Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: DrDea on February 24, 2008, 11:53:59 AM
-
Im going to build a new rig here very soon and Im looking for any opinions on good barebone systems.Im leaning heavily to AMD and GeForce with an ASUS kicker. Whos good to go through on systems? And whats the best cost/performance vid card? No way will I use ATI ever again due to a card and warrenty issue through visiontek that took 6 months of e mail and shipping the card to them and getting one back that didnt work.:mad:
-
I don't know if I would be so quick to skip the ATI cards. That 3850 is a sweet card. It less than 200 bucks and has performance like a more expensive GeForce. Also, I would really look into going with Intel. I built an AMD that turned out okay but wow, did I have to do a lot of experimenting to get it to run right. I then built an Intel machine and Holy Cow, that thing is sweet.
-
Originally posted by DrDea
Im going to build a new rig here very soon and Im looking for any opinions on good barebone systems.Im leaning heavily to AMD and GeForce with an ASUS kicker. Whos good to go through on systems? And whats the best cost/performance vid card? No way will I use ATI ever again due to a card and warrenty issue through visiontek that took 6 months of e mail and shipping the card to them and getting one back that didnt work.:mad:
Granted I'm not an ATI fan myself, but the warranty issues are the problem with Visontek, not ATI.
That's why I only buy video cards with lifetime warranties. Mainly I stick to EVGA or BFG. BFG, I had the little 30 cent fan on my old ti4600 die and they replaced the whole thing with a 5900XT.
Intel's processors are really the cat's meow. The price/performance the majority of the time favors Intel, plus they are great overclockers. AMD's reign of being the best gaming CPU company fell by the wayside back in 2006.
The best cards for the money. Updated monthly.
http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/02/04/best_cards_february_2008/
-
Intresting...Im not married to the AMD and there seems to be issues with the dual cores also.
Im looking at this one at the moment.Good system and a good price also.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3617776&CatId=332
For the money its not shabby.I'll look at the intel bones boxes but I think the intels tend to run a bit more dont they?
-
Personally, I'm not a fan of barebones system if I'm building something for myself. If I was building it for someone who plays Solitaire and does email, I'd use one.
Barebones systems tend to have 'older' motherboards and cheap PSUs. But you may be on a budget, so it may worked out for you. That Radeon 2400 is a really low end video card. Barely a step up from onboard IMHO. It runs about $40 just for the card, if that tells you anything. That motherboard is pretty low end as well. It's a micro ATX which really sacrifice a lot of performance for space. The expansion possibilities on that board aren't that great. That northbridge chipset is kind of old too.
I'm honestly surprised that they bundled that video card with that barebones set up since that motherboard already has onboard video, a really bad nvidia 6100 chipset. The Radeon 2400 is kind of like what a Nvidia 6200 was, but the 2400 has Directx 10. So don't expect amazing gaming experience out of that box.
Let me know what your budget is, and we'll see what we can come up with.
-
Im trying to stay under 350 right now.I have a Visiontek X1300 512 onboard ramI can use if I have to but if I can get a good card,which I would like I could stretch it to 400$.The Intel systems seem to be running higher than the AMD.
Appreciate the input.:aok
Heres an Intel I was looking at.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/cgi-bin/ShoppingCart.asp?prchbcart=y&msg=
Been awhile since I upgraded.5 years and Im running an AMD XP 2400+ With an asus 7v8x-MX SE with 1.5 gig 2100 ddr and an Audigy sound card.
-
The Nivadia 8800gtx liquid cooled is top of the line right now, and if you go SLI, you're really spending the bucks..somewhere around 1000 to 1200 bucks.
I'm running the 8600GT, 256mb SLI, with a duel core ADM processor, 2GB ram for just under a grand. And this from Alienware!
You can spend as much or as little as you want, but I think that if you're on a budget, as most of us are, tthe key is to build something that can be upgraded as money permits.
-
the two GeForce 8600 GT cards cost me roughly 225.00
Check out Tiger Direct.com for the 411 on barebones. :aok
-
Originally posted by uptown
the two GeForce 8600 GT cards cost me roughly 225.00
Check out Tiger Direct.com for the 411 on barebones. :aok
In addition to Tiger Direct, check out Newegg.com they have a nice site. You can build a machine via a wish list or check out other peoples wish lists for ideas.
