First build. BIG surprise.

Ssrogg · 03-18-2008, 01:39 AM

Ok, my first post here was in the WRONG section, and was sumarily ignored (I blame no one but myself). The link is Here

My primary issues are with motherboards. I understand most of the hardware, but the mobo just confuses me. Specs seem to not change a lot, and prices range wildly. SOOO, I'm gonna post up the configurations solo, inexperienced research has provided me.

First off, answers to the "read me first" qestions. Will post 3 system configurations after the Q&A.

Budget:
Would prefer under 2k USD. But that is not a static number, as it depends on my tax returns. I sometimes get over 4k back, so I could go higher. Or lower....

Brands:
I prefer Intel over AMD. I prefer ATI over Nvidia, but this is negotiable.

Multitasking:
MMORPG boxer. Run up to 4 accts on EQ, but usually only 2. Do some graphics arts and video editing, will be trying CGI soon....

Gaming:
Yes....online and stand-alone

Calculations:
Mebbe, mebbe not?

OC:
Not sure. I'd like to learn how, but not sure if I will in the short-run, probably in the long run. Not likely to go to the Bleeding Edge.

Storage:
Think I have that under controll. Feel free to contradict me.

Legacy:
Nada. Clean build

OS:
Not sure. Want Vista for the security and "pretty colors". Thinking Vista Ultimate for Builders 64bit. I want the RAM...

Case:
I THINK I have that under control. I'll let the expertise here be my guide. I WILL want to add lighting and a paint job.......I hate ugly. It offends my artistic side.

Input:
Found what I like. Shouldn't be an issue unless the experts cry foul.

Recycled:
See Legacy

Monitor:
Will be covered. Opinions welcome.

Stores:
Open to suggestions. Newegg.com looks VERY competitive, but haven't ordered from them to have an educated opinion. Otherwise I shop at Frye's locally.

/loc:
Portland, Oregon, USA

Ssrogg · 03-18-2008, 02:46 AM

Ok, now to the nitty gritty.

Basic setup #1

GPU x2 SLI

Motherboard

CPU I like the faster Duo over the slower Quad. Doubt I'll have THAT many CPU hogging apps running at any time.

RAM 4gb = 4 sticks

PSU Not sure on the PSU. The calculator (sadly) is beyond me. I WILL have Laser LED and probably a couple Cold Cathode.

That's #1 "other" items will follow at the end.

Config #2

GPU X1

RAM build-to 8gb

PSU Again, may be high, may be low. Looking for bang-for-the-buck

Motherboard ATI suggested....

Config #3:

GPU X2 Crossfire

Motherboard Again, ATI suggested for Crossfire.

PSU on this one I was clueless........help needed for sure.

Input devices and drives:

HDD X2, in RAID. 1 or 1+0 IED or SATA? NO firkin idea of the difference...

Monitor Want a 20-22" HIGH Res for a reasonable amount. I hate big ones, hurt my eyes.

Mouse

Keyboard

External HDD For Video dump/data and to share with my wife.

DVD/CD RW Have had good luck with my wife's and a friend's machine. Lightscribe is fun.

Case LOTS of room. Good air flow. No lack of fans.......gonna rip out the blue ones and have fun with lasers....Gonna mod for a side and top fan. 120+. OR suggestions on a similarly priced with similar space.

CPU cooling:
CPU fan Looks decent to me.....opinions?

I kept the same CPU the whole way through. I feel it will fit my needs.

Motherboards I am STILL clueless on....ANY help would be good help at this point.

I thank you, and sorry for bein a putz.

Eric

Ssrogg · 03-18-2008, 03:37 AM

Bah, can't edit it. Seems I have a 30 minute max. SOOO, was gonna say that I'm assuming I will have to spend $100+/- on "other" items (thermal cement). And probably another $100 on case mods.

Config #1 was $2596 delivered

Config #2 was $2499.96 delivered

Config #3 was $2300.79 delivered

All prices per Newegg.com

Eric

Ssrogg · 03-20-2008, 08:26 AM

Are my ideas that far off base? I get the feeling, after 77 views and no comments, I am WAY off on what I'm doing here? If so, please say so. Any hints/tips, explanations why I'm so wrong?

Check is in the mail, I'd really like to update to a new machine in a very short time.

Eric

**1 g0t 0wn3d** · 03-20-2008, 10:04 AM

Ssrogg · 03-20-2008, 10:17 AM

Ok, liking your ideas. Thank you for the response.

