Gaming System Config?

T

TSWG00

Weaksauce
Joined
Jul 12, 2003
Messages
113
Well I'm looking to build a new "Gaming" only computer. I just have a few questions before I look at prices. I know I'm going with and AMD CPU now weather I go dual or not it the main quesiton I was looking at AMD's Opteron 275 Dual Core Processor with a TYAN Thunder K8WE Mother board. Well I'll put the specs up

Dual CPU System
CPU: Opteron 275 Dual Core Processor
MotherBoard: TYAN Thunder K8WE
RAM: 2GB DDR400 XMS3200 Registered ECC Memory
Mice:Logitech MX518 Gaming-Grade Optical Mouse and Logitech Inc MX1000 Laser Cordless Mouse
Optical Drive: Plextor PX-716SA Dual Layer DVD±RW Writer
Hard Drive(s): Hitachi Deskstar 7K500 500GB drives and Western Digital Raptor 74GB Hard Drive
Not sure how many of each maybe 1 Raptor and 2 or 3 Deskstars
Speakers: Creative Gigaworks S750 7.1 Speaker System
Videocard(s): 2 Geforce 7800 GTX Video Card not sure what brand yet
Monitor(s): 2 Dell 2405FPWs
Sound Card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi
Keybard: not sure thinking of getting a Zboard but not sure right now
Case: Silverstone TJ07
OS: Windox XP Pro or Windowx XP Pro x64
Other Items: Raid Controller: SATA Netcell Revolution

Single CPU System
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 FX-55
MotherBoard: Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe Motherboard
RAM: Same as above
Mice: Same as above
Optical Drive: Same as above
Hard Drive(s): Same as above
Speakers: Same as above
Videocard(s): Same as above
Monitor(s): Same as above
Sound Card: Same as above
Keybard: Same as above
Case: Same as above
OS: Same as above
Other Items: Same as above

As you can see I have not decided on much right now LOL. Well hope someone can help me choose my setup :-D
 
wow just wow.. someones looking for a big upgrade *looks at tswg00's sig* :D

how much are you looking to spend?
 
at this point I'm not sure how much I want to spend under 3k I would say I kinda want the best I can get with options for upgrades. Because I have had this 1.4 amd for over 3-4 years now LOL maybe not that long but it seems long. I just got a 2.0 ghz Dell Laptop and it smokes my AMD's butt but that's because my 1.4 AMD system is sooo out dated LOL and when runing a TNT2 ultra I mean come on that just screams I need and upgrade LOL.
 
Just to give you an idea of what type of games would be played on my new gaming right they would be FPS, RPG, MMORPG, RTS, I think that's pretty much it. So games like Doom4, Half-Life 2, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Command and Conqure: Generals, stuff like that. I want to make the computer upgrade able for when new technologies come out. I'm not sure if I want to go with a Dual CPU setup or a Single AMD FX-55 setup. Not sure of how much storage space I would need too because its only going to be used for Games and Lan parties. Well if anyone has and suggestions I'm all ears. Thanks guys.
 
GForce64 said:
Any reason you're going Opteron over X2?
Click to expand...

// Edited: Don't know what I was thinking //

Why the server-grade stuff? Shouldn't you be looking at regular mainstream parts?
 
Bona Fide said:
I'll say. WTF are you doing selecting a server-grade processor, motherboard, and RAM?? Or is the single-core computer your gaming one? In which case, why are you getting an FX?
Click to expand...

I was trying to be nice :)
 
TSWG00 said:
Just to give you an idea of what type of games would be played on my new gaming right they would be FPS, RPG, MMORPG, RTS, I think that's pretty much it. So games like Doom4, Half-Life 2, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Command and Conqure: Generals, stuff like that. I want to make the computer upgrade able for when new technologies come out. I'm not sure if I want to go with a Dual CPU setup or a Single AMD FX-55 setup. Not sure of how much storage space I would need too because its only going to be used for Games and Lan parties. Well if anyone has and suggestions I'm all ears. Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

do you plan on overclocking?

i came up with 2 possible setups for you..

setup #1 ~ 2250 (without tax and shipping!)
http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/WishShareShow.asp?ID=1719878&WishListTitle=PC

setup #2 ~ 1750 (without tax and shipping!)
http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/WishShareShow.asp?ID=1719882&WishListTitle=PC2

none of them include keyboard, mouse, or monitor. the differences is..
the first one has a 7800gtx while the 2nd one has a 7800gt
the first one has a 600w psu while the 2nd one has a 500w psu (non sli certified, not that it means much)
the first one has the dfi sli motherboard while the 2nd one has the dfi ultra motherboard (not sli ready unless modified)
the first one has dual 1mb cache while the 2nd one has dual 512kb cache
the first one has the creative labs x-fi while the 2nd one uses the integrated karajan sound
the first one has slightly better ram (tighter timings)
the first one cost ~500 more

note that none of these builds have dual video cards nor do they sport opteron processors and they are already close to your 3k budget.

