New computer

MrJoey · **Posted:** Thu May 11, 2006 1:33 am

This is the best place I can think of, I'm planning on building a pc, and this is what I've got built so far on a site. I want to know if A) it can run most/all of the recent games (Elder Scrolls 4 especially) and B) if any of the options are just general rip offs and if I should change them.

Case ( NZXT Guardian ATX Mid-Tower Case w/400W Power Supply Silver )
Case Lighting ( None )
Power Supply ( ** iBUYPOWER Recommended ** NZXT PF-500 500 Watt Power Supply )
Processor ( [Socket-775] Intel® Pentium-D Processor 930 [3.0GHz, Dual-Core, 2x2MB Cache, 800MHz FSB, 64-Bit] )
Processor Cooling ( CoolerMaster Liquid CPU Cooling Fan System Kit )
Motherboard ( ** iBUYPOWER Recommended ** [DDR2] ECS 945P-A i945P Chipset w/7.1 Sound, Gb LAN, USB 2.0 PCI-E MB )
Memory ( [Req.DDR2 MainBoard] 1024MB (512MB x2) DDR2-667 PC5300 Memory Corsair-Value or Major Brand )
Video Card ( Nvidia Geforce 6800XT 256MB w/DVI + TV Out Video )
Hard Drive ( 250 GB HARD DRIVE [Serial-ATA-II, 3Gb, 7200 RPM, 8M Cache] )
2nd Hard Drive ( None )
Raid Configuration ( None )
CD/DVD Drive ( [** Special !!! ***] 16X Dual Format/Double Layer DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW Drive Silver )
CD-RW/DVD-RW Drive ( None )
Sound Card ( 3D Surround Premium High Definition 7.1 Sound Onboard )
Speaker System ( 600W PMPO 3 PCS Super Bass Subwoofer Speaker System )
Fax Modem ( None )
Network Card ( Onboard LAN Network (Gb or 10/100) )
Floppy Drive ( None )
Monitor --- Free Shipping Now ( LCD Monitor ViewSonic 17" Q7B TFT LCD Monitor [Black] )
2nd Monitor --- Free Shipping Now ( None )
Keyboard ( PS/2 104 Key Windows 98 Keyboard Beige )
Mouse ( Microsoft IntelliMouse 1.1A USB Internet Mouse Beige )
Meter Display ( Thermal Temperature LCD Display Silver )
Flash Media Reader/Writer ( 12-In-1 Internal Flash Media Card Reader/Writer Black )
Operation System ( MS Windows XP Home Edition w/Service Pack-2 [w/Free Game - Age of Empires III] )
Media Center Remote Control & TV Tuner ( None )
Case Round Cable ( Professional wiring for all cables inside the system tower )
IEEE-1394 Fire Wire Card ( None )
USB Flash Drive ( None )
MP3 Player ( None )
TV Tuner ( None )
Video Camera ( None )
Headset ( None )
Power Protection ( None )
Printer ( None )
Printer Cable ( None )
Wireless Network Adapter ( [Special !!!] Wireless 802.11g 54Mbps PCI Adapter )
Warranty ( Warranty Service Standard 3-Year Limited Warranty + Lifetime Technical Support )
Rush Service ( Rush Service Fee (not shipping fee) No Rush, Ship Out in 5~10 Business Days )

From http://www.ibuypower.com

MrJoey · **Posted:** Thu May 11, 2006 3:30 am

Someone's gotta know something about computers. :cry:

Bakemaster · **Joined:** Feb 2006 **Posts:** 4732 **Location:**

I don't really have the experience to critique what you've got so far, but I will recommend newegg.com as a site to check out if you haven't already. I built myself a computer with mostly parts from that site and so far it has worked very nicely. Shipping was on time, everything as it should be, and prices were good.

MrJoey · **Posted:** Thu May 11, 2006 5:03 am

Yeah, my friend told me of a review site, ibuy doesn't get that great of reviews, but newegg has awesome reviews, so the other one is scrapped.

//:Protocol · **Joined:** Apr 2006 **Posts:** 702 **Location:**

No-Intel-Processors-If-You-Are-A-Hardcore-Gamer

They're less reliable, they're slower in comparison, and my proof is, DELL use them. Get yerself an AMD.

1gb of memory? The future is 2gb, or even 4gb..

1gb will be enough to run windows vista, and SRO at the same time when it comes out, is that ALL you want?

I personally like to use WMP, SRO, Firefox(For when I'm stalling), and SRO all at the same time.

Radeon. Radeon. Radeon.

If you really want nVidia then go ahead, but most gamers prefer AMD and aTI..

But there isn't any marked difference between the two, except for radeons new card, the X1800 I think..

Invest in a logitech G15, and a logitech MX mouse.

The reason why, is because the keyboard can have a multitude of programs plugged in to its "Dashboard", as it has a screen. Someone even managed to make a program that tells you whats going on in your game of Battlefield 2!

And logitech mouses are known to be the fastest, and most accurate, and barely ever have to be replaced.

Although this may seem the most expensive option, its definatly going to make your PC Future-Proof.

