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New Computer Research [message #203573] Mon, 12 June 2006 18:14 Go to next message
Doitle is currently offline  Doitle
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Well, I had my graduation party and got me a mess o' money. Now I'm looking at getting a new computer to take to college. Price range is 2000-3000. I don't like Intel so I'm gonna be going for an AMD Processor. As for the Videocard company, I don't know where I am on the video card debate. I had always liked Nvidia as I had a bad experience long ago with an ATI Rage LT Pro 4MB. However as of recent with the whole Battlefield 2 Fiasco and Nvidias royal screwjob on us loyal GF4ers I've waivered. So the X1900 or so vs. the GeForce 7900 is another thing I'd like to know your opinions on. I know if I post this though, everyone will just fight and all say LIEKF WRTF AWIT 4 TEH DX10 GOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOGM. I don't want to wait for Direct X 10 because I don't care about the newest stupidest shader effect. I don't care about photorealistic molecules. I want to run the games fast and well. Anyhow I was just wondering what kind of suggestions, listings and deals you guys could show me on parts and technologies.

http://www.n00bstories.com/image.fetch.php?id=1285726594
Re: New Computer Research [message #203574 is a reply to message #203573] Mon, 12 June 2006 18:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
AmunRa is currently offline  AmunRa
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Colonel

intel and ati is the only way to go.
Re: New Computer Research [message #203579 is a reply to message #203573] Mon, 12 June 2006 19:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
cmatt42 is currently offline  cmatt42
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I've been a long time ATi user, and I'm switching to nVidia on my next purchase. Perhaps you can take that into consideration somehow in your decision.

Re: New Computer Research [message #203583 is a reply to message #203573] Mon, 12 June 2006 20:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
light is currently offline  light
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Colonel
nVidia have better support for Linux (if it matters to you). I would go for an AMD/nVidia myself, it's what I currently have.

http://www.azupload.com/displayImage.php/setid2745.png
Re: New Computer Research [message #203584 is a reply to message #203573] Mon, 12 June 2006 20:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mrpirate is currently offline  mrpirate
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I'm actually about to upgrade my computer as well, although my price range is $1500 - $2000 (CAN).

Since you're going AMD (I am too), I'd recommend either an Athlon 64 X2 4400+ or 4800+, since they have twice as much L2 cache compared to the 4200+ and 4600+.

Unless you're really keen on having absolute top components I'd get a motherboard with the nForce 570 chipset (make sure you get a socket AM2 processor, haha).

As for the video card:
I've always had ATI video cards, and I am planning to get a Radeon X1900 XT since it was the cheapest high-end card I could find. As for which out of the Radeon X1900 XTX and GeForce 7900 GTX is better, I'd recommend you figure out which games you want to use the new computer for and then find some benchmarks with both cards. They're pretty evenly matched although the 7900 is better for OpenGL-based games, and the X1900 seems to fair better with high resolutions and AA/AF enabled. The X1900 XT is nice because it's only clocked a tiny bit slower (and therefore priced quite a bit less) than the XTX but has the exact same architecture.
Re: New Computer Research [message #203586 is a reply to message #203573] Mon, 12 June 2006 20:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mision08 is currently offline  mision08
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Colonel
Congrats on your graduation!
I trust you have a 4.0 GPA to flaunt about.

My advise is to spend wisely, maybe even purchase some used hardware. Now would be a good time, with AMD releasing a new socket PGA earlier this month. I know for me, I can enjoy playing games with a $160.00 video card much more than with a $500.00 card. If I spend $500 on a video card I expect to get wet when I walk under the waterfall at Field.

P.S. Get a good PSU, especially if your build includes an SLI set up, OCZ XV series memory or a DFI motherboard. Insufficient power has caused numerous problems for people using the DFI boards.
Is this supposed to be a laptop?


