Atomic Bob's -WiH- Gaming rig build

[atomicbob]

Ok....I won the stuff...and I'm looking for suggestions on what to finish it up with.

Kilroy posted this in the other thread....

Memory don't forget memory. DDR2

Well Power supply here: http://www.warishellgaming.com/forum...ad.php?t=12320 (http://www.warishellgaming.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12320)

Video Card: Depends on how much money you want to spend now.

Value:
MSI NX7600GS-T2D512EH Geforce 7600GS 512MB GDDR2 PCI Express x16
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127220 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127220)

High End:
MSI NX7900GTX-T2D512E Geforce 7900GTX 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127097 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127097)

Sound Card:
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102188 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102188)

Tower Case: I can't comment on this because there are so many. Lots of good ones and lots of not so good. Lian makes good cases. Thermaltake not bad either.

And don't forget HDD or Optical drives. If you are going to build a new machine you might as well get a 250GB harddrive or two and also a DVD +R Burner.

[vortex19103]

I think these parts will go great with the MB I donated.

Also, I will try to get you the lowest prices, if not I will refer you to other links for the same parts (like NewEgg.com)

POWER: PC Power and Cooling Max Perf (see link - 1K or 850 SLI)
http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/power_supplies/max-performance/ (http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/power_supplies/max-performance/) (Channel Partner and Reseller)

Hard Drive: WD Raptor with out - window 150gb 10,000 rpm (1) O/S
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=189&Language=en (http://www.wdc.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=189&Language=en) (Channel Partner and Reseller)

Nvidia (7900GTX SLI) BFG, XFX or EVGA - Lifetime Warranty Replacement - (Nvidia Channel Partner)
stay away from OverClocked (not worth it) over heats, you replace and pay shipping, 2-3 week turn around...

Ram-per MB manufacture www.asus.com (http://www.asus.com/)
http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=3&l2=101&l3=300&model=1163&modelmenu=1 (http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=3&l2=101&l3=300&model=1163&modelmenu=1)
www.Corsair.com (http://www.corsair.com/)
http://www.corsairmemory.com/corsair/configurator_search_results.html (http://www.corsairmemory.com/corsair/configurator_search_results.html)
Latency is higher, but these configurations are recommended by MB manufacture

Sound - I would try local MB : Keeps slot next to second SLI video card open for better airflow to second video card.

High Definition Audio
Enjoy high-end sound system on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output...

[Drayu]

I just found out that the PSU I ordered from above just got better....I found the $15 dollar rebate....I don't mind rebates like some...so it is just sweeter....and i upgraded to two fedex for only a $1 more....

Nice :)

I like the looks of the parts that Vortex linked...but I have to go with price factor too :( And this PSU had a pretty good rating...so I will stick with it.

[Drayu]

Oh yeah, as far as sound card....make sure to check to see if the sound card is even supported by 2142 if you plan to play it....it looked as if many onboards weren't supported.

[StevenNevets]

There is a new Nvidia card that is pretty much a 7900GTX but with SLIGHTLY slower clocks... it's a ton cheaper though
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130065

That is an excellent sound card but you should probobly atleast try the on-board audio before you buy it... you may be very surprised what you hear



That's a very good PSU, here is the 700W version in case you feel the need for more power (but you shouldn't need more, if anything way less would be fine)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817341002


LIAN LI has great cases but at the same time they're very pricey.


I've had success with this 320 GB hard drive, probobly one of the cheapest SATA 3GB/s out there
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148139

ram prices are mad, but if you realy want to get it over with something like this should be fine
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590

[z3speed4me]

the way i see it, you just got a LOT of free stuff, soooo go all out and make a super rig, you can spend money on parts instead of a whole pc, so spend it well!!!



the 7900gto is ok, but i woulndt unless you are tryin to save some cash, if you wanna spend major money get a 7950
if i had to choose one in the middle ground id go with a sapphire x1950!!!!


if i had to choose one in the middle ground id go with a sapphire x1950!!!!


if you want a serious power supply get the SAME one i have, its amazing, my system doesnt even bother it, the OCZ GameXStream 700watt its perfect!!! read reviews, its like the best there is


sound card, i will agree with kilroy's choice of the x-fi xtrememusic..it is a great card, i also have one so that there right speaks for itself, i cant speak highly enough of it

ram, you wanna read up on the board a little bit probably to see what works best, but g skill is the shitttt!!!!!


i might be a lil bias, bc i redo my comp every 6 months, so money is like yea watever....so my point of view may be a lil skewed

either way i think its valid!!

[StevenNevets]

booooooooooo the 7900gto unless you are savin cash, if you wanna spend major money get a 79507900gto is better then 7950gt and at the same time cheaper? that's waht I've heard

[f1sh3r]

There is a new Nvidia card that is pretty much a 7900GTX but with SLIGHTLY slower clocks... it's a ton cheaper though
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130065


be careful with the GTO cards, they appear to be GTX cards that failed GTX speeds and were binned down. the ram might be a little suspect on them.

[Smurf]

Maybe, maybe not....

My suggestions: Hard Drive: Western Digital SE16 series

RAM, um, what process did you get again?

Either go this route: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145034

Or this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820134046

Personally, I'd go with the second option

Graphics cards... So much to choose from, right now I would buy this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130056

Excellent bang for the buck.

[StevenNevets]

http://images.anandtech.com/graphs/geforce%207950%20gt_091306100948/13022.png

7900 GS seems a bit high as the X1900XT 256mb is only $20-$30 more

but if you can find a better deal for 7900 GS (around $180) then ya

[Drayu]

I wouldn't go all out on a video card to be honest. I would get something mid range to hold you over till the DX10 cards come out, then go and spend your money there. Maybe hang with a 7600gt card (or whatever in that range).

[StevenNevets]

I wouldn't go all out on a video card to be honest. I would get something mid range to hold you over till the DX10 cards come out, then go and spend your money there. Maybe hang with a 7600gt card (or whatever in that range).the first DX10 cards will cost $500+... the first DX10 games will also support DX9 cards. It will take years for DX10 to be standard.


Just something to think about

[z3speed4me]

my card STILL beats the 7900.... and they arent showing crossfire in that performance test, if i got another x1900xtx it would destroy the sli setup

[Smurf]

Just checked Nevets, there is a 60 dollar difference at least between the 7900GS and the X1900XT 256mb... If you want to spend the extra, go that way.

I agree with Nevets, the DX10 cards are looking to be well north of 400 dollars which is more than I would spend on a GPU, we will need to see what their performance is.

z3speed, that is a top of the line card and Nvidia has made no attempt to challenge it. (Few people buy $500+ graphics cards that offer little for that extra 100+ dollars)

[vortex19103]

All please don't forget the MB is a 32 X SLI (Dual Video is supported) to be upgraded in the future...

Please help by sending links to SLI supported Video Cards

I have two 7900GTX 512 SLI and I already blew one and possibly both...the first one because the X-FI Extreme sound card was so close, only a 1/4 inch space between the back board and 2nd slot card.

The other looks like it is overheating and it is the only card in there now and I've had two extra fans, blowing on the card and MB.

(Look at liquid cooling - 7900, 7800 series- NO overclocking - NO Dual Card) unless you want to buy a KOOLANCE case with a built in A/C unit.

thanks.:thumbsup:

P.S. please follow my link above for MB manufacture recommended ram and help bob by making suggestions for approved ram.

[StevenNevets]

In that case...


RAM:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820134046
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590



Video card:

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=327707&prodlist=pricegrabber
or
http://www.chiefvalue.com/product/productdetails.aspx?submit=&item=14-130-065&ATTVideo%20Cards

[Vapour]

first off congrats on the win AB:thumbsup:


Oh yeah, as far as sound card....make sure to check to see if the sound card is even supported by 2142 if you plan to play it....it looked as if many onboards weren't supported.

i dont know what bf2142 needs in the way of sound, but the xfi supports pretty much anything you can think of (dd,dts,ddex,eax5.0hd)

i'll leave gfx cards pretty much out as i think its best to wait intil they start getting benchmarks for dx10, so you can sum up better, but at the same time i personally would still get a mid to top-end card

as for the 7900gtx card's they get way to hot due to lack of airflow to the bottom board i would not touch them with out a very good idea on how to keep them bad boys cool

case: pretty much all the tests i've read the antec p180 comes out on top for airflow and internal temp's
http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=81800

HDD: if its a gaming rig i would get atleast one WD Raptor for os and another for storage,ect
P.S sorry for the lack of links, i'm at work and got to be quick

[StevenNevets]

case: pretty much all the tests i've read the antec p180 comes out on top for airflow and internal temp's
http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=81800DAMN!@

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.asp?Image=11%2D129%2D154%2D28%2Ejpg%2C11 %2D129%2D154%2D29%2Ejpg%2C11%2D129%2D154%2D30%2Ejp g%2C11%2D129%2D154%2D23%2Ejpg%2C11%2D129%2D154%2D2 2%2Ejpg%2C11%2D129%2D154%2D31%2Ejpg%2C11%2D129%2D1 54%2D34%2Ejpg%2C11%2D129%2D154%2D37%2Ejpg%2C11%2D1 29%2D154%2D36%2Ejpg%2C11%2D129%2D154%2D35%2Ejpg%2C 11%2D129%2D154%2D11%2Ejpg%2C11%2D129%2D154%2D32%2E jpg%2C11%2D129%2D154%2D33%2Ejpg%2C11%2D129%2D154%2 D12%2Ejpg%2C11%2D129%2D154%2D21%2Ejpg&CurImage=11%2D129%2D154%2D28%2Ejpg&Description=Antec+Performance+I+P180+Silver+0%2E8m m+cold+rolled+steel+for+durability+through+the+maj ority+of+chassis%2C+1%2E0mm+cold+rolled+steel+arou nd+the+4x+HDD+area+ATX+Mid+Tower+Computer+Case+%2D +Retail