OS: Am still leaning towards 64 bit for the added RAM down the road, but I can't exactly gripe about Xp on any level. With DX10 starting to take over slowly, I'd prefer to have a machine already able to handle the new content without having to re-spend on components or OS

GPU: /drool.......

HDD: I concede. Single unit with the external for dump. 1/2 Tb ain't exactly SMALL.

PSU: Gonna have to take your word on it.

So add another $200 for "other" (Input, CPU fan, etc), maybe hold out on the external for a couple paydays. Add some purdy lights, and this looks like a machine.

Eric

**1 g0t 0wn3d** · 03-20-2008, 10:27 AM

The system should work with ether os

p.s. i love my zalman 9500

Ssrogg · 03-20-2008, 10:31 AM

One moronic question. Why wouldn't those mobo suport the CPU? Says LGA 775 socket, Core 2 Duo..I assume it's due to it being Wolfdale? Where do I look on the mobo specs to see such a thing?

Eric

**1 g0t 0wn3d** · 03-20-2008, 10:39 AM

they don't even have the supported 1333 fsb and even some motherboards that support that wont support the 45nm that the wolfdale runs on

Ssrogg · 03-20-2008, 10:45 AM

Ok, thank you. Even logical. I've found I'm often getting lost in the sheer volume of numbers I have to equate to each piece of component in concert. Mind boggling at times for someone new to this kinda fun. Often find myself staring at the screen and scratching my head. Occasionally muttering to myself, which seems to disturb my wife.

Eric

**1 g0t 0wn3d** · 03-20-2008, 10:48 AM

DOnt worry about that it just gets easier

btw if you have any more questions feel free to ask

Ssrogg · 03-20-2008, 11:01 AM

Well, hopefully, if anymore arise, it will be during bench testing!

In the meantime, lots of reading to do.....

Eric

Ssrogg · 03-24-2008, 11:51 PM

Question.....getting close to doing my ordering. How's about Motherboard? Bout $100 cheaper. Will it support the 9800 Gx2? 1333Fsb, 775 socket, says Core 2 Duo....seems happy all the way round?

**1 g0t 0wn3d** · 03-25-2008, 07:39 AM

i would stay away from ecga as a motherboard manufacture (they do great video cards though) look at this motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128087

i had the other selected as most of that build i had premade for a friend but his involved sling 2 9600's

**forcifer** · 03-25-2008, 09:24 AM

imo evga makes pretty good boards =/ they arent the best but arent the worst. this is what i would do for an intel/ATI setup :)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136045 - clocks great, intel chipset so that you know its going to clock and be stable. also supports ATI crossfire.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102723 :) one of, if not the, best cards out there and for the price it really cant be beaten. challengest the 8800Ultra and is 200-300 cheaper

**1 g0t 0wn3d** · 03-25-2008, 04:56 PM

TBH the 9800 beats the **** out of the 3870x2

one 9800>tri sli 8800 ultra in games (guy on overclock.net upgraded to 2 but was running 1 because of quad sli driver issues atm)

**forcifer** · 03-25-2008, 06:25 PM

which 9800? the GTX doesnt. the GX2 does but is alot more expensive. the GTX is only the 8800GTS 512 overclocked...

**1 g0t 0wn3d** · 03-25-2008, 06:57 PM

i have the gx2 linked

Ssrogg · 03-25-2008, 08:00 PM

Thanks for the input on the Motherboard. I like the other, but may need to shave a couple hundred off the final price, if I can. Need to save SOME money for the wife to play with, or, well, ummmm......bad things, man. Bad things.

I still want that 9800Gx2. Crysis, here I come!

Eric

**1 g0t 0wn3d** · 03-25-2008, 08:08 PM

you could take the cd drive from your computer thats like 35$ i would not recommend cutting down on much otherwise you will run into bottlenecking

