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| Motherboards, Networking and Misc Forum Need the newest 4-in-1s? Some nForce drivers? some other driver you need? |
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May 31, 2005, 06:29 AM
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DriverHeaven Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
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Some advice needed on future computer purchase
anyone have an educated guess as to how much the r520 card will cost when it comes out? Hopefully no more than $600 each. This is relevent to the main topic...not off topic.
I am planning to buy a new computer later this year due to certain unexpected events...i have another thread that discusses my problem, which isnt quite solved yet...to put it short, the fan on my Radeon 9800 Pro fell off about 5 days ago, and cant play any games...well, I could, but would get a VPU crash within 15-30 seconds due to overheating. So...my question is this: Is Monarch Computer's a reputable place to buy an entire custom system at a reasonable price and good tech support? According to reseller ratings, they are WAY up there, but would like to hear from other people. Alienware and Falcon NW are WAY overpriced, and ABS computers doesnt give as many options as I would like. I would like to buy the following...when they come out, and am assuming an estimate of about 3-3.5k...AMD Athlon X2 4800+, Crossfire motherboard, 2 r520's, 550 watt power supply-Antec, a thermaltake case, 2GB 400 MHz DDR, 200 GB seagate HD, and the 3 24/7 tech support and onsite warranty, and the rest are just other basic but necessary things. I realize that I will be paying a premium for all of this, but plan for this to last at least 4 years, if not longer   Currently, Monarch Computers www.monarchcomputer.com seems like has quite reasonable prices, and a HUGE selection of every single computer component. On a side note, I do not want anyone suggesting that I build my own computer instead of buying one custom made from an online company. And hopefully nobody will recommend a lower quality, 99% premade computer company with 80+% generic parts with outsourced tech support who send you from one computer illiterate tech support person to the next, to the next, etc. 2 companies should instantly come to mind, one has all the properties, the other has most...Dell and Gateway. I dont mean to be rude, but I find both these companies to have less than adequate parts and tech support due to experience with them both. Used to have a Dell, now I have a Gateway, with a case that is poorly designed, and has a tendency to get very hot inside. So...any suggestions with companies that make custom made computer's? or is Monarch a good place? |
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May 31, 2005, 07:06 AM
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Lurking DriverHeaven
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If you live in the continental US, i say you check out PC Club. And with the store locator, you can find the PC Club store closest to you. And with PC Club's wide variety of desktop systems, there is no possible way for you to go wrong
 , especially because you can modify the system you choose any way you want pretty much . If you feel ordering these systems online is too much of a hassle, then you can walk into any of our stores and we will custom build a computer to your needs and wants . If you have any computer problems you can bring in your computer in and we will fix it. We'll even fix name brand computers (yes, that means Dells, HPs, Compaqs, eMachines, Gateways, etc.)
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May 31, 2005, 07:54 AM
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HardwareHeaven Extreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna
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Ahem.
Take this as I type it. Monarch Computers does a good job when they make their custom units. Sometimes better than just 'good'. Having said that... they do have 1 downfall: dealing with their sales reps will make you think twice about buying from them. They are only interested in making the sale, and can be quite rude (sometimes down right abusive), especially if you question anything they say about what parts you want.. or rather what they want to sell you. Once you get passed them though it's a whole different story. Alienware would be the first place I'd look to get a custom PC from. A bit expensive, but well worth the money in both support and quality. VoodooPC would also be right behind them. -Tip
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 Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick. |
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May 31, 2005, 08:22 AM
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I know you don't want to- but you should open up to the idea of building it yourself- is very easy. People here can help with any questions and you will save at least 1000 dollars, probably way more- on top of that you will end up with a PC far beyond the quality of most any prebuilt.
I get the idea people think it is much more difficult than it is to build a PC.. Just out of curiosity, why is it that you don't want to build it yourself?
