New Gaming System

jimmyjames · 02-27-2007, 04:47 PM

Righty I've configured the following system as I want a decent gaming machine. Tho I do have some questions to follow....

CASE: Raidmax Sagitta Mid-Tower
CPU: (Sckt775)Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6600 CPU @ 2.4GHz 1066FSB 2x2MB L2 Cache EM64T
VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX 768MB 16X PCI Express Video Card
FAN: CoolerMaster Liquid CPU Cooling Fan System Kit + 2 EXTRA CASE FANS
CD: SONY DUAL FORMAT 18X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER
HDD: Single Hard Drive (80GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 8MB Cache 7200RPM HDD)
KEYBOARD: Logitech PS/2 Keyboard (Black)
MOUSE: (Silver) Microsoft® Wireless Optical IntelliMouse® Explorer 2.0A USB
MOTHERBOARD: (Quad-Core Supports) Asus P5N32-E nForce 680i SLI Chipset LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2 Mainboard
MEMORY: 2GB (2x1GB) PC6400 DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory Corsair
NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/100 NETWORK CARD
OS: Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center 2005 Edition w/ Free Upgrade to Windows Vista™ Home Premium
POWERSUPPLY: Tagan 700W TG700-U25 Dual Engine SLI Ready Power Supply
SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
SOUND: Creative Labs X-FI Elite Pro 24-BIT PCI Sound Card
SPEAKERS: Creative® GigaWorks™ S750 7.1
USB: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
WNC: USB Wireless 802.11g 54Mbps USB Adapter

Ok Questions

1 - Is the power supply enough if I want to add an addtional Gtx later on?
2 - Is the liquid cooling worth the investment over standard fan cooling for an extra £34?
3 - Would an the additon of an ASUS PhysX P1 Card powered by AGEIA PhysX processor 128MB PCI Card be a worthwhile or is the price not worth the difference at £180?
4 - With regards to the CPU is the performance between the E6600 and the E6700 worth the hike in the price with the difference being just over £100?
5 - Is the Asus Striker Extreme nForce 680i a better upgrade though the price is £80 more or a cheaper board for example the Asus P5N-E nForce 650i SLI Chipset which is £80 cheaper?

Any other thoughts, opinions & recommendations welcome.

Cheers

ETSA · 02-27-2007, 05:10 PM

Everything looks pretty good, if you wanted to save a few bucks I would go with an E6400 and OC it a little. Take what you saved and buy a after market HSF and once OCed it will out perform the E6600 and be cheaper, right now my E6400 OCed will out perform a E6600 stock easy. (OCing these cpu's are really easy.)

The PhysX cards are not really worth it at the moment unless you have a lot of money to burn.

As far as PSU's, I would recommend this one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151031

As far as SLI, I don't think its a worth while investment considering you never get double the performance so why pay double the price?

As far as motherboards, I like the asus commando, SLI support and an OC machine. If you OC it don't worry about the FSB, mine currently on this rig is 1600 FSB, so no need to worry there.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131149

For memory I would recommend XMS2 series (Corsair). Performs well and OC's like a champ if yous o choose.

edit: if you are getting liquid cooling you better be OCing! :-)
edit: and why only an 80 gig HD?
edit: and please buy a better case, seriously....

jimmyjames · 02-27-2007, 05:44 PM

Ah cheers, well I've never overclocked before, current system that I have won't allow it. Though it's most likely that I will be on the new system though it will be a case of following a guide of overclocking for dummies. So lots of reading time ahead.

With regards to the HD i already have a 160Gb spare so only need the 80gb for the operating system. I tend to only install 1 game at a time anyway and out of my 160gb one I haven't ever even used half of it.

Does the case make a difference then? It just happened to be the cheapest one on that particular site. Its going to be sitting under my desk on a computer shelf so looks aren't particularly an issue.

ETSA · 02-27-2007, 05:49 PM

Well the case is important. It proves proper airflow and will make use more desirable when you fire it up and it doesn't sound like a nascar running under your desk. The airflow is important when OCing. It is not that difficult really, all you have to be is patient and it can lead to enormous results.

i think these cases are excellent, I own the Antec and it is an awesome case.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129017
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133154
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811112100

Antec and Lian-Li are popular and great brands, you cannot really go wrong, so if you do not like these particular models I would go with the brands.

Boomer · 02-27-2007, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyjames

With regards to the HD i already have a 160Gb spare so only need the 80gb for the operating system. I tend to only install 1 game at a time anyway and out of my 160gb one I haven't ever even used half of it.

if thats the case i would go with this HD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136033

it will perform SO much better than that 80 gig HD u posted above. raptors scream......i have 2 of them

when loading and installing games is where you'll really notice the speed. same with booting windows.

