dead

[Looney]

Originally posted by: Bangsailio

Originally posted by: ZimZum

Originally posted by: ultimatebob Buying a big CRT used to make sense a few years ago, because they hold up well and could be reused for your next 2 computers. I'm not sure if I'd buy one now, though because most companies are shifting production from CRT's to LCD's. You might find yourself with a very large and expensive doorstop a few years from now, when all of new video cards are optimized for LCD output.

Dont hold your breath for that to happen. Not until they can make LCDs with accurate color replication, without ghosting and with the ability to display non native resolutions without problems.

besides the technical reasons, people buy LCD's for the "Cool" factor, much less the "space saving" factor. i think its pretty much the "cool" factor.

If this isn't one of the most idiotic sentence i've read in awhile. I have both the 1800FP and GDM-FW900 (24" Sony monitor), and i much prefer the 1800FP for my everday tasks such as text and web-browsing.

 

[chadomaly]

If you have 3 grand to spend on a gaming system, I'd refine my thinking a bit. You won't need the best of everything for gaming, in fact you'd be foolish to buy everything's best. I'd divide my thinking into two states of components, non-static and static. Static items are those components and categories that aren't frequently upgraded, because the industry doesn't adopt new speeds or standards, as they may apply. Non-static items are routinely upgraded, with a newer and better model coming out on a nearly weekly basis. Don't be afraid to spend more money on the static items, because they will likely stay with your system through multiple upgrades and time periods. However, with the non-static items, you'd be silly to blow a load of cash on the biggest and best of these components. The prices for these items are premium if you buy the best of them, routinely several hundred dollars over the next lower model, with the price curve flattening as you reach the mid-range of the component. Here is how I'd divide the components:

Static items (buy better items in these categories):

• Monitor
• Case
• Power supply
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Sound card (is onboard audio good enough for gaming? Usually, with the good chipsets out lately)
• Speakers
• NIC

Non-static items (find the price-performance sweet spot here, don't buy the BEST item):

• Graphics card (once you hit 60 or so FPS, any more is basically for bragging rights)
• RAM (new speeds of ram come out frequently)
• Processor (new speeds seem to come out daily )
• Motherboard (could migrate with your processor of choice)

You might want to stick with DDR ram, because if you decide to upgrade with another processor (i.e. AMD to intel) your ram is still applicable, where your motherboard won't be. You'd be crazy to dump $1000-$1500 on the non-static items, because the next best thing will probably come out next month. Save the rest of the $3000 for upgrades next month if you're obsessed with improvement.

 

[Tret]

Originally posted by: Bangsailio

Originally posted by: Tret
should i get the twinx corsair xmspc3200 or its not worth it?

dude, stop asking questions and start reading reviews. look at all these posts, they all basically say your computer sucks for ~$3200. why do you think so?

hey u cant base everything on reviews its just on the average one person who reviews it u always have to go with the peoples choice

 

[Tret]

one more thing games only run on one cpu

 

[dowxp]

Originally posted by: Moralpanic

Originally posted by: Bangsailio

Originally posted by: ZimZum

Originally posted by: ultimatebob Buying a big CRT used to make sense a few years ago, because they hold up well and could be reused for your next 2 computers. I'm not sure if I'd buy one now, though because most companies are shifting production from CRT's to LCD's. You might find yourself with a very large and expensive doorstop a few years from now, when all of new video cards are optimized for LCD output.

Dont hold your breath for that to happen. Not until they can make LCDs with accurate color replication, without ghosting and with the ability to display non native resolutions without problems.

besides the technical reasons, people buy LCD's for the "Cool" factor, much less the "space saving" factor. i think its pretty much the "cool" factor.

If this isn't one of the most idiotic sentence i've read in awhile. I have both the 1800FP and GDM-FW900 (24" Sony monitor), and i much prefer the 1800FP for my everday tasks such as text and web-browsing.

heh goes to show how i dont like LCD's

 

[flexy]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
I would never spend more than $1,500 on a new computer. That way, I don't feel like a complete tool when everything on it it's obsolete 18 months later

rather like 6 months later

IMHO $3600 is insanity...honestly.....