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May 31, 2005, 08:52 AM
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Thread Starter
#5
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DriverHeaven Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
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I dont want to build a computer myself for a few reasons...
1. I am afraid that I will make a simple, but critical error while putting everything together that will damage some of the components. This can include miswiring, static electricity damaging a component, buying and putting in incompatable components that may ruin the system, etc. Im just way too cautious. 2. I dont really have all the time in the world to learn how to put together a computer for the first time. Actually, thats not a big excuse I guess. Might as well learn this summer after College is out...In a bit less than 2 weeks. Might as well take apart and put together an old computer...maybe my old 800 MHz Pentium 3 :P Better to learn with old components that I dont care about than new ones that would cost an arm and a leg to replace if i make a mistake. 3. When I look at all the parts needed for a computer, I kind of get confused: Which motherboards are the most stable, provide the highest performence, have the best/most features. How do I attach a motherboard to the case safely, is the ram compatable with the motherboard what is the fastest ram out there when there are so many brands, and they mostly seem the same. How do I make sure that all my components are properly cooled? what case not only looks good on the outside, but provides enough air circulation to allow for proper cooling on the inside? Do the cases come with the fans, or do I have to buy them and attach them to the case? what is so different between the type of case and the motherboard that can be in it...aka ATX, E-ATX, BTX? How do I know if a power supply is good or not, regardless of how many watts it provides? Do I have to look at the voltages the power supply supports too? Thats all the questions that I can really think of that regard compatability, since hard drives, video cards, cd/dvd roms/rw's have very few compatability problems that I am REALLY worried about. |
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May 31, 2005, 09:14 AM
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Thread Starter
#6
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DriverHeaven Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
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Also, around what price do you think I would be able to get that dream sytem of mine if I built it myself? I'm currently planning to give an arm and a leg for a very high performence gaming PC. To me, an arm and a leg for a PC = $3000 to $3500, since I know that I will be paying a premium on the components...new technology...AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+, crossfire w/2 R520's, 2 GB ram...1 GB per stick, etc. If what you say is true, and it will save me 1k, then I might use some of that money to get a new sound system...only have a Klipsch Promedia 4.1...Might as well upgrade to the Klipsch Promedia Ultra 5.1, and possibly get an LCD...though I still dont trust LCD's. Once it is guaranteed that there will be absolutely NO dead pixel's ever, no burn in, no ghosting, and has a contrast ratio greater than or equal to a plasma TV, and has a lifetime at least as long as the average CRT, only then will I be willing to buy one. Unfortuately, the LCD I am describing will probably never exist, and will require new technology to meet all of those factors. Oh well...I can dream
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May 31, 2005, 09:27 AM
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HardwareHeaven Extreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna
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I see your point. We take for granted what can be a daunting task for others. It's easier for me to send something back to my supplier, than it is for someone like yourself who'd have to wait weeks. I have the luxury of trying parts, and can easily get rid of them if they suck.
Just remember, when you do decide on a company make sure to ask quesetions.. lots of them. Ask about the warranty, the parts they are using, upgradability, how customizable is it (can you pick a different brand/part?), extended warranty, will you void the warranty if you replace/add a part on your own (this is an important one to ask btw.. some companies will say your warranty is void from you just opening your PC to clean the dust out), the procedure for getting service (important for online companies.. some might require you to fork over the money for shipping back and fourth), that sort of thing. If possible, see if they can email you a parts list, and Google for writeups on them as most companies will either buy parts in bulk, or will buy really dirt cheap parts. I've seen a lot of companies selling great machines, but skimp out on individual parts.. like a $3000 gaming rig that has a Samsung POS hard drive. They do this cuz they can make $20-100 more. That is not only insulting to me as a dealer, but also as a buyer. It's just plain wrong. So, be sure to ask whatever questions you need to. It is, afterall, an investment. That's all I can really say. Happy hunting! Oh, and as for money? Personally, I wouldn't go past $3000 including monitor. Just remember to research the parts as a $3000 machine might only be worth $2500. Then again, it all depends on what you think it's worth. -Tip
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Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick. Last edited by Tipstaff; May 31, 2005 at 09:33 AM. |
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May 31, 2005, 10:18 AM
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Well skyfire, if you are asking all those questions, which are the right questions, I think you could do it. When I built my first PC, the only thing I hadn't done before was install a CPU, so I got a mobo/CPU combo and built the rest myself. When I upgraded the CPU I couldn't believe how easy it was..
