Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Miller on March 25, 2009, 07:47:36 AM
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Hi everyone, I am new to Aces High II and haven’t been gaming a whole lot until recently. So far, I really like this game, and see a long future of me doing my best to master it. My problem right now is that I am playing it on my laptop for school, and I know I am missing out on a lot of eye-candy.
I am going to be putting my own system together in the next month or so, but as I have been shopping around for parts I see that there are a lot more choices than there used to be, and I don’t recognize many of the brands, so I hardly know where to begin. I haven’t put a system together in about 10 years, and I remember how much money goes wasted when you don’t do your homework first.
I wanted to start a thread to get some input from those who are knowledgeable and experienced with gaming hardware, as well as with this game specifically. I see that there are already hundreds of threads about hardware, and I plan on going through all of the relevant ones to get as much info as I can on my own, but in the mean time I wanted to get a thread started for my build. I also want to try and make this thread useful to anyone else in my situation.
Basically, my objective is to be able to max out the graphics and get exceptional frame rates in AHII, and that’s pretty much it. The system I build will probably be 100% dedicated to AHII, so anything that isn’t absolutely essential to running this game, I think I will go with cheaper/lower-end parts. However, crucial parts like processor and graphics card, I want to get what ever is optimal for this game, without cutting any corners. But again, I don’t want to go and spend double on a part that won’t provide a noticeable benefit in AHII. I don’t need, and can’t afford, any type of over-kill. I will also be using a headset, no speakers at all. And I am about to order the TrackIR, if that means anything.
I would really appreciate it if people could post up their recommended build’s parts-lists. If you have built a system recently tell us what you used, and how it is working out. If I see that 90% of people recommend a certain part, then that will be a huge help for me, and anyone else too.
Thanks in advance for all of your help. As I read though all of the previous posts in this topic, I am going to be taking down notes and getting a general idea of what I need. Later I will post up my proposed system and ask for feedback.
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Miller,
You are going to have to post what your budget is.
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CPU -Intel E8400
MB - EVGA, Gigabyte, ASUS (order in preference) Socket 775
Video Card - EVGA, XFM, MSI (order in preference) 9800GTX on up ie GTX+
Power Supply - TAGAN, PC Power & Cooling, ThermalTake (order in preference) I prefer not to build under 700watts (don not skimp on PSU, most important component in a build)
Memory - OCZ Platinum or Reaper series
Heatsink and Fan - OCZ Vendetta 2
Case - NZXT Tempest
HD - WD6401AALS
This would cost you about a 1000 build
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just to give you an idea I just used the cheapest intel HP business PC (dc5800) with Core 2 Duo E8200 @2.66GHz. Then added a 500w PSU and a 9800 GT. Its pegged to 60fps but with 8x FSAA and everything maxed out it never drops, even flying through a fully porked fuel strat (the ultimate test apart from an FSO buff raid maybe). If you spend $1000 you have way overspecced for playing AH imho.
The only thing we need to know really is what size monitor (and resolution) you want to use.
PS Dragon, he doesnt want to get the best PC for a certain budget, he wants the lowest cost for a certain level of performance.
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Tildeath, no Sound card or OS.
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i would recommend anything intel to (if budget permits) to start with i7 -920
amd side of things a X3 or X4 AM3 chip 2.6ghz or higher
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If this is gonna be just for AH I know I've heard Skuzzy say that AH is really dependent on a good CPU, so if you can spend the most money there.
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Tildeath, no Sound card or OS.
That's a matter of preference. I happen to like Vista, a lot don't. There are budget builds and then there is dependable. I like the dependable. As for a sound card, I have been playing since Air Warrior, I have yet to need to use a soundcard. If you build right the monies spent on a good sound card can be used for a better MB, Power Supply. Power supplies are the least looked at component but the most system critical. Almost every post about video card upgrade or purchase the first question asked is "what your Power supply" "How many amps on the rails". As Skuzzy stated in another post you want at least 25% overage for stability. I like a higher then 25% but this would be minimum. My buc two-fifty input
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If this is 100% AH, you can lower your buget quite a bit. A C2D processor is more than plenty for the game, especially at stock speeds. E8400/8500 are excellent and very fast. A 9800GT or 3850/4850 video card. Pick your flavor of OS, with how cheap DDR2 is, why not get 4gb. Any hard drive will do, pick a good brand and size that you need.
I'd stick with the stock Intel Heatsinks, unless you want to overclock. But stock CPU speeds of the E8400 are overkill for the game. Even at 1600x1200 resolutions and FSAA at 8X.
I wouldn't go for the i7 series unless you can somehow justify it. I'm all for saving money and even with the proposed water upgrades to the game, I highly doubt it would effect the basic specs I posted. Make sure you get a good quality PSU. Don't speed more money than you really need. AH is really an intense graphics game. My 2+ year old C2D setup still runs circles around the game.
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That's a matter of preference. I happen to like Vista, a lot don't. There are budget builds and then there is dependable. I like the dependable. As for a sound card, I have been playing since Air Warrior, I have yet to need to use a soundcard. If you build right the monies spent on a good sound card can be used for a better MB, Power Supply. Power supplies are the least looked at component but the most system critical. Almost every post about video card upgrade or purchase the first question asked is "what your Power supply" "How many amps on the rails". As Skuzzy stated in another post you want at least 25% overage for stability. I like a higher then 25% but this would be minimum. My buc two-fifty input
You know more about it than I do. My experience with an e8400 is that I had some stuttering until I went with a sound card.
