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$2500 Gaming PC
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Bhmack1
Newbie
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25. June 2008 @ 18:13 |
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I am in the process of building a new PC for another head first plunge into MMO gaming. I have managed to stay away from the MMORPG world since a two year, 12 hour per day, pack on thirty pounds, binge of Asheron's Call back in '99 which I have only recently fully recovered from.
Now that I'm back....
I have read all the recent posts regarding the building of this price-point PC so I am generally aware of many of the forum member's likes and dislikes and have used those comments along with some research of my own to compile this list. As I have been away from the latest and greatest for a few years, any words about compatability, places I can improve performance and stability, or general hints about what might be desirable beyond what I list below would be greatly appreciated.
Here's what I am considering as my new rig.
CASE)Sunbeam UFO ACUF-HUVB UV Blue Clear Acrylic ATX Cube Computer Case (Half the fun is building/admiring)
CHIP) Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 Yorkfield 2.66GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core
HD) Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000GLFS 300GB 10000 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s
MOBO) ASUS RAMPAGE FORMULA LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard
VIDEO CARD) XFX PVT88GYDF4 GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported
POWER SUPPLY) CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX 620W ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91
RAM) CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
SOUND CARD) Creative SB X-Fi Xtreme Audio 70SB104000000 7.1 Channels PCI Express Interface
I know all this barely comes to $1500 but I plan on getting silly with the monitor....
After much consideration I think I will go with Vista/64 for future compatability.
Are there any incompatability problems here or anything I have selected that will give me the "I wish I hadn't done this" feeling?
I know much of this has been discussed and I apologize for being redundant. Thanks for your comments and guidance.
Bobby
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AfterDawn Addict
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25. June 2008 @ 21:23 |
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AfterDawn Addict
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26. June 2008 @ 05:43 |
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The list is fine, with the exception of the pretty piss poor case, the Raidmax case Abuzar posted is better for cooling (looks are your preference, but a case has to do its job too), or better still (remember these are high quality components you have to cool) one of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146047
You should also use this graphics card, not the 8800GTS. It's significantly faster, less power hungry, etc. etc.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102747
or alternatively if you're willing to wait a short while, you could go for an HD4870 instead for even better performance. Hell, if you're going all out, get two HD4850s for incredible performance. If you're going for a 24" or 30" monitor as your post suggests, you'll need the extra graphical muscle.
Out of curiosity, which MMO's this for, Age of Conan?
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Bhmack1
Newbie
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26. June 2008 @ 12:02 |
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Thanks for the suggestions. The case is obviously a novelty and one I probably won't be able to pull the trigger on. I just thought it was a great idea conceptually. Anyway, two HD4850's is a great suggestion and one I was thinking about, considering I will be going with a 24" at minimum, probably in tandem with a 19". Is there a mobo that is best for running two Graphics cards like that? Is there any stability issues with that setup? Is this the 'SLI' problem I read about?
I may try Conan, LOTR, WoW and some of the others I've missed but I will mainly focus on Eve while waiting for the next sandbox MMO that I can get into from Beta.
Bobby
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AfterDawn Addict
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26. June 2008 @ 12:06 |
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Wait for Warhammer online then?
As for the GPUs, to run a game at top settings at 1920x1200, crossfire would be ideal, though a single HD4850 would suffice if you're willing to run on high, but not top settings.
With regard to the case, just be aware that getting a proper case is not just a novelty, it's necessary to cool high end components sufficiently - HD4850s particularly need decent case ventilation, which a lot of cases like the one you've selected don't provide.
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AfterDawn Addict
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26. June 2008 @ 12:28 |
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About your concern for dual graphics setup, just get a decent X38 or X48 motherboard. Someting like the Gigabyte GA-X48-DS4, ASUS P5E, or Asus Rampage Formula. There are many more out there that work great, this is just a small list.
That case just wont do it. Both the cases Sam and I suggested have side fans. This is important because the 4850 spits warm air back into the case. The side fan will exhaust this air so it doesn't make your other components run hot.
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Bhmack1
Newbie
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26. June 2008 @ 13:05 |
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Yea, Warhammer online is definetly on my short list. (I've played warhammer miniatures for years with my neighbors.)
I meant to say " I know that particular case is a novelty".
Which Crossfire Mobo would you suggest if I went HD4850 x2? Is there any stability issues I should balance against the extra performance?
Bobby
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AfterDawn Addict
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26. June 2008 @ 13:10 |
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My original point still stands. The case in your initial list is rubbish - change it, or suffer.
Don't mean to sound unkind, but that should be clear.
I personally use a Gigabyte X38-DS4, any of gigabyte's boards featuring the X38 or X48 chipset are good. other contenders are the Asus P5E and Rampage Formula, or DFI's X48 offerings - the latter tend to be expensive though.
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Bhmack1
Newbie
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26. June 2008 @ 13:13 |
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Abuzar1,
My thinking as far as that case went was to do some fabrication of fan holes, etc., to get the airflow and temps right. Of course, practicality ends up taking over, and I suppose I will probably go with the NZXT.
Bobby
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26. June 2008 @ 13:17 |
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That's a good idea, that NZXT case is pretty damn good for cooling. Wish I bought that instead of the RC 690!
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 26. June 2008 @ 13:18
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AfterDawn Addict
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26. June 2008 @ 13:18 |
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You are more than welcome to mod any case for extra airflow, but modern PCs want 120mm fans for good airflow, and cutting such sizable chunks out of cases often doesn't do wonders for their appearance or structural integrity - you will save time, risk and probably not lose much money in going with a proper case to start with. Don't forget there are other cases than the tempest out there, I have one of these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146038
These cases also cool quite well, and are slightly cheaper.
