My wife has given me permission to buy a new computer. As I haven't kept up with all of the latest inovations and specifications I am wondering what kind of things I should be looking for and some of the better performing aspects. I know that I want memory, lots of memory but power supplies, graphics cards and other esoteric considerations is a lot of info to sift through.
So, where do I start, looking at an upper limit of $3KUS.
ASUS Rampage II Extreme motherobardIntel i7 920 or 940 cpu (I like the 965 but it's way too expensive)PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 psu (it has 750 continuous, not max)12 GB of OCZ, Corsair, or Patriot memoryWestern Digital Black 1 TB hdd(s)Silverstone FT01-BW or a nice Lian-LI caseRadeon 4870 X2 or GeForce 285 vid card(s)a quality cpu cooler such as a Thermalright TRUE, Coolermaster V8, or Noctuayour choice of optical drive(s) and monitor(s)
64-bit operating system
this is what i'm building, anyway. i already have the cpu, psu, monitor, hsf, and case (all being used except for the cpu, of course)
1. Get something from Impulse using your wife's name...LOL....there's a $4K computer out there for someone.
2. Seriously though, Greg...I'd ask my usual stupid question...what are you planning to use the computer for? Any which way I'd say go 64 bit. Also, do you know how to build your own, or do you plan to go the ready made route?
£3k!
i won't pretend to know the most about this stuff, but you'll get a decent machine for that.
things to get you started on google.
DDR3 - latest memory type
64bit OS - you'll need an OS working on 64bit achitecture to be able to access more that ~3.5gb RAM (all dual-core plus CPU's automatically work with 64bit, so yuo don't need to worry there)
velociraptor - i hear these talked about alot so i guess they're good - v.fast hardrives
RAID - depending on setup this allows you to have the same data on 2+ HD's. why? so you can read/wirte twice as fast
overclocking - allows you to run you're CPU at higher speeds. DONT! buy a better CPU if you really need the boost. too risky otherwise (IMHO)
you may also like to look at a blu-ray drive, wireless N-band and gigabit ethernet, but i don't think these things will be mandatory for a while yet.
erm... that's your lot, happy googling
MrL
oh, off the shelf. major expenditure, something goes bump. I want it covered.
looking at alienware's Area-51 X58: standard processor - geforce gtx260 - 6gig ram - 500gig drive - optical dual burner and blueray reader - vista home 64bit - stardard cooling w/dampening - 1000 watt power. lists at 2500.
this seems like a respectable machine... (what do I know) anyhow, is there something out there that meets/exceeds these parameters/specifications for less.
how could this configuration be improve at no extra cost?
I mean, I guess I could be sorely mistaken here however, possibly, even though you're putting it together, will probably cost just a tad more than that that I've been allowed to spend.
If you're looking for built-for-you, I would recommend ibuypower. I was skeptical, but I heard good things and got my recent upgrade from them. You can customize parts you want (everything down to CPU heatsinks and cabling, if you're so inclined). They do take a bit (~10 days) to do it, unless you pay more to have it done priority-style. They also don't load it with freeware/trial crap like others (Dell, anyone?). They just install the device drivers, and they installed PowerDVD for my Blu Ray player.
In the above system, a 1000 watt PSU is a bit of an overkill for a single gpu. I also have an SLI setup with dual gtx285s, but never needed to use it. Crysis runs flawless on a single card and there's no game in existance still that needs better graphics specs than Crysis
Since you're looking at a blu ray drive, word of warning: make sure you have a semi-recent monitor. Found out the hard way. Blu ray discs have copy protection (HDCP - high def copy protection, very imaginative) that requires an HDCP-compatible monitor or it will not play. The two major Blu Ray software vendors (PowerDVD and WinDVD) both have free tools you can download off their site that will tell you if your monitor is compatible.
For the best prices build your own from parts. Or find a friend/kid that knows how to put together computers. You can save hundreds of dollars this way.
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/ provides a comprehensive benchmark listing for CPUs. Bear in mind that while high end CPUs have impressive scores, they get those from having a huge number of central processors. Most modern games will only support the use of one or two CPU units, but this should improve with time.
