Please tell me if this is an OK purchase, or what's wrong with it

[baneVader]

[1]

NVIDIA GTX285 1GB graphics built-in

Gateway FX6801-01 Intel Core i7 950(3.06GHz) 9GB DDR3 1TB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 285 Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit - Retail

Recommended Usage: Gaming
Processor: Intel Core i7 950(3.06GHz)
Processor Main Features: 64 bit Quad-Core Processor
Memory: 9GB DDR3
Hard Drive: 1TB SATA
Optical Drive 1: 18X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive featuring Labelflash Technology
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 285, with 1GB Discrete Video Memory
Audio: High-definition audio with 7.1-channel audio support
Model #: FX6801-01
Item #: N82E16883113103
Return Policy: Desktop & Portable Computer Replacement Only Return

PRICE 1779

I am an Autocad person (vector mathematical 3D intensive) with 3D modeling and some single tasks that have 6 gigs of memory requirements (big xref's)

btw, I don't know **** about PC's since I'm a Mac user, but I need a PC right now. Please comment or suggest, thanks

 

[brblx]

are you planning to play games? do you run any apps where GPU acceleration is supported?

the sum total of the parts in that machine plus the OS is maybe $1300-1400 if purchased from a store like newegg. it's not a terrible value but it's also far from cost.

for most people, i would recommend downgrading to the i7 920 and a 4890 or gtx275. the faster parts are rather marginally so for the $400 extra they cost.

 

[Denithor]

brblx +1

And how much are they charging to upgrade the memory? That's an extremely easy upgrade to do yourself - could probably save a good bit of change. Does it come standard with 3GB or 6GB? Take a look at the applicable kits on newegg before paying them to do that upgrade.

 

[Eureka]

I'd say build it yourself... you can save a lot of money by fishing for the cheapest parts available, and building it only takes an afternoon or so.

 

[daw123]

Here you go if you build it yourself (from NewEgg):

COOLER MASTER HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #:RC-932-KKN1-GP
Item #:N82E16811119160
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$159.99 -$21.00 Instant $138.99

13-128-362 GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD5 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #:GA-EX58-UD5
Item #:N82E16813128362
Return Policy:Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock
$298.99 -$10.00 Instant $288.99

14-150-359 XFX HD-489A-ZDFC Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #:HD-489A-ZDFC
Item #:N82E16814150359
Return Policy:VGA Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$249.99 -$55.00 Instant $194.99

17-139-006 CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power ... - Retail
Model #:CMPSU-750TX
Item #:N82E16817139006
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Mail in Rebate Card17-139-006

$179.99 -$70.00 Instant $109.99

9-115-211 Intel Core i7-950 Bloomfield 3.06GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601950 - Retail
Model #:BX80601950
Item #:N82E16819115211
Return Policy:CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock
$569.99

20-227-421 OCZ Platinum 12GB (6 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3P1600LV12GS - Retail
Model #: OCZ3P1600LV12GS
Item #:N82E16820227421
Return Policy:Memory Standard Return Policy
Out Of Stock
Auto-Notify20-227-421
$199.00 -$25.00 Instant $174.00

22-136-284 Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives - OEM
Model #:WD1001FALS
Item #:N82E16822136284
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$109.99 -$10.00 Instant $99.99

23-109-048 Microsoft 4GC-00002 Silver/Black Wireless Ergonomics Laser Desktop 4000 - OEM
Model #:4GC-00002 OEM
Item #:N82E16823109048
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$49.99 -$18.00 Instant $31.99

27-136-168 LG 22X DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model GH22LS50 LightScribe Support - OEM
Model #:GH22LS50
Item #:N82E16827136168
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$27.99

29-102-007 Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail
Model #:70SB079000000
Item #:N82E16829102007
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$54.99

35-100-007 Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
Model #:AS5-3.5G
Item #:N82E16835100007
Return Policy:Consumable Item Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$8.95

Subtotal: $1,700.86

The RAM I selected is out of stock, but if comes back in stock, then its a good price.

NewEgg doesn't have a great selection of HSFs, but I would recommend the TRUE or
Prolimatech Megahalems (for $65.00 exc. shipping):
http://www.frozencpu.com/produ...48c373s960&id=RKGDsXi3

Add two Yate Loon D12SM-12 fans and the fan clips ($85.00 total) in a push-pull config.

