Author Topic: My new PC (Read 10618 times)

linuxlover · « **on:** December 29, 2006, 01:50:40 PM »

I know I've already posted something like this but, I've changed it quite a bit. I just want to check to make sure I dont waste my money before i order the parts. Here are the specs:
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ (Socket 939, Venice core)
1024MB DDR 400 dual channel Corsair ValuRAM
ECS 480RX-(1.0) ATi Xpress 200P motherboard SATA 1.5gbps
PNY GeForce 7600GS 256MB GDDR2 PCIe 16x
160GB WD Caviar SE SATA 3.0gbps
18x DVD+\-RW with 12x DVD-RAM LITE-ON
5.1 surround speakers 70-watt
Saitek gamepad
etc etc... I was thinking of buy NFS: Most Wanted with it. Are the graphics good on the PC version?

Calum · « **Reply #1 on:** December 29, 2006, 01:58:17 PM »

Looks pretty good . . . what's your budget?
One thing I saw - you have a socket 939 mobo and processor.
If you could get a socket AM2 processor and mobo, it would offer a better upgrade path.
That's if you want to go with AMD - an Intel Core 2 Duo would be much faster, but only if you have the money for it as they can be expensive.
Other than that, looking pretty good.
As I said, what's your budget? And what's the PC for?
Sorry if you've already said this in another thread, but I can't remember.

linuxlover · « **Reply #2 on:** December 29, 2006, 02:03:34 PM »

My budget is about $550 max. Im thinking $525 for the PC and $25 for a game. The PCs for gaming and building games. AM2 is about $50 more expensive. Thats why I got DDR instead of DDR2. Because only AM2 has DDR2 slots on the mobo. the CPUs about $20 more expensive so is the mobo and so is the RAM. Whats the main difference between 939 and AM2? I really dont see how this has any effect on performance. Core 2 is out because of price. The athlon 64 is $60. a core 2 is about 3x that.

Calum · « **Reply #3 on:** December 29, 2006, 02:12:48 PM »

OK, fair enough.
There's not a huge performance difference between AM2 and 939, although there is a slight one.
The main thing is that 939 will be discontinued soon.
AM2 will stick around for a while.
If that's out and so is Core 2, then that build sounds fine to me.
Good price too.
And if you need more performance, AMD chips are usually good overclockers if you're into that sort of thing, and you could add another 7600GS later for SLI if needed (if you have another PCI-E slot).
Should be about the same performance in everything as my laptop, maybe a little less.

linuxlover · « **Reply #4 on:** December 29, 2006, 02:17:10 PM »

it only has 1 PCIe 16x slot. Could you refer me to a good site that explains how to safely overclock a CPU? Even with the stock heatsink? Have you tried NFS:MW? Will it have good graphics? Will my PC be up to it?

Calum · « **Reply #5 on:** December 29, 2006, 02:26:15 PM »

Overclocking: just search for how to overclock on Google.
It's fairly easy to do if you don't go too far - once you get into voltage modding it gets too scary for me.
Just make sure you monitor your temperatures, and take it slowly.
A better heatsink/fan would be about £10 (probably around $15-$20?) - a good investment even if you're not planning on overclocking, as it will probably run quieter than stock and cool your CPU better.
I haven't tried NFS:MW, but here's a review which includes the min. requirements and the results on his system, which is slower than yours in some ways and better in others - more RAM, slightly better graphics, weaker CPU.
I'd say your PC should be up to it, although it may not run on max. settings very well.
Stick to medium and you'll be fine.
Hope this helps.

linuxlover · « **Reply #6 on:** December 29, 2006, 03:21:21 PM »

OK, Thanks a lot Calum!

Neil · « **Reply #7 on:** December 29, 2006, 05:13:19 PM »

I'd try your game before overclockling just for the sake of it

Anyway, didn't you say you thought gaming consoles were better

linuxlover · « **Reply #8 on:** December 29, 2006, 06:08:14 PM »

Quote

I'd try your game before overclockling just for the sake of it

Anyway, didn't you say you thought gaming consoles were better

Only for pure gaming. I use mine for all sorts of things. I really need access to lots of programs as well as games. For people who JUST want gaming I'd recommend a console.

