I have a $2,500US budget.

[Netu]

OK then! I'll get the Samsung 7200.10. You guys talked me into it. ;-P

But which one? D-: The Seagate Barracuda http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822148140 or the Samsung Spinpoint http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?Item=N82E16822152052? The Spinpoint has a slightly better rating on Newegg...

By the way, you recommend this http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231098 for RAM, but I was just wondering if this company is reliable, and that there is no reason to go to a higher power. Also, will this RAM be compatible with whichever motherboard we decide upon?

Also, I edited my post up there. Take a look at my questions; you guys have really revamped all my thoughts I thought I knew! XD

Thanks tons, again, and take care!

 

[xitshsif]

Originally posted by: Netu
OK then! I'll get the Samsung 7200.10

I think shader's comment was a little confusing.

Samsung makes the Spinpoint
Seagate makes the Barracuda 7200.10

Both are good series by good manufacturers. At this point it's just up to you to pick the price and size you want.

 

[Netu]

@xitshsif: Oh, I understand. My friends and I simply decided to go with the Barracuda 7200.10. Thanks a lot.

 

[Piuc2020]

Well yeah its true the Q6600 is not "true" quadcore, whatever that may mean to your friend but its not silly to get one because its still a much better option for multithreaded apps, it is not pointless. If you wish to wait Penryn is coming out later this year (though affordable parts will come out Q1 2008) and those will be "true" quad core. If I have to be honest, its quite a waste of money to get a dual core processor now, I own a Mac Pro (quad xeons) and I do tons of CPU-bound tasks and i can definitely say I'll take a quad core over a higher clocked dual core ANY DAY. I'm never buying dual core again but opinions about that subject differ.

Get EVGA card, the manufacturer doesn't matter but EVGA has a great warranty (if you register make sure to do that) and the step-up program.

As for the HDD, the Raptor is not the greatest value on earth but it is a bit faster than 7200.10 drives and you do have $2500 to spend, a $150 (plus rebate) 73GB Raptor will be good but if you do wish to save money a 7200.10 will also be fast and fit your needs. 7200.10 drives are a better value as far as performance-capacity ratio but you say you don't need capacity, just performance so a Raptor wouldn't be a bad idea, especially in your generous $2500 budget.

I can't point you in the direction of an article but I've used Windows XP and Vista in their 64-bit flavors and I've found them to be quite horrible. Ubisoft once released a 64-bit version of Far Cry and the performance benefits were non-existant and that brings me to my next point, to take advantage of a 64-nit OS the applications also have to be written for 64-bit and no developer is going to do that when the performance benefits are not there and most gamers are still using 32-bit. If games ever start to be released in 64-bit and there is actually a performance benefit then you can just upgrade your copy of Windows for a small price but that won't happen for a long time. Go with 32-bit.

 

[Netu]

@Piuc2020: I love your point regarding the 32-bit OS. Thus, I'll just go with 32-bit. I'll also be getting the EVGA card. It's cheaper and, like you said, has a nicer warranty. Also, I think, I am going to get the Q6600... I have this thought in the back of my head not to, but...wait, that's just the guy on Ventrilo telling me not to. Lol. I will have to check some more sources, but for now, I think you have won me over, Piuc. ;-P Good job. As for the hard drive: I think we came to a conclusion regarding the Raptor--if I have the spare money, I'll do what you said; otherwise I will just get the Seagate. It makes sense that way, at least.

Thank you very much. We're creeping ever closer to having a nice machine built. Keep those ever-so-helpful comments coming.

P.S. Which RAM here is better? Bang for the buck, as they say:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820220144
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820146565
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820134125

P.S.S. Which motherboard is better? Bang for the buck, as they say, and keep on saying:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128046
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128050
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128048

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Netu

P.S. Which RAM here is better? Bang for the buck, as they say:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820220144
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820146565
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820134125

You are not overclocking, so get what is cheap. You have to understand that your memory is going to be limited by the front side bus of the cpu. So whatever you get is going to run at 533mhz (assuming you get the Q6600).

You won't see any difference running this...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820134125
or this...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231098
or even two of these...
http://shop1.outpost.com/product/5297177

 

[Netu]

@bamacre: Then should I consider overclocking? Also, since I get such "limits" regarding RAM with the Q6600, should I instead get a duo core? Or will that not help at all?

