Critique My Systems...

[djnsmith7]

So, yea, I guess there's a first time for everything...lol...Normally not my style, but I figure, what the hell...Let's see what you guys fire at me...lol...I'm going to follow your suggestions in the sticky...Just to keep it simple...

Call me insane...That's ok, because I must be for taking on both of these damn builds at once...We can discuss the insanity part in detail later...lol...For now, here are the specs you want...These systems will be used for a few things...Gaming (BF2, Crysis & whatever free games come with these mobo's), browsing, multitasking, work related projects, CAD files, stuff like that...

My budget was $xxx, but now the damn thing is $xxxx...Can't be more specific...Don't worry about the $ amount...I've purchased everything here in the US...I'm not a fanboy, as you'll see in these lists of parts...I'll be using my cases & 2 SATA II HDD's...

I've searched the threads, but nothing really matched my system spec for spec...As any custom build, these are hand picked parts, so I didn't expect to find a match...

I will overclock each system to ~3.5 - 4.0 Ghz...My 1st time OC'ng, so I'm gonna take it real easy & real slow...1 Mhz at a time...lol...

Now, onto the builds...


System 1:

ASUS Striker II Formula
E8400 - OC'd to ~3.5
Zalman 9700
8GB OCZ DDR2-800 CAS5 SLI RAM
(2) 250 GB Seagate 7200.10 SATA II Drives
(1) Sony/NEC SATA DVD Burner
(1) Samsung SATA DVD Drive
(3) Evga 9800GTX's in Triple SLI Upon Release (2 8800 GT's until then)
Silverstone ST1000 1000W Modular PS (Open to suggestions...This isn't final)
CM Stacker 830 Case (Black)
Windows Vista 64 Bit


System 2:

ASUS Maximus Formula
E8400 - OC'd to 4.0 (Piece of cake)
Zalman 9700
8GB OCZ DDR2-800 CAS5 SLI RAM
(2) 320 GB Seagate 7200.10 SATA II Drives
(1) Sony/NEC SATA DVD Burner
(2) VistionTek 3870's in Crossfire
Silverstone ST75F 750W Modular PS
Stacker 832
Windows Vista 64 Bit

 

[MegaVovaN]

Is this for real or are you dreaming?
You want to build extremely fast computers yet you hope to play whatever free games come with these mobo's?

edit: if you're not dreaming it's too early to discuss these components...wait for damn cards to come out before thinking triple SLI.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

16gb would help more for crysis

 

[aigomorla]

neither boards can do SLI.

Also, 4.0ghz on a 780i might be wishing too much unless you have a QX chip.

Lastly the 790i is DDR3 so your entire eq is wrong.

What the heck are you trying to build? Your going to need a lot beefier cooling if you want 4.0ghz 24/7 stable.

Also, if its your first time oc, dont expect those OC's. Start small and learn how each OC step behaves b4 you jump up to the high end.

 

[djnsmith7]

Originally posted by: MegaVovaN
Is this for real or are you dreaming?
You want to build extremely fast computers yet you hope to play whatever free games come with these mobo's?

edit: if you're not dreaming it's too early to discuss these components...wait for damn cards to come out before thinking triple SLI.

Oh it's real alright...I'll have pics later...As far as gaming, I play the crap out of BF2 & I'm building these systems because I feel like it...Triple SLI will mature over time & as I said, I'll be using 8800 GT's until they're released...

 

[djnsmith7]

Originally posted by: aigomorla
neither boards can do SLI.

Also, 4.0ghz on a 780i might be wishing too much unless you have a QX chip.

Lastly the 790i is DDR3 so your entire eq is wrong.

What the heck are you trying to build? Your going to need a lot beefier cooling if you want 4.0ghz 24/7 stable.

Also, if its your first time oc, dont expect those OC's. Start small and learn how each OC step behaves b4 you jump up to the high end.

I'm really hoping for 3.5 Ghz & from everything I've read to date, that shouldn't be an issue...I agree, 4.0 Ghz would be pushing it...As I said, I'll be taking it real slow & easy with the OC's...One step at a time...

