Computer Specs 101 - 2007-04

[Praetor]

$2100

• Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 [Kentsfield, 2.40, 4MB, 1066, BX80562Q6600] ($835.00)
• Foxconn FV-N88XMAD2-ON GeForce 8800GTX 768MB ($524.99 after $45.00 MIR)
• Spire SwordFin SP-9007B Case ($54.99)
• NEC 7170A-0B ($30.99)
• Corsair XMS2 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($151.00 after $50.00 MIR)
• Samsung SpinPoint T-Series HD501LJ (500GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ) ($129.99)
• Scythe Mine SCMN-1100 (43cfm, 22db) ($32.99)
• OCz GameXStream OCZ700GXSLI [700W, 12V@18+18+18+18, 20+4] ($124.99 after $25.00 MIR)
• ASUS Commando [i965P, ICH8R] ($209.99)
  $2094.93

Here the extra allocation goes towards a long-awaited motherboard upgrade which finally properly balances out the system.

 

[Praetor]

$2200

• eVGA 122-CK-NF63-TR [nForce 680i] ($169.00 after $20.00 MIR)
• Spire SwordFin SP-9007B Case ($54.99)
• NEC 7170A-0B ($30.99)
• Foxconn FV-N88XMAD2-ON GeForce 8800GTX 768MB ($524.99 after $45.00 MIR)
• Corsair XMS2 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($151.00 after $50.00 MIR)
• Corsair XMS2 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($151.00 after $50.00 MIR)
• Samsung SpinPoint T-Series HD501LJ (500GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ) ($129.99)
• Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 [Kentsfield, 2.40, 4MB, 1066, BX80562Q6600] ($835.00)
• Antec NeoPower NeoHE 550 [550W, 12V@18+18+18, 20+4] ($109.99)
• Scythe Mine SCMN-1100 (43cfm, 22db) ($32.99)
  $2189.94

Here we shuffle the system around for a much more balanced 4GB box.

 

[Praetor]

$2300

• Intel Core 2 Quad Extreme QX6700 [Kentsfield, 2.66, 4MB, 1066, BX80562QX6700] ($965.00)
• NEC 7170A-0B ($30.99)
• Spire SwordFin SP-9007B Case ($54.99)
• Foxconn FV-N88XMAD2-ON GeForce 8800GTX 768MB ($524.99 after $45.00 MIR)
• Samsung SpinPoint T-Series HD501LJ (500GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ) ($129.99)
• Tuniq Tower 120 (35db) ($52.99)
• Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 [i965P, ICH8] ($122.99)
• OCz Platinum Rev 2 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($150.99 after $30.00 MIR)
• OCz Platinum Rev 2 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($150.99 after $30.00 MIR)
• Antec NeoPower NeoHE 550 [550W, 12V@18+18+18, 20+4] ($109.99)
  $2293.91

Shuffling things around we can add our final CPU upgrade.

 

[Praetor]

$2400

• Intel Core 2 Quad Extreme QX6700 [Kentsfield, 2.66, 4MB, 1066, BX80562QX6700] ($965.00)
• NEC 7170A-0B ($30.99)
• Spire SwordFin SP-9007B Case ($54.99)
• Foxconn FV-N88XMAD2-ON GeForce 8800GTX 768MB ($524.99 after $45.00 MIR)
• Samsung SpinPoint T-Series HD501LJ (500GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ) ($129.99)
• Tuniq Tower 120 (35db) ($52.99)
• OCz Platinum Rev 2 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($150.99 after $30.00 MIR)
• OCz Platinum Rev 2 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($150.99 after $30.00 MIR)
• ASUS Commando [i965P, ICH8R] ($206.99)
• OCz GameXStream OCZ700GXSLI [700W, 12V@18+18+18+18, 20+4] ($124.99 after $25.00 MIR)
  $2392.91

Here the extra allocation goes towards rounding out and balancing the previous system.

 

[Praetor]

$2500

• Intel Core 2 Quad Extreme QX6700 [Kentsfield, 2.66, 4MB, 1066, BX80562QX6700] ($965.00)
• NEC 7170A-0B ($30.99)
• Spire SwordFin SP-9007B Case ($54.99)
• Patriot eXtreme Performance 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($139.99 after $50.00 MIR)
• Patriot eXtreme Performance 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($139.99 after $50.00 MIR)
• Scythe Mine SCMN-1100 (43cfm, 22db) ($32.99)
• Samsung SpinPoint T-Series HD501LJ (500GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ) ($129.99)
• Foxconn FV-N88SMBD2-ONOC GeForce 8800GTS 640MB ($359.99 after $40.00 MIR)
• Foxconn FV-N88SMBD2-ONOC GeForce 8800GTS 640MB ($359.99 after $40.00 MIR)
• eVGA 122-CK-NF63-TR [nForce 680i] ($169.99 after $20.00 MIR)
• Antec NeoPower NeoHE 550 [550W, 12V@18+18+18, 20+4] ($109.99)
  $2493.90

Although I'm generally opposed to implementing multiple-GPU using non-flag cards, this system balances well.

