Building my Gaming PC (finally)

[Sum Yung Guy]

So far I got myself

Motherboard: msi 790gx-g65
http://i1.lelong.com.my/UserImages/Items/0905/03/[email protected]

Processor: AMD Phenom II x4 955 Black Edition
http://i.pricerunner.com/prod/5_8_13_18_1232148l/AMD_Phenom_II_X4_955_Black_Edition_HDZ955FBGIBOX.j peg

Video Cards: Two Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 1GB
http://www.thg.ru/technews/images/sapphire_radeon_hd_4850_1gb_1-040708.jpg

Power Supply: Xilence 600W Gaming Edition
http://www.quietpc.com/files/images/products/x-750w.jpg

Thats all for now, going to get more parts next weekend, any reccomendations?

[Goodlookinguy]

So far I got myself

Motherboard: msi 790gx-g65

Processor: AMD Phenom II x4 955 Black Edition

Video Cards: Two Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 1GB
[img]http://www.thg.ru/technews/images

Power Supply: Xilence 600W Gaming Edition

Thats all for now, going to get more parts next weekend, any reccomendations?


Yeah, get a mobo with the ATI 790FX Chipset and two Radeon HD 4870 X2 (with crossfire cable of course). Then change out that wussy power source for a 1200 - 1600 watt. Optionally, do what I did and get two 900 watt power sources. I also suggest 8GB of ram with a 64-bit OS to accompany it. Well, that's my opinion on a power computer, rather, that's my current monster.

[Sum Yung Guy]

Those parts pictured are the ones I already purchased. I am not going for a $10,000 top of the line beast like you but more of a good performance gaming rig with good prices. (That I can overclock)

[Lenny]

On the RAM side of things, you can't go wrong with Corsair or Kingston. My preference is Corsair, and their RAM comes with a lifetime warranty, so if you do get a dud stick, send it in and they'll replace it for you.

What type of cooling are you thinking about (it will obviously impact on the case)?

[Sum Yung Guy]

Most likely water cooling, I dont want a ton of fans in my case. Also I just ordered two 80 gig solid state drives instead of getting a 10,000 rpm hard drive. Cost me a pretty penny but I think SSD will really enhance overall computer performance. Also ordered the monitor, 22 in lcd 10,000 - 1 Dynamic-Contrast Ratio, 5 millisecond screen response.
The Hard drive:
http://www.computerworld.com/common/images/site/features/2008/092008/Intel%2080GB%20SSD%20X25M_large.jpg

The Display:
http://www.itechnews.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/samsung-syncmaster-p2070-p2270-and-p2370-touch-of-color-lcd-displays.jpg

[Sum Yung Guy]

So now I just need:
Sound Card

DVD/CD/BlueRay

Keyboard/Mouse

Speakers

And finally the computer case

[Lenny]

I'm very impressed with your choice of monitor - not only is it a sexy looking piece of hardware, but it's also Samsung.

If you go for a Blu-ray drive, definitely get one with which you can burn.

Keyboard/mouse - I'm a massive fan of Logitech's peripherals. Sure, Razer are billed as the gaming peripherals, but I think that the build quality and design of the Logitech products is better. I know a lot of people who have converted from Razer to Logitech, too.

You'll want a big case. If money's no problem, go for one of the high quality aluminium cases. My preference is Cooler Master, but most of it is down to your taste.

[Grav]

Looks good to me.

[Sum Yung Guy]

Just picked out my OS and ordered it via amazon ;)

Microsoft Windows XP Pro x64 Edition SP2C for System Builders

[Goodlookinguy]

Just picked out my OS and ordered it via amazon ;)

Microsoft Windows XP Pro x64 Edition SP2C for System Builders


You'll want to dual boot that with a x86(32-bit) version of Windows XP if you want to play certain things like Diablo and Diablo II. Or if you buy a PhysX card from nVidia so you can play games like Mirrors Edge properly (which is stupid), you can only have both drivers in the 32-bit version of Win XP without the BSOD bug in the x64 version. Oh, and Windows 7 runs faster on my machine than XP does. You might want to give the Windows 7 RC a try.

