I have a $2,500US budget.

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Netu

Member
Aug 13, 2007
73
0
0
@PurdueRy: Well what do you think of the system I have purchased? I don't mind jumping to one right now. Is it OK? For the price, and the power, I sure think it is! :-D I love the Claro; that was a good call on your part--thanks for recommending it.

No, I'm not overclocking; however I am still highly considering it. If I do, though, I will be getting the X3220 processor. I'll go ahead and get the cooler you recommended, as it is cheaper, but if I do decide to go overclocking I'm not sure that's an option. Thanks for saving me a few bucks! :-D

No, I am not going to get the 64-bit edition. There are just too many complications regarding it. Those were answered earlier on in this thread by Piuc. If I ever need the 64-bit version, I can easily upgrade through Microsoft, which is what I will do. Thanks for the advice though, I still greatly appreciate it!

Thanks for everything; keep them posts coming! :-D
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: Netu
@PurdueRy: Well what do you think of the system I have purchased? I don't mind jumping to one right now. Is it OK? For the price, and the power, I sure think it is! :-D I love the Claro; that was a good call on your part--thanks for recommending it.

No, I'm not overclocking; however I am still highly considering it. If I do, though, I will be getting the X3220 processor. I'll go ahead and get the cooler you recommended, as it is cheaper, but if I do decide to go overclocking I'm not sure that's an option. Thanks for saving me a few bucks! :-D

No, I am not going to get the 64-bit edition. There are just too many complications regarding it. Those were answered earlier on in this thread by Piuc. If I ever need the 64-bit version, I can easily upgrade through Microsoft, which is what I will do. Thanks for the advice though, I still greatly appreciate it!

Thanks for everything; keep them posts coming! :-D

You can still OC on the Freezer 7. It's might not be AS good as the Zalman's or Thermalrights out there, but the price is tough to argue against. If you want to save $10 then buy it from here:

http://www.svc.com/acfzp7.html

Yes, the speakers you picked are good. I am sure you will like them.

You also have some rebates on the parts you picked so you may want to include those when calculating price.
 

Netu

Member
Aug 13, 2007
73
0
0
@PurdueRay: Oh, thanks! Another ten bucks saved... :-D I just hope it will ship as fast as NewEgg offers. Oh yeah, rebates! I didn't even think about that! Duh! You just saved me some trouble, lol!

The speakers are good? -Good-? I've never had anything better than LAPTOP speakers! These speakers are going to blow my boxers off! (That will -really- annoy my roommate!) These speakers better be flippin' -epic- for all the money I'm putting into them--coupled with the price of the soundcard and the power behind them both I am -sure- I am going to be more than impressed!

Thanks so much for saving me ten bucks. Thanks, even more, for your help audio-wise! You've been a real help when it comes to audio; before you I wasn't even going to get speakers nor an audiocard...just a headset and use onboard.

If anyone has any advice regarding switching to X3220 or not and overclocking, I'd appreciate hearing it. I've done quite a bit of research now regarding it, and it seems overclocking is the way to go. However it really kills the life expectancy of my parts. I'd like everything to last for at least 3 to 4 years (I know that's a long time, but I don't come across $2500US ever day...this is a real treat for someone like me).

Also, I'm still up in the air regarding a headset with a microphone... If anyone has come across a good one let me know.

Thanks again, and take care! :-D
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
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Originally posted by: Netu
@PurdueRay: Oh, thanks! Another ten bucks saved... :-D I just hope it will ship as fast as NewEgg offers. Oh yeah, rebates! I didn't even think about that! Duh! You just saved me some trouble, lol!

The speakers are good? -Good-? I've never had anything better than LAPTOP speakers! These speakers are going to blow my boxers off! (That will -really- annoy my roommate!) These speakers better be flippin' -epic- for all the money I'm putting into them--coupled with the price of the soundcard and the power behind them both I am -sure- I am going to be more than impressed!

