Which Build Should I Buy?

OldWorldLouise

OldWorldLouise

New Member
I'm looking to invest serious money into a new desktop computer. I want it to be very good but I want it to last me longer than my current one (which has only been two years). I am a gamer**, not hardcore nor casual, but I love strong graphics and impeccable details. I also need it to withstand use, because I use my computer sometimes up to 10 hours a day... Maybe more.

I have narrowed it down to two options. A Mac and a Windows, of course.

This is the tricky part is deciphering which would be an all around better computer for me, one that will last me a long time, and one that can withstand my usage. I know how to work a Mac, as I have a MacBook Pro for school, but I am more familiar with Windows. What worries me about Windows is how reliable it is - I am currently using Windows Vista (64-bit) and it is... Alright.

The specs for my iMac are:
Processor: 3.4GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7
Memory: 8GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x4GB
Hard Drive: 2TB Serial ATA Drive
Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 6970M 2GB GDDR5

And the total cost is: $2,818.00 (with the protection plan).

The PC that I want is this one.

Specs:
CPU / Processor: (8 Threads @ 4.4Ghz) 2nd Gen Core i7 2600K 8MB L3 Cache 32nm w/HyperThreading
Hard Drive Configurations: 1TB Western Digital Caviar Black SATA3, 7200RPM, 64MB Cache
Secondary Hard Drive Configurations: 1TB Western Digital Caviar Black SATA 6.0Gb/s, 7200RPM, 64MB Cache
Optical Drives: 24X DVD±R Burner & CD±R Burner
Graphic Acceleration Cards: Dual PhusionTuned 2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD6970 (3072 Stream Processors)
CPU Cooling Solutions: Intel Approved Cooling Solution
Professional Grade PSU (Power Supply Unit): Professional Grade Single Rail Corsair 750w 80Plus Certified

And the total cost is: $2624.00 (there's like a 3yr limited warranty that they threw in there for free)

So now, it's up to you guys? Where should I go with this? Is my build for the FLR 350 satisfactory or over amp'd?

**I play a lot of Sims 3, WoW, Dragon Age and Fallout. So I want my computer's graphics to be sharp and I don't want any lag. I also do a lot of work on Photoshop, including editing pictures as well as drawing with my tablet.
 
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Gaming, the 2nd build hands down.
If you are happy with not getting 60+ FPS maxxed out on everything, then go for the apple. The Os is better on it. And the 6970m is based on the desktop 6850 so is still a strong performer. It will run everything Maxed, just not as fast as CF6970s would.
 
i would really recomend building one over that, that price is rediculous, that system can be built for like 1500-2k depending on your cpu fans and psu and stuff, and they'd be way better in the long run, and i have several problems with that setup too, the 2600k won't be needed or used in games other than microsoft flight-sim x for a long time, so the 2500k is more than powerful enough, especially with new intels coming early next year and a new amd next month.
 
Seems utterly ridiculous to spend that much on buying one. Be much cheaper to build one.

Between the two though the second would definitely be better. Windows 7 is much better than Vista and Windows has a lot more games than Mac does. Not to mention that it is in general much more powerful.

I say build it, but if you're stuck between the two then get the second.
 
wolfeking said:
Gaming, the 2nd build hands down.
If you are happy with not getting 60+ FPS maxxed out on everything, then go for the apple. The Os is better on it. And the 6970m is based on the desktop 6850 so is still a strong performer. It will run everything Maxed, just not as fast as CF6970s would.
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I'm leaning towards the Mac, I can go without 60+ fps on all games, but it's still something I wouldn't mind having.

I just really want a computer that will last me. I know I will eventually have to update, as I usually do with everything technological I own, but I'm investing heavily into it so I won't have to update the entire system in another two years.

jonnyp11 said:
i would really recomend building one over that, that price is rediculous, that system can be built for like 1500-2k depending on your cpu fans and psu and stuff, and they'd be way better in the long run, and i have several problems with that setup too, the 2600k won't be needed or used in games other than microsoft flight-sim x for a long time, so the 2500k is more than powerful enough, especially with new intels coming early next year and a new amd next month.
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Do you think I should wait for the new Intels? I like AMD, but personally, I am a NVIDIA fan.

I'd love to build a PC, and the tutorial this forum gives is great, but I hardly know ANYTHING about processors or other components. I would gladly give time to this, but school is starting up and I wanted to have an excellent gaming PC on hand before classes begin.

Denther said:
Seems utterly ridiculous to spend that much on buying one. Be much cheaper to build one.

Between the two though the second would definitely be better. Windows 7 is much better than Vista and Windows has a lot more games than Mac does. Not to mention that it is in general much more powerful.

I say build it, but if you're stuck between the two then get the second.
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Thank you! I'm so stuck, but you and the other members on this board are correct. The Phusion PC is incredibly over priced. I know the owner and he's better than these prices.

I'm so confused, aha.
 
with the 900FX series AMD you can SLI, so I would wait for AMDs Zambezi line early next month. If its not what its cracked up to be, then you can go SB untill Ivy comes out.
 
wolfeking said:
with the 900FX series AMD you can SLI, so I would wait for AMDs Zambezi line early next month. If its not what its cracked up to be, then you can go SB untill Ivy comes out.
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SLI? Do you think AMD's Zambezi line isn't going to be good? I currently have one of their shittier cards in my HP, I think it's the
ATI Radeon HD 4350. It's not a bad card, it's sufficed well in all the games I've played. I'm pretty sure it's starting to overload, though since I go all out on it. :S
 
sli is Nvidias version of CrossFire.

I dont know what AMDs zambezi line will do, but im not holding hope for them, as they have been behind since the core line was introduced by intel. They have reused, and tweaked the same core since the K9 days. Noreason to think they will pull ahead now.
 
In all honesty it's not that difficult to build your own computer. If you're worried about parts and their compatibility post up your budget and planned uses in a new thread and several people would be able to give you a parts list.

As long as you're careful, follow the directions in both the manuals from your parts and the tutorial on this site, you should be fine.
 
well like someone above said, i'd go ahead and wait for zambazi/bulldozer, if it is better then get it, otherwise you can get an i5 2500k and all that, then next year update your bios and buy a ivybridge cpu, they will work in lga1155, and for picking out parts, over half of this section is picking and revising peoples builds for them.
 
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