Good gaming computer

[mako man]

Thanks Rage
I will post it when I get it finished.

Will the Antec 900 house all the components you described. The last thing I want to do is get this tower and it doesn"t work?

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

Yes, it will house all of them quite comfortably.

 

[mako man]

Rage,

How is this PSU corsair CMPSU750TX ATX12V/EPS12V 750w? Overkill or not

Do you have a crucial ballistic part number for the 4GB DDR2 1066? I see different types ex 4x1 or 2x2 ect, does it matter which you use?

Do you know which fan I can use for the one side fan in the antec 900 case?

Thank you

 

[mako man]

Rage,
I just spoke with the builder and he advised that he will never use asus he absolutely refuses. He will only use an intel motherboard do you know which model would be comparible to the asus P5E?

Thanks

 

[SNGX1275]

Find a new system builder or do it yourself. I can understand refusing to use ECS boards or some other low end board manufacturer, but refusing to build a system because of an Asus motherboard is a poor decision.

Building a computer these days is ridicoulsly easy now, you should be able to put it together yourself in a few hours.

 

[mako man]

Thanks, but I don't trust myself to self diagnose when something doesn't work properly.

He wants to use Intel DX38BT motherboard. Any comments?

He claims that their service dept is horrible and with his twenty plus years of building he claims he uses what works well.

 

[captaincranky]

Does this Intel board we're talking have full control in the BIOS, overclocking, memory voltage, and timing? Because before only the BX975 "Bad Axe" had an unlocked BIOS. That's why nobody used them for gaming boxes.

Not that it matters one bit, but I think, all Intel boards are made by Foxconn.

What about a Gigabyte equivalent....? Opine, don't hold back!

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

That PSU is overkill. The 550VX will provide enough power.
Also, I'd recommend finding another builder like SNGX said. ASUS makes some of the best motherboards in the world, so I don't see why one bad experience would turn him off of them to this extent. The Intel mobo is okay, but not recommended for a gaming rig due to the missing OC options.

Thanks, but I don't trust myself to self diagnose when something doesn't work properly.

That's what this forum is for.

 

[captaincranky]

Rage,
I just spoke with the builder and he advised that he will never use asus he absolutely refuses. He will only use an intel motherboard do you know which model would be comparible to the asus P5E?

Thanks

That's a pretty arrogant stance for somebody who is trying to pass himself off as a technician and a businessman.

 

[mako man]

He stated that he has had numerous problems with their products and factory service over the years. I don't know where the truth lies but that is his position. I asked him about overclocking and he stated he won't do it because it burns up motherboards. I don't know if this is true or not but I can say that I want a computer that I can turn on and use. I have no computer skills to check the system or OC. This is the reason I want a good gaming computer that I can turn on and it works as it is suppose to and I can kick some tail.

Thanks again I will keep you posted and I do appreciate your responses.

 

[captaincranky]

Most people that game (for better or worse) do wind up overclocking their system.
Some burn up their systems, also true. Intel has a reputation to uphold and they have to honor the warranty on their CPUs also, so they (generally) limit the options available in their BIOS.

As I said earlier in the thread, the new high end Intel boards (should) offer much more in the way of BIOS options. So I guess "which Intel board are we talking about", would be a must ask kind of question.

High end custom gaming boxes are usually factory overclocked. That said, a machine in the performance range doesn't actually need overclocking, unless of course, you're in the finals with "Fatality".

Personally, I would deeply resent being held at ransom over a parts question.

But then, I would assemble it myself, and pocket the money.

All that said, Intel's support is at least as good as anybody elses,

 

[SNGX1275]

I think you are making a mistake if you are going to be forced to use an Intel board. Like I said earlier its extremely easy to build your own PC now, and there really isn't that much that can go wrong.

Its basically install cpu, put down thin layer of thermal paste, install heatsink, install RAM. Then install PSU into case, install drives into case, install motherboard into case, install video card, connect the LEDs, power, and reset switch, plug psu wires into drives, motherboard, video card, connect drives to motherboard. Done. <psu, motherboard, drive installation can be swapped in order depending on the case>

Devices only go into 1 spot in 1 direction so you can't mess that up. Its easy. Your first build should take maybe 5 hours + or - a couple. Someone more expierenced might be able to get that down to 30 minutes to an hour and a half depending on number of components and the case.