 

[Ketchup]

Originally posted by: flexy

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
I would never spend more than $1,500 on a new computer. That way, I don't feel like a complete tool when everything on it it's obsolete 18 months later

rather like 6 months later

IMHO $3600 is insanity...honestly.....

I am happy for those people who are in a financial situation to spend that much money on their computer. That doesn't make him crazy, it just means he can afford to.

It's a lot like the people that buy sports cars. Some spend $20,000 and get a Mustang, some spend $50,00 and get a Corvette, and some spend $200,000+ and get a Ferrari. If you can afford the Mustang, get it. But why would you insult the guy who buys the Ferrari?

 

[eviltoon]

This is also the stupides thread I have read in a while. A thousand dollars for monitors and speakers

I for one am with Tret on this one. The sound qulity coming from the Audigy 2 and the Klipsch 5.1 will be amazing. I've got the creative Megaworks 5.1 with the Aduigy 2 and am amazed every single day at what I'm hearing. Best investment I've made in a while. And why skimp on a monitor? If you can afford a good one, get it.

 

[BentValve]

Originally posted by: Moralpanic

Originally posted by: Bangsailio

Originally posted by: ZimZum

Originally posted by: ultimatebob Buying a big CRT used to make sense a few years ago, because they hold up well and could be reused for your next 2 computers. I'm not sure if I'd buy one now, though because most companies are shifting production from CRT's to LCD's. You might find yourself with a very large and expensive doorstop a few years from now, when all of new video cards are optimized for LCD output.

Dont hold your breath for that to happen. Not until they can make LCDs with accurate color replication, without ghosting and with the ability to display non native resolutions without problems.

besides the technical reasons, people buy LCD's for the "Cool" factor, much less the "space saving" factor. i think its pretty much the "cool" factor.

If this isn't one of the most idiotic sentence i've read in awhile. I have both the 1800FP and GDM-FW900 (24" Sony monitor), and i much prefer the 1800FP for my everday tasks such as text and web-browsing.

It isn't any more idiotic than your retort though. There is one big difference though, his response
was from ignorance and yours was from stupidity.

 

[Looney]

Originally posted by: BentValve

Originally posted by: Moralpanic

Originally posted by: Bangsailio

Originally posted by: ZimZum

Originally posted by: ultimatebob Buying a big CRT used to make sense a few years ago, because they hold up well and could be reused for your next 2 computers. I'm not sure if I'd buy one now, though because most companies are shifting production from CRT's to LCD's. You might find yourself with a very large and expensive doorstop a few years from now, when all of new video cards are optimized for LCD output.

Dont hold your breath for that to happen. Not until they can make LCDs with accurate color replication, without ghosting and with the ability to display non native resolutions without problems.

besides the technical reasons, people buy LCD's for the "Cool" factor, much less the "space saving" factor. i think its pretty much the "cool" factor.

If this isn't one of the most idiotic sentence i've read in awhile. I have both the 1800FP and GDM-FW900 (24" Sony monitor), and i much prefer the 1800FP for my everday tasks such as text and web-browsing.

It isn't any more idiotic than your retort though. There is one big difference though, his response
was from ignorance and yours was from stupidity.

Oh yes, people buy LCDs to be cool

 

[oldfart]

I didn't read through this whole thing...BUT...

If it hasn't been mentioned already, the DC DDR Canterwood i875 mobos will be out very soon as will the 800 MHz FSB Hyperthreading enabled P4 CPUs from 2.4 - 3.2 GHz. If the time frame permits, I think this would be a nice way to go on a top end rig. April 14 is the launch from what I understand. Add a couple of sticks of Corsair XMS LL, and you will have a nice base. SATA is integrated into the new ICH5 southbridge. A new WD Raptor SATA drive or a speedy WD SE PATA drive, an ATi9700/9800 and the Audigy 2 sound good to me.

Good Luck.

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: ZimZum

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
Buying a big CRT used to make sense a few years ago, because they hold up well and could be reused for your next 2 computers. I'm not sure if I'd buy one now, though because most companies are shifting production from CRT's to LCD's.

You might find yourself with a very large and expensive doorstop a few years from now, when all of new video cards are optimized for LCD output.

Dont hold your breath for that to happen. Not until they can make LCDs with accurate color replication, without ghosting and with the ability to display non native resolutions without problems.

