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Seeking Opinions on 2 computers.

V

Vekro

n00b
Joined
Jul 19, 2002
Messages
41
Hello everybody, I need some help deciding on which computer to buy :). I just landed a new job and have some extra money. The computer I'm using now is seeing the last of his days and with doom3/hl2 etc coming out I'm anxious to upgrade. I went through these forums and found what most people use for both amd/intel. I'm mostly concerned about longevity. Will both of these setups hold me over for awhile. I picked the 939pin because I heard that's what amd is using for now and the P4EE for the same reason. Right now I'm undecided about which video card either ati or nvidia top of the line.

Here's the Intel -

http://secure.newegg.com/app/WishHistoryReview.asp?position=HISTORY&submit=VIEW&ID=871983

Amd -

http://secure.newegg.com/app/WishHistoryReview.asp?position=HISTORY&submit=VIEW&ID=855344

Some concerns - psu be enough with a video card? How's the memory? Is the cooling sufficient? (I will be purchasing the Case flow fan from CM once they get in stock.) Anything additional?

I'm open for all suggestions, money is not a huge issue but I'm looking for the best bang for the buck with longevity. Let me know what you guys like or dislike.

I'm really looking forward to the new doom3 benchmarks that will hopefully come out soon. That will also reflect on the system. I haven't been able to find some good steady reviews on any mobo's with pci-e or and video cards that match. I'm willing to go with those if someone can recommend something good.
 
Hands down it's the AMD for me everytime....unless you're into some major overclocking and even then i'd think about it.
 
You'll be really happy with that P4 Mobo. I'm using it on my machine, and it's been a totally awesome board.

As for your questions:

-PSU looks okay, but with that much high-end hardware, you may want to opt for something a little more powerful, like, say, a 430 (or even a 510 if you think you'll be adding a lot more to it).
-Memory looks spot-on. A-ok there.
-Cooling looks good to. Horray for not going with stock. Especially on the P4EE. :rolleyes:

One thing to consider is a sound card. The pinnacle of audio technology right now is the Creative Soundblaster Audigy 2 ZS (you knew that already, right? :p ). It's a sweet, sweet sound board that you'll be happy with (go for the OEM one if you can find it, it'll save you a few bucks... though on these systems, a buck here and a buck there doesn't mean much...).

As for video cards? I'd go with whichever side you're allied with. ;) No, honestly, both the ATI X800XT and the NVidia GeForce 6800 Ultra are fantastic, and whichever you choose, you'll be happy with. Be warned though, the X800XT supposedly plays better with HL2, while the 6800 Ultra, as we saw this week, plays very nicely with DOOM 3.

Your call. Personally, I'm going the NV way. ;)

Hope that helped.
-cold
 
why you put ocz in one and corsair xms in teh other?

I th ink you'll be happier with that AMD setup.
 
Those are both F'ing awesome systems!!! I'd jizz over having either! :)

Pure gaming rig, the AMD is better. General usage or encoding the P4 I think would be better. Even though the AMD may score better in some office apps. I think the feel of an Intel system seems a little snappier when multitasking (I guess its the HT) Fewer occasions when there's that second delay doing something complex.

Both are COMPLETELY AWESOME RIGS.

I'd get this PSU http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-163-105&depa=0 its probably quieter and is rated at 460W for about the same price. The 120mm fan makes it nice & quiet.

Personally, I'd get the Intel system just b/c I'm an Intel whore and I think their drivers/mobos are little bit more stable/mature. And I'm not a big fan of VIA and their 4-in-1's. Especially, the 875 chipset, I think its one of the BEST chipsets ever to date. Thats why the new 925/915's dont look so great, b/c the 875's were already AWESOME.
 
The FX-53 has beaten out every other processor in benchmarks so far (including the P4EE), so that'd be a prime choice.
 
I'd go with the AMD system. You'll see more performance out of the 64-bit processor and if a 64-bit OS comes around you'll be ready to go.

Whats the deal with your harddrives though, I'd go with a SATA RAID config if you want that box to scream. Also, the WD Raptor drives are nice and fast but they are also hot and loud. I'd suggest picking up some of these: http://www.newegg.com/app/searchPro...description=hitachi+sata&Range=1&InnerCata=14 depending on the size you want to go for and then do a RAID 0 or 0+1. You could save money and improve performance that way. Of course you risk losing your data with a pure RAID 0, but 0+1 is worth it for the speed.
 
Not even a question, the AMD system is a much better solution. As far as Intel goes, I sell systems/components and I've talked to a few of the Intel Reps. According to the Reps and Intel, the EE CPU's were basically a costly mistake that didn't sell well. It also won't be back in any form in the forseeable future. The only way they're going to catch AMD is by developing their own 64-bit solution...and I'll believe that when I see it!!

You've picked some great components!
 