Today I think it is easier to build a PC than it ever was, no worrying about jumpers on the mobo etc.. and setting up the BIOS is probably also easier than ever, maybe more options now, but a lot of things that used to be handled by jumpers on the mobo are now all easy as pie to adjust in the mobo BIOS. For 3500 bucks, you could build a sweet system.. I would go with a big fat high res, high refresh rate CRT. Probably eat into your budget, but so would a top of the line LCD. I understand the time thing, but the rest would probably be no problem. Let's say you want to go with a company like NewEgg, they have a really good return policy, so you would probably be safe there.. and you could get a great deal on all your parts. Which motherboards are the most stable, provide the highest performance, have the best/most features. If you are building a crossfire system, you won't have to worry about that- I am sure you will find a good one. How do I attach a motherboard to the case safely, is the ram compatible with the motherboard Easy to do- and the ram compatibility depends on what you choose for a mobo. but asking around you will get a lot of different views. Now days it is easy to figure out what type of ram is compatible with what mobo- even as easy as going to the mobo manufacturers website. What brand ram is another story, but there are 5 or 6 major brands for performance ram that all make very good stuff. what is the fastest ram out there when there are so many brands, and they mostly seem the same. Memory timing is what to look for when building an AMD based system generally- and max top speed with loose timings is what most people want for Intel based systems. (for overclocking) When you start choosing components like the mobo- you can make one post here and get a good idea of what you should buy. How do I make sure that all my components are properly cooled? Big heatsinks, big fans. Use good thermal paste on the CPU- I like Arctic Silver Ceramique. http://www.arcticsilver.com/ceramique.htm read this- you will know more than most about thermal paste application. http://www.arcticsilver.com/ceramique_instructions.htm what case not only looks good on the outside, but provides enough air circulation to allow for proper cooling on the inside? There are so many great cases out there today. I like Antec cases. Get one with 120mm fans- slower and quieter- with more airflow.. can't beat that. Check out the review Zardon did on that Silverstone case.. it's sweet. http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews/temjin_tj03/ Do the cases come with the fans, or do I have to buy them and attach them to the case? Some do some don't, but they are very easy to attach- and if they don't come with them you can always choose your own fans, which is also good. what is so different between the type of case and the motherboard that can be in it...aka ATX, E-ATX, BTX? Different standards- ATX current (or old) standard. E-ATX smaller standard BTX- new standard BTX article http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=1876&p=2 Remember anything you have questions about you can punch in to google and learn more than you will ever need to know about. How do I know if a power supply is good or not, regardless of how many watts it provides? Think Name brand. The PSU is one place you do not want to skimp out on. There are a bunch of great ones out there. Antec, Enermax, OCZ, etc, etc, etc.. Do I have to look at the voltages the power supply supports too? It's all pretty much standard. a 12v rail, a 5v rail and a 3.3v rail are the basics. Some PSU's have dual 12v rails now- one for the CPU and one for the rest of the stuff. It all depends on what system you build for compatibility. You will need a nice one if you are building a Crossfire system. 550 watt, 600watt maybe. I think the hardest part about building a PC is the front connector panel, plugging in the front LEDs for HD activity and power, and the power and reset buttons. And that isn't hard at all. The rest is just plug and play basically. You can use a wrist strap so you don't shock any of the components- it grounds you to the case or part you are working on, so that there won't be a static shock when you touch it. Or you can just simply touch the case (a metal part) right before you touch any component attached. I have been doing that for years and have never killed any part. Of course this problem is worse when it is really dry- low humidity.. If it is in the middle of summer and humid out, you run little risk of shocking anything anyway. Still, wearing a wrist strap or touching the case before touching anything is a good idea. Maybe building a PC is not for you, but I bet you could do it no problem, and learn a few things in the process. I know one thing, if you shell out a huge wad of cash for a pre-built machine.. and then want to start replacing parts down the road, you are going to kick yourself for not building it yourself, because you will realize how easy it is to. The case form factor depends on the mobo- if the mobo is a BTX, get a BTX case, etc. It will be either ATX or BTX. I am not sure yet what those new Crossfire capable mobo's are.