the difference between the first one and the 2nd one probably isnt worth the 500 premium so i would go with the 2nd..

as for keyboards suggestions i myself is considering the saitek eclipse (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823175103) or the logitech g15 (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2166,CONTENTID=10717)
 
heero884 said:
do you plan on overclocking?

i came up with 2 possible setups for you..

setup #1 ~ 2250 (without tax and shipping!)
http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/WishShareShow.asp?ID=1719878&WishListTitle=PC

setup #2 ~ 1750 (without tax and shipping!)
http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/WishShareShow.asp?ID=1719882&WishListTitle=PC2

none of them include keyboard, mouse, or monitor. the differences is..
the first one has a 7800gtx while the 2nd one has a 7800gt
the first one has a 600w psu while the 2nd one has a 500w psu (non sli certified, not that it means much)
the first one has the dfi sli motherboard while the 2nd one has the dfi ultra motherboard (not sli ready unless modified)
the first one has dual 1mb cache while the 2nd one has dual 512kb cache
the first one has the creative labs x-fi while the 2nd one uses the integrated karajan sound
the first one has slightly better ram (tighter timings)
the first one cost ~500 more

note that none of these builds have dual video cards nor do they sport opteron processors and they are already close to your 3k budget.

as for keyboards suggestions i myself is considering the saitek eclipse (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823175103) or the logitech g15 (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2166,CONTENTID=10717)
Click to expand...

Aren't you forgetting a fan for that SI-120? Otherwise, looks great :D
 
Wait a month or so so you can get a Crossfire Mobo and 2 ATI X1800 series cards. They are only a little better as far as the 7800 series goes not, but the IQ is more than worth the extra price, kills the nVidia options in image quality as ATI always does, plus with newer games and driver refreshes the X1800s will completely eclipse anything nVidia can come up with.
 
The SeaSonic in the first config has notoriously short cables, which is bad for the P180's PSU location. I'd change the case or get something with longer cables. Also, get a fan for that SI-120.

Other than that, the first config looks excellent. Go for it.
 
NulloModo said:
Wait a month or so so you can get a Crossfire Mobo and 2 ATI X1800 series cards. They are only a little better as far as the 7800 series goes not, but the IQ is more than worth the extra price, kills the nVidia options in image quality as ATI always does, plus with newer games and driver refreshes the X1800s will completely eclipse anything nVidia can come up with.
Click to expand...

If you wait on something, something better will be coming in the future, and you'll continually wait for the best stuff.

Plus, I'm not a huge fan of CrossFire anyway.
 
Bona Fide said:
Aren't you forgetting a fan for that SI-120? Otherwise, looks great :D
Click to expand...

yes a fan is needed for the si-120 :eek:

i suggest sealing off the top vent of the p180 and taking that fan off to use on the si-120
 
GForce64 said:
If you wait on something, something better will be coming in the future, and you'll continually wait for the best stuff.

Plus, I'm not a huge fan of CrossFire anyway.
Click to expand...

Well, you're choice then. I admit, I am very biased against nVidia (worst customer support in the history of anyone).
 
since i built a setup similar to build #2 (3000+ venice instead of the 3800+ x2 and 430w seasonic instead of the 500w version) for a friend i guess it would be a good idea to share my experience with it.

a couple things about the p180..
1) the p180 takes some time to work with as its not one of those cases where you can toss everything in. patience is key (reading the manual helps also!)
2) the seasonic psu cables are long enough (barely i should add)

a few things we did to improve air circulation/noise in the case..
1) we ended up using 4 nexus true silent fans (which btw wont clip on to the heatsink properly unless it is modified) and used them on the lower chamber, intake, exhaust, and heatsink. the intake and exhaust fans were connected to the dfi board so that their fan speeds could be controlled by the motherboard (we had to buy extension cables to make them reach the motherboard) and thus noise output would be low when the pc wasnt gaming or doing anything cpu intensive.
2) we installed the hard drives on the lower chamber cage and completely removed the one in the main chamber
3) the vga duct was removed and we installed the 7800gt on the lower 16x slot.
4) we removed the fan off of the top vent and sealed it off.

the end result..
1) the pc was fast and it was quiet, but it wasnt as fast and quiet as i thought it would be (the e6 venice would only muster 2.4ghz :mad: )

future plans for my friend's pc..
1) get a nv silencer for the 7800gt
2) more accoustic padding :D
3) passively cool the chipset..
 