03-18-2008, 01:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
Ssrogg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 168 OS: Xp	First build. BIG surprise. Ok, my first post here was in the WRONG section, and was sumarily ignored (I blame no one but myself). The link is Here My primary issues are with motherboards. I understand most of the hardware, but the mobo just confuses me. Specs seem to not change a lot, and prices range wildly. SOOO, I'm gonna post up the configurations solo, inexperienced research has provided me. First off, answers to the "read me first" qestions. Will post 3 system configurations after the Q&A. Budget: Would prefer under 2k USD. But that is not a static number, as it depends on my tax returns. I sometimes get over 4k back, so I could go higher. Or lower.... Brands: I prefer Intel over AMD. I prefer ATI over Nvidia, but this is negotiable. Multitasking: MMORPG boxer. Run up to 4 accts on EQ, but usually only 2. Do some graphics arts and video editing, will be trying CGI soon.... Gaming: Yes....online and stand-alone Calculations: Mebbe, mebbe not? OC: Not sure. I'd like to learn how, but not sure if I will in the short-run, probably in the long run. Not likely to go to the Bleeding Edge. Storage: Think I have that under controll. Feel free to contradict me. Legacy: Nada. Clean build OS: Not sure. Want Vista for the security and "pretty colors". Thinking Vista Ultimate for Builders 64bit. I want the RAM... Case: I THINK I have that under control. I'll let the expertise here be my guide. I WILL want to add lighting and a paint job.......I hate ugly. It offends my artistic side. Input: Found what I like. Shouldn't be an issue unless the experts cry foul. Recycled: See Legacy Monitor: Will be covered. Opinions welcome. Stores: Open to suggestions. Newegg.com looks VERY competitive, but haven't ordered from them to have an educated opinion. Otherwise I shop at Frye's locally. /loc: Portland, Oregon, USA

03-18-2008, 02:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
Ssrogg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 168 OS: Xp	Re: First build. BIG surprise. Ok, now to the nitty gritty. Basic setup #1 GPU x2 SLI Motherboard CPU I like the faster Duo over the slower Quad. Doubt I'll have THAT many CPU hogging apps running at any time. RAM 4gb = 4 sticks PSU Not sure on the PSU. The calculator (sadly) is beyond me. I WILL have Laser LED and probably a couple Cold Cathode. That's #1 "other" items will follow at the end. Config #2 GPU X1 RAM build-to 8gb PSU Again, may be high, may be low. Looking for bang-for-the-buck Motherboard ATI suggested.... Config #3: GPU X2 Crossfire Motherboard Again, ATI suggested for Crossfire. PSU on this one I was clueless........help needed for sure. Input devices and drives: HDD X2, in RAID. 1 or 1+0 IED or SATA? NO firkin idea of the difference... Monitor Want a 20-22" HIGH Res for a reasonable amount. I hate big ones, hurt my eyes. Mouse Keyboard External HDD For Video dump/data and to share with my wife. DVD/CD RW Have had good luck with my wife's and a friend's machine. Lightscribe is fun. Case LOTS of room. Good air flow. No lack of fans.......gonna rip out the blue ones and have fun with lasers....Gonna mod for a side and top fan. 120+. OR suggestions on a similarly priced with similar space. CPU cooling: CPU fan Looks decent to me.....opinions? I kept the same CPU the whole way through. I feel it will fit my needs. Motherboards I am STILL clueless on....ANY help would be good help at this point. I thank you, and sorry for bein a putz. Eric

03-18-2008, 03:37 AM	#3 (permalink)
Ssrogg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 168 OS: Xp	Re: First build. BIG surprise. Bah, can't edit it. Seems I have a 30 minute max. SOOO, was gonna say that I'm assuming I will have to spend $100+/- on "other" items (thermal cement). And probably another $100 on case mods. Config #1 was $2596 delivered Config #2 was $2499.96 delivered Config #3 was $2300.79 delivered All prices per Newegg.com Eric Last edited by Ssrogg; 03-18-2008 at 03:47 AM.

03-20-2008, 08:26 AM	#4 (permalink)
Ssrogg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 168 OS: Xp	Re: First build. BIG surprise. Are my ideas that far off base? I get the feeling, after 77 views and no comments, I am WAY off on what I'm doing here? If so, please say so. Any hints/tips, explanations why I'm so wrong? Check is in the mail, I'd really like to update to a new machine in a very short time. Eric

03-20-2008, 10:04 AM	#5 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,528 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	Re: First build. BIG surprise. Horrible power supply chosen http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151031 this is one of the best out right now ANother point is with ether of the ati motherboards they both do not support the cpu listed Monitor http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009094 Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131255 Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021 Video card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130338 Cpu http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115017 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037 Power supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817703009 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151031 Hard drive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148294 Memory http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145034 Windows http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116202 Cd http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136117 For around 2090 __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan

03-20-2008, 10:17 AM	#6 (permalink)
Ssrogg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 168 OS: Xp	Re: First build. BIG surprise. Ok, liking your ideas. Thank you for the response. OS: Am still leaning towards 64 bit for the added RAM down the road, but I can't exactly gripe about Xp on any level. With DX10 starting to take over slowly, I'd prefer to have a machine already able to handle the new content without having to re-spend on components or OS GPU: /drool....... HDD: I concede. Single unit with the external for dump. 1/2 Tb ain't exactly SMALL. PSU: Gonna have to take your word on it. So add another $200 for "other" (Input, CPU fan, etc), maybe hold out on the external for a couple paydays. Add some purdy lights, and this looks like a machine. Eric

