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Attention System Builders 2.0

Great job! Glad to see someone picked up where I left off and updated my original thread. I've been feeling guilty about not coming 'round and updating this thread, but my wife and I had twin boys recently so I have a somewhat valid excuse. Very nice work!
- modoheo
- Post #30
- Jun 14, 2009
- Forum: Computer Building
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Doing my homework: next build prep work

Agree that if you're not overclocking, then those motherboards are a waste of money (and probably are a waste even if you are overclocking, but then at least I could see it). The Asus P5Q Pro is a great choice, along with going with a less expensive PSU. The E8500 will also game faster than...
- modoheo
- Post #11
- Oct 13, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Attention System Builders

Agreed. Great value. Updated.
- modoheo
- Post #104
- Oct 8, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Attention System Builders

I hear you. The thread is mostly designed for people who want to build a mid-to-high end performing computer, mostly for gaming, but is also useful for those who need to do a lot of graphics/video editing type work. If you're not going to be playing high-end games, then the bang per buck you...
- modoheo
- Post #98
- Sep 22, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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First Time Gaming/Multipurpose Rig - Please Lend Advice

Great looking system at this point. Like others said, the PSU you chose WAS a great deal until recently, when newegg jacked the price by about 60 bucks. This one is excellent quality and a screaming bargain at the price: SILVERSTONE ST85ZF 850W ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire...
- modoheo
- Post #15
- Sep 12, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Critique My System Please!

I have the Cosmos case and it's the best I've owned or worked with. The construction quality is great, and it's very easy to work with during your build. Quiet, with good airflow once you stick 4-6 120 mm fans in there (comes with three, if I remember right). The only complaint many people...
- modoheo
- Post #4
- Sep 11, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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My first system build, thoughts, questions

Sounds like a great build! Enjoy. I don't think the orientation of the Xigmatek matters much, if at all. Supposedly convection is what drives the coolant up the heatpipes until it recondenses, so gravity/orientation shouldn't play much of a role. Mine is oriented with the fan blowing...
- modoheo
- Post #2
- Sep 10, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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First Time Gaming/Multipurpose Rig - Please Lend Advice

First off, everything's compatible and will give you a very nice, high-performance gaming system once assembled. Having said that, you could definitely save yourself significant money without any loss of performance. Since you're not crossfiring two GPU's, you could save 150 bucks by going...
- modoheo
- Post #3
- Sep 7, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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POLYWELL COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Don't know anything about it, but just looked at the site. Looks like for the average high-performing gaming rig recommended around here today you'd likely save around 4-500 bucks if you build it yourself.
- modoheo
- Post #3
- Sep 7, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Attention System Builders

At it's current price point, there's very little to recommend about the E8600 in my mind. Even at stock speeds, very few people would find an extra .33 GHz worth over 100 bucks (vs. the E8400). Plus, a monkey could go in the BIOS and bump the FSB of the E8400 to make it faster than the E8600...
- modoheo
- Post #88
- Sep 7, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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its time to upgrade, need suggestions

You'll get more responses if you answer the questions in the sticky at the top of the board regarding what you're planning to use the computer for, brand preferences, whether you're overclocking or not, etc. I'd also recommend the 'attention system builders' sticky as a resource.
- modoheo
- Post #2
- Sep 3, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Advice before I make my purchase on new PC

You'll need Vista 64 to see all your RAM. Why do you want that much anyway? If this is strictly a gaming PC, a dual core CPU like the E8500 will overclock better and provide equal or better framerates than the Q9450. The Asus Maximus Formula is very pricey for a P45 mobo. Unless it has...
- modoheo
- Post #2
- Sep 3, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Computer Build Help

You don't need DDR2 1066 RAM if you're not overclocking. DDR2 will be fine, and save you money. Recommended: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820146731 That alone will save you 40 bucks after MIR. If you could take that and put it toward getting the cheapest quad core CPU...
- modoheo
- Post #2
- Aug 25, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Looking for constructive criticism on a new build

Depends on how much you overclock the E2180. It seems most can oc to 2.8 to 3.0 pretty easily from what I read. I think stock the AMD is faster is most benchmarks.
- modoheo
- Post #7
- Aug 25, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Computer Speakers

Yeah, the 5100 really got strong reviews, didn't it? Not a terrible price either, as audio equipment goes: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16882120081
- modoheo
- Post #8
- Aug 22, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Computer Speakers

A "home theater in a box" type system, while anathema to true audiophiles, is an affordable way to get much better sound from your computer than any speaker designed to be used with a computer will provide. Something like the following would likely make your den sound like a concert-hall...
- modoheo
- Post #6
- Aug 22, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Future Upgradable what does it mean to you?

There are many things you can do, as stated above, with an eye to the ease of future upgrades. However, there really is no such thing as a "future-proof" gaming system. You could spend 10K today on a ultra-high-end system, and it would still be underperforming 2 years from now without upgrades.
- modoheo
- Post #3
- Aug 20, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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How do I check my heatsink is correctly seated?