 

[mako man]

Just got off the telephone with the comp guy this is want he recommends:

1). Intel core Quad Q9300 2.5 GHZ LGA 775 95W Processer 1333MHZ Yorkfield
2). Intel Motherboard DX38BT DDR3
3). Memory 4GB DDR3 2x2gb 1333 Super talent
4). WD 150 GB 10,000rpm hard drive
5).Antec 650 watt PSU
6).GEForce 98 GX2

So I say how is this system?

SNGX1275 I appreciate how easy it seems with your description but I dont want to tackle programming Vista and updates ect. I have no experience and will definately have problems.

 

[SNGX1275]

I'm sure that build he suggested will be a fine computer. But what RAM is that? Why is he suggesting that over Rage's Crucial Ballistix? I'll admit I don't know anything about "super talent" RAM, but there is probably a reason I haven't heard it mentioned with the big boys like Crucial, Mushkin, OCZ, Corsair, and others.

 

[captaincranky]

Huh.......?

Am I the only that thinks the DDR3 is an unnecessary extravagance?

It is three times the price of DDR2.

And how did this change from name brand to no name memory?

Really good DDR2 wil probably approach those clock speeds.

 

[SNGX1275]

I guess the bottom line mako, is that you went from a fantastic computer, to one slightly less fantastic. But even at that it will still be a good computer, we just think your potential performance per dollar is lower with this 'new' build you suggested over Rage's original suggestion.

 

[captaincranky]

Imho......

The parts that are now being picked for you seem to be based on the builders accessability, bias, and profit margin.

 

[mako man]

Yes I'm not totally pleased, and I have to look elsewhere. Do you know of any good online computer outlets that build to customers specs and sell reasonable?

Thanks

 

[Whiffen]

I think you should give it a shot for yourself. Or try a local PC place and give them the parts or buy from them.

Is really easy to do it yourself and is very satisfying after you have finished. All the parts come with instructions, and will only fit in one way so you don't have to worry about screwing it up.

 

[ryan29121]

Will the $1500-2000 dollar price range be including a monitor or just for the tower alone? Monitors, if you looking for a big sized one, can run well around $400-500. If you dont need one however, then your looking very good on the parts you can choose. I would go for a bigger power supply because a 550w is sitting kind of on the edge with the CPU and Video card that you have selected. For the money the OCZ GameXtreme 700w works amazing. You can pick it up for about $95 after mail in. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341002 For the board I would recommend anything from Gigabyte. I own the Gigabyte p35-DS3-R and I really enjoy it. For the case,I own a coolermaster cosmos case which has been, by a longshot, the best case I have ever owned and worked with. The price, however, is fairly expensive running about $180-210 depending on where you shop. For a CPU heatsink / fan I would pick up a Zalman cnps9700 because It is probably the best air cooling solution on the market weighing in at about $60 or so. As far as the other parts you selected they look fantastic. Any other questions?

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

I think you should give it a shot for yourself. Or try a local PC place and give them the parts or buy from them.

All excellent suggestions. If you don't want to build your own, I'd recommend ordering the parts online and getting it to a nearby computer store so it can be built for a small fee.

@ryan29121, the 550W PSU is perfectly fine for the rig, since that PC won't draw more than 400W under heavy load. The Corsair 550VX provides a single +12V rail rated at 41A, which is more than enough for that system. The OCZ GameXStream range is great, but under heavy load, their ripple is too high, which can destroy components over time, especially if the PSU is loaded to its maximum potential very often. Stay away from it IMO. Also, the ZEROTherm Nirvana is the best cooler on the market currently according to the reviews I've read and the CNPS9700, although legendary, shows its age here.

 

[mako man]

Well I just spoke with another computer store who said they would build it to my specs. I just sent them Rages original system with the Antec 900 so I will wait for a quote. He also had a problem with the memory systems discussed. He wants to use Super Talent as did the first guy. I don't know why but this is the second builder that wants to use this product, maybe its the area i'm in. I will keep you posted.

Thanks Again

 

[Cinders]

Super Talent is a good memory manufacturer based in Taiwan. As long as the memory is compatible with your motherboard them you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

That is exactly the problem in this case IMO, since ASUS mobos are picky about RAM, so it's best to use RAM that will surely work. mako man, I'd recommend checking on the ASUS website about the RAM that will work in the P5E, so you don't face any issues later.

 

[mako man]

Thanks I will check.

He also said that he uses (Kingston memory) is this any better.

I will let you know.