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Bhmack1
Newbie
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26. June 2008 @ 13:27 |
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Sammorris,
I hear you on the case. I suppose I just needed someone to tell me it was a stupid idea. So the Asus Rampage Formula is a good choice if I am going with two HD4850s? Any advantage to the Gigabyte X38 in this setup?
Finally, if you had to say there was a weak link in this rig what would it be? Should I upgrade the processor? Go with a Corsair 1000W power supply?
Proc)Intel q9450
HD) Velociraptor 300gb 10000RPM
MoBo) Asus Rampage Formula or Gigabyte X-38 DS-4
PS) Corsair 620W
Ram) CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB 1066
GPU) 2x HD4850
Bobby
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AfterDawn Addict
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26. June 2008 @ 13:31 |
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The Gigabyte board is cheaper, so it's the advantages you're looking for from the Asus board. The Rampage doesn't offer advantages in build quality, but it gives you more freedom with overclocking - if you're not an extreme overclocker, you may as well save money and get the Gigabyte.
There really is no weak link in any of those parts.
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Bhmack1
Newbie
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26. June 2008 @ 13:37 |
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Overclocking wasn't really anything I was into before but I am sure I will want to have the ability to be as flexible as possible with that aspect once I get up and running. Thanks for all the info. As with all the posts I've read here you have been very helpful. Thanks a ton. Thanks to you as well Abuzar1.
Bobby
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AfterDawn Addict
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26. June 2008 @ 13:39 |
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A final note worth mentioning, boards like the X48-DS4 will certainly not be limiting with overclocks, my X38-DS4 has let me overclock my CPU a full 75% without issue, but the Rampage just has little extra nicities to squeeze those last few mhz out of the chip.
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Bhmack1
Newbie
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26. June 2008 @ 13:52 |
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Ok, so there's really not much difference generally speaking. Though I will probably overclock I wont be concerned with those last few MHZ.
What CPU cooler and case fans would you suggest with noise and performance in mind?
Bobby
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AfterDawn Addict
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26. June 2008 @ 14:04 |
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AfterDawn Addict
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26. June 2008 @ 14:36 |
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lol isn't that identical to what comes with the Ultra-120s?
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AfterDawn Addict
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26. June 2008 @ 14:41 |
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Yeah it is. The cooler normally comes with push pins, which are HORRIBLE. I used that cooler with push pins, it almost made my cry it was that hard to put on.
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AfterDawn Addict
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26. June 2008 @ 14:43 |
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Rofl - it's alright. When I changed my motherboard I had a retarded moment where I couldn't figure out how to put the slideplate over my Ultra-120A again to put the cooler back - I also nearly cried as I was home alone for a few days so nobody else would be able to figure it out and help me - so I'd have no PC! Fortunately after about half an hour I managed to get it on, but I still have no idea how I did it...
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AfterDawn Addict
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26. June 2008 @ 14:51 |
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Yeah, but it would not sit tight. It kept on coming out! I was so frustrated. It was a customer build and I was running out of time because I had to install the OS and stress test it too(he wanted a OCed CPU)!
Eventually I took the whole damn thing apart and installed the stupid cooler first. The push pins still didn't do a good enough job(I heard it performs MUCH better with the backplate). I got it at 3.5Ghz and around 1.47v with LOAD temps of 65C(Q6600).
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AfterDawn Addict
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26. June 2008 @ 14:52 |
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If someone made a proper 120mm cooler they could make a killing...
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AfterDawn Addict
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26. June 2008 @ 14:55 |
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Well they are proper coolers, they just have some quirks. With the retention bracket I have seen people get GREAT results, and it's not that hard to install.
I think I bled a bit too. lol
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AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
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26. June 2008 @ 14:58 |
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lmao.
By proper I mean as easy to install as the freezer 7 Pro, as planted as the Ultra-120s and as powerful as them too. The actual cooler install for the Ultra-120 provided you don't have a silly moment like me is very easy, quick and simple - it's just the fan brackets that are poor - hence the cable ties, string, whatever...
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DosError
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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26. June 2008 @ 17:37 |
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Originally posted by Bhmack1:
I am in the process of building a new PC for another head first plunge into MMO gaming. I have managed to stay away from the MMORPG world since a two year, 12 hour per day, pack on thirty pounds, binge of Asheron's Call back in '99 which I have only recently fully recovered from.
Now that I'm back....
I have read all the recent posts regarding the building of this price-point PC so I am generally aware of many of the forum member's likes and dislikes and have used those comments along with some research of my own to compile this list. As I have been away from the latest and greatest for a few years, any words about compatability, places I can improve performance and stability, or general hints about what might be desirable beyond what I list below would be greatly appreciated.
Here's what I am considering as my new rig.
CASE)Sunbeam UFO ACUF-HUVB UV Blue Clear Acrylic ATX Cube Computer Case (Half the fun is building/admiring)
CHIP) Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 Yorkfield 2.66GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core
HD) Western Digital VelociRaptor WD3000GLFS 300GB 10000 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s
MOBO) ASUS RAMPAGE FORMULA LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard
VIDEO CARD) XFX PVT88GYDF4 GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported
POWER SUPPLY) CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX 620W ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91
RAM) CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
SOUND CARD) Creative SB X-Fi Xtreme Audio 70SB104000000 7.1 Channels PCI Express Interface
I know all this barely comes to $1500 but I plan on getting silly with the monitor....
After much consideration I think I will go with Vista/64 for future compatability.
Are there any incompatability problems here or anything I have selected that will give me the "I wish I hadn't done this" feeling?
I know much of this has been discussed and I apologize for being redundant. Thanks for your comments and guidance.
You want to use 650w for power supply? That's not enough. Change your Power Supply to OCZ GameXStream 850w or more & you'll be fine.
Good Luck to your new PC
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