Look at all those fans... sweet looking case too - I wish I would've gotten it:wallbash:


It's not the cheapest but it's not to expensive either.. nice option for you
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129154

[Vapour]

there's a magazine i get every month which print two systems a high-end and a budget build and they change parts depending on whats best or better bang for bucks, the p180 has been on the high end build for atleast 4 months now, its not perfect, they say ,trying to run the cable's can be very tricky and will not take all psu's due to cables not reaching. however in there tests once built it has come up top, they tryed with and without case fans (well having only one of the 3x 120mm fans used) and the almost fanless set-up ran really good temps, only thing they found was if you not using a fan for the lower sections then the HDD's temp was a bit high, it turned out that they had a high wattage psu (1000W) which its fan speed was very low, they changed it for a lower wattage psu (450W) in doing so they made it work harder which meant the psu fan was running at a higher speed, that gave the airflow needed to cool the 2x HDD's (WD raptors in the test).
i know when i can spare the cash i'll get a p180

[(FR)DeadlyMarauder28]

If i had the cash i would have gotten this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119103

room for lots of fans:thumbsup:

[Drayu]

I just went with this. Looks cool, 5 stars out of 280 reviews (I like customer reviews better than tech reviews, you get the real deal imo). It was cheap, had a rebate, was free shipping. The only thing I don't like is that the USB ports are on the bottom of the front...I really wanted the USB ports on the top as my cpu sits on the floor. Has a top fan also which I was looking for.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144151

[vortex19103]

If i had the cash i would have gotten this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119103

room for lots of fans:thumbsup:

Nice, but acts like a Mid tower...I have a mid tower and I'm going to transplant my current case to this one...tons of room, especially for the first time builder.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119042 - 145.00
While this case is heavy and takes some effort to put together...it comes with 4 wheels and I will direct you to where you need to purchase some extra components for this bad boy.

Current case: ASUS Vento3600 Red - looks cool, but not cool inside!

[StevenNevets]

ASUS Vento3600 Reddamn you Vortex!

those things look awsome

[vortex19103]

I like the Cooler Master Stacker case STC-T01; but for the money and being KOOL, this one looks to be a good choice...

Clearance items from Koolance...
http://www.koolance.com/shop/default.php?cPath=38&sort=2a&page=3

Newegg prices on Koolance...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?DEPA=0&type=&Description=Koolance&Submit=ENE&N=0&Ntk=all

Online Custom Favorite:
COOLERGUYS.com
http://search.store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/nsearch?follow-pro=1&catalog=yhst-24067115789173&vwcatalog=yhst-24067115789173&query=Koolance

[StevenNevets]

Atomic Bob seems to be the only one who doesn't care:dunno:

[vortex19103]

He cares, but he is waiting to see what everyone else has to say...:thumbsup:

[atomicbob]

Atomic Bob seems to be the only one who doesn't care:dunno:

:lol: Getting more confuzzled by the day!

Thanks for your input guys. I'm doing my best to get edjumicated.

:D

[sir_digalot]

forget the case, throw it all on the table hook up a few wires, spend all the money on the most powerful graphics card you can and as much ram that will fit...

you will be able to display all your winnings in their glory with no stupid case getting in they way...

cases are so overrated these days *L*

[atomicbob]

True, my case is inside a cabinet anyway (Maybe not forever though).

I just need one big enough to fit whatever might need to fit, and big/lots of fans.

Besides gaming, I have to have the kind sound card because I want to multi track record keyboards, guitar and voice direct into Adobe Production Studio. Right now that involves a bunch of extra effort since the connections are all in the back. I've pulled this case in and out of the cabinet until the rubber feet came off.

Also, my current set up/sound card makes it impossible to sync voice with music. There is just a lag for some reason with the mike input jack. Hopefully the mad CPU coupled with kick butt sound card will eliminate this lag.

[sir_digalot]

depending on how serious you are in your recording, you may want to buy a more professional soundcard specifically for doing recordings, or get a mixer setup depending, keep the SB for gaming and general sounds but have the additional professional card for recording..

you may have luck with multiple soundcards too ( say 2 cheaper ones) but i am not sure how easy that is as of yet.

[f1sh3r]

if you're doing serious recording and you have some spare change look at the m-audio cards. they seem to be quite popular with that crowd and some of the nicer ones include a breakout box or at least cable bundles so you wouldn't have to go under your desk or pull your machine out to hook/unhook stuff.

www.m-audio.com

i'd probably check for a forum (or forums) that deal with this sort of stuff, since it's kind of specialized.

[atomicbob]

bump...

[StevenNevets]

could you do what wihadmin did so we know what you're liking so far?

[vortex19103]

Post what you like to look at as far as performance and quality - not price.

Just remember on video you are looking for SLI, no overclocked, no gs, and only from BFG, XFX and EVGA (lifetime warranty replacement)

I am not the expert in liquid cooling but I do believe after using fans on my rig, I am looking at liquid cooling, fans are not cool enough and very loud.

My wife hates when I turn on my PC - you can hear it downstairs and my room temperature raises about 10-15 degrees. + my video starts to degrade about 4 hrs later because it is so hot, video, mb and proc. This is why I suggested the Koolance products with liquid cooling.

You got a ferrari mb, so you want to do the same for the video.

List youre do's and don't and well go from there.

Peace:thumbsup:

[f1sh3r]

find a good case with good airflow and a 120mm in and out fan and you'll be doing better. not liquid cooling better, but my computer is reasonably quiet and not a heat factory.

if you're interested i'm using an antec super lanboy with yate loon fans front and rear and zalman coolling on the inside (cpu and video card).

[atomicbob]

How about this case?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1597229&CatId=1509

[wihadmin]

How about this case?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1597229&CatId=1509

Are you for real BOB?

[StevenNevets]

How about this case?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1597229&CatId=1509http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:-MlQcjO6lZINkM:http://www.angelfire.com/yt/scully/images/sp5.jpg

you can get better for cheaper.... and that psu will suck

[atomicbob]

could you do what wihadmin did so we know what you're liking so far?

I know. Isn't that a cool way to do it?

I haven't done that yet because I'm stupid and disorganized.

And I'm not sure what all them there parts he had, do.

Do I need all them parts?

:dunno:

[StevenNevets]

LOL! your barely better then I was:lol:

You already have the CPU and Motherboard... are you transfering anything (besides monitor, speakers, ect...)?

[atomicbob]

Building all new and giving this to my daughter for The Sims and My Space.

:lol:

[StevenNevets]

haha those damn my space rodents!:D
jk.


Well you're giving her the monitor and what not to?



You would need to list the case and everything in it.. (even the mobo and cpu)... newegg only please..
*that would give us easy access to specs*

case
psu
motherboard
ram
video card
cpu
hard drive
dvd/cd burner or drives

think that's everything

[wihadmin]

Are you going to use the new machine or give it to your daughter? If anything give her the current one and you keep the new one bc it's gonna be a kickass machien to play FPS on.

[StevenNevets]

Are you going to use the new machine or give it to your daughter? If anything give her the current one and you keep the new one bc it's gonna be a kickass machien to play FPS on.huh???



Building all new and giving this to my daughter for The Sims and My Space.

:lol:

[atomicbob]

Admin, I'm building the new one for ME!! So I can KILL KILL KILLLLLL!!!

So I'll try and make a list and be more organized.

case http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1597229&CatId=1509

psu

motherboard

ram

video card

cpu

hard drive

dvd/cd burner

I'll just have to fill it in and keep pasting it anew as my editting powers dry up.

Ok. I don't remember what I won, the thread is gone, and it's not here yet. So...

I have NOTHING!

:lol:

[wihadmin]

So I'll try and make a list and be more organized.

case

psu
OCS GameXStream 700W (same as mine. you'll need it for SLI)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817341002

motherboard [Prize]
Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe

ram
Corsair XMS2 (2 x 1GB) PC 800 DDR2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590

video card

cpu [Prize]
AMD AM2 3800+ SC 2/4Ghz CPU

CPU Cooler [Prize]
Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 CPU Fan

hard drive
Seagate Baracude 320GB (same as mine. I love Baracudas)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148140

dvd/cd burner
NEC 3550A DVD-R
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152059

Thermal Compound - Artic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835100007

OS - XP Pro OEM
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16832116059

:

I filled in some stuff for you.

[atomicbob]

Ok....so we're getting a list...

case
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...229&CatId=1509


psu
http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/viewproduct.php?show=TC1KW

motherboard
Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131011


ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590)

video card

Nvidia (7900GTX SLI) BFG, XFX or EVGA - Lifetime Warranty (per Vortex)

cpu
AMD AM2 3800+ SC 2/4Ghz CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103631

CPU Cooler
Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 CPU Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118004

hard drive
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148140

dvd/cd burner

sound card

monitor

keyboard

[atomicbob]

:flipoff:
I filled in some stuff for you.

Quit editting!! I'm trying to cut and paste here!

:lol:

[StevenNevets]

psu: OCZ GameXStream 600W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817341001

hard drive: Segate 320GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148140

dvd burner: nec 3550a black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152058


if you want those of course

oh and that PSU vortex suggested is incredible no dought but it still seems like overkill for you - your choice tough

______

give us the name and link please

motherboard link
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131011

cpu fan link
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118004

cpu link:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103631

[atomicbob]

Ok, what is thermal compound? I think I know but don't know where to put it.

:dunno:

[atomicbob]

Hey. You know how cheap it is to post these links?

Freakin cheap!

:lol:

[atomicbob]

case
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...229&CatId=1509


psu
http://www.pcpowercooling.com/produc...php?show=TC1KW (http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/viewproduct.php?show=TC1KW)

or??

