Aces High Computer Build

[alskahawk]

Since I'm upgrading my main computer with a new motherboard. I thought I could use the old MB and some other leftover parts to build a dedicated Aces high computer. Hows this look?

1. AMD 2.6 mhz Single core
    36 Gig 10k rpm HD                      
    ASUS M2N SLI *                                                              
    Pny 8800GTS 340mb Video card*
    2 Gig PNY PC 6400 DDR2 800mhz Ram*
    XFI Sound Card*
    550 W PSU*
    Mid Tower Case*

   *parts I have
 
  Even though a compatible dual core would cost about the same I figured the single would run cooler and have fewer problems. And since Aces high would be the only game on the HD then a 36 gig should be enough.  

[Fulmar]

It'll run Aces High fine, but your CPU is holding the rest of your system back.  Any dual core would probably fit the bill.  Even a 4600+ X2 or 5000+ AMD chips run only about $100.

[alskahawk]

Originally posted by Fulmar
It'll run Aces High fine, but your CPU is holding the rest of your system back.  Any dual core would probably fit the bill.  Even a 4600+ X2 or 5000+ AMD chips run only about $100.

 Ya considered that. Of course I could tweak the single up to 3.0 but thats still slower than a 2.6 dual core. Most of the components are two year old or newer technology but the single core is ancient.
 Definitely hesitating on CPU selection. The single core and 36 gig HD would run about $160. A dual core 2.8 and a 36 gig HD would run a little over $200. Comparable costs go with newer tech.

 Quad core Intel package $400. MMM... but then I'd want some 8800GTX's, and a pair of 150 raptors in raid O. Nope gotta do dual core.
 
 

[Fulmar]

Quads are nice, but Dual cores for the same price range have higher clock speeds and are generally faster at games since there aren't too many games coded for 4 cores.

[MrRiplEy[H]]

That 36gig HD might run out of space awfully fast. I'd get a 250gig 7500rpm model for the same price instead. The seek speeds aren't that crucial for gaming, they're essential in server use mainly.

You'll spend 1-2 seconds more loading your game at maximum but gain several times more storage space. During gaming the HD speed doesn't matter. If you're worried about swapping then you should invest to more ram instead.

Dual core is all you need for gaming at the moment.

[alskahawk]

In general use a 36 gig would be insufficient. But for a dedicated AH rig it wouldn't be a problem. I did some checking on AMD single core cpu's. AMD Single core CPUs support ram speeds up to 400 MHz. Totally incompatible with my 800mhz ram not to mention bottle necking my video card.    Anyway I think I will pull some parts from my main gaming rig and set up a Ace's High computer like this.

  1. AMD x2 3.2 MHz CPU
      WD Raptor 150 Gig 10k rpm HD
      ASUS M2N SLI  
      Pny 8800GTS 340mb Video card
      2 Gig PNY PC 6400 DDR2 800mhz Ram
      XFI Sound Card
      550 W PSU
      Windows XP Pro
      Mid Tower Case- Old antec case much modified and custom painted.
 
  This should be a good simple, yet ready for the future Ace's high capable computer. Then I can upgrade my main gaming rig with windows xp 64 bit (already have it) and a SLI motherboard that runs SLI in 16x instead of 8x.

[Fulmar]

That build will give you a nice system for any current game, period.

[alskahawk]

Well now you got me in trouble. Got AH computer settled and upgraded main comp to a Intel quad. Thats it no more upgrading for two years at least.

[Newman]

Check out the "Black Box" AMD CPU's.. They are unlocked

I'm currently running a "Black Box" 5000+ overclocked at 3.2 Mhz with a just  better than stock fan for cooling.

If ya want bang for your buck.. there it is!

SALUTE!

Newman

[alskahawk]

This computer has the 3.2MHz cpu unlocked. Ive run it up to 3.5