[Sum Yung Guy]

Yea I got my regular xp copy already (infinite use, no cd key copy courtesy of the army)

I was looking at the Windows 7 RC today, and reading some articles and benchmarks and alot of them said it only increased performance a tiny bit and not in every area. I think I am going to just go with the tried and true winxp until 2010 or whenever windows 7 gets officially released.


Or if you buy a PhysX card from nVidia so you can play games like Mirrors Edge properly (which is stupid)
What physics are in that game lol. I beaten the game multiple times and I don't remember ever seeing any part of that uses realistic non scripted physics except for when you kill and enemy and they fall down. And some windows shattering. Thats it. So yes if anyone buy's a physX card just to play Mirror's Edge they are stupid.

[Chruser]

You might want to give the Windows 7 RC a try.


Somewhat off-topic: Have you tried the latest version of Ubuntu? As I mentioned in another thread, it supposedly has excellent, native support for 32-bit Windows applications now. I've heard from a number of sources that Wine is useless in comparison. I haven't tried the former myself though. Setting up Debian on my Q6600 system was sufficiently annoying since my HD4870 was not supported by default by Debian-based systems. As a consequence, I'll probably wait for a while until giving Ubuntu another run for its money.


On topic: Your system looks great so far, SYG! As for Mirror's Edge, I recall from the PhysX demonstration videos that the most impressive "feature" was that in-game drapery would move in reasonably realistic ways when interacted with. That is a significant feature, according to the developers.

[Goodlookinguy]

Somewhat off-topic: Have you tried the latest version of Ubuntu? As I mentioned in another thread, it supposedly has excellent, native support for 32-bit Windows applications now. I've heard from a number of sources that Wine is useless in comparison. I haven't tried the former myself though. Setting up Debian on my Q6600 system was sufficiently annoying since my HD4870 was not supported by default by Debian-based systems. As a consequence, I'll probably wait for a while until giving Ubuntu another run for its money.


I have not tried the latest Ubuntu version yet, sill on 8.04. I have honestly did not hear anything about it that. I'll check it out later though.

------
As for the PhysX thing, I don't think you understood me SYG.

The game Mirrors Edge for the PC will keep slowing down until it is unplayable if you don't have a video card with PhysX on it. In order to use the PhysX card in conjunction with your 3xxx or 4xxx Radeon HD series video card, you need Windows XP 32-bit because it will allow you to install the drivers from the PhysX card and the ATI card together. If you try it on the 64-bit version it will BSOD you. What I was saying was stupid is that you have to pay money for a video card to play the game because of the PhysX crap. I have a PhysX card with mine right now, and I'm not stupid. So be careful, it's the developers of the game who were stupid in their decisions.

[-Spector-]

In my personal opinion, AMD < Intel

Other then that, very sexy.

[Goodlookinguy]

In my personal opinion, AMD < Intel

Other then that, very sexy.


Intel == Tons of money
AMD == Way less money (And still great quality)

[Grav]

So how much is this gonna run you? I think I just broke my laptop (my only computer).

[Lenny]

Apparently Fedora 11 is similar to the newest Ubuntu.

---

You need to try Windows 7 to see the differences yourself - it's definitely a lot faster than both Vista and XP.

As for release, RTM is supposed to be July, I think, and it should be on shelves by October.

[Sum Yung Guy]

So how much is this gonna run you? I think I just broke my laptop (my only computer).

Motherboard, cpu, and 4 gigs of DDR3 as a package. $500. New

Radeon HD 4850 1GB video card. $152.99 each. Times two. $305.98. New

Powersupply. $89. New

Monitor. $157.69. Factory Refurbished

SSD Intel 80gig hard drive. $314 each. Times two. $628

Operating System. $149.99

I still need the case, sound card, dvd/blueray drive, and keyboardmouse. I will most likely be getting all of those this Saturday.