I'd also go with the AMD. That P4 is way overpriced.

I noticed most things in your basket are kinda on the quiet side... I would ditch the raptor and just stay with the WD JD drives.. they are plenty fast & still quiet.
 
I'd say AMD for the best computer for your money. And the AMD system will be more of an investment in the future.

Both are nice systems though, you did a good job of putting them together. Now just slap a 6800U or x800xtpe in there and you'll have a top of the line system.
 
Agreed with the above. The AMD system looks like a hit.

I would suggest you keep the WD Raptor, though. It's an awesome HDD, isn't that loud at all, doesn't generate that much heat (it's hot, but not that hot), and will give you rediculous read times. If you're even thinking about playing DOOM 3 and having levels load fast, that's the drive for you... hell, get two and stripe 'em together! ;)
 
Beat bang for the buck, AMD ALL THE WAY! AND when a 64bit OS comes out you should have immediate support for it. As for the vid card, stick with proven technology and go with ATI ATM.
 
I agree with all of the others... definitely go with the AMD system. Absolutely awesome systems though, either way. BUT the AMD truly is the best bang for the buck! :D
 
L3on said:
I'd go with the AMD system. You'll see more performance out of the 64-bit processor and if a 64-bit OS comes around you'll be ready to go.

Whats the deal with your harddrives though, I'd go with a SATA RAID config if you want that box to scream. Also, the WD Raptor drives are nice and fast but they are also hot and loud. I'd suggest picking up some of these: http://www.newegg.com/app/searchPro...description=hitachi+sata&Range=1&InnerCata=14 depending on the size you want to go for and then do a RAID 0 or 0+1. You could save money and improve performance that way. Of course you risk losing your data with a pure RAID 0, but 0+1 is worth it for the speed.
Click to expand...

The raid on the raptors isnt going to give you much real life performance boost at all.

Read http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=2101&p=11

And btw go AMD, for many reasons, and get the audigy2 ZS... that onboard sound isn't so great.
 
Seems like AMD is the way to go :)

I will probobly get the Creative Audigy2 ZS with some Klipsch speakers.

I'm thinking about switching the psu with http://pcpowerandcooling.com/about/index_whatnew510.htm

I'm still undecided about the video card, seems like all the next gen ones are out of stock everywhere :mad:

I also might just get 2 74gb raptors and just raid 0 them.

Memory looks good on the amd haven't heard any problems with it.

I appreciate all the opinions, keep them coming! :)
 
I definitely have to say AMD although. Hyperthreading is nice on the P4, but overall performance is sweet with the FX-53. Upgradability is a big plus with a socket 939 system (remembering the rumors of the dual core 939 CPUs sampling soon comes to head). Although I think I would personally try to find a 939 nForce3-250 motherboard to use with the built in GbE hardware lan not constrained on the PCI bus, as well as the other perks of the nf3-250 chipset. Both great systems though.
Jason
edit -> If Doom3 will be your thing, get the nf3-250 chipset with a new Nvidia 6800 series video card. That will get the most performance on Doom3 with Nvidia leading in the recent round of benchmarks coupled with Nvidia Chipset optimizations for their own vid. cards.
 
amd all the way. with dual cores coming out in late 2005 for 939. you can rest assured you'll have a futureproof system. although i would wait a couple months for 939 with pci express, but it's your choice.
 
Definetly AMD!
But go coursair Mem
And With that system your going to get a great V card right?
So get a great PS that will not let you down, PC Power & Cooling 510 Deluxe with all the future proof stuff (cable& connectors) you might need.
Check Ps forum
You won't be saddend ;)
 
Coming from a house full of Intel boxes, go with the AMD FX. I'd change the mobo to an Nforce 3 250gb based board either MSI or Gigabyte. I'd also get OCZ 3500 EB memory if you can still get it.

Whatever you do, take the AMD over the P4EE. When 64bit engines come like the Unreal 2004 engine in games, you'll thank your heavenly stars you had it.

Enjoy!
 
Anemone said:
Coming from a house full of Intel boxes, go with the AMD FX. I'd change the mobo to an Nforce 3 250gb based board either MSI or Gigabyte. I'd also get OCZ 3500 EB memory if you can still get it.

Whatever you do, take the AMD over the P4EE. When 64bit engines come like the Unreal 2004 engine in games, you'll thank your heavenly stars you had it.

Enjoy!
Click to expand...

I was looking at the nforce3 boards but do any of them support the 939 amd fx? Also what's the advantage on OCZ over Corsair? The corsair have very tight timings but maybe I'm missing something.
 
I'll second that on the MSI K8N Neo 2.

OCZ 3700 EB or 3500 EB is best but it's discontinued so it'll be very hard to find. Alternatively the 4000 EL should be good too.

Anandtech did a review of a bunch of 939 boards - worth a solid back to back read to get familiar.

That it?
 
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