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.
That's the exact same link as in your previous post and my earlier criticism still applies.
I thought it was good when I bought it, guess I shouldve asked people who know first...like you guys.
It looks like ibuypower has the best configurations for the buck. I'm under 2K but will go back to upgrade some things before I actually buy.
again, thanks for all of your suggestions, you all made it easier to wade through the "stuff".
and yes, a valid concern for a new builder.
just be careful and wear a static strap and all would be fine. if one is going to build they gotta start somewhere. preferably having a friend that knows show you how to build the first.
I just can't stand pre-built systems. they always f*^k you somewhere and you can rarely get the exact configuration you want even from the customize options.
and the BIGGEST piece of BS from them is the fact (as mentioned before) that they charge you extra for an extended warranty that in the end is the exact same warranty you get yourself from the manufacturer. talk about a scam.
If you're going iBuyPower, do not, I repeat, do not use the default power supply in whatever system you configure. It may theoretically be 680W, but it doesn't tell you what the hell it is. Depending on the video card you wind up choosing, the Corsair CMPSU-650TX (650W) for $23 over the default one is your best bet. If that's not enough for some reason (which it should be, but if you were to post what video card(s) you've decided on, we can tell you), the 850W Cooler Master for $53 more than that is solid.
I'm not certain all choices are available in all configurators, and I'm making the assumption that you're using the lowest priced configurator for it (as the whole idea of a configurator is for you to add what you want), but the point still stands.
Just my two cents.
there's no need to spend 400 bucks on a power supply when you can get a pc power & cooling 750 silencer for 150 or less these days. pc p&c rates their psu's by constant output, not peak. therefore, their 750 silencer is rated at 750 watts constant, not 750 peak or max like other companies rate their psu's. heck, even their 860 watt unit is less than 300 bucks. and yes, i am aware newegg lists the the 750 silencer as 750 watts max but that is wrong. it's 750 watts continuous.
what I'm leaning towards for power supply and graphics card are the 1000 Watt -- Corsair CMPSU-1000HX Power Supply with a geforce 285 graphics card.
1k watt is a bit of an overkill for a single card, though. It certainly doesn't hurt, but it also shouldn't be needed.
GMC with a budget of 3000...omg. You can do almost anything.
I'm going to spell out what you can afford in a computer right here (for fun):
Core I7 Extreme 3.2Ghz
Gigabyte X-58 Extreme http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128361
Patriot 6GB DDR3 1600 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220365&Tpk=PVT36G1600ELK
2x Gigabyte GTX 295 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125254
2x Intel X-25 SSDs http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167005
Power Supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817814012
Extra HDD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136317
Blu Ray Burner http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136155
Vista Ultimate 64bit http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116493
+ Case of your choice ~$150
Somehow that ended up coming out to 4k.... I guess i got a little carried away.
Get this processor instead http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202 and Overclock!
+
Only get one of those GTX 295s. Add another later, if ever necessary...Voila, under 3k.
Anyone here will agree that is GOD in computer form.
PS. The offer still stands. I'd be honored to build this monument of computing
The whole thing depends what you want to do with it. A Mega power rig is one thing, its a little pointless if in reality it just sits licking its lips but not much else ..... and all the latent power goes to waste.
Its highly likely that a "standard" entry level quad and "average" hard disks (circa 300Gb each - get two, so you can have a totally separate load of the Op Sys for those times of hassle and woa, and easy BackUp), would do you well. Its going to be a good while yet before mainstream 64Bit becomes reality, so there's no point getting more than 4Gb RAM. Once the software houses start producing multi thread 64Bit apps as a routine norm, you can add more RAM and switch to 64Bit Windows, not a lot of point before then.
The graphics card is worth spending the dosh on if you are an avid gamer of resource hungry games - get the most powerful you can afford giving it priority over the cpu for cash outlay, and fit third party cooling fans, to the case and the card. Its reality now, that with all the eye candy being added to games - a situation likely to stay until 64Bit multi thread is a mainstream reality, when development will switch from eye candy - is that emphasis is placed on the GPU, not CPU - todays quad's are massively powewrful, most can only use about 20% of the fitted data crunching power, even therefore have a built in "upgrade" for the early days of the multi thread revolution to come.
Get the maximum amount of VRAM the card catagory will hold, dont skimp on the latter, its the one area of any PC that will explode in terms of need over the next couple of years - it does vary even for high end cards what the Vendor will fit - 512Mb is common now, need to look harder for 1Gb on the same card.
Optical device has to be Bluray, they won the DVD Wars, so fit it.
Get an 850W quality PSU (The new Enermax ones are ideal), that will do you for the life of the rig even with additional hardware, unless you get really outlandish on numbers of multiple graphics cards.
