1 WD 150 gb raptor for sure maybe 2?
case: looking for something nice looking
cooling: no idea, do I need extra fans?
sound card: never bought one, are they necessary?

any ideas? what I have is just preliminary, feel free to comment and suggest others

 

[BlueAcolyte]

Buy a large storage drive instead of another raptor. Samsung F1 or WD's 640GB drive are the fastest. For SLi, you'd want the 750i or 780i chipsets. I'd replace the northbridge cooler on those. I'd replace the 4x1GB with 2x2GB or hell, 4x2GB.

For the case, what's nice looking? Lian-Li/rocketfish screams quality, coolermaster and antec focus on cooling. I'd start with them for cases.

If you've never needed a sound card, you can try the onboard sound and see if it's good enough. THEN buy a sound card if needed.

 

[omghaxcode]

is there a 9800 GTX in the works some time? I thought I saw something about it being released this week or something. would that be an upgrade to the 9800GX2?

good looking I mean sleek alienware look or anything cool looking lol. I'm using a coolermaster right now and I'm tired of the dull silver metal look.

thanks for the sound card tip, I think I might do that

 

[chinaman1472]

The 9800GX2 is the highest end video card from the nVidia line. The 9800GTX is supposed to come out real soon (within the next month), but I doubt it'll beat the 9800GX2, at the MSRP of $350ish.

With that budget, might as well go 4x2GB and get 8 gigs. And get the 750GB Samsung Spinpoint F1 or the 640GB Western Digital. Much more space for the same price (or cheaper) and the same performance, as BlueAcolyte said. There is also the 790i chipset for SLi motherboards.

For a Power Supply... Corsair 750w maybe? PC Power and Cooling makes some pretty high end along with Silverthorne I think?

Hrm, as far as a case, that's something you'll really have to look into. I like the sleek look of the Antec P182 myself, but it might be a bit too simple for you.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

suggestions on case:
http://www.performance-pcs.com...h=302&products_id=3959 SEXY CASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111oneonenineninetententen

u want quad sli and intels high end quad core cpus but u don't know what sets cheap motherboards from mid-range motherboards from high-end motherboards? i'm afraid u need some reading before u make any purchases

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS

u want quad sli and intels high end quad core cpus but u don't know what sets cheap motherboards from mid-range motherboards from high-end motherboards? i'm afraid u need some reading before u make any purchases

+1 with this statement.

If you dont know what boards in general support sli, you need to do some research my friend.

But heres one in the right direction. Decide between these:

ASUS Striker II
EVGA 780 FTW <--- its seriously called FTW im not saying buy this one. : http://www.guru3d.com/newsitem.php?id=6295
EVGA 790i /w DDR3 ram

OH ALSO, XFX, EVGA, BFG is all the same primary OEM. There all reference design made by foxconn most likely.


Im more of a cpu overclocker and dual monitor freak then a gamer so i ditched sli and went this way:
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2169090&enterthread=y

This is what i call an ultra high end pc.

 

[warpigeon]

"I didn't OC my first computer but I'm planning on OCing this one but I don't want to push anything too much my first time so it will be moderate."

This I've never understood.

Either OC or don't. Buy your parts accordingly.

I recommend you not planning to OC at all. Your comp will be quieter and a little less expensive. What's a 5% OC do for you anyway?

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: warpigeon

I recommend you not planning to OC at all. Your comp will be quieter and a little less expensive. What's a 5% OC do for you anyway?

Ummmm how about a bit more then 5%.
http://i125.photobucket.com/al.../p73/aigomorla/OMG.jpg

The QX he's chosing is about 50/50 on you getting a good one.


Only thing tho, the QX is either a really easy chip to overclock or it can be a really difficult one. But the nvidia gear will love you more for not pushing the fsb as hard on the QX vs a non.

 

[warpigeon]

Very nice proc you have there but read his post again. He only wants a "moderate" OC. That's the part I don't get.

 

[omghaxcode]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
u want quad sli and intels high end quad core cpus but u don't know what sets cheap motherboards from mid-range motherboards from high-end motherboards? i'm afraid u need some reading before u make any purchases

other than chipset and basic bios features I can't differentiate one mobo from another. that is why I come here to do some research...

Originally posted by: warpigeon
"I didn't OC my first computer but I'm planning on OCing this one but I don't want to push anything too much my first time so it will be moderate."

