• Some users have recently had their accounts hijacked. It seems that the now defunct EVGA forums might have compromised your password there and seems many are using the same PW here. We would suggest you UPDATE YOUR PASSWORD and TURN ON 2FA for your account here to further secure it. None of the compromised accounts had 2FA turned on.
    Once you have enabled 2FA, your account will be updated soon to show a badge, letting other members know that you use 2FA to protect your account. This should be beneficial for everyone that uses FSFT.

i7 940 build

W

w3retiger

n00b
Joined
Nov 24, 2008
Messages
14
1) What will you be doing with this PC? gaming mainly and some other general use
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included? 2,500 can go a bit over with tax and shipping
3) Where do you live? IL
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific. cpu, mobo, psu, video card, hard drive, optical drive, sound card, ram, case, OS
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model. None
6) Will you be overclocking? Not planning to
7) What size monitor do you have or plan to have? currently a 22 inch 1680x1050 but plan to upgrade soon
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC? next two weeks
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? etc. sli support just to keep that option open, otherwise nothing crazy

cpu: i7 940
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115201

mobo: asus p6t
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131346

case: coolermaster 690
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

video card: evga gtx280
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130365

psu: antec signature 850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371018

ram: corsair xms3 6gigs
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145222

hard drive: 300gb raptor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136260

sound card: creative x-fi xtremegamer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102005

optical drive: samsung SH-S223Q
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173

My questions
OS: vista 32 bit wouldn't support more than 4 gigs of ram correct?
I'm considering 64 bit but I'm just concerned about compatibility with most programs will that be an issue? I kind of don't understand what all 64 or 32 bit affects.

sound card: is it going to conflict with vista or has creative released some good drivers yet?

I am aware that the psu and video card are total overkill but I want this thing to last. Otherwise any opinions on this would be much appreciated.
 
Any 32bit OS (Vista and XP included) cannot support more than 4GB of RAM. You'll probably get anywhere from 2.5GB to 3.5GB of available RAM with that video card. Straight from the stickied FAQ:
What's this deal about Windows not being able to see 4GB of RAM?

32-bit versions of Windows (both XP and Vista) can address 4GB MINUS the sum total of all component memory installed in your system (i.e. memory in your video card.) In other words, it has one 32-bit memory map which can address up to 4GB of memory, including component memory. Component memory is addressed first because the system has to assume that a component must have access to all of its memory to function correctly. As this is not a requirement for system RAM, it is addressed after component memory. For example, with a Radeon HD3870X2 card, you will lose at least an entire gigabyte (GB) of usable RAM if you chose 32-bit XP.

32-bit versions of Windows have a physical address extension (PAE) switch that enables Windows to utilize 4GB or more RAM. The server versions of Windows have the PAE switch activated by default, possibly due to the limited hardware and software environment the servers have to contend with. There was an ugly hack to activate the PAE switch on pre-SP2 versions of Windows XP, but it introduced significant driver and application stability issues. This very switch was removed from XP SP2 and Vista as it was incompatible with many third party drivers and was known to trash stability.
Click to expand...

Anyway, you shouldn't have any problems with 64bit program compatibility except with really old apps and games. Most software will run in Vista 64bit and most hardware now have 64bit drivers.

Haven't heard anything on the Creative-Vista front for the past 3 months.
 
You do know that you're paying $270 for 266Mhz more over the i7.920, right? IMO, thats not worth it.

Raptors also aren't worth their price premium these days. A single WD6400AAKS can do around 90MB/s @ 12ms while the VRaptor does 98MB/s @ 8ms. The 30% faster seek time does not translate to 30% faster overall performance, unfortunately, so its not worth the 140+% price premium, IMO (for less than half the capacity, too!).
 
I didn't know that about the raptor. I had heard wd's newer drivers were catching up but I didn't know it was that close.

I know the 940 is kind of a bad deal but I'm torn on going with a 940 now and not upgrading that for a long while or taking the 920 and upgrading a little sooner.
 
w3retiger said:
I know the 940 is kind of a bad deal but I'm torn on going with a 940 now and not upgrading that for a long while or taking the 920 and upgrading a little sooner.
Click to expand...

That extra 266Mhz is NOT gonna make your system last any longer than the going with the 920. Just save that $270 for the the next CPU you buy.
 