The Striker II is a 780i Triple SLI board...Not sure what you're talking about...

Wow, I didn't expect so much hate from you guys...First time I ask for a critique & everything you have to say is negative...That's not cool...Now if you're responding the way you're responding because you think I'm wasting your time & don't have the parts, I'll have pics of most of the parts later today...The rest will be here early next week...But damn...

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: djnsmith7

Originally posted by: aigomorla
neither boards can do SLI.

Also, 4.0ghz on a 780i might be wishing too much unless you have a QX chip.

Lastly the 790i is DDR3 so your entire eq is wrong.

What the heck are you trying to build? Your going to need a lot beefier cooling if you want 4.0ghz 24/7 stable.

Also, if its your first time oc, dont expect those OC's. Start small and learn how each OC step behaves b4 you jump up to the high end.

I'm really hoping for 3.5 Ghz & from everything I've read to date, that shouldn't be an issue...I agree, 4.0 Ghz would be pushing it...As I said, I'll be taking it real slow & easy with the OC's...One step at a time...

The Striker II is a 780i Triple SLI board...Not sure what you're talking about...

Wow, I didn't expect so much hate from you guys...First time I ask for a critique & everything you have to say is negative...That's not cool...Now if you're responding the way you're responding because you think I'm wasting your time & don't have the parts, I'll have pics of most of the parts later today...The rest will be here early next week...But damn...

Nah... there isnt much hate.

Were just warning you about the system your building as your first.

The StrikerII isnt even out yet, so theres no way to tell how well the board will overclock. The only boards right now out which can take tri sli is the 780i 790i hasnt rolled out yet, and we have no idea on how well the board does.

Sorry if i sounded a bit rude, its the way i type and it shouldnt be taken out of context besides advice.

Heads up tho, the last nvidia board i experienced was not great. The 680i is not the ideal board for endurance/stability, and long term ocing.

I have a stepup waiting for a 780i. But i havent gotten to play with it yet.


Anyhow some hardware tweeks for you to consider.

PSU: PCnC 750W or Silverstone Zeus 850 not Stider or ETASIS 850W The last 2 are identical PSU's only differently branded.


4x2gb ram sticks will be very difficult to overclock. Expecially since you like overclocking so much. Try 4gbs 2x2gb sticks first, and if you need the extra memory then buy it.


That cooler blows... Look at tuniq tower or Thermalright ultra120. If you even have more budget around 200 dollars, a waterkit might also be a good idea if your ocing.

I dont understand the need for dual opticals anymore. Unless you do a lot of cd -> cd copy, having 2 is a waste, maybe bling out that bay with a LCD panel like this:

http://i125.photobucket.com/al...aigomorla/IMG_0726.jpg

Matrix Orbital LCD's, tells how long your system's been up, how your net traffic is, you can tune it for weather, and also rss feeds.

When i think of more ways to tweek it, i'll post again.

 

[djnsmith7]

Originally posted by: aigomorla

Originally posted by: djnsmith7

Originally posted by: aigomorla
neither boards can do SLI.

Also, 4.0ghz on a 780i might be wishing too much unless you have a QX chip.

Lastly the 790i is DDR3 so your entire eq is wrong.

What the heck are you trying to build? Your going to need a lot beefier cooling if you want 4.0ghz 24/7 stable.

Also, if its your first time oc, dont expect those OC's. Start small and learn how each OC step behaves b4 you jump up to the high end.

I'm really hoping for 3.5 Ghz & from everything I've read to date, that shouldn't be an issue...I agree, 4.0 Ghz would be pushing it...As I said, I'll be taking it real slow & easy with the OC's...One step at a time...

The Striker II is a 780i Triple SLI board...Not sure what you're talking about...

Wow, I didn't expect so much hate from you guys...First time I ask for a critique & everything you have to say is negative...That's not cool...Now if you're responding the way you're responding because you think I'm wasting your time & don't have the parts, I'll have pics of most of the parts later today...The rest will be here early next week...But damn...

Nah... there isnt much hate.

Were just warning you about the system your building as your first.

