3,500 dollar budget, what to do?

[mfenn]

The choice isn't between 2011 and 1366, it's between 2011 and 1155

Both will offer a future for exactly one more generation: ivy bridge

After that, Haswell will require a new motherboard regardless.

so what does 2011 offer that 1155 does not?

- more PCIe lanes: Is she planning to go quad-fire in 1-2 years? Otherwise it doesn't matter

- 8 ram slots: Does she need more than 16GB RAM in 1-2 years? Even if she might, you can just get 2x8gb sticks now to leave 2 slots free for future upgrades.

- more than 4 core processors: really this is the only way you can begin to justify this. But since you didn't choose a 6-core processor, again there's no point.

edit: durr, sorry misread what processor you were getting, so you are going for 6-core, interesting

Amen to this. Dallas, I'm not sure why you brought up 1366 with your client, that platform is dead and gone. As tynopik has very nicely laid out, there is really no reason to be shelling out over twice as much for 2011 versus 1155.

 

[Dallascisco]

I meant 1155, that was typo.


I appreciate all of whom have entered their ideas. I have gleaned much information from them and feel I'm in a good position here.

I agree that having a nice keyboard, mouse, monitor, chair, etc. is good for any gaming experience. What everyone needs to remember is that the budget is for the machine itself and the customer insists on being progressive and using the latest technology. She understands that other items will cost more and is willing to accept that. I don't know what her setup is at home so have no basis to advise her. As a side note, in our last conversation she mentioned that she would also like to use this machine as her main video editing box so she can consolidate. I think that purpose provides better justification for a six core cpu based machine. I understand that all may not agree and that is fine. Each of you is entitled to your opinion as Americans but I would appreciate it if the judgmental edge would be removed from some of them. My client is well informed as I gave her multiple quotes. She chose the lga 2011 as it is a more powerful platform and she is ok with spending the extra 400 or so to go with a hexa core cpu and pci 3.0 video.

Amen to this. Dallas, I'm not sure why you brought up 1366 with your client, that platform is dead and gone. As tynopik has very nicely laid out, there is really no reason to be shelling out over twice as much for 2011 versus 1155.

 

[epilf]

Just wanted to add my 2¢

Before you spend her money on a mechanical keyboard, I'd suggest you find out what kind of switches she likes, and what she values most. Personally, with a new build I recently did, I got the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate for a cool $130. I absolutely HATE the cherry mx blue switches.

I've always been a FPS gamer, and I play competitively. This keyboard made it pretty difficult because you physically can't double-tap a mx blue switch. I've been using a dome keyboard for the last decade, and the only reason I even considered switching is my mobo is USB only; Its a ps2 and neither of my ps2->usb converters work. I returned the razer then went ahead and ordered a logitech g110 and couldn't be happier. Mechanical doesn't always mean better, and by no means should it be ordered by default.

 

[vailr]

If you can wait a few weeks (or months?) a new updated Mac Pro may be available.
Dual-boot OSX Lion & Windows 7.
Apple's Final Cut Pro would be ideal for video editing.
That should probably satisfy your client's desire to splurge on a $3500 computer.

 

[lehtv]

What everyone needs to remember is that the budget is for the machine itself and the customer insists on being progressive and using the latest technology.

In that case she should buy components more often (every generation) rather than buy more expensive components. High end components offer the least bang for buck and will be outperformed by the next generation's mid range components. I can see high end being a reasonable choice if 1. there is true benefit to be had from the extra performance, and 2. money is no object (i.e. buying high end won't affect the frequency of upgrades)

 

[GoStumpy]

Just want to chime in, just finished reading this thread start to finish and I've been very entertained

Did I miss it, or do we not know what monitor the customer is using?

Has she considered the Corsair Carbide 500R in White?

Compared to the Antec 1200:

Or even the sexy Corsair 600T White:

I realize these are mid-tower not full-tower, however does that really make a difference if there's no overclocking?



Also, thoughts on a modular PSU? Corsair HX850 for example.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139011

 

[mfenn]

Just wanted to add my 2¢

Before you spend her money on a mechanical keyboard, I'd suggest you find out what kind of switches she likes, and what she values most. Personally, with a new build I recently did, I got the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate for a cool $130. I absolutely HATE the cherry mx blue switches.

I've always been a FPS gamer, and I play competitively. This keyboard made it pretty difficult because you physically can't double-tap a mx blue switch. I've been using a dome keyboard for the last decade, and the only reason I even considered switching is my mobo is USB only; Its a ps2 and neither of my ps2->usb converters work. I returned the razer then went ahead and ordered a logitech g110 and couldn't be happier. Mechanical doesn't always mean better, and by no means should it be ordered by default.