Grand total as of right now: $1830.66

So after the getting the rest of the stuff I need it will most likely be around $2100-$2200

edit: you can take off about $500 - $580 and get a normal 7,200 or 10,000 rpm hard drive which are fine. So about $1600 if you do that for a pretty good gaming computer. Maybe even nix one of the video cards too.

[Goodlookinguy]

EDIT: I did not read your edit. You can continue anyways.

$2100 - $2200. That's too bad. I bought my monster months ago for $2300 and it is way the hell more powerful than yours.

My stats
CPU: AMD 950 Overclocked to 3.5GHz (All Cores)
RAM: 8GB Kingstron HyperX
Cooling: Water Cooling
Case: Gigantic Full Case
Mobo: ASUS AM2 CPU Socket, 790FX Chipset, and Quad PCIe
HDD: 1TB at 7200 RPM
Video Card: Two ATi Radeon HD 4870 X2 with Crossfire, nVidia GeForce 8400 (Has PhysX)
Sound Card: I'm not going to bother to check
PSU: Two 800 watt power supplies
Extra: 16-fans (10 pulling in | 6 pulling out), Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

[Sum Yung Guy]

Except for the fact that I get 4 seconds or less windows fully loaded from turning on my computer. The harddrives are the biggest money eater in my system but they will remove that one major bottleneck most computer and your computer have. What about your monitor? You mentioned nothing about that.

[Goodlookinguy]

Except for the fact that I get 4 seconds or less windows fully loaded from turning on my computer. The harddrives are the biggest money eater in my system but they will remove that one major bottleneck most computer and your computer have. What about your monitor? You mentioned nothing about that.


That's not true at all. When they say it turns on quickly, it is referring to the fact that the motherboard runs POST and finishes very quickly so that it can get onto the boot process. Mine says it starts in 5-seconds or less (which it technically does). And in reality, my Windows 7 will start up far faster than your XP any day. Why? Because Win 7 starts up in about half the time of Win XP. So who's is better? Mine still.

-----
Monitor is a 24" and 19". 24" is by Dell (It looks really nice and great price). 19" is old monitor (Still good though). I run dual screens. The 24" would add about $150 dollars to the price. Bringing it to the approx cost of $2450.

[Sum Yung Guy]

So from when you push the power button all the way to windows loading up with a functional start menu how long does it take? Just curious because maybe I might just go win 7... maybe

[Goodlookinguy]

So from when you push the power button all the way to windows loading up with a functional start menu how long does it take? Just curious because maybe I might just go win 7... maybe

7: 10-20 seconds.
XP: 30-45 seconds.

XP takes far longer for whatever reasons and startup programs start far slower. Both Vista and 7 start up a lot faster and startup the programs at a far faster pace.

[Grav]

Random Q. How long will I be able to use Windows 7 (What are you using? A release candidate?) before MS deactivates it?

[Goodlookinguy]

Random Q. How long will I be able to use Windows 7 (What are you using? A release candidate?) before MS deactivates it?


Well there's an, uh huh, time nuke. Otherwise, the RC expires June 2010 if I'm not mistaken.

[Sum Yung Guy]

Random Q. How long will I be able to use Windows 7 (What are you using? A release candidate?) before MS deactivates it?

RC will expire on June 1, 2010. Starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start. To avoid interruption, you'll need to install a non-expired version of Windows before March 1, 2010. You'll also need to install the programs and data that you want to use.

[Sum Yung Guy]

7: 10-20 seconds.
XP: 30-45 seconds.

XP takes far longer for whatever reasons and startup programs start far slower. Both Vista and 7 start up a lot faster and startup the programs at a far faster pace.
SSD vs 7,200rpm HD
http://www.youtube.com/watch/v/Dt6VbOY3xE0

[Goodlookinguy]

SSD vs 7,200rpm HD
http://www.youtube.com/watch/v/Dt6VbOY3xE0


I have the Seagate Cheetah 15.6k (450GB at 15000RPM) as my primary HDD now. The stats I showed you were when I first bought it. That's most likely why mine starts so fast.

You know SYG, that you have to consider that age of the computer in the equation. Because I have 20-30+ items opening upon startup. But, the my Cheetah has outperformed SSD in tests. I picked this drive carefully.