I guess I should have stated this in my original post but my parents are paying for the majority of it. So really spending less for the 920 over the 940 isn't a huge deal. I know the performance difference is rather minor but the price gap isn't enough to slap another 280 in there and even if I would like to avoid owning a hybrid oven/computer. I am also not a huge fan of sli after my current computer.
 
w3retiger said:
I guess I should have stated this in my original post but my parents are paying for the majority of it. So really spending less for the 920 over the 940 isn't a huge deal. I know the performance difference is rather minor but the price gap isn't enough to slap another 280 in there and even if I would like to avoid owning a hybrid oven/computer. I am also not a huge fan of sli after my current computer.
Click to expand...

Well no one was suggesting that you get a second card for SLI. I said CPU, not GPU. Just save your money, even if your parents are paying for the majority. That's not good enough justification to spend $270 for a mere 1%, at most, increase in performance.
 
You're basically paying 11 cents per Mhz up to 2666Mhz. Thereafter, you're paying $1 per Mhz. I'd seriously find somewhere else to spend that $270 -- maybe towards a 2nd display. Just because you're spending someone elses money doesn't mean you can't spend it wisely.
 
enginurd said:
Raptors also aren't worth their price premium these days. A single WD6400AAKS can do around 90MB/s @ 12ms while the VRaptor does 98MB/s @ 8ms. The 30% faster seek time does not translate to 30% faster overall performance, unfortunately, so its not worth the 140+% price premium, IMO (for less than half the capacity, too!).
Click to expand...
Thanks! I just ordered one of these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218&Tpk=WD6400AAKS

That is the right hard drive, right? I just got vista so am going to install it to that puppy. :)
 
Danny Bui said:
Any 32bit OS (Vista and XP included) cannot support more than 4GB of RAM. You'll probably get anywhere from 2.5GB to 3.5GB of available RAM with that video card. Straight from the stickied FAQ:


Anyway, you shouldn't have any problems with 64bit program compatibility except with really old apps and games. Most software will run in Vista 64bit and most hardware now have 64bit drivers.

Haven't heard anything on the Creative-Vista front for the past 3 months.
Click to expand...

Excellent reply it explains it as is ;)
ecstatic.gif
 
Thanks a lot for the informative post man. Helped me find an amazing value for my mini-upgrade.
 
Danny Bui said:
Haven't heard anything on the Creative-Vista front for the past 3 months.
Click to expand...

Meaning there are still driver issues, or they have been resolved and if I upgrade to Vista I will have the same functionality I have on XP now? This was one of the biggest reasons I HAD to go back to XP when Vista first came out.
 
Danny Bui said:
Well no one was suggesting that you get a second card for SLI. I said CPU, not GPU. Just save your money, even if your parents are paying for the majority. That's not good enough justification to spend $270 for a mere 1%, at most, increase in performance.
Click to expand...

I know but it is more that they will only give me the money for the computer.

HardwareGuru said:
Out of curiosity, what is the specs of your current system?
Click to expand...

amdx2 4600 socket 939
7900gt x2 sli
2 gigs corsair ram
enermax 650w
x-fi xtrememusic

it doesn't run any new games very well and some not at all.


I was thinking though that with the money saved buying that wd 640gb drive and a 920 I could buy a 24 or 26 inch monitor with only maybe another 100 or 200 dollars.
 
w3retiger said:
I was thinking though that with the money saved buying that wd 640gb drive and a 920 I could buy a 24 or 26 inch monitor with only maybe another 100 or 200 dollars.
Click to expand...

Yeah, definitely save the money and put it towards something else. Maybe a nice set of headphones or a monitor. But I personally really do not see spending that much more for the 940. Ripoff IMO.

But, in choosing a new monitor (assuming that's the route you went) keep in mind if you go 24" the native res will be 1920x1200.

To me, it's not worth it to make it that much harder for my system to run a game completely smooth for 2" more screen. But, others may disagree. Who knows, but to me it's never made sense, especially if your main use for a computer right now is all play, no work.

And don't count dual monitors out completely. It's a whole new world of computing honestly. LOL :D
 
I was under the impression that 1680x1050 isn't taking full advantage of the gtx280 but 1920x1200 would or at least a little. I already have audiotechnica a700 headphones. I guess I'll need to think on that.
 
w3retiger said:
I was under the impression that 1680x1050 isn't taking full advantage of the gtx280 but 1920x1200 would or at least a little. I already have audiotechnica a700 headphones. I guess I'll need to think on that.
Click to expand...

