Author Topic: Help me build my gaming computer  (Read 1120 times)

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Follis

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Help me build my gaming computer
« on: August 19, 2005, 08:17:58 am »
Well i am thinking of having a custom cmputer built and was curious to know what specs would actually help me. My budget is in the $2,000-3,000 range.

My buddy suggested this-
AMD Athlon 64 ? true 64-bit processor
nVidia? SLI? technology
Dual channel DDR ? 400 memory
Gigabit Ethernet with nVidia Firewall
Creative Audigy 2 sound card
Serial ATA 3000Mb/s hard drive support
Built-in basic RAID functionality with an option to add separate RAID controller
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Follis

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« Reply #1 on: August 19, 2005, 08:26:00 am »
Mother board:

ASUS, A8N-SLI, nForce4, DDR400 2ch/4GB, PCIe x16 SLI, SATA RAID 10, Audio, Gb LAN, FW
 
Supports AMD Socket 939 Athlon 64FX/Athlon 64
NVIDIA nForce4 SLI
PCI Express Architecture
SATA 3Gb/s
NV RAID
AI NET2
NV Firewall
 
Specifications:

CPU - Socket 939 for AMD Athlon 64FX / Athlon 64
- AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32- and 64-bit computing
- Supports AMD Cool 'n' Quiet Technology  
Chipset NVIDIA nForce?4 SLI?
Front Side Bus 2000 MT/s, 1600MT/s  
Memory - 4 x 184-pin DIMM Sockets support max. 4GB DDR400/DDR333/DDR266 ECC/ non-ECC un-buffered DDR SDRAM memory
- Dual Channel Memory Architecture  
Expansion Slots - 2 x PCI Express x16 slot
*SLI mode : x8 , x8
*Default(Single VGA) mode : x16, x1
- 2 x PCI Express x1
- 3 x PCI  
SLI - Under SLI mode : support two identical SLI-ready graphics cards
- Under Default(Single VGA) mode: supports all PCI Express graphics cards
- ASUS EZ Plug
- ASUS SLI Warning LED
- ASUS EZ Selector
- ASUS two-slot thermal design
- ASUS PEG Link for dual PCIe graphic cards
Storage/ RAID nForce4 Storage:
- 4 x SATA 3Gb/s
- 2 x UltraDMA 133/100/66/33
- NVRAID : RAID0, RAID1, RAID 0+1 and JBOD span cross SATA and PATA
LAN nForce4 built-in Gbit MAC with external Marvell PHY :
- NV ActiveArmor
- NV Firewall
- AI NET2
 
Audio Realtek ALC850, 8-channel CODEC
Audio Sensing and Enumeration Technology
Coaxial/Optical S/PDIF out ports on back I/O  
USB Max. 10 USB2.0 ports  
ASUS AI Proactive Features AI NOS(Non-delay Overclocking System)
AI NET2 network diagnosis before entering OS  
Overclocking Features AI NOS? (Non-delay Overclocking System)
AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)
ASUS PEG Link for single/dual graphics cards

Precision Tweaker:
- vDIMM: 9-step DRAM voltage control
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125 increment
- SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection): allowing FSB tuning from 200MHz up to 400MHz at 1MHz increment
- PCIe Frequency: allowing PCIe frequency from 100MHz up to 200MHz at 1MHz increment

Fixed PCIe/PCI/SATA frequencies.
ASUS PEG Link for single/dual graphics cards
ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)  
ASUS Special Features ASUS EZFlash
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS MyLogo2
ASUS Multilanguage BIOS
ASUS Instant Music
ASUS SLI warning LED
ASUS EZ Selector
ASUS EZ Plug  
BIOS 4 Mb Flash ROM, AWARD BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.3  
Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x Optical + 1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Output
1 x PS/2 Keyboard
1 x PS/2 Mouse
1 x Parallel
1 x RJ45
1 x 1394
4 x USB 2.0/1.1
8-Channel Audio I/O  
Internal I/O Connectors - 1 x SLI selector card connector
- 3 x USB 2.0 connector supports additional 6 USB 2.0 ports
- 1 x IEEE1394 connectors
- 1 x Paraller connector
- 1 x COM connector
- 1 x GAME/MIDI connector
- CPU Fan / 2x Chassis Fan/ Power Fan/ Chipset Fan connectors
- Front panel audio connector
- Chassis Intrusion connector
- CD audio-in connector
- 24-pin ATX Power connector
- 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector
Support CD Drivers
ASUS PC Probe - PC Health Monitoring Software
ASUS LiveUpdate Utility
ASUS AI Booster
ASUS Cool 'n' Quiet Utility
NVIDIA nTune Utility
Anti-virus software (OEM version)  
Accessories SLI connector
1 x 1-port IEEE1394 module
1 x SLI retention bracket
4 x Serial ATA cables
2 x 2-port SATA power cable
1 x 2-port USB2.0 / Game module
1 x 2-port USB2.0 module
1 x COM Port module
1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x IDE cable
1 x FDD cable
1 x I/O Shield
User's manual
 
Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 12"x 9.6"(30.5cm x 24.5cm)
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Follis

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« Reply #2 on: August 19, 2005, 08:28:25 am »
Hard drive:
Physical Specifications
Capacity:
? 250GB
Model Number:
? WD2500JD
Formatted Capacity:
? 250,059 MB
User Sectors Per Drive:
? 488,397,168
Interface:
? 1.5 Gb/s Interface (Serial ATA 1.0)
Bytes Per Sector (STD):
? 512

       Performance Specifications
Data Transfer Rate Buffer to Host (max.):
? 150 MB/s
Data Transfer Rate Buffer to Disk (max.):
? 748 Mbits/s
Average Read Seek (average):
? 8.9 ms
Track-to-track Seek (average):
? 2.0 ms
Full Stroke Read Seek (average):
? 21 ms
Average Latency:
? 4.2 ms
Rotational Speed:
? 7200 RPM
Read Cache:
? Adaptive
Write Cache:
? Yes
Buffer:
? 8 MB
Drive Ready Time:
? 9.0 sec average
Start/Stop Cycles:
? 50,000 min
Error Rate (non-recoverable):
? < 1 in 1014 bits read

       Physical Dimensions
Height:
? 1.028 in. (25.4 mm) max
Length:
? 5.787 in. (147.0 mm) max
Width:
? 4.0 in. (101.6 mm) ? .01 in.
Weight:
? 1.32 lb. (0.60 kg) ? 10%

       Power Requirements [12 V (? 10%) / 5 V (? 5%) / Power]
Read / Write:
? 530 mA / 850 mA / 10.6 W
Idle:
? 510 mA / 780 mA / 10.0 W
Standby:
? 30 mA / 300 mA / 1.8 W
Sleep:
? 30 mA / 190 mA / 1.3 W

       Environmental Specifications
       Shock
Operating (2 ms):
? 30 G (write), 65 G (read).
Non-operating (2 ms):
? 300 G (2-platter), 250 G (3-platter).

       Vibration
Operating - Random:
? 0.004 g2/Hz (10 to 300 Hz).
Operating - Linear:
? 20-300 Hz, 0.75 G (0 to peak).
Non-operating - Linear:
? 5-20 Hz, 0.195 " (dblamp);
? 20 - 500 Hz, 4 G (0 to peak).

       Operating Temperature and Humidity
Temperature:
? 5?C to 55?C.
Humidity:
? 5-95% RH non-condensing.
Thermal Gradient:
? 20?C / hour (maximum).
       Non-Operating Temperature and Humidity
Temperature:
? -40?C to 65?C.
Humidity:
? 5-95% RH non-condensing.
Thermal Gradient:
? 30?C / hour.

       Average Acoustics (2-platter / 3-platter)
Idle Mode:
? 33 dBA / 34 dB.
Seek Mode 0:
? 35 dBA / 36 dBA.
Seek Mode 3:
? 34 dBA / 35 dBA.
When the axe came into the woods, many of the trees said, "At least the handle is one of us."'

ZOldDude

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« Reply #3 on: August 19, 2005, 09:54:33 am »
Ok...I build computers all the time both for the house and others.

Let me show you a kick ass system and save you about $2,000-2,500 at the same time if I may.

Getting an AMD 64 bit CPU and motherboard is a waste of money at this point in time.

A) A 3200+ Barton core 32 bit and proper RAM will do the same bench marks as a 3200-3400+ 64 bit cpu and along with the MB they go into save ALOT of money.

B) Only 2 pcs of software that I know of have 64 bit vrs thus paying the high price for a 64 bit system NOW will only lead to being able to get the same thing for 1/4 the price when softwar comes up to speed.

C) A test of  popular games on 64 bit systems RUNNING WIN XP 64 OS  have a marked DROP in fps! This is due to the OS "converting" to 32 bit and the video card drivers for 64 bit.