That brings the total to: $1,785.86 (some shipping will be extra, say $30.00 at a guess). An alternative build to the one you posted for a bit extra $$$. I'm sure others can recommend alternative components and bring the cost down (ditching the I7 950 for a 920 is an obvious cost saving)

ATI don't have certified PSUs for the HD4890, but I've based my PSU recommendation on quad-fire set up for two HD4870 X2s which will easily be enough for two HD4890s in X-fire:
http://game.amd.com/us-en/cros...ex_components.aspx?p=3

The only thing I haven't included is a monitor and OS. In the latter case, get yourself a copy of MS Windows 7 RC 64 Bit (if you still can download it) for free.

 

[M0RPH]

Guys, not everyone is comfortable with building their own. Not to mention the time and potential hassles involved.

OP, the system is fairly priced, although the one below that (Gateway site) with i7 920 and GTX 260 for $1279 is definately a better value. Especially if you are not a heavy gamer. Save yourself that $500 and put it towards future upgrades.

 

[Operandi]

Is Gateway any good these days? I would be more comfortable recommending a Dell or HP workstation class system. Also, I would look into Quatro or FireGL class graphics cards for Solidworks/AutoCAD stuff. Consumer gaming cards are not as effective in apps like that.

Lastly anyone can build a system with a little patience and guidance. Some of the advice being offered in this thread is frankly pretty bad; X-Fi soundcard (complete waste), aftermarket heatsinks (questionable). I would considering doing your own build however, the quality will be substantially better and the costs savings on system like that will be significant.

 

[M0RPH]

Originally posted by: Operandi
I would considering doing your own build however, the quality will be substantially better and the costs savings on system like that will be significant.

Depends on what you consider 'significant'. You don't save a whole lot building.

case+ psu, let's say $150
i7 950 $575
1366 mobo $200
9 GB DDR3 $125
GTX 285 $325
1TB HD $75
optical drive $25
OS $100
keyboard+mouse $25

Around $1600. That's about what it costs to build an equivalent to that Gateway machine.

You save less than $200. For some people their time and convenience is worth that, as well as getting a warranty covering the whole system.

And I question that the home-built would be 'substantially' better quality. There's nothing wrong with Gateway and they are using the same quality components in that box.

BTW OP that system is on sale for $1759 at Newegg.

 

[Operandi]

I come out to around the same so the Gateway looks like a pretty good deal. It looks generally well built, nice Delta PSU, decent air flow. The case is pretty small and looks cheap and ugly (subjective). Not bad though...

I'm not sure thats the best system for the OP though. A desktop CPU is fine but a workstaion class card would probably work much better for those apps.

 

[baneVader]

I'm the OP, thanks everybody!

What's a workstation class card?

I think building a system is going to be too hard for me.

I like quality and will sacrifice a little performance for a good value, but I do want a good system for Autocad and 3d apps like Revit and Navisworks.


I appreciate all of the comments. I think a i-7 920 will be a good value and if someone could recommend a complete system with a good graphic card then I'm sure I'll order it quickly. I'm itching to get it soon.
Thanks

 

[Operandi]

It may seem daunting at first but its really not too bad if you patient are and do a little research. If you are confident installing a add in card or upgrading your RAM you can do a custom build.

A workstation card is designed for pro 3D rendering applications where consumer cards are geared towards games. ATI has FireGL and nVidia has Quatro. A friend of mine that works in Solidworks a lot has Quatro in the laptop, and I think FireGL in the desktop.

 

[brblx]

workstation cards are basically gaming cards, but with an emphasis on quality rather than speed in rendering. they're typically for programs that render 3d other than games, and they're pricey.

i've never thought of autocad as a program needing gpu acceleration, unless they've really added a significant 3d component (i know there's something now). i'm not familiar with the other two programs. the best idea is going to be to check the manufacturers' websites, or contact them if necessary, and see if gpu acceleration is supported as well as what kind of cards. some programs will work with gaming cards, but will produce artifacts and glitches. others might require a workstation card (quadro or firegl).

if a workstation card is not requisite, i'd look at this-
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Mega_Special_IV/

you could also try and find a deal on a dell xps.

 

[s44]

God, I don't know why people keep suggesting the absolute worst-rated OEM (cyberpower/ibuypower). The Gateway is fine and the margin is to be expected.

 

[brblx]

i certainly wouldn't rate them any worse than gateway. they're all about the same anymore, unless you buy from one of the custom companies that uses all spendy brand name parts. and i think even cyberpower will do that if you pay for it.