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Netu
@bamacre: Then should I consider overclocking? Also, since I get such "limits" regarding RAM with the Q6600, should I instead get a duo core? Or will that not help at all?

I would consider overclocking, if you feel comfortable doing it. But it is not necessary.

But don't think of what I said as a limitation, think the other way, the Q6600 just doesn't require that much memory bandwidth to run at stock speeds.

 

[Netu]

I would love to overclock if it is a good idea, especially if I want more power, which I do. > I haven't ever experimented with overclocking, but, just in general, what will I need to change in order to overclock? Are there any important hardware settings I am going to have to redo to overclock, or can I just overclock with the machine we have built up to this point?

I have no idea what I'm doing, which is a bad thing. I read on wiki/heard from the guy on Ventrilo that it shortens the life of the processor.

P.S. Any ideas between those motherboards?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128047
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128046

 

[Netu]

This is the updated list, thanks to you guys!

LG 18X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM Write Black E-IDE/ATAPI Model GSA-H54NK - OEM
$27.99


Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
$149.99


Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
$294.99

Kingston HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KHX6400D2LLK2/2GN - Retail
$138.49

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
$79.99

Logitech UltraX Silver/Black USB Standard Media Keyboard - OEM
$15.99

LG L206WTY-BF Black 20" 2ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail
$239.99

Logitech G7 Black 6 Buttons Tilt Wheel USB RF Wireless Laser Mouse - Retail
$67.99

Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
$111.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 520W Power Supply - Retail
$124.99

bluegears b-Enspirer 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail
$94.99

Logitech THX Z-5300e 280 Watts RMS 5.1 Speaker - Retail
$129.99

EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
$529.99

Grand Total: $2,007.37

Notice there isn't a motherboard yet; we (my friends and I) are still trying to figure out which is best. We are mainly going off Piuc's ideas.

Thanks a lot guys for your help -- so, how do you like the machine you more-or-less built? ;-) Any advice, changes, etc., as always, are greatly appreciated! Thanks again!

 

[xitshsif]

The only comment I have at this point is about the sound card. Never heard of it. That's not necessarily a bad thing.

 

[Netu]

@xitshsif: The only reason I chose it, to be quite honest, is because the price was good and it ranks high on newegg. Do you know of any others that may be better, price versus capability?

Also, anyone have any advice on a motherboard? Which one should we get?

 

[bamacre]

Just get this one...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128047

Some reviews for that sound card tell a story of bad drivers, and bad support. You may just want to consider this...

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/5017775

 

[xitshsif]

Originally posted by: bamacre
Some reviews for that sound card tell a story of bad drivers, and bad support. You may just want to consider this...

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/5017775

I've head of issues with Vista and X-Fi drivers. I don't run Vista, so I really can't comment on the subject, but it's probably worth looking into.

A sound card can always be bought later easily anyway.

 

[Netu]

@bamacre: Thank you! :-D You have been far too helpful this entire thread; again, thanks for all your assistance.

@xitshsif: I'll look into it, for sure... Do you have any recommendations, perhaps, sound card wise? You, too, have also been extremely helpful; my friends and I extend our thanks.

Thanks again guys. :-]

 

[xitshsif]

Originally posted by: Netu
@xitshsif: I'll look into it, for sure... Do you have any recommendations, perhaps, sound card wise?

Wish I could offer a suggestion. I've got an X-Fi myself and it runs fine on XP, I just don't know about Vista.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Netu

@mechBgon: I apologize sincerely for putting this in the wrong forum! And the title...hm, yes, it would make a moderator itchy, wouldn't it. If it is possible for me to change the title (I will look as soon as I am done typing this) or if you would like to change it feel free. I appreciate the help and thanks for the welcome! =)

No worries about the wrong-forum aspect, it happens all the time. If you want to edit your title, you can do that by clicking "Edit" on your original post. A less Spammy title couldn't hurt, especially since this thread shows up on the AnandTech.com front page but it's up to you.

AnandTech Moderator
mechBgon

 

[Netu]

@xitshsif: Thanks anyway! I still appreciate it.

@mechBgon: Thanks for telling me how to do that. I'll...formalize the title a little. Also, thanks for being so polite and helpful, instead of filled with hubris like some moderators I have found on certain forums.

Thanks again guys.

 

[PurdueRy]

Hey, I won't claim to have read through your entire thread, but I don't like your sound card choice at this point. If you are into massive gaming and sound is of the utmost importance, I would stick with Creative or the Auzentech Prelude(will be released shortly).

Right now your speakers don't have digital inputs(I believe). That is the strength of the B-enspirer. Check out the HT Omega Claro plus(http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?Item=N82E16829271003) or the Auzentech X-Meridian(http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?Item=N82E16829156002) if sound is important but the latest EAX effects are not.

Both these cards will also be useful in the future if you upgrade to a receiver based system as you will be able to use the digital connection and encode to Dolby Digital or DTS. This allows surround sound in games over a digital connection. Normally this is only possible via analog.

I hope this helps you explore your options a bit more.

 

[Netu]

@PurdueRy: Hey, thanks for the input! There's no way I'd expect you to read all of this thread, lol. Hmm...I like the look of that Omega Claro... That's pretty sweet. I'll get it! I guess I need to look into a receiver based system, though. I liked the Logitech system I had picked out, but I guess there's always something better.

How about these speakers: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16836121120 They have the highest rating on newegg, and seem quite powerful. Also, I believe they meet all the specifications you were talking about... But, I am not sure I want to spend that much on speakers, especially when I won't be using them as much as a headset... Maybe there's something else. ;-P

So I guess now it's down to speakers and a headset (I'll need some so I don't bug my roommate(s)).

Thanks tons, and take care!

 

[Piuc2020]

Well yeah an X-Fi would be a good choice but there are several reports of incompatibility with Vista, check http://xfi.blogspot.com/ there are some beta drivers dated July 2007 but I'm not sure how good they are. Worst case scenario you have to use on-board sound until Creative fixes their problems with Vista but it seems the cards are working just not with all the bells and whistles, maybe you should read up a little bit more on X-Fi on Vista to decide if an X-Fi would be a good purchase.

And I like how the computer is going so far, the Gigabyte DSR motherboards are great so just go with that, I think bamacre already posted a link. Also I don't like that case's looks but I guess thats just a matter of personal preference

Oh and I almost forgot, if you are planning on overclocking you should get a Xeon X3220 which is basically the same as a Q6600, however the Xeon X3220 has much better overclocking potential and people are reporting 2.8GHz to 3.2GHz on air is guaranteed even on a bad X3220, thats 1400-1600 FSB (thats faster than a top of the line Core 2) with RAM running at 700-800MHz so its something you really should consider if you are overclocking. Also, being a Xeon it is guaranteed to have a longer lifetime than your regular Core 2 Quad processor, it is the reason why it overclocks so much, it is a much higher quality processor.

I completely (100%) recommend the Xeon X3220 (if you are overclocking, can't emphasize this enough) here is a link http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000K...000KIV6NM&linkCode=asn and from directron.com http://www.directron.com/bx80562x3220.html it is the same price as the Q6600. If you still decide to go for the Q6600 or you won't be overclocking (even if you aren't, a Xeon for the same price is still a better choice) I suggest you buy from ClubIT, guaranteed G0 stepping, free shipping and a free movielink download, here is a link http://clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=A1938452

Also, getting an aftermark CPU cooler will be a great idea, they are very cheap and will keep your PC very cool and they are a must for overclocking, especially if you do go with the X3220. Even if you are not overclocking, a CPU cooler is a good idea in your budget for the lower temperatures and possibly quieter PC.

 

[Netu]

Hmm. I am seriously considering overclocking. This is my first computer I am assembling, though... I am unsure if I want to risk overclocking, since I have heard of those scary stories of PC's exploding into flames of hatred and sweat. -P) The X3220 looks -interesting-, to say the least; the opposite of my case. I don't, quite honestly, like the look of my case, but, yet again, it was the highest ranking on newegg (seeing a pattern here? ;-)).