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May 31, 2005, 10:34 AM
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DriverHeaven Extreme Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
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I understand the fear of building your first pc. Hell, it took me 7+ hrs to build the one I'm currently using, because I kept reading and re-reading the instructions, plus checking stuff to make sure that they were fine before moving on. But I gained most of my knowledge from mainly tinkering inside my old pc which was from Alienware and of course reading up on stuff on the net. Good luck with your decision
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May 31, 2005, 10:22 PM
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#10 |
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HardwareHeaven Extreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
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Holy crap B 'dubya' X. Nice post.
-Tip
__________________
Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick. |
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May 31, 2005, 11:01 PM
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#11 | |
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unplugged
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Quote:
 If I can get one guy building his own PC's- my mission for the day is done :-)
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Jun 1, 2005, 03:52 AM
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Thread Starter
#12
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DriverHeaven Junior Member
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After doing LOTS of research at Newegg, I think I have an OK estimate as to how much an AMD TOP of the line machine would cost, should I get it all at Newegg. Since Crossfire and the R520's arent out yet, I selected an SLI setup for a rough estimate of the cost of a crossfire setup...Here are all the parts I selected. This is just a copy/paste of all the components and their costs. In the end, it was just a few hundred dollars less, not $1000 less than I was planning on spending. However, these are just to give me a rough estimate of the costs required for all the necessary, but top of the line components. My favorite, but hardest choice to make was to choose a case that was compatable with ATX motherboards, since AMD only has ATX and ATX micro, not E-ATX, or BTX...BTX isnt supposed to be supported by AMD until 2007 or so I heard. At the Thermaltake website, it said that the case was compatable with ATX, BTX, E-ATX, etc. but Newegg said it was only compatable with E-ATX. Also, this case I guess was designed to allow for water cooling too, but I would rather stick to the mundane fan/heatsink cooling method.
Does this look like an overpriced setup? This FX-55 is about $200 more expensive than the other FX-55's because of 1 reason...its built on the 90nm process, not hte 130nm process...its based on the new San Diego core, not the Clawhammer core. Anyways, Here is what I chose. Please pick out anything that might be unnecessary at will Im not getting this system, Im just using it as a test example of what I would choose based upon my current knowledge of computers. The RAM has the lowest timings I could find, and were cheaper than Crucial memory. timings were 2-3-2-5...very low, but the ram lacks ECC and is unbuffered, which I dont know if it really makes that much of a difference. So...what are you waiting for? Start criticizing this system Point out any flaws or mistakes I might have made with compatability, or products that are low quality, etc.  [color=#0000ff]AMD-compatible Motherboards[/color] Qty.Product DescriptionUnit PriceSavingsTotal Price [color=#0000ff]Update[/color] [color=#800080]BIOSTAR N4SLI-A9 Socket 939 nForce4CK8-04 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail[/color] Model #: N4SLI-A9 $129.00 [color=#0000ff]ATX Computer Cases[/color] Qty.Product DescriptionUnit PriceSavingsTotal Price [color=#0000ff]Update[/color] [color=#0000ff]THERMALTAKE Kandalf VA9000BWS Black Aluminum/Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail[/color] Model #: VA9000BWS $185.50 [color=#0000ff]CD/DVD Burners (RW Drives)[/color] Qty.Product DescriptionUnit PriceSavingsTotal Price [color=#800080]Update[/color] [color=#0000ff]ASUS Black IDE DVD Burner Model DRW-1608P BLACK - Retail[/color] x2 Model #: DRW-1608P BLACK $136.00 for 2 [color=#0000ff]Internal Hard Drives[/color] Qty.Product DescriptionUnit PriceSavingsTotal Price [color=#0000ff]Update[/color] [color=#0000ff]Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 ST3200822A 200GB 7200 RPM IDE Ultra ATA100 Hard Drive - OEM[/color] Model #: ST3200822A $107.00 [color=#0000ff]Memory - System[/color] Qty.Product DescriptionUnit PriceSavingsTotal Price [color=#0000ff]Update[/color] [color=#0000ff]OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered Dual Channel Platinum System Memory Model OCZ4002048ELDCPE-K - Retail[/color] Model #: OCZ4002048ELDCPE-K $305.53 [color=#0000ff]Operating Systems[/color] Qty.Product DescriptionUnit PriceSavingsTotal Price [color=#0000ff]Update[/color] [color=#0000ff]Microsoft Windows XP Professional 64BIT Edition 1 package - OEM[/color] Model #: ZAT-00007 $145.95 [color=#0000ff]Power Supplies[/color] Qty.Product DescriptionUnit PriceSavingsTotal Price [color=#0000ff]Update[/color] [color=#0000ff]ASPIRE ATX-AS520W BLACK ATX 520W Power Supply - Retail[/color] Model #: ATX-AS520W BLACK $55.00 [color=#0000ff]Processors[/color] Qty.Product DescriptionUnit PriceSavingsTotal Price [color=#0000ff]Update[/color] [color=#0000ff]AMD Athlon 64 FX55 San Diego 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor Model ADAFX55BNBOX - Retail[/color] Model #: ADAFX55BNBOX $981.00 [color=#0000ff]Video Cards & Related Devices[/color] Qty.Product DescriptionUnit PriceSavingsTotal Price [color=#0000ff]Update[/color] [color=#0000ff]XFX PVT45FYDF2 Geforce 6800Ultra 512MB GDDR3 PCI-Express x16 Video Card - Retail[/color] x2 Model #: PVT45FYDF2 $1,198.00 for 2 Subtotal:$3,242.98 Shipping:$59.79 Total: $3,302.77 |
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Jun 1, 2005, 03:56 AM
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Thread Starter
#13
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DriverHeaven Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
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keep in mind that I am not going to buy this system...I just want to make sure that I have the right idea as to what parts are in a system, if the parts I chose are quality, if I am missing any parts to the system, etc. I dont need to include a sound card because Im just planning on putting in my old sound card into the new computer...whenever I decide to build/buy it. Its an Audigy 2 ZS Gamer
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Jun 1, 2005, 03:57 AM
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Thread Starter
#14
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DriverHeaven Junior Member
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In addition to that, I plan to have a Crossfire setup with duel R520's
so it will still be a few months before I actually build/buy a computer. So I will have some time to learn how to put one together at least with my old computers
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Jun 1, 2005, 04:00 AM
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Thread Starter
#15
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DriverHeaven Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
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1 more question BWX...how many hundreds of hours did you spend posting to get past the 11k post limit? since you have been registered for less than 3 years? LOL
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Jun 1, 2005, 04:24 AM
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#16 |
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DriverHeaven Addict
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Hey, that sounds like you have a pretty decent system figured in. I would just like to voice that building a computer is a lot easier than it looks. I just built my first computer from scratch last week. It took me all afternoon just to put the parts together because I read the manual for the motherboard just about from cover to cover and the directions for my case as well... lol. But in the end it was well worth it. Earlier this month my sister got a Dell and it cost over 2k... my computer is faster than hers and set me back only about 1k. BTW, I did get all my parts from newegg.com.