Track · « **Reply #9 on:** December 29, 2006, 08:53:42 PM »

I wish u would wait for the E4300.

I dont care what u have to do, even if it means u have no HDD, but ur going to buy the X1950XT.

linuxlover · « **Reply #10 on:** December 29, 2006, 11:09:04 PM »

Your demanding quite a bit. I believe that an E4300 is a core 2. I will most likely never need that kind of power any time soon. And I dont know a thing about ATI GPUs but, that sounds like one of the best ones. I cant afford it nor will i need it. Please, just tell me if a 7600GS will be enough. its backed by 800MHz, 1GB RAM and an athlon 64 3200+. I cant think I'll need anything else.

Track · « **Reply #11 on:** December 29, 2006, 11:32:55 PM »

Quote

Your demanding quite a bit. I believe that an E4300 is a core 2. I will most likely never need that kind of power any time soon. And I dont know a thing about ATI GPUs but, that sounds like one of the best ones. I cant afford it nor will i need it. Please, just tell me if a 7600GS will be enough. its backed by 800MHz, 1GB RAM and an athlon 64 3200+. I cant think I'll need anything else.

CPU - E4300 costs 100$ and will last u for over 4 years. Athlon 64 3200+ socket 939 will last u for maybe a single year and costs 60$.

GPU - 7600 GS costs 100$ and will last u for 6 months playing at medium-low settings. X1800GTO costs 120$ and will last u for 2-3 years, playing at high settings.

Motherboard - Why buy an ATI chipset motherboard if ur buying an nVidia card?

Speakers - Do u really need 5.1 surround speakers when u cant even afford a decent PC??

Stop saying "i dont need a high-end PC" because the whole point is to buy a high-end PC for a low-end price, and thats all i ever try to do, so listen to me.

Dilbert · « **Reply #12 on:** December 29, 2006, 11:48:37 PM »

He's asking if what he's considering is enough. "Yes" or "No" will suffice.

Here's a page on the 7600:
http://www.nvidia.com/page/geforce_7600.html

NFS:MW seems to want a GeForce 6200 or above in the nVidia line of cards. Yes, a 7600 will more than suffice.

Calum · « **Reply #13 on:** December 30, 2006, 02:42:15 AM »

I think it should run the game well enough, look at my reply above.

Neil · « **Reply #14 on:** December 30, 2006, 08:51:44 AM »

High detail helps, but is not vital to enjoy the game.

linuxlover · « **Reply #15 on:** December 30, 2006, 11:31:58 AM »

A graphics card is somewhat important but there's a difference between going overboard and getting what I need. I cant afford the graphics card nor can I afford the core 2. I'm not interested in always having the latest. I just want what I need. I'm not that much of a gamer so I really dont care too much about the CPU or the graphics card. BTW: 7600GS is $90 not $100.

Calum · « **Reply #16 on:** December 30, 2006, 11:43:17 AM »

I think your setup looks fine.
However, do consider what Track said (some of it, anyway):

Quote

Do u really need 5.1 surround speakers ~~when u cant even afford a decent PC~~??

Do you need surround sound?
You may be able to save quite a lot by going with a quality 2.1 setup instead of 5.1, but I'm not going to try and make you buy anything.
Just saying consider if you really need it as it may be an expense you don't need.

Neil · « **Reply #17 on:** December 30, 2006, 01:28:31 PM »

My speakers are at least 10 years old; I can't even remember!

linuxlover · « **Reply #18 on:** December 30, 2006, 05:45:48 PM »

It'd be nice to have a set of 5.1s. The ones I'm using now are 10+ years old as well. I've seen what a home theater version can do. The PC version should be pretty good.

mattmag · « **Reply #19 on:** December 30, 2006, 06:14:32 PM »

If you can live without the 5.1 speakers and gamepad (you can buy them as addons, they're not necessary for the function of the PC), then i recommend this configuration:

Core 2 Duo E6300 $184
MSI P965 Neo-F Motherboard $92
Sapphire Radeon X1800GTO Video Card $120 ($140-$20=$120 w/instant savings)
PQI Power Series 1GB (2x512) DDR2-533 (PC2-4200) RAM $96
Hitachi Deskstar 160GB 3Gb/s SATA Hard Drive $57

This is all current Newegg pricing, and it comes to $548.
I'm sure everyone will agree that it is a LOT better than the 2-year old computer you proposed...