[Updated on: Tue, 13 June 2006 07:40]

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Re: New Computer Research [message #203589 is a reply to message #203573] Mon, 12 June 2006 21:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Jaspah is currently offline  Jaspah
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Buy one of those fancy new NVidia BFG Geforce 7950 GX2's. That will last quite a while.

http://techreport.com/reviews/2006q2/geforce-7950-gx2/7950-coolers-angle.jpg


Razz
Re: New Computer Research [message #203591 is a reply to message #203586] Mon, 12 June 2006 21:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Doitle is currently offline  Doitle
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mision08 wrote on Mon, 12 June 2006 22:50

Congrats on your graduation!
I trust you have a 4.0 GPA to flaunt about.

My advise is to spend wisely, maybe even purchase some used hardware. Now would be a good time, with AMD releasing a new socket PGA earlier this month. I know for me, I can enjoy playing games with a $160.00 video card much more than with a $500.00 card. If I spend $500 on a video card I expect to get wet when I walk under the waterfall at Field.


lol No 4.0. I have a 3.73 GPA but a kickass ACT score. I've got 5500$ set aside for money to have in college, and this 2200$ is extra that I can use for a computer. Jaspah I've looked at those things. Lowest I can find is 650$ for one of those. They look pretty nice but I don't know what to think about them. 650$ is a lot for a video card... That's 1/4 the total price of the computer. Still an option. I just... I have this money and it's such a wonderful thought and I want to get the most out of it while still not sitting on my laurels for another year and keeping this money out of investment.


http://www.n00bstories.com/image.fetch.php?id=1285726594
Re: New Computer Research [message #203740 is a reply to message #203573] Tue, 13 June 2006 15:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Doitle is currently offline  Doitle
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Anymore thoughts here?

http://www.n00bstories.com/image.fetch.php?id=1285726594
Re: New Computer Research [message #203741 is a reply to message #203573] Tue, 13 June 2006 15:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
cheesesoda is currently offline  cheesesoda
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I say X2 with a high-end ATI card. I haven't particularily had great luck with nVidia myself. Both nVidia cards that I had died on me. The only issue I've had with ATI myself is the Catalyst drivers, but that issue I had was probably caused by my stupidity with installing them.

whoa.
Re: New Computer Research [message #203744 is a reply to message #203573] Tue, 13 June 2006 16:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Jecht is currently offline  Jecht
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I've always been happy with my AMD 64 3500+(1 year old system). If you can get faster, more power to you. My ATI x800 has been sluggish at times, but thats just probably do to my sloppy wiring job. I think it's causing a pocket of heat over my expansion bays. Most of the time, it works great though.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9146/hartyn4.png
Re: New Computer Research [message #203747 is a reply to message #203573] Tue, 13 June 2006 16:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Renx is currently offline  Renx
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This is a really bad time to build a computer.

On July 23rd Intel is releasing it's new CPUs(Core 2 Duo), and the day after that AMD CPUs prices will be cut almost in half.

AMD will not have an attractive new CPU until early 2007, when K8L comes out. The only thing they will really have going for them after July 23rd is incredibly low prices. X2 3800s are expected to hit $160 USD or lower. Single core A64s will be well below $100. Any CPU you buy now will be completely devalued and outdated in just over a month.

DirectX 10 cards are coming out in the fall, most likely November. Any card you buy now will not run games on DX10, obviously. Trying to sell a DX9 card when DX10 is the new standard will not go over well with your wallet(assuming you'd decide to upgrade when DX10 comes out). If you must build now though, I'd go with a 7900GT(less than $300) or 7600GT(less than $200), they provide awesome performance for their cost.

Nforce5 mobos are only out for AM2 socket CPUs right now. I'm not sure if K8L will use AM2 or not though, they might use a different socket(AM3). If K8L will use AM2, this would be the best way to go. If not, you're just going to be building yourself a brickwall in terms of performce. Not to mention wasting your money.