Addendum: Vista is a moot point with me. Since XP is still available and Windows 7 is on the way.
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Intel processor. Make sure it's a dual core with 1333 FSB. E8400/8500 are good choices but you don't need more than about 2 Gb (unfortunatly, there are no 1333 FSB chips in that range).
EVGA 750i motherboard or the Gigabyte equivalent. Make sure it supports PCIe x16 2.0, 1333 or higher FSB and DDR2 800 RAM minimum.
DDR2 800 SDRAM minimum (2Gb). I use/like Kingston HyperX. Corsair and OCZ are both good. Look for low latency (i.e. 4-4-4-12 or 5-5-5-15).
Nvidia 9600GT or ATI 4670 512 Mb video cards as minimums. I prefer Evga (Nvidia)... 9800 GT would work fine.
I'd add a sound card; Creative X-Fi Gamer.
Lots of nice cases in the $50-100 range: Cooler Master, Lian Li, Antec, Raidmax, NZXT are some of the nicer ones.
Power supply: PC Power & Cooling. 610W minimum.
WD or Seagate SATA Hard Drive in your choice of size.
Any decently rated DVD burner.
LCD Monitor with high contrast and 2ms response rate. Acer, LG, Samsung are all good.
[EDIT] And this will still be more than you actually need for AH.
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I wouldnt quibble with anything on Tildeaths list...a very good build. Here is a "minimum build" from my perspective...
Case $38 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133046
Power Supply $99 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703009
Motherboard $86
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131329
CPU $140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115056
Video Card $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150357
Memory $33 {didnt check vs MB so needs to be confirmed}
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227289
Hard Drive $99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136033
Total $625 for your system "guts"...figure $750 with OS and a DVD drive out the door with good performance and upgradability and no bad parts...
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Hi everyone, I am new to Aces High II and haven’t been gaming a whole lot until recently. So far, I really like this game, and see a long future of me doing my best to master it. My problem right now is that I am playing it on my laptop for school, and I know I am missing out on a lot of eye-candy.
this game was designed for older computers. there is not much eye candy to be had. i run at 1920 x 1080 resolution and i think that's the biggest influence in quality and immersion. have you thought about triple head 2 go?
how well does your laptop run Aces High 2?
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Miller,
You are going to have to post what your budget is.
Sorry, I meant to mention that. I got about $1,800 to spend total, including some of the extras I want like a nice big display (or maybe a projector, any input?), and some other accessories like a nice set of rudder pedals, maybe a new chair, and a little mini-fridge so I don't have to get up for beer :aok
For the everything in the case, I hope to keep it around $1,000, including OS. But I am more concerned with having the right parts, and none of the excess features that aren't absolutely essential for this purpose.
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PS Dragon, he doesnt want to get the best PC for a certain budget, he wants the lowest cost for a certain level of performance.
Thank you, that is exactly what I was trying to say.
I want to meet the level of performance, what ever the cost, but I have no intention on exceeding the required performance level, and neither does my wallet.
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If this is gonna be just for AH I know I've heard Skuzzy say that AH is really dependent on a good CPU, so if you can spend the most money there.
I heard that same thing too the other day. I sent a message to AH tech support and asked for any information I needed to know before I started ordering parts. They told me that AHII is more dependent on CPU than it is on graphics card. However, they said the update that is coming soon will be more graphics card dependent.
So, I guess I need to make CPU a priority, but get a graphics card that will hold up after the update. Does anyone have any info about the update that I may need to know?
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Tildeath, no Sound card or OS.
Based on what I have learned so far, a sound card isn't as crucial as the other parts. However, I have also read (I think Skuzzy said it) that using a sound card takes a significant load off of the CPU. Since the game is CPU-dependent, I think I should get some kind of sound card, but I will probably go with something nice and cheap. I would like to find a cheap sound card that is just simple and dependable.
For OS, I have heard nothing but complaints and problems about Vista, though I haven't used it myself. I am leaning toward XP, but I am open to testimonies from those who are experienced with using both OSs in AHII.
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have you thought about triple head 2 go?
how well does your laptop run Aces High 2?
I don't know what triple head 2 go is...
My laptop has been fluctuating 20-40fps will the graphics turned down completely.
Last night, when the arena had over 700 pilots in, it was dropping down below 10fps. What was up with that? Went to an emptier arena and it went back to 30fps.
Is that where the CPU comes in?
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Is that where the CPU comes in?
yup.
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Sorry, I meant to mention that. I got about $1,800 to spend total, including some of the extras I want like a nice big display (or maybe a projector, any input?), and some other accessories like a nice set of rudder pedals, maybe a new chair, and a little mini-fridge so I don't have to get up for beer :aok
For the everything in the case, I hope to keep it around $1,000, including OS. But I am more concerned with having the right parts, and none of the excess features that aren't absolutely essential for this purpose.
a low end I7 920 complete is about 1200.00 but twice as fast as a 8400/8500
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a low end I7 920 complete is about 1200.00 but twice as fast as a 8400/8500
Not at gaming from what I have read. E8500 is slightly faster.