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=101208&Category_Code=mc_powersupply


motherboard
Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131011


ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590)

video card

Nvidia (7900GTX SLI) BFG, XFX or EVGA - Lifetime Warranty (per Vortex)

cpu
AMD AM2 3800+ SC 2/4Ghz CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103631

CPU Cooler
Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 CPU Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118004

hard drive
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148140

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822136012

Maybe both?

dvd/cd burner

sound card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1618859&CatId=107

monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824009091

keyboard

[wihadmin]

thermal compound is the stuff the you spread between your CPU and your CPU cooler. The Arctic stuff really helps conduct the heat from the CPU to the cooler which then dissipates it. There's instructions on how to spread it on. you can't just goop it on and slap the cooler on top.

[StevenNevets]

If you're looking for a 19" monitor these are good choices
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Category=19&N=2100190020+1105409076&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=20&Description=19+acer&Ntk=all



Sound card (not sure which one)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?N=2010360057&Submit=ENE&Subcategory=57&Description=x%2Dfi&Ntk=all

Please keep in mind high end motherboards have hiigh end onboard sound!


SLI 7900GTX is a good solution if you wish to spend the money.. but unless you are getting a 22+ inch monitor you can max the game out no problem at all with 1 and still get HIGH FPS

video card: (1/2) eVGA 7900GTX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130058


____

The Seagate is probobly the fastest/one of the fasest hard drives at 7,200 rpm... it has 16mb cache and perpendicular recording - the raptor will only save a few seconds here and there...
Realy just depends on how spendy you are

[wihadmin]

The best thing about the Baracudas is that they are super quiet!

[atomicbob]

My neighbors can't hear my hard drive. They do hear my sound system.

:lol:

[atomicbob]

I'm actually thinking something in between. I don't need 320 gig, or 10,000 rpm

I've been told that XP can't even write that fast, so why have it?

Any thoughts?

[wihadmin]

videos bob, videos.

The Baracuda is only $100

[atomicbob]

I don't have any videos...I don't even have any DVD's?

[StevenNevets]

GB/Doller + good speed... it's a sweet deal

I probobly won't fill up my drive either, or even get close but for such little money why not play it safe?

No idea about XP reading it... I just figure people wouldn't buy that if that was true

[atomicbob]

Are you for real BOB?

Why? Does it suck?

Besides the wimpy PSU I would replace?

[atomicbob]

case
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...229&CatId=1509


psu
http://www.pcpowercooling.com/produc...php?show=TC1KW (http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/viewproduct.php?show=TC1KW)

or??

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merch...mc_powersupply (http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=101208&Category_Code=mc_powersupply)


motherboard
Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131011

ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590)

video card

Nvidia (7900GTX SLI) BFG, XFX or EVGA - Lifetime Warranty
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130058

cpu
AMD AM2 3800+ SC 2/4Ghz CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103631

CPU Cooler
Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 CPU Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118004

hard drive

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148140


dvd/cd burner

sound card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...8859&CatId=107 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1618859&CatId=107)

monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009091 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824009091)

keyboard

[StevenNevets]

dude... your supposed to click the links and then copy otherwise your copying "produc" instead of product!
___

here is the video card you'll probobly get if you buy 7900gtx
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130058

[atomicbob]

:lol:

Hey! I don't even know how to smear thermal grease. What do you expect?

[atomicbob]

case
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...229&CatId=1509


psu
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merch...mc_powersupply (http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=101208&Category_Code=mc_powersupply)


motherboard
Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131011 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131011)

ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590)

video card

Nvidia (7900GTX SLI) BFG, XFX or EVGA - Lifetime Warranty
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130058 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130058)

cpu
AMD AM2 3800+ SC 2/4Ghz CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103631 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103631)

CPU Cooler
Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 CPU Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118004 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118004)

hard drive

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148140 (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148140)


dvd/cd burner

sound card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...8859&CatId=107 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1618859&CatId=107)

monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009091 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824009091)

keyboard

[StevenNevets]

throw in one of the nec burners that were posted now.

buying from Monarch... how could you people not buy from ZZF yet buy form Monarch

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=40&threadid=1932843&enterthread=y

___

Here... save yourself $100?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129017

[vortex19103]

it is the paste in a tube, should be in the processor box, or fan box, needle not included.

[StevenNevets]

it is the paste in a tube, should be in the processor box, or fan box, needle not included.hmm.. mine came pre-applied... yours came with the cpu but not on it...


BUT i've heard Conroes don't come with any at all

[(FR)DeadlyMarauder28]

hmm.. mine came pre-applied... yours came with the cpu but not on it...


BUT i've heard Conroes don't come with any at all


It is pre-applied on the heatsink that comes with the chip:thumbsup:

[StevenNevets]

It is pre-applied on the heatsink that comes with the chip:thumbsup:ohh.. musta been thinking of OEM Conroe chips

but sense he has a seperate heatstink he'll probobly need the paste anyway

[atomicbob]

throw in one of the nec burners that were posted now.

buying from Monarch... how could you people not buy from ZZF yet buy form Monarch

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=40&threadid=1932843&enterthread=y

___

Here... save yourself $100?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129017

If I post a moarch link, it's because someone gave it to me. I don't know where to buy none of this stuff.

I buy mine at a store.

P.S. I see you are poopooing my A/C.

ftw?

[Drayu]

Bob,
You buy from where ever you want to! I just bought a few pieces from Monarch and had no trouble. The only thing bothering me is that I just bought the same memory from their, and it was $20 more with no rebate :( I may have to cancel that order and go with newegg....$20 is $20

[StevenNevets]

Theres a reason there 9.6+- seller rating lifetime dropped to 5.16 in the last 6 months...

If that doesn't bother you then go for it


if you want it from newegg type "ocz 600w"

[atomicbob]

I'm up for whatever works. I've had no problems with newegg so far.

By saying I buy mine at a store, I meant I hardly buy anything so all advice as to the best deal is totally appreciated.

I'm just not good at such things.

Is the case with a/c stupid or what?

:D

[StevenNevets]

AFC320G

promo code for the hard drive at newegg:D

[vortex19103]

case
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2478164&CatId=1510 224.99


psu
http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4978831?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG 199.99[/URL] or

newegg same price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817703006 (http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=101208&Category_Code=mc_powersupply)


motherboard
Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131011 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131011)

ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590)

video card

Nvidia (7900GTX SLI) BFG, XFX or EVGA - Lifetime Warranty
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130058 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130058)

cpu
AMD AM2 3800+ SC 2/4Ghz CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103631 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103631)

CPU Cooler
Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 CPU Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118004 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118004)

hard drive ---- this weekend only?

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148140 (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148140)


dvd/cd burner

sound card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...8859&CatId=107 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1618859&CatId=107)

monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009091 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824009091)

keyboard

Mouse
[URL]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826104191 (wired) 45.99

[StevenNevets]

"weekend sale" meens nothing... every couple days they change it to something else..

monday it will be uber deal or some crap like that

[z3speed4me]

why are u people posting mother boards and cpu's when he has that already?

[StevenNevets]

why are u people posting mother boards and cpu's when he has that already?because it's a link to the specs?

*compatibility is key*

[vortex19103]

whats up nevets, you change your avatar more than a baby gets its diapers changed...

[vortex19103]

http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/product/Chassis/fulltower/mozart_tx/MozartTX.htm

[StevenNevets]

whats up nevets, you change your avatar more than a baby gets its diapers changed...hehe, this is just for awhile...

It's a hint towards my new sig:D

[atomicbob]

case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144151

psu
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merch...mc_powersupply (http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=101208&Category_Code=mc_powersupply)


motherboard
Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131011 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131011)

ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590)

video card



cpu
AMD AM2 3800+ SC 2/4Ghz CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103631 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103631)

CPU Cooler
Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 CPU Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118004 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118004)

hard drive

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148140 (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148140)


dvd/cd burner

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152076

sound card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...8859&CatId=107 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1618859&CatId=107)

monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009091 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824009091)

keyboard

[vortex19103]

I sent an email to my Nvidia Channel Partner to see if anything new is coming down the pipe, also to see if he may have an extra card that I might be able to get...

PS make sure when you put this together, we may need to have a TS building party.

[Drayu]

any good deals to offer up to the WiH community I would be willing to jump in on :D

[atomicbob]

I sent an email to my Nvidia Channel Partner to see if anything new is coming down the pipe, also to see if he may have an extra card that I might be able to get...

PS make sure when you put this together, we may need to have a TS building party.

I see you noticed my sudden lack of direction for graphics card.

There are many valid opinions so now I can't make up my mind. I don't want to over-pay for bleeding edge necessarily, but it needs to kick ass and I don't want to have to have to upgrade for a year at least.

I'm currently leaning towards the one admin just put in his...for no better reason than I feel he has pretty good judgement and likely got the most bang for his buck.

Anyone disagree with that?

[kilroy0097]

^^^

Nope. I say go for it.

If you have any doubts at all get it's sister card from Nvidia but at that same level.

[wihadmin]

I'm currently leaning towards the one admin just put in his...for no better reason than I feel he has pretty good judgement and likely got the most bang for his buck.

Anyone disagree with that?

I disagree. Don't put the X1900Xt into your rig AB. Mine's showing signs of texture problems in 2142. I'm going to switch out drivers to see if it helps or not.

[atomicbob]

Dang...that's a review that's worth something.

So what else is good?

[atomicbob]

By the way, the parts just got here!! <woot>

Some assembly required.

:mgeye-popping:

I'm already stressed.

[wihadmin]

By the way, the parts just got here!! <woot>

Some assembly required.

:mgeye-popping:

I'm already stressed.

Just remember the basic universal rule. Male parts go into female parts.

[vortex19103]

I see you noticed my sudden lack of direction for graphics card.

No I always thought Nvidia, but I wanted to see what Nvidia said...and it was worth the wait...

I've been hooked up, I'll get with you tonight on TS or call me [phone number edited out for your protection.-wihadmin]. I want to see what you want to do, but either way its a 7900+ with SLI. -

SWEET!