[Sum Yung Guy]

I think your just trying to find reasons why your old fashioned hard drive that consumes a lot more power and makes a lot more noise is better than a SSD. As soon as I finish getting the parts and complete my system I will make a video of the startup process.

edit:
But, the my Cheetah has outperformed SSD in tests. I picked this drive carefully.

You did the test yourself on your system that has the Cheetah? Slapped in a SSD to see that your Cheetah was faster?

[Grav]

GLG reminds me of

[Sum Yung Guy]

One of those guy's at school/work that always will one up people in conversations.

[Grav]

And he does this because

[Sum Yung Guy]

he has a small

[Grav]

Amount of self esteem and

[Sum Yung Guy]

and at a young age he was

[Goodlookinguy]

Sorry for the last thing I wrote. I wrote that when I'd literally just woken up. I had a hard time understanding what I was saying.

I think your just trying to find reasons why your old fashioned hard drive that consumes a lot more power and makes a lot more noise is better than a SSD. As soon as I finish getting the parts and complete my system I will make a video of the startup process.


Wow, noise. Who the fuck cares. My computer without the hard drives makes a hela-fucking lot of noise. I can't stand when people complain about noise. For shits sake, if you want a fucking monster, don't fucking complain about the noise.

Sorry, I got a little angry there because I really can't stand people who complain about noise. Why? Because in the end it's not really that loud, it's all in the persons paranoid head.

You did the test yourself on your system that has the Cheetah? Slapped in a SSD to see that your Cheetah was faster?


I don't have any SSD. But when I was looking for a super fast drive I did lots of research and found some tests between SSD and Cheetah 15k. The Cheetah was the winner overall performance (so that means it won some and lost some). However, upon quickly searching, I could not relocate the test results I'd found. But, that doesn't mean I direct you towards a review of the Cheetah.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ultrastar-cheetah-sas,2004-3.html
The average access time of 5.7 ms cannot match the 0.5 ms or less we find with flash SSDs, but this drive still delivers best-of-class access times. In fact, it’s interesting to see that the Cheetah 15K.6 is actually head to head with the 2.5” Savvio 15K.1, which has been the fastest in access time so far."

That's all in milliseconds. A mere .7 or so milliseconds away.

The main problem found in SSD, though, is the fact that they are currently still fairly new. With that, there are many problems that they have. And changes that will probably come within the near future may fix them. I wouldn't bother buying one until they're larger and more stable.

[Grav]

Ostracized for his diminutive size

Edit: way to fuck everything up like you always do GLG

[Goodlookinguy]

Yo, I have an extremely high self esteem. I think you have the wrong person in mind. I can speak/write in three languages fluently, program in 9 programming languages fluently, and 8 other programming languages which I understand but am not yet completely fluent in. I have an ultra computer, and haves tons of free time on my hands, or off them. I have an exceptional girlfriend who lives 10-minutes walking distance from my house. I have a breathing, living, family with parents. I graduated high school without even trying. Why wouldn't I be happy with a high self esteem, vanity, and ego?

Now, back to the topic, spammer.
--------------------------------
Get on with it. Still waiting for reply.

[Grav]

Yo, I have an extremely high self esteem. I think you have the wrong person in mind. I can speak/write in three languages fluently, program in 9 programming languages fluently, and 8 other programming languages which I understand but am not yet completely fluent in. I have an ultra computer, and haves tons of free time on my hands, or off them. I have an exceptional girlfriend who lives 10-minutes walking distance from my house. I have a breathing, living, family with parents. I graduated high school without even trying. Why wouldn't I be happy with a high self esteem, vanity, and ego?

So you're spoiled and know now nothing of the harsh realities of life as SYG does. That's even worse.

[Sum Yung Guy]

To a fault.

[Goodlookinguy]

So you're spoiled and know now nothing of the harsh realities of life as SYG does. That's even worse.


