Need Help with MANY Things

454Casull said:
If you plan to run Crossfire, go with ATI cards. Otherwise, any PCIe video card will work.
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Are there advantages to Crossfire? Is it just ATI's version of SLI?

The Raptors are faster but louder. The one you linked doesn't say if it's the old or new version of the 74GB Raptor.
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Would it then be in better interest to get a 74gb raptor?

DVD drives can read CDs just fine.
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Cool, thanks.

The Scythe Ninja is one of the best HSFs available.
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This?

If you really need surround sound, you may as well go with a good 4/5.1 setup unless you don't have the space. Some headphones do come with processors that emulate surround sound (but are otherwise normal cans).
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Unfortunately, I don't think I'll have enough room in my dorm to have a 5.1 setup.

EDIT: What you COULD do (and I don't see anything wrong with it) is to get a high-end set of cans, a good amp (I hear the PA2V2 is great), AND the JVC SU-DH1 Dolby Headphone processor and the Auzentech X-Plosion sound card. The processor requires a digital input, AFAIK, and only sound cards with DTS Connect can pass anything more than stereo sound through digital-out. Dolby Headphone converts surround sound (e.g. 5.1) into 2.0 for headphones, but it's supposed to sound like the multi-channel source.
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I really like the Headphones/AMP/SU-DH1/X-Plosion idea, so I think that's what I'll probably be getting, as the X-Plosion doesn't conflict with my mobo like I'd suspect the X-FI to. Thanks!

I'll e-mail Gary (PA2V2 seller) soon; does anyone know if he accepts internet banking?

Thanks,
-sovay
 
If you go with a Raptor, get a second drive for extra storage. I can't tell you if the extra speed is worth it or not, although if you do have money to spend, there isn't much of a drawback.

Yes, that's the Scythe Ninja. The Scythe Ninja Plus comes with a fan (the original Ninja, without the fan, isn't being "produced" anymore).

http://www.electric-avenues.com/purchase.html

CF and SLI are basically the exact same thing, though I hear CF is slightly less polished than SLI.
 
i agree to get 2nd drive if u get raptor. 74gb is not big enough space nowadays. it is good to keep the raptor as a boot drive (applications u need to run fast) and a 2nd drive as a dump drive (maybe a 250gb= $80).

i'd suggest to ltake a look at the Zalamn 9500CNPS. The ninja is good, but it's quite big. so make sure ur case fits it. some cases doesnt fit the ninja.

PSU is a good selection. and the warranty service of seasonic is more than great. when ur psu breaks and u call them, they send you a new one the same day u call them.

and to the newb:
why, are u mcse, a+?
BTW, when did mcse and a+ became a degree? ROFL.
 
What you have chosen if fine for running a system. Here are some alternatives just to give you more options.

CPU Cooler- Zalman CNPS 9500LED
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16409&vpn=CNPS9500-LED&manufacture=ZALMAN TECH

DVD Burner- NEC ND-3550A
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16985&vpn=ND-3550A-BLACK&manufacture=NEC-MITSUBISHI

PSU- The one you chose should be fine. But to be safe OCZ 700w GameXstream is 5cad more after rebate.
http://www.ncix.com/products/index....LI&manufacture=OCZ Technology#CustomerReviews

HDD- 2X WD Raptors ADFD
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=18013&vpn=WD740ADFD&manufacture=Western Digital

Storage HDD- For storage, the one you chose would be great
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=15852&vpn=SP2504C&manufacture=Samsung

GPU- ASUS x1900xtx
http://www.ncix.com/products/index..../2DHTV/512MB&manufacture=ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC.

picture-
http://usa.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=2&l2=8&l3=0&model=1025&modelmenu=1

Memory- Corsair Cl4 6400 350cad
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=18580&vpn=TWIN2X2048-6400C4&manufacture=CORSAIR

Sound Card- X-fi I think would be the better choice. I haven't heard much about the xplosion. I'll leave that up to casull
 
rysher said:
and to the newb:
why, are u mcse, a+?
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I am neither. I have no certifications pertaining to hardware or computers in general nor am I in the process of obtaining any.

Obviously there must be some rationale behind your attitude. What might it be?
 
Hey thanks, I like some of those options a lot.
However, why two raptors? Is it simply for extra storage, or will getting of of them (as opposed to one) improve performance?

EDIT: Now all I really need is a case...
Is there any aspects of a case I should look at, or are the cases simply for aesthetics?
 
sovay said:
Hey thanks, I like some of those options a lot.
However, why two raptors? Is it simply for extra storage, or will getting of of them (as opposed to one) improve performance?

EDIT: Now all I really need is a case...
Is there any aspects of a case I should look at, or are the cases simply for aesthetics?
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I look at aesthetics only after I've checked a case for everything I need. What you're looking for depends on your needs, obviously, but there are a couple of universals:

- 120mm fan mounts only
- free-flowing vents
- logical design - i.e. sensible aerodynamics, ease of access
- sturdy construction - i.e. thick sheet metal, bracing pieces, etc

Two Raptors makes very little sense unless you plan to RAID them, or you need fast storage. Or maybe if you plan to dual-boot. Who knows?

