Need Serious Advice: $2500 Budget

Bluehub · 09-17-2008, 07:09 PM

(TLDR version: My Quad Core + SLI Build please review for problems or possible improvements under $2500 thank you to all that try)

I bought an Alienware in 2004. Huge mistake. Been paying for it for 4 years. Since then I've struggled a great deal but learned how to build my own machine a year or so later. My knowledge only goes but so far, as does my budget.

I rebuilt my Alienware with $400 worth of pieces I bought from Newegg and have been a loyal customer ever since. Now I'm here again to build a new system as my current one just fell to an incredible series of problems in the last 48 hours (it lasted me a long time on bargain parts so I can't complain).

My goal? Build a strong, fast $2500 machine that can handle Photoshop CS and S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky. I don't know about RAM timings or overclocking but I'm not entire lost with hardware. I spent the past 8 hours putting this together: My Quad Core + SLI Build

I'm a power user and I'm *always* running something on my machine even while I sleep. I download while I work, while I game, I run 4-5 storage drives, so on and so forth so I need a lot of juice and a lot of firepower.

Thank you for reading and a hundred times more for positive replies.

1 g0t 0wn3d · 09-17-2008, 07:19 PM

how do you feel about how loud it is?

Bluehub · 09-17-2008, 07:26 PM

Doesn't matter to me!

1 g0t 0wn3d · 09-17-2008, 07:29 PM

my dinner is really soon (im 16 lol) im going to bookmark this and see what i can put together/improve on your build

shotgn · 09-17-2008, 08:33 PM

the first problem i see is your video cards, you have 2 nvidia gpu's while your motherboard is ati, you cannot run 2 nvidia cards in a ati board. one yes 2 no. you can crossfire 2 ati gpu's like the hd4870's, but if you want nvidia get a nvidia chipset motherboard. and i suggest this psu if you crossfire or SLI http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139007

edit
look at these gpu's
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...on%20HD%204870

shotgn · 09-17-2008, 08:54 PM

also i did not see a os in there, i would suggest xp pro 64bit or vista 64 bit os, the motherboard you chose has a really good onboard audio. that will save you some money as well.

Bluehub · 09-17-2008, 09:00 PM

Whats the problem with nvidia cards and an ati motherboard? Just doesn't work for SLI?

Is my power supply not enough I should pickup another if so what should I be looking for exactly just more wattage or more voltage?

I'll check into those you showed.

Bluehub · 09-17-2008, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shotgn

also i did not see a os in there, i would suggest xp pro 64bit or vista 64 bit os, the motherboard you chose has a really good onboard audio. that will save you some money as well.

If I use XP Pro 64bit can I run all my older applications? I'm going to use my 32bit XP Pro at the moment unless they're benefits of the 64.

grimx133 · 09-17-2008, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluehub

Whats the problem with nvidia cards and an ati motherboard? Just doesn't work for SLI?

It's the motherboard chipset that determines multiple graphics card configeration. nVidia chipsets (780i, 790i hint-look for an "i") are SLI boards and use nVidia cards. Intel chipsets (P35,P45,X38,X48 etc.) are crossfire boards and use ATI cards. The board you selected has an X48 chipset and is crossfire.
Here's a link for more info on the motherboard. Can never have too much info.
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...nufacture=ASUS

Bluehub · 09-17-2008, 09:56 PM

Thank you very much. Here are my changes thus far:
1. EVGA GeForce 9800 GX2 instead of my 'SLI' setup.
2. Removed my audio card to go with the included onboard audio (reviews are great apparently)
3. Considering a new power supply? CORSAIR 1000W or someone recommended the XIGMATIC 750W
4. Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield to replace my processor.

Should I use Vista Ultimate or Vista Home or Vista Business 64 Bit?

Bluehub · 09-17-2008, 11:36 PM

I see Vista Home Premium is the way to go.

I made changes to my setup now but I'm having trouble finding an ATI card with the same performance as my NVidia.

Other than my card am I good to go? Heres the new wishlist.