The StrikerII isnt even out yet, so theres no way to tell how well the board will overclock. The only boards right now out which can take tri sli is the 780i 790i hasnt rolled out yet, and we have no idea on how well the board does.

Sorry if i sounded a bit rude, its the way i type and it shouldnt be taken out of context besides advice.

Heads up tho, the last nvidia board i experienced was not great. The 680i is not the ideal board for endurance/stability, and long term ocing.

I have a stepup waiting for a 780i. But i havent gotten to play with it yet.


Anyhow some hardware tweeks for you to consider.

PSU: PCnC 750W or Silverstone Zeus 850 not Stider or ETASIS 850W The last 2 are identical PSU's only differently branded.


4x2gb ram sticks will be very difficult to overclock. Expecially since you like overclocking so much. Try 4gbs 2x2gb sticks first, and if you need the extra memory then buy it.


That cooler blows... Look at tuniq tower or Thermalright ultra120. If you even have more budget around 200 dollars, a waterkit might also be a good idea if your ocing.

I dont understand the need for dual opticals anymore. Unless you do a lot of cd -> cd copy, having 2 is a waste, maybe bling out that bay with a LCD panel like this:

http://i125.photobucket.com/al...aigomorla/IMG_0726.jpg

Matrix Orbital LCD's, tells how long your system's been up, how your net traffic is, you can tune it for weather, and also rss feeds.

When i think of more ways to tweek it, i'll post again.

Maybe there was some miscommunication here...So here's my resume in a nutshell...I've been building systems since 2001...These are probably systems # 10 & 11...So obviously not my 1st & 2nd ever system build...I know what I'm doing...I'm not some noob off the street trying to build his first system...

Now, the information quoted is the kind of useful information I was asking for...I don't like Overclocking, I said this will be my first time overclocking & I'm going to take it easy...I'm going to edit my original post to indicate that...I'm only shooting for 3.5 Ghz...

I'll silence those in doubt with pics later...I have the Striker II sitting on my desk at home...

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: djnsmith7
I'll silence those in doubt with pics later...I have the Striker II sitting on my desk at home...

Did you get a vendor sample?

Where did you get one?


And yeah... sorry about the mis communication. Usually people who build this kind of high end system dont ask for advice. They build it for fun more then for needs. :]

 

[djnsmith7]

Originally posted by: aigomorla

Originally posted by: djnsmith7
I'll silence those in doubt with pics later...I have the Striker II sitting on my desk at home...

Did you get a vendor sample?

Where did you get one?


And yeah... sorry about the mis communication. Usually people who build this kind of high end system dont ask for advice. They build it for fun more then for needs. :]

You're right, both of these systems are being built more for fun than anything else...But that shouldn't matter...

No, I bought it off the shelf at a local retailer...They had it for a total of 15 minutes & I took it...

Not only is this my 1st high end build, it's also my 1st build using Intel chips...I didn't intend to give the impression that I really needed help with the builds, but more of some higher end suggestions...Maybe I should use this component vs this component, etc...I wasn't expecting anyone to treat me like I've never built a system before...

I'm excited about both of these builds & wanted to share the excitement...That's really all this was supposed to be about...I was hoping the higher end experts would chime in & give some props to the components, but that hasn't happened...

And to the guy thinking I give a damn about the games that came with the mobo's, get a clue...I don't give a rat's ass about those games...I spelled out very clearly what I'll be using these systems for...

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: djnsmith7

You're right, both of these systems are being built more for fun than anything else...But that shouldn't matter...

No, I bought it off the shelf at a local retailer...They had it for a total of 15 minutes & I took it...

Not only is this my 1st high end build, it's also my 1st build using Intel chips...I didn't intend to give the impression that I really needed help with the builds, but more of some higher end suggestions...Maybe I should use this component vs this component, etc...I wasn't expecting anyone to treat me like I've never built a system before...

I'm excited about both of these builds & wanted to share the excitement...That's really all this was supposed to be about...I was hoping the higher end experts would chime in & give some props to the components, but that hasn't happened...