Nope, I'm not spoiled at all. I worked to get where I am. My parents refused to help me. I'm how I am because I bothered to take the time out of my life to learn. Maybe if you would, you'd become the same way. I'm an extremely hard worker, so don't even try to call me that. On top of that, there were very messed up personal problems in the past, not me, but with other family members that messed me up for a long time. I rehabilitated myself out of what used to be, and this was my final outcome. So damn it, don't even try to call me spoiled.

[Sum Yung Guy]

I think Grav has taken the time to learn. Just not the same subjects as you. However the way you come off is that you view yourself as greater than others around you. This might not be true, but it is how it seems when make post here.

[Grav]

Nope, I'm not spoiled at all. I worked to get where I am. My parents refused to help me. I'm how I am because I bothered to take the time out of my life to learn. Maybe if you would, you'd become the same way. I'm an extremely hard worker, so don't even try to call me that. On top of that, there were very messed up personal problems in the past, not me, but with other family members that messed me up for a long time. I rehabilitated myself out of what used to be, and this was my final outcome. So damn it, don't even try to call me spoiled.


And you've got a chip on your shoulder about it. If you're great enough to persevere, you should have the personal fiber to not belittle others who may have worked even harder than you (how would you know?) to get where they are today. You're naive at best, but probably just rotten.

[Lenny]

OK, ladies, that's enough. If you want to discuss GLG's inflated ego and terribly flawed personality, then I'll split off the relevant posts and move them to somewhere more suitable.

---

SSD - I'm sorely tempted to buy one for my OS and programs. It would replace one of my older drives and give me a spare 250gb for more storage. Before that, though, I want more RAM and a new PSU.

How long before you think you can do your build, SYG?

[Sum Yung Guy]

SSD - I'm sorely tempted to buy one for my OS and programs. It would replace one of my older drives and give me a spare 250gb for more storage. Before that, though, I want more RAM and a new PSU.

How long before you think you can do your build, SYG?
Tomorrow (Saturday) I will be getting the sound card dvd/blueray keyboard/mouse and the case. I leave for vacation to California on Monday and won't be back until July 5th. The monitor and the SSD I ordered and they wouldn't ship the SSD to my address in Germany so I had it sent to my parents in California so I can pick it up during vacation. I would say the system will be finished on July 6th or 7th.

[Sum Yung Guy]

Ok yesterday I picked up:

http://www.dclstore.co.uk/images/products/lg-blu-ray-disc-hd-dvd-rom-ggc-h20l-l.jpg
It does HD-DVD, Blue-Ray, DVD, CD and LightScribe.

Also got a case and a keyboardmouse. No soundcard yet.

The problem I see with the sound card is, I am not sure if there will be enough room. The two video cards have huge fans on them and I could barely fit the wireless adapter into the PCI space below the second video card. It is going to be tight, I think I will take the sound card out of this computer I am using now to check and see if it fits.

http://uominipc.com/products/Input%20Device/KB/Logitech%20EX100%20A.jpg

And a wireless net adapter.
http://www.vmart.pk/main/images/WMP300N_lrg.jpg

I couldn't find a picture of the case on the net, so when I finish building my system I'll post pictures of everything before and after its built. And of course a *short* ;) video of the power on to windows loaded process.

[Senesia]

So I heard you finished building it.

[Sum Yung Guy]

Heard or read?

[Senesia]

Get your senses in order fool..
Where's the pictures?

[Sum Yung Guy]

Soon. I need to borrow a camera so I can take the pics and take a video of the power on so I can rub it in GLG's face. Expect them fridayish.

[Grav]

You're gonna have to go spelunking up his ass to get to his face.

[Sum Yung Guy]

Ha ha. Sadly this is true...

[Lenny]

I've just read the posts I skimmed over last time - they amused me. :)

---

Which case did you go for in the end? And WC or fans?

By the way, have you only got the two SSD drives in there? I'd be tempted to throw in a couple of high-capacity [standard] drives for storage - you can get a 2TB Western Digital drive for £250... though I think it's better to go for a few drives rather than one huge one.

EDIT: Did you get the same mobo and CPU as your first post? Asking because you say you got those two and RAM (make? latency? speed?) in a package.