Also. I read I need HX-1000 modular cables else I'll blow my PSU. I can't find these and I'll need additional cables to power the video card last I saw. Any idea where to buy these?

Bluehub · 09-18-2008, 12:36 AM

Sorry to triple post but I can't edit my previous one, ignore the HX-1000 modular cables I'm just trying to find out which modular cables to buy to not destroy my PSU.

shotgn · 09-18-2008, 04:14 AM

i would go back to the q6600 processor, lose the velociraptors, they dont offer that much noticable speed, plus they are noisy, really loud. As far as your gpu i would think that using an ati card on that board would go together much better than an ati nvidia combo. take a look at these
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...on%20HD%204870
or better yet
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...HD%204870%20X2
I am sure wrench or linderman will be on to offer their advice, i think you can do so much better with that build than you currently have, and probably save you some money as well

1 g0t 0wn3d · 09-18-2008, 06:10 AM

sorry about missing you last night (my parents kicked me off im going to start a build for yyou)

1 g0t 0wn3d · 09-18-2008, 06:45 AM

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Pu...Number=8487991

Bluehub · 09-18-2008, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shotgn

i would go back to the q6600 processor, lose the velociraptors, they dont offer that much noticable speed, plus they are noisy, really loud. As far as your gpu i would think that using an ati card on that board would go together much better than an ati nvidia combo. take a look at these
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...on%20HD%204870
or better yet
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...HD%204870%20X2
I am sure wrench or linderman will be on to offer their advice, i think you can do so much better with that build than you currently have, and probably save you some money as well

I gave up on the SLI setup as my motherboard didn't support it. I understand now I would be looking for a Crossfire setup or an ATI card but none of the ATI cards offer the performance of the NVidia card on my list. It's only the $500+ ones that come close.

Can someone tell me if it would an ATI card would be better than an NVIDIA card due to the chipset? The costs seems quite different for the performance stats.. is NVidia just a superior card developer right now?

EVGA GeForce 9800 GX2 1GB (512MB per GPU)

versus

SAPPHIRE 100243-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit

Currently my wishlist is still under $2500 but has just about everything.

videogamephreak · 09-18-2008, 12:42 PM

Why don't you get the 4870 x2 card so you don't have to crossfire?

09-17-2008, 07:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
Bluehub Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 40 OS: Windows Vista 64bit	Need Serious Advice: $2500 Budget (TLDR version: My Quad Core + SLI Build please review for problems or possible improvements under $2500 thank you to all that try) I bought an Alienware in 2004. Huge mistake. Been paying for it for 4 years. Since then I've struggled a great deal but learned how to build my own machine a year or so later. My knowledge only goes but so far, as does my budget. I rebuilt my Alienware with $400 worth of pieces I bought from Newegg and have been a loyal customer ever since. Now I'm here again to build a new system as my current one just fell to an incredible series of problems in the last 48 hours (it lasted me a long time on bargain parts so I can't complain). My goal? Build a strong, fast $2500 machine that can handle Photoshop CS and S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky. I don't know about RAM timings or overclocking but I'm not entire lost with hardware. I spent the past 8 hours putting this together: My Quad Core + SLI Build I'm a power user and I'm always running something on my machine even while I sleep. I download while I work, while I game, I run 4-5 storage drives, so on and so forth so I need a lot of juice and a lot of firepower. Thank you for reading and a hundred times more for positive replies.

09-17-2008, 07:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,341 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	Re: Need Serious Advice: $2500 Budget how do you feel about how loud it is? __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan Last edited by 1 g0t 0wn3d : 09-17-2008 at 07:20 PM.

09-17-2008, 07:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
Bluehub Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 40 OS: Windows Vista 64bit	Re: Need Serious Advice: $2500 Budget Doesn't matter to me!