Barebones; The more gaming computer you want the more you need to be critical of your components. Barebones tend to be very generic.
On SLI heres my thought. If you are going to spend $300 to SLI with two or more cards. Just get a single $300 card. Second card will never give you 100% performance. You can always add a second card later. And for Aces High you don't need the best card just a good one.
-
Im looking to spend 400 to 450 tops on the entire system minus the side stuff like mouse keyboard monitor.
-
Forget SLI.
Here is a sample build;
Update DYNAPOWER USA Titan C05.N17.M158 Black SGCC Steel ATX Mini Tower Computer Case 430W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: C05.N17.M158
Item #: N82E16811138074
$39.99 $39.99
Update ASUS M2N-MX SE Plus AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #: M2N-MX SE Plus
Item #: N82E16813131249
$54.99 $54.99
Update EVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #: 256-P2-N615-TX
Item #: N82E16814130062
Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$89.99 -$5.00 Instant $84.99
Update AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+ Windsor 2.4GHz Socket AM2 89W Dual-Core Processor Model ADA4600IAA5CU - OEM
Model #: ADA4600IAA5CU
Item #: N82E16819103750
Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
In Stock
$69.99 $69.99
Update Kingston HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KHX8500D2K2/2G - Retail
Model #: KHX8500D2K2/2G
Item #: N82E16820134218
Return Policy: Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy
In Stock
$159.99 -$80.00 Instant $79.99
Update Western Digital Caviar RE WD2500YS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA-300 Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: WD2500YS
Item #: N82E16822136055
$69.99 $69.99
Update SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S203B - OEM
Model #: SH-S203B
Item #: N82E16827151153
$29.99 $29.99
Subtotal: $429.93
Select All - Select None
This price is without Windows XP(89$). You can go some cheaper if you can use your old case.
-
Where did you find that one?
-
Latest one Im seriously concidering here. Total cost 518$
Systemax Intel Socket 775 Based NO O/S Build-to-Order Desktop Computer with the Asus P5GC-MX 945GC Motherboard
Networking: Integrated 10/100 Network Adapter
Software: DOS
Hard Disk Drives: 80GB 7200RPM 3G SATA II Hard Drive
Accessories: 1 Year Parts & Labor Warranty
CD/DVD Drives: 52X32X52/16x CDRW/DVD Combo Drive
Computer Cases: Micro ATX Chassis Base
Video / Graphics Cards: Integrated Intel GMA950 Graphics
Accessories: Non-Brand mATX PC Branding Pack
Components: Integrated Realtek ALC883 High-Def Audio
Barebones: Intel Celeron/P4 No O/S
Processors: Intel Core2 Duo E4500 2.2GHz 2M 800Mhz Processor
Memory: 2GB DDR2 PC5400 667MHz Dual Channel (1GB x 2)
Motherboards: Asus P5GC-MX 945GC mATX Motherboard
Power Supplies: Ultra XVS 600 Watt Power Supply
-
Originally posted by DrDea
Where did you find that one?
He priced individual prices for parts out at Newegg.com - it's not a 'kit.' I prefer to pick out each part myself and not be limited to the selection of a kit.
-
Thats pretty much what I did with the above.Just needs a cooling fan.How ya think that will stand up?With the cpu fan Im gonna be fairly much at my limit.Really appreciate the feed back here guys.Its a big help
-
Here is another suggestion from Newegg.com
Update Foxconn TLA+787K-CN350-HS Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 350W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: TLA+787K-CN350-HS
Item #: N82E16811153092
Mail-in Rebate -$10
$49.99 -$10.00 Instant $39.99
Update ASUS M2N-MX SE Plus AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #: M2N-MX SE Plus
Item #: N82E16813131249
$54.99 $54.99
Update XFX PVT84JYAJG GeForce 8600GT 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #: PVT84JYAJG
Item #: N82E16814150247
Mail-in Rebate -$10
$99.99 $99.99
Update AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Brisbane 2.6GHz Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADO5000DOBOX - Retail
Model #: ADO5000DOBOX
Item #: N82E16819103211
$99.99 $99.99
Update G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ - Retail
Model #: F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ
Item #: N82E16820231098
$84.99 -$40.00 Instant $44.99
Update Western Digital Caviar RE WD2500YS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA-300 Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: WD2500YS
Item #: N82E16822136055
$69.99 $69.99
Update SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S203B - OEM
Model #: SH-S203B
Item #: N82E16827151153
$29.99 $29.99
Update Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B 1 Pack - OEM
Model #: N09-01991
Item #: N82E16832116056
$89.99 $89.99
Subtotal: $529.92
mail in rebates- $20.00
Total $519.92
This setup features onboard LAN, larger case (mid tower better cooling)separate game capable video card bigger HD, faster ram/CPU and better DVD Rom. A 350 Watt PSU is minimal for the above system but will work.