Note: No drop in fps when useing same rated 64 bit CPS (3200+,3400+ ect) if useing a 32 bit OS.

Your video card should cost about the same as your CPU,MB,PSU and RAM (unless you go for the Corsair 3200 XL which with taxs will run about $300 for a GB and stock timeings @ 2.2.2.5) I like the FX 5950 but you can get a "normal" 7800 for the same price.

NANYA ram is also very good if you don't wish to OC (too much) as stock it has timeings of 3.3.3.8 and costs about $79 per GB.

My system uses:
ASUS A7N8X-E MB
AMD 3200+ Barton
Corsair 3200XL ram
ANTEC T.P. 550 PSU (don't buy the 550 2.0 or 550 Phantom....they are NOT the same!)

Use your old CD/DVD rom and floppy....case as well if it is well cooled.

If you build the same as my system (other than the ram) it can be had for around $400 if using the NANYA ram.
(Dont use Kingston ram!
If you want to change the timeings and/or FSB it works like crap!)

If you change ONLY the FSB by 7% then it preforms the same as a 3200+ 64 bit and generates no extra heat.

Let me know if you need any more hints with hardware or it's over clocking (my system rates same as 64 bit ones and I do NOT have to raise any voltages to do it).

Z

*While we crash and burn, small, low tech, agrarian societies such as the Hmong in the mountains of Laos will continue on without so much as blinking an eye.*

Follis

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« Reply #4 on: August 19, 2005, 12:58:21 pm »
Well first thing is first, I definetly need a new case.
Question for you Z, How is the GIGABYTE GA-K8NXP-SLI as a mother board. Is it better then the ASUS, DFI, or Nvidia Platinum?

I'd also like some advice about RAM.
I am currently operating on a crappy 512mb of DDR Ram (Emachines generic)
I'd like to pump either 2 gigs or 1.5 gigs of ram- But what type would be best suited for gaming?


I have also been pondering if i should fork over the $$ for the new Geforce 7800 GT or should i just grab a cheaper ATI Radeon?

Would Intel be a better processor? or should i stick with AMD?
How much HD space do i really need?
does it make a difference on what type?
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Follis

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« Reply #5 on: August 19, 2005, 01:03:14 pm »
Quote from: Follis
Well first thing is first, I definetly need a new case.
Question for you Z, How is the GIGABYTE GA-K8NXP-SLI as a mother board. Is it better then the ASUS, DFI, or Nvidia Platinum?


Stats on the GA-K8NXP-SLI

Delivering unprecedented graphics performance and superior functionality, the revolutionary GA-K8NXP-SLI is definitely the way to go for gamers, PC geeks and consumers alike! With the radically innovative SLI technology, GA-K8NXP-SLI has the ability of connecting two SLI-ready PCI Express graphics cards and offers blistering graphics performance. In addition, GA-K8NXP-SLI belongs to the 8S family of excellent solutions, delivering industry-leading technologies like PCI Express Graphics interface, Serial ATA II, NV RAID, NV firewall and wireless solution. This socket 939 AthlonTM64 platform offers superior performance and functionality to satisfy even the most demanding power user.
Specifications:

Model GA-K8NXP-SLI
CPU Supports AMD Socket-939 Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 processor
Processor interface via 2000MT/s HyperTransport bus
Chipset NVIDIA nForce4 SLI
Memory ? 4 x 184-pin Dual channel 266/333/400 ECC/non-ECC DDR SDRAM
? Max capacity: 4 GB
Expansion Slots ? 2 x PCI-Express X 16 (*SLI mode : x8 , x8 *Default Single VGA mode : x16, x1)
? 2 x PCI-Express X 1
? 2 x PCI
Storage ? 2 x ATA 133/100 IDE connectors supporting up to 4 IDE devices with NV Raid 0/1/0+1
? 4 x Serial ATA 2 3.0Gb/s with NV Raid 0/1/0+1
NVRAID : RAID0, RAID1, RAID 0+1 and JBOD span cross SATA and PATA
? 4 x Serial ATA by Silicon Image 3114 RAID controller
Back Panel I/O Connectors ? 1 x PS/2 Mouse Port
? 1 x PS/2 Keyboard Port
? 1 x Parallel Port
? 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 Ports
? 2 x RJ45
? 2 x Coaxial S/PDIF In/Output
? 8-channel Audio I/O  
Integrated Audio Realtek ALC850, 8-channel CODEC
Integrated LAN ? Marvell 8053 Gigabit Ethernet controller
? CICADA8201 Gigabit LAN PHY chip
Integrated 1394 2 x IEEE 1394b connectors (supports 3 ports) by TI 1394 controller
Special Features ? NVIDIA SLI multi-GPU support
? Dual Power System (DPS)
? 802.11g compatible Wireless adapter
? Support NVIDIA Firewall
? Norton Internet Security
? Download Center
? XpressTM Installation
? XpressTM Recovery
? Q-FlashTM
? @BIOSTM  
BIOS ? 2 X 4M bit flash ROM, Award BIOS  
Form Factor ATX  
Dimensions 12.0" x 9.6"
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M. O.