Oh, I almost forgot your DVD burner. That's another $30... which you could easily recoup (and then some!) by buying a GeForce 6800XT instead of the X1800GTO.

linuxlover · « **Reply #20 on:** December 30, 2006, 07:07:30 PM »

Whats wrong with an athlon 64? It seems everyone wants me to get a core 2. Are the performance levels really that necessary? I can only afford 1 game and I only have a handfull of other ones. I dont think I'll need the performance offered anytime soon. Mattmag, that sounds nice but I'm gonna pass on it. I cant stand these speakers much longer and I cant do much of anything without a gamepad. I'd rather not sacrifice that much graphics performance though. So I think I'm gonna get my proposed one. Nothing against either Track or Mattmag's suggestions though. BTW: the athlon 64 will be around for about 2 more years not 1. The 7 series will be around for about 3.5 years. It came out earlier this year. After my PC gets old, Then I will get either a Wii or a 360 or an xbox 1 or a laptop computer or a DS or a PSP.

mattmag · « **Reply #21 on:** December 30, 2006, 07:59:10 PM »

ok, if you don't think a core 2 is important, dont buy it - i can tell you, though, that my computer has been sooo much faster since i got one (upgraded from a 3ghz pentium 4), and i think its a mistake to go with athlon 64.

either way, i'd still like to warn you on the graphics card. a geforce 6800 is a better card than a 7600, and they cost the same. it's a marketing trick that catches a lot of people - but when graphics cards are 1 generation apart like that, the high-end of the previous generation is almost always better than the midrange of the current one. refer to http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html?modelx=33&model1=531&model2=538&chart=224 for more info on the issue.

good luck, and have fun with your new pc!

Dilbert · « **Reply #22 on:** December 30, 2006, 08:08:02 PM »

Quote

ok, if you don't think a core 2 is important, dont buy it - i can tell you, though, that my computer has been sooo much faster since i got one (upgraded from a 3ghz pentium 4), and i think its a mistake to go with athlon 64.

*ahem* I use an AMD Athlon 64 3700+; 2.2 GHz. This is equivalent to appx. 3.6 GHz on an Intel:
http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2005Dec/bch20051215033811.htm

Needless to say, I enjoy fast processing. This is a gaming computer. For only one game, a slower, cheaper CPU will suffice. Nothing is wrong with an AMD chip.

Track · « **Reply #23 on:** December 30, 2006, 11:31:04 PM »

Quote

Quote
ok, if you don't think a core 2 is important, dont buy it - i can tell you, though, that my computer has been sooo much faster since i got one (upgraded from a 3ghz pentium 4), and i think its a mistake to go with athlon 64.

*ahem* I use an AMD Athlon 64 3700+; 2.2 GHz. This is equivalent to appx. 3.6 GHz on an Intel:
http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2005Dec/bch20051215033811.htm

Needless to say, I enjoy fast processing. This is a gaming computer. For only one game, a slower, cheaper CPU will suffice. Nothing is wrong with an AMD chip.

Dilbert, I have no idea what u mean an "Intel" and i think u dont either. He is talking abt the Core 2 Duo. A Core 2 Duo at 1.8Ghz is equivalent to an FX-60.

Calum · « **Reply #24 on:** December 31, 2006, 04:59:42 AM »

Dilbert is referring to a Pentium 4 I believe.
A Core 2 Duo is much more powerful but comparing an Athlon to a P4 is right, as they are competing processors; the Athlons are not rated against Core 2 Duo.

