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Official 2008 "I Need A New PC" Thread

K

Kadey

Mrs. Harvey
I wouldn't take an MSI for free. It's all about Asus, EVGA for me. To a lesser extent, XFX or PNY.
 
H

Hitmeneer

Member
Kadey said:
I wouldn't take an MSI for free. It's all about Asus, EVGA for me. To a lesser extent, XFX or PNY.
Click to expand...

Why no MSI? MSI is just a regular A/B brand. Asus and EVGA are really nice, but also very expensive in general.


About DVI and HDMI connection. As I remember the HP only has OR HDMI (the HP W2*007H serie) OR DVI connection.
 
J

Jaagen

Member
So, I've updated my hardware selection, and I've come down to this.

CPU:
AMD Athlon X2 BE-2350 Brisbane 2.1GHz($89)
Alt. AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Brisbane 2.2GHz($66)
Mobo:
GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-S2H AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI Micro ATX($99)
Memory:
G.SKILL 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)($45)
Alt. GeIL Value Series 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)($46)
Graphics Card
SAPPHIRE 100236L Radeon HD 3650 512MB($80)
HDD:
1. HITACHI Deskstar 7K160 80GB 7200 RPM SATA($43)
2. Western Digital Caviar SE 500GB 7200 RPM SATA($99)

What do you think? Which fan do you recommend(should I just go with the stock cooler?) This will be an AMD system(Yes, I do have a Intel setup, so I'm no AMD fanboy), "so no buy Corez Duoz 2 PLZ".

Also. I'm going to the US next week, so I was wondering if there were any good computer stores in the Oakland area?

EDIT: This thread should have been a sticky.
 
R

RJT

Member
Alright GAF, I've got a special assignment to you (need an answer in 2 hours)!

(continuing the previous page's story)

I went to the store and he replaced my graphics card. To everybody who said overheated, you were right.

I then asked if he could make a discount on a better card, instead of replacing it with a similar one. He gave me a 50€ discount.

So, this is my current PC (without video card):
MSI P965NEO 775 Motherboard
Intel 4 D915+ 2.8 DualCore
DIMM DDR2 1024Mb 533
420w PSU

An 8800 is too much for me at this point. I would have to replace the PSU, and the whole thing would cost me more than 200€. I'd rather spend that kind of money once I know GTA4's requirements.

He suggested a 8600GT DDR3 512mb for 80€ (after discount). Should I accept it?
The guy said he would rather have DDR3 8600 than a DDR2 9600. Is he right, or should I push for a 9600? Also, I reckon my RAM is kind of slow. Should I replaced it or just add another gig?

My requirements:
I want to play Bioshock and Mass Effect at decent framerates (I don't like very high resolutions and I don't need everything maxed out). I also want Company of Heroes and other RTSs (like Starcraft 2). My budget is 100-130€.

Tell me GAF, what should I do?
 
R

RJT

Member
You're forgetting that the exchange rate doesn't apply for technology :lol
The lowest I could find online was 180€
 
pr0cs

pr0cs

Member
Oldschoolgamer said:
Thats fucking huge. o.0
Click to expand...
I'll raise your huge with a blast from the past.
c.jpg
 
K

Kosma

Banned
I wonder how much power that beast consumes.

RJT said:
You're forgetting that the exchange rate doesn't apply for technology :lol
The lowest I could find online was 180€
Click to expand...

How much does the 3850 cost where you live? If you can get it cheap I'd suggest that over the 8600 any day.
 
R

RJT

Member
oo Kosma oo said:
I wonder how much power that beast consumes.



How much does the 3850 cost where you live? If you can get it cheap I'd suggest that over the 8600 any day.
Click to expand...

Well, I got the 8600 for 80€ and so far I'm quite happy with it. Tried the Bioshock demo on high and everything went smooooooth. Best graphics/style I've ever seen in a game, by the way (that intro is amazing). I think I'll wait for a GOTY edition or something to buy, though. Got HL2+episodes to play for now.

I also tried Quake Wars Enemy Territory, also very smooth.

Downloading Crysis demo now. I'm prepared for the worst...
 
L

LiveWire

Member
Is it worth upgrading an 8800GT 512MB to a 8800 GTX 768? Are there any new cards scheduled to arrive in the next 3-6 months that are the "next level" above either of the above cards?
 
R

RJT

Member
Tried crysis, and I can run it on high at low resolutions. Which is fine by me :D
If I can run Bioshock perfectely and Crysis decently, I'm sure I can meet Mass Effect«'s requirements. I'm happy :D
 
N

NovemberMike

Member
LiveWire said:
Is it worth upgrading an 8800GT 512MB to a 8800 GTX 768? Are there any new cards scheduled to arrive in the next 3-6 months that are the "next level" above either of the above cards?
Click to expand...

The 9800GX2 (or whatever) is supposed to be 30%ish faster than the ultra.
 