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« Reply #6 on: August 19, 2005, 03:04:25 pm »
I think you should stick with AMD. Be sure to check reviews on google, you get more for the money. As long as you don't buy the latest AMD X2s (fastest personal dualcore) or FX-57 (fastest personal gaming proc) the prices will usually be less than the intel ones. If you must buy an intel try to buy a dualcore one. As ZOlDude says there's no need for an 64 bit proc (not even multicore) today, but if you plan on having your comp a while stick with multicore & 64 bit (or at least one of them).

Skip the K8NXP board, the board you listed: "ASUS A8N-SLI" is very good especially if you find the deluxe or premium versions of it (prem is 25$ more). Comparison Deluxe-Premium: http://www.hothardware.com/viewarticle.cfm?articleid=704 .

You don't need a soundcard (a good one is built in), if you think the sound is crap, you could buy a soundcard later on.

No need to post specs on the HD either. But try to get a SATA2 HD (mb supports it).

If you use Win64, there'll be a drop in FPS as Z states. (very small though, 0-5 fps). You don't have to use it either, but it's a good idea.

Also, if you want to use SLI (your budget covers dual 7800GTXs) you should buy both cards at the same time. If you add a card that's slightly different in the future it's possible that SLI won't work.

There are games that recommend 2 gb ram. You might need to add more in the future.
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ZOldDude

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« Reply #7 on: August 19, 2005, 10:42:32 pm »
On the drop in FPS when useing a 64 bit OS....it is true that one game only drops 5 fps HOWEVER the average drop in fps over all popular games tested is 20 fps.

If you want a machine that will run GAMES then go AMD as the chips are tricked out for GFX speed.

Like I said building a 64 bit rig NOW will end up costing you about FOUR TIMES as much as when the software comes up to speed for it in about 2 years and really do nothing for your games at this point other than give you a drop in FPS if you use WIN 64 OS.

The MB I use supports SATA and has two RAID controlers as well as 5.1 sound onboard (with my amplifide Cambrige 5.1 speakers it rattles every window in the building!) and is as solid as a russin tank.

The MB and boxed CPU both come with 3 year warrentys and can be found for about $200 USD for the set.

The ram (both NANYA and Corsair) have lifetime warrentys and can be used later in a 64 bit MB.

Do not scimp with the PSU....get the one I said and do not be swayed by adverts or claims of "higher wattage"

If you look around you can get nice case with 120mm intake and exit fans...also with a side 80mm HS fan that blows air in the RAM/MB chipset area for $50 USD (most come with a crappy 400 wt psu...sale it and the case become FREE).

If you want good storage get a Diamond Max 10 300GB HD.
The price is low....the running temp is the lowest of all drives in that size range and it still has the longest warrenty (3 years) and they also make vers with SATA conections as well.

Buying RAPTOR drives is a big waste of money....they are small,run hot.
Any drive only runs at full speed loading a game IF it only has the OS and that ONE game on it.

Why?
All drives store info/files from the outside of the disk towards the inside. The outside of the disk has more "sections" to read/write on with each spin of the drive.

DO NOT RAID YOUR BOOT DRIVE!!!!!!
If you do so you will end up getting corrupted OS at some point and then you will be screwed (in fact I do not RAID any of my drives).

I DID raid my boot drives one time....cold booting to the OS in 6 secs was a hoot.....but now I know better.

If you REALY have to have 64 bit now then get the AUSUS or DFI MB.

Devils Taco got the DFI and his dual 7800 GTX cards alone cost him more than TWO of my systems can be built for. If you find the thread I posted about the GFX cards you will see that very few fps are gained by spending all that money.

Z

PS: NVIDIA

*While we crash and burn, small, low tech, agrarian societies such as the Hmong in the mountains of Laos will continue on without so much as blinking an eye.*