 

[s44]

I don't mean build quality, I mean customer service, at which cyberpower is infamously bad.

Too bad HardOCP isn't still doing their OEM reviews.

 

[Operandi]

Originally posted by: baneVader I do want a good system for Autocad and 3d apps like Revit and Navisworks.

Call or Email Autodesk and see what they say about what kind of video card you should have. A regular card will be enough to get you started for sure and may may not help with those applications, the only 3D CAD program I'm familiar with is Solidworks.

I would start with this HP for i7 an system, or this Phenom II HP if you want to save some cash. If you feel the need you upgrade to Quatro or FireGL card later and sell the stock card to gamer.

 

[daw123]

Originally posted by: Operandi

Originally posted by: baneVader I do want a good system for Autocad and 3d apps like Revit and Navisworks.

Call or Email Autodesk and see what they say about what kind of video card you should have. A regular card will be enough to get you started for sure and may may not help with those applications, the only 3D CAD program I'm familiar with is Solidworks.

I would start with this HP for i7 an system, or this Phenom II HP if you want to save some cash. If you feel the need you upgrade to Quatro or FireGL card later and sell the stock card to gamer.

Here's a list of certified ATI graphics cards. And here's the Nvidia certified cards. You can use the drop down list at the top of the page to select other manufacturers.

Originally posted by: Operandi
Is Gateway any good these days? I would be more comfortable recommending a Dell or HP workstation class system. Also, I would look into Quatro or FireGL class graphics cards for Solidworks/AutoCAD stuff. Consumer gaming cards are not as effective in apps like that.

Lastly anyone can build a system with a little patience and guidance. Some of the advice being offered in this thread is frankly pretty bad; X-Fi soundcard (complete waste), aftermarket heatsinks (questionable). I would considering doing your own build however, the quality will be substantially better and the costs savings on system like that will be significant.

I've got the GA-EX58-Extreme MB and the on-board sound in my opinion is crap. Hence the recommendation for a sound card and the X-Fi Xtreme is the one that I'm using. Its ok for the money and better than the onboard sound. I'm sure there are better sound cards out there, which may or may not cost more. The OP can save some cash by ditching the sound card (if he wanted to build it himself).

Is the OP going to over-clock. He didn't say either way. Again he can save some more cash by using the stock HSF.

The link I provided gives all the certified GPUs. I don't know which version of AutoCAD the OP is using and I guess the safest bet is to go with a GPU which is certified for all current versions of 'CAD (2008 - 2010).

NewEgg Nvidia Quadro GPUs (in price order; low to high)

NewEgg ATI FireGL GPUs (in price order; low to high)

Edit: Make sure that you have the correct drivers if you use a Nvidia Quadro GPU:
http://www.nvidia.com/page/par...certified_drivers.html

 

[baneVader]

Thanks everybody, I'm the O.P.

I have decided to build my own "rig" and I have to do it soon. I'm learning and basically still clueless.
I am using autocad 2009 as well as other 3d rendering and modeling programs

Here's my wish list. If anybody could help me dial it up. I want to spend around 2k+- if possible. I want to get an i-7 920 newest generation (?) I want 12 gigs ram. I want a very good solid state drive (reading some stuff on this site, intel was recommended) 160 gig sounds about right so I'll need a 2.5" bay I guess. I'll need another fast hard drive, I want vista 64 upgrade to windows 7 option. I probably will never upgrade this rig. I want a good case, could be large or not large, does not have to have funny lights or be super stylish, but I'm not opposed to them either. I want the case to be well cooled but quiet with good quality fans. I may overclock at some point unless it decreases stability or longevity or uses too much more electricity. I want a very good graphic card listed on the acad website as being certified for Vista 64 and autocad 2009 (see above link, thanks to the previous poster, one would have to tweak the search settings). I think I want around 1 gig video memory with the ability to drive a 30" monitor, unless 2 cards are better. I don't need a monitor right now because I have some I'll use for a minute. I don't need fax modems or burners although I'm not opposed to them. I don't need ethernet or wireless, although I eventually will get them. I don't need sound right now either, but not opposed to it.

case with good power supply (750w?)
graphic card
ssd drive
motherboard
system
keyboard and mouse

what else do I need to get up and running?

Thanks and feel free to specify components hehe

 

[ChaiBabbaChai]

get a workstation gfx card. They run games slowly, but render a lot faster.