S

Somnia

Member
I know everyone says to build their own computer because its cheaper,etc. but I'm honestly not comfortable with building my own. I found this site http://www.eb.magicmicro.com/ which seems pretty reliable with good prices and a lot of customization to what I want. Anyone know anything about them or have any other site suggestions on where to get a custom PC built that won't cost me outrageous prices like Dell, Alienware, etc.?
 
S

Somnia

Member
So after reading reviews I decided against that magic micro site and ended up finding cyperpowerpc.com which has pretty good prices and good reviews all around. These are the specs I'm leaning towards....any suggestions on different parts or whatnot? System is 100% for gaming.

CASE: Raidmax Sagitta II Mid-Tower 420W Gaming Case w/ Side-Panel Window (Blue Color)
CPU: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6750 CPU @ 2.66GHz 1333FSB 4MB L2 Cache 64-bit
MOTHERBOARD: MSI P6N SLI-FI nForce 650i SLI Chipset LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2 Mainboard
MEMORY: 2GB (2x1GB) PC6400 DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory (Corsair Value Select)
VIDEO CARD: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB 16X PCI Express (Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA)
HARD DRIVE: Single Hard Drive (250GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 8MB Cache 7200RPM HDD)
Optical Drive: 20X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER (BLUE COLOR)
SOUND: Creative Labs SB Audigy SE


edit: forgot to put in the price...right about $1100. I wasnt looking to spend over 1500 so this is good for me.
 
E

Echoes

Member
Awesome; AWESOME thread :D . I reached page 8 but I realized that it's time to post my future-PC specs, seeking lots of recommendations of course.

I'm not really professional as much as all of you, so I may have chose some wrong stuff. I'm really appreciating every post in attempt to guide me to the perfect spot.

Motherboard: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OH1NYG/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Processor: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LRMR26/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Memory (though I currently have 2 Gig so I may stick with it): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BX10XM/?tag=neogaf0e-20
HDD: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RT3GHI/?tag=neogaf0e-20
OS: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MFDJ1A/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Graphics Card: I ordered 9600 GT yesterday, should be coming this week (I live in Kuwait, so it's gonna take a while to arrive).

So, about the case. I have had Dell Optiplex GX620 for over a year and a half now (P4 HT, 2 Gb ram, 7300 GS). Do you think I may have everything above (or the recommended) to fit into it? the thing is, I really like the simplicity in it and don't wanna change it :(
 
N

Nobby

Member
I finally put together my system last night and its so much faster than my previous setup. The case (Lian-Li v600 or something) is so loud though, gonna have to switch out the 120mm fans with quieter ones I think. Downloaded the crysis demo and was able to play at 1680x1050, no aa, and everything very high. Game looks amazing I must say.
 
N

NovemberMike

Member
@Echoes: I personally wouldn't go with an nvidia board. Intel makes some great chipsets that run cooler and overclock better. The only reason to go Nvidia for a MoBo is for SLI (which you might do at some point).

@Somnia: If you don't want to build yourself, I would personally look at a dell. I just set up a machine with an 8800gt, Quad core, 2 gigs of ram, Vista Home, 22inch monitor and mouse/keyboard for around $1k. Just click on dell deals and start looking at the desktops. I don't particularly trust some of those custom PC companies.
 
N

Nobby

Member
I'm using a Asus P5K-E which uses an intel P35 chipset. If you dont overclock and don't care about eSata you can probably get a cheaper variation of an intel P35 board.
 
S

SleazyC

Member
Echoes said:
Awesome; AWESOME thread :D . I reached page 8 but I realized that it's time to post my future-PC specs, seeking lots of recommendations of course.

I'm not really professional as much as all of you, so I may have chose some wrong stuff. I'm really appreciating every post in attempt to guide me to the perfect spot.

Motherboard: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OH1NYG/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Processor: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LRMR26/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Memory (though I currently have 2 Gig so I may stick with it): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BX10XM/?tag=neogaf0e-20
HDD: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RT3GHI/?tag=neogaf0e-20
OS: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MFDJ1A/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Graphics Card: I ordered 9600 GT yesterday, should be coming this week (I live in Kuwait, so it's gonna take a while to arrive).

So, about the case. I have had Dell Optiplex GX620 for over a year and a half now (P4 HT, 2 Gb ram, 7300 GS). Do you think I may have everything above (or the recommended) to fit into it? the thing is, I really like the simplicity in it and don't wanna change it :(
Click to expand...
I would recommend a Gigabyte DS3L, which is based of the Intel P35 chipset. Also if you have a Microcenter near you they sell the Q6600 for $200 now.
 
Z

zoku88

Member
You know, I really hope Nehelam drives DDR3 prices down. I want to get the chip, but don't look forward to paying for the memory prices >.>
 
L

larvi

Member
pr0cs said:
I'll raise your huge with a blast from the past.
c.jpg
Click to expand...

