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Old 27-12-2007, 03:28 PM   #16 (permalink) Top
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Apollo1020 View Post
Configuration 6:

Processor: Intel, E4400 (2.0GHz, 2MB cache, 800MHz FSB) - $125
Motherboard: GIGABYTE, GA-P35-DS3 (with HD audio) - $95
Memory: OCZ, 4x1GB (800MHz) - $130
Graphics Card: XpertVision, 8600 GTS (256MB) - $160
Hard Drive: Hitachi, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Optical Drive: LG, DVD+/-RW (with LightScribe) - $30

Chassis: ASUS, TA-951, 400W (1x120mm front, 1x120mm rear) - $65

Display: Dell, E198FP (1280x1024, S-IPS) - $250
Speakers: Edifier, R1200T (2.0) - $35
Keyboard: Microsoft, Digital Media Pro (USB) - $30
Mice: Microsoft, Laser Mouse 6000 (USB, laser) - $25

Total: $1055

P.S. That is probably the smartest my configuration. Need your comments.

I'd go with this one basically. The only things I'd change would be getting into a good power supply. More details are in the PSU sticky, but wattage doesn't tell the whole story. Whatever you do, do not use a power supply bundled with a case. A good power supply starts at around $100 USD, usually in the 550-600W range, and there's no way you're going to get a quality unit in cases that include a power supply and go for, say $50.

Thermaltake and Antec seem to be the most prevalent worldwide, so a 600-700 Toughpower from Thermaltake or a 600-700W TrioPower/Quattro PSU from Antec are where I'd look. If you see a Seasonic, OCZ, PC Power & Cooling, FSP, or Sparkle, something in the 550-650W range should be a good choice as well. Don't try and skimp on the power supply or you'll likely run into trouble.

The second thing I'd do is go for the 8800GT, or alternatively, the RadeonHD 3870, which is a bit cheaper. It's not exactly the same performance, but it's something you should consider if available to you.

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Old 29-12-2007, 06:16 AM   #17 (permalink) Top
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Thanks for your support Big B! You know - your input is very important for me (aspecially in this thread, because it's my new PC for 2 years or so)... I value it .

By the way, do you know, that NVIDIA has finally released their GeForce 8800GTS on 512MB?

About power supply... it's the cheapest way to go with the chassis one, but thanks for warning me. I guess 400W would be enouph for configuration 6 and 7, but with higher specifications graphics card, like (new) GeForce 8800 GTS on 512MB would be a need in higher W...

I will post new configuration(s) soon (not too much, because I've done much enouph) and I will REALLY NEED an opinions from someone like you (a real specialist ). This is the my most important thread right now, so please - try to help me somehow as I will go on.

Thanks.
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Old 29-12-2007, 10:55 PM   #18 (permalink) Top
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That Gigabyte board as a few models like you said you are getting. I know of at least the DS3R and I want to say the DS3L, too. Which are you getting. I think the DS3L is the cheaper of the series so I'm guessing that one. Either way it's a pretty solid board.

I would also agree with Big B on the PSU. NEVER, never use a case's stock PSU. There's only one exception that I would make on that and that's with an NZXT case and NZXT PSU. They have been getting alot of rep for their PSUs lately, mostly good from what I've seen (but I haven't dont any extensive research into it.)

Big B is also correct on that 8600GT you are planning to get. It is paperweight. Depending on how far you plan on overclocking (I don't see an after-market HSF on your list) you will be much happier with:

Low overclock: 3850 or 8800GT 256.
Med: 8800GT 512 or 3870
High: 8800GTS 512 / GTX (Why throw away money though..)

Remember this though, running the 38xx series video card in your rigg will reduce power usage by ALOT. They are very light on power consumption, I believe right next to that P.O.S. 8600GT

Whichever you would plan on going for, it will render circles around that 8600GT. Please reconsider that video card, because it is the type thing that regrets are made out of...
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Old 30-12-2007, 12:58 AM   #19 (permalink) Top
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Configuration 8:

Processor: Intel, E4400 (2.0GHz, 2MB cache, 800MHz FSB) - $125
Motherboard: GIGABYTE, GA-P35-DS3 (with HD audio) - $95
Memory: Corsair, 4x1GB (800MHz) - $160
Graphics Card: XFX, 8800 GTS (512MB) - $350
Hard Drive 1: Hitachi, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Hard Drive 2: Hitachi, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Optical Drive: LG, DVD+/-RW (with LightScribe) - $30

Chassis: ASUS, TA-951 (1x120mm front, 1x120mm rear) - $65
Power Supply: be quiet!, BQT E5-550W (550W) - $130

Display: Dell, E198FP (1280x1024, S-IPS) - $250
Speakers: Edifier, R1900TIII (2.0) - $85
Keyboard: Microsoft, Digital Media Pro (USB) - $30
Mice: Microsoft, Laser Mouse 6000 (USB, laser) - $25

Total: $1565

P.S. I think, that this configuration is equal to "good PC for good price". Thank you very much for your comments/suggestions. Please, tell me what you think of it.
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Old 30-12-2007, 01:27 PM   #20 (permalink) Top
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Out of curiosity, why are you going with 4x1GB sticks instead of 2x2GB? If you decide to upgrade later, having the free RAM slots would be good.

