Author Topic: Your opinioins on computer (Read 428 times)

fuzeman · « **on:** August 13, 2004, 11:05:34 AM »

Well its time to retire this computer and think new one.
Well... really a used new one due to money matters.
Moving up from a amd 1500xp+/KT7a and GeF4 Ti4200 to Barton 2500/Nforce2 mobo combo. For a real barGOOn and be cheap I might stick with onboard sound unless thats a really bad idea. I know it will use more cpu cycles and may get a seperate sound card later. I may even try the GeF4 with the new stuff to see what happens but will probably get a newer video card. An nVidia 5900FX was mentioned as a possibility, anyone use this and how does it work. If its a walk away deal, then what would be a good second choice? Initially I thought about a ATI9600Pro.
I'm assuming I'll need an XP type OS and wonder how my old CH stuff will do; FX stick, pro pedals and pro throttle. Will a serial/usb adapter still let me use the FX stick and only be required to get newer USB rudders and throttle?

Griego · « **Reply #1 on:** August 16, 2004, 12:43:02 PM »

On the onboard sound question get the Nforce 2 motherboard with soundstorm and you will not need an external card.

I got the MSI K7N2 Delta ISLR or [ms-6570 v1.X] Mainboard.

It has soundstorm

There are other board with soundstorm.

Soundstorm from what I've read is about as good as the Audigy card. It'll save you some cash.

I bought the board, but when I asked the the Tech. he didn't know about soundstorm APU. So I bought the Audigy zs soundcard to go with the system.

Then after taking it home I looked in the guide and found out it did have soundstorm. I could have save'd myself $90.

MOSQ · « **Reply #2 on:** August 16, 2004, 01:14:36 PM »

What's your total budget? It's difficult to make a reccomemndation w/o knowing your budget.

The FX-5900 is very expensive, too expensive for the CPU/Mobo budget you are considering. It's about $350 just for the card. You'd also likely need a new power supply to drive that card if you are using your old case.

There are lots of good cards in the $125 to $195 category, but again w/o your budget it's tough to help.

You don't have to buy WIN XP. If you do, you can keep your old CH analog gear, it will work, it just won't be programmable in XP. So you could dual boot to Win 98 or XP. Use XP 99% of the time, but when you need to reprogram your CH gear, boot in WIN 98.

Mixing analog and USB CH gear is not reccommended. It's all or nothing. Some folks may be lucky with the USB adaptor, but I wouldn't count on it.

DAVENRINO · « **Reply #3 on:** August 16, 2004, 01:35:43 PM »

If you decide to go with the Nforce2 and Sounstorm, be aware that not all Nforce2 boards have it. Asus, for example, only put it on the Deluxe versions of the board.

One of my squaddies, Maddog Joe uses CH analog with XP and a USB adaptor. I believe he has to use WIN98 if he ever has to reprogram it though. Do a BBS search and you will find many posts.

Orig · « **Reply #4 on:** August 16, 2004, 04:48:59 PM »

For only about $100 more you could get an athlon 64 based system, and it would be a lot faster.

humble · « **Reply #5 on:** August 16, 2004, 05:27:25 PM »

You do NOT need to upgrade your vidio card, that Ti4200 will still crank out excellent FPS...if you have to you can upgrade everything else and still use it for now...

fuzeman · « **Reply #6 on:** August 16, 2004, 07:18:06 PM »

Total budget in the $500 range with change to spare hopefully. I'm getting most of it used from a reputable source. He has mentioned 3 video cards he'll have available, the FX5900, an ATI9600XT and a 9800Pro.
My initial thoughts werre to go with the 9800PRo.
To my knowledge the case and PS might be new, used cpu/mobo and possibly the ram. Also the used video card.

My thinking is good used equipment to save every penny.
I was thinking of using the Ti4200 but might spring for the new card seeing I afford it, well kinda LoL.

MOSQ · « **Reply #7 on:** August 17, 2004, 12:37:39 PM »

Fuze,

Make sure to get at least a 350 Watt Power Supply. Don't let him stick you with a 200-250 watt.

The 9800 Pro would be nice. Don't see how even a used 5900 could fall within your budget. Might be best to start with the Ti4200 and see if you get the performance you want.

Do you have to buy an OS? Win XP will set you back about 20% of your total budget. I assume you have your old Win 98 you can install? Looking at your budget, you can't afford the new USB CH gear. If you are going to use your old CH stuff, be SURE to install Win 98 first, then Win XP as a dual boot. If you install XP first, then Win 98, you will overwrite XP. But XP can be installed "easily" as a dual boot if you install it last.

fuzeman · « **Reply #8 on:** August 18, 2004, 02:23:42 PM »

Using W98se would be a plus and Doc knew $500 was the limit when he mentioned the 5900. I'll see if I can reserve the 9800Pro though.
Tminus one month and counting, I forsee one hold before launch.

Reschke · « **Reply #9 on:** August 20, 2004, 03:37:30 PM »

Just my opinion here Fuze but if it was me I would rather spend the $500 on new equipment than buy something that someone else has screwed around with. Besides for right about that amount you can get a retail Athlon 64, motherboard w/ onboard sound, RAM and power supply. Use your old case if not look for one cheap.

Reschke · « **Reply #10 on:** August 20, 2004, 03:44:13 PM »

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ANTEC Solution Series Super Mid Tower Case with 350W Power Supply, Model "SLK3700AMB" -RETAIL
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jetb123 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 20, 2004, 10:01:18 PM »

Fuze you an get what I am getting down below for 527.13. Its a pretty good deal to me.