heero884 said:
since i built a setup similar to build #2 (3000+ venice instead of the 3800+ x2 and 430w seasonic instead of the 500w version) for a friend i guess it would be a good idea to share my experience with it.

a couple things about the p180..
1) the p180 takes some time to work with as its not one of those cases where you can toss everything in. patience is key (reading the manual helps also!)
2) the seasonic psu cables are long enough (barely i should add)

a few things we did to improve air circulation/noise in the case..
1) we ended up using 4 nexus true silent fans (which btw wont clip on to the heatsink properly unless it is modified) and used them on the lower chamber, intake, exhaust, and heatsink. the intake and exhaust fans were connected to the dfi board so that their fan speeds could be controlled by the motherboard (we had to buy extension cables to make them reach the motherboard) and thus noise output would be low when the pc wasnt gaming or doing anything cpu intensive.
2) we installed the hard drives on the lower chamber cage and completely removed the one in the main chamber
3) the vga duct was removed and we installed the 7800gt on the lower 16x slot.
4) we removed the fan off of the top vent and sealed it off.

the end result..
1) the pc was fast and it was quiet, but it wasnt as fast and quiet as i thought it would be (the e6 venice would only muster 2.4ghz :mad: )

future plans for my friend's pc..
1) get a nv silencer for the 7800gt
2) more accoustic padding :D
3) passively cool the chipset..
Click to expand...

You guys are so intolerant of noise...I hope you never move into a city ;)

Jk...but these silent freaks never cease to amaze me. The lengths to which they'll go to make sure they can't hear anything at all when they're on their computers. Doesn't the Antec P180 do a pretty decent job of silencing as it is?
 
Bona Fide said:
You guys are so intolerant of noise...I hope you never move into a city ;)

Jk...but these silent freaks never cease to amaze me. The lengths to which they'll go to make sure they can't hear anything at all when they're on their computers. Doesn't the Antec P180 do a pretty decent job of silencing as it is?
Click to expand...

lol im using a 80mm vantec tornado on my axpm as we speak :( i believe being able to hear your own thoughts is a good thing, no? :D

and yes the p180 does a excellent job as is :)
 
The ultimate system uses Fujitsu MAU for its [H]ard|Drive(s). Imagine the performance of WD740GD, then tack on at least another 20%, as much as 35% in some applications. Also, the WD4000KD/YR delivers better productivity application (but not game) performance than WD740GD.

Since I'm a capacity whore first and foremost, can't knock the 7K500. Hasn't been on SR's bench yet, but it makes the 7K400 look darn good, so 7K500 should be even better. Seagate has a 500GB drive now, it only needs three platters.
 
By the way radeon x1K series' number of vertex is not mentioned in their website. . ?

Does anybody know? :confused:
 
SoundBlaster said:
By the way radeon x1K series' number of vertex is not mentioned in their website. . ?

Does anybody know? :confused:
Click to expand...

I'd say 6. But seeing as the X1800XT can keep up with the 7800GTX, despite having 8 less pipes, I would say 6 is more than enough.
 
GForce64 said:
Any reason you're going Opteron over X2?
Click to expand...
Nope have not seen any specs on the X2 and did not know that any such thing was out again I'm a little out dated when it comes to CPU's and what not lol.
 
I like all the information i'm getting I will look into the AMD x2's I think I might go with a FX-55 but i think having a dual CPU system would be pretty cool, but as for as if it would be practical is the big question LOL. I really like Plextor CD-DVD+-RW's so if I choose one it would be the 716 with SATA. As for as HDD's I don't really know how much storage I'll really need. I would say 2 to 3 harddrives at the most. video cards does not really matter to me which ever one is better at the time, I'm really liking ati right now, but that can change. I'm going to go with a PC Power & Cooling PSU. Case no so sure I think a slivertone or something. I want something that is easy to put in my car to take to lan parties. Memory I have no clue for that just know I want something fast and lots of it LOL. That logitech G15 keyboard looks pretty sweet, might have to look into it more. Monitor would be a Dell 2005 FP wide screen model. Mouse I like the Logitech MX518 Gaming-Grade Optical Mouse, and Logitech MX1000 Laser Cordless Mouse. Sound card Creative X-Fi Platinum. Motherboard I have no clue that LAN game board looked cool.

I'm sure you guys have more info than I would and that's why I have posed this to get more help in choosing the right configuration for my gaming computer. So far I like the help thanks guys
 
Now all I need is advice an what is a good setup lol. Cuz I'm not sure, back when I was playing games all the time I kept up with the new technology but since I have not played a came on my computer in over 2 years i'm a little outdated.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top