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Twice as fast? Benchmarks plz
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It amazes me. Actually it is more like playing Boggle with "reality." :huh
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http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html
i7 920@2.66ghz scores 5499
8400@3.0ghz scores 2099
8500@3.16ghz scores 2312
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Miller,
check this thread I started to see a comp that will run AH with no problem, even with the new water. My total includes complete with 19" monitor for 990.00. Not a bad place to start and you can adjust from there. Try contacting TilDeath, he can hook up the same system for a bit less and tweak it to your desire for a few bucks less than what I have posted. I'm working with him right now to do the purchasing on the 2 comps listed in the thread below because he gets a better price and adds the personal touch that you really can't get anywhere else.
http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,261351.0.html (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,261351.0.html)
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http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html
i7 920@2.66ghz scores 5499
8400@3.0ghz scores 2099
8500@3.16ghz scores 2312
All you need to do is look at the overall scoring to see this is a synthetic garbage "benchmark".
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My laptop has been fluctuating 20-40fps will the graphics turned down completely.
Last night, when the arena had over 700 pilots in, it was dropping down below 10fps. What was up with that? Went to an emptier arena and it went back to 30fps.
All I have is an E5200 overclocked to 3.0Ghz, 2 Gigs of ram, and a ATI 2600 Pro and my frame rates are maxed out to 75fps with the graphics turned up.
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All I have is an E5200 overclocked to 3.0Ghz, 2 Gigs of ram, and a ATI 2600 Pro and my frame rates are maxed out to 75fps with the graphics turned up.
Similarly I have an E6750 OC'd to 3.2 Ghz, 4 Gbs DDR2 800 and a 512 8800 GTS running monitor refresh rates (59 fps) but it did that before adding 2 Gbs of RAM and before OCing.
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I think a soundcard takes an INsignificant amount of process away from the CPU. it's used more so for a good surround sound speaker system. not many think "get a soundcard" when trying to improve gaming performance.
definately put aside some money for pedals and the trackir system(if you are sure this is the game for you). maybe look at some HOTAS controls. i use a saitek cyborg x and it has plenty of buttons where i dont have to move my hands around during combat.
i'm running an nvidia 8800 GT and the game runs well, but when i upgrade it's probably going to be a lower end on the new series. maybe this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130372
vista is a good os and runs well. a lot better than any xp i've ever owned. i've run vista for about a year now and it hasn't failed me yet. it does come with a lot of automatic features turned on as well as Account User Control(which is what most people hate about Vista), but you just need to turn it off.
look up some local computer stores(non franchise). they can set you up with an inexpensive gaming system. building gaming systems is usually their specialty and they should put it together no charge.
and if this computer is truely just for AH2 you shouldn't have to spend more than $500-600 for the pc alone.
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I think a soundcard takes an INsignificant amount of process away from the CPU. it's used more so for a good surround sound speaker system. not many think "get a soundcard" when trying to improve gaming performance.
I'm not sure how much of a difference it makes but the X-Fi cards have their own processors and RAM and take nearly if not all of 100% of audio processing off the main system. Cheaper cards don't do the same. It's the old case of you get what you pay for.
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All you need to do is look at the overall scoring to see this is a synthetic garbage "benchmark".
Seriously, his evidence is a synthetic benchmark? "Man 2x the score must mean its twice as fast, right?!" How about some real world applications.
http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/desktop-cpu-charts-q3-2008/benchmarks,31.html
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See Rule #4
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See Rule #4
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:aok
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I think a soundcard takes an INsignificant amount of process away from the CPU. it's used more so for a good surround sound speaker system. not many think "get a soundcard" when trying to improve gaming performance.
<snip>
That is due to most people not having a clue how computer hardware really works. Add to the fact that most of the top 10 games are video card bound, not CPU bound and you have a recipe for not caring about the sound card.
Aces High II is very CPU dependent, as any really good flight simulator should be. Even if we had top 10 game graphics, we would still be very dependent on the CPU.
A really good sound card can make a very significant difference in the way the game runs.
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That is due to most people not having a clue how computer hardware really works. Add to the fact that most of the top 10 games are video card bound, not CPU bound and you have a recipe for not caring about the sound card.
Aces High II is very CPU dependent, as any really good flight simulator should be. Even if we had top 10 game graphics, we would still be very dependent on the CPU.
A really good sound card can make a very significant difference in the way the game runs.
Yep. I thought my current would be "fine with onboard sound." Explosions in any game, would go to silence at their apex. I threw in my old Audigy Gamer and "viola!" I don't have that problem.
Stran, I have an ASUS P5K-E, E8400, 4GB's of RAM and 8800GTS KO. Sound cards have their place for use in a build.
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A really good sound card can make a very significant difference in the way the game runs.
Is there like a simple sound card that has it's own processor that isn't too expensive?
I really just want to take the sound load off of the CPU, but I am only using a headset, no speakers or surround sound.
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I have been looking through sound cards and headsets and I think I found what I want:
Sound Card:
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail ($34)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102012 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102012)
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Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail ($49)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102007 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102007)
Head Set:
TRITTON AX 51 Pro 3.5mm Circumaural True 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset ($89)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826235007 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826235007)
It looks like those sound cards have their own processor, right?
Does that mean these cards will take the sound processing load off of the CPU?
(Skuzzy, GetBack...?)
Also, the Headset says 5.1 surround, but most of the sound cards were 7.1 Channels.
What does that mean, and is that going to be an issue?
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I apologize Miller. I thought someone would have jumped in and had an answer for you on this.
I cannot make any recommendations to hardware or software.
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I have been looking through sound cards and headsets and I think I found what I want:
Sound Card:
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail ($34)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102012 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102012)
-OR-
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail ($49)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102007 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102007)
Head Set:
TRITTON AX 51 Pro 3.5mm Circumaural True 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset ($89)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826235007 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826235007)
It looks like those sound cards have their own processor, right?