Here's an updated list:

Cable for Monitor: Link Depot 10 ft. DVI-D male to DVI-D male dual link Cable Model DVI-10-DD
$10.99

DVD Burner: SAMSUNG 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write, LightScribe Technology Black SATA Model SH-S183L
$33.99

Case: Antec P182 Gun Metal Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$159.99

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
$79.99

Monitor: LG L206WTY-BF Black 20" 2ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor
$239.99

GPU: EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
$529.99

SPU: HT OMEGA CLARO Plus+ 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card
$174.99

PSU: OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI ATX12V 600W Power Supply
$109.99

Speakers: Logitech Z-5500 505 Watts 5.1 Speaker
$292.99

Keyboard: Logitech UltraX Silver/Black USB Standard Media Keyboard
$15.99

Mouse: Logitech G7 Black 6 Buttons Tilt Wheel USB RF Wireless Laser Mouse
$67.99

RAM: Kingston HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KHX6400D2LLK2/2GN
$138.49

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3P LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
$149.99

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80562Q6600
$294.99

OS: Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD
$111.99
Subtotal: $2,427.35

Surge Protector: Kensington 62668 6 Outlets Power Strip - Retail
$11.99

Cooling Fan: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler
$34.99
Subtotal: $2,469.33

Shipping: $61.60

Rebates: $-92.50 (mail-in and otherwise)

Grand Total: $2,438.43

I don't need that beefy of a sound system, for sure, and think that's where I can save a lot of money. Also, if there is a less expensive case that may be better, that'd help, too.

Any advice or suggestions are appreciated, as always! :-D

 

[Piuc2020]

Think of it like this, you get the X3220 for the same price as the Q6600, you get the exact same performance but with the Xeon seal of quality. If you do decide to overclock, you'll get an excellent specimen, if you decide overclocking is not your thing then you still have an awesome processor that is more reliable and overall of better quality. If I were you I'd jump on this X3220 deal, usually X3220 go for 50-100 more than a Q6600. Also, overclocking is not that dangerous if you educate yourself on the subject and you are conservative with how much you push your hardware, a X3220 pushed to 2.8-3.0GHz on an aftermarket cooler is being on the safe side, especially if you educate yourself on the subject, you won't fry your computer if the overclock fails, you'll just have to tone the OC a bit, that is all.

As for the case, I really love the Antec P182, it is not much cheaper than the Armor but its a lot better looking (IMO) and is a very good case in terms of acoustics and thermals.

 

[Netu]

@Piuc2020: Then why -wouldn't- I get the X3220? XD I mean, if it's just the same, but has the potential to be even better... Then why not!? However, is the X3220 compatible with everything here? I read on -many- sites regarding the Q6600's processing power, and have to agree. Overclocking looks simply enough--just start up the computer and make some configurations which everyone and his uncle has a guide to, .

I loved that case. It's ten dollars more; however it's -stunning-. And, has promises of keeping the temperatures even lower. I guess I'll be getting a cooler as well, as you recommended Piuc.

Thanks tons for the reply. What's everyone else's opinions on that mean and brutal X3220? It's quite the piece of hardware...Thoughts and suggestions?

ACK! The price has gone -way- over the $2500 limit! As matter of fact, it'd be nice if it floated around $2450! What should I do?! (Also, I'm still looking at spending 70 more bucks on a headset!) D-: Thanks for the help with this issue...it's a biggy, sort of. x'D (Can't spend what you don't have, ya know? ;-P)

P.S. I updated, nearly completely, up above. I updated the wattage on my PSU up to 600, just to be safe, and by doing so I saved 10 bucks! XD I also added a fan, just to ensure my system stays nice and cool. :-3 I had to throw in a power surge protector thingy as well... I have never seen one that meets my school's specifications until now; plus, it's cheaper than the one I was going to get--can't be that, no? Regretfully, I still haven't found a headset. I need a mic attached to it... Or at least, I think I do. Those stand-alone mics are...bleh. It just doesn't seem I am going to be able to get good sound with a mic. :-|

 

[PurdueRy]

You don't have to jump to a receiver based system right now. I was just stating that you could and the card would still work well with it. The Z-5300's are decent and would probably serve you well. Granted, the Z-5500's are much better. Sometimes you can find the occasional deal online having them for $250 or less.

The strength of the Claro is that it has a great analog circuitry and great digital capabilities. So for music and movies your gonna have some very kick ass sound.

I believe you said you weren't overclocking, Grab the Artic Cooling Freezer 7. Much cheaper, and just as quiet as the Zalman. It's also a great cooler

If you are going Vista, I would invest in the 64bit edition. The 32bit edition is going to be a dead end path not too long from now. Either that or stick with XP if you have that.