This I've never understood.

Either OC or don't. Buy your parts accordingly.

I recommend you not planning to OC at all. Your comp will be quieter and a little less expensive. What's a 5% OC do for you anyway?

what I was saying is I don't intend on spending a week playing with timings and shit to get an OC. if that is what it takes to get an OC then you're right, I shouldn't do it at all.

 

[imported_wired247]

It only takes about 2 days of tweaking (most of which, you don't have to be present for) to overclock if you know what you're doing.

I can understand the way you're generally being received here, you seem clueless with money to burn, and the veterans here are getting concerned because you are going to spend 100-150% more money money on a system that will perform maybe 20-30% better.

If I were you, I would not get 2 9800 GX2's in SLI, it's pretty worthless right now. Just get one, or get 2x8800GTS 512MB in SLI.

But if you insist on 2x9800 GX2, then I would recommend a PC power and cooling 1kW psu.


Most people would tell you... spend $1500-2000 or so now, then upgrade everything (nehalem, next gen video card, etc) in about 2 years for another $2000 that will blow away any system that is built today for any amount of money.

Also, best performance for gaming right now will be had by buying an e8400, or if you can find one, an e8500 and overclocking the crap out of them, making sure to have a good CPU cooler. Although much beyond 4GHz will not be that easy for a new overclocker.

Games are not really that awesome with quad cores, unless the quad is clocked quite high. Since quads are harder to overclock, you will get best performance with a high end dual core CPU.

 

[MarcVenice]

I would recommend a different PSU then the PCP&C 1k. I would recommend bigger HDD's with higher density platters. They are less noisy then raptors and often will give the same performance. What resolution will you be playing at ? You've got money to burn, and when considering a 9800gx2 you should at least have a 24" monitor, perhaps even a nice 30" dell ? Do realize that at higher resolutions even the 9800gx2's pretty much suck because of limited memory bandwith. Probably should go with a single 9800gx2 first and see how well it does. Cases that are nice looking don't equal qaulity. You want a qaulity case first then go for looks, working with a crappy case is really frustrating. For fual 9800gx2's I'd want a big midtower or even a fulltower, those 9800gx2's need a lot of breathing room.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: omghaxcode
new ultra high end rig help

RAM: 4 sticks x 1gb of some mushkin or corsair DDR2 800

sound card: never bought one, are they necessary?

* On an "Ultra High End rig" I'd go with 2 x 2GB DIMMs over 4 x 1GB modules.
* On an "Ultra High End rig", yes, a dedicated sound card is a must.
The "OMEGA CLARO Plus" should provide all the "Ultra High End" audio you need.

 

[DSF]

The kind of computer you build is ultimately up to you, but I would give serious consideration to the advice about spending $2000ish now and saving the rest for later. It would be a much more effective use of your money in terms of keeping your computer competitive over a long period of time.

 

[omghaxcode]

Originally posted by: wired247
It only takes about 2 days of tweaking (most of which, you don't have to be present for) to overclock if you know what you're doing.

I can understand the way you're generally being received here, you seem clueless with money to burn, and the veterans here are getting concerned because you are going to spend 100-150% more money money on a system that will perform maybe 20-30% better.

If I were you, I would not get 2 9800 GX2's in SLI, it's pretty worthless right now. Just get one, or get 2x8800GTS 512MB in SLI.

But if you insist on 2x9800 GX2, then I would recommend a PC power and cooling 1kW psu.


Most people would tell you... spend $1500-2000 or so now, then upgrade everything (nehalem, next gen video card, etc) in about 2 years for another $2000 that will blow away any system that is built today for any amount of money.

Also, best performance for gaming right now will be had by buying an e8400, or if you can find one, an e8500 and overclocking the crap out of them, making sure to have a good CPU cooler. Although much beyond 4GHz will not be that easy for a new overclocker.