Quote

*ahem* I use an AMD Athlon 64 3700+; 2.2 GHz. This is equivalent to appx. 3.6 GHz on an Intel:

Turion MT-37 for me - about the same as an Athlon 3700+ but more efficient and a slower clock speed as it is a laptop chip.
Very powerful, even though it doesn't compare to Core 2.

linuxlover · « **Reply #25 on:** December 31, 2006, 12:50:08 PM »

Alright, Core 2 way too expensive, 6800XT is more expensive than 7600GS ( I think). They both scored very well considering my monitor can only display 1280x1024 not 1600x1200. The difference is a matter of a few FPS. I'd rather get something thats gonna be around awhile. OK, you've proved that a core 2 is way better but the athlon 64 offers high levels of performance anyways. Whats the point of a super-powered CPU is the graphics card isn't able to process the information fast enough? Core 2s are for people with thousands of dollars. So are 8800GTXs.

Calum · « **Reply #26 on:** December 31, 2006, 12:56:23 PM »

Quote

6800XT is more expensive than 7600GS

It may be, it may not.
The 7600GS is the better option because it supports newer features than the 6800XT.
Plus, I just noticed, on the link the poster mentioning the 6800 and 7600 posted, the 7600GS outdoes the 6800GT and even the 6800 Ultra, both of which are better tha the 6800XT. So the 7600GS is much better.

Quote

the athlon 64 offers high levels of performance anyways.

It does indeed. It's a very capable CPU, just not the best on the market, which isn't the point. For your budget, it's probably the best available.
It's very powerful anyway.

Quote

Whats the point of a super-powered CPU is the graphics card isn't able to process the information fast enough?

Exactly. The CPU doesn't make much of a difference in games, only when it's very slow or the graphics card is very powerful (eg a Pentium 3 with an 8800GTX).
It's a good build.

linuxlover · « **Reply #27 on:** December 31, 2006, 01:05:52 PM »

I checked it out and found that he 7600GS was both better and worse at the same time than the X1800GTO that Track suggested. The SLI version was much better. The non-SLI version was a bit slower. My version supports SLI but I dont have 2. Is mine better or worse? I think I'll take my chances and just get a 7600GS as I had planned.

Calum · « **Reply #28 on:** December 31, 2006, 01:09:31 PM »

The X1800GTO is more expensive though, yes?
It is a very powerful card.
SLI is 2 cards running together - if you wanted to use it you would need 2 7600GS's.
So you could buy another 7600GS later on and boost your graphics performance, it's not something you have to do right away.

linuxlover · « **Reply #29 on:** December 31, 2006, 01:43:43 PM »

yes, the x1800gto is an extra $30. I'll get the 7600GS for now and later i can add another.

Calum · « **Reply #30 on:** December 31, 2006, 01:44:55 PM »

Good one.

linuxlover · « **Reply #31 on:** January 01, 2007, 12:52:35 PM »

OK thanks everyone.

mattmag · « **Reply #32 on:** January 01, 2007, 10:24:21 PM »

ok sounds good. haha i guess i should check my own links

stupid me. i seem to remember reading it on some other forum though. anyway, have fun with your new pc!

linuxlover · « **Reply #33 on:** January 02, 2007, 05:57:21 PM »

Quote

ok sounds good. haha i guess i should check my own links stupid me. i seem to remember reading it on some other forum though. anyway, have fun with your new pc!

I will

The only thing that I could want more is if it was a laptop. Though I should expect to pay over $1000 for a laptop of that quality.

Calum · « **Reply #34 on:** January 03, 2007, 04:35:57 AM »

You wouldn't be able to get a laptop with that level of spec for less than about £800, not sure how much that is in $.
Especially not with that fast a DVD drive and that much HDD space.

Track · « **Reply #35 on:** January 05, 2007, 03:22:51 AM »

Quote

yes, the x1800gto is an extra $30. I'll get the 7600GS for now and later i can add another.