[atomicbob]

Ok....I'm having trouble deciding on a case.

I want exceptional cooling (but probably not air conditioned):D

tons of room and real easy to put stuff in.

and preferably no door on the front.

A door would just hang open and be in the way or get broken because of the sound card inputs.

Any suggestions?

:dunno:

[wihadmin]

Here ya go AB.

Meets all your criteria.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133154

[atomicbob]

case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144151

psu
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merch...mc_powersupply (http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=101208&Category_Code=mc_powersupply)


motherboard
Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131011 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131011)

ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590)

video card

http://www.evga.com/products/moreinfo.asp?pn=512-P2-N571-AR&family=22

cpu
AMD AM2 3800+ SC 2/4Ghz CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103631 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103631)

CPU Cooler
Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 CPU Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118004 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118004)

hard drive

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148140 (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148140)


dvd/cd burner

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152076

sound card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...8859&CatId=107 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1618859&CatId=107)

monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009091 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824009091)

keyboard

hmmm....this is interesting

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811166032

[atomicbob]

Here ya go AB.

Meets all your criteria.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133154

I was just looking at that one. I can't figure out what the little wing looking things are on each side of the front. Any idea? Just for looks?

:dunno:

[atomicbob]

case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133154

psu
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merch...mc_powersupply (http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=101208&Category_Code=mc_powersupply)


motherboard
Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131011 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131011)

ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590)

video card

http://www.evga.com/products/moreinf...1-AR&family=22 (http://www.evga.com/products/moreinfo.asp?pn=512-P2-N571-AR&family=22)

cpu
AMD AM2 3800+ SC 2/4Ghz CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103631 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103631)

CPU Cooler
Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 CPU Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118004 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118004)

hard drive

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148140 (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148140)


dvd/cd burner

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827152076 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152076)

sound card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...8859&CatId=107 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1618859&CatId=107)

monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009091 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824009091)

keyboard

[wihadmin]

YOu want to see the mess inside the computer? I sure dont. That's why my cases are always sealed. I dont' have to worry about too much cable management inside. Just make sure I have good airflow and that's about it.

[wihadmin]

I was just looking at that one. I can't figure out what the little wing looking things are on each side of the front. Any idea? Just for looks?

:dunno:

I saw this case at Fry's and the wings are just for looks.

[atomicbob]

Done deal then. I like it.

Still need me some grease, some headphones that have surround, and a keyboard.

Anything else?

Oh crap. Maybe the speaker system....then again, maybe not. My daughter probably doesn't need mine in her room. I could get her some quieter ones.

:D

[atomicbob]

case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133154 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133154)

psu
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merch...mc_powersupply (http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=101208&Category_Code=mc_powersupply)


motherboard
Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131011 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131011)

ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590)

video card

http://www.evga.com/products/moreinf...1-AR&family=22 (http://www.evga.com/products/moreinfo.asp?pn=512-P2-N571-AR&family=22)

cpu
AMD AM2 3800+ SC 2/4Ghz CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103631 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103631)

CPU Cooler
Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 CPU Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118004 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118004)

hard drive

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148140 (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148140)


dvd/cd burner

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827152076 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152076)

sound card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...8859&CatId=107 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1618859&CatId=107)

monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009091 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824009091)

keyboard

Thermal Compound - Artic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16835100007 (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835100007)

[atomicbob]

Any good tips on 3D headphones?

[StevenNevets]

http://warishellgaming.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12466

currently sold out... but they're a nice option - not one of the best but still good, cost $70 on newegg

[atomicbob]

bump

(so it doesn't get lost while I sweat over the components)

[atomicbob]

Crap...my PS is no longer on that link. Now I need another one.

If I don't hurry up, ALL of the parts will be obsolete!

[atomicbob]

case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133154 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133154)

psu
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merch...mc_powersupply (http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=101208&Category_Code=mc_powersupply)


motherboard
Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131011 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131011)

ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590)

video card

http://www.evga.com/products/moreinf...1-AR&family=22 (http://www.evga.com/products/moreinfo.asp?pn=512-P2-N571-AR&family=22)

cpu
AMD AM2 3800+ SC 2/4Ghz CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103631 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103631)

CPU Cooler
Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 CPU Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118004 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118004)

hard drive

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148140 (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148140)


dvd/cd burner

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827152076 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152076)

sound card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102190[/URL]

monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009091 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1618859&CatId=107)

keyboard

Thermal Compound - Artic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
[URL]http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16835100007

Loading the shopping cart...any new thoughts on a power supply?

[wihadmin]

Loading the shopping cart...any new thoughts on a power supply?

Yeah. I got an error when clicking on that link.

[atomicbob]

All I remember was it was 750 watts.

[atomicbob]

I was going to go with the X-Fi per a recommendation from my sound nut brother....but what is the difference between these two?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102163

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102190

The ZS Platinum has an awesome rebate.

Anyone?

*edit...I'm going with my original pick.

[StevenNevets]

All I remember was it was 750 watts.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817703006

that's got to be it as Vortex loves that brand

[atomicbob]

How about this one?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817341002

[StevenNevets]

How about this one?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817341002Both PSUs are very strong...
One just has a little-bit better quality and a higher price tag to go with it



I'd say go with the OCZ psu as none of the 3 people around here who bought them have had any problems (that I know of) and they have a nice price
But if you're a worrier and are willing to spend a lot more to protect your investment then the PC and Cooling psu might be good for you

[atomicbob]

I don't know that I'm "a worrier" so much. My biggest trouble with things, I think, is a lack of knowledge. i.e. 750 watts with "cooling" must be better than 650 watts with no cooling.

Do I need it?

No idea. It's just easier for me to overkill and be ok, than to try and just make something that will work. It may be just a little less than what I need and then I'm screwed....you with me?

What I really need from you tipsters, is a "yes, Bob. That PS is fine and will run your stuff."

Debates and multiple opinions kick my butt, hence my hesitation to buy anything.

:lol:
An extra $60 for a PS doesn't blow my budget, but at the same time, I don't like squandering my hard earned cash either.

[atomicbob]

I can't believe what is kickin my butt is a keyboard.

Isn't there a regular old keyboard like what I have? (dell)

dang!

[StevenNevets]

"yes, Bob. That PS is fine and will run your stuff."

[atomicbob]

Too late. I put the 750w in the basket.

:lol:

Only pondering speaker system and headphones now and then I'll click the purchase button....

The speaker system must be totally kickass. I do not scrimp on sound. My house must rock!

I'm thinking this...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836121120

[Gruthar]

At 500W, those will definitely rock your house. I think they've gotten favorable reviews in all the gaming publications I've read, so it's a good pick.

[atomicbob]

Done!

Thanks Grunthar!

Now for some headphones that are 3d and in stock, and I'm good to go.

:thumbsup:

[atomicbob]

What about these?

http://reviews.cnet.com/ZALMAN_Real_Surround_Sound_Headphones_Theatre_6_ZM _RS6F_headphones/4505-6468_7-30894285.html

[atomicbob]

Holy sheeit!!

$500 ear buds!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826159703

I won't go there.

[atomicbob]

case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133154 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133154)

psu
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817341002[/URL]


motherboard
Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131011 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826159703)

ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590)

video card

http://www.evga.com/products/moreinf...1-AR&family=22 (http://www.evga.com/products/moreinfo.asp?pn=512-P2-N571-AR&family=22)

cpu
AMD AM2 3800+ SC 2/4Ghz CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103631 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103631)

CPU Cooler
Zalman CNPS9500 AM2 CPU Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118004 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118004)

hard drive x 2

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148140 (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148140)


dvd/cd burner

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827152076 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152076)

sound card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...8859&CatId=107 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1618859&CatId=107)

monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009091 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009091)

Speakers
[URL]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16836121120

keyboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16823121002

Thermal Compound - Artic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16835100007

mouse
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16826105134

headphones
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16826106069



Getting closer...

[Gruthar]

Well, since you already have a good sound card, I'd suggest something like the Plantronics GameCom 1 headphones. I have one of the GameCom Pro headsets (almost identical, except the Pros basically have their own sound card.) They're fairly comfortable (really lightweight) and durable... mine have taken a fair bit of abuse and survived. Audio is pretty decent too, but they're not the fanciest headsets out there. I wouldn't trade mine up for anything, though.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826106069

[atomicbob]

Can you hear things behind you with these? Probably a stupid question, but then again. I'm stupid.

[Gruthar]

I'll let my CS:S victims answer that question! ;)

But any stereo headset should be able to give you positional audio. There might be better suggestions other people have, too.

[atomicbob]

nuf said! I got them and bought the whole mess.

ouch

I'm mostly worried abouyt setting up the raid on the two harddrives.

Is raid the right word?

Anyway, I want one HD to back up the other everyday.

[vortex19103]

1st when the pc starts to boot you will see a menu pop up for you to press <CTRL - I> for the raid controller. You will press CTRL - I and then setup the drive to be RAID 1 = Mirror with all defaults.

(P.S.) your os drive is 320GB...you may want to partition (when installing os) to select a managable size for the OS and leave that data on the other partition. But if not - it should be okay for xp. certainly not good for servers.

when you load, xp pro it will ask about a min or two into installation for you to press F6 if you have any special devices ie raid

Press f6 and wait another minute + to load up and then it prompt you to press s=specify additional devices and insert the floppy that came with the mb.

if no floppy, then you will have to insert the cd onto another pc and extract the software for the floppy from the cd.

anyway, select the device that most likely is specified in the manual (the white paper looking thing that came with the motherboard) if you did not throw it away already...

then just hit the any key to continue with the install...

I've been so busy at work this week, I've already put in over 80hrs this week alone. so please, pretty please, be patient with me on the video card. I will get that done asap. and send it to you.

V

[Drayu]

Setting up RAID isn't hard at all, just follow the directions. Make sure you have the floppy ready (I wish you didn't need a floppy drive :( )

[atomicbob]

Floppy drive?