Games are not really that awesome with quad cores, unless the quad is clocked quite high. Since quads are harder to overclock, you will get best performance with a high end dual core CPU.

yeah I realize that is how it is and that is pretty much to be expected. my family is getting a pretty substantial settlement to a lawsuit that I've been waiting for for 10 years and I decided I want to splurge. I'm really not that new but whatever its cool. thanks for the tip but in reality I can just upgrade down the road anyways regardless of what I spend now. I will overclock it will just be limited by laziness which I can get over. thanks for your help

Originally posted by: MarcVenice
I would recommend bigger HDD's with higher density platters. They are less noisy then raptors and often will give the same performance. What resolution will you be playing at ? You've got money to burn, and when considering a 9800gx2 you should at least have a 24" monitor, perhaps even a nice 30" dell ? Do realize that at higher resolutions even the 9800gx2's pretty much suck because of limited memory bandwith. Probably should go with a single 9800gx2 first and see how well it does. Cases that are nice looking don't equal qaulity. You want a qaulity case first then go for looks, working with a crappy case is really frustrating. For fual 9800gx2's I'd want a big midtower or even a fulltower, those 9800gx2's need a lot of breathing room.

I'm ok with the sound levels on the Raptors, I've had one for a few years. I'm probably going to get get the 24" Samsung SyncMaster 245BW so 1920x1200 max unless someone has something to say about that panel. In terms of case I know that it is all quality.. that is why I'm using a coolermaster right now and that is why I'm asking. If I was just looking for a pretty case I'd pick one randomly without posting here first. thanks

 

[omghaxcode]

this is the look, too big? good case? thoughts
(COOLER MASTER Stacker 830 Evolution)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119122

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: omghaxcode
this is the look, too big? good case? thoughts

That's not what I would call an "Ultra High End" case. :thumbsdown:

> Here you go <

 

[omghaxcode]

lol no offense but that is an extremely ugly case. I'm sure there is a case that offers a balance of quality and looks lol

 

[rip]

Originally posted by: omghaxcode
Any suggestions?

Yes; send me the $5000 and I'll build a hi-end machine for you and one for me too.
Or, just get yourself a Dell.

 

[omghaxcode]

I'm building because I want to learn more and because even at high prices I'll still save over the shit Dell sells.

 

[omghaxcode]

Video Card: two BFG GeForce 9800 GX2s

Motherboard: EVGA 780i

RAM: 4 sticks of TWIN2X4096-6400C4DHX(what do you think of this?)

CPU: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650

Power Supply: no decision yet

Hard Drives: WD 640 GB

Case: Cooler Master Stacker 830 anyone else have a problem with this case? what is wrong with it?

thoughts? I also need help with optical drives. I don't need bluray or anything like that but I can't judge quality well. Lite-on has failed me twice so I'd like to stay away from them. t btw the links are just ideas, prices and exact items are completely flexible. I haven't shopped around yet.

 

[Extelleron]

Personally I wouldn't go for quad-sli no matter how much money I was spending; the only reason for Quad SLI is 2560x1600 +AA/AF gameplay, and the 9800GX2 doesn't have the memory bandwidth or pixel performance to make that possible.

The ultimate setup that you can buy today is still 3X 8800 Ultra. Ultras are now impossible to find so you would have to go with the 8800GTX. Whether or not you should go with 3X 9800GTX or 3X 8800GTX really depends on the resolution of your monitor; 2560x1600, go with the 8800GTX, 1680x1050 or 1920x1200, go with the 9800GTX.

I cannot stress enough that you would be wasting your money with Quad SLI. As I said, the G92 chip is not good for 2560x1600 + AA, the only area where Quad SLI is useful. And the scaling is not that great. Also don't expect nVidia to be supporting Quad SLI in drivers once GT200 is released and the 9800GX2 is a thing of the past. Ask anyone who bought into 7950GX2 Quad SLI and got screwed.

 

[omghaxcode]

ok you make a really strong case. I won't be buying anything for a few weeks so do you suggest I wait a little, keep reading news, and buy during April? thanks a ton

 

[letired]

Honestly, there is no real reason to spend over $2000 on a gaming computer. For the extra $1000 dollars you spend you may get a 3-5fps increase in most games...and you STILL won't be able to run Crysis at max settings...

 

[LOUISSSSS]

Originally posted by: omghaxcode

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
u want quad sli and intels high end quad core cpus but u don't know what sets cheap motherboards from mid-range motherboards from high-end motherboards? i'm afraid u need some reading before u make any purchases

other than chipset and basic bios features I can't differentiate one mobo from another. that is why I come here to do some research...

other than the price tag, do u know what the difference is between the $1k QX9650 u have listed and the $379 Q9450?

----

WHAT MONITOR WILL U BE USING?
other than the 2x price difference, do u know what 2 x G92 GX2 is (gaming performance-wise?)