ETSA · 02-27-2007, 08:16 PM

I would say to get that HD but only if it won't make you spend less elsewhere, it is really not necessary.

Nutter · 02-28-2007, 01:54 AM

how is this rig gonna cost? im trying to build one now

jimmyjames · 02-28-2007, 02:13 PM

Well I already have the soundcard and the speakers which is a large chunk of the cost, the whole thing comes to £1370 thats with a different case to the one first selected tho. Im just going to stick with the standard hard drive as well.

Though ive read about the intended price drop for the core duo so might wait till april and see if it applies over here in England as well.. Though we generally get screwed over when everywhere else drops its prices.

jimmyjames · 03-01-2007, 02:37 PM

Actually ive just read up that the water cooling system is a pile of junk when it comes to overclocking so I won't be investing in that.

Whats the best method of cooling for overclocking to price comparison?

Preferences to what people prefer water cooling over fan cooling?

And any suggestions for decent ones of both would be useful.

ETSA · 03-01-2007, 04:44 PM

Air cooling is widely used even though water cooling yields better results it is expensive and even you do not know what you are doing it is easy to damage or ruin computer components, there is liquid involved after all.

A solid case with good airflow and a HSF that provides good cooling is basically the only thing you need. The C2D duo chips make overclocking simple, even with the standard HSF that comes with them people have been getting great results with minmal effort.

Good HSF.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

02-27-2007, 04:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
jimmyjames Bronze Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 51	New Gaming System Righty I've configured the following system as I want a decent gaming machine. Tho I do have some questions to follow.... CASE: Raidmax Sagitta Mid-Tower CPU: (Sckt775)Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6600 CPU @ 2.4GHz 1066FSB 2x2MB L2 Cache EM64T VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX 768MB 16X PCI Express Video Card FAN: CoolerMaster Liquid CPU Cooling Fan System Kit + 2 EXTRA CASE FANS CD: SONY DUAL FORMAT 18X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER HDD: Single Hard Drive (80GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 8MB Cache 7200RPM HDD) KEYBOARD: Logitech PS/2 Keyboard (Black) MOUSE: (Silver) Microsoft® Wireless Optical IntelliMouse® Explorer 2.0A USB MOTHERBOARD: (Quad-Core Supports) Asus P5N32-E nForce 680i SLI Chipset LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2 Mainboard MEMORY: 2GB (2x1GB) PC6400 DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory Corsair NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/100 NETWORK CARD OS: Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center 2005 Edition w/ Free Upgrade to Windows Vista™ Home Premium POWERSUPPLY: Tagan 700W TG700-U25 Dual Engine SLI Ready Power Supply SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT SOUND: Creative Labs X-FI Elite Pro 24-BIT PCI Sound Card SPEAKERS: Creative® GigaWorks™ S750 7.1 USB: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports WNC: USB Wireless 802.11g 54Mbps USB Adapter Ok Questions 1 - Is the power supply enough if I want to add an addtional Gtx later on? 2 - Is the liquid cooling worth the investment over standard fan cooling for an extra £34? 3 - Would an the additon of an ASUS PhysX P1 Card powered by AGEIA PhysX processor 128MB PCI Card be a worthwhile or is the price not worth the difference at £180? 4 - With regards to the CPU is the performance between the E6600 and the E6700 worth the hike in the price with the difference being just over £100? 5 - Is the Asus Striker Extreme nForce 680i a better upgrade though the price is £80 more or a cheaper board for example the Asus P5N-E nForce 650i SLI Chipset which is £80 cheaper? Any other thoughts, opinions & recommendations welcome. Cheers

02-27-2007, 05:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
ETSA Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: WA Age: 23 Posts: 2,210	Everything looks pretty good, if you wanted to save a few bucks I would go with an E6400 and OC it a little. Take what you saved and buy a after market HSF and once OCed it will out perform the E6600 and be cheaper, right now my E6400 OCed will out perform a E6600 stock easy. (OCing these cpu's are really easy.) The PhysX cards are not really worth it at the moment unless you have a lot of money to burn. As far as PSU's, I would recommend this one. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151031 As far as SLI, I don't think its a worth while investment considering you never get double the performance so why pay double the price? As far as motherboards, I like the asus commando, SLI support and an OC machine. If you OC it don't worry about the FSB, mine currently on this rig is 1600 FSB, so no need to worry there. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131149 For memory I would recommend XMS2 series (Corsair). Performs well and OC's like a champ if yous o choose. edit: if you are getting liquid cooling you better be OCing! :-) edit: and why only an 80 gig HD? edit: and please buy a better case, seriously.... __________________ DESKTOP Antec P180B(4 x 120mm Tricool fans) Antec 500W neoHE Gigabyte GA 965p DS3 E6400 /w Zalman cnps9500 led 92mm (OC'ed to 3.2Ghz) 2 GB Corsair xms2 DDR2 800 @ 920mhz x1900xtx 512mb ddr3 /w Zalman VF900(688/792) Soundblaster Audigy 4 LAPTOP Core 2 Duo T5750(2.00GHz)/4GB ddr2 667/250GB HD/8600M GT Last edited by ETSA; 02-27-2007 at 05:14 PM.

