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backlash
01-02-2008, 08:50 PM
My current system has treated me well and if I didn't come across a game I couldn't play I wouldn't consider upgrading just yet. I have Unreal Tournament 3 and realized, after looking at the back of the box, the minimum graphics card is a geforce6. I have a GeForce4 Ti4600 and it works just fine with the games I have.

My system is a P4 2.4GHz, 1 GB Ram (PC 2100). I only have AGP video and all the new cards are PCIe. It seems that even though prices have come down considerably, you're still gonna end up paying around $1500 for a good system. Of course, I could just get a new mobo, cpu, ram and a case, but it seems like it will still be a pretty penny.

Any ideas? New system, upgrade current system, don't play new game? hehe

SingaBoiy
01-02-2008, 08:58 PM
You can upgrade like me:
Pentuium Dual-core e2180
2x A-Data DDR2 PC6400
SAPPHIRE Radeon X1900GT 256MB
MSI P6N SLI Platinum LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI

All for around $300 off newegg :)

Broken
01-03-2008, 04:54 AM
I am a big fan of do-it-yourself. It's really the only way to get exactly what you want and need. Right off the top of my head, I can proudly name off every part ID and manufacture that is in my system.

Your system isn't worth upgrading. Maybe you can save some parts, hard drives/optical drives. Maybe even the case a power supply, depending on what they are.

If you can come up with a dollar figure that you have to work with, and a list of parts that can be recycled into a new built we can help you come up with something.

You did say that you are happy with your system's performance but for one game. Progress for the sake of progress isn't a good thing. In months whatever you buy today will be obsolete.

backlash
01-03-2008, 01:00 PM
I know what you mean. I don't even know if I should be buying anything major at this point. Things I would use - dvd drives (new burner), hard drives, floppy drive (hehehe), power supply (I replaced this one). Got the pc in 2002, which in the computer world is ancient. The computer is still good, so I don't want to leave it without a case...I'd have to get a new one. I guess when I get a new one I want it to be a good one that lasts a long time. I definitely can use more speed...I have outgrown the speed of my pc...faster, faster, faster!

Things I'd need - case, power supply, mobo, ram, vid card, hard drive - basically a whole new computer. I could reuse optical drives and the hard disk, but, like I said, I'd like to leave the system in tact to be used. *sigh*

/me wants a new puter

for $1199 @ Dell this is a system I put together
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6850 (4MB L2 Cache,3.0GHz,1333 FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium with Digital Cable Support (meh - prolly will format and install xp pro)
3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 4 DIMMs
320GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache
16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
No Monitor
512MB Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Dell USB Keyboard
Dell Optical USB Mouse
56K PCI Data Fax Modem

I wish I knew how to look at the speeds of the new processors. Since they are dual core I can't tell how much faster they will be based on seeing the speeds they list.

clocker
01-03-2008, 01:19 PM
/me wants a new puter

for $1199 @ Dell this is a system I put together
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6850 (4MB L2 Cache,3.0GHz,1333 FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium with Digital Cable Support (meh - prolly will format and install xp pro)
3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 4 DIMMs
320GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache
16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
No Monitor
512MB Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Dell USB Keyboard
Dell Optical USB Mouse
56K PCI Data Fax Modem

I wish I knew how to look at the speeds of the new processors. Since they are dual core I can't tell how much faster they will be based on seeing the speeds they list.
This Dell would kick your P4's ass and not break a sweat.

Figure three years (max) as the service life of a PC- any longer and your epeen shrivels up and falls off.

Girls will laugh.

I'd rethink your plan to reformat to XP.
Dell- along with the rest of the tier 1's- is very into proprietary hardware (especially motherboards) and driver support could be a problem.
Not insurmountable but a pain, possibly.
And remember...you're paying for Vista when you buy it. If you plan on ditching it from the onset, I'd check and see if you can't get XP out of the box.
Besides, that thing should run Vista, no prob.

If it matters, I like the newer Dells a lot.
The build quality seems quite good.

backlash
01-03-2008, 01:36 PM
/me doesn't have a peen to fall off

;)

I really like that build, too. My current comp is a gateway and I looked there, but they cost more $ and give u less. Example: only 2GB ram, 120GB hard drive for a similar price.

Only thing I don't like is they take away the ps2 ports. My mouse and keyboard are usb, but sometimes you need that port. I guess I would use vista for awhile and then if I needed to I could put XP on. You can choose XP, but it costs $ to have that installed instead of vista and I already have a legal copy of XP pro.

When you talk about the driver issues do you mean they only offer drivers for vista now and aren't trying to support XP? In that case one would have to find the drivers on the manufacturer's site?