 

[baneVader]

OK yesterday at work I had a big job with a whole floor of a building on Autocad and I overlaid all of the pipes and ducts and then it was too slow, I looked at the tasks and I was using about 3-4 gig memory and 30 percent of the CPU, the "regenerate" took about 2 minutes each time I tried to do something. Here is what I have, is it the weak video card?
Graphic Processor: ATI Radeon HD 3650


Details: The HP Pavilion Elite m9400f delivers an amazing high-end home entertainment experience, DX10 3D Mainstream gaming, and power for the most demanding PC tasks.
MPN: FK790AA
Key Features
Form Factor: Desktop
Processor: AMD Phenom 2.4 GHz
Chipset: NVIDIA nForce 430
Installed Memory: 8 GB (DDR2 SDRAM)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Recommended Use: Home Use
Processor
Processor Number: 9750
Processor Type: AMD Phenom
Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
Processor Manufacturer: AMD
Socket Type: Socket AM2+
Processor Upgradability : Upgradable
Max Processors Qty.: 1
Motherboard
Bus Speed: 2000 MHz
Video Output Interface: PCI Express
Memory
RAM Technology : DDR2 SDRAM
Installed RAM: 8 GB
Max Supported RAM: 8 GB
Number of Memory Slots: 4 x 240 Pin DIMMs
Installed Video Memory: 512 MB
Supported RAM Speeds: 800 Mhz
Installed Cache Memory: 512 KB
Technical Features
Integrated Input/Output Ports: USB 2.0 x 6 · RJ45 Lan Port x 1 · PS/2 Mouse x 1 · PS/2 Keyboard x 1 · FireWire (IEEE1394a) x 1
Expansion Bays: 2 x 5.25" (External Access) · 2 x 3.5" (Internal Access) · 1 x 3.5" (External Access)
Expansion Slots: PCI Express x16 x 1 · PCI x 1 · PCI Express x1 x 1
Memory Card Slots: Memory Stick · SmartMedia · Memory Stick PRO · xD Picture Card · MultiMediaCard · SD Memory Card · Memory Stick Duo · CompactFlash Card type I · CompactFlash Card type II · Memory Stick PRO Duo · Mini-SD Card · RS-MMC Card · MultiMediaCard Plus · MMC Mobile
Other Features: 64bit Ready · 15-in-1 Memory Card Reader
Hard Drive
Hard Drive Capacity : 750 GB
Hard Drive Interface: Serial ATA II
Hard Drive Rotation Speed : 7,200 RPM
Controller Type: Serial ATA II
CD / DVD
Optical Drive Type: DVD±R
Optical Drive Read Speed: 16x (DVD) · 40x (CD)
Optical Drive Write Speed: 40x (CD-R) · 16x (DVD+R) · 16x (DVD-R) · 8x (DVD+R Dual Layer) · 8x (DVD-R Dual Layer)
Optical Drive ReWrite Speed: 32x (CD-RW) · 8x (DVD+RW) · 6x (DVD-RW) · 12x (DVD-RAM)
Audio / Video
Graphic Processor: ATI Radeon HD 3650
Video Out Ports: 15 Pin D-Sub VGA port x 1 · HDMI x 1 · DVI-I x 1
Audio Input: Microphone Jack · 1 x Line In
Audio Output Type: Sound Card · Headphones · Line out · SPDIF
Integrated Audio: Realtek ALC888S
Networking
Networking Type: Integrated 10/100 Network Card · Integrated Wireless LAN
Data Link Protocol: Ethernet · Fast Ethernet · IEEE 802.11b · IEEE 802.11g · IEEE 802.11n
Dimensions
Width: 7 in.
Depth: 16.61 in.
Height: 15.51 in.
Weight: 24.25 lb.
Warranty
: 1 Year
Miscellaneous
OS Certified: Microsoft Windows Vista
UPC: 884420206699
Product ID: 72104296
Family Line: Hewlett Packard Pavilion Elite


thanks

 

[daw123]

Originally posted by: baneVader
OK yesterday at work I had a big job with a whole floor of a building on Autocad and I overlaid all of the pipes and ducts and then it was too slow, I looked at the tasks and I was using about 3-4 gig memory and 30 percent of the CPU, the "regenerate" took about 2 minutes each time I tried to do something. Here is what I have, is it the weak video card?
Graphic Processor: ATI Radeon HD 3650


