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Ray92

Senior Member

2 product reviews

13. August 2008 @ 08:51

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I'll keep an eye out for it, I'm thinking about getting a sound card, what is the advantage of having card compared to built-in???
Which one would you recommend for my budget

[ + quote]

(+[_]%) 1: 2.60 > 2.80 > 2.81 >3.03 > 1.50 > 3.52M33 > 3.52M33-4 > 3.90M33 > 3.90M33-3 > 4.01M33 > 4.01M33-2 > 5.00M33 > 5.00M33-3
My GAMING LAPTOP!! : Acer Aspire 5930G - P8400 2.26Ghz//4 GB DDR2//GeForce 9600M GT 512MB GDDR3
Ultimate Handheld/Portable Gaming Device :P

sammorris

AfterDawn Addict

4 product reviews

13. August 2008 @ 08:52

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For games, it means you can turn the sound quality up to full and not get any missing sounds, which sometimes happens in hectic scenes with onboard sound. You don't need anything expensive to get the job done though, something like the Audigy SE will do fine.

[ + quote]

Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13

Ray92

Senior Member

2 product reviews

13. August 2008 @ 08:55

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Ok thanks I think I;m ready to go.

I'll probably go tonight
Is it better to have an internal wireless card or a usb one

[ + quote]

sammorris

AfterDawn Addict

4 product reviews

13. August 2008 @ 08:56

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Internal - they don't overheat as often and/or get dropouts as often.

[ + quote]

Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13

Ray92

Senior Member

2 product reviews

13. August 2008 @ 09:03

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so on average how good do you think this rig wiil be.
Will it be able to play demanding games on high at a res of like 1440 x 900

I have games like crysis, assassins creed, grid, quake wars, and such lined up.

How will it rate against them roughly

[ + quote]

sammorris

AfterDawn Addict

4 product reviews

13. August 2008 @ 09:21

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With an 8800GTX (as long as it's the real one with 768MB of memory) it should be able to play almost anything at at least 1680x1050.

[ + quote]

Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13

Ray92

Senior Member

2 product reviews

13. August 2008 @ 09:30

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will it play on high??
what if it has 512mb ddr3
thanks

[ + quote]

sammorris

AfterDawn Addict

4 product reviews

13. August 2008 @ 09:34

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If it has 512MB of RAM it's not an 8800GTX, so I suggest you try and find out what it actually is.
Could be any of the following, in ascending order of performance:
8600GT
9500GT
9600GT
8800GT
9800GT
8800GTS G92
9800GTX
9800GTX+

The 8800GTX 768MB sits between the 9800GTX and 9800GTX+ in performance.
As long as you have one of the bottom five in that list, it will perform well enough to run all games on highest detail at at least 1680x1050, with the possible exception of Crysis during the latter half of the single player.

[ + quote]

Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13

Ray92

Senior Member

2 product reviews

13. August 2008 @ 10:35

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What about the life of the rig??

If I build a desktop I want to make sure that it will last me at least 4/5 years with minimal upgrades during that time

Do you think this will let me do that, and future games, even if the resolution is lower??

[ + quote]

sammorris

AfterDawn Addict

4 product reviews

13. August 2008 @ 10:56

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I couldn't possibly say, but if you want to play current games, going 5 years without an upgrade is impossible without using cutting edge technology, and the 8800GTX is now two years old and has been eclipsed by newer technology like the GTX200 series and HD4870s.

[ + quote]

Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13

Ray92

Senior Member

2 product reviews

13. August 2008 @ 12:56

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I could still use the same components for like 2 yrs right??

And then maybe upgrade just the graphics card??

PS - Just in case I cant find the gigabyte motherboard, what else would you suggest??

Thanks again for answering all my questions

[ + quote]

sammorris

AfterDawn Addict

4 product reviews

13. August 2008 @ 13:01

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Yes, easily. I'm still using a CPU I've owned since late 2006. I upgrade GPUs more often but that's because I use a resolution of 2560x1600 which is far more demanding than most. For 1680x1050 or below you'd be fine.
If you can't find any suitable Gigabyte motherboards, then you can look for ones by DFI or Asus that use the same chipsets (P35, X38, P45 or X48) - if you do buy an Asus board, don't buy a cheap one as they don't last.

[ + quote]

Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13

Ray92

Senior Member

2 product reviews

13. August 2008 @ 15:13

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Alright thanks
I'll try to find the parts and take pics which I'll upload to the site to prevent any confusion on products

[ + quote]

Ray92

Senior Member

2 product reviews

14. August 2008 @ 09:08

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this is a dumb question, but where do you plug your graphics card, and where do the other expansion cards go eg. wireless card, modem??

Are they both the same ports (PCI)??

Thanks again

[ + quote]

sammorris

AfterDawn Addict

4 product reviews

14. August 2008 @ 12:55

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Graphics cards go in the long PCI express 16x slot, other devices go either in the very short PCI express 1x slot, or the medium sized PCI slots, the latter of which are usually at the bottom of the motherboard.

[ + quote]

Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13

Ray92

Senior Member

2 product reviews

14. August 2008 @ 18:40

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This is what I found suitable after going in every shop in the market.

I will buy most parts from one vendor, so he builds the rig from me and gives me a better discount.