I have the itch and really want this new puter. Should I wait at all due to new processors or technology being around the corner. I'm not up on what's coming in the hardware world and would hate to have to kick myself for just missing out on something new.

clocker
01-03-2008, 02:19 PM
When you talk about the driver issues do you mean they only offer drivers for vista now and aren't trying to support XP? In that case one would have to find the drivers on the manufacturer's site?
Precisely.
If it's designed to run Vista, they're not going to expend one iota of effort on XP drivers.
That doesn't mean they can't be found and in fact, if Dell offers that PC with XP, they obviously exist.
Whether Dell will make it easy to get them might be another matter.


I have the itch and really want this new puter. Should I wait at all due to new processors or technology being around the corner. .
There is always something new "right around the corner".
Just buy what you want when you want it and deal with the fact that you're already obsolete.

mr. nails
01-03-2008, 02:57 PM
just asking here...

why don't u build it urself? u could build a better system urself and save 5 bills. i'm just saying.

backlash
01-03-2008, 05:05 PM
That's always an option, mr. nails, but requires a lot more work on my end. Researching all the hardware for compatibility and making sure it will all work together. I did it once before, but haven't done it in quite a few years.

Broken
01-03-2008, 05:36 PM
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017) $274.99

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS4 Rev. 2.0 LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128064) $179.99


GeIL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model GX24GB8500ESPDC - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820144110) $194.99

SILVERSTONE ST1000 ATX12V / EPS12V 1000W Power Supply 100 - 240 V RoHS, CE, FCC - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256020) $249.99

EVGA 512-P3-N841-A3 GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130312) $359.99

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021) $119.99

total = $$1,379.94 w/$20 MIR


This is in the same price range would would total own that dell.
Keep in mind that most of the above is over-kill and can be adjusted to save a few dollars with only slight compromise.

rocky1234
01-03-2008, 08:18 PM
I will suggest u to make your own computer. It's better as it does not have all the crappy software that the comp. companies install beforehand.

It can also save u lot of bucks !!

clocker
01-03-2008, 11:14 PM
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017) $274.99

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS4 Rev. 2.0 LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128064) $179.99


GeIL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model GX24GB8500ESPDC - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820144110) $194.99

SILVERSTONE ST1000 ATX12V / EPS12V 1000W Power Supply 100 - 240 V RoHS, CE, FCC - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256020) $249.99

EVGA 512-P3-N841-A3 GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130312) $359.99

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021) $119.99

total = $$1,379.94 w/$20 MIR


This is in the same price range would would total own that dell.
Keep in mind that most of the above is over-kill and can be adjusted to save a few dollars with only slight compromise.
That's a nice collection of parts.


Personally, I'd ditch the quad core and get a dual...unless you're a really heavy gamer, in which case you need the quad AND a second vid card.

Detale
01-04-2008, 02:19 AM
Damn while I was out looking up a system for this guy you posted one already!! Damn you Broken!!! Fuck it Im posting mine anyway. I went the Compared to Dell parts route though:

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6850 (4MB L2 Cache,3.0GHz,1333 FSB) $279.99

Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium with Digital Cable Support What!?

3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 4 DIMMs $76.99 ($36.99 after $40.00 Mail-In Rebate)

320GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache $79.99

16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability $30.99

No Monitor

512MB Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT $289.99

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.
OK so you will need a MoBo I'm gonna suggest this one as Someone suggested it to me and I love it

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard $99.99
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Total $857.94

Im sure you have a Mouse, Keyboard and a monitor, If not you now have $340 to spend on new ones. Now I also figured you could keep you old case but you could surely upgrade it to a new snappy one. I suggest this one the Antec 900 Awesome cooling as it comes with a bunch of fans. Also it's my case :)This is just what I looked up on new egg and I'm sure others can find a better system with more research but I did this make up in 10 min so forgive me all if I made a mistake

The parts I found are as follows

Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit

HDD Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB

LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write

EVGA 512-P3-N802-AR GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard

Broken's System is better and I believe he suggested the Mobo( which BTW Thanks I love it!! ) but this is what the Dell system parts would cost you but Im sure the GigaByte MoBo is much much better than the crappy dell one you would get.


Also as it turns out I was installing a Black XP on a friends new Vaio Laptop that came with Vista on it. I formatted and installed Vista but I had a HELL of a time trying to find the drivers for it because the SONY support only has drivers for vista because it was shipped that way. There is a volume control on the side of the laptop keyboard that I could not find a driver for even with driver genius.So I imagine they only make the drivers for vist.