Those temps look pretty darn good to me given you've got a very hot overclocked quad core sitting under there. The Xigmatek usually never gets warm to the touch in my experience. The temps will probably improve a bit over time too as the AS "cures".
- modoheo
- Post #2
- Aug 19, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Suggestions For New Build

You're getting closer with the latest setup above, but I would change the GPU to the ATI 4850 - it's significantly faster than the 9800GT for about the same price after MIR (and he gets a free game). http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814127359 Also, that PSU is nice but overkill...
- modoheo
- Post #8
- Aug 19, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Attention System Builders

You're probably right that the sentence you referenced may overstate things a bit. But if you look at gaming benchmarks on Tom's CPU charts comparing a chip like the E2160 to something like an E8200 at stock speeds, then there's roughly double the performance in many cases in gaming benchmarks...
- modoheo
- Post #74
- Aug 18, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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New computer... need some advice

Agree with the CPU comments; when I looked at you build my brain saw E8500.
- modoheo
- Post #5
- Aug 16, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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New computer... need some advice

I have that case and really love it. The ease of assembly and quality of construction is great. There were a few reports of high heat in the hard-drive area, so the case now comes with a bracket to install and 120 mm fan above the cage which draws air flow past the drives and routes it toward...
- modoheo
- Post #2
- Aug 16, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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What are these, and where can I find them?

I'm not sure what they're called, but I'm pretty sure you could find something similar that would work for you at Home Depot or Restoration Hardware.
- modoheo
- Post #2
- Aug 6, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Attention System Builders

Agreed, good find, there's great value there for gaming. OP updated.
- modoheo
- Post #68
- Aug 4, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Single or Crossfire?

When you're paying that much for GPU's it is. Why not go with this mobo and get the full benefit of crossfire? http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813136051
- modoheo
- Post #4
- Aug 3, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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First time Gaming Rig builder :D

Since you said you want to try to overclock to 4.0GHz, you'll need faster RAM than DDR2 800 - DDR2 1000 2X2gigs from GSkill is a great value right now and would be fine, or 2 X 2 gigs of Gskill, mushkin, or corsair 1066 RAM will work fine as well. Performance will be similar whichever you...
- modoheo
- Post #3
- Aug 3, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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New Gaming Build

I'd go with this board: ASUS P5Q LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131295 Good quality, feature rich, nice price, and very overclockable. Actually, now that the E8500's price has dropped and it's only 20 bucks more than the E8400, if...
- modoheo
- Post #3
- Aug 3, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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I've just handed you $11,000 to spend ONLY on a gaming rig

Not really. If they guy thinks he has to spend 11k to have a "strong, stable" system, then he is very uninformed. If you really want to do the guy a favor, sit him down and ask exactly what he wants to do with the computer. Then tell him his best bet is to build a high-end system for...
- modoheo
- Post #17
- Aug 2, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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I've just handed you $11,000 to spend ONLY on a gaming rig

That would make it too easy - you HT guys can blow 11k on just the cable to connect your front speakers to your tube amp:D I'm more of a Home Depot 14 gauge copper wire guy myself.
- modoheo
- Post #8
- Aug 1, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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I've just handed you $11,000 to spend ONLY on a gaming rig

I didn't say they're nice speakers - remember, I'm trying to blow 11k here. . .
- modoheo
- Post #6
- Aug 1, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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I've just handed you $11,000 to spend ONLY on a gaming rig

Of course, you should tell the guy that you're just so talented that you can build him an ultimate bleeding-edge system that will perform as fast as any desktop on the planet for less than half that amount. Or, you could spend all his money on the following grotesque waste of dough (it actually...
- modoheo
- Post #4
- Aug 1, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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New mid-level gaming rig

How big is your 'big clunker CRT' monitor? Unless it's 24+ inches and you're going to game at 1920X1200 or more, than the 4850 will be fine.
- modoheo
- Post #8
- Aug 1, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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help choosing rams

Not that I know of. The good news, it REALLY doesn't make much difference.
- modoheo
- Post #2
- Aug 1, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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P3 Upgrade

That'll give you a wonderful system that anyone would on which anyone would enjoy gaming, and will feel like driving a Ferrari to you after living with a P3 system until now. If it's within your budget, many would suggest spending a few more bucks to upgrade slightly to the Asus P5Q P45...
- modoheo
- Post #2
- Aug 1, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Building a computer

E8400 is significantly faster at stock speeds than the AMD chip - it also overclocks very easily which will increase it's lead over any AMD chip even more. BTW, I assume you're aware that if you do end up choosing the AMD chip, you'll need to pick a different mobo.
- modoheo
- Post #3
- Jul 31, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Attention System Builders

It's not worth paying more for DDR2 1200 unless you're attempting a massive overclock of your CPU, and probably not even then. DDR2 800 or DDR2 1000 is plenty for most people.
- modoheo
- Post #66
- Jul 31, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Building A New Gaming PC

The Cosmos is a FULL tower. It's big. However, I have one and I love it. Looks nice sitting on the floor next to my desk. Very easy to build out - anything will fit in there. Sleek, quiet, great airflow. Very solid construction, excellent build quality, lots of nice touches. But, yes...
- modoheo
- Post #7
- Jul 30, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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My first ever build.

The thermaltake toughpower series is pretty decent, but I'm not sure about that one. Didn't see any reviews anywhere either. I'd stick with one of the Corsair's recommended above. If you really think it's likely you'll crossfire, I'd recommend you upgrade your motherboard to get the full...
- modoheo
- Post #5
- Jul 30, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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My first ever build.

Looks fine. If you want to overclock to 4GHz, you're going to need a better cooler though. The Xigmatek 1283 will give you a better shot to make it there than the freezer pro: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835233003 A 500+ watt good-quality PSU should be plenty for your...
- modoheo
- Post #2
- Jul 30, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building
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Attention System Builders

Great pickup. Leftover verbiage from when I had the Asus P5Q Pro listed as a mid-range option - I removed it just for that reason, so that people wouldn't select it thinking they were getting a fully crossfire-capable board when they really need an X38 or X48 chipset board for that. Here's...
- modoheo
- Post #63
- Jul 30, 2008
- Forum: Computer Building

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