And to the guy thinking I give a damn about the games that came with the mobo's, get a clue...I don't give a rat's ass about those games...I spelled out very clearly what I'll be using these systems for...

Yeah i did a little digging and i found out you can get a striker II now.

http://www.motherboardpro.com/...Motherboard-p-502.html

However that board is based off the 780i and not 790i. I thought the strikerII was going to be 790i.

Anyhow, i would return that board honestly. I think you would fall in my area on building these machines.

The board i recomend for high end is the DFI LP LT X38-T2R you can find it at the store i linked.

Also keep my psu advice, and ram advice for now. Dont get the 8gb until you feel you actually need it.

Get the largest sink possible. My recomendations. When you do overclock, you'll have the head room.

If you need anymore high end advice drop me a PM. I've built tons of high end rigs.

Heres my current Baby:
http://i125.photobucket.com/al...aigomorla/IMG_0721.jpg

Different board tho. i hate the 680i or any nvidia chipset board for that matter.

 

[djnsmith7]

Originally posted by: aigomorla

Originally posted by: djnsmith7

You're right, both of these systems are being built more for fun than anything else...But that shouldn't matter...

No, I bought it off the shelf at a local retailer...They had it for a total of 15 minutes & I took it...

Not only is this my 1st high end build, it's also my 1st build using Intel chips...I didn't intend to give the impression that I really needed help with the builds, but more of some higher end suggestions...Maybe I should use this component vs this component, etc...I wasn't expecting anyone to treat me like I've never built a system before...

I'm excited about both of these builds & wanted to share the excitement...That's really all this was supposed to be about...I was hoping the higher end experts would chime in & give some props to the components, but that hasn't happened...

And to the guy thinking I give a damn about the games that came with the mobo's, get a clue...I don't give a rat's ass about those games...I spelled out very clearly what I'll be using these systems for...

Yeah i did a little digging and i found out you can get a striker II now.

http://www.motherboardpro.com/...Motherboard-p-502.html

However that board is based off the 780i and not 790i. I thought the strikerII was going to be 790i.

Anyhow, i would return that board honestly. I think you would fall in my area on building these machines.

The board i recomend for high end is the DFI LP LT X38-T2R you can find it at the store i linked.

Also keep my psu advice, and ram advice for now. Dont get the 8gb until you feel you actually need it.

Get the largest sink possible. My recomendations. When you do overclock, you'll have the head room.

If you need anymore high end advice drop me a PM. I've built tons of high end rigs.

Heres my current Baby:
http://i125.photobucket.com/al...aigomorla/IMG_0721.jpg

Different board tho. i hate the 680i or any nvidia chipset board for that matter.

Thanks for the info & suggestions...I'm going to try the Striker II & the RAM since they are both what I want...If they don't work out, I'll try something else...I'm also going to be doing very little overclocking, so I'm going to try out the V60 since the reviews are all positive...The Striker II also recieved pretty darn good reviews...I want to max out the 8GB of RAM since it's fairly inexpensive & I won't have to worry about upgrading it later...It's what I want...

I appreciate the feedback...

 

[djnsmith7]

.

 

[djnsmith7]

Originally posted by: MegaVovaN
Is this for real or are you dreaming?
You want to build extremely fast computers yet you hope to play whatever free games come with these mobo's?

edit: if you're not dreaming it's too early to discuss these components...wait for damn cards to come out before thinking triple SLI.

Ok Einstein, since you don't know how to read, I'll enlighten you...First off, I think the picture below will tell you whether or not I'm dreaming...

Secondly, Triple SLI drivers have already been rounded out of Phase 1 & a new phase is already in progress...And since you don't know how to read very well, I don't give a rat's ass about the games that came with the motherboards, hence why I mentioned them last...But you weren't able to figure that out...

Wave at my so-called Dream Machines as you're passing by, will ya?...I'm sure they'll appreciate it...

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/9095/dsc01856cn6.jpg

**For those of you wondering where the rest of the components are, my cases are under my desk & the rest will be here next week...

 

[djnsmith7]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
16gb would help more for crysis

Unfortunately, these motherboards only handle 8 gigs...I guess I'll just have to find a way to deal...