Does that mean these cards will take the sound processing load off of the CPU?
(Skuzzy, GetBack...?)
Also, the Headset says 5.1 surround, but most of the sound cards were 7.1 Channels.
What does that mean, and is that going to be an issue?
If you're using XP the audigy will probably be a better choice due to its lower price. On Vista X-Fi is better supported as far as drivers go AFAIK.
The 5.1 on the headset is not a problem. 7.1 is more marketing than true improvement in sound.
Perhaps on a very large hometheater seating a dozen or more people can benefit from 7.1.
Even your headset will not be true 5.1 if it's truly a surround headset and not a set of speakers. The .1 part refers to a subwoofer which a headphone can't have nor can it have a center channel (the 5th speaker) unless you get some exotic headset with a speaker hanging on your nose :O.
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I have been looking through sound cards and headsets and I think I found what I want:
Sound Card:
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail ($34)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102012 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102012)
-OR-
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail ($49)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102007 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102007)
Head Set:
TRITTON AX 51 Pro 3.5mm Circumaural True 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset ($89)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826235007 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826235007)
It looks like those sound cards have their own processor, right?
Does that mean these cards will take the sound processing load off of the CPU?
(Skuzzy, GetBack...?)
Also, the Headset says 5.1 surround, but most of the sound cards were 7.1 Channels.
What does that mean, and is that going to be an issue?
7.1 means 7 speakers and 1 subwoofer.
I don't have a recommendation on which is best. I'm sure that both cards are okay.
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I have been looking through sound cards and headsets and I think I found what I want:
Sound Card:
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail ($34)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102012 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102012)
-OR-
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail ($49)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102007 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102007)
Head Set:
TRITTON AX 51 Pro 3.5mm Circumaural True 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset ($89)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826235007 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826235007)
It looks like those sound cards have their own processor, right?
Does that mean these cards will take the sound processing load off of the CPU?
(Skuzzy, GetBack...?)
Also, the Headset says 5.1 surround, but most of the sound cards were 7.1 Channels.
What does that mean, and is that going to be an issue?
I have the first sound card listed (Audigy SE), got it on the 18th, and it works fine for me. I use Logitech X-530 5.1 speakers with it and it sounds good, but I have no idea what "good" sound sounds like.
Only troubles I had was my own fault, forgot to put the screw to hold it in, turn PC off, moved it and it came loose. :o
Makes games much more realistic in 5.1 :D
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I cannot make any recommendations to hardware or software.
I understand, but my whole purpose for getting a sound card was to take the function off of the CPU, like you said before.
I just wanted to make sure the card I get will accomplish that.
So, I don't need a recommendation, but if anyone knows could they give me a yes or no?
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If you're using XP the audigy will probably be a better choice due to its lower price. On Vista X-Fi is better supported as far as drivers go AFAIK.
The 5.1 on the headset is not a problem. 7.1 is more marketing than true improvement in sound.
Perhaps on a very large hometheater seating a dozen or more people can benefit from 7.1.
Even your headset will not be true 5.1 if it's truly a surround headset and not a set of speakers. The .1 part refers to a subwoofer which a headphone can't have nor can it have a center channel (the 5th speaker) unless you get some exotic headset with a speaker hanging on your nose :O.
LOL, if it had an extra vibrating speaker, I know a better place to put it ;)
I am going to use XP, so I will probably go ahead and go with the Audigy, provided that it does what I need it to.
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I've had an X-FI for about 18 months. It was a considerable marked improvement in sound quality from my original Audigy Platnium. I did have a feedback problem when my volume was turned up, but it turned out to be a BIOS issue that was solved with a BIOS flash on my motherboard.
Never had a driver issue in XP in SP2 or SP3. Though soundblasters' auto update interface through their website can be a pain in the butt at times.
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This is what I am looking at right now. Let me know what you guys think, please.
Keep in mind that I am only using this system for AHII. I don't play any other games right now, and I use my laptop for everything else.
Motherboard ---- $269.99
EVGA 132-BL-E758-TR LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
CPU ------------ $279.99
Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920
Memory --------- $85.00
CORSAIR DOMINATOR 3GB (3 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TR3X3G1600C8D
Graphics Card --- $69.99
EVGA 01G-P3-N959-TR GeForce 9500 GT 1GB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
PS ------------ $124.99
PC Power & Cooling S75QB 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI NVIDIA SLI Certified (Dual 8800 GTX and below) CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7
Sound Card ----- $49.99
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card
Hard drive ------ $41.99
Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Case ---------- $149.99
Antec Skeleton Black ATX Mini Tower Computer Case
DVD-ROM ------- $20.99
ASUS Black SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model DVD-E818A3T BULK
OS ------------- $89.99
Microsoft Windows XP Home SP3 for System Builders
Subtotal ------ $1182.91
1. Does anyone see any problems or parts that I shouldn't use?
2. Do you guys think the CPU is the right one for this game?
3. Can I save any money with a cheaper CPU or Motherboard without sacrificing AHII performance?
4. I was hoping that I could keep all of this under $1000, but its only about $200 over budget.
5. I selected a cheaper graphics card, and plan on upgrading it next year, or maybe when the AHII update is released.
I still got a week or two before I will start ordering this stuff, so I will be open to and appreciative of any advice. Thanks.