With the Auzentech cards you do miss out on EAX 3.0/4.0/5.0. I'm not sure which games take advantage of the newer technologies, and what tangible benefits they offer.

EDIT: The Epsilon/GameXStream PSUs suffer from a ripple issue. That doesn't mean that systems using them won't be stable, but there are better choices out there as far as clean power output goes.
 
for case, just make sure ur hsf would fit. if u go w/ the ninja, some cases doesn't fit them.

the rationale? as quoted:
"a lower end chip overclocked does not equal the higher end chip"
i.e. an a64 3800 running at fx-60 clockspeeds, is not an fx-60.
and no i don't have an fx-60.
 
rysher said:
for case, just make sure ur hsf would fit. if u go w/ the ninja, some cases doesn't fit them.

the rationale? as quoted:
"a lower end chip overclocked does not equal the higher end chip"
i.e. an a64 3800 running at fx-60 clockspeeds, is not an fx-60.
and no i don't have an fx-60.
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What's the difference, besides price?
 
rysher said:
for case, just make sure ur hsf would fit. if u go w/ the ninja, some cases doesn't fit them.

the rationale? as quoted:
"a lower end chip overclocked does not equal the higher end chip"
i.e. an a64 3800 running at fx-60 clockspeeds, is not an fx-60.
and no i don't have an fx-60.
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So this has been your goal ever since you came in here? All you wanted to say is even when overlclocked one proccessor of a different model (even when overclocked) in not like another? Wow thanks for telling us that 2 different things are not the same thing. It woulda taken us days to figure that out. I think you know that I mean performance wise they will be the same, infact i even said "they will have almost the same performance". And quit quoting me on "almost". How about almost if not, then even better than the x6800. End of discussion and quit looking for arguments over molecular differences.

sovay said:
Hey thanks, I like some of those options a lot.
However, why two raptors? Is it simply for extra storage, or will getting of of them (as opposed to one) improve performance?

EDIT: Now all I really need is a case...
Is there any aspects of a case I should look at, or are the cases simply for aesthetics?
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For the 2 raptors, I would do RAID 0. Big performance boost overall on your pc. No matter what you're doing. Don't expect top performance just cus you have a fast harddrive, thats what your graphics card, processor, and ram are for.

And for your case needs.
http://xoxide.com/pccases.html
 
if it were me, i'll take the lian li. quality of build u wont regret. i had my first lian li 6 months ago, and i'll never buy another brand again. ur mobo and hsf will both would fit. try www.silverpcs.com for lian li cases, maybe u can find something there.

what ur suggesting about overclocking a chip is idiotic, to me.
why would u compare a low end overclock to a high end stock and say they are equal except for the price?
compare a low end overclock to a high end overclock.

just like the suggestion on the two raptors? never gets it.
biggrin.gif
 
rysher said:
if it were me, i'll take the lian li. quality of build u wont regret. i had my first lian li 6 months ago, and i'll never buy another brand again. ur mobo and hsf will both would fit. try www.silverpcs.com for lian li cases, maybe u can find something there.

what ur suggesting about overclocking a chip is idiotic, to me.
why would u compare a low end overclock to a high end stock and say they are equal except for the price?
compare a low end overclock to a high end overclock.

just like the suggestion on the two raptors? never gets it.
biggrin.gif
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WOW I NEVER SAID THEY WILL BE EQUAL. GET THIS THROUGH YOUR HEAD! I said they will have similar performance. Ok? Similar. They won't be the same product. That good enough? I think I can tell the difference between two different chips. You keep stating that I "say they are equal except for price". I never said they were equal. I said it would be a better buy for the price. The overclocking that is possible from the E6600 would beat price/performance than the overclocking of the x6800, unless the unlocked multiplier was that important to you. Same thing with the Raptors. I never compared the raptors to anything. I just said that they would increase his performance. Quit trying to start arguments. Quit putting words in my mouth. Quit with the name calling. Enough is enough PERIOD

sovay said:
Hmm, prettycool cases they have at that site ;d
Could someone tell me if either of the following two cases will fit my mobo (atx set-up) and my Zalman 9500?

http://xoxide.com/lian-li-6070b-plus-case-black.html
http://xoxide.com/thermaltake-shark-silver-va7000swa.html

EDIT: also, I found that this link really went in-depth about the dual raptor raid 0 set-up, so I think I'll stay with a single raptor.
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I don't think that lian-li case's cpu duct will give the 9500led justice. The hsf is 13cm tall.
 
Ok, I've sort of compiled most of my parts here...
All that's left to do is to do a few once-overs to make sure everything looks good together.

cpu
mobo
sound card
thermal paste ;d
heatsink
memory
psu
gpu
hdd (only one)
opticaldrive
case

Basicly, all that there needs to fit into the case and it all has to be compatible. Now, I'm not sure if that's the best choice for a power supply, but it will surely get the job done.