For value, get the latest Q9650 or a Phenom II. DDR2 boards will give you the most power for your money. For untamed raw power, nothing beats an i7.
You can get an excellent gaming video card for about $150-$200. Anything less is going to be quickly obsolete. Everything beyond $300 is a complete ripoff. If you want to link up multiple video cards (SLI/crossfire), be prepared to pay extra for a beefy power supply and cooling. Generally video cards advance so quickly that you'll be throwing the old card away when you want to upgrade.
Do some research into overclocking. Many processors can give an extra 10-30% kick for very little risk on your part. Do not try to match the highest end overclocks, those things fry out fast.
I have an Intel i7 920 system with a Geforce 260, 6GB of DDR3 RAM, and a new power supply. I recycled Windows, hard drives, mouse, keyboard, and monitors. I also sold my old gaming core, netting $300. Came out costing me $700 overall, and I still have rebates to fill out!
If you want to use just the internet, get an Atom based system. Less than $300, and it'll use up nearly 1/8-1/10 of the power. Can't forget the impact on your electric bill, after all.
Get Solid State Drives. DO NOT GET RAPTORS/VELOCORAPTORS. I have them, and I hate them, plus they seem to be slower than the new 1tb wdblacks. And I put mine in RAID0.
PS
Sorely Sorely mistaken. Alienwares are a hugeee HUGE HUGE HUGE ripoff. I'm talking HUGE. I've seen cases where the cost has been twice as much.
If you want someone to build u a computer, I can do it for you :]
With that budget, It would be God..In computer form.
You'd be surprised.
With the possible exceptions of 2x GTX285/4870X2, anyway.
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Oh, hell, just read the part where you're not building it. Meh. Oh well, leaving my post intact below for you to glean what you can from it.
Then there is of course the RAM, but DDR3 has actually come down substantially, assuming you're not going for the absolute high end.
But I'm usually looking at much smaller budgets...so the question is whether you want to spend as close to the $3k as you're allowed, or not.
RAMCPUMotherboard or MotherboardPSU (should be more than you need, but it's cheap, solid, and leaves you room for expansion)Video card or Video card or Video card or Video cardHard drive or Hard drive or Pick your own hard driveYou could even think about an SSD, but get one above for pure storage regardless.Case
With the above product list, I'm looking at ~$1100 before a video card, and I've linked choices from $190 up to $500+.
Didn't count a monitor or OS, or keyboard/mouse/speakers/little stuff like that, but monitors aren't my specialty and the OS is going to be fairly obvious. You should still be easily able to come in under $2000 almost any way you slice it.
Lots of advice here. Wish I had a better of idea of computers myself. So my non-technical approach would be to read up on all the current popular models and find one that gives you the most capability for the money (ram, cpu and HD etc.) You identified a large $ amount as a budget. Don't waste any of it. If you are buying off the shelf or having one built ask questions.
One thing to remember, you may say that you want the computer for one purpose, that can and will probably change tomorrow. Have the capability in the computer that allows for that to happen.
I have a Maingear. It's beautiful. You should get one. Actually cheaper than Alienware for components you listed but the build quality will be 40% better and the service and warranty are fantastic. Lead time is a month though.
Check out Digitalstormonline.com, excellent systems for the price.
With your budget you could build a killer rig. I know you said you want to get something off the shelf, but I highly recommend building your own. It's not as tough as it may seem and you will save money over buying the same thing pre-built. You can easily build yourself a great rig and have money left over - and I'm betting your wife would love that.
If you're not up to building your own this would be my recommendation as well. You're basically paying them to build it for you using the same parts you'd choose if you we're building your own. I like the crossfire 1MB 4850's w/a quad core Q9650...you should be able to keep it under $2,000 and have a pretty kick ass machine. If you go i7 you pay a premium just for buying the latest/greatest.
Newegg.com is a good choice for parts. But there are other sites too. Just have to know where and when to buy cause the savings can make you smile after your finished your PC. I am halfway saved up for my pc so i just need a little more time. Saving for college too so its more important. But soon new PC!