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I have been looking through sound cards and headsets and I think I found what I want:
Sound Card:
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail ($34)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102012 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102012)
-OR-
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail ($49)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102007 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102007)
Head Set:
TRITTON AX 51 Pro 3.5mm Circumaural True 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset ($89)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826235007 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826235007)
It looks like those sound cards have their own processor, right?
Does that mean these cards will take the sound processing load off of the CPU?
(Skuzzy, GetBack...?)
Also, the Headset says 5.1 surround, but most of the sound cards were 7.1 Channels.
What does that mean, and is that going to be an issue?
I posted this in January, and it seems relevant to this discussion:
---------snip----------
I reviewed a lot of USB sound devices for a review in CPU Magazine last year, and I wrote up the CPU usage results in a post here.
To summarize:
A good sound card with its own DSP consumes about 1-2% cpu.
A cheap sound card without its own DSP consumes about 2-5% cpu.
Onboard sound (which almost never uses a DSP) uses about 4-6% CPU.
The High-End CMEDIA USB converter that Turtle Beach uses consumes about 4-7% CPU.
The low-end CMEDIA USB converter that most other vendors use consumes between 5-10% CPU.
If you have a very fast CPU and matching video card in a well-working system, you can probably afford to lose 5-10% of your CPU (and corresponding framerate drop) without any noticable effect. If your system is marginal, then you'll notice it and changing the sound card is worth it.
I believe the best deal in sound cards these days, if you have any PCI slots in your system, is to get a used or old Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS for around $35.
-Llama
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This is what I am looking at right now. Let me know what you guys think, please.
Keep in mind that I am only using this system for AHII. I don't play any other games right now, and I use my laptop for everything else.
Motherboard ---- $269.99
EVGA 132-BL-E758-TR LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
CPU ------------ $279.99
Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920
Memory --------- $85.00
CORSAIR DOMINATOR 3GB (3 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TR3X3G1600C8D
Graphics Card --- $69.99
EVGA 01G-P3-N959-TR GeForce 9500 GT 1GB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
PS ------------ $124.99
PC Power & Cooling S75QB 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI NVIDIA SLI Certified (Dual 8800 GTX and below) CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7
Sound Card ----- $49.99
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card
Hard drive ------ $41.99
Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Case ---------- $149.99
Antec Skeleton Black ATX Mini Tower Computer Case
DVD-ROM ------- $20.99
ASUS Black SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model DVD-E818A3T BULK
OS ------------- $89.99
Microsoft Windows XP Home SP3 for System Builders
Subtotal ------ $1182.91
1. Does anyone see any problems or parts that I shouldn't use?
2. Do you guys think the CPU is the right one for this game?
3. Can I save any money with a cheaper CPU or Motherboard without sacrificing AHII performance?
4. I was hoping that I could keep all of this under $1000, but its only about $200 over budget.
5. I selected a cheaper graphics card, and plan on upgrading it next year, or maybe when the AHII update is released.
I still got a week or two before I will start ordering this stuff, so I will be open to and appreciative of any advice. Thanks.
i think its the right step for a new build these days .. everyone wants to go with the older 775 chips but when it comes times to upgrade to a chip anywhere near the power of the the i7 they would have wished they'd ponied up a little more and gone with the newer X58 platform
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the items you listed for motherboard, cpu, memory are little overkill. i'm only saying that because you did say you wanted the cheapest computer that will play ah2 the best.
BUT, in terms of future upgrades just stick with what you have listed. otherwise you'll just be spending more on upgrades next year.
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I'd get an NZXT Tempest Case and use the money saved on a better Video Card. Other than that, it looks good.
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I'd get an NZXT Tempest Case and use the money saved on a better Video Card. Other than that, it looks good.
Ditto or an Antec 900.
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I posted this in January, and it seems relevant to this discussion:
---------snip----------
I reviewed a lot of USB sound devices for a review in CPU Magazine last year, and I wrote up the CPU usage results in a post here.
To summarize:
A good sound card with its own DSP consumes about 1-2% cpu.
A cheap sound card without its own DSP consumes about 2-5% cpu.
Onboard sound (which almost never uses a DSP) uses about 4-6% CPU.
The High-End CMEDIA USB converter that Turtle Beach uses consumes about 4-7% CPU.
The low-end CMEDIA USB converter that most other vendors use consumes between 5-10% CPU.
[. . .]
-Llama
By this do you mean if one is listening to music, that much of the CPU is used? Such as with WMP playing Music, and it says "CPU usage: --" that would normally fall into those ranges?
Or am I completely reading this wrong, which is very very likely?
Also are those CMEDIA USB converters, just USB headsets?
Lot of questions, but curiosity killed...the human.
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Cheaper yet get a Intel Duo and a 775 mobo with some cheap OCZ DDR2-6400 RAM and save yourself a few hundred that will be wasted anyways. Considering I go by the topic heading that this is an AHII only comp, an I7 is a complete waste of money.
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Decided to do a quick rough build for you, came out cheaper then what you currently have and is a lot more well rounded IMO.
https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=9566125
SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q - OEM
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Seagate ST3640323AS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
EVGA 512-P3-1150-TR GeForce GTS 250 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
PC Power & Cooling S75CF 750W EPS12V SLI NVIDIA SLI Certified (Dual 8800 GTX and below) CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
OCZ Vista Upgrade 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2VU8004GK - Retail
EVGA 122-YW-E173-TR LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail
Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2C 64-bit for System Builders - OEM
Total = $893
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I'd get an NZXT Tempest Case and use the money saved on a better Video Card. Other than that, it looks good.