I think be quiet! is fine from what I can recall, but they seem to be a little pricey. I know the Corsair 620HX (620W) is in the $100-120 range, and is an excellent unit to consider.
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Old 01-01-2008, 11:01 AM   #21 (permalink) Top
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Configuration 9:

Processor: Intel, E4400 (2.0GHz, 2MB cache, 800MHz FSB) - $125
Motherboard: GIGABYTE, GA-P35-DS3 (with HD audio) - $95
Memory: Corsair, 2x1GB (DDR2, 800MHz) - $80
Graphics Card: XFX, GeForce 8800 GTS (512MB) - $350
Hard Drive 1: Hitachi, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Hard Drive 2: Hitachi, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Optical Drive: LG, DVD+/-RW (20x, with LightScribe) - $30

Chassis: ASUS, TA-951 (1x120mm front, 1x120mm rear) - $65
Power Supply: be quiet!, BQT E5-550W (550W) - $130

Display: LG, L1954TQ (19-inch, 1280x1024, TN) - $275
Speakers: Edifier, R1900TIII (2.0) - $85
Keyboard: Microsoft, Digital Media Pro (USB) - $30
Mice: Microsoft, Laser Mouse 6000 (USB, laser) - $25

Total: $1510

P.S. Not sure, if 2GB of RAM would be enouph for Windows Vista Ultimate Edition... need someone's advice. This monitor has contrast ratio 5000:1 and brightness 300. Any comments, if the configuration is good? Thanks! Bye.
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Old 01-01-2008, 11:59 AM   #22 (permalink) Top
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Configuration 10:

Processor: Intel, E6850 (3.0GHz, 4MB cache, 1333MHz FSB) - $290
Motherboard: GIGABYTE, GA-P35-DQ6 (with HD audio) - $205
Memory: Corsair, 4x1GB (DDR2, 1066MHz) - $360
Graphics Card 1: XFX, GeForce 8800 GTS (512MB) - $350
Graphics Card 2: XFX, GeForce 8800 GTS (512MB) - $350
Hard Drive 1: Hitachi, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Hard Drive 2: Hitachi, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Optical Drive: LG, DVD+/-RW (20x, with LightScribe) - $30

Chassis: ASUS, TA-951 (1x120mm front, 1x120mm rear) - $65
Power Supply: be quiet!, BQT E5-700W (700W) - $195

Display: LG, L1954TQ (19-inch, 1280x1024, TN) - $275
Speakers: Edifier, R1900TIII (2.0) - $85
Keyboard: Microsoft, Digital Media Pro (USB) - $30
Mice: Microsoft, Laser Mouse 6000 (USB, laser) - $25

Total: $2480

P.S. This configuration is fantasy more, than reality... maybe. Here I have two graphics cards. Not sure, if 700W power supply would be enouph. Anyway, I like configuration 9 more. Maybe I'll change something within it and it would be my final approach with my new PC... then - I'll just go and buy it.

Edite: Still - need your comments very much on both configurations. Thanks.

Last edited by Apollo1020; 01-01-2008 at 12:01 PM.
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Old 02-01-2008, 09:05 AM   #23 (permalink) Top
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Configuration 11:

Processor: Intel, E4400 (2.0GHz, 2MB cache, 800MHz FSB) - $125
Motherboard: GIGABYTE, GA-P35-DS3 (with HD audio) - $95
Memory: Corsair, 2x1GB (DDR2, 800MHz) - $80
Graphics Card: XFX, GeForce 8600 GTS (256MB) - $210
Hard Drive: Hitachi, 250GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $80
Optical Drive: LG, DVD+/-RW (20x, with LightScribe) - $30

Chassis: ASUS, TA-951, 400W (1x120mm front, 1x120mm rear) - $65

Display: LG, L1954TQ (19-inch, 1280x1024, TN) - $275
Speakers: Edifier, R1900TIII (2.0) - $85
Keyboard: Microsoft, Digital Media Pro (USB) - $30
Mice: Microsoft, Laser Mouse 6000 (USB, laser) - $25

Total: $1100

P.S. This might be the best configuration, if value... because I'm upgrading in 2 years and $1100 is not too much (I think). Waiting on your comments.
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Old 02-01-2008, 09:45 AM   #24 (permalink) Top
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Configuration 12:

Processor: Intel, E6600 (2.4GHz, 4MB cache, 1066MHz FSB) - $245
Motherboard: GIGABYTE, GA-P35-DS3 (with HD audio) - $95
Memory: Corsair, 4x1GB (DDR2, 800MHz) - $160
Graphics Card: XFX, GeForce 8800 GTS (512MB) - $350
Hard Drive: Hitachi, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Optical Drive: LG, GSA-H55N, DVD+/-RW DL (20x, with LightScribe) - $30