Not 100% relevant but I'm just saying be careful when you go from Vista to XP and make sure you can get the drivers for you components if you go the Dell route.

backlash
01-04-2008, 01:16 PM
Damn while I was out looking up a system for this guy you posted one already!! Damn you Broken!!! Fuck it Im posting mine anyway. I went the Compared to Dell parts route though:

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6850 (4MB L2 Cache,3.0GHz,1333 FSB) $279.99

Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium with Digital Cable Support What!?

3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 4 DIMMs $76.99 ($36.99 after $40.00 Mail-In Rebate)

320GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache $79.99

16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability $30.99

No Monitor

512MB Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT $289.99

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.
OK so you will need a MoBo I'm gonna suggest this one as Someone suggested it to me and I love it

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard $99.99
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Total $857.94

Im sure you have a Mouse, Keyboard and a monitor, If not you now have $340 to spend on new ones. Now I also figured you could keep you old case but you could surely upgrade it to a new snappy one. I suggest this one the Antec 900 Awesome cooling as it comes with a bunch of fans. Also it's my case :)This is just what I looked up on new egg and I'm sure others can find a better system with more research but I did this make up in 10 min so forgive me all if I made a mistake

The parts I found are as follows

Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit

HDD Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB

LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write

EVGA 512-P3-N802-AR GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard

Broken's System is better and I believe he suggested the Mobo( which BTW Thanks I love it!! ) but this is what the Dell system parts would cost you but Im sure the GigaByte MoBo is much much better than the crappy dell one you would get.


Also as it turns out I was installing a Black XP on a friends new Vaio Laptop that came with Vista on it. I formatted and installed Vista but I had a HELL of a time trying to find the drivers for it because the SONY support only has drivers for vista because it was shipped that way. There is a volume control on the side of the laptop keyboard that I could not find a driver for even with driver genius.So I imagine they only make the drivers for vist.

Not 100% relevant but I'm just saying be careful when you go from Vista to XP and make sure you can get the drivers for you components if you go the Dell route.

wow, that is a detailed list. The parts selected look great and would save me a few hundred bucks. (need to factor in the shipping at newegg) I will prolly get better parts going this route then with dell and may face driver issues also. My brother in law recently got a dell and after major issus with vista put xp on his machine...I think he's got 1 item he couldn't find drivers for.

I can't remember if the cpu comes with the heatsink/fan or if I have to get one of those also.

backlash
01-04-2008, 01:19 PM
delete me

backlash
01-04-2008, 01:23 PM
ughs - server issues

clocker
01-04-2008, 01:51 PM
I can't remember if the cpu comes with the heatsink/fan or if I have to get one of those also.
As long as you get a "retail" box (opposed to "OEM") you get the heatsink.
Retail is the way to go anyway (even if you don't want the HSF) because the warranty is longer but the cost is typically only a few bucks higher.

Just to save some grief, I'd go with an aftermarket HS from the get-go.
Especially with the 775 socket- which has the world's crankiest heatsink retention- it's much better to install the sink on the motherboard outside of the case- which you're going to do anyway, right?- so you can make sure it's seated properly.

backlash
01-04-2008, 01:54 PM
I can't remember if the cpu comes with the heatsink/fan or if I have to get one of those also.
As long as you get a "retail" box (opposed to "OEM") you get the heatsink.
Retail is the way to go anyway (even if you don't want the HSF) because the warranty is longer but the cost is typically only a few bucks higher.

Just to save some grief, I'd go with an aftermarket HS from the get-go.
Especially with the 775 socket- which has the world's crankiest heatsink retention- it's much better to install the sink on the motherboard outside of the case- which you're going to do anyway, right?- so you can make sure it's seated properly.

Yeah, I believe that's what I did last time. It's easier that way.

Now to decide when to get this thing.

clocker
01-04-2008, 03:00 PM
Now to decide when to get this thing.
Today.
Retailers need your money.

backlash
01-04-2008, 04:57 PM
Now to decide when to get this thing.
Today.
Retailers need your money.

I want to, believe me. I just feel guilty since it was just the holidays and I have plenty of other expenses to worry about.

/me weeps

clocker
01-04-2008, 11:15 PM
Today.
Retailers need your money.

I want to, believe me. I just feel guilty since it was just the holidays and I have plenty of other expenses to worry about.