As much as a hate promoting Apple products, the high-end Apple studio displays are really good. They have great color, no ghosting, and can display text more clearly than any CRT that I've seen. I'll bet that level of display quality will be mainstream a few short years from now, and the CRT will start to go the way of the dodo.

Anyway, go ahead get the Sony 21" if you have the money to spend. Just keep in mind that you can get a top-knotch 19" CRT for half that price.

 

[MrDudeMan]

personally, i made a computer that was TOP OF THE LINE a little while ago and there was no point. it was stupid, idiotic, *insert more degrading words here*, etc...


wtf do you need all of that stuff for? seriously.


not trying to crash the party, but even IF you have the money to spend, why WASTE it? and yes, you are WASTING it. if you want to waste it, at least USE it while you waste

it, like wipe your ass with 20's. at least it is funtioning at that point.

 

[krackato]

I am happy for those people who are in a financial situation to spend that much money on their computer. That doesn't make him crazy, it just means he can afford to.

It's a lot like the people that buy sports cars. Some spend $20,000 and get a Mustang, some spend $50,00 and get a Corvette, and some spend $200,000+ and get a Ferrari. If you can afford the Mustang, get it. But why would you insult the guy who buys the Ferrari?

We're not insulting him for spending $200,000 on the Ferrari. We're insulting him for spending $200,000 on the Mustang. (okay, maybe $80,000 on a Corvette is a closer analogy. Either way, the guys are saving him a lot of cash.)

 

[0roo0roo]

Originally posted by: Bangsailio

Originally posted by: ZimZum

Originally posted by: ultimatebob Buying a big CRT used to make sense a few years ago, because they hold up well and could be reused for your next 2 computers. I'm not sure if I'd buy one now, though because most companies are shifting production from CRT's to LCD's. You might find yourself with a very large and expensive doorstop a few years from now, when all of new video cards are optimized for LCD output.

Dont hold your breath for that to happen. Not until they can make LCDs with accurate color replication, without ghosting and with the ability to display non native resolutions without problems.

besides the technical reasons, people buy LCD's for the "Cool" factor, much less the "space saving" factor. i think its pretty much the "cool" factor.

the only reason i like lcd currently is eyestrain with text is very low.


color repoduction isnt there yet, darks muddle. contrast, response etc.

price is not there yet either. its great for a second monitor.


as for space. unless your crunched up against the wall...your not saving any space. if oyu could fit the rear end of a monitor into the space before, your not saving spacewith lcd. what you'll have is useless space behind your monitor

 

[m1ke101]

Originally posted by: crleap
If you have 3 grand to spend on a gaming system, I'd refine my thinking a bit. You won't need the best of everything for gaming, in fact you'd be foolish to buy everything's best. I'd divide my thinking into two states of components, non-static and static. Static items are those components and categories that aren't frequently upgraded, because the industry doesn't adopt new speeds or standards, as they may apply. Non-static items are routinely upgraded, with a newer and better model coming out on a nearly weekly basis. Don't be afraid to spend more money on the static items, because they will likely stay with your system through multiple upgrades and time periods. However, with the non-static items, you'd be silly to blow a load of cash on the biggest and best of these components. The prices for these items are premium if you buy the best of them, routinely several hundred dollars over the next lower model, with the price curve flattening as you reach the mid-range of the component. Here is how I'd divide the components: Static items (buy better items in these categories):

• Monitor
• Case
• Power supply
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Sound card (is onboard audio good enough for gaming? Usually, with the good chipsets out lately)
• Speakers
• NIC

Non-static items (find the price-performance sweet spot here, don't buy the BEST item):

• Graphics card (once you hit 60 or so FPS, any more is basically for bragging rights)
• RAM (new speeds of ram come out frequently)
• Processor (new speeds seem to come out daily )
• Motherboard (could migrate with your processor of choice)

You might want to stick with DDR ram, because if you decide to upgrade with another processor (i.e. AMD to intel) your ram is still applicable, where your motherboard won't be. You'd be crazy to dump $1000-$1500 on the non-static items, because the next best thing will probably come out next month. Save the rest of the $3000 for upgrades next month if you're obsessed with improvement.

I've never actually heard it spelled it out, but this is a very good frame of mind to be in when building a high end computer, listen to this guy!