Do they still make those? LOL

Hmmm....I bet I can get one frmo work. They have a bunch of old crap laying around.

[atomicbob]

Hey, I'm not going to have to get another copy of XP Home, am I?

I have my discs. Can I use the same ones on two PC's?

[FozzyBear]

I have my discs. Can I use the same ones on two PC's?

Short answer is no you can't.

Someone might have a solution though.

[f1sh3r]

keep in mind that raid 0 doubles your chances for data loss. there is no redundancy so if one drive goes down you lose everything on both. if you're going to run raid 0 either do lots of backups or keep your data on a 3rd drive.

[atomicbob]

I had a feeling MS had some way to keep you from reusing your discs. Dang it!@

About this raid thing.....What I want is to have the second drive backup every thing I want to keep, especially like music files.....every night.

Why would having that happen increase my chances of losing data?

[f1sh3r]

I had a feeling MS had some way to keep you from reusing your discs. Dang it!@

About this raid thing.....What I want is to have the second drive backup every thing I want to keep, especially like music files.....every night.

Why would having that happen increase my chances of losing data?

you don't want raid then, just get a backup program that will archive to a hard drive.

[sir_digalot]

if you have RAID 1 it directly mirrors everything on your origioanl or C drive to the second drive, that way if the C drive fails the other drive will take over seamlessly...

RAID 0 is pure performance, it writes the data across both discs as if they were 1 big disc, another advantage of it is having say 2 80 gb discs used as 1 160gb disc, (windows also offeres a software version of disc spanning which is similar in some respects, but not identicle)

for what you want RAID 1 is the way to go, that way unless both discs fail you will have all your stuff,

of course you could do JBOD (Just a Bunch Of Disks) and keep all you songs pictures and stuff on the other disc.

me personally use RAID 0 (performance and using both drives as 1 large one) and keep all my files on 2 other drives a 300gb and a 160 gb that way if the primary drive fails, i still have all my files pictures and pr0n :D

( i think aswell my 160gb is my old one from my old pc and will still boot windows should i need it) unfortunatly this along with my multi-card reader DVDRom and DVDR push my total drive count up in my computer to a: c: d: e: f: g: h: i: j: k: and a couple of shared drives too hehe

you could reuse the disc but m$ will throw a hissy fit and not activate one of the copies, there are different ways round this but only 1 legal one really, buy another license, the other "illegal" ways can prevent you getting updates and other stuff from microsoft, or involve getting your hands on a volume license copy. m$ want to make sure you are not ripping them off :D

[atomicbob]

Yeah, That's sounds like what I want. I got two of those big drives though, so I want them to run parallel. Not as one big drive.

The task of copying all my existing files to the new pc is a daunting one, and I'm not looking forward to it. Especially since I have some boot up issues that have already copied themselves from my last one to this one. I really, REALLY don't want them on the new one.

Dang MS.....Gonna get my cash yet again.

Maybe I should buy the stock.

:lol:

[atomicbob]

New XP Home discs $199

Additional license $184

Wow.

They give you a really good deal.

boo Mr Softy!

:slap:

[atomicbob]

So, what's the difference between XP Home and XP Pro?

:dunno:

*edit...figured it out.

[wihadmin]

So, what's the difference between XP Home and XP Pro?

:dunno:

Paul30 can probably speak to that.

I bought the XP Pro OEM package from newegg. I believe you have to buy it along with a piece of hardware, sometimes they restrict it to a mobo or HDD. However, I don't believe I can upgrade to Vista for free. Gorro has a link to other packages for XP Home/Pro that you can buy and it allows you to upgrade to Vista either for free or for very low cost.

[sir_digalot]

xp home has less features designed for corporate networks, it does not have remote desktop scalable processor support the ability to join a domain...


here is a comparison guide from manky-soft

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/choosing2.mspx

[atomicbob]

I really hate computers.

[sir_digalot]

i think unless you have dual core ( although i think home supports that too) go for home edition, i need corp netowrk connectivity so i needed pro, but the kids and wife all run home quite happily

[wihadmin]

I've ran XP Home on my previous machine for 3 years w/o any problems.

[LordBeer]

I really hate computers.

Blasphemy!! :slap:

I'm reading this and am a little saddened that you havent finished this yet. I've built 2 other systems for friends since you've won the parts. :hehehe:

Also, I've used Pro and Home. There isn't that much of a difference. Pro would be nice if you had security concerns in a business enviroment but for game machine that sits in your house? You'll probably be fine with Home.

[atomicbob]

YOU are saddened?

I am totally bummed out!!

But I just can't go any faster since I'm a short bus guy.

I still think I must find someone to put it all together for me.

[CrockD]

YOU are saddened?

I am totally bummed out!!

But I just can't go any faster since I'm a short bus guy.

I still think I must find someone to put it all together for me.

You can do it Bob!

I just read through every post in thsi thread and i have found it fascinating. I have been thinking about building my own pc and when you know nothing about how to do it, it is really intimidating. Reading this thread has helped me.

Good luck Bob, it'll all come together for you if you persevere!:thumbsup:

[sir_digalot]

all the bits just kinda fit in the right place, the building part is the easy bit.... the buying bit is the hard bit.

though i noticed on a website today they have a 550w power supply with a nvidia 8800 and core 2 duo

[atomicbob]

DOH!!
My new case does NOT fit in my cabinet.

Son of a monkey!!

[Drayu]

So it is done Bob? Pics? I finished my two the other day, all is installed....now for pics! CrockD...if you do decide to build one and you are having probs....I live in CT and wouldn't mind having a WiH Computer Build Day to help you out.

[CrockD]

So it is done Bob? Pics? I finished my two the other day, all is installed....now for pics! CrockD...if you do decide to build one and you are having probs....I live in CT and wouldn't mind having a WiH Computer Build Day to help you out.

Sweeeeeeet!!!

I'll let you know.

[atomicbob]

So it is done Bob? Pics? I finished my two the other day, all is installed....now for pics! CrockD...if you do decide to build one and you are having probs....I live in CT and wouldn't mind having a WiH Computer Build Day to help you out.

Not yet. More parts should arrive today and then I'll take it all out of the boxes and evaluate my chances.

Staples was out of XP Home yesterday too, so still no OS.

And no video card yet.....

But the case is humongous! Shouldn't have any trouble fitting stuff in.

Speakers are way big, too.

I'll have to rearrange furniture.:D

[Drayu]

Um, have you looked into getting the OS from Newegg? MUCH cheaper and you can get XP Pro or XP Media Edition for a great price. Leave XP Home alone.

[atomicbob]

What does it mean "OEM version"?

[atomicbob]

Is this it?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832116171

This is the whole OS?

[benderillo]

Yes that is the whole OS. Media Center is actually XP Pro with the added media center capabilities too. (I dont think many people know this... It is cheaper than Pro too.)

It is OEM so they will prob require you to buy it with a piece of hardware. OEM editions are technically supposed to come with a computer, but sometimes you can get away with it if you buy a drive or some piece of hardware.


OEM, when used to describe software (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software), is used to differentiate that version of the software which is bundled with other hardware or software from that same software package sold on its own as a retail package
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_Equipment_Manufacturer

[Drayu]

Yeah, I would try buying it without any hardware first. If not, buy somethign that you can use.

[Drayu]

I just clicked that link, looks like you can order it solo. And it comes with an upgrade coupon if you ever want to go to vista.

[atomicbob]

So....bear with me. This XP Media OS will look and feel like XP Home?

I'm allergic to change and am still having withdrawals from losing my beloved Windows 95.

Kind of getting used to XP Home finally.

*edit*

This X-Fi Platinum sound card looks awesome.

[atomicbob]

Ok...I'm rolling up my sleeves and putting my purse down.

Fixin' to put this thing together.

Got the PS mounted already so I am kicking ass! *woot*

The number of wires hanging out of it is more than a little intimidating.

Is there any certain order this stuff goes in here in?

I'm thinking PS, HD's, fans, drives, connect all them wires.

Then put the memory and CPU in the mobo, mount CPU fan, then mount the mobo. Then connect 900 more wires, sound card...

Insert beers ^ where necessary.

Good start? WHat am I forgetting?

:dunno:

[redish16]

I am not sure inserting beer where necessary is such a good idea Bob.

:lol:

Electronics are funny things.

[atomicbob]

You have to play like you practice, or vice versa.

I seem to be missing screws for the hardrives. You suppose to buy those separate?

:dunno:

Or is that some of the half ton of little parts that came with the mobo?

[atomicbob]

Had me a laugh. I had the case box sitting in my office yesterday and the first two people that walked in asked me if it was a heater. One was our webguy!

:lol:

I said, "It gets hot and has fans, does that qualify?"

[atomicbob]

Can't believe I'm already stuck for lack of 1 cent screws.

:thumbsdown:

[atomicbob]

found screws!!!

[StevenNevets]

pfft, 160+ posts and 100 must be yours:slap:


so... is it up and working yet?

[atomicbob]

Keep dreamin'

100 posts asking for help.

But...I think I can do it!!

Got my HD's adn dvd mounted and am readying the mobo.

Thanks to all that drop to check on me.

If I get stuck, I will be refreshing often.

[Drayu]

Good to hear you got the most difficult part done, the psu install. Always the most scary, always afraid of breaking it :D

Good luck dude!

And go with XP Media Edition or XP Pro.

[atomicbob]

Good to hear you got the most difficult part done, the psu install. Always the most scary, always afraid of breaking it :D

Good luck dude!

And go with XP Media Edition or XP Pro.

I hope you are kidding me. This PS is the beef! :D

I got the CPU in the mobo and got it mounmted. Put the ram in. Debating on whether to put that honkin CPU cooler on yet. Looks like it will be in the way of many plugs I'll need to get to later.

But....when I sit back a few and look it all over good. I'm getting more confident.