/me weeps
Screw that...the holidays are all about YOU!

backlash
01-05-2008, 12:22 AM
I know I will crack soon...I can't stop thinking about it. I've never had a sata drive since I don't have sata support on my mobo. Will the drive come with the drivers I'll need for xp install or will I have to find them and slipstream my xp cd?

clocker
01-05-2008, 01:00 AM
Unless you plan on RAIDing you won't have to do anything special.
SATA drivers are part of the motherboard drivers and most modern chipsets present SATA drives to Windows as though they were IDEs.
In other words...Windows doesn't even know it's dealing with a SATA drive because the motherboard is doing all the work.

backlash
01-05-2008, 02:24 AM
nope. no plans on raiding. It's going to be a pretty simple setup.

Detale
01-05-2008, 07:05 AM
Today.
Retailers need your money.

I want to, believe me. I just feel guilty since it was just the holidays and I have plenty of other expenses to worry about.

/me weeps

Believe me I know I have been talking about the new system I am going to build for months now. I lost my job and then the holidays came so I settled for a new MoBO and Hdd....for now.



I know I will crack soon...I can't stop thinking about it. I've never had a sata drive since I don't have sata support on my mobo. Will the drive come with the drivers I'll need for xp install or will I have to find them and slipstream my xp cd?

Drivers will not be a problem as far as the hardware when you build your own system from scratch. They always come with a driver CD or you can DL them from the company site.

Might I suggest you get your hands on the XP Black Edition, it comes with a 5hitload of drivers and Driver Genius (http://www.driver-soft.com/) installed on it already along with a bunch of other programs.

BTW does anyone have any experience using this program? I just used it for the first time a few weeks ago and It's fantastic for those hard to find drivers for older HW. but the DL speed of the drivers themselves was slow as 5hit for me. Does anyone else have this problem?

backlash
01-05-2008, 02:03 PM
/me starts chanting "it's all about me, it's all about me"

hahaha Just trying to get the nerve up to take the plunge.

What wattage should my power supply be? I think my current one is 450w. I know the new system will be more power hungry, but I think the suggested power supply is a bit much - 250 bucks or so just seems a bit expensive...especially if I don't need it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256020

clocker
01-05-2008, 03:02 PM
My favorite all round PSU. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002)

backlash
01-05-2008, 06:32 PM
that looks nice and I like the modular cable system. Makes for a tidy case! I'm gonna add that to my "wish list." I really thought the price would be significantly cheaper, but it's not at all cheaper. In fact, it's a little more. I guess I could save some money by choosing a simple case, but if I'm gonna do it I want it to be nice. Lights are cool, but my tower is under my desk and not really seen.

Broken
01-05-2008, 06:36 PM
mushkin 550250 ATX12V / EPS12V 580W Power Supply 115/ 230 V TUV, CE, CB, cUL, FCC - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817812004) $99.99

I actuall have this one in my current computer. It is super nice.
It looks good. Really high quality cables. Very heavy and well made, and rail fusion is a very unique idea. It should be more than enough for the needs of this system.

When I bought this supply it cost about $150.

This would still be a very respectable system, about about half the cost of what I suggested before. You should have no problem running even the latest games at the highest setting. Plus, you could always upgrade later so it maybe even a wiser alternative the way things go obsolete so fast.

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021) $119.00
EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082) $219.99
mushkin 550250 ATX12V / EPS12V 580W Power Supply - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817812004) $99.99
Kingston HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Desktop Memory Model KHX6400D2LLK2/2GR - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134583) $49.99 ON SALE!
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128050) $126.99
Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 Conroe 2.33GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80557E6550 - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115030) $169.99

$786.94 total

And really, a few more dollars could be cut from this one too.

backlash
01-05-2008, 06:53 PM
I've never heard of this brand and what is rail fusion? Does it mean it's fanless or something? I'm usually more comfortable with a well known name. Somehow it makes me feel better.

Detale
01-05-2008, 08:23 PM
@ Broken.I have a question for you. Do you know the difference between these two boards other than 2 more SATA slots?

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128050) $126.99

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813128059) - Retail $99.00

I just figured I have seen you recommend both so maybe you know the difference because I can't figure it out. Thanks

clocker
01-05-2008, 11:07 PM
The more expensive board has the ICH9R chipset which supports RAID.

backlash
01-05-2008, 11:08 PM
The more expensive board has the ICH9R chipset which supports RAID.

u are a hardware genius

clocker
01-05-2008, 11:32 PM
True.

Broken
01-05-2008, 11:40 PM
True.

From past post, I have a great respect for anything clocker has to say and he is very correct this time too.

Anyways...

I've never heard of this brand and what is rail fusion? Does it mean it's fanless or something? I'm usually more comfortable with a well known name. Somehow it makes me feel better.