Anyway, I just wanted to share with you what my system is... it's no where near as nice as the system you are talking about building but it's pretty formative for a college student nonetheless. I went with the Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe motherboard Athlon 64 3200+ Venice core because it supposidly OC's pretty well and it cheaper than the 3500+ I also chose corsair XMS memory I think the rest of my system is in my signature. It sounds like you know just as much if not more about computers than I do, and If i can successfully build a computer then you can too. (I am having a slight issue with the USB ports on my computer though... but they do work without fail... just slower than they are supposed to... so if anyone can help me with that I would be greatful) Good luck with whatever system you choose to buy
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[COLOR=gray][COLOR=red]CPU:[/COLOR] AMD Opteron 165 CCBBE @ 2.8Ghz [COLOR=gray][COLOR=red]Motherboard:[/COLOR] DFI nF4 SLI-DR Expert[/COLOR] [COLOR=red]Memory:[/COLOR] 2gb G.Skill F1-4000USU2-2 [COLOR=red]Video:[/COLOR] Asus 7900GT TOP @ 700/1700 [COLOR=red]Sound:[/COLOR] Modded X-Fi Elite Pro [COLOR=red]HD:[/COLOR] 2x Seagate 250Gb RAID 0, 1 Seagate 320Gb [COLOR=red]Optical Drives:[/COLOR] Sony DVD-Rom, Plextor 16x DVD DL RW [COLOR=red]Case:[/COLOR] CM Stacker [COLOR=red]PSU:[/COLOR] PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610 [COLOR=red]Cooling:[/COLOR] Custom Water [COLOR=yellow][COLOR=red]Keyboard/Mouse:[/COLOR] [/COLOR]Saitec Eclipse & Logitech MX518 with a Razer ExactMat mouse pad [COLOR=red]Sound:[/COLOR] Modded X-fi > Soloz Audio Silver IC > Maxed PIMETA > Beyer DT 770 Pro/80 cans [COLOR=red]HTPC:[/COLOR] [/COLOR][COLOR=gray]AMD 3800X2[/COLOR][COLOR=gray], Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe, G.Skill 2GB DDR400, MSI 6600GT, Haupauge PVR150, SB [/COLOR][COLOR=gray]Audigy 2ZS[/COLOR][COLOR=gray], Samsung 16x DVD DL RW, Sunbeam Nuuo PSU, Antec P180 case, AC Freezer64 Pro, Viewsonic N2750w LCD HDTV Heatware eBay [/COLOR] |
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Jun 1, 2005, 05:19 AM
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Thread Starter
#17
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DriverHeaven Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
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Hmm...USB ports that are slower than they are supposed to be. 1 simple but obvious question...Are those USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 ports? that might be the problem. If they are USB 2.0 ports, then I wouldnt be able to help you with that, but Im sure that someone as knowledgable about computers as BWX wouldnt have much of a problem.
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Jun 1, 2005, 05:20 AM
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Thread Starter
#18
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DriverHeaven Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
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hmm...I just went from being a DriverHeaven Newbie to a Junior Member
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Jun 1, 2005, 05:24 AM
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Jun 1, 2005, 05:28 AM
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Thread Starter
#20
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DriverHeaven Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
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since you joined in Nov 2002, and its now May 31, a rough estimate of days you have posted is 940 days, with 11028 posts, which is approx. 11 posts per day
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Jun 1, 2005, 05:37 AM
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Thread Starter
#21
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DriverHeaven Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
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anyways...back on topic
criticize the setup I made...any problems, tell me. This is nothing more than an example setup...since I am waiting for 3 things to be released before I decide to build/buy my computer...AMD X2 4800+, ATI Crossfire, and the R520...aka Fudo I am just hoping that the duel core processor and high end crossfire setup with the newest cards at a premium cost wont cost more than the SLI configuration I posted
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Jun 1, 2005, 05:45 AM
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#22 |
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LOL- yup- about sums it up.
