Finally building a new PC

[creflo]

Dear Friends,

My current computer I ordered from Dell in November 2000, and being a full time student that enjoys gaming, I have decided to upgrade to a new system. I currently play games like BF2 and WoW. I want to be ready for future games like Warhammer Online and I would love to be able to play current high-end games like CoD4 and Crisis. I am either going to build this system from scratch myself (which I have never done) or I am going to order one from www.cyberpowerpc.com so I have a few questions for ya’ll:

First off, I would like to know what the general gaming public considers to be the best Windows OS for gaming…Vista or XP? What will XP SP3 and Vista SP1 have to offer for gamers?

Second, I am planning on an Intel/SLI based system, but what processor should I go with…Quad-Core or Dual-Core? I have heard that XP won’t support Quad processors and have also heard that Dual-Core systems are better for gaming.

Third, I would like to know what would be better for high-end games like CoD4 and Crisis…two 8800 GT in SLI or a faster single card like the GTS, GTX, etc.

And finally, has anyone had experience with Cyberpower Inc? I have heard several good things about the systems they build but also have heard that their shipping and return policies are horrible as well as their customer service. This is the system I am looking at buying and yes…I can finally afford it after 8 years of waiting! Here it is: http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/CyberPower_Gamer_Infinity_SLI_8800/

If I end up buying this PC, I will more than likely get the upgraded memory and PSU (1.1k) just so I don’t have to upgrade further down the road. I don’t really need the monitor as I currently use a Sony 24” Widescreen CRT Monitor capable of insane resolution and almost no response delay (the only bad thing is it’s almost 100 lbs. and that isn’t too fun hauling to grandma’s house in the middle of an ice storm). Anyway, what do you all think? I haven’t kept up with computer technology that much so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Sincerely,

Creflo

 

[NFSFAN]

I'd say going with a Quad-Core, since its more future proof. Don't get 1 8800GTX rather go with 2x 8800GT SLI. Memory go with either Corsair or OCZ, make sure it is of high speed 800MHz and up. PSU, I'd go with 1000W Enermax or 750 OCZ. Windows XP handles quad core no problem. Dual Core is only better for gaming at the moment, since some new games don't have quad core support. Crysis however does, so you will see benefit from having a Quad Core over a Dual Core. However other games might not utilize all four cores, but only two of them. You will not see any performance decrease from going with quad core over dual core whatsoever. Good luck.

 

[AYTRIX-TEC]

Quad core by far as this is pretty future proof. Myself i prefer corsair for RAM and use the following for myself
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=255300
as for the quad core i use a Q6600. Not the latest and you may want to wait for the new INTEL 45nm but it is a very good processor good for gaming & good for overclocking. Also quite cheap.
I have windows VISTA and hate it. USE XP preferably XP Pro. It is not worth getting VISTA for a few months yet.

AS NFSFAN said Dual Core is the better for gaming primarily becasue, as stated above, unless you have Crysis here are no games that make use of the Quad Core. Not sure i would go for a 1000W PSU but def 700 and here i use a Hyper Modualr Unit.

AS for the graphic cards i only use a single card even though my board can support SLI which i recommend over Crossfire. I just find SLI performs better than crossfire. the 8800 series is a FANTASTIC card and recommend it highly. Great for gaming.

 

[creflo]

The PSU I'm thinking about getting with it is a 1.1k Tagan TG1100-U96 TurboJet Quad Quite SLI Ready model, which I haven't done much research on, but they recommend it on cyberpower and I'm also hoping that this will last in case I decide to do tri-SLI later on.

Creflo

 

[AYTRIX-TEC]

that is a very nice PSU. out of curiosity how much is your budget for you new PC? sounds like a bit of a monster one.

Regards
James

 

[creflo]

that is a very nice PSU. out of curiosity how much is your budget for you new PC? sounds like a bit of a monster one.

Regards
James

My budget is around $3,500 but I would still like to get the best bang for my buck. With that said, I don't know if going with the Quad Extreme would be the wisest choice as some have told me it's about three times the price of a regular Quad. What to do, what to do.

Cref

 

[creflo]

I did a bit of research and found out that the Extreme Quad-Core CPUs are expensive and maybe it would be better to just upgrade to the new 45nm CPU later on down the road and go for a Q6600 now. Also, I'm going to try and build from scratch then see what the price difference is between the custom built PC vs. the cyberpower PC that I can build on their site. I've heard some people say it was cheaper to buy from them than build the same rig themselves, since they give rebates on most of the parts you select, etc. However, that could just be marketing fluff who knows.

Anyhow, my main goal for this computer is high-end gaming for now (CoD4, Crisis) with plenty of power and upgrade ability for the future. My budget is around $3,500 but the less I can spend, the better of course.

I was planning on something like this:

Intel Q6600 CPU (how fast can I overclock this again?)
Asus Striker II 780i Mobo (cause I've never OC'd before and heard it would help)
2x2GB Corsair XMS2 RAM (I heard this is the best RAM)
2xEVGA Geforce 8800 GT in SLI (or get better card then SLI later on?)
2x150GB Western Digital Raptor 10k RPM SATA150 16MB Cache (should I go 4x74GB setup instead?)
320GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM Hard Drive (go more?)
1.1k watt Tagan TG1100-U96 TurboJet Quad Quiet SLI Ready (for future upgrades)
Asetek Liquid CPU Cooling System (or should I go with a fan system?)
DVD-RW / CD-RW Drive (should I get a combo drive or 2 singles?)
CoolerMaster Cosmos Silent Gaming Tower Case (good ventilation/noise reduction but I'm open to suggestions)

Yes I've never overclocked anything before, and yes I am not familiar with the best setups for Raid and Optical drives, etc. but hopefully I will learn with your help. At some point I will use this computer with Fraps to create in-game videos and such once I learn the software. I've always wanted a top-notch computer that can do just about anything I throw at it and now is my chance. With that in mind, please feel free to continue giving me great advice. Thanks.

Creflo

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

Build your own. You have a bigger range of choices and can save more cash doing so. Also, only consider using SLI if you want to game at 1600x1200 and above, since that is where gains from SLI truly show. I'd recommend replacing the cards with a single HD 3870 X2, and the motherboard with an X38-based one like the ASUS P5E or the Gigabyte GA-X38-DQ6. Throw in a good-quality PSU like the PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610 and an E8400 and you'd have a superb PC that would be able to rip through any game you give it. You'd also have the option to throw in another card later for a Quad-Crossfire setup. The speed difference between the E8400 and the QX9650 would be minimal, so don't worry about that.

 

[Bruce2]

My answers to your questions:

First: Vista x64 for future proof.

Second: C2D E8400; if you are getting an affordable Quad for the reason of future proof, well, it is not, because in the future the Quad you get now is way too slow which you wouldn't know if you show through it away or not.

Third: 8800 series SLi

Finally, not familiar how small computer building company works. Heard both positive and negative about it. I'll be more confident for the parts I put in it if I build it myself.

Farther more, up grade you ram yourself if you let some one built it for you. You will easily save a 100 bucks or more.

Bonus: PSU, Seasonic 700W

Let us know how are things going. Have fun.