I agree, I could save plenty if I just go with a cheaper case. The only problem is when I saw that Skeleton case, it was love at 1st sight. I think by using the Skeleton case I wouldn't need to buy any additional fans and still have nice circulation/cooling, which would possibly make up for the higher priced case.
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Decided to do a quick rough build for you, came out cheaper then what you currently have and is a lot more well rounded IMO.
https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=9566125
SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q - OEM
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Seagate ST3640323AS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
EVGA 512-P3-1150-TR GeForce GTS 250 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
PC Power & Cooling S75CF 750W EPS12V SLI NVIDIA SLI Certified (Dual 8800 GTX and below) CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
OCZ Vista Upgrade 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2VU8004GK - Retail
EVGA 122-YW-E173-TR LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail
Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2C 64-bit for System Builders - OEM
Total = $893
Thanks dude, I will go through that and read up on all the parts later, I am short on time at the moment.
Now I'm kinda back and forth on the i7. I see it is overkill, but I would save money in the long run when it is time for upgrades. I'd like to get more opinions on this because I am having trouble deciding. Really, I have no idea what CPUs would be substandard for AHII, optimum for AHII, or overkill for AHII.
Is there a way to know, or can anyone lay out, the line where optimum CPU ends and overkill CPU starts?
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I agree, I could save plenty if I just go with a cheaper case. The only problem is when I saw that Skeleton case, it was love at 1st sight. I think by using the Skeleton case I wouldn't need to buy any additional fans and still have nice circulation/cooling, which would possibly make up for the higher priced case.
The NZXT Tempest comes with four 120mm fans and two 140mm fans. PSU is on the bottom as well. Should be around $90 ($74.99 after Mail-in on Newegg).
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horrible VC choice
horrible HD choice
overkill on CPU
wouldnt be my choice of MB at that price point...
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The NZXT Tempest comes with four 120mm fans and two 140mm fans. PSU is on the bottom as well. Should be around $90 ($74.99 after Mail-in on Newegg).
6 Fans total included in the Tempest 2 Front, Two Top, 1 rear, 1 Side panel, All 120mm all same CFMs so there is equal air in as out
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Decided to do a quick rough build for you, came out cheaper then what you currently have and is a lot more well rounded IMO.
https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=9566125
SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q - OEM
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Seagate ST3640323AS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
EVGA 512-P3-1150-TR GeForce GTS 250 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
PC Power & Cooling S75CF 750W EPS12V SLI NVIDIA SLI Certified (Dual 8800 GTX and below) CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
OCZ Vista Upgrade 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2VU8004GK - Retail
EVGA 122-YW-E173-TR LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail
Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2C 64-bit for System Builders - OEM
Total = $893
For 116 more you can get a much better and faster system then this. I have the system posted with its benchmarks. Look for the E8400 OC post
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For 116 more you can get a much better and faster system then this. I have the system posted with its benchmarks. Look for the E8400 OC post
Possibly, but I'm keeping within two major specifications he made. It's under $1,000 dollars, and it will run AHII, and it will do that at max settings to boot. 100+ might get you a faster comp but it breaks the 1k limit, that and this is already a fast enough build to dominate anything AHII is going to throw at it. Actually now that I notice it (since I forgot it :o ) I would spend that little extra bit on a sound card.
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I would spend that little extra bit on a sound card.
The extra monies on the system would out bench one with two cards Since its using DDR3 FSB at 1800 (can clock up to 2200) and the processor linked and synced at 4.01. This is a 24/7 OC for the E8400. I do not know of any DDR2 boards that can get these specs and be a 24/7 rig
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horrible VC choice
horrible HD choice
overkill on CPU
wouldnt be my choice of MB at that price point...
Well, since I have heard that AHII is more dependent on CPU than on VC, I chose to go over on CPU and under on VC.
The hard drive only needs to store OS, drivers, and AHII. I Don't need anything special for Hard drive.
As for the mother board and CPU, I will probably go with something different once I get things figured out.
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Well, since I have heard that AHII is more dependent on CPU than on VC, I chose to go over on CPU and under on VC.
The hard drive only needs to store OS, drivers, and AHII. I Don't need anything special for Hard drive.
As for the mother board and CPU, I will probably go with something different once I get things figured out.
Just because it is CPU heavy is no reason to skimp on a GPU. I use a Mid-range AMD and an older NVidia card and do fine in the game, keep a good balance of the two.
I keep 60Framerate with Hi-res pack, sliders 9/10 way up, AA x8(or is it x16) and 1280x1024. (AMD X2 4850e $65 and NVidia 7900GS $100)
Only reason for overkill now is if you plan to play other games, or don't want to upgrade for many years.
Just would hate to see any money wasted due to skimping at all and having something fail (or fail to live up to expectations), I made that mistake and am paying for it as I have been replacing parts slowly with higher end things. This PC worth about 500-600$ cost almost 2grand over 2 years now.
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Well, since I have heard that AHII is more dependent on CPU than on VC, I chose to go over on CPU and under on VC.
The hard drive only needs to store OS, drivers, and AHII. I Don't need anything special for Hard drive.