Spend wisely against need not dream list - and you will have enough to get a wireless router with fitted ethernet sockets giving you massive long term flexibility re house LAN/Wireless LAN ready for the coming explosion in House Network based devices (and the computer is just a minority on that particular coming list), and any future laptop/notebook. Its not essential, agreed, but get it now and settle it in, and it will make life easier when these other devices come down the road.
Dont forget to get a good memory stick at least 32Gb - 64Gb if you have the dosh - they cost peanuts these days for what they are.
The difference in price of the above to a mega power rig that sits idle most of the time, means you will have the cash to get a decent colour laser printer, a top line games mouse (eg logitech revolution MX), some cash for essential quality Anti-V/Firewall/Office apps etc etc, and a decent headphone/mic setup.
RegardsZy
Here is my newest design for the new age to come!
Any EVGA product you buy - be sure it is either ar or a1 at the end of the product number and it will be warranteed for life!
1. EVGA X58 SLI Classified motherboard - $449.99 [link] buy direct not from new egg!
2. SILVERSTONE ZM1200M powersupply - $399.99 [link] this power supply will come very close to just doing it...
3. Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem CPU - $288.99 [link] best for the price at this time.
4. COOLER MASTER V10 Hybrid CPU Cooler - $139.99 [link] other than water cooling this will work well.
5. 3x - EVGA 896-P3-1260-AR GeForce GTX 260 Graphics Card - $199.99 ea. [link] 3 of these to get the max performance.
6. EVGA 512-P3-N975-AR GeForce 9800 GT - $129.99 [link] PhysicalX Graphics Card needed for peak performance.
7. 2x - CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) - 112.00 [link] for 12 GBs of Ram get 2 sets.
8a. Intel X25-M SSDSA2MH080G1 80GB SATA Internal Solid state disk - $393.00 [link] OS system drive.
8b. Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000HLFS 300GB Hard Drive - $229.00 [link] Gaming Drive & Programs...
I would use a eSata external drive for my backups and such. Which would only be connected at the time of it's use. Otherwise it is stored for better lifetime.
This being a moderate rig for the new age. I am still very picky about what case I would use!
9a. RAIDMAX SMILODON Case - $139.99 [link] this is good but cramped for space and cooling.
9b. COOLER MASTER HAF case - $159.99 [link] this has the space and the cooling... plus you can add water cooling later on.
As for DVD or CD and other Peripherals it will be good to start out with high end equipment. But this changes so fast I wait for things and buy just basic stuff I need.
My base price for this rig built by myself and ready to go with coolmaster case of course and basic Peripherals is $5000.00
otherwise with shipping and you build youself it would be close to $3500 to $4000 and you do your own warranty for installations.
Most have a lifetime warranty; others are like 3 years or better. NO OEM Manufacture will give you this for any kind of rig they build. Maybe 3 yrs - but it will cost you.
My best design for this new board has yet to come to light for the newest intel I7 chips are still being worked out. The true 8 core chip has yet to hit. Plus 64 bit Windows 7 is in the works of being released. I'm presently waiting for both of these to be complete before I go off the deep end and build the newest super computer I want here at home. But time will tell and I really can't wait for that day when I can place the order and get what I want.
Good luck with you new system and here is a pic of a HaF Case I did for my son here just a month ago for him to play his video games on and just have a better machine than he had before.
That and built another with a Sigma La Vie Case for my Daughter with basically almost the same. Except she is an ole timer and does not like vista so we used XP x64 and only 4 gigs of ram.
Here are a few photos
Sigma case 1
Sigma case 2
Sigma case 3
Haf Case 1
Haf Case 2
Haf Case 3
Also I would only recommend a 24 inch monitor or larger with this type of system!!!
mine's better
okay, here is what I thinking of:
Case Thermaltake V9 Gaming Tower Case w/420W Power Supply Blue )
Power Supply ( 750 Watt -- Corsair CMPSU-750TX Power Supply Quad SLI Ready )
Processor Intel Core i7 Processor 940 (4x 2.93GHz/8MB L3 Cache) )
Processor Cooling ( iBUYPOWER Napoleon CPU Cooling Fan System Kit )
Motherboard ( Asus P6T Deluxe V2 Intel X58 Chipset CrossFire and SLI Supported w/7.1 Sound, Triple-Channel DDR3, Dual Gb LAN, S-ATA Raid, USB 2.0, Three PCI-E MB )
Memory ( 6 GB [2 GB X3] DDR3-1600 Triple Memory Module Kingston HyperX )
Video Card ( NVIDIA GeForce GTX 285 1GB w/DVI + TV Out Video )
Video Card Brand ( Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA )
Hard Drive ( 500 GB HARD DRIVE [Serial-ATA-II, 3Gb, 7200 RPM, 16M Cache] )
2nd Hard Drive ( None )
External Hard Drives [USB 2.0/eSATA] ( None )
CD/DVD Drive ( [5X Blu-Ray] Sony Optiarc BC-5100S BLU-RAY Reader & DVD±R/±RW Burner Combo Drive )
CD-RW/DVD-RW Drive ( Sony Dual Format/Double Layer 20X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW Drive Blue )
Sound Card ( Creative Lab Sound Blaster Audigy SE )
Network Card ( Onboard LAN Network (Gb or 10/100) )
Meter Display ( Thermal Temperature LCD Display Blue )
Flash Media Reader/Writer ( 12-In-1 Internal Flash Media Card Reader/Writer Blue )
Operating System ( Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium + [Free 60-Day !!!] Microsoft Office 2007(Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access ....) 64-Bit )
Additional Software ( Microsoft Works 9.0 (make the most of your home PC) )
I'm getting the works ($9) so that I can use my office 2000 professional upgrade. and all of the above is subject to change.