Note: I've already ordered a pocketamp, and i'm looking into some nice Sennheiser headphones/JVC SU-DH1 adaptor.

EDIT: Actually, my mobo has a decent soundcard built in; is it even worth getting a sound card?
 
I really really really recommend you get 2 of those hard drives. Believe you'll thank your self for getting them. Just to let you know, that GameXstream has a fan that can go up to 38dba when stressed. There have been comments aboutit being loud. And get this thermal paste instead. It's better

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=9644&vpn=CERAMIQUE&manufacture=ARCTIC SILVER

Other than the things i just mentioned, that's a very nice setup.
 
try zipzoomfly.com for the memory, they have your memory there for $216 after rebate, iunno how much that is in CAD $ and they ship for free too, but iunno if they ship to canada for free also.
the case is a nice upgrade. i'd still want a window sidepanel to go w/ the 9500cnps as this hsf has a blue led.
about the soundcard, it depends if you are very particular w/ the output. I have an asus board w/ built in soundcard so i use the sound card. i am deaf, so i can't tell the difference between having a good sound card and a built in sound card.
everything looks good.

And to the newb, AGAIN!!!
Keyword= ALMOST!
almost, almost, almost, almost, almost, almost, almost, almost...
 
You will fill that one 74gb harddrive awfully fast...

edit: It wouldn't be worth it ordering the memory from the States, what will the exchange rate, border duties, and, more than likely, huge shipping charges for what it is. Tigerdirect.ca has the same ram for $30 cheaper than NCIX. You could probably get them to match the price:)
 
If your friends convinced you to do this, they should help you pick the parts and build the system.

If they're leaving you out to dry and you're going to be at school, buy a pre-assembled machine so that you have somewhere to turn if something breaks.
 
Ok; and one final question, how exaclty does this video card differ from the one I was planning on getting? would it be wise for me to save some money and go with this one instead?

EDIT: Also, would a sound card really benefit me?
 
It's slower, but offers more bang for the buck than both the X1900XT/XTX. It's a pity that the X1900XT is so expensive in Canada.

You can run the amp off the line-out of the onboard sound, but if you get good headphones you'd likely hear an improvement by going to a better DAC (sound card). Feel free to order a card after you listen to your setup first, though.
 
Keep in mind that the JVC Dolby Headphone processor requires a surround-sound-encoded signal to function. Any multi-channel sound aside from movies can only be outputted in analog format unless the card has DTS Connect or something similar.
 
Ok, I've switched case to this and video card is still sort of up in the air. I don't really want so spend $600, but I sort of want a better card than the BFG GeForce 7900 GT.

could this be the answer to my problems?
Oh, and I opted to get Tritton 5.1 headphones instead of Sennheiser/JVC SU-DH1.
 
Heh, yes, I'm aware of the whole lsurround-sound-doesn't-work-with-headphones argument, but I shall indeed see for myself.
Ok, I've changed a few things yet again, but I need help.
Which of these two cards is better?
one or two?
Also, if I go with two, in a few years if I pick up another one of those cards, would I be able to crossfire them?

And, since I get a deal with my RAM, I decided to go with this psu. Will it provide enough power for my system?
 
sovay said:
Heh, yes, I'm aware of the whole lsurround-sound-doesn't-work-with-headphones argument, but I shall indeed see for myself.
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Not that it doesn't work with headphones (binaural recordings offer astounding realism)... but that the Tritton headphones aren't as accurate as many other cans.
Ok, I've changed a few things yet again, but I need help.
Which of these two cards is better?
one or two?
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The X1800XT will generally take the advantage in D3D games, while NVIDIA has traditionally been superior at OpenGL. OCed versions of the 7900GT may have the upper hand, but you can also OC the X1800XT.
Also, if I go with two, in a few years if I pick up another one of those cards, would I be able to crossfire them?
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You can't Crossfire (you SLI them) NVIDIA cards. Only certain ATI cards, and yes, you can do it with the X1800XT, but one of them has to be a master card, I think.
And, since I get a deal with my RAM, I decided to go with this psu. Will it provide enough power for my system?
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Dare I say too much? hehe
 
Wow, you sure know your stuff. Ok, I'll be going with the the 7900 GT. I'm sure it will be a huge step up from the monstrosity I have now.

Thanks,
sovay

PS: I think the comments on that card are awesome.

EDIT: Wow, I've heard really good things about this heatsink. How does it compare to the Zalman 9500?
Also, sorry if I have too many questions. ;p

And, after much deliberation, I have decided to change my case yet again and go with the amazing Sonata II.
 
You don't need an aftermarket heatsink unless you're trying to pull max OC and/or lowest temps (why?) and/or minimal noise.
 
Yea, I'm going to OC to the best of my abilities.
also, the Sonata II has a built-in PSU, is it removable, or should I just stick with the "450Watt SmartPower 2.0" one built in?
 
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