Oh yeah, even further in the past. IBM Professional Graphics Adapter:

800px-PGC.jpg


320kb onboard memory and 60fps at 640x480x256 in 1984 bitches :lol
 
M

Mrbob

Member
So I put together a PC tonight for a friend who bought the Raidmax Smilodon case.

Easily the best case I've ever used for putting a PC together. Each side folds down making it easy to install everything, it has tool less connections for your peripherals. The 500W PSU gives you enough juice for everything as long as you don't SLI. Plenty of fan support to keep air flowing out. The LED lights look cool on it too.

Blue LED:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156062

Green LED:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156098

So easy to put together:

11-156-062-23.jpg


I probably would have bought this instead of my antec 900 had I known a the time.
 
E

eznark

Banned
So I finally budgeted some money to buying/building a computer. I haven't built one before but would like to, and have a friend who has. I have $1500 or so to spend and would primarily use the computer for the latest and greatest in RTS. I already have a nice monitor so no needs there. Other than that, I'm starting from scratch.

My question I guess, is where to start?
 
M

MoxManiac

Member
Mrbob said:
So I put together a PC tonight for a friend who bought the Raidmax Smilodon case.

Easily the best case I've ever used for putting a PC together. Each side folds down making it easy to install everything, it has tool less connections for your peripherals. The 500W PSU gives you enough juice for everything as long as you don't SLI. Plenty of fan support to keep air flowing out. The LED lights look cool on it too.

Blue LED:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156062

Green LED:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156098

So easy to put together:

11-156-062-23.jpg


I probably would have bought this instead of my antec 900 had I known a the time.
Click to expand...

Holy shit, I am so looking into that case. But is that an okay brand for a power supply?
 
McHuj

McHuj

Member
Quick question guys, what's the difference between AMD AM2 and AM+ sockets.

I know the AM+ ones are on boards that support Phenom, but a lot of the AM2 boards can also run the Phenoms with a bios update.
 
D

Davidion

Member
Mrbob said:
So I put together a PC tonight for a friend who bought the Raidmax Smilodon case.

Easily the best case I've ever used for putting a PC together. Each side folds down making it easy to install everything, it has tool less connections for your peripherals. The 500W PSU gives you enough juice for everything as long as you don't SLI. Plenty of fan support to keep air flowing out. The LED lights look cool on it too.
Click to expand...

LEDs I'm not such a fan of, but the case design looks interesting. How big is that sucker? Full ATX?
 
M

Mrbob

Member
Mox the power supply was already connected so I didn't see who it was made by. Everything booted up right away when I put it together so all is well at the moment.

Davidion it is an ATX mid tower case. It has plenty of connections though:

11-156-098-11.jpg


This thing is a heavy beast.
 
M

Mrbob

Member
One thing I want to add is the PSU supplied with the Raidmax case only has one PCI-E power connector. If you want to SLI you will need to replace it.
 
Z

zoku88

Member
McHuj said:
Quick question guys, what's the difference between AMD AM2 and AM+ sockets.

I know the AM+ ones are on boards that support Phenom, but a lot of the AM2 boards can also run the Phenoms with a bios update.
Click to expand...
Isn't it AM2+?

Anyway, AM2+ boards also have this power control feature so that they can turn off certain cores of a CPU if they are not being used (I believe this is what happens.) I don't really remember that much :lol
 
M

MoxManiac

Member
Mrbob said:
One thing I want to add is the PSU supplied with the Raidmax case only has one PCI-E power connector. If you want to SLI you will need to replace it.
Click to expand...

I don't plan to go SLI when I build my new PC. I'll probably only have one HDD too. E8400 + 8800GT setup is planned. I'd really like to have the PSU that comes with that case to be sufficent, because it looks AWESOME.

I abhor installing motherboards into cases without a pullout motherboard tray (i.e. mine)

the case seems targeted for gamers so hopefully the maker had the foresight to include a good PSU.

The reason i'm concerned is that good gaming PSUs are usually $60-100 these days, and that case is only $94 for both.
 
M

Mrbob

Member
Yeah its labelled as a gamers case and it shows.

If you don't want the power supply Raidmax does sell just the case:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156078

Its' $79.99 with a 20 dollar mail in rebate. My friend was on a budget so I just used what was included, but if you have some more money you can get a seperate PSU and install it in the case. 500 Watts would be plenty of power for an E8400 and 8800GT.
 
McHuj

McHuj

Member
zoku88 said:
Isn't it AM2+?

Anyway, AM2+ boards also have this power control feature so that they can turn off certain cores of a CPU if they are not being used (I believe this is what happens.) I don't really remember that much :lol
Click to expand...

Yeah. Meant AM2+. I guess I don't really care that much about the power control at the moment, just performance.
 
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