Kinda.

:yaya:

[Drayu]

DOH I mean the CPU!

[Drayu]

OH, just read....you didn't put on the cpu cooler yet? Um....you should do that with the MOBO out of the case, ALOT easier! (that is the stressful part :D )

[atomicbob]

Oh sheeit.

[atomicbob]

I did test mount it with no grease, just to see how it went on.

Then took it back off.

[atomicbob]

Might need someone to give me the scoop on this thermal compound, if there is some secret I need to know about.

Snake was saying I couldn't just wipe it on there.

Was he jacking with me?

[Drayu]

make sure you have some isopropyl alcohol around to clean the processor and heatsink parts :D I use the 94% alcohol type.

[Drayu]

Thermal compound. Just enough and not too much :D put on a little, then using a scrapper (sometimes included and if not a piece of stiff cardboard) drag the paste across the processor so that you have an equal amount all the way across the cpu. Remember, not thick. I think AMD actually has a video on how to do it.

[atomicbob]

Cool. I got that. Then just spread it even?

never mind. thanks!

[Drayu]

check here:
http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/TechnicalResources/0,,30_182_869_9460%5E6678,00.html

[atomicbob]

Done with that.

aaaahhhhhhh.........

Just browed a little ahead in my workbook and I'm starting to see talk of BIOS and stuff.

:mgeye-popping:

[Drayu]

Oooo....bios Fun!!!!

[atomicbob]

I can't do bios yet! There is no nothing!

I think I'll hook up some of these fans and other wires.

Got a sound card to mount yet, too.

And few brewskis callin my PC building ass.

:lol:

[atomicbob]

In case you hadn't figured it out. I don't know exactly what a bios is, how to open it, or what to do when I get there.

I may be in a heap o trouble, son!

[Drayu]

Brewskies ALWAYS help! You will be fine. You don't really need to go into the bios yet.

[atomicbob]

OH good,

Now about these fan wires. A bunch of them are four prong plugs and I hooked them into the PS harness. It had a lot of those.

Question 1... on the end of those two power wires, there is a little plug. ONe says P7 and the other P11

Does that little plug plug into something or just hang in there for some accessory?

Q2...The CPU fan and the main box fan have a second wire with a tiny plug. Those go into the MB side by side right? They fit the socket and the socket says CHA Fan 1 and CHA Fan 2

May be obvious to some, and even apparent to me, but I have no intention of making assumptions.

Edit...Moved them two to the connections that said CPU fan and Power fan.

2nd edit...Moved the CPU fan to the conncetor that says CPU fan. There is an extra pin there. NOt sure what it's for.

[atomicbob]

hmmm.....may be nearing the ftw zone.

[Drayu]

yes, plug the small fan connectors into the Mobo, cpu fan one for the cpu, and then chassis fan ones if you can.

[GorroXXII]

pics man pics!!! or be like snake and video tape it :D

[atomicbob]

This is f*cked up like Chinese food.

[atomicbob]

pics man pics!!! or be like snake and video tape it :D

I not worthy of being like Snake.

Besides...my kid stole the batteries out of my camera.

:wallbash:

Grounded for days.

[atomicbob]

Stopping for the night. I do think I need some pictures, so I can ask more detailed questions about these freakin plugs and wires.

If every one had a spot, it would be easier, but I know some don't hook to anything.

That's like a jig saw puzzle with lots of extra pieces.

ftw

[atomicbob]

OK....got a phone walkthrough and I think everything is hooked up.

Kinda anxious for that video card....

Got a status on it Vortex?

:yaya:

[atomicbob]

No offense, Vortex, but I'm needing a vid card pretty quick.

If your deal isn't materializing in the next few days, I need to pass those savings on to some other lucky soul.

I will have to pay retail, but I need a card.

:dunno:

[atomicbob]

Ok, in case my previous deal falls through, what vid card do you all recommend?

Something in stock please.

I need to order on Saturday.

Got to get this thing done!!!

[atomicbob]

Hello....???

:lol:

Haven't seen anything from Vortex yet. My quest for a video card begins!

I don't reckon I need to spring for that 8800, or do I? I have the space.

[atomicbob]

OS showed up today! *woot*

Tomorrow...vid cards!!

Newegg got me the OS in two work days BTW.

That's fast considering I didn't do any express anything. Plain old shipping.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: to newegg!!

[atomicbob]

Got the mighty dual 7600's today.

They look a little punier than I had envisioned. Way smaller than my 6800.

Not sexy at all.

*sniffle*

[GorroXXII]

Bob are you talking to yourself? I actually prefer the smaller... that 6800GT took up half a case... its not the size that matters, its how they work:D and I still need to see pics... of the computer

[vortex19103]

:icon_cool: I've been very busy in between jobs (my company) which stacked up several computers and my temp full time job which was working a 40 hour work weeks trying to balance my server support which was working another 40 hours in the same weeks. =80 hr work weeks plus weekends.

I did not even have time to turn on my gaming pc in the last few weeks.

Sorry I missed ya on the video card. Dont feel bad. I can sell mine anytime. Plus the video works better when its not in SLI mode with the highest end cards. Too much heat and not enough circulation. If I re-run in SLI mode, I will have to go to liquid cooling with the 7900GTX's.

I'm going to try the one 7950GX2 (1GB) and see if there is a big difference.

Again, sorry AB for keeping you on the hook:slap: , I don't and have not had very much free time lately. But I've been busy and busy means extra money during the holidays...

V

[atomicbob]

No problem Vortex. I figured you were tied up.

I got hooked up with some cards.

And.....ta da!!

I am actually on my new machine right now!

WA-FREAKIN-HOO!!

No smoke or anything!

:lol:

Had a bitch of a time trying to get it to boot. The ribbon cable on my DVD player wasn't quite tight and it wasn't seeing it.

Then installing the windows blew chunks. They are pretty stupid. Put in disk 1 first and it did it's thing a while. Then it said insert disc 2. THen I got an error saying it was missing a file and wanted me to tell it where to find it. AFter many cursing minutes of clicking the wtf button, I took out disc 2 and put disc 1 back in. viola...the file must have been on it because it continued installing for a while longer. Then it said give me disc 2 again. Ran a while...same thing. I had a feeling...yep, put #1 back in and it finished up the install.

Not much software in it yet. That's gonna suck trying to get it back near where it was. No favorites (cept this one), no passwords....(dang)!

NO nothing. BUt I got the video cards working, and the sound, and I'm online...so things are going my way.

I think I'll tie up some wires inside the box a little, then take some pics.

:thumbsup:

P.S. I have a feeling my sata raid is not configured right yet.

[Gruthar]

Sort out your SATA before you fire up some games, otherwise you won't get anything done! :thumbsup:

[atomicbob]

I've been trying to set them up for a few hours now. I guess I'm officially stuck.

I did the get the wireless network to my kid's room working so the day isn't a total loss.

[atomicbob]

Ok, I officially hate setting up a new system. I think I'll leave such things to you super geniouses. I guess building this machine wasn't so bad, besides failing the SATA Raid set-up test.

What's got me wiped out is trying to get the WiFi set up to my old machine, now in my kid's room. The previous post? I was wrong. It only appears my network works.

I'll probably just pay someone to come do it. So much easier.

:icon_cry:

[sir_digalot]

wireless can be a pain especially if you do not have service pack 2 installed, since the origional windows only likes the 40 bit or 108 bit wep keys and fif you were thinking of something else forget it, though if you used the manufacturers software it may help, but i have also found that it tends to get in the way a bit too.

i still have trouble with our wireless network, ( i think our apartment is a mean purple wifi eater) i even upgraded 2 of the machines to high gain and they still suck at random times ( though all the neighbours get full 5 bars GRRR)

it is projects like this that give the expereince to look life in the eye, and give it the finger.... altherantivly open a brewski, sit back and worry about it another day, though once done you will get the great feeling of accomplishment and euphoria, of course until you want to "tweak" or "improve" something..... :D

if nothing else you could always call someone :D

[atomicbob]

Ok, some pics.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/atomicbob/IMG_7170.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/atomicbob/IMG_7174.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/atomicbob/IMG_7173.jpg

I need to figure out them thumbnails.

http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/atomicbob/?action=view&current=1164929858.pbw

[sir_digalot]

ooOOOOoooo AAAaaaaaaahhhhHHHhhh

nice looking machine there bob!

[atomicbob]

OK, a simple question...more on my SATA raid set-up.

Maybe it is working like I want.

If I click on explore, and then "C", then properties...it shows ~320 gig of space.

If I go to device manager, I see TWO identical harddrives, both saying they are working properly.

Does this mean they are mirroring each other?

I would assume so, or I would have 640 gig of space available, or only one HD showing up, right?

[Multiplex]

Go into your disk manager... you should see two drives that are assigned the same drive letter (in this case C:) it should show them with a status of "Healthy" (and possibly with a light blue color stripe on them... unlike the dark blue unraided color).

EDIT: Oh, and the drive manager can be reached through the administrative tools thingie on the start menu... or by typing "mmc" in the run box on the start menu... and then adding the snap in for drive manager yourself.

EDIT #2: Oh and if you're running XP Pro and have 3 or more drives that you want to Raid 5... I have already hex hacked the three core system files needed to unlock Raid 5 if you don't want striping. I can send them to you and tell you how to replace them.

OMG EDIT #3: Win XP Pro doesn't natively support mirrored drives... only striped and spanned. So... if you want mirroring you'll have to do the hack I mentioned in #2... If you're hardware raided right now you could be mirrored but otherwise you're striped or spanned.

[TC HEAT]

Nice Bob..Jeeze t hat sub is big for a pc :D

[atomicbob]

But I gots to thump!!

Not sure about what you told me plex. I read the words....

Fomr what I read otyher places, I don't mind of they are striped, as it gives me faster access. As long as all my data is on both drives in case one burns up.