As for the mother board and CPU, I will probably go with something different once I get things figured out.
if you spent another 60 or so total you would have a rig instead of a putter
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The extra monies on the system would out bench one with two cards Since its using DDR3 FSB at 1800 (can clock up to 2200) and the processor linked and synced at 4.01. This is a 24/7 OC for the E8400. I do not know of any DDR2 boards that can get these specs and be a 24/7 rig
Getting DDR3 RAM means a more expensive mobo and such. An other issue I'm seeing with your build in the beginning of the thread is it didn't have an OS or a sound card. Making your 100 dollar more rig somewhere in the price range of 300+ more. I know you said it's user preference and thats why you didn't add it, but it's still required (the OS anyways). And to these means I just sort of see it as pointless, faster yes, but at what cost? Does an AHII comp really need to be that fast? IMO no, hell I used to run the game on a FX5500 and 1GB of RAM. Granted I've moved on from those days and use a build similar to the one I built and it will do anything AHII needs it to and more. Thats just my opinion, take it for what it's worth, I'm an 18 year old comp enthusiast, I don't hold any degrees of that sort so I suppose my opinion is moot. Hope this doesn't come off harsh, just my overall opinion of the situation and in no means meant to anger anyone.
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If all you want to do is play AH then get a Core2Duo, an LGA775 motherboard and a better video card.
While the I7 platform will be better in terms of future upgrades the 775 chips aren't exactly slow, particularily for the limited demands of AH and they'll still be around running in rigs for several years. In the meantime I7 prices will drop, new technologies will be released and when it's time to upgrade again you'll still have to start over.
Also, drop the 750W PCP&C, go with the 610 and save yourself a few more bucks then get a bigger hard drive. They are cheap.
The way you quoted that machine you're going to be GPU limited. Better to be component balanced. You'll be much happier when your GPU isn't choking.
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Getting DDR3 RAM means a more expensive mobo and such. An other issue I'm seeing with your build in the beginning of the thread is it didn't have an OS or a sound card. Making your 100 dollar more rig somewhere in the price range of 300+ more. I know you said it's user preference and thats why you didn't add it, but it's still required (the OS anyways). And to these means I just sort of see it as pointless, faster yes, but at what cost? Does an AHII comp really need to be that fast? IMO no, hell I used to run the game on a FX5500 and 1GB of RAM. Granted I've moved on from those days and use a build similar to the one I built and it will do anything AHII needs it to and more. Thats just my opinion, take it for what it's worth, I'm an 18 year old comp enthusiast, I don't hold any degrees of that sort so I suppose my opinion is moot. Hope this doesn't come off harsh, just my overall opinion of the situation and in no means meant to anger anyone.
We are all entitled to our opinions. The 60 or so I stated is using DDR3 1800 and the Gigabyte MB. Being in the business over 27 years building and currently specking and building 30+ systems per week, I know what works what specs good and what benches good overall. This is not a hit and miss go to newegg and look for parts and pricing. Specking out a successful rig takes a lot of time. Time invested in trying out MBs Mem Video cards and finding out which will give the most bang for the buc. You can take the same MB and Processor and place 5 different 9800GTXs all with similar specs (meaning not SSC or SC editions) and you will get 5 different benchmarks, some close some with 300 points difference. Now do the same thing with memory and 5 different boards.... some will OC well over manufacture specs on some boards other barely get to spec. I have been playing Air Warrior and AH for a number of years. I have yet to use or need a soundcard.
The very High End gaming machines go tri or quad SLI there is no room for a soundcard on the board. I do not sell any rigs to anyone unless I have tested the parts I put in them on my own and in the same configurations. I sell about 12 or 14 different rigs of various price ranges. Those of you who have bought or talked to me about a system all know this. I stick with what I know works and experiment on my own stuff not at the expense of someone making a purchase.
On Friday I had a guy here from these forums to look at the system I specked out... he could not believe what he saw. He instantly placed and order and this was when I will still tuning the system in. Point being... nothing in the world counts more then experience, not degrees or licences, read world applications and how they work in that world period.
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Don't get me wrong, I don't think your build is wrong or bad in performance. I just think it's overkill for AH.
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i agree a mid rang 775 can run AHII just fine.. but intel shot itself in the foot when they brought out the i7's in terms of people who want to spend money on new builds IMHO.. the i7 i overkill for just about anything out there gaming wise or anything else. but when it comes to future upgrades.. the cost of future upgrading to a faster 775 chip would be more then if you had started out with the i7 920 to start with. even thought it is overkill. when i buy a system i always consider that. which is why i went with AMD. i can slap the latest and fasted AM3 chip in my motherboard with no extra cost to myself. all those with 775 boards well if you want the latest and fastest chip. guess what. to get to the performaces of the lowest i7 chip your gonna spend 1300+ on the x9770 or switch out your entire MB and chip and memory which is a minimum of 600-700 for the i7 920/MB/memory. So ask yourself when buying a 775 system these days. is this rig gonna do everything i want it to do for now and the future. if you can say yes then go with the 775 rig. if not then the cost of going with a new build i7 920 build is only 200-300 more but will be more then ever need for years to come.
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I'm really not looking to build a balanced system, and even if the bigger hard drive cost just a little bit more, I don't have any use for the extra GB.
I just made the assumption that I needed a kick-ass CPU and assumed the i7 was a good choice, but if a cheaper CPU will give me the same results in AHII, then I will go with it.
I also assumed that since the game wasn't graphics-card dependent that the one I selected would be fine. But, if I truly need a better graphics card to improve AHII frame-rates, then I need to know how much better it needs to be.
All I really want is to turn all the AHII graphics settings up 100% and get the best frame rates (what is the highest FPS possible?).
At the same time, I want to use the lowest-priced parts to make that happen.
All I ask is that everyone keep that simple requirement in mind when you are giving advice.