A lot of build it yourself vs have it built for you comes down to how you want to pay. Doing it yourself is ultimately cheaper, but you basically have to pay everything up front. On the other hand, while having some company build it for you will cost a little more (or a lot if you go with something like Alienware which has a reputation for being a rip-off), they usually have interest-free payment options (6-12 months) to make the wallet hit less painful.
Lol. 3k budget just makes me excited. If you have any questions hit me up on AIM or Messenger. I'd be happy to help.
DeusElectusUnus
odst117@gmail.com
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11334819&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US
Just bought the same one recently, not only is it awesome for the price given but since its an iBuyPower its really (and easily) upgradeable. Just my recommendation
Without the monitor, it's not that good of a deal. The case is nice, though. Bottom line is something much better can be built for 1) the same price 2) slightly more or 3) something ridiculously better can be built with, or in fact well under, his budget.
If you don't want to build it yourself, I would personally recommend PCUSA. It's been several years since I got my old system from them, and apart from me being an idiot and only having 256MB of RAM in it at the time, it's still going strong. (It's actually my dad's system, but I'm the one who configured it/picked it out.) I can't say that I would place their customer support above iBuyPower's, which I and many others have heard horror stories about, because I never had a reason to call or deal with their support. I think that's a good thing, but I am a bit more tech savvy than most, so your mileage may vary.
It looks like you might be able to save a marginal amount of money with them over iBuyPower as well, though.
What I did when building my computer was start with a list of parts in PC Gamer magazine's "Hard Stuff" section. They have lists of parts for low, medium, and high end systems. Those can give you a fairly decent starting point from which to improvise based on budget. If nothing else it helps you get a foothold into how good different parts are. And before you buy anything, make sure everything is compatible. Nothing will ruin your fun faster than finding out after the fact that you don't have the correct connections required to make your computer run.
And make sure wherever you decide to put the computer is either near an AC unit or at the very least not enclosed, since a $3k computer is gaurrenteed to create more heat than your furnace.
Ditto
and just because you build it yourself does not mean it is not covered.
ALL of your components will be covered under manufacturer warranty.
A lot of Power supply manufacs are offering 3 or 5 yr warranties. DON"T go cheap, THE POWER SUPPLY IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENT. based upon the Alienware config....1000W+ PSUs range about $160-$600, DO NOT buy a $200 one, stay in the $400+ range You get what you pay for. Buying a cheap one can end up damaging other system components like the video card, CPU or Motherboard, I would HIGHLY recommend PC Power and Cooling or check JonnyGuru.com and find a 1000W that he has rated at least a 9
EVGA and XFX offer lifetime or even double lifetime warranties on Video cards.
Western Digital covers hardrives for 5 yrs.
Gigabyte Motherboards are covered for 3 yrs
everything else will be warrantied for at least a year maybe upto 3 depending of the maufac.
With prebuilt machines they offer a 1 yr warranty usually with the option to buy an extended warranty. so they are charging you for something they get for FREE, they get the same manufac warranty you do.
I would also find out where Alienware services warranty systems. Do they have a local approved service center or do you have to ship back to them???
BTW....glad you decided to buy a new system rather than trying to upgrade the old one. you'll be much happier and if you got a budget $3k you won't be hitting any gaming walls for a while.
as CommanderAdama suggested feel free to PM me and I'll give you my IM or email. be happy to help if you want to build your own.contact one or both of us.
Building your own is very easy, you'll enjoy the system more knowing you built it.
However, these warranties just cover normal wear and tear. Any user/assembly screw up, and you're on your own.
well, I'm taking all of this info down and looking at the specs. sure are a lot of options. I will probably not build but buy ready made (or they build) but at least there are several vendors to choose from.
I'll check back and see if there are any more suggestions, thank you all for you help.
Meant to link it to this, which has a monitor and is what I actually bought, not whatever the other link was. Just a suggestion if you're looking for something to start with and maybe build on later but don't want to build one yourself to begin with.
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