Yah, thats about right.
 
w3retiger said:
I was under the impression that 1680x1050 isn't taking full advantage of the gtx280 but 1920x1200 would or at least a little. I already have audiotechnica a700 headphones. I guess I'll need to think on that.
Click to expand...

What happens when newer games come out that the GTX280 won't be able to do as well? Unless mommy and daddy are gladly going to buy you the latest and greatest, technology doesn't stay the same.
 
I don't think the gtx 280 is going to struggle in the next year or two and by then I can afford to upgrade my video card.

I appreciate your help I3beyond but if you could please shove it with snide remarks like that.
 
I3eyond said:
Meaning there are still driver issues, or they have been resolved and if I upgrade to Vista I will have the same functionality I have on XP now? This was one of the biggest reasons I HAD to go back to XP when Vista first came out.
Click to expand...

Meaning that I haven't bother looking up or researching Creative sound cards ever since the Daniek_K incident.

w3retiger said:
I was thinking though that with the money saved buying that wd 640gb drive and a 920 I could buy a 24 or 26 inch monitor with only maybe another 100 or 200 dollars.
Click to expand...

Excellent idea. You can get a 24" monitor for $290:
Acer X243Wbd Black 24" Widescreen LCD Monitor - $290

I3eyond said:
And don't count dual monitors out completely. It's a whole new world of computing honestly. LOL :D
Click to expand...
Yup, I love having dual 19" monitors. :)

I3eyond said:
What happens when newer games come out that the GTX280 won't be able to do as well?
Click to expand...
Upgrade the video card?:)
 
I would do this if I was you:

Case - CoolerMaster RC-690 for $56.62 at Provantage.com
PSU - BFG Tech ES-800 for $120($40 MIR) w/free shipping *(GTX 260 Nvidia SLI certified PS)
Cpu - Intel Core i7 920(2.66ghz) for $295 w/free shipping
Heatsink - Thermalright Ulta-120 eXtreme LGA 1366 with LGA 1366 Bolt-Thru Kit from FrozenCPU.com
Mobo - Asus P6T Deluxe X58 chipset for $300
Ram - G. Skill 6gig DDR3 1600 triple channel for $230 w/free shipping
Video - 2 x MSI N260GTX in SLI for $205/each w/free shipping
HDD - WD 6400AAKS 640gig for $70 w/free shipping
Optical Drive - Samsung 22X Sata DVD Burner for $25 w/free shipping
O/S - Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit for $100 w/free shipping
Monitor - BenQ FP241VW 24" (Non - TN 8 bit panel) for $500 from benq.us
or, Samsung 2493HM 24" (TN panel but ideal for high fps gaming and versatile with height adjust and pivot feature) for $410

Total: $2,100 - $2,200 depending on which 24" monitor you select.

This outta demolish your current X2 4600+ cpu and 2 x 7900GT in SLI rig.
 
HardwareGuru said:
I would do this if I was you:

Case - CoolerMaster RC-690 for $56.62 at Provantage.com good deal, thanks
PSU - BFG Tech ES-800 for $120($40 MIR) w/free shipping *(GTX 260 Nvidia SLI certified PS)
Cpu - Intel Core i7 920(2.66ghz) for $295 w/free shipping
Heatsink - Thermalright Ulta-120 eXtreme LGA 1366 with LGA 1366 Bolt-Thru Kit from FrozenCPU.com
Mobo - Asus P6T Deluxe X58 chipset for $300
Ram - G. Skill 6gig DDR3 1600 triple channel for $230 w/free shipping looks good
Video - 2 x MSI N260GTX in SLI for $205/each w/free shipping
HDD - WD 6400AAKS 640gig for $70 w/free shipping
Optical Drive - Samsung 22X Sata DVD Burner for $25 w/free shipping
O/S - Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit for $100 w/free shipping
Monitor - BenQ FP241VW 24" (Non - TN 8 bit panel) for $500 from benq.us
or, Samsung 2493HM 24" (TN panel but ideal for high fps gaming and versatile with height adjust and pivot feature) for $410 I'm extremely ignorant on monitors. Is the response time not as big a deal as the type?

Total: $2,100 - $2,200 depending on which 24" monitor you select.

This outta demolish your current X2 4600+ cpu and 2 x 7900GT in SLI rig. snail on a wheel could do that
Click to expand...

Looks good but I would prefer to stick with the antec psu. I'm willing to spend more than necessary for something that I know is quality and will last.