Are you saying that that isn't necessarily happening with what I posted so far?

[Multiplex]

Sorry for my post not being coherent... I'll try to be more straightforward with ya.

Striping offers no redudancy... if you lose a drive you lose all data on both drives (typically, sometimes parts of data can be recovered).

Are you using a hardware raid... or a non-raid controller? A non-raid controller just throws all the drives together where a raid controller will actually manage the raid for you (which offers much better performance over a software raid). That's kind of important info because:

1. If you have a hardware raid setup you can use any of the raid configurations that you want to use... they're probably all supported.

2. If you just have a regular disk controller card without raid support then you'll need to use Windows software raid. By default XP Pro only supports spanning and striping... (both of those would offer you 640gb of space but offer you no redudancy). I can help you make Windows support mirroring and Raid 5 if you'd like... it's not super difficult as long as you've got the edited files already. Mirroring would offer you 320gb of storage space because the data would exist on both drives. Raid 5 is normally used with 3 or more drives and would offer you 640gb of space if you had 3x 320gb drives (one drive is used for redudancy).

You can get more info on raids here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAID

Hope that was better done... no editing this time!

[atomicbob]

Isn't there a free download utility that analyses everything I have and spits out results?

I thought it was called Sandra, but all I find now is BUY IT. Not FREE.

:dunno:

Edit* Your post is totally coherent, but you must remember the limits of your audience. LOL

[Gruthar]

I believe his motherboard has a hardware RAID controller.

[atomicbob]

This is what the MB book says.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/atomicbob/raid.png

[Multiplex]

Bob, you wanna make sure that RAID is enabled in the BIOS and that it is set to Raid 1 (mirroring).

[atomicbob]

Yep. I tried to do it several times. Once I made the harddrives disappear altogether and had hell trying to get the thing running again. That's when I quit. It may be mirroring right now, but I can't tell.

One trouble is, the book show pictures, but says, "This may not appear like what you will actually see, but...".

Well, it doesn't look anything like what I saw in the set-up window....

:lol:

[kilroy0097]

So Bob. How is this computer working out for you now a year after it was put together? Conclusions and observations after one year? And what did you end up getting for parts in the end? Anything you would have done differently?

[atomicbob]

It turns out the capacitors in both vid cards burnt out.

I need to figure out what to replace it with.

[Gruthar]

I'd suggest going with a Radeon 4890 or an Nvidia 275 or 280. It's not really worth going with dual video cards again given the rest of your system -- it will already have more video card than what your processor can handle. You should be able to find the above cards for ~$200.

[atomicbob]

Looks like there are lots of Radeon 4890's out there.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121311

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150359

Which one is preferred or does it matter?

I like that lifetime warranty XFX offers.

[JustMeBF2]

This one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150387

[Shadowryche]

If you have been using Nvidia already on the system, might as well stick with it and go with the GTX 275 that JustMe pointed out. If you have a moniter with higher resolution than say 1920x1200, I'd suggest the Radeon HD 4890. Unless the Radeon is overclocked they're all gonna be about the same. ATi has kinda limited what is allowed to be done with the GPU and PCB.

[JustMeBF2]

new info

http://www.warishellgaming.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24122&page=4

[vortex19103]

eVGA, BFG, XFX are the only video cards that i purchase, because of the warranty.

Lifetime if registered within 30 days of purchase.

[winter]

I'm sorry to hijack but this is the best thread ever. It's 23 pages long and spans 1.5 years just trying to help poor Bob get his rig running. Gold!

[atomicbob]

Thanks Winter....but it just keeps getting worse and worse. LOL

This scan kinda blows...but this is what my video cards look like.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/atomicbob/card.jpg

If you zoom in you can see each and every capcitor is totally split open. This was how both cards looked.

The tech that diagnosed it said that he put in another card and it worked fine.

Ok.

So my cards are blown out. My question is this.

What did this?

I don't overclock....I wasn't even gaming and stressing the cards. My kid was surfing one night, shut it down, then the next time we tried to boot, it didn't work.

Could this be a lightning surge? (I don't know what happened that night)

What could make both cards blow up like this?

Second question....

Assuming everything is still good except these cards.....and knowing I can't online game...and rarely game at all any more....what is the recommended fix?

Put a retro card in it to make it work?

Or upgrade the motherboard and CPU and put some badass video cards in it?

And is everyone convinced that what I put in won't just blow up based on what happened to these cards?

I can get better pics of the ruptured capacitors if it helps.

Every single one on both cards is split wide open. What could do this when it's shut off?

[Shadowryche]

If something were likely to do it again, it would had likely damaged or blown caps on your motherboard. May want to check them to see if the tops are soft. Otherwise them caps likely all came from the same manufacture and just happen to all die together. Most modern video cards have much more rugged caps and should last longer. I remember some manufacturer recalls some years ago for bad caps on an assortment of computer components for bad caps.

[Gruthar]

Along the lines of what Shadow said, bad caps are the most likely culprit if the video cards are the only things damaged in the computer. A surge would not take out your video cards and leave everything else intact. Because the two cards were probably from the same manufacturing batch, it means there's a good chance both got the same defective capacitors.

For what it's worth, the cards may not have both died at the same time. You were probably only running on one card for a short while before the second card gave up the ghost. The computer won't necessarily warn you if one of the SLI cards stops functioning. Capacitor death isn't quick either.

More info on the "capacitor plague":
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitor_plague

My advice now is to just buy a single card. I don't know what your budget is like, or how demanding the games you're playing are. The reason I suggested the upper mid-range ATI and Nvidia cards is that they're sort of a compromise. They'll serve you well if you decide to upgrade everything, and they won't have much wasted performance if you choose to stick with your current setup for a while longer.

[JustMeBF2]

That CPU will be your choke point.

Putting anything more then a $100 video would only be an investment that
you would only realize a return after you got a new CPU & MB!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150316

$110 but you would get COD 4 & 5 to play via single player. Or put the COD4 &5 on ebay and get $50+/- back.

Check your PSU for power available for video card before use. 500-600watt is fine.

PS with that Video Card on your setup it would play 99% current games on medium.
One of my extra PCs has a similar cpu the 4000+, same but .2 GHz higher.
I tested it with a 9600GT (64 stream processors) and 9800GT (112 stream processors) and barely saw any benefit.

[Shadowryche]

I'm kinda partial to this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127401

If your sure to print out the rebate form as soon as you buy it, this could be a great deal. Even with out the rebate it would be a good card.

[Mad5cout]

Hold the press... Did anyone else just see that Bob scanned his GPU? No digital camera my man?

:crazy:

I can't believe that no one else thought that was ridiculous.


More on point, is anyone else thinking this could've been a power surge from the PSU since BOTH cards blew at the same time. Kind of unbelievable that it is bad caps if they all blew at the same time. Maybe I just don't know enough about how that works. If it were me, I would take a voltage meter to that PSU to make sure it isn't surging before I did anything else.

[Dereks_06]

Wow you blew out solid capacitors on 2 different cards. Thats not normal, I can see if they weren't solid capacitors on maybe 1 of the cards and only a few blew. But all of them went. You have a power problem. DO NOT put an expensive card into your computer. It may be a motherboard or PSU problem. See if a cheapo card does not blow its caps.

Some weird power surge may be the culprit, but then other components should also be damaged. It's just a freak incident for it to do what it did, that's why I don't believe both cards could have went out like that on their own without an outside source affecting them. Such as a power problem

[JustMeBF2]

Hold the press... Did anyone else just see that Bob scanned his GPU? No digital camera my man?

:crazy:

I can't believe that no one else thought that was ridiculous.


More on point, is anyone else thinking this could've been a power surge from the PSU since BOTH cards blew at the same time. Kind of unbelievable that it is bad caps if they all blew at the same time. Maybe I just don't know enough about how that works. If it were me, I would take a voltage meter to that PSU to make sure it isn't surging before I did anything else.

NOT ridiculous and you not reading thread to know what's going on is.

[Mad5cout]

NOT ridiculous and you not ready thread to know what's going on.

Was that a sentence? Yes, I have been reading this thread if that is, in fact, what you were trying to say.

Am i wrong in saying that different connectors or rails on a PSU can be unstable on their own? Am i wrong in saying that different components on the board have different thresholds for what surge they could take? I guess I'm just saying it is a awful risk to take throwing another GPU in there without at least checking.

[JustMeBF2]

Thanks Winter....but it just keeps getting worse and worse. LOL

This scan kinda blows...but this is what my video cards look like.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/atomicbob/card.jpg

If you zoom in you can see each and every capcitor is totally split open. This was how both cards looked.

The tech that diagnosed it said that he put in another card and it worked fine.

Ok.

So my cards are blown out. My question is this.

What did this?

I don't overclock....I wasn't even gaming and stressing the cards. My kid was surfing one night, shut it down, then the next time we tried to boot, it didn't work.

Could this be a lightning surge? (I don't know what happened that night)

What could make both cards blow up like this?

Second question....

Assuming everything is still good except these cards.....and knowing I can't online game...and rarely game at all any more....what is the recommended fix?

Put a retro card in it to make it work?

Or upgrade the motherboard and CPU and put some badass video cards in it?

And is everyone convinced that what I put in won't just blow up based on what happened to these cards?

I can get better pics of the ruptured capacitors if it helps.

Every single one on both cards is split wide open. What could do this when it's shut off?

See it now?

[Mad5cout]

See it now?

um yeah. But if it were a surge then you could theoretically put a different card in for 5 minutes and have no problems whatsoever. If it were a higher quality GPU than those that Bob put in could they not stand more abuse? If the voltages are unstable but not jumping to the point of instantly blowing a component, it could theoretically shorten the life span of the component which you will not get a sense of by popping a different GPU in for a couple of minutes. Again, this is me just using the logic I have in my head with limited content knowledge. I simply raise the question. Am I wrong in thinking that any of these might be a possibility?