But whaddo I know I'm 12 =/

MrJoey · **Posted:** Thu May 11, 2006 11:16 am

No computer even has 4 gb option yet. 2 is max.

Edit: Just found out that 4gb is possible, but you have to be very rich, and I'm not rich like that.

Mereghost · **Joined:** Apr 2006 **Posts:** 199 **Location:**

Joey:

Go with AMD64 processors. "Cheaper", faster and more realiable.

For a video card, as Protocol said, except for a X1800, NVIDIA/ATI are just the same.

2Gb would be preferable, but for a time you would be confortable on the RAM department.

And I'm not a fan of ECS Mobos, I would recoment a Abit, ASUS or even Gigabyte one.

Montolio · **Joined:** Feb 2006 **Posts:** 745 **Location:**

MrJoey wrote:

No computer even has 4 gb option yet. 2 is max.

Edit: Just found out that 4gb is possible, but you have to be very rich, and I'm not rich like that.

Dual-Channel FTW! You dont have to be rich!

These other posts are good info. It is however hard to judge your build because I do not know your price range and how much you are willing to spend. What are your limits?

ATI>nVidia
AMD>Intel
ATI+AMD=Godly

Newegg = low prices + fast shipping
Therefore:
Newegg = TEH PWNZZORZ

illumi · **Joined:** Apr 2006 **Posts:** 194 **Location:**

I would like to post a few comments on this with links for reference to a UK site...
I'll build a lowcost midrange PC for you and if you can find this ready made being sold by a company, buy it.

Processor
The idea of AMD being better I agree with. Hell, splash out a bit and go for a duel core one if you want.
Duel core option - AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 4200+

Single Core option - AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice

Memory
2gb is probibly best, any of the main brands are good (Gskill, GeIL, Crucial) so i'll leave it to you to pick one.

Sound
I love sound and music so a good Sound card is a must Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Music I have this and it's great!

The only thing i'm going to say about the GFX card is, ATI vs. NVIDIA is purely a matter of opinion right now. people say one is better because it's just what they are used to and it is what they use. having used both, right now I would choose NVIDIA 7900GT simply because the price is unbeatable for the performance.

All the other stuff, Mouse/Keyboard/HDD/PSU
Just use your common sence, read some computer forums and see what not to buy for a start. Make sure your PSU can handle 480Watts+ and it's not a crappy make like Qtech

Kabi · **Joined:** Feb 2006 **Posts:** 293 **Location:**

Alright...I like this thread. This is what I do in my free time...like that ever exists

.

To buy the parts, go to http://www.newegg.com ...great website, awesome search ability, good deals.

CPU: AMD is a must for hardcore gamers. Go with the AMD64 socket 939, but make sure to choose one that has 1MB of cache.
RAM: 2GB memory is the sweet spot. 4GB is the max for WinXP, but it slows it down, b/c of the way it addresses that amount.
Video card: ATI vs NVIDIA? Really comes down to personal preference. Both cards are nice quality and fast, but NVIDIA has the better, more stable drivers. Once ATI fixes that (something they've been trying to do for years), they will have the upper-hand. Also depends on the games you play. Some games are written to work better on ATI or NVIDIA cards.
Keyboard: Go to a nearby computer store, Fryes, BestBuy, CompUSA, etc., and try typing on the different ones. See which one is most comfortable. Personally, Logitech keyboards rock!

Mouse: I use the Logitech MX1000 (wireless laser mouse). If you want wireless, make sure it has a recharge station! Having to replace batteries during a battle sucks!
HardDrive: 1st - Seagate, really close 2nd - Samsung and Western Digital
Motherboard: ASUS, Gigabyte, or DFI
Power Supply: DON'T EVER BUY A CHEAPY...they are cheap for a reason. A poorly designed, railed, or constructed PS can ruin your components. If you want to do SLI, SST-ST60F...best one out. If not, go with Antec or Enermax.
Case: Completely personal preference, but I'd recommend getting a quality constructed one (rounded edges, tooless design, etc.)

As far as being able to run TES4:Oblivion, to date this game is the most CPU/GPU intensive, so the more you throw at it, the better it looks and plays.

wud03 · **Joined:** Apr 2006 **Posts:** 31

Can you tell me your budget? Ibuypower is good, but if you are willing to spend more money, there are many better options.

Just my opinions:

CPU - AMD 64 X2 3800. Dual core for a pretty good price. Beats out Intel Ds in its sleep.
RAM - 1 gig is fine. I recommend 2 however.
Video Card - It's all about what games you play. If you only want to play SRO, pretty much anything is fine nowadays. If you want to expand, look into SLi and Crossfire setups.
HD - At least 200 gigs. They fill up quick.

My tip to you is read anandtech.com. That's where I get most of my hardware news. Crossreference that with newegg and you are going to be an educated buyer.

Tree · **Joined:** Apr 2006 **Posts:** 48 **Location:**

Radeon. Radeon. Radeon.

If you really want nVidia then go ahead, but most gamers prefer AMD and aTI..