 

[Praetor]

$2600

• Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 [Kentsfield, 2.40, 4MB, 1066, BX80562Q6600] ($835.00)
• OCz GameXStream OCZ700GXSLI [700W, 12V@18+18+18+18, 20+4] ($124.99 after $25.00 MIR)
• Foxconn FV-N88XMAD2-ON GeForce 8800GTX 768MB ($524.99 after $45.00 MIR)
• Foxconn FV-N88XMAD2-ON GeForce 8800GTX 768MB ($524.99 after $45.00 MIR)
• Patriot eXtreme Performance 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($139.99 after $50.00 MIR)
• Patriot eXtreme Performance 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($139.99 after $50.00 MIR)
• NEC 7170A-0B ($30.99)
• Scythe Mine SCMN-1100 (43cfm, 22db) ($32.99)
• Spire SwordFin SP-9007B Case ($54.99)
• eVGA 122-CK-NF63-TR [nForce 680i] ($169.99 after $20.00 MIR)
• Maxtor 7H500F0 [500GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ] ($120.99)
  $2699.90

Here we shuffle parts around to make room for 8800GTXs in SLI.

 

[Praetor]

$2700

• Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 [Kentsfield, 2.40, 4MB, 1066, BX80562Q6600] ($835.00)
• Foxconn FV-N88XMAD2-ON GeForce 8800GTX 768MB ($524.99 after $45.00 MIR)
• Foxconn FV-N88XMAD2-ON GeForce 8800GTX 768MB ($524.99 after $45.00 MIR)
• OCz GameXStream OCZ700GXSLI [700W, 12V@18+18+18+18, 20+4] ($124.99 after $20.00 MIR)
• Samsung SpinPoint T-Series HD501LJ (500GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ) ($129.99)
• NEC 7170A-0B ($30.99)
• Corsair XMS2 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($151.00 after $50.00 MIR)
• Corsair XMS2 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($151.00 after $50.00 MIR)
• eVGA 122-CK-NF63-TR [nForce 680i] ($169.99 after $20.00 MIR)
• Tuniq Tower 120 (35db) ($52.99)
  $2695.93

Still a tight fit of sorts (hence not a whole lot changed), but refreshed a few parts, the next upgrade will be much more meaningful.

 

[Praetor]

$2800

• Intel Core 2 Quad Extreme QX6700 [Kentsfield, 2.66, 4MB, 1066, BX80562QX6700] ($965.00)
• Foxconn FV-N88XMAD2-ON GeForce 8800GTX 768MB ($524.99 after $45.00 MIR)
• Foxconn FV-N88XMAD2-ON GeForce 8800GTX 768MB ($524.99 after $45.00 MIR)
• OCz GameXStream OCZ700GXSLI [700W, 12V@18+18+18+18, 20+4] ($124.99 after $20.00 MIR)
• NEC 7170A-0B ($30.99)
• Scythe Mine SCMN-1100 (43cfm, 22db) ($32.99)
• Corsair XMS2 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($151.00 after $50.00 MIR)
• Corsair XMS2 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($151.00 after $50.00 MIR)
• eVGA 122-CK-NF63-TR [nForce 680i] ($169.99 after $20.00 MIR)
• Maxtor 7H500F0 [500GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ] ($120.99)
  $2796.93

Still a tight fit but managed to squeeze the QX6700 back into the specification.

 

[Praetor]

$2900

• Intel Core 2 Quad Extreme QX6700 [Kentsfield, 2.66, 4MB, 1066, BX80562QX6700] ($965.00)
• Foxconn FV-N88XMAD2-ON GeForce 8800GTX 768MB ($524.99 after $45.00 MIR)
• Foxconn FV-N88XMAD2-ON GeForce 8800GTX 768MB ($524.99 after $45.00 MIR)
• OCz GameXStream OCZ700GXSLI [700W, 12V@18+18+18+18, 20+4] ($124.99 after $20.00 MIR)
• NEC 7170A-0B ($30.99)
• Scythe Mine SCMN-1100 (43cfm, 22db) ($32.99)
• Corsair XMS2 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($151.00 after $50.00 MIR)
• Corsair XMS2 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($151.00 after $50.00 MIR)
• Tuniq Tower 120 (35db) ($52.99)
• ASUS P5N32-E SLI [nForce 680i] ($209.99)
• Maxtor 7H500F0 [500GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ] ($120.99)
  $2889.92

A motherboard and cooler refresh.