I have no idea how to tell what the results will be with various parts, that's why I am asking a everyone on here for input.
Bashing my hard-drive choice doesn't seem to be advice that is relevant to my requirements.
I would say I just need to figure out the motherboard, CPU, memory, graphics card, and power supply.
There are some things that I am dead-set on: I want to use an Intel CPU, I want to use XP, and I want to use a 700W+ PC Power & Cooling PS.
Whether or not those are wise choices, I don't think anyone will convince me not to use them.
I do appreciate everyone's advice and discussion, it's helping me a lot as far as getting an idea of what I need and don't need. I will probably end up going with what the majority recommends, so more input would be great. If you agree with what anyone else has already recommended, I would like to hear about it.
Thanks Everyone.
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After going back through this thread I have taken the advice repeated by many people and come up with a new plan:
Motherboard ---- $159.99
EVGA 123-YW-E175-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard
CPU ------------ $164.99
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400
Memory --------- $71.99
OCZ ReaperX HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2RPX800EB4GK
Video Card ----- $129.99
EVGA 512-P3-N975-AR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
PS ------------ $104.99
PC Power & Cooling S75CF 750W EPS12V SLI NVIDIA SLI Certified (Dual 8800 GTX and below) CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
Sound Card ----- $49.99
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card
Hard drive ------ $41.99
Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
Case ---------- $149.99
Antec Skeleton Black ATX Mini Tower Computer Case
DVD-ROM ------- $24.99
Pioneer 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model DVR-116DBK - OEM
OS ------------- $89.99
Microsoft Windows XP Home SP3 for System Builders
Subtotal ------- $988.90 :aok :rock
Now what do you guys think about this build? More balance, less overkill, and the price is right!
I guess I don't need the i7, since the world is going to end in 3 years, the C2D should hold up until then.
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I'd go with a bit of a cheaper case like the Antec 900 or Tildeath's NZXT Tempest.
Other than that I like the build. I prefer ATI but that is personal.
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If all you want to do is play AH then get a Core2Duo, an LGA775 motherboard and a better video card.
While the I7 platform will be better in terms of future upgrades the 775 chips aren't exactly slow, particularily for the limited demands of AH and they'll still be around running in rigs for several years. In the meantime I7 prices will drop, new technologies will be released and when it's time to upgrade again you'll still have to start over.
Also, drop the 750W PCP&C, go with the 610 and save yourself a few more bucks then get a bigger hard drive. They are cheap.
The way you quoted that machine you're going to be GPU limited. Better to be component balanced. You'll be much happier when your GPU isn't choking.
+1
Like I posted before, I think a lot of what is being posted is quite overkill for AH. There's no need for OCing this machine. I'd rather see him save money where he can and use it to better peripherals, maybe some rudder peddals or new joy or new monitor.
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Miller, that is a much better system. It's still overkill for AH. If you really wanted you could probably still shave $300 off that system and run AH at full settings. As that sytem stands you'll be go to go for several years without having to upgrade it.
I'm running a system very similar to that and run full graphic details, high res textures and everything in the NVidia control panal maxed out and never drop below my monitors refresh rate of 60 fps.
As to your question about frame rates there is no limit (I had my rig SLI'd for a short time running almost 300 fps in AH) but if you are using an LCD monitor you'll want to lock the video card to the monitor's refresh rate otherwise you'll get graphic tearing which is really annoying.
As to video cards, I'd personally set the 9800 GT as a lower limit although you could squeek by with a 9600 GT.
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Looks good, the only thing I would change would be to use one of the slightly cheaper cases recommended and then use that money to get Windows XP 64-bit. Otherwise you won't be able to utilize the RAM your buying.
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TheZohan what do you think is the best gamer's monitor?
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i use my Visio 32" L32 personally works great for me, or i have my 21" CRT
the 22" viewsonic should be just fine
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2 things to consider....
The GTS 250 is basically a reworked 9800GTX and the 260 has fallen to the 9800's price point of just a few months ago. The 4870 has fallen down.
Here is a 260/216 core for $160
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127409
A huge improvement for ~$30
I'd also look at the HD I recommended above or any that TD recommends...speed and reliability count, especially in a "gaming rig". If you dont need storage then get a drive like this...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136033
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2 things to consider....
The GTS 250 is basically a reworked 9800GTX and the 260 has fallen to the 9800's price point of just a few months ago. The 4870 has fallen down.
Here is a 260/216 core for $160
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127409
A huge improvement for ~$30
I'd also look at the HD I recommended above or any that TD recommends...speed and reliability count, especially in a "gaming rig". If you dont need storage then get a drive like this...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136033
[/quote
I've heard many people complain about the 74gb raptor high failure rate. The larger 300gb version is recommended instead. It's much faster too.
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I'd also look at the HD I recommended above or any that TD recommends...speed and reliability count, especially in a "gaming rig".
Does the game access the hard drive while I am flying? Seems like the 4GB of RAM should be able to store everything the game needs to operate. But then again, I really have no idea, so that my be a stupid assumption.
If my hard drive is going to be working while I am flying then I guess I should get a fast one.
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Every game does. The deal with high speed HDs is that whenever that happens it does so very quickly and minimizes any hitches/stutters.
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Hard Drives also can have built in cache memory which minimizes this. The Velociraptors have 16 mb cache, the bigger drives made by Western Digital have 32mb. Older, slower drives have very little cache if any, relying completely on system memory for buffering which then has to deal with bus speed latency, this causes the hiccups. Someone correct me if that's wrong.