 

[arcenite]

Originally posted by: krackato
I think DWW just typed more words in his 5th post on this board than all my 500+ posts combined.

My thoughts exactly. I was like holy sh*t that's alot of typing.

Bill

 

[MrDudeMan]

Originally posted by: aRCeNiTe

Originally posted by: krackato
I think DWW just typed more words in his 5th post on this board than all my 500+ posts combined.

My thoughts exactly. I was like holy sh*t that's alot of typing.

Bill

thats what i thought when i saw his post before that...it said "dang this forum, it wont let me type it all"

i was like wtf? ive pasted millions of stuff and never had that problem!

 

[syberscott]

Originally posted by: ketchup79

Originally posted by: Tret
I heard that the onboard audio on the asus a7n8x delxue is better than the platinum audigy2 if this tru or if the audigy 2 just beats it by a hair ill use the onboard audio

Get the Audigy 2. The Audigy not only sounds better, it uses a lot less CPU resources than onboard audio. I can see why you would wanna build such a killer rig, and lose FPS because you skimped on audio.

Actually you're wrong about the performance. The Nforce2 sound uses less resources than an audigy2. I refer you here. You will lose FPS with the audigy2 over the onboard sound.

 

[lssanjose]

after reading all the posts [plenty !!], I would say go for the 2500 barton .. but thats' only if the MHz differential isn't that great. Remember those are only model #s, you should be looking at the actual MHz clock instead of the model #, you'll save wads of cash. For a gaming rig, all you really need is a good processor [2GHz and higher should cover you], GFX, memory, decent sound card if the onboard sound sucks, decent monitor [good refresh and color representation and vibrance; and LAN [if you plan on taking it abroad to other places], save some bucks and get a 120GB drive. You don't need a DVD R /RW, high end speakers [logitechs will do you fine], a really really flashy case[just one that gives you the less pain in terms of setup] a power supply is more vital to a gaming rig. But i hope you get the idea, you don't need the extraneous items unless this will be your work machine too. What i describe was a pure gaming setup. 3600 is something for a workstation machine really. I could build a decent gaming rig for less than what you have listed, but again it's for pure gaming which you didn't clearly state. People can say a gaming rig, but the primary purpose will be gaming but then have secondary purposes and what not. But you don't need that much space for games really, I'm not sure how much time you'll have on your hands to play every game out there anyways.

 

[tommie]

From: Tim
Date: Monday, April 07, 2003 6:01:58 PM
To: Tim Adams
Subject: AXP 3000+ Deluxe System




Ultima Power Athlon XP Delux 3000+


Click Picture to Customise

Athlon XP 3000+ processor
MSI K7N2G-ILSR Motherboard
512mb PC2700 DDR
Maxtor 80gb 7200rpm Hard Drive
GeForce4 TI4200 128mb DDR Video
52x24x52 CDRW
16x DVD drive
Floppy Drive
3 piece Speakers
USB Optical Mouse
Multimedia Keyboard
$1510.00


i get deals like this mailed to me every week. i didnt type this , this is copied and pasted..the picture didnt paste but it was an attracttive alum looking box. im anoob to this forum so glad to meet ya. tommie

 

[lssanjose]

now that is much better although the guy's looking for at least a gig but still better than 3600

 

[bigpow]

Originally posted by: Moralpanic

Originally posted by: bigpow
get a PS2 or XBOX if you're really into gaming, buy $300 PC for your work needs.



I was crazy about PC gaming, 'till I bought my PS2. Now I'm a changed man.
PS2 Games fun factors are 10X better.
You'd think the graphics bad, but gameplay is the main factor in a game.

That's idiotic. There are some games that aren't available for consoles... and even if they are, it's normally better on a PC (ie Everquest). Consoles are great for sports and car sims, but PCs are best for RPG, FPS, RTS, online gaming.

Ok, here's where your mistake:
1. Do you even have a PS2 console?
2. What kind of PC do you have?

I have a decent PC (1.8GHz 200FSB, 512Mb, GF4 TI4200, 22" Monitor, etc. - look at my system rig).

I've been playing PC games since King's Quest I.

I just wanted to give the dude my 2cents, if he really plays game... he should get a console (PS2 or XBOX, or both?).