 

[Praetor]

$3000

• Intel Core 2 Quad Extreme QX6700 [Kentsfield, 2.66, 4MB, 1066, BX80562QX6700] ($965.00)
• Foxconn FV-N88XMAD2-ON GeForce 8800GTX 768MB ($524.99 after $45.00 MIR)
• Foxconn FV-N88XMAD2-ON GeForce 8800GTX 768MB ($524.99 after $45.00 MIR)
• OCz GameXStream OCZ700GXSLI [700W, 12V@18+18+18+18, 20+4] ($124.99 after $20.00 MIR)
• NEC 7170A-0B ($30.99)
• Corsair XMS2 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($151.00 after $50.00 MIR)
• Corsair XMS2 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($151.00 after $50.00 MIR)
• Tuniq Tower 120 (35db) ($52.99)
• Maxtor 7H500F0 [500GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ] ($120.99)
• ASUS Striker Extreme [nForce 680i] ($349.99)
  $2996.93

Here we make the final motherboard upgrade.

 

[Praetor]

$3000+

• Intel Core 2 Quad Extreme QX6700 [Kentsfield, 2.66, 4MB, 1066, BX80562QX6700] ($965.00)
• Foxconn FV-N88XMAD2-ON GeForce 8800GTX 768MB ($524.99 after $45.00 MIR)
• Foxconn FV-N88XMAD2-ON GeForce 8800GTX 768MB ($524.99 after $45.00 MIR)
• NEC 7170A-0B ($30.99)
• NEC 7170A-0B ($30.99)
• Tuniq Tower 120 (35db) ($52.99)
• ASUS Striker Extreme [nForce 680i] ($349.99)
• ASUS 90-C1CHFA-HYAY1 PhysX P1 ($156.99)
• PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad [750W, 12V@60A, 24] ($199.99)
• Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3750640AS (750GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ, Perpendicular) ($259.99)
• Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3750640AS (750GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ, Perpendicular) ($259.99)
• Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3750640AS (750GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ, Perpendicular) ($259.99)
• Corsair Dominator 2GB PC2-8888 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($610.00)
• Corsair Dominator 2GB PC2-8888 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($610.00)
  $4836.89

(might want to upgrade the case a bit it's pretty bare)

Although this system is valid... anyone looking to spend this much money should really take a moment and consider a few things:

1. Will they be able to notice any performance gains?
2. Do they have the necessary expertise needed to actually configure the parts in order to obtain the higher performance levels? (i.e., overclock)
3. Will they be able to notice any performance gains? Yes I know I asked this already -- just that 90% of people who think they notice a difference, in fact, dont. Sure feels good tho

So yeah, in all seriousness, if you're budget is genuinely in excess of 3K, make a post -- and please be sure to state exactly what you want to do with the system and what you expect etc. and we'll see about getting you a more hand-tailored solution.


------------
Before anyone says otherwise, a system -- even one as wasteful as this, is not going to last 2 years. Period.

 

[Praetor]

-- WORK MACHINES --​

Quick Jumps
$300, $400, $500, $600, $700, $800, $900, $1000, $1100, $1200, $1300, $1400, $1500, $1600, $1600+

Back to start​

 

[Praetor]

$300

• Linkworld 431-10 C2228 + 430W PSU [12V@18A] ($24.99)
• Super Talent 2GB PC2-5400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($99.99)
• FoxConn 945GZ7MC-RS2H [i945GZ, ICH7R] ($44.99 after $20.00 MIR)
• Intel Pentium 4 631 [Cedar Mill, 3.00, 2MB, 800, BX80552631] ($73.00)
• LiteOn LH-16D1P-185 ($16.99)
• Western Digital Caviar SE WD400JD [40GB, 7200, 8MB, SATA] ($40.99)
  $300.95

Although technically 95cents over, this config has such a high value it's hard to discount -- a full Pentium4 and 2GB of RAM ... on a $300 -- very high value.

 

[Praetor]

$400

• FoxConn 945GZ7MC-RS2H [i945GZ, ICH7R] ($44.99 after $20.00 MIR)
• Super Talent 2GB PC2-5400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($99.99)
• Linkworld 431-10 C2228 + 430W PSU [12V@18A] ($24.99)
• LiteOn LH-18A1P-185 ($27.99)
• Intel Pentium D 940 [Presler, 3.2, 2MB, 800, BX80553940] ($145.00)
• Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3160815AS (160GB, 7200, 8MB, SATA3.0, NCQ, Perpendicular) ($56.99)
  $399.95

The extra $100 goes a long way towards making the jump to midrange-dual core and doubling the harddrive capacity.