Dont listen to that, ati sucks end of story, nvidia is better in every single way.

and buying from ibuypower is an excellent choice if i dont say so myself

EDIT: just noticed u already picked a dual core lol
EDIT2: get amd, intel is more of a normall work thing, amd is way better for gaming .... also socket 775? im pretty sure socket 939 is better lol

i have a 4400+ dual core myself and it pwns so bad, ive yet to find a game which i even get the slightest bit of lag on

Bakemaster · **Joined:** Feb 2006 **Posts:** 4732 **Location:**

I built my computer on a $50 TUL mobo and it's got four slots for RAM. I don't know how you got the idea that 2 GB was a ceiling, but I started out with two 512 chips (1 gb total) and can always get two 1024 chips to raise the total to 3 GB, but really haven't had a reason to yet.

Oh, and you can buy a quad-core PowerMac G5 with 16 GB of RAM. PWNT.

RMP · **Joined:** May 2006 **Posts:** 150 **Location:**

MrJoey wrote:

This is the best place I can think of, I'm planning on building a pc, and this is what I've got built so far on a site. I want to know if A) it can run most/all of the recent games (Elder Scrolls 4 especially)...

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2746
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2747

Go, read and cry

Seem like ES IV have some high req :cry:

Salu2. & Sorry for my bad english.

sqrage · **Joined:** Jan 2006 **Posts:** 6 **Location:** queens, nyc

MrJoey wrote:

No computer even has 4 gb option yet. 2 is max.

Edit: Just found out that 4gb is possible, but you have to be very rich, and I'm not rich like that.

haha, funny thing is, there are computers with 128 GB of RAM (:
http://www.boxxtech.com/products/apexx8_specs.asp

MrJoey · **Posted:** Wed May 17, 2006 1:36 pm

Ummm... $24k and $42k are kinda out of my price range.

MrJoey · **Posted:** Mon May 22, 2006 12:59 am

Ok I'm gonna try this again. What I'm looking for, is a new computer, I've got ~$1500 budget for it. For processor I'm going with amd, after some research, they seem to be leading the processor battle. For graphics card, I just want to be able to at least run pretty much anything. I don't want a big cutting edge graphic card because at the end of the year, it'll be obsolete and I'll have to replace it with a card that has dx10. Monitor, keyboard, and mouse, I'll be choosing myself, I've got some ideas on those already. I would like the graphics to be radeon, personal preference, don't bother trying to change my decision for AMD/radeon. I'm also going to be going for 2gb memory for now. With this information, maybe I can get better detailed help. >_<

bakaro · **Joined:** Apr 2006 **Posts:** 512 **Location:**

If i would have to choose would be something like this

Code:

Case (  Coolermaster Ammo-533 Gaming Tower Case w/420W Power Supply )
Case Lighting ( None )
Power Supply ( NZXT PRC-550 550W Power Supply )
Processor ( [939-pin] AMD® Athlon-64 3700+ CPU w/ Hyper Transport Technology )
Processor Cooling ( CoolerMaster Liquid CPU Cooling Fan System Kit )
Motherboard ( Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe nForce4-SLI Chipset w/7.1 Sound, Gb LAN, S-ATA Raid, USB 2.0, IEEE-1394 Dual PCI-E MB )
Memory ( 1024 MB [512MB X2] DDR-400 PC3200 Memory Module Corsair-Value or Major Brand )
Video Card ( Nvidia Geforce 7600GT 256MB w/DVI + TV Out Video )
Hard Drive ( 250 GB HARD DRIVE [Serial-ATA-II, 3Gb, 7200 RPM, 8M Cache] )
2nd Hard Drive ( None )
Raid Configuration ( None )
CD/DVD Drive ( 16x DVD-ROM Drive - Sony Black )
CD-RW/DVD-RW Drive ( [** Special !!! ***] 16X Dual Format/Double Layer DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW Drive Beige )
Sound Card ( Dolby Digital Surround 7.1 Sound Card )
Speaker System ( 600W PMPO 3 PCS Super Bass Subwoofer Speaker System )
Fax Modem ( None )
Network Card ( Onboard LAN Network (Gb or 10/100) )
Floppy Drive ( Mitsumi 1.44 MB Internal Floppy Drive Beige )
Monitor --- Free Shipping Now ( None )
2nd Monitor --- Free Shipping Now ( None )
Keyboard ( None )
Mouse ( None )
USB 2.0 Accessories ( Build-in USB 2.0 Ports )
Meter Display ( Thermal Temperature LCD Display Black )
Flash Media Reader/Writer ( None )
Operation System ( [Special !!] MS Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 [w/Free Game - Age of Empires III] )
Media Center Remote Control & TV Tuner ( None )
Case Round Cable ( Professional wiring for all cables inside the system tower )
IEEE-1394 Fire Wire Card ( None )
USB Flash Drive ( None )
MP3 Player ( None )
TV Tuner ( None )
Video Camera ( None )
Headset ( None )
Power Protection ( None )
Printer ( None )
Printer Cable ( None )
Warranty ( Warranty Service Standard 3-Year Limited Warranty + Lifetime Technical Support )
Rush Service ( Rush Service Fee (not shipping fee) No Rush, Ship Out in 5~10 Business Days )

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