Details: The HP Pavilion Elite m9400f delivers an amazing high-end home entertainment experience, DX10 3D Mainstream gaming, and power for the most demanding PC tasks.
MPN: FK790AA
Key Features
Form Factor: Desktop
Processor: AMD Phenom 2.4 GHz
Chipset: NVIDIA nForce 430
Installed Memory: 8 GB (DDR2 SDRAM)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Recommended Use: Home Use
Processor
Processor Number: 9750
Processor Type: AMD Phenom
Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
Processor Manufacturer: AMD
Socket Type: Socket AM2+
Processor Upgradability : Upgradable
Max Processors Qty.: 1
Motherboard
Bus Speed: 2000 MHz
Video Output Interface: PCI Express
Memory
RAM Technology : DDR2 SDRAM
Installed RAM: 8 GB
Max Supported RAM: 8 GB
Number of Memory Slots: 4 x 240 Pin DIMMs
Installed Video Memory: 512 MB
Supported RAM Speeds: 800 Mhz
Installed Cache Memory: 512 KB
Technical Features
Integrated Input/Output Ports: USB 2.0 x 6 · RJ45 Lan Port x 1 · PS/2 Mouse x 1 · PS/2 Keyboard x 1 · FireWire (IEEE1394a) x 1
Expansion Bays: 2 x 5.25" (External Access) · 2 x 3.5" (Internal Access) · 1 x 3.5" (External Access)
Expansion Slots: PCI Express x16 x 1 · PCI x 1 · PCI Express x1 x 1
Memory Card Slots: Memory Stick · SmartMedia · Memory Stick PRO · xD Picture Card · MultiMediaCard · SD Memory Card · Memory Stick Duo · CompactFlash Card type I · CompactFlash Card type II · Memory Stick PRO Duo · Mini-SD Card · RS-MMC Card · MultiMediaCard Plus · MMC Mobile
Other Features: 64bit Ready · 15-in-1 Memory Card Reader
Hard Drive
Hard Drive Capacity : 750 GB
Hard Drive Interface: Serial ATA II
Hard Drive Rotation Speed : 7,200 RPM
Controller Type: Serial ATA II
CD / DVD
Optical Drive Type: DVD±R
Optical Drive Read Speed: 16x (DVD) · 40x (CD)
Optical Drive Write Speed: 40x (CD-R) · 16x (DVD+R) · 16x (DVD-R) · 8x (DVD+R Dual Layer) · 8x (DVD-R Dual Layer)
Optical Drive ReWrite Speed: 32x (CD-RW) · 8x (DVD+RW) · 6x (DVD-RW) · 12x (DVD-RAM)
Audio / Video
Graphic Processor: ATI Radeon HD 3650
Video Out Ports: 15 Pin D-Sub VGA port x 1 · HDMI x 1 · DVI-I x 1
Audio Input: Microphone Jack · 1 x Line In
Audio Output Type: Sound Card · Headphones · Line out · SPDIF
Integrated Audio: Realtek ALC888S
Networking
Networking Type: Integrated 10/100 Network Card · Integrated Wireless LAN
Data Link Protocol: Ethernet · Fast Ethernet · IEEE 802.11b · IEEE 802.11g · IEEE 802.11n
Dimensions
Width: 7 in.
Depth: 16.61 in.
Height: 15.51 in.
Weight: 24.25 lb.
Warranty
: 1 Year
Miscellaneous
OS Certified: Microsoft Windows Vista
UPC: 884420206699
Product ID: 72104296
Family Line: Hewlett Packard Pavilion Elite


thanks

How much is it because it is a lower spec to the PC you originally posted.

 

[baneVader]

Actually, the last one is one that I own, I got it refurb at frys for 600. The original one is one I was thinking of buying, but now I think that the graphic card is what is bogging me down. I would love to send someone a link to download autocad (anybody can get a free 30 day trial) and send some of the drawings that are problematic to me and see what graphic card and or system can run with it. lol

I still want to build a workstation monster

 

[daw123]

I have AutoCAD 2007 although I haven't installed it on my new rig, which I built about a month or so ago (spec is linked in my sig). Its probably an older version to what you are running though.

 

[yh125d]

Whats the size of your .dwg file? Are you using like a 3d skin or wireframe? It's likely a mix of CPU and GPU in your case. Probably more GPU though

 

[baneVader]

yeah, I'm on 2009, but 2007 is still the format, although some functionality my be different, certainly the interface is different. Autodesk doesn't believe in making the program better, only tweaking the interface to attract newbies and to mirror what Redmond is up to.
I've been using Acad for 5 months now, and feel qualified to make ridiculous statements like that hehee