Anyway- you're on the right track man. I think you could get a better PSU.. maybe a higher end motherboard. I like your ram choice, but there may be a better choice once you know exactly what mobo you are gonna get, maybe not.. prices change daily on that stuff. I haven't been serious about buying any major PC components (or a whole system) for a while as you can tell by my system, so I would have to investigate a little before I give you any specifics. By the time Crossfire comes out, your path will be clear. People that actually already own the system you want to build, or one similar will be the best people to ask. And believe me you will get a very clear picture of what you will want to get. You'll see what I mean. There will be reviews of the major players, one will jump out at you that has the best price, for the most features/ speed/ reliability... etc.. And that will be your mobo. As soon as you figure out what motherboards are available for crossfire, then go from there. It will take very little time to make your wish-list. Then maybe do a couple days of researching, reading reviews, asking questions. And them start spending. Once you get your stuff, read all the manuals, 4 times. Then read them 2 more times. Then take Case out of the box, install your mobo, etc etc.. If you decide to build this PC, you're gonna be a lot better off. And acquire a new skill. Plus save a lot of money, and have a MUCH better PC that will last for years. It is nice to know you picked out the PSU, the thermal paste, the heatsink (if you don't use the stock one).. you will know where every nut, bolt, wire, and component is in there.. And know you got the best of every single piece that you could or wanted to afford. Instead of saying, "look what I bought", you will be saying "look what I built".. a big difference. It sounds like I changed you mind! Now go fix that 9800pro while you are waiting. You can have it fixed by then end of the week, or 2 days from now if you order the fan tomorrow and get next day shipping. All you need is a replacement fan, and a screwdriver. I bet it will still work fine after you stick a new fan on there. Does your 9800pro look like this? link *signing off*
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Last edited by BWX; Jun 1, 2005 at 05:51 AM. |
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Jun 1, 2005, 05:50 AM
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#23 |
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DriverHeaven Addict
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 362
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Well to answer a few questions... Yes they are supposed to be USB 2.0 I posed a separate thread on this issue so if anyone can help me with that then you can reply to that one http://www.hardwareheaven.com/motherboards-networking-misc-forum/76065-please-help-asus-a8n-sli-deluxe-usb-issue.html here.
as far as the computer you're looking at goes... I've read a few reviews that all claim gaming will not see a real boost from dual core processors for quite some time so you might want to check into that. there is no sense in spending extra money if it won't play your games any better. With the motherboard you selected... I would look at DFI, they have a couple SLI mobos that I've heard some good things about... and supposidly the Asus A8n-SLI Deluxe is one of the best... although I am having trouble w/ the usb ports... but once I get that figured out I'm sure it will be fine as that is the only problem I have with the board I would also try to look for an aluminum case. It will be lighter and help with cooling. I was looking at the Thermaltake Shark case... it was a lil spendy for me though Also Lian Li makes some very good cases. I went with the Aspire X-Navigator because it is aluminum, comes with lots of fans and a 500w psu. But my first choice would be either a lian li or the shark case
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[COLOR=gray][COLOR=red]CPU:[/COLOR] AMD Opteron 165 CCBBE @ 2.8Ghz [COLOR=gray][COLOR=red]Motherboard:[/COLOR] DFI nF4 SLI-DR Expert[/COLOR] [COLOR=red]Memory:[/COLOR] 2gb G.Skill F1-4000USU2-2 [COLOR=red]Video:[/COLOR] Asus 7900GT TOP @ 700/1700 [COLOR=red]Sound:[/COLOR] Modded X-Fi Elite Pro [COLOR=red]HD:[/COLOR] 2x Seagate 250Gb RAID 0, 1 Seagate 320Gb [COLOR=red]Optical Drives:[/COLOR] Sony DVD-Rom, Plextor 16x DVD DL RW [COLOR=red]Case:[/COLOR] CM Stacker [COLOR=red]PSU:[/COLOR] PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610 [COLOR=red]Cooling:[/COLOR] Custom Water [COLOR=yellow][COLOR=red]Keyboard/Mouse:[/COLOR] [/COLOR]Saitec Eclipse & Logitech MX518 with a Razer ExactMat mouse pad [COLOR=red]Sound:[/COLOR] Modded X-fi > Soloz Audio Silver IC > Maxed PIMETA > Beyer DT 770 Pro/80 cans [COLOR=red]HTPC:[/COLOR] [/COLOR][COLOR=gray]AMD 3800X2[/COLOR][COLOR=gray], Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe, G.Skill 2GB DDR400, MSI 6600GT, Haupauge PVR150, SB [/COLOR][COLOR=gray]Audigy 2ZS[/COLOR][COLOR=gray], Samsung 16x DVD DL RW, Sunbeam Nuuo PSU, Antec P180 case, AC Freezer64 Pro, Viewsonic N2750w LCD HDTV Heatware eBay [/COLOR] |