Thanks so much for saving me ten bucks. Thanks, even more, for your help audio-wise! You've been a real help when it comes to audio; before you I wasn't even going to get speakers nor an audiocard...just a headset and use onboard.

If anyone has any advice regarding switching to X3220 or not and overclocking, I'd appreciate hearing it. I've done quite a bit of research now regarding it, and it seems overclocking is the way to go. However it really kills the life expectancy of my parts. I'd like everything to last for at least 3 to 4 years (I know that's a long time, but I don't come across $2500US ever day...this is a real treat for someone like me).

Also, I'm still up in the air regarding a headset with a microphone... If anyone has come across a good one let me know.

Thanks again, and take care! :-D

Headset:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...E16826106381&Tpk=PC155
 

Netu

Member
Aug 13, 2007
73
0
0
@PurdueRy: Thanks for trimming prices for me! You just lowered my total by a lot! I guess I'm nearly done thanks to you. :-D

Like I said, nearly done--any last recommendations or revamps? I am willing to completely change the system if it were worth it at this point. xD Just have good reasoning, of course.

I guess, really, if there is nothing else I will be hitting the buy button!

But if there is something else, please feel free to post or help. Here is the new list, and, I think, the final specs on my rig! (I am going to get a Logitech stand-alone mic., which should be fine.)

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 (Will probably purchase from Dell for 13 dollars and no shipping cheaper.)

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: Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model BL2KIT12864AA804
$109.99

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

Headset: SENNHEISER HD 485 3.5mm/ 6.3mm Connector Supra-aural Explore new sound dimensions Headphone
$79.99 (Will be getting a stand alone microphone some how. These headphones are just too good to pass up, I've decided. ;-P)

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: $2,345.83

Shipping: $59.99

Rebates: $-92.50

Grand Total: $2,313.32

So, that's about it unless there are any issues, etc. Thank you very much everyone for your help and input! It has helped me A LOT! :-D Take care, and good bye!
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
This will be the last time I trim the fat off your build I promise

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/Sku....hmx?scriteria=BA23383

You can get the Sennheiser HD555s from www.headphone.com from their B-stock for $89.99. They test their headphones to be defect free. It usually just means they were returned or the box got a ding in it.

I would favor this deal over the 485 IMO.

http://www.headphone.com/products/b-stock/


Also remember the heatsink is cheaper at www.svc.com. They are a great company.

Lastly, a word of advice. Even though the Logitech speakers are advertised as digital. Save the digital connection for a game system or DVD player. Use the analog connections from your sound card.

 

Piuc2020

Golden Member
Nov 4, 2005
1,716
0
0
Looks good, I still recommend the X3220 though, almost no reasons NOT to go with it (unless you can find a Q6600 for a lot cheaper).

And are you sure you need a monitor cable? Your videocard will have one already.

About the G7, are you sure you need wireless? The G5 has an extra thumb button and you don't have to go through batteries, then again, wireless mice feel really good so its up to you just remember you lose a thumb button by going with the G7.

Alright everything else looks purchase-ready to me now, make sure you post pictures and impressions when you are done building it
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
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Originally posted by: Piuc2020
Looks good, I still recommend the X3220 though, almost no reasons NOT to go with it (unless you can find a Q6600 for a lot cheaper).

And are you sure you need a monitor cable? Your videocard will have one already.

About the G7, are you sure you need wireless? The G5 has an extra thumb button and you don't have to go through batteries, then again, wireless mice feel really good so its up to you just remember you lose a thumb button by going with the G7.

Alright everything else looks purchase-ready to me now, make sure you post pictures and impressions when you are done building it

Good catch on the cable. His MONITOR comes with one, which I believe is what you intended on writing.

I wrote about the G5 vs G7 earlier in this thread. I assume he's pretty sold on the wireless.
 

Piuc2020

Golden Member
Nov 4, 2005
1,716
0
0
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Good catch on the cable. His MONITOR comes with one, which I believe is what you intended on writing.

I wrote about the G5 vs G7 earlier in this thread. I assume he's pretty sold on the wireless.

Yeah I meant monitor
 

Netu

Member
Aug 13, 2007
73
0
0
Wow, lot's of talk! Awesome! First, thanks for your input!

@PurdueRy: The headphones you recommended are uber leet; however they're 109 dollars. >,> So much for trimming! (Just kidding, it's fine...I'll spend more for the better quality. :-D) For heatsinks, are you referring to my fan...or? I know that's a silly question, but I'm just a bit confused, sorry. D-: Also, can you elaborate a bit more about the digital and analog connections? Should I not get this sound system? Is it...too much, or something? Sorry for my misunderstandings, I seem to have a lot of them this evening. :-|

@Piuc2020: That is a BEAST of a CPU. Man I want it! I was reading reviews and watched this one video of it overclocking Oblivion. I DROOLED on myself! It even showed the Q6600--no comparison in sight! I'm totally getting the X3220. It's much better; however pricey! D-: Do you know of anywhere I can it any cheaper than 400 bucks? :-/ Newegg is out of stock AND it's 399.99... That's fine...I'm willing to spend that much, but geezaloo. Oh! It does come with a link. ;-P I just didn't want to worry with having the information toggled back and forth between the two types...uhm...analog and digital, I think? (Hey! Is that what you're talking about Ry, regarding my sound system?)

You're right. I really do want wireless. Having a wire on your mouse is like forgetting to take a tag off your shirt and wearing it all day. :-/ It's just ~so~ much more comfortable with it... Can you blame me for thinking so, though? ;-P If you know the battery is crap or something, I guess I can go with the G5...but I'd like wireless, if possible.

Thank you so much Piuc2020 and PurueRy! You guys are great! :-D Everyone keep coming with advice etc. Also, I'll update the list and put it here for convenience. Thanks again!

UPDATE: http://www.ncix.com/products/i...3220&manufacture=Intel http://www.ncix.com/products/i...3220&manufacture=Intel Cheapest I can find it. ;-P
 

Piuc2020

Golden Member
Nov 4, 2005
1,716
0
0
I posted two links in one of my post where the X3220 is being sold for $299 (truth be told its the only reason I'm recommending it so wholeheartedly to you). Check them out.
 

Netu

Member
Aug 13, 2007
73
0
0
God bless you sir. :-D!!! <-- That's a really happy face, by the way. I'm getting it, the. Overclocking here I come! >

HUGE UPDATE (I am including links and everything! ^_^):

CASE: Antec P182 Gun Metal Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16811129025
$159.99

MOTHERBOARD: GIGABYTE GA-P35C-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16813128048
$154.99

CPU: Xeon - X3220 -2.4 Ghz Socket 775- L2 Cache - 8MB
Ain't gonna give you the link for this one. Mine, mine! ;-)
$299.99

POWER SUPPLY: OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI ATX12V 600W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16817341001
$119.99

OPERATING SYSTEM: Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16832116202
$111.99

HARD DRIVE: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16822148140
$79.99

FAN: Artic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro CPU Cooler LGA775
http://www.svc.com/acfzp7.html
$24.99

RAM: Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model BL2KIT12864AA804
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16820146565
$109.99

GRAPHICS CARD: EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16814130072
$529.99

SOUND CARD: HT OMEGA CLARO Plus+ 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16829271003
$174.99

MONITOR: LG L206WTY-BF Black 20" 2ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16824005096
$239.99

DVD-ROM: SAMSUNG 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write, LightScribe Technology Black SATA Model SH-S183L
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16827151141
$33.99

KEYBOARD: Logitech UltraX Silver/Black USB Standard Media Keyboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16823126022
$15.99

MOUSE: Logitech G7 Black 6 Buttons Tilt Wheel USB RF Wireless Laser Mouse
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16826104203
$67.99

SPEAKERS: Z-5500 Digital Speaker System
http://accessories.us.dell.com...dhs&cs=19&sku=A0405790
$279.00

HEADPHONES: Sennheiser HD 555
http://www.headphone.com/produ.../sennheiser-hd-555.php
$109.95

POWER STRIP: Kensington 62668 6 Outlets Power Strip
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?item=N82E16812120802
$11.99

Total I'll pay up front: $2525.80

Total after rebates, etc.: $2423.30

ISSUE: I won't have enough money in my bank account to go over $2500. I simply need to trim off 25 smackaroos. Should I just drop off something like the headphones right now, get a better cooling system, and get the headphones later?

Just a silly side story: So, I let a friend of mine, who didn't know I was building a machine, see these specs. He literally, and I mean literally, -screamed-. I showed them to him, he looked over them very, very maturely and stoically, and then he just screamed. Not like an "AAAAAH!" but more of an "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"--he was so excited that -I-, not even his own self, was getting such a good machine that he literally just felt the need to scream. He screamed, left his own room, and didn't come back for quite a few minutes. Nothing was said for quite some time, and finally we broke down and analyzed every part. He had one issue: "So, you're going to Hell in a handbasket." Me: "Why? Because I got such a good machine finally!?" "No. It's going to be so -hot- in your room it'll feel like Hell from this beast. Get better cooling."

Back to business: I think he might be right. *shrugs* I am going to overclock, he said he'd walk me through it if I had issues (even though I'll be hundreds of miles away from him soon). Should I consider getting better cooling? Even liquid cooling? (Note: I will be assembling this myself--it is the first machine, literally, that I will ever assemble on my own; thus, anything hazardous to my health or my machines should most likely be avoided.)

I am so close to being done finally~ It feels good. I got a memory stick from a friend for my digital camera so I can take pictures upon receiving this beast. (It'll be in about two weeks, I think. I'll make sure to re-post here. ;-P)

So, does anyone have any more advice, tips, tricks, or anything before I -do- buckle down and get ready to order?

P.S. Thanks, already, to those of you who have helped me and even those of you who still will. I will always appreciate it, and do.
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
*LINK DELETED BECAUSE I AM NICE*

I win

Now back to headphones and speakers. You missed what I was talking about with headphones:

http://www.headphone.com/products/b-stock/

Read that list under Sennheiser. You can get the HD555's for $89.99. They have checked them out so you know they'll be fine. Plus www.headphone.com is a good company. I would go for it for the increase in quality from the pair on your list. You have to contact them directly(directions are on that page) to buy the B-stock. But man, its a sweet deal.

In regards to the speakers. I was trying to keep the topic simple . But here we go. If you connect via digital, you will be using your speakers DAC(digital to analog converter). When you buy a sound card this is one of the things you pay the most money for. The quality of this has a lot to do with the end sound quality of your system. So, if you connect the OMEGA CLARO via digital to the speakers you will be a lot of what you paid for.

Now, the omega claro isn't like other sound cards. All creative sound cards cannot play surround sound that is not pre-encoded(games and some movie file formats) through the digital connection and still have it be surround sound. However, the omega claro can do this encoding on the fly. So it CAN give you game audio in surround sound through a digital connection. However, like I said before, you are bypassing what makes the omega claro so kick ass if you do this(bypassing the DAC). Most people have this mistaken idea that analog in inferior to digital. This is not the case here. For computers, the wires are short so noise is a nonissue typically and analog audio doesn't suffer compression.

If all that was like....whoosh, let me just say this again. The Z-5500's are great computer speakers. Just connect them via analog connections to your computer. This will give you the best audio quality possible. You can always use the remaining digital connections for things that don't typically have analog outputs for surround sound like game consoles or DVD players.

Hopefully this makes sense.

I should let you know that your rebate on the ram expires tomorrow. Its possible a new deal will emerge but if you want to take advantage of this, you should probably purchase very very soon.
 

Netu

Member
Aug 13, 2007
73
0
0
@PurdueRy: HOLY CRAP! That's so cheap! You, sir, do win indeed! *gives you medal!* Thank you, thank you, thank you! :-D! (Btw, if you read this, take that link down so they don't sell out between now and when I buy. Lol!)

Thank you for that -very, very- helpful explanation on DAC/analog. It actually wasn't like "whoosh", you are good at explaining things simply; I appreciate that a lot. I am intrigued that I should use analog. I have, like you said, heard that analog is inferior, but you certainly know your stuff, so there's no way I'll challenge ya on it. ;-P

I will be unable to purchase tomorrow, I fear, unless a miracle happens. I pray for miracles, but not for silly ones like a computer. Thus, I fear I'll have to find some other RAM, that, or just lose 30 bucks. I'm fine either way. xD I'm sure though I can find some other RAM, no big deal.

And yeah, I did miss what you said about the headphones! Haha! I'm such a noob. Anyway, I looked over that list and simply assumed I was to buy directly. I will do like you said contact them directly. Also, I'll browse around headphone.com and other sites to see if it's possible to go even cheaper.

Thank you again, PurdueRy, you're extremely helpful and thorough! I hope you get paid a lot at whatever you do! xD

Now, for another question, because I'm full of them, all regarding my system: Are there any compatibility issues (i.e. The motherboard, or something, won't fit in the case! Ack!)? Is that enough cooling for the entire system (I will be overclocking!)? And finally, do I have enough wattage (I'd hate to not even be able to -turn on- my system!)?

If those three questions all have good answers then I am set. (Except I will have to hold off on buying the headset until I get a bit more moneyz. ;_

Thanks again guys - and take care.
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: Netu
@PurdueRy: HOLY CRAP! That's so cheap! You, sir, do win indeed! *gives you medal!* Thank you, thank you, thank you! :-D! (Btw, if you read this, take that link down so they don't sell out between now and when I buy. Lol!)

Thank you for that -very, very- helpful explanation on DAC/analog. It actually wasn't like "whoosh", you are good at explaining things simply; I appreciate that a lot. I am intrigued that I should use analog. I have, like you said, heard that analog is inferior, but you certainly know your stuff, so there's no way I'll challenge ya on it. ;-P

I will be unable to purchase tomorrow, I fear, unless a miracle happens. I pray for miracles, but not for silly ones like a computer. Thus, I fear I'll have to find some other RAM, that, or just lose 30 bucks. I'm fine either way. xD I'm sure though I can find some other RAM, no big deal.

And yeah, I did miss what you said about the headphones! Haha! I'm such a noob. Anyway, I looked over that list and simply assumed I was to buy directly. I will do like you said contact them directly. Also, I'll browse around headphone.com and other sites to see if it's possible to go even cheaper.

Thank you again, PurdueRy, you're extremely helpful and thorough! I hope you get paid a lot at whatever you do! xD

Now, for another question, because I'm full of them, all regarding my system: Are there any compatibility issues (i.e. The motherboard, or something, won't fit in the case! Ack!)? Is that enough cooling for the entire system (I will be overclocking!)? And finally, do I have enough wattage (I'd hate to not even be able to -turn on- my system!)?

If those three questions all have good answers then I am set. (Except I will have to hold off on buying the headset until I get a bit more moneyz. ;_

Thanks again guys - and take care.

Your compatibility is fine. Also, you will be able to overclock. My personal recommendation would be to take it easy on this at first. At least until you really need more processing power(when the processor starts to get dated). You don't want to push your system too hard out of the gates and end up with no system at all

Yes, you have enough power. The OCZ isn't the BEST power supply out there(the Corsair 620 is a good deal better) but it should work fine. I would say go for the Corsair but your pushing your budget as is. Maybe a deal will emerge in the coming days however.

One thing I should mention is that the HD555's and many other headphones are "open". This means that others will be able to hear what you are listening to. If this is an issue look into the Sennheiser HD280's
 

Netu

Member
Aug 13, 2007
73
0
0
I don't even think I'll overclock to start with. I mean, heck, the first game I'm going to put on my computer is -Knights of the Old Republic-. That -won't- require overclocking. But, when I beat that, I'm going to Dark Messiah 2. I'll try overclocking a little with that, just to see what my machine can do. ;-) Isn't that the whole purpose in overclocking anyway? To see what beast you have forged from metal, steel, silicone, rubber, and plastic (and other random stuff)? >:-D *sadistic grin*

I will look up the Corsair 260. I might be able to manage some things. Heck, I might even run into some random money here soon. You know, lotteries and such (*sigh*).

Hmm... I ~usually~ don't keep my volume up too loud. But with such good quality, I might be tempted to. > *another sadistic grin* Hm, they're open, which is sort of a good thing. I mean, it'll keep my ears cool and comfortable. (Or at least more-so than closed.) Now, do the HD280's have just as good quality in your opinion? I will go with whatever has the best quality--my roommate can deal with it. XD! (When I'm done typing this I'll start looking into other headsets and such since I've realized how little I know about the audio side of things. That, and overclocking.)

Thanks again PurdueRy. You saved me an anxiety attack by knowing everything is in order regarding compatibility and power and such.

Take care.
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: Netu
I don't even think I'll overclock to start with. I mean, heck, the first game I'm going to put on my computer is -Knights of the Old Republic-. That -won't- require overclocking. But, when I beat that, I'm going to Dark Messiah 2. I'll try overclocking a little with that, just to see what my machine can do. ;-) Isn't that the whole purpose in overclocking anyway? To see what beast you have forged from metal, steel, silicone, rubber, and plastic (and other random stuff)? >:-D *sadistic grin*

I will look up the Corsair 260. I might be able to manage some things. Heck, I might even run into some random money here soon. You know, lotteries and such (*sigh*).

Hmm... I ~usually~ don't keep my volume up too loud. But with such good quality, I might be tempted to. > *another sadistic grin* Hm, they're open, which is sort of a good thing. I mean, it'll keep my ears cool and comfortable. (Or at least more-so than closed.) Now, do the HD280's have just as good quality in your opinion? I will go with whatever has the best quality--my roommate can deal with it. XD! (When I'm done typing this I'll start looking into other headsets and such since I've realized how little I know about the audio side of things. That, and overclocking.)

Thanks again PurdueRy. You saved me an anxiety attack by knowing everything is in order regarding compatibility and power and such.

Take care.

The 280's aren't quite as good as the 555's. They are also known to "clamp" to your head much tighter than the 555's. I would go with the 555's if being open isn't an issue. You might consider purchasing items from stores where you are only buying one thing from(i.e. Z-5500's from dell) so that some of the better deals on this list of yours don't go bye bye. Just an idea if you can.

Enjoy
 

Netu

Member
Aug 13, 2007
73
0
0
@PurdueRy: I read the review on the 555's. They are open, but they are good for their price--real good, at that. I will get them, I think. The only problem, I've decided, is that I am probably going to use my headphones quite a lot, and I'd like them to be...well...better. I'd actually would consider, and probably would, getting a worser sound system for a better headset.

I would -love- to go ahead and buy some things. -Especially- those already-great deals that are running out! Issue: It's funny how grants work? You get a nice letter: "Congrats, son! You are doing not-crappy and stuff so we're giving you moneyz and stuffz!" And then you contact your bank about processing the refund (because, you know, receiving a grant is perfectly and logically a refund. ._.). And finally the lady tells you: "Oh, right, well send us X, Y, and Z and we'll get you your money at the beginning of the beginning of the next semester." I simply say: "But...the check is right here. Can't I just cas---" "No. August 21st will be the earliest you will receive your money. Have a good day, sir."

So, I sulk, etc., and waddle back home to my Dell Inspiron 1300.

Again, thanks for the advice. Also, any heads-up regarding sound system versus headphones (maybe even ones with a mic?) would be greatly appreciated.
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: Netu
@PurdueRy: I read the review on the 555's. They are open, but they are good for their price--real good, at that. I will get them, I think. The only problem, I've decided, is that I am probably going to use my headphones quite a lot, and I'd like them to be...well...better. I'd actually would consider, and probably would, getting a worser sound system for a better headset.

I would -love- to go ahead and buy some things. -Especially- those already-great deals that are running out! Issue: It's funny how grants work? You get a nice letter: "Congrats, son! You are doing not-crappy and stuff so we're giving you moneyz and stuffz!" And then you contact your bank about processing the refund (because, you know, receiving a grant is perfectly and logically a refund. ._.). And finally the lady tells you: "Oh, right, well send us X, Y, and Z and we'll get you your money at the beginning of the beginning of the next semester." I simply say: "But...the check is right here. Can't I just cas---" "No. August 21st will be the earliest you will receive your money. Have a good day, sir."

So, I sulk, etc., and waddle back home to my Dell Inspiron 1300.

Again, thanks for the advice. Also, any heads-up regarding sound system versus headphones (maybe even ones with a mic?) would be greatly appreciated.

the HD555's will best any of the headsets out there. As for better...I suppose you would be stepping up into the HD595 or HD650's. That's a big jump in price however. I would stick with the deal on the 555's for $90. It's just too big a price jump to justify the quality increase IMO.

But if you determine you want better, reduce the speakers to the Z5300 and then take the headphones up. However, I think you will find the HD555s are very capable headphones.
 

Netu

Member
Aug 13, 2007
73
0
0
@PurdueRy: Then I think we're decided! Now it's just time to wait...

However, if anyone still has any advice, or changes to be made to my current rig, have at me. If you don't like the way something even -looks- (i.e. the case, for example), go ahead and tell me. I appreciate any input, big or small. Heck, even correct my grammar like that first guy did! xD Input is helpful, and I feel I may be...-listening to too few people-. ;-P Now, these guys know what they're talking about, for sure, but more opinions will keep my options open, and will hopefully produce the best machine possible for my money--and that is -very- important.

Thanks again Purdue and everyone. I'll post back if anything changes. (And, if there isn't anything else, I'll post back with happy pictures of me assembling this bad boy! :-D)
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: Netu
@PurdueRy: Then I think we're decided! Now it's just time to wait...

However, if anyone still has any advice, or changes to be made to my current rig, have at me. If you don't like the way something even -looks- (i.e. the case, for example), go ahead and tell me. I appreciate any input, big or small. Heck, even correct my grammar like that first guy did! xD Input is helpful, and I feel I may be...-listening to too few people-. ;-P Now, these guys know what they're talking about, for sure, but more opinions will keep my options open, and will hopefully produce the best machine possible for my money--and that is -very- important.

Thanks again Purdue and everyone. I'll post back if anything changes. (And, if there isn't anything else, I'll post back with happy pictures of me assembling this bad boy! :-D)

I also should mention the AKG 701's to give other companies some props. They are great for the money. However, again it is a HUGE price jump from the $90 HD555's

http://www.abesofmaine.com/ite...1&id=AKGK701&l=BIZRATE
 

Netu

Member
Aug 13, 2007
73
0
0
@PurdueRy: Holy crap! O_O Those are...Wow!

That is quite the price jump...but I am just unsure if it is worth it. That website doesn't exactly give a lot of details, but I am looking more up now. Maybe a better headset is indeed an option I should consider.

P.S. Interesting site: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2

P.S. Hm! I may have found my solutions: http://www.headphonereviews.org/ It would seem that the HD280 Pro's and HD595's are at the top of the line, currently. I'm currently reading reviews on them both. The Pro's price range is acceptable, for sure, too--especially if I buy refurbished or used.
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: Netu
@PurdueRy: Holy crap! O_O Those are...Wow!

That is quite the price jump...but I am just unsure if it is worth it. That website doesn't exactly give a lot of details, but I am looking more up now. Maybe a better headset is indeed an option I should consider.

P.S. Interesting site: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2

P.S. Hm! I may have found my solutions: http://www.headphonereviews.org/ It would seem that the HD280 Pro's and HD595's are at the top of the line, currently. I'm currently reading reviews on them both. The Pro's price range is acceptable, for sure, too--especially if I buy refurbished or used.

I would agree that the 595's are a bit better than the 555's. However, the 280 pros are not better, unless you, as I said before, need sealed headphones. Neither is top of the line. As both would be bested by the 650's or the AKG's I linked to.

The 555's, 595's and 280s are all good for their price point however.
 

8steve8

Member
Oct 7, 2005
143
0
0
as a very experienced builder, I would change alot

the lcd you linked to, from test results of its older brother the l226wq , probably has substantial input lag, which is not something you want for games.
it is not easy to find lcds that have almost no input lag, but I think in general you should avoid displays that have response time conpensation... that is... the ones that claim 2ms response times... those aren't real... they are 5ms response time displays with added circuitry to eliminate blur... this circuirtry takes time and concequently delays the image before it reaches your eyes... obviously not good if you are playing a fast paced game where things like twitch are important.

that ram is shit, it requires 2.1v just to operate, get 1.8V ram. this might start a flame war, but seriously, Jedec spec is 1.8V for ddr2.... so people like crucial and corsair over-volt the chips to achieve better timmings or frequencies... obviously this lessens the life of the component.... and in my expeirence, if you wanna overclock you can take a 1.8v dimm and get great performance out of it by upping the voltage... specifically i would recommend the mushkin heatsink-less 1.8v ddr2-800 2x1gb kit currently at newegg for like $92.. maybe get 2 of them for 4GB of ram.

skip on the wireless mouse,,, annoying to worry about batteries and when they die mid-game... you lose. plus performance is never 100% of a wired mouse, something crucial for games. I use a microsoft laser 6000 mouse, and love it,, but lots of choices out there... just get one that's wired.

new motherboards have hi-def onboard... try it out before you dish out almost $200 on that audio card... they can be very high quality and almost free. not all hi-def chips are created equal, id have to check on that gigabyte, but the p965-dq6 board used a realtek chip, probabaly the worst hi-def chip out there. choose a p35/g33 motherboard with good onboard audio.

the speakers you chose have a digital input... so you wont see any difference in sound quality between the $200 soundcard, and onboard audio.

if you don't wanna overclock, and really ... well given your situation i'd say dont bother, you can afford a fast quad-core chip and never worry about stability.
well as i was saying, if you dont wanna overclock look at these motherboards:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813121314
or http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813121316
both about the same except one is a g33 board, has onboard video,, and is matx... onboard video is useful once in awhile if your video card is having trouble or whatever,, anyway its free and you wont be using it 99% of the time.
the thing about these intel boards is quality.
startec hd-audio (very nice)
intel gigabit ethernet (best in class)
texas instruments firewire (best in class)
these boards.. when a new bios is out, comes in the form of an executable... that u can run in all flavors of windows including vista64.. and itll just upgrade your bios,, no running around for special utility programs or floppy disks... also comes in bootable iso and bootable usb key... so , well thats ideal.

anyway the os.. get windows vista ultimate x64... its better.. maybe not a lot better than 32-bit but, it is better.




the hard drive, seagate 7200.10... why? its slow and not too quiet.

get the samsung T166 500GB sata drive for $110... its the quietest one around also faster than the seagate
or get the hitachi T7k500 drive... for $105 from zzf... its the fastest non-raptor around, also quieter than the seagate and also has 166GB platters.


the heatsink-fan that comes with the xeon is pretty good, very quiet... unless your overclocking or have some wierd case that doesnt have ventalation,,, or live on the sun, you do not need an aftermarket cpu cooler... stick with stock, at least at first, its really not a bad cooler... very quiet.


 
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