You've never heard of Mushkin Enhanced?? They are a hugely respected memory manufacturer. These power supplies are their first steps into that market and they did not skimp any on quality. It's almost a give-away! Here's one (http://www.techaddicts.net/reviews/mushkin580ap/mushkin.html) review. Rail fusion allows two separate rail in a power supply to act as one if you place too much load on just one. It's much better explained in the above review.

backlash
01-05-2008, 11:49 PM
LOL nope, never did hear of it....until now! I am now enlightened. When I think of memory I think crucial, corsair and kingston.

clocker
01-06-2008, 12:04 AM
You've never heard of Mushkin Enhanced?? They are a hugely respected memory manufacturer.
Mushkin used to be the ne plus ultra of hotrod RAM.

(BTW, they're based here in Denver...I used to go to their office to pick up orders and have suspect sticks tested).

IMO, they took a real dive about 2-2 1/2 years ago and I haven't used them since, much preferring Patriot.

Never tried their PSUs.

backlash
01-06-2008, 12:45 AM
thanks for that bit of info. I always like to know what people's personal experience is with hardware. I always read reviews before ordering anything so this thread has really helped me make my decision on which parts to get.

These are the parts I think I will get...if it's not too long before I actually go to buy them, in which case I'd go with whatever is better then.

ooooh. me likey the new image preview

clocker
01-06-2008, 12:58 AM
If there is a CompUSA near you I'd check their going out of biz sale.

I saw that Corsair PSU there yesterday for $99.

backlash
01-06-2008, 02:13 AM
I know of one that already closed. I should check what's open near me.

just checked. closest one is the city (NYC).

gnor
01-06-2008, 02:35 PM
If u upgrade, make sure your board supports SLI, because u can jumper 2 video cards together. Dual core for sure. Gigabyte LAN if u do LAN parties. Make sure your video card has native RAM built in. Some cards steal half their RAM from your motherboard. 450 to 500 Watt power supply. 350W won't cut it. Lots of cooling fans. Spend your money on the greasy parts. Stay away from lights, fish tanks, glow in the dark, etc.

Detale
01-06-2008, 09:44 PM
The more expensive board has the ICH9R chipset which supports RAID.

u are a hardware genius

This is prob the 1st understatement of '08. Clocker is IMO a "Hardware Guru" Seriously he is also a well liked member of JG forum too. For me at least when he talks I listen.


True.

Not to mention modest :P


I know of one that already closed. I should check what's open near me.

just checked. closest one is the city (NYC).

Yeah the only one we have here in NYC is in Manhattan. I hope they don't go out of business. but if they do hell I'll beg borrow and steal to stock up!

clocker
01-06-2008, 10:25 PM
Not to mention modest :P
Also true.


Yeah the only one we have here in NYC is in Manhattan. I hope they don't go out of business. but if they do hell I'll beg borrow and steal to stock up!
You hope in vain...they're ALL going out of biz and are currently in liquidation.
I just stopped in on a whim, haven't been there in years.
Most of the prices were still absurd, even with the "discounts" they were higher than Microcenter's everyday prices and much higher than the egg's.

Detale
01-06-2008, 11:50 PM
Oh don't get me wrong they are WAY overpriced here but if I'm in a pinch and I need something the same day I will pay a bit more to get the item. Are they really all going out of business? I might stop there tomorrow to see.

clocker
01-06-2008, 11:58 PM
Are they really all going out of business?
Yup.

The "Going Out of Business" sale began in Dec. and they are history sometime in Feb., I believe.

The two near me are already selling off the store fixtures.

Maybe I'll buy a "surly cashier" and a few "brain dead sales clerks" if the price drops low enough.

backlash
01-07-2008, 12:14 AM
Are they really all going out of business?
Yup.

The "Going Out of Business" sale began in Dec. and they are history sometime in Feb., I believe.

The two near me are already selling off the store fixtures.

Maybe I'll buy a "surly cashier" and a few "brain dead sales clerks" if the price drops low enough.

LMAO u guys are too funny. I rarely find tech stuff cheaper than newegg except on black friday.

Detale
01-07-2008, 03:38 AM
well yeah Newegg is usually the best price for loads of shit, sometimes TigerDirect beats em by a few bucks, but NE will take anything back if somethings wrong with it so I Almost always go with them.

Yup Im gonna stop in Comp USA and see whats going on tomorrow.

lostdemon
01-07-2008, 03:53 AM
I am thinking of buying a new computer in the next few months instead of just upgrading
I

clocker
01-07-2008, 11:38 AM
Thanks for sharing.

backlash
01-07-2008, 12:33 PM
I was thinking the same thing. Maybe he had more to say and forgot mid sentence.


I am thinking of buying a new computer in the next few months instead of just upgrading
I don't know why I just posted that

fixed