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Jun 1, 2005, 06:11 AM
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Thread Starter
#24
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DriverHeaven Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: 127.0.0.1
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Sadly I dont have the time to fix my 9800 Pro...not for 2 weeks at least
 College is kind of busy, especially right now, since I have finals next week, then I'm going back home for the summer. Over the summer, I will be able to dedicate at least a few hours a week learning how to put together and take apart one of my old systems At that point, I guess I could try to attach a new fan to the card. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if just the fan broke off, or if a small part of the card broke off with it. I kind of doubt the 2nd scenario since its not catching on fire or anything right now. I took the fan off of the bottom of my case, and have my computer on right now...with the video card still in the computer. I think I'm safe for right now at least since I wont do anything on the computer that requires the card to do anything but minimal work...aka prerendered applications that dont really need it, such as video clips, or surfing the web, etc. I really appreciate all the help you have given me so far, and it is true what you say...It would be a large accomplishment to learn how to put together a computer by myself, instead of buying a premade one, which makes me seem computer illiterate I guess I can say this truthfully at the very least...you have convinced me 99.9% that building my own computer is the way to go, with both the advantage of higher speeds, and of lower prices, allowing for higher end components to be used should I want to reach the price of a premade system. The .1% that is missing is not that I am afraid to learn, but that I am not quite confident in my ablilty...yet. That of course, can change with time.
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Jun 1, 2005, 07:01 AM
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#25 | |
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HardwareHeaven Extreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna
Posts: 6,773
Rep Power: 191
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Quote:
-Tip
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Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick. Last edited by Tipstaff; Jun 2, 2005 at 12:16 AM. |
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Jun 1, 2005, 08:53 AM
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Lurking DriverHeaven
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Jun 1, 2005, 09:07 AM
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Lurking DriverHeaven
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Jun 1, 2005, 04:42 PM
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#28 |
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DriverHeaven Extreme Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Floatin'...
Posts: 4,957
Rep Power: 0
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I would be careful with X-Connect though...
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Jun 1, 2005, 07:21 PM
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Lurking DriverHeaven
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Jun 1, 2005, 07:34 PM
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#30 |
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unplugged
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http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103922
That's the one I got a year or so ago- Now I wouldn't get that because of all the new connectors you need.. Better to get a more up-to-date PSU. But I bet that PSU could run any system out there. I might buy something like this- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103933 or this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817194001 Or maybe this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104153 This is a fat PSU- but I guess they don't sell them at NewEgg anymore- I'm sure you could find it somewhere.. I guess you can buy it right there at that wesite.. http://www.pcpowercooling.com/produc...hp?show=T51SLI Or maybe PCPAC will make one especially for crossfire when it comes out- that one says "SLI ready" - I am sure it would work for your crossfire system too.
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