 

[videogames101]

Originally posted by: djnsmith7

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
16gb would help more for crysis

Unfortunately, these motherboards only handle 8 gigs...I guess I'll just have to find a way to deal...

:brokenheart:

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: djnsmith7
Thanks for the info & suggestions...I'm going to try the Striker II & the RAM since they are both what I want...If they don't work out, I'll try something else...I'm also going to be doing very little overclocking, so I'm going to try out the V60 since the reviews are all positive...The Striker II also recieved pretty darn good reviews...I want to max out the 8GB of RAM since it's fairly inexpensive & I won't have to worry about upgrading it later...It's what I want...

I appreciate the feedback...

hey... if you think its going to be a ball of fun, go for it!

There is no better excuse to do anything besides it being fun!

 

[djnsmith7]

Originally posted by: aigomorla

Originally posted by: djnsmith7
Thanks for the info & suggestions...I'm going to try the Striker II & the RAM since they are both what I want...If they don't work out, I'll try something else...I'm also going to be doing very little overclocking, so I'm going to try out the V60 since the reviews are all positive...The Striker II also recieved pretty darn good reviews...I want to max out the 8GB of RAM since it's fairly inexpensive & I won't have to worry about upgrading it later...It's what I want...

I appreciate the feedback...

hey... if you think its going to be a ball of fun, go for it!

There is no better excuse to do anything besides it being fun!

Absolutely...I wouldn't do it for any other reason...

 

[djnsmith7]

Originally posted by: aigomorla
neither boards can do SLI.

Also, 4.0ghz on a 780i might be wishing too much unless you have a QX chip.

Lastly the 790i is DDR3 so your entire eq is wrong.

What the heck are you trying to build? Your going to need a lot beefier cooling if you want 4.0ghz 24/7 stable.

Also, if its your first time oc, dont expect those OC's. Start small and learn how each OC step behaves b4 you jump up to the high end.

I haven't built the 780i system yet (ASUS Striker II sitting in the box patiently waiting), but I did build the X38 system (Maximus Formula) & I hit 4.0 Ghz on air without a hitch...I upgraded the cooling unit to the Zalman 9700...Seems to be running fine...

I'll revisit this thread once the Striker II's up in full force...

 

[djnsmith7]

Originally posted by: MegaVovaN
Is this for real or are you dreaming?
You want to build extremely fast computers yet you hope to play whatever free games come with these mobo's?

edit: if you're not dreaming it's too early to discuss these components...wait for damn cards to come out before thinking triple SLI.

I crack up every time I read this post...

 

[imported_wired247]

moar!!!!







(pics ?)

people said the same things when I mentioned getting a raid card that costs more than my already not-cheap mobo... but fun is the best reason to do it all, IMHO

 

[djnsmith7]

Originally posted by: wired247
moar!!!!





(pics ?)

I'm too tired right now, but I can take some this weekend...

 

[djnsmith7]

Here are some pics I just took...


http://img150.imageshack.us/im.../stacker832pic5ix2.jpg

http://img509.imageshack.us/im.../stacker832pic4ek8.jpg

http://img248.imageshack.us/im.../stacker832pic3ng6.jpg

http://img248.imageshack.us/im.../stacker832pic2vu8.jpg

http://img150.imageshack.us/im.../stacker832pic1ms4.jpg

 

[djnsmith7]

Originally posted by: MegaVovaN
Is this for real or are you dreaming?
You want to build extremely fast computers yet you hope to play whatever free games come with these mobo's?

edit: if you're not dreaming it's too early to discuss these components...wait for damn cards to come out before thinking triple SLI.

Maybe too early for you if you didn't earn enough allowance this month...Some of us can afford to plan ahead for upcoming products & technology...

Oh, btw, while I'm at it, since you think I'm "Dreaming", take a look above...Enjoy!...Oh, one other thing, just so you don't ask or make any other snide comments, the 2nd system will be up this week...Yes, I'll let you enjoy those pics too...Think twice next time you wanna talk shit...

 

[imported_wired247]

Looks alright, not the best photography skills but I get the idea