That thermalright cpu cooler looks big. My worry is how stable it is. I need to move this computer to and from my house almost every weekend, so I need to be sure it won't come loose or anything.

I would also prefer to stay away from sli unless really necessary. I was pretty unimpressed with my last set up. I know that sli support has gotten better and it scales better but I am still rather hesitant.
 
 
w3retiger said:
Looks good but I would prefer to stick with the antec psu. I'm willing to spend more than necessary for something that I know is quality and will last....
Click to expand...

You think JG would allow his PSUs to have lower quality than Antec?!?!? :eek: :p You actually can't go wrong, as far as quality goes, with either unit.
 
JG? Forgive my ignorance. I had just seen some good reviews of the antec and hadn't seen that bfg before.
 
Ok I figured, then I'm going to need to ask another rather stupid question. Will the bfg have or cause heat issues because it doesn't have a back fan? None of those reviews seemed to indicate anything of the like but I'm just being paranoid.
 
No. It uses a single 138mm fan instead of one or two 80mm fans. Larger fans are used to keep the unit quiet -- larger fans can push more air at lower RPMs, making them more quiet. BFG takes it a step further and uses a 138mm instead of the typical 120mm.
 
w3retiger said:
Ok I figured, then I'm going to need to ask another rather stupid question. Will the bfg have or cause heat issues because it doesn't have a back fan? None of those reviews seemed to indicate anything of the like but I'm just being paranoid.
Click to expand...

You're being paranoid as Enginurd showed :)
 
Ok, I just needed to ask. My own stupidity when I checked the prices I just glanced and saw the antec at 260 and the bfg at 120. Then I noticed the bfg had a massive mark down. That brings the set up down to 1,800 instead of 2,400 but those aren't including monitor. Thanks for all this help so far especially with all my stupid questions and lack of knowledge on a lot of this stuff.
 
Since you don't care for SLI right now, just go with this EVGA Geforce GTX 260(216) for $243 w/free shipping. It is already very good already. A HUGE performance gain over your existing setup. as far as monitors. The monitors you normally see at your local Best Buy, Circuit City are TN(Twisted Nematic) panels. That is why you will see 22" , 24 and 26" lcds not costing as much as previous monitors in the past. They use the cheaper 6 bit TN panels which is cheaper to manufacture than an 8 bit panel. An example of an 8 bit lcd panel is the Dell Ultrasharp 2408WFP. 8 bit panel are more ideal especially if you do alot of photos or watch alot of movies. What are the advantages of 8 bit panels vs 6 bit panels?

8 bit panel LCD monitors (S-PVA, P-MVA, S-IPS to name some)

Pros
1. They have a better horizontal and vertical viewing angle as opposed to 6 bit TN panels. 8 bit panels normally have a 178 degree horizontal/vertical view angle. The same as what you see in most LCD/TV.
2. 8 bit panels can display the full 16.7 million colour shades. 6 bit panels only display 262,000 colours but they use a process called dithering to trick the eye into seeing more colours than there is.
3. 8 bit panels normally have less backlight bleeding than a TN panel. but, some 8 bit panels can suffer backlight bleeding as well.

Cons
1. 8 bit panels can suffer higher input lag than a 6 bit TN panel. This is not good especially when it comes to high fps gaming. Also, response times are higher on an 8 bit panel.
2. Banding issues are common among 8 bit panels. The background is not as smooth when viewing a particular website or within a pc game.
3. 8 bit panels cost normally cost alot more to make and cost alot more to buy. Most consumers won't buy a $500-$600 8bit 24" panel for general usage.

6 bit TN (Twisted Nematic) LCD monitors

Pros
1. Lower input lag as opposed to 8 bit panels. Ideal for fast high fps gaming
2. Lower response times. 5ms or lower response times to minimize motion blur or ghosting
3. Cheap to purchase as oppose to an 8 bit panel LCD monitor

Cons
1. Limited viewing angle compared to 8 bit panels. normallly the view angle of a TN monitor is 160/160 vertical and horizontal
2. Only a 6 bit panel and not able to display the full 16.7 million colours. TN panels also look more washed out in color as oppose an 8 bit panel
3. Backlight bleeding. You normally see backlight bleeding on TN display. mainly on the upper or bottom portion of the screen.
 
Your build looks a lot like what I am going to get. :D And my parents are paying for half of mine as well. *Fist Bump*
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top