[atomicbob]

I don't really know how to check other parts for problems so I'm just going to put in a new card (low price) and see what happens. If it goes south too, I'll know I need a new MB and CPU upgrade.

[Gruthar]

:wallbash::wallbash::wallbash:

Along the lines of what Shadow said, bad caps are the most likely culprit if the video cards are the only things damaged in the computer. A surge would not take out your video cards and leave everything else intact. Because the two cards were probably from the same manufacturing batch, it means there's a good chance both got the same defective capacitors.

For what it's worth, the cards may not have both died at the same time. You were probably only running on one card for a short while before the second card gave up the ghost. The computer won't necessarily warn you if one of the SLI cards stops functioning. Capacitor death isn't quick either.

More info on the "capacitor plague":
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitor_plague




Was that a sentence? Yes, I have been reading this thread if that is, in fact, what you were trying to say.

Am i wrong in saying that different connectors or rails on a PSU can be unstable on their own? Am i wrong in saying that different components on the board have different thresholds for what surge they could take? I guess I'm just saying it is a awful risk to take throwing another GPU in there without at least checking.

The rails in a PSU are not isolated -- they all tap into a single transformer. If the voltage regulation on the 12V was off, I would expect to see damage and overheating elsewhere on the computer, especially since most of the computer's power is supplied by the 12V rails nowadays. If it was a surge, there would be damage everywhere. The threshold that different components can take, in terms of power variation, is roughly the same. If you have enough of a spike to start popping caps in one place, they'll start popping everywhere in the circuit. In that case, there would be at least be damage on the section of the motherboard that supplies PCI-E power. Your caution is understandable, but the evidence here points to defective caps.



Wow you blew out solid capacitors on 2 different cards. Thats not normal, I can see if they weren't solid capacitors on maybe 1 of the cards and only a few blew. But all of them went. You have a power problem. DO NOT put an expensive card into your computer. It may be a motherboard or PSU problem. See if a cheapo card does not blow its caps.


Those are very obviously electrolytic capacitors, not solid. And as I said, they didn't necessarily all pop at the same time. The cap will continue to function for a while after it has vented, as long as there's still electrolyte in there. Remember that Bob bought these two cards at the same time, so they are almost certainly from the same manufacturing run. These look like textbook defective capacitors.

[JustMeBF2]

Gruthar don't :wallbash::wallbash::wallbash:


do :rofl::rofl::rofl:

[atomicbob]

Cursed capacitor plague!

From Urban Dictionary

Fuhjyyu (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Fuhjyyu&defid=2042326) pronounced foo-j-U

(1) Chinese word for feces.

(2) Brand name of abysmal quality capacitors that are installed on logic boards, switching power supplies and various other electronic components. They are known to rupture and leak out electrolyte when exposed to temperatures 45 C + for extended periods.

(1) I just took a huge fuhjyyu, damn that felt good.

(2) My computer keeps rebooting on it's own, must be those Fuhjyyu capacitors, time to RMA the 5th replacement.


LOL

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=capacitor+plague

[Gruthar]

Gruthar don't :wallbash::wallbash::wallbash:


do :rofl::rofl::rofl:


I'm more frustrated than amused when people don't read the damn thread. Kinda defeats the whole point of a forum. Maybe I'll just start posting in Swahili.

[Mad5cout]

Thanks for clarifying.

[JustMeBF2]

Gruthar I read and value your posts so keep them coming.

I normally ignore the peeps with not enough knowledge or not enough experience.
(trying to be nice LOL )

But when they are so wrong that they cause a problem for the person receiving the help,
well sometimes I feel like being rude.

I am sure when someone is looking for help they want all they can get.

I wish that helpers who have an idea but no actual facts (or more experience then reading the WWW) would start their post that way.

Like

"I don't know what I am talking about but here is what I think."

ROFL

[Dereks_06]

I know that they do not all pop at the same time and I know that they will still function. I also know that when caps go bad they start sucking a lot more power and will cause strain on the other parts and caps. Which may have started a chain reaction. However it happened on both cards, it may be that it really was a bad batch of capacitors. But do you want to chance it and stick an expensive card in the pc because you think they where bad capacitors? I sure as hell wouldn't.

I also searched for Evga 7600 bad caps. They are made by G-Luxon which has a bad rep. Then they disguised them as solid state and rebranded them as saxon. So they may just be crap ones and that probably was the problem, but still do you want to chance it without trying a cheap card or something?

Also individual rails can be off.

[Gruthar]

I know that they do not all pop at the same time and I know that they will still function. I also know that when caps go bad they start sucking a lot more power and will cause strain on the other parts and caps. Which may have started a chain reaction. However it happened on both cards, it may be that it really was a bad batch of capacitors. But do you want to chance it and stick an expensive card in the pc because you think they where bad capacitors? I sure as hell wouldn't.


As far as I'm concerned, the case is closed. There's no chance of anything: it's the caps. It's not like this is a rare occurrence either. I am willing to put my money where my mouth is to that effect. If the cards were bought at different times and/or from different manufacturers, that might raise some interesting questions. But it doesn't make sense that only the cards would blow and everything else would pass muster if it's anything other than the cards themselves. If there's something I'm missing, please explain how a motherboard or PSU could blow the cards without touching anything else. Please be specific about the components involved.

I wholly endorse caution with anything, but you're telling him to waste money on a card when all the evidence is pointing to a manufacturer defect. FFS, if what you said is true, you have a shady supplier defrauding the manufacturer, and you still think their product might not be suspect? Not to mention there are far cheaper ways of testing the system than guinea pigging a video card (multimeter is your friend) if you're really paranoid.



Also individual rails can be off.


Between different voltaged rails yes. Between rails with the same voltage, no, unless you're talking about high-end server PSUs. Despite the marketing BS, all that is on a rail after the transformer, rectifier, etc. and the point at which the rails are split is a current limiter. That's it. All they'll do is shut down the PSU if it trips the magic 240VA number on one of those rails.

[JustMeBF2]

Give them hell Gruthar !

:rockon:

[Dereks_06]

Between different voltaged rails yes. Between rails with the same voltage, no, unless you're talking about high-end server PSUs. Despite the marketing BS, all that is on a rail after the transformer, rectifier, etc. and the point at which the rails are split is a current limiter. That's it. All they'll do is shut down the PSU if it trips the magic 240VA number on one of those rails.

I already know that, that's why I said an individual rail (3.3, 5, 12v and then their opposites) can be off. I should have elaborated more so that you would have understood that I knew that and not have to explain it.

The PSU will shut down way before a rail hits 240V. Also the rails use DC not VA which an alternating current is needed to use that measurment. I "think" (read somewhere once but can't find it again) PSUs with overvoltage protection shut down when the voltage is 25% above the rail voltage (May be different with different brands). So 15 volts on the 12V rail may shut it down. However this part may be irrelevant because I'm not sure if you actually meant the input voltage of the PSU and accidentally referred to the rail voltages.

About the multimeter. To get an accurate measurement he needs to have the cards in his system and at load. That's just not possible.

Also in my post I merely stated my opinion on what I would do.


Give them hell Gruthar !


He was only talking to me, thanks for trying to be nice and not directly referring to me though.

[JustMeBF2]

Today, 10:37 AM I don't really know how to check other parts for problems so I'm just going to put in a new card (low price) and see what happens. If it goes south too, I'll know I need a new MB and CPU upgrade.



Today, 06:20 PM but still do you want to chance it without trying a cheap card or something?





This is what bothers the G man. People read one post or less and don't know what's going on.

[Dereks_06]

Hmm. Thanks for pointing that out man. You have to understand though that with this many pages, stuff like that can happen. Sorry.

[Gruthar]

The PSU will shut down way before a rail hits 240V. Also the rails use DC not VA which an alternating current is needed to use that measurment.

VA as in Volt-Amps, not VAC. Almost the same thing as Watts, but there is a semantic difference between the two. Digalot brought the distinction to my attention in another discussion, I thought they were the same thing.

If you're bored, here you go:
http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/SADE-5TNQYF_R0_EN.pdf

[atomicbob]

Ok.....now.....

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hZXwi6z8pZs/R1LziMaALLI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/W170rQy3Ras/s1600-R/my-brain-hurts.jpg

[JustMeBF2]

Check your PM bob.



http://www.localwin.com/member/gallery/pcsupport/f996.jpg

[Mad5cout]

I wish that helpers who have an idea but no actual facts (or more experience then reading the WWW) would start their post that way.

Like

"I don't know what I am talking about but here is what I think."

ROFL

You mean like this:



More on point, is anyone else thinking this could've been a power surge from the PSU since BOTH cards blew at the same time. Kind of unbelievable that it is bad caps if they all blew at the same time. Maybe I just don't know enough about how that works. If it were me, I would take a voltage meter to that PSU to make sure it isn't surging before I did anything else.

Or maybe this:


um yeah. But if it were a surge then you could theoretically put a different card in for 5 minutes and have no problems whatsoever. If it were a higher quality GPU than those that Bob put in could they not stand more abuse? If the voltages are unstable but not jumping to the point of instantly blowing a component, it could theoretically shorten the life span of the component which you will not get a sense of by popping a different GPU in for a couple of minutes. Again, this is me just using the logic I have in my head with limited content knowledge. I simply raise the question. Am I wrong in thinking that any of these might be a possibility?

Really there was no problem here until you started being an ******* and there really isn't any way for you to justify that to me. I read all of his posts and yours. I submitted my thoughts and EVERY time said that I lacked expert knowledge. I value the information that is being provided but not your attitude. You're just Nick Burns incarnate.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/19050/saturday-night-live-nick-burns

If you read back I think you will find that Gruthar did not fully explain himself until a few posts into this discussion but that really is beside the point of you arbitrarily deciding to be a prick. Good day.