02-27-2007, 05:49 PM	#4 (permalink)
ETSA Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: WA Age: 23 Posts: 2,210	Well the case is important. It proves proper airflow and will make use more desirable when you fire it up and it doesn't sound like a nascar running under your desk. The airflow is important when OCing. It is not that difficult really, all you have to be is patient and it can lead to enormous results. i think these cases are excellent, I own the Antec and it is an awesome case. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129017 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133154 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811112100 Antec and Lian-Li are popular and great brands, you cannot really go wrong, so if you do not like these particular models I would go with the brands. __________________ DESKTOP Antec P180B(4 x 120mm Tricool fans) Antec 500W neoHE Gigabyte GA 965p DS3 E6400 /w Zalman cnps9500 led 92mm (OC'ed to 3.2Ghz) 2 GB Corsair xms2 DDR2 800 @ 920mhz x1900xtx 512mb ddr3 /w Zalman VF900(688/792) Soundblaster Audigy 4 LAPTOP Core 2 Duo T5750(2.00GHz)/4GB ddr2 667/250GB HD/8600M GT

02-27-2007, 08:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
ETSA Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: WA Age: 23 Posts: 2,210	I would say to get that HD but only if it won't make you spend less elsewhere, it is really not necessary. __________________ DESKTOP Antec P180B(4 x 120mm Tricool fans) Antec 500W neoHE Gigabyte GA 965p DS3 E6400 /w Zalman cnps9500 led 92mm (OC'ed to 3.2Ghz) 2 GB Corsair xms2 DDR2 800 @ 920mhz x1900xtx 512mb ddr3 /w Zalman VF900(688/792) Soundblaster Audigy 4 LAPTOP Core 2 Duo T5750(2.00GHz)/4GB ddr2 667/250GB HD/8600M GT

02-28-2007, 02:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
jimmyjames Bronze Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 51	Well I already have the soundcard and the speakers which is a large chunk of the cost, the whole thing comes to £1370 thats with a different case to the one first selected tho. Im just going to stick with the standard hard drive as well. Though ive read about the intended price drop for the core duo so might wait till april and see if it applies over here in England as well.. Though we generally get screwed over when everywhere else drops its prices. Last edited by jimmyjames; 02-28-2007 at 02:50 PM.

02-27-2007, 05:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
jimmyjames Bronze Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 51	Ah cheers, well I've never overclocked before, current system that I have won't allow it. Though it's most likely that I will be on the new system though it will be a case of following a guide of overclocking for dummies. So lots of reading time ahead. With regards to the HD i already have a 160Gb spare so only need the 80gb for the operating system. I tend to only install 1 game at a time anyway and out of my 160gb one I haven't ever even used half of it. Does the case make a difference then? It just happened to be the cheapest one on that particular site. Its going to be sitting under my desk on a computer shelf so looks aren't particularly an issue.

02-28-2007, 01:54 AM	#7 (permalink)
Nutter Silver Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 157	how is this rig gonna cost? im trying to build one now

03-01-2007, 02:37 PM	#9 (permalink)
jimmyjames Bronze Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 51	Actually ive just read up that the water cooling system is a pile of junk when it comes to overclocking so I won't be investing in that. Whats the best method of cooling for overclocking to price comparison? Preferences to what people prefer water cooling over fan cooling? And any suggestions for decent ones of both would be useful.

03-01-2007, 04:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
ETSA Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: WA Age: 23 Posts: 2,210	Air cooling is widely used even though water cooling yields better results it is expensive and even you do not know what you are doing it is easy to damage or ruin computer components, there is liquid involved after all. A solid case with good airflow and a HSF that provides good cooling is basically the only thing you need. The C2D duo chips make overclocking simple, even with the standard HSF that comes with them people have been getting great results with minmal effort. Good HSF. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&Go.x=0&Go.y=0 __________________ DESKTOP Antec P180B(4 x 120mm Tricool fans) Antec 500W neoHE Gigabyte GA 965p DS3 E6400 /w Zalman cnps9500 led 92mm (OC'ed to 3.2Ghz) 2 GB Corsair xms2 DDR2 800 @ 920mhz x1900xtx 512mb ddr3 /w Zalman VF900(688/792) Soundblaster Audigy 4 LAPTOP Core 2 Duo T5750(2.00GHz)/4GB ddr2 667/250GB HD/8600M GT

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