Chassis: ASUS, TA-951 (1x120mm front, 1x120mm rear) - $65
Power Supply: ASUS, A-55GA (550W) - $100

Display: LG, L1954TQ (19-inch, 1280x1024, TN) - $275
Speakers: Edifier, R1900TIII (2.0) - $85
Keyboard: Microsoft, Digital Media Pro (USB) - $30
Mice: Microsoft, Laser Mouse 6000 (USB, laser) - $25

Total: $1570

P.S. This might be the most balanced... but if value, prevouse ones was better. Don't know, you comment it.
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Old 04-01-2008, 08:19 AM   #25 (permalink) Top
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Configuration 13:

Processor: Intel, E6750 (2.66GHz, 4MB cache, 1333MHz FSB) - $205
Motherboard: ASUS, P5K-E/WiFi-AP (WiFi, HD audio) - $160
Memory: Corsair, 4x1GB (DDR2, 1066MHz) - $360
Graphics Card: XFX, GeForce 8800 GTS (512MB) - $435
Hard Drive 1: Hitachi, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Hard Drive 2: Hitachi, 500GB (16MB cache, 7200RPM) - $110
Optical Drive: LG, DVD+/-RW, DL (20x, LightScribe) - $30

Chassis: ASUS, TA-951 (1x120mm front, 1x120mm rear) - $70
Power Supply: ASUS, A-55GA (550W) - $100

Display: LG, L1954TQ (19-inch, 1280x1024, TN) - $275
Speakers: Edifier, R1900TIII (2.0) - $85
Keyboard: Microsoft, Digital Media Pro (USB) - $30
Mice: Microsoft, Laser Mouse 6000 (USB, laser) - $30

Total: $2000

P.S. This might be the best gaming PC, if minding price. Big B, please tell me what you think about it... will it be a good gaming PC? Waiting on your comments, guys. Thanks.

Last edited by Apollo1020; 04-01-2008 at 11:25 AM.
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Old 04-01-2008, 03:22 PM   #26 (permalink) Top
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It would definately be a top of the line PC. It will handle pretty much everything maxed minus Crysis. My only question is why two 500GB HDDs? Do you plan on running them in a raid 0? If you do, just remember that if for some reason one HDD goes out you will lose both and have to start over. Another thing is that PSU, I've never personally used or even heard much of an ASUS PSU. I know ASUS is a big name brand, but that doesn't mean that the expertise from the mobos will carry over to the PSUs. Just something for you to maybe think about.
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Old 04-01-2008, 03:43 PM   #27 (permalink) Top
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About hard drives:

No, I just need disk 1 for OS and programs/games and disk 2 for storage.

About PSU:

It's just ASUS PSU is cheaper, than other and I think it's ok (but, thanks for mentioning).

Thank you for your comments, mate.

P.S. This configuration is smart, like I think, because I've earned some skill in configuring. Hope, that most of you would find it smart too. Thanks.
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Old 04-01-2008, 04:22 PM   #28 (permalink) Top
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Some one told me before, that for that price I could find a better chassis... so how you like Jet XG Viper 2? It's a recommendation for a gaming chassis from our main PC journal.
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Old 04-01-2008, 06:27 PM   #29 (permalink) Top
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hey guys -
i hope u dnt mind (this is in another thread as well that i have) but i thought i could maybe put my configuration here so u guys could all check it out and tell me what you think if thats ok?

These are the components I am going to be getting if I buy a 'customized' pre-built rig:

Antec Nine Hundred black miditower,

OCZ GameXStream Powersupply ATX/EPS 600W

Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4, P35, Socket-775,

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz

OCZ DDR2 PC6400 4096MB KIT, Reaper HPC,

Point of View GeForce 8800GTX 768MB, GDDR3, PCI-Express, DVI/Tv-Out, Retail

Western Digital Caviar SE16 500GB SATA2

Pioneer DVD±RW burner, DVR-212, 18x,

Creative SB X-FI Xtreme Gamer

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Eng


I would very much appreciate it if you guys could give me your honest opinions about each component in the rig - is it good, bad or ok, and what could be improved, and if it can be improved, to what??


p.s.: In regards to RAM, which latency is better CL5 or CL4??

also, who has a better hard drive, Samsung or Western Digital

and is 4GB RAM too excessive?

Thanks v. Much all - much appreciated
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Old 04-01-2008, 07:07 PM   #30 (permalink) Top
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Reso, please don't doube post. We will answer your questions as well

Apollo, let me ask you a question man. First off, if you plan on using one of your 500GB HDDs for ONLY the OS, why do you need such a large HDD? You could prolly pick up a Raptor pretty cheap and get some nice performance out of your HDD instead of using a bigger slower one. Another thing I want to say is that the PSU is WAY too important for you to be willing to skimp out on it. If you're willing to waste your money (it really is a waste of money) on getting an 8800GTS instead of 8800GT, then why skimp on the PSU. You will get MAYBE 4 fps more with that GTS over the GT, but with an only OK PSU you may lose your whole rig. Might want to re-think that.
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