You probally wouldnt need a 600 watt power supply with the setup you've selected.
-
That motherboard has an onboard video card. You really ought to avoid those. Often the hardware or even the software can interfere with the performance or installation of the standalone video card.
Best to find a similar mobo without the integrated card.
-
Cant ya kill that in Bios tho? Ive got onboard vid on ,y Asus I have now and disabled it in Bios.
I dont want a dvd burner due to having one and the power supply I think will have to be at least 600 watts.
-
I've never had conflicts with onboard video. Most of the motherboards I've had came with onboard video. No problems. My guess if you have a conflict with onboard video and a video card you have a bio's issue or maybe some other component.
-
Yea Ive never had an issue with that myself.I think Im gonna just hit as many siyes as possable and pick and choose from the better deals.More work but I can get the best prices that way I suppose.
-
My sister's Dell had issues.
The thing is you can never tell when there will be a conflict or not. Even trying to disable it in the BIOS isn't easy depending on the BIOS with the mobo!
Too much of a wild card, an unknown variable that may or may not screw up your plans, thus my suggestion to avoid it entirely.
-
Well come on Krusty...I mean dude...she got a Dell:rofl
-
"There's no accounting for taste..."
:D
-
Originally posted by DrDea
...and the power supply I think will have to be at least 600 watts.
Nope. For that system 350 will do although practically, you can get 500 for close to the same price (~$45) and not having to push the PSU will help it run cooler.
Go to Newegg. Under power supplies they have a wattage calculator. You plug in all your stuff and it tells you what you need for power.
-
Thanks good info didn't know about the wattage calculator. :aok
-
Wattage is a good guess to overall system needs. However, when you get towards higher end graphics cards you need to take a closer look at PSU and what they offer in terms of amperage on 12V rails and how many rails they have.
-
Well..Im pretty sure Im gonna be updateing the graphics to maby 2 cards at some point when I have nothing left to blame my augers on.:D
-
Nice calc system.Said 349 watts.Good call.:aok
-
If your thinking you might want to SLI in future, get at least a 650-750 PSU. I run a 750 watt psu with 2-8800 GTX. It's works but I would be a little nervous adding another fan. Some of the ATI cards are well known power hogs. Before long the minimum PSU will be 1000 watts.
Here's whats running on my 750. 2-DVD Rom's, HD, 2-120mm fans, 80mm fan, water cooling pump, 2-8800GTX's, sound card. Probally not much room for more power.
-
Im getting a GT8600.I figgure a 500 watt PSU running at less than the stated 500 will fit it ok at this point.Got a LOT of good info in this thread tho.Good community in AH...OMG...I said that out loud:rofl
-
I ran a 8800GTS on a 550 watt no probs.
-
Originally posted by DrDea
Im getting a GT8600.
You haven't spoken with Skuzzy yet...have ya :t :D
-
I sent him some specs.That was in em.
-
Originally posted by DrDea
I sent him some specs.That was in em.
Could have sworn he said that 8600 cards were to be avoided. Lemme see if I can find it on a pm
-
What did you get?The 7600?
-
Originally posted by Max
Could have sworn he said that 8600 cards were to be avoided. Lemme see if I can find it on a pm
That seems odd. The monthly review at Tom's Harware has the 8600GT rated as the best card in it's price range.
This chart (http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_2007.html?modelx=33&model1=859&model2=722&chart=318) and this article (http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/02/04/best_cards_february_2008/) (updated monthly) may help guide you in your graphics card search.
-
Originally posted by DrDea
What did you get?The 7600?
Yeah...EGVA 7600GT 256 MB from NewEgg $85 retail and $65 after mail in rebate
-
I have a 7600GT on my (now dust covered) AGP computer. Worked good got 50 to 60 fps with it.