09-17-2008, 07:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,341 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	Re: Need Serious Advice: $2500 Budget my dinner is really soon (im 16 lol) im going to bookmark this and see what i can put together/improve on your build __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan

09-17-2008, 08:33 PM	#5 (permalink)
shotgn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 30 OS: xp My System	Re: Need Serious Advice: $2500 Budget the first problem i see is your video cards, you have 2 nvidia gpu's while your motherboard is ati, you cannot run 2 nvidia cards in a ati board. one yes 2 no. you can crossfire 2 ati gpu's like the hd4870's, but if you want nvidia get a nvidia chipset motherboard. and i suggest this psu if you crossfire or SLI http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139007 edit look at these gpu's http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...on%20HD%204870 __________________ Do or do not, there is no try -yoda- Last edited by shotgn : 09-17-2008 at 08:35 PM.

09-17-2008, 08:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
shotgn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 30 OS: xp My System	Re: Need Serious Advice: $2500 Budget also i did not see a os in there, i would suggest xp pro 64bit or vista 64 bit os, the motherboard you chose has a really good onboard audio. that will save you some money as well. __________________ Do or do not, there is no try -yoda-

09-17-2008, 09:00 PM	#7 (permalink)
Bluehub Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 40 OS: Windows Vista 64bit	Re: Need Serious Advice: $2500 Budget Whats the problem with nvidia cards and an ati motherboard? Just doesn't work for SLI? Is my power supply not enough I should pickup another if so what should I be looking for exactly just more wattage or more voltage? I'll check into those you showed.

09-17-2008, 09:56 PM	#10 (permalink)
Bluehub Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 40 OS: Windows Vista 64bit	Re: Need Serious Advice: $2500 Budget Thank you very much. Here are my changes thus far: 1. EVGA GeForce 9800 GX2 instead of my 'SLI' setup. 2. Removed my audio card to go with the included onboard audio (reviews are great apparently) 3. Considering a new power supply? CORSAIR 1000W or someone recommended the XIGMATIC 750W 4. Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield to replace my processor. Should I use Vista Ultimate or Vista Home or Vista Business 64 Bit? Last edited by Bluehub : 09-17-2008 at 10:17 PM.

09-17-2008, 11:36 PM	#11 (permalink)
Bluehub Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 40 OS: Windows Vista 64bit	Re: Need Serious Advice: $2500 Budget I see Vista Home Premium is the way to go. I made changes to my setup now but I'm having trouble finding an ATI card with the same performance as my NVidia. Other than my card am I good to go? Heres the new wishlist. Also. I read I need HX-1000 modular cables else I'll blow my PSU. I can't find these and I'll need additional cables to power the video card last I saw. Any idea where to buy these? Last edited by Bluehub : 09-18-2008 at 12:02 AM.

09-18-2008, 12:36 AM	#12 (permalink)
Bluehub Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 40 OS: Windows Vista 64bit	Re: Need Serious Advice: $2500 Budget Sorry to triple post but I can't edit my previous one, ignore the HX-1000 modular cables I'm just trying to find out which modular cables to buy to not destroy my PSU.

09-18-2008, 04:14 AM	#13 (permalink)
shotgn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 30 OS: xp My System	Re: Need Serious Advice: $2500 Budget i would go back to the q6600 processor, lose the velociraptors, they dont offer that much noticable speed, plus they are noisy, really loud. As far as your gpu i would think that using an ati card on that board would go together much better than an ati nvidia combo. take a look at these http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...on%20HD%204870 or better yet http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...HD%204870%20X2 I am sure wrench or linderman will be on to offer their advice, i think you can do so much better with that build than you currently have, and probably save you some money as well __________________ Do or do not, there is no try -yoda-

09-18-2008, 06:10 AM	#14 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,341 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	Re: Need Serious Advice: $2500 Budget sorry about missing you last night (my parents kicked me off im going to start a build for yyou) __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan

09-18-2008, 06:45 AM	#15 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,341 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	Re: Need Serious Advice: $2500 Budget http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Pu...Number=8487991 __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan

09-18-2008, 12:42 PM	#17 (permalink)
videogamephreak Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 37 OS: XP Pro SP 2	Re: Need Serious Advice: $2500 Budget Why don't you get the 4870 x2 card so you don't have to crossfire?