Your best bet is to hold off building until at least august or september. That way you can go with eVGA and be within stepup reach of their DX10 nvidia cards(Step-Up is a program that lets you return your card to eVGA, and pay the difference between what you paid for it and what the new card you want costs. It must be within 3 months of purchase though). By then Core2 will also have been out for a bit and the prices will have dropped slightly(always costs more for the first few weeks after release).

If you absolutely must build now, make sure you choose very wisely. You may want to upgrade again this fall or next year, and you will want to replace the minimum amount of parts possible.


~Canucck

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Blazer

...RG made me ugly
Re: New Computer Research [message #203748 is a reply to message #203573] Tue, 13 June 2006 16:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Doitle is currently offline  Doitle
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Well that's the thing, I pretty much need to build soon but I will not be re upgrading. I've had this computer for 6 years and it has the original processor, video card, mobo... I want to get something I can just have for a long time. All I'm worried about is them actually STOPPING my cards from playing DirectX 10 games. As I said I couldn't care less about the effects it allows. I just want to be able to play it. It's one thing to make an effect someone can't see but its another entirely to prevent them from playing the entire game. Basically I... almost want a card that looks ugly but plays roxor fast. Not literally, lol but I mean that I don't care about what DirectX 10 brings to the table, just that I can play games with directX 10 at all.

http://www.n00bstories.com/image.fetch.php?id=1285726594
Re: New Computer Research [message #203752 is a reply to message #203573] Tue, 13 June 2006 16:56 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rm5248 is currently offline  rm5248
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I'm looking to buy a new computer soon-- If you want a good processor, I've heard that AMD's Opterons are very good, because they have a large (2x 1MB) L2 cache, plus you can get them for normal socket 939 Motherboards. They also overclock better, so (if you really want to) you could probably get them to FX-60 speeds. They're also a lot cheaper (they start at $330 on Newegg). A good video card is the 7600GT. I belive that it's one of the best value cards under $200.

It really depends on what you're looking for. Perhaps you should ask at THG.


w00t?
Re: New Computer Research [message #203760 is a reply to message #203573] Tue, 13 June 2006 18:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mrpirate is currently offline  mrpirate
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The problem with computers is that it's ALWAYS a bad time to build one, because new technology is ALWAYS just around the corner. Arguably, perhaps, right before the release of DirectX 10 is not the best time to upgrade, but, conversely, perhaps right afterwards isn't either. DirectX 9 and the GeForce FX 5800 anyone? The truth is that although I have upgraded my video card on a couple occasions over the past 3 years I haven't really done much with the rest of my computer and don't imagine I would with the new one when it's built. So although upgradability is an interesting idea, it may very likely be moot (assuming PCI Express x16 will suffice for the next couple years, which it obviously will). And although price-cuts are interesting, if I can currently get an Athlon 64 3800+ for $171 Canadian, I don't think I'll feel too bad.
Re: New Computer Research [message #203762 is a reply to message #203760] Tue, 13 June 2006 19:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
z310
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Go green. Smile
Re: New Computer Research [message #203763 is a reply to message #203760] Tue, 13 June 2006 19:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Aprime
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mrpirate wrote on Tue, 13 June 2006 21:49

The problem with computers is that it's ALWAYS a bad time to build one[...]


Actually, this time it really is.


FUCK

[Updated on: Tue, 13 June 2006 19:28]

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Re: New Computer Research [message #203783 is a reply to message #203573] Tue, 13 June 2006 22:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Doitle is currently offline  Doitle
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Like I stated, I don't care and frankly don't want what DirectX 10 offers. I'm afraid however that I won't be able to run the games. The phrasing there is keen, I don't care if they are ugly or missing effects. This all stems from my experience with Nvidia and BF2. My GeForce4400 is capable of playing it, but in an attempt to force people with older cards to upgrade Nvidia had EA add code to block the 4400 series. When I use a spoofer to trick the game into thinking I have another card it starts up and runs, and not only runs but runs well. Sure it looks kinda ugly and crazy because I don't have all the fancy shader effects but it runs and that's what is important. Also the time period is pretty set, this money won't be here in November so not only can I not wait till then I can't buy a 27$ video card and upgrade later...