 

[Praetor]

$500

• Super Talent 2GB PC2-5400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($99.99)
• Linkworld 431-10 C2228 + 430W PSU [12V@18A] ($24.99)
• LiteOn LH-18A1P-185 ($27.99)
• Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 [Conroe 2M, 1.86, 2MB, 1066, BX80557E6300] ($183.00)
• MSI 945GM3-F [i945G, ICH7, mATX] ($66.99 after $10.00 MIR)
• MSI NX6200LE-TD128EH GeForce 6200LE 128MB ($33.99)
• Maxtor DiamondMax 10 6L250R0 (250GB, 7200, 16MB) ($59.99)
  $496.94

With the extra allocation we move to the Core2 Duo platform, upgrade the harddrive and switch to a multi-monitor capable platform.

 

[Praetor]

$600

• Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 [Conroe 2M, 2.16, 2MB, 1066, BX8057E6400] ($218.00)
• MSI 945GM3-F [i945G, ICH7, mATX] ($66.99 after $20.00 MIR)
• Super Talent 2GB PC2-5400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($99.99)
• Antec Sonata II + 450W [12V@15+17] ($69.99 after $30.00 MIR)
• MSI NX6200LE-TD128EH GeForce 6200LE 128MB ($33.99)
• LiteOn LH-18A1P-185 ($27.99)
• Hitachi DeskStar T7K500 HDT725032VLA360 (320GB, 7200, 16MB, NCQ) ($79.99)
  $596.94

Here we have an upgrade on the CPU and harddrive but more importantly we shift towards a silence-oriented system (ideal for offices)

 

[Praetor]

$700

• Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 [Conroe 2M, 2.16, 2MB, 1066, BX8057E6400] ($218.00)
• MSI 945GM3-F [i945G, ICH7, mATX] ($66.99 after $20.00 MIR)
• Super Talent 2GB PC2-5400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($99.99)
• Antec Sonata II + 450W [12V@15+17] ($69.99 after $30.00 MIR)
• MSI NX6200LE-TD128EH GeForce 6200LE 128MB ($33.99)
• LiteOn LH-18A1P-185 ($27.99)
• Hitachi DeskStar T7K500 HDT725032VLA360 (320GB, 7200, 16MB, NCQ) ($79.99)
• Super Talent 2GB PC2-5400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($99.99)
  $696.93

The extra allocations go to bumping the system to 4GB of system memory making this an ideal entry-level analysis machine.

 

[Praetor]

$800

• Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 [Conroe 2M, 2.16, 2MB, 1066, BX8057E6400] ($218.00)
• MSI P965 Neo-F [i965, ICH8] ($86.99)
• Super Talent 2GB PC2-5400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($99.99)
• Super Talent 2GB PC2-5400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($99.99)
• NEC 7170A-0B ($30.99)
• Antec Sonata II + 450W [12V@15+17] ($69.99 after $30.00 MIR)
• MSI NX6200LE-TD128EH GeForce 6200LE 128MB ($33.99)
• Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3400620AS (400GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ, Perpendicular) ($119.99)
• Scythe Mine SCMN-1100 (43cfm, 22db) ($32.99)
  $792.92

Here we've upgraded the harddrive and motherboard and added a silent aftermarket cooler to both reduce the noise and heat and improve long-term reliability of the machine

 

[Praetor]

$900

• MSI P965 Neo-F [i965, ICH8] ($86.99)
• Super Talent 2GB PC2-5400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($99.99)
• Super Talent 2GB PC2-5400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($99.99)
• NEC 7170A-0B ($30.99)
• Antec Sonata II + 450W [12V@15+17] ($69.99 after $30.00 MIR)
• MSI NX6200LE-TD128EH GeForce 6200LE 128MB ($33.99)
• Scythe Mine SCMN-1100 (43cfm, 22db) ($32.99)
• Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 [Conroe, 2.40, 4MB, 1066, BX80557E6600] ($308.00)
• Samsung SpinPoint T-Series HD501LJ (500GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ) ($129.99)
  $892.92

The extra allocation goes towards upgrading the processor and harddrive.

 

[Praetor]

$1000

• Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 [Conroe, 2.40, 4MB, 1066, BX80557E6600] ($308.00)
• Super Talent 2GB PC2-5400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($99.99)
• Super Talent 2GB PC2-5400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($99.99)
• Foxconn P9657AA-8EKRS2H [i965P, ICH8R] ($92.99 after $10.00 MIR)
• Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250620AS (250GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ, Perpendicular) ($69.99)
• Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250620AS (250GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ, Perpendicular) ($69.99)
• Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250620AS (250GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ, Perpendicular) ($69.99)
• MSI NX6200LE-TD128EH GeForce 6200LE 128MB ($33.99)
• NEC 7170A-0B ($30.99)
• Antec Sonata II + 450W [12V@15+17] ($69.99 after $30.00 MIR)
• Scythe Mine SCMN-1100 (43cfm, 22db) ($32.99)
  $978.90

A switch of pace, this system is geared for RAID5 based on Seagate drives.