I agree that some games are better on PC (Warcraft, Unreal Tournament - which I play online every now and then),
but again, I did not say all PC games were bad. Didn't I?




Again, try it first before you even comment.

It's a lot cheaper than your PC huh, Moralpanic?

To give comment before trying, is just unwise.

It is just like saying an orange is sour even before you taste it.

Now that is just plain stupid.





For the dude that started this thread, I'd still recommend you to split your $3000 into two parts:
$2000 for the PC and $1000 for PS2/XBOX+games, maybe?

FYI: My rig cost me around $1000 (22" monitor included). 3D Mark 2001 score is 13,000.
Trying to save you some money here, Kids!

Moralpanic, I'm playing Freelancer now. It's one of the good PC games available. Do you have a copy?
Also, let me know if you're interested for a few games of UT2003. PM me if you think you can beat me, I've paypal account. We can play for money.

The rest of the readers, sorry for bitching.

 

[Marauder-]

I wholehearted agree w/ crlegg about the static / non static items - (I'm actually printing it out for my moronic cousin that spent $1600 (just the comp/ no monitor/ or other accessories).

Tret, You're most likely not going to be the average AT'er that sells their non static items every chance they get when a new hot deal comes out to replace their old item. But since you're in CA, you should SERIOUSLY consider going to a Fry's to get a few combo deals or barebones deals. I'm pretty much a fan of online stores for parts but most of the time you cannot match a Fry's cpu/mobo combo deal. The P4 2.4Ghz/ECS mobo is like $150 this week. Unless you're a progamer, you really don't need the latest and greatest components to play the latest and greatest games, usually it takes like 6 months for the gaming industry to adapt to the new standards available from the new graphics cards. You would, without the slightest doubt in my head, get a much better deal by dividing it up, say $2000 now and $1000 a year down the line to repurchase the next best nonstatic items while ebaying your old items to recoup cash. The only reason why I could conceive of someone spending this much on a gaming rig nowadays is to duplicate a sanctioned tournament rig so that they could practice their particular game under tournament environments. My 2000XP w/ GF4200 is running all the current popular games out there w/o the slightest hint of performance choking.

Oh yeah, you might want to consider ebaying for your 21" monitor. I ended paying $225 for my 21" Sony FD Trinitron (brand new) from a graphics manager at Sony selling off their surplus monitors. You might also want to consider getting Klipsch 4.1 refurbs from the Klipsch site or new ones from Overstock.com for around $150. A Fry's combo will likely save you another few hundred.

If you're just starting to seriously game, you would be completely amazed at how the input devices that you use affect your gameplay vs performance of your computer. As long as the game does not lag due to performance issues, it really comes down to what you're using. I would highly suggest using a Logitech MX500 or at least a fancier mouse than the MS one (they seem to be bulky for me and they are prone to fail - My brothers and I have owned a few of the MS Opticals and 2 of them have failed for various reasons - the Logitechs are very good) Also consider getting an Everglide or Ratpadz as it helps with FPS games IMMENSELY. I personally prefer a MS Natural Keyboard or MS Nat Keyboard Pro but that's up to you.

If you take any of my advice, I think your system could potentially run to $1500 so you can do the same thing in 6 months or a year and end up w/ a much better computer in the long run. One thing that new system builders don't realize is computer performance over the long run. If you spend this $3000 wisely, you could probably have near the latest and greatest for years to come as long as you spend what is needed initially and continue to periodically update the system. If you spend all $3000 right away, I assure you that your average bargain Anandtecher will have you outperformed in say... 6-9months time. But I guess if money is no objection, you could spend another $700-$900 in 6-9 months to match them and try to stay at the top of the computer performance race (which is neverending and futile to try).

 

[Dulanic]

For the speakers and monitor.... there is no reason not to go with the best. Your the one who has to look at the monitor and listen to the speakers for the next few years. I will never skimp on speakers or monitor. Yes it's alot to spend, but its also going to prob last him 5+ years.

As for the rest you have a pretty good setup there. More then I'd spend but I'm not rich I always like to buy the best price/performance items... thats why I have a 1600+ (Which cost me all of 50 bucks and runs at 1.8Ghz) and a GeForce 4400 (Was only $30 more then 4200 when I got it)