CPU: Quad-Core Q6600 2.4Ghz 8MB Cache -- 830SR

VGA CARD - Option 1:
Point Of View 9800GTX (512MB DDR3) -- 1550SR

VGA CARD OPTION 2:
Calibre GeForce 9800GTX --1350SR (Not overclocked, sorry image didn't save)

VGA CARD - Option 3:
Point Of View GTX 280 --2300SR (A little too pricey for me)

RAM: Transcend 3GB {1x1GB 1x2GB) 800Mhz --300SR

MOBO:
Gigabyte EP35C-DS3R --650SR

HD: 320/500GB WD 7200rpm -- 240/330SR

DVD-Drive: LG-Super Multi Drive (x22) -- 110

Sound CARD: (1 u recommended)
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy -- 110SR

CHASSIS: This was the problem, all I could find was:
1-Gigabyte Triton with 3/4 fans -- 380SR
2-Thermaltake Armour with one front, back, and massive side fan -- 860SR (Again, a little pricey)

CPU COOLER/HEATSINK :
1-Cooler Master RR-CCHPBJ1-GP -- 180SR

2-Cooler Master CPU Cooler Hyper 212 -- 230SR

3-Cooler Master Vortex 752 -- 110SR

4-Thermaltake TMGi -- 130SR

POWER SUPPLY:
Gigabyte Saybe 550W - 200SR
( also available in higher watts)

Wireless Card -- 80SR

Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster 7920 -- 750SR

What parts/config would be best??

PS-Is this gaming mouse any good :
Microsoft Laser Mouse 6000 (Game Mouse) -- 150SR

Thanks

[ + quote]

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 14. August 2008 @ 18:47

sammorris

AfterDawn Addict

4 product reviews

14. August 2008 @ 18:42

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Not able to get an ATI GPU?

[ + quote]

Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13

Ray92

Senior Member

2 product reviews

14. August 2008 @ 18:49

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No, I looked but the newest one I found was the HD38-- the dashes were 70 I believe. They had someone looking like tomb raider on the box
:P

I thought the nVidia ones I found were GOOD :P :P :P

[ + quote]

sammorris

AfterDawn Addict

4 product reviews

14. August 2008 @ 18:51

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They are, but the newer radeons (HD4850, HD4870) are better, if you can find those.

[ + quote]

Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13

Ray92

Senior Member

2 product reviews

14. August 2008 @ 18:58

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Originally posted by sammorris:
Better cards than the 8800GTX, in ascending order of awesome:
9800GTX
HD4850
GTX260
9800GX2
HD4870
GTX280
HD4870X2

I kept this in mind while I was looking, I went in every shop and kept and eye out for HD4--- GPUs, but didn't find a single one

That makes me think they haven't arrived here

[ + quote]

Ray92

Senior Member

2 product reviews

28. August 2008 @ 17:43

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I decided to forget the desktop and go with the laptop

After looking around a little I found 2 laptops which I think are good and are better than the ones I mentioned in previous posts

These are the two I have found:

[b]1-Acer Aspire 5930G (Specs below):[b]

Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26Ghz [1066MHz]
250GB 5400rpm Hard drive
4GB Ram
15.4" CrystalBrite Display (supporting HD 720p/ 1280x800 max res.)
Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT with 512MB dedicated DDR2 memory(Up to 1700MB shared)
DVD DL Super Multi
Vista Home Premium SP 1
CrystalEye Webcam
Bluetooth/Wireless

[b]2-HP Pavillion ( DV5 1060 I think) Specs below:[b]

Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26Ghz[1066MHz]
250GB 5400rpm Hard Drive
3GB Ram
15.4' Screen (max res. 1280x800)
Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT with 512 MB dedicated DDR2 memory(Up to 1700MB shared)
DVD DL Super Multi w/ Lightscribe
Vista Home premium SP1
Webcam (1.3mp I think)
Bluetooth/Wireless

How good will both these laptops perform, and which will give better results????

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sammorris

AfterDawn Addict

4 product reviews

28. August 2008 @ 17:46

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I'd go with the HP as I trust HP over Acer, 3GB vs 4GB of RAM won't make much difference, so they should perform the same. Just beware that nvidia mobile graphics chips are quite unreliable, so make sure you get an extended warranty.

[ + quote]

Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13

Ray92

Senior Member

2 product reviews

28. August 2008 @ 17:51

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Could you elaborate on what you mean by " unreliable"

Also, I can get an HP with an extended 3 year warranty for the same price as an acer with a 1 year warranty. So the HP is a better option right??

Also how will games run on this?????

Thanks

[ + quote]

sammorris

AfterDawn Addict

4 product reviews

28. August 2008 @ 17:53

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Absolutely.
If you read through the news articles, nvidia have had a large number of premature failures of their mobile graphics chips lately due to a faulty manufacturing process. Gaming performance on a 9500GS won't be superb, but it should be pretty decent with modern titles.

[ + quote]

Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/11247
updated 10-Dec-13

Ray92

Senior Member

2 product reviews

28. August 2008 @ 18:46

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Alright thanks for the info
I can only get 3 yr warranty so it should be enough

Also are P**** processors better than T**** processors and by how much
eg. P8400 and T9300

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