what's the price for that spec, gmc2?
The Cooler Master 850W is practically the same specs, but more headroom for other things (non-GPU/CPU). They (theoretically) have the same 12V amps, though, so it'd really only be an issue if you wanted to, say, add a busload of drives in RAID later on. But it'd be nice to have some room for expansion, and it's $8 less.
I don't know why anyone would get anything other than the 920, but it's your $280, so have at it.
The only differences I can find between the P6T and the P6T Deluxe are that the Deluxe has an additional GbLAN, as well as support for 4GB RAM modules, which you shouldn't need nor be able to find yet.
Spending an extra $270 for your RAM to be Kingston is honestly stupid, no offense. They're not what they used to be, either. Corsair or whatever they happen to throw in it will be more than sufficient. But if you wanted to spend $150 more instead of $270 more to have 12GB of DDR3-1600 instead of 6GB of DDR3-1600, I could agree with that.
The 4870 would be my pick (actually the 4890 when it launches), but the GTX285 is a good idea as well. But if you're going to go Nvidia, then do yourself a favor and spend the extra $5 to make it an EVGA card. They have a step-up program that allows you to exchange your old card for a new card, within a certain timeframe that I've forgotten (3 months?), provided you pay the difference. (Or at least they used to-I think it still exists.) This would be very useful should you decide to upgrade to a GTX295 later on.
I think you'll be surprised at how quickly 500GB fills up, so I'd recommend at least a terabyte, for $45 more. Alternatively, you could do 2x500GB, and RAID them.
I hope you're aware that the optical drive you've chosen is just a Blu-Ray reader-it can't write to them. (It can however burn DVD's.) If that's not a concern for you, then it's a good deal. Otherwise, you're looking at about $100 more for a reader/writer.
-
I don't see speakers or a monitor. Was that intentional? (I'm less concerned about the keyboard and mouse.)
get the coolermaster v8 cpu cooler. they have some ugly cases there, don't they?
I have used Falcon Northwest computers for more than a decade. They cost a bit more than some others, but they just plain work and are fast. You can even get a decently priced "off the shelf" Fragbox small form factor machine with the best bang for the buck parts they'd put in a custom job for around $2K. These guys invented the "custom game PC" market and they are still probably the best boutique PC assembler out there. Worth having a look.
Echoing Sole Soul's comment about monitor - if you aren't getting a new one, make sure you run the test programs from WinDVD/PowerDVD makers so you can see if your current one will suport Blu Ray playback. You need an HDCP compatible monitor or it will refuse to play. Any LCD from the past 2 years or so should be a safe bet, but you should still make sure with the app.
I wish I had three g's for a box. God, the possiblities
Forget all of that save up for a quantum computer haha! it will be able to do everything ten time faster well when we can use more than 32 qubits haha. No there is no practical use for a quantum computer, thats far in the future but its an idea.
I would go for whatever is the latest in 2010 newest motherborad with newest cpu and graphics card.....etc. I have already saved enough money a good 1500$ still saving but ya im gonna wait for the latest. Maybe i will wait when Moore's law wont apply anymore haha!
Akkan117
Price as listed is right around $2400. I already have a set of bose speakers, 24" viewsonic hdmi monitor, saitek keyboard and use a MS wireless mouse.
I'll check out falcon northwest and reread your suggestions and do some additional research. I realize that just because something costs more doesn't mean it is better.
I don't do any on-line gaming and I'm pretty sure that what I end up with is more than I need but, what the hey.
uhm, cost more, less choice and they don't take amex.
bose speakers? which ones? i have a set of companion 5's which i LOVE! everyone says the logitech 5300 and 5500 blow the bose away. i switched from logitech 5500 to the companion 5 and have never regretted it. there's also a set of comapnion 2's stting around here somewhere. they're for my daughter.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:
Sign in or Create Account