Don't paint mechanical keyswitches with such a wide brush. It's no surprise that you didn't like the Cherry MX Blue for gaming, they're not designed for that. Blue/Brown are for for typing, Black is for gaming.

 

[mfenn]

I understand that all may not agree and that is fine. Each of you is entitled to your opinion as Americans but I would appreciate it if the judgmental edge would be removed from some of them.

:awe: If you wanted full agreement, you shouldn't have posted a thread on this board. :awe:

Basically what it comes down to is this: you seem like a pretty technical guy who is more than capable of picking out a good set of parts within a specific budget. That's great, and if you have your mind made up, arguing with people here isn't going to solve anything. Just go out and do it.

However don't expect everyone here to fall in line and say "Oh you're right, this build at this budget for these tasks makes perfect sense." Bottom line is that myself and many others here feel like your client is throwing her money away, and we're probably not going to change that opinion.

 

[RavenSEAL]

Just wanted to add my 2¢

Before you spend her money on a mechanical keyboard, I'd suggest you find out what kind of switches she likes, and what she values most. Personally, with a new build I recently did, I got the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate for a cool $130. I absolutely HATE the cherry mx blue switches.

I've always been a FPS gamer, and I play competitively. This keyboard made it pretty difficult because you physically can't double-tap a mx blue switch. I've been using a dome keyboard for the last decade, and the only reason I even considered switching is my mobo is USB only; Its a ps2 and neither of my ps2->usb converters work. I returned the razer then went ahead and ordered a logitech g110 and couldn't be happier. Mechanical doesn't always mean better, and by no means should it be ordered by default.

:thumbsup:

 

[Dallascisco]

No offense but I would like you to point out where in that quoted line of text where I state I need full agreement from everybody? I simply asked that people state there opinions in a more professional manner? If you read this thread from start to finish you will find at least a couple examples of people making this thread personal. One person even going as far as to insinuate that I was purposely wasting my client's money. It's ok to disgaree but be an adult about it.

I'd also like to know what you consider arguing. You seem to forget that I am representing somebody else and I posted here to get ideas. I ran nearly every idea put in this thread by my client as I believe it is prudent to display a full array of options. The fact the she chose her own way seemed to ruffle more feathers here than you guys did of me. If the people of this thread think she is throwing her money away then you are entitled to your opinio, but you have to respect someone who has the stones to find their own way forward.

You are correct, I'm a pretty technical person that has been in the PC repair business for over 12 years. I've built my fair share of machines but don't do it quite as often anymore with the economy the way it is. I don't keep up with the enthusiast side of things as well given these circumstances so I came here to get fresh ideas, and I accomplished my goal. I appreciate all of those who posted and I look forward to building a kickass machine.

Mods, this thread can be closed.

:awe: If you wanted full agreement, you shouldn't have posted a thread on this board. :awe:

Basically what it comes down to is this: you seem like a pretty technical guy who is more than capable of picking out a good set of parts within a specific budget. That's great, and if you have your mind made up, arguing with people here isn't going to solve anything. Just go out and do it.

However don't expect everyone here to fall in line and say "Oh you're right, this build at this budget for these tasks makes perfect sense." Bottom line is that myself and many others here feel like your client is throwing her money away, and we're probably not going to change that opinion.

 

[epilf]

Don't paint mechanical keyswitches with such a wide brush. It's no surprise that you didn't like the Cherry MX Blue for gaming, they're not designed for that. Blue/Brown are for for typing, Black is for gaming.

Actually, it was a surprise that I didn't like them for gaming. The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate is marketed as an "Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard", not a typing one. Granted I did very little research beforehand, I didn't really have any choice. I needed my PC up and running and I couldn't install windows without a keyboard. When I go to a store and spend $130 on a keyboard explicitly marketed to gamers, I sure do expect it to perform great in games.

My only point was that I don't think you should automatically include a mechanical without consulting her first, that's all.

 

[mfenn]

Actually, it was a surprise that I didn't like them for gaming. The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate is marketed as an "Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard", not a typing one.

My only point was that I don't think you should automatically include a mechanical without consulting her first, that's all.

It was maybe a surprise to you, but it would not be a surprise to anyone who had researched mechanical key switches. Hence, my wording. Razer of course wants to sell you whatever keyboard they can, it is not in their interest to educate the consumer. You have to do that for yourself.

 

[birthdaymonkey]

OP, I'm curious about what you decided on for the final build.