http://www.n00bstories.com/image.fetch.php?id=1285726594
Re: New Computer Research [message #203785 is a reply to message #203573] Tue, 13 June 2006 22:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
icedog90 is currently offline  icedog90
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get a dual-core AMD, those are fucking awesome. If you multitask a lot, of course.
Re: New Computer Research [message #203787 is a reply to message #203783] Tue, 13 June 2006 23:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Aprime
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Alright, but you should wait for the price drops and get an Opteron processor if possible. Also get AM2 if you plan to get minor upgrades later (as in within a year or two) (a DirectX 10 is highly suggested due to the whole Vista thing, but it isn't necessary to run it).

FUCK
Re: New Computer Research [message #203788 is a reply to message #203573] Tue, 13 June 2006 23:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Spice
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I would go for the AMD2 socket motherboard with this processor. It saves time for upgrades later.

I'd go with this processor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E168191037 35
This motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E168131310 13
This Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E168171210 11
I'd go with this as a placeholder videocard and wait for Direct X10 Cards:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E168141302 61
Maybe one of these Sata drives:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E168221440 32
This RAM, Expensive but worth it:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E168201450 34

If you want my honest oppinion, I would spend about 1500 on a new computer then use the rest as a down payment on a new car or something else you've been needing. Maybe just keep it away for that raining day bullshit.


http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/8027/userbar358428pu3.gif
Re: New Computer Research [message #203791 is a reply to message #203573] Tue, 13 June 2006 23:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
icedog90 is currently offline  icedog90
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^^^^^^^^

He has a very good selection there, and the placeholder video card is a good idea. I second what he posted.
Re: New Computer Research [message #203793 is a reply to message #203573] Wed, 14 June 2006 00:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Doitle is currently offline  Doitle
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Wow Exdeath thanks, now that's what I'm talking about. That looks like a good system to me. Plus that's only $1061 roughly without a case, keyboard, mouse, monitor, soundcard, or optical drives. Case I could add another maybe 70-100$, Mouse would just be a MS Intellimouse, Monitor should be cheap considering I want a CRT and they are practically giving those away... Keyboard would be a regular Microsoft Internet Keyboard, or Maybe a Saitek Eclipse if I want to get pinky-out fancy. Soundcard... I don't know exactly what I would get there, Are there any nice 5.1 Soundcards left or are they all like 128.50 cards now-a-days? Optical drives are no problemo... like 20$ each lol.

Also I can't really keep the money hanging around Exdeath or it will be gone... My mom will just keep it. She already appropriated 1600$ of money from a cd of mine I finally cashed in. No cars at college either, freshman and sophmores are not allowed to drive because they aren't allowed to leave campus.


http://www.n00bstories.com/image.fetch.php?id=1285726594

[Updated on: Wed, 14 June 2006 00:09]

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Re: New Computer Research [message #203794 is a reply to message #203573] Wed, 14 June 2006 00:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Goztow is currently offline  Goztow
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Goztoe
There still are 5.1's, they cost around 5 £.

Buy yourself a decent new mobile with the remaining money? I mean: there must be a good way to spend the rest of the money Razz (if not, you can always spend it on a nice woman).


You can find me in The KOSs2 (TK2) discord while I'm playing. Feel free to come and say hi! TK2 discord

[Updated on: Wed, 14 June 2006 00:20]

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Re: New Computer Research [message #203795 is a reply to message #203573] Wed, 14 June 2006 00:23 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Doitle is currently offline  Doitle
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I do need a new cell phone, but I've already got a woman. Still the cell phone will be like 300$ and I've got quite a bit left over... Maybe I can finally buy an amp for my monster sub. Anyone else have any thoughts on this whole computer thing?

http://www.n00bstories.com/image.fetch.php?id=1285726594
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