X1800GTO is abt 3 times as powerfull as the 7600 GS.

linuxlover · « **Reply #36 on:** January 06, 2007, 06:05:29 PM »

I can barely afford what I have. The X1800GTO CAN'T be used in an SLi configuration. The 7600GS can always be upgraded to a dual-card configuration at a later date. That's why I invested in a dual-PCIe motherboard. And don't even try with the core 2. I've seen the price. They're about $200 and more!

stones · « **Reply #37 on:** January 06, 2007, 06:55:56 PM »

Quote

I can barely afford what I have. The X1800GTO CAN'T be used in an SLi configuration. The 7600GS can always be upgraded to a dual-card configuration at a later date. That's why I invested in a dual-PCIe motherboard. And don't even try with the core 2. I've seen the price. They're about $200 and more!

The 7600gs is a fine performer for the money, I can't wait to get mine back (I broke it

)
If you want a decent processor for pennys have a look at a Celeron D 345 or higher Prescott series, they take to overclocking like a duck to water and cost next to nothing. You may hear bad reviews of Celerons but those reviews are based on the older Northwood series which sucked balls (I had one).
Its true that the Prescotts run warmer but a 30 dollar copper cooler takes care of that, mine runs in 44 to 56 celcius range(38 to 50 on the old chip), I could clock it higher but I dont have an option in BIOS to increase my Vcore voltage.

Reveiws-
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2395
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/sempron.html

Cost examples $ Can
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/Category/category_slc.asp?CatId=1973

Calum · « **Reply #38 on:** January 07, 2007, 02:18:44 AM »

Quote

I can barely afford what I have. The X1800GTO CAN'T be used in an SLi configuration. The 7600GS can always be upgraded to a dual-card configuration at a later date. That's why I invested in a dual-PCIe motherboard. And don't even try with the core 2. I've seen the price. They're about $200 and more!

You could use an X1800GTO in Crossfire, but you need a Crossfire motherboard and a master card.
And about the previous poster mentioning P4 and Celeron - the Celeron isn't great.
I've found that every Celeron I've used has been awful, no reflection on your experience but I find them to be very weak processors.
No competition for the Athlon.
A P4 could overclock well, but AMD chips tend to overclock better and run cooler, and are generally faster as well.

stones · « **Reply #39 on:** January 07, 2007, 01:19:15 PM »

"every Celeron I've used has been awful"

All the earlier Celerons were awful, I completely agree but the newest gen stuff is a great value and can be had for well under 100 dollars

GX1_Man · « **Reply #40 on:** January 07, 2007, 07:42:55 PM »

A real P4 is less than $100:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116013

At about $20 more than a Celeron, there is no reason not to get the real deal.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819112207

Calum · « **Reply #41 on:** January 08, 2007, 11:58:30 AM »

Quote

A real P4 is less than $100:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116013

At about $20 more than a Celeron, there is no reason not to get the real deal.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819112207

Agreed.
Although the P4 was still usually beaten by its Athlon competitor

stones · « **Reply #42 on:** January 08, 2007, 02:12:12 PM »

I only paid 38bucks for my 3.06ghz celeron.
38 bucks, you cant argue with that.

Calum · « **Reply #43 on:** January 08, 2007, 02:15:13 PM »

Quote

I only paid 38bucks for my 3.06ghz celeron.
38 bucks, you cant argue with that.

You're right, that's a good price.

linuxlover · « **Reply #44 on:** January 11, 2007, 02:44:50 PM »

I've changed my Motherboard - from a crossfire to an SLi.
once again, thanks everyone.

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Author Topic: My new PC (Read 10618 times)

linuxlover

Calum

linuxlover

Calum

linuxlover

Calum

linuxlover

Neil

linuxlover

Track

linuxlover

Track

Dilbert

Calum

Neil

linuxlover

Calum

Neil

linuxlover

mattmag

linuxlover

mattmag

Dilbert

Track

Calum

linuxlover

Calum

linuxlover

Calum

linuxlover

Calum

linuxlover

mattmag

linuxlover

Calum

Track

linuxlover

stones

Calum

stones

GX1_Man

Calum

stones

Calum

linuxlover