03-20-2008, 10:27 AM	#7 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,528 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	Re: First build. BIG surprise. The system should work with ether os p.s. i love my zalman 9500 __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan

03-20-2008, 10:31 AM	#8 (permalink)
Ssrogg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 168 OS: Xp	Re: First build. BIG surprise. One moronic question. Why wouldn't those mobo suport the CPU? Says LGA 775 socket, Core 2 Duo..I assume it's due to it being Wolfdale? Where do I look on the mobo specs to see such a thing? Eric

03-20-2008, 10:39 AM	#9 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,528 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	Re: First build. BIG surprise. they don't even have the supported 1333 fsb and even some motherboards that support that wont support the 45nm that the wolfdale runs on __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan

03-20-2008, 10:45 AM	#10 (permalink)
Ssrogg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 168 OS: Xp	Re: First build. BIG surprise. Ok, thank you. Even logical. I've found I'm often getting lost in the sheer volume of numbers I have to equate to each piece of component in concert. Mind boggling at times for someone new to this kinda fun. Often find myself staring at the screen and scratching my head. Occasionally muttering to myself, which seems to disturb my wife. Eric

03-20-2008, 10:48 AM	#11 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,528 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	Re: First build. BIG surprise. DOnt worry about that it just gets easier btw if you have any more questions feel free to ask __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan

03-20-2008, 11:01 AM	#12 (permalink)
Ssrogg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 168 OS: Xp	Re: First build. BIG surprise. Well, hopefully, if anymore arise, it will be during bench testing! In the meantime, lots of reading to do..... Eric Last edited by Ssrogg; 03-20-2008 at 11:02 AM.

03-24-2008, 11:51 PM	#13 (permalink)
Ssrogg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 168 OS: Xp	Re: First build. BIG surprise. Question.....getting close to doing my ordering. How's about Motherboard? Bout $100 cheaper. Will it support the 9800 Gx2? 1333Fsb, 775 socket, says Core 2 Duo....seems happy all the way round?

03-25-2008, 07:39 AM	#14 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,528 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	Re: First build. BIG surprise. i would stay away from ecga as a motherboard manufacture (they do great video cards though) look at this motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128087 i had the other selected as most of that build i had premade for a friend but his involved sling 2 9600's __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan

03-25-2008, 09:24 AM	#15 (permalink)
forcifer Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Kansas City kansas Posts: 3,624 OS: Vista Premium 32 My System Blog Entries: 1	Re: First build. BIG surprise. imo evga makes pretty good boards =/ they arent the best but arent the worst. this is what i would do for an intel/ATI setup :) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136045 - clocks great, intel chipset so that you know its going to clock and be stable. also supports ATI crossfire. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102723 :) one of, if not the, best cards out there and for the price it really cant be beaten. challengest the 8800Ultra and is 200-300 cheaper __________________ now i remember

03-25-2008, 04:56 PM	#16 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,528 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	Re: First build. BIG surprise. TBH the 9800 beats the ** out of the 3870x2 one 9800>tri sli 8800 ultra in games (guy on overclock.net upgraded to 2 but was running 1 because of quad sli driver issues atm) __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan**

03-25-2008, 06:25 PM	#17 (permalink)
forcifer Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Kansas City kansas Posts: 3,624 OS: Vista Premium 32 My System Blog Entries: 1	Re: First build. BIG surprise. which 9800? the GTX doesnt. the GX2 does but is alot more expensive. the GTX is only the 8800GTS 512 overclocked... __________________ now i remember

03-25-2008, 06:57 PM	#18 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,528 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	Re: First build. BIG surprise. i have the gx2 linked __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan

03-25-2008, 08:00 PM	#19 (permalink)
Ssrogg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 168 OS: Xp	Re: First build. BIG surprise. Thanks for the input on the Motherboard. I like the other, but may need to shave a couple hundred off the final price, if I can. Need to save SOME money for the wife to play with, or, well, ummmm......bad things, man. Bad things. I still want that 9800Gx2. Crysis, here I come! Eric

03-25-2008, 08:08 PM	#20 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,528 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	Re: First build. BIG surprise. you could take the cd drive from your computer thats like 35$ i would not recommend cutting down on much otherwise you will run into bottlenecking __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan