$850 budget...

[Ika]

Originally posted by: Noobtastic

Originally posted by: dclive

Originally posted by: Noobtastic

Originally posted by: Aflac

Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Is the 8600GTS worse than the x1950pro???


The 8600GTS is 128 bits!!! What the hell is up with that??!!



Will that affect games like battefield 2, 2142, and future battlefield games? (ill be playing max settings..)

Tip: STOP LOOKING AT NUMBERS and start looking at benchmarks! The question you asked takes about 5 minutes with Google. I really hope you're capable of doing that, because my mother is. Who cares about 128 bits vs. 256 bits - the only thing you should be caring about is what performs better at the resolution you want.

But I can't seem to find any reliable benchmarks.


I found two sites, and only one has battlefield 2 - but the site looks iffy.


Do you know anything about the 8600GTS? Cnet gave the EVGA 8600GTS a 6.4!! I'm not sure which brand dell uses..

Tomshardware.com -- and if your game isn't reviewed, draw a consensus from the other results.

What is your opinion of the 8600gts?

From a search, one can conclude that the 8600GTS is not as good as the X1950 Pro in terms of performance, UNLESS you are willing to overclock the card (something the 8600GTS does very well).

 

[Ika]

While I'm still thinking about this thread, From Hot Deals

Just upgrade the operating system, get the video card yourself, and you're set. Much cheaper than before.

 

[Noobtastic]

Originally posted by: Aflac

Originally posted by: Noobtastic

Originally posted by: dclive

Originally posted by: Noobtastic

Originally posted by: Aflac

Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Is the 8600GTS worse than the x1950pro???


The 8600GTS is 128 bits!!! What the hell is up with that??!!



Will that affect games like battefield 2, 2142, and future battlefield games? (ill be playing max settings..)

Tip: STOP LOOKING AT NUMBERS and start looking at benchmarks! The question you asked takes about 5 minutes with Google. I really hope you're capable of doing that, because my mother is. Who cares about 128 bits vs. 256 bits - the only thing you should be caring about is what performs better at the resolution you want.

But I can't seem to find any reliable benchmarks.


I found two sites, and only one has battlefield 2 - but the site looks iffy.


Do you know anything about the 8600GTS? Cnet gave the EVGA 8600GTS a 6.4!! I'm not sure which brand dell uses..

Tomshardware.com -- and if your game isn't reviewed, draw a consensus from the other results.

What is your opinion of the 8600gts?

From a search, one can conclude that the 8600GTS is not as good as the X1950 Pro in terms of performance, UNLESS you are willing to overclock the card (something the 8600GTS does very well).

How much is "not as good?"

What about battlefield 2 and battlefield 2142.


Is the performance gap worth pulling out a 7300LE and tossing in a x1950pro (which would cost me $210when factoring 7300LE.)


I'm using my computer at STOCK SPEED. Overclocking voids the warranty, and I don't want to do it anyways.

While I'm still thinking about this thread, From Hot Deals

Just upgrade the operating system, get the video card yourself, and you're set. Much cheaper than before.

You're way behind man, seriously.

 

[dclive]

Noob, you've been given resources to help you. Please use them. Tom's Hardware is one of the best; take a few minutes and google.

 

[Noobtastic]

Originally posted by: dclive
Noob, you've been given resources to help you. Please use them. Tom's Hardware is one of the best; take a few minutes and google.

i went to tomshardware.

 

[dclive]

ok, you're all set!

 

[Noobtastic]

Originally posted by: dclive
ok, you're all set!

how so?

I can't find a second source for the 8600GTS (and the first one doesn't even have battlefield 2 or 2142.)

 

[dclive]

But you can draw a general consensus from the reviews as to the overall speed. Google a bit and I'm sure you'll find all you need.

 

[KungFused]

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html

Is what you should be looking at.

 

[Noobtastic]

I've already looked at that, and it doesn't list the 8600GTS.

 

[dclive]

Keep googling and looking on Tom's and you can find comparative reviews that give all the info you should need.

 

[Noobtastic]

Ok, I've discovered that the XPS 410 build (the dimension was too expensive because it doesn't have free shipping) with my monitor, retail input devices, and other computer purchases would cost exactly $1,279 dollars.

My newegg system, with $150 build fee and my monitor, retail input devices, and other computer purchases, would cost exactly $1,413.

Here is the newegg system (core components):

LG DVD R/W.

Seagate 320 gig harddrive.

FSB 500 watt PSU

Super Talent DDR 800 1 gig x 2

Abit IP35 LGA 775

Intel Core Duo E6320

Vista home Premium

X1950pro

Dell:

Single Drive DVD/RW

Intel core duoE6320

2 gigs DDR 667 memory

375 Watt certified PSU

Vista Home Premium

Unspecified mobo (I'm assuming it's decent)

8600GTS

320 gig HD


So, my question: Is the newegg system worth the extra $200 even though it doesn't come with a warranty and is being built by PC club..? The Dell, while obviously slightly less powerful in terms GPU, is fully built and comes with a reputable warranty and customer service.


What do you guys think?

As stated previously, I'll be playing Battlefield and Battlefield 2142 at High-Maximum settings, expecting zero lag or stutter from my computer.

The dell looks very attractive, considering it comes built and has a decent warranty (newegg warranties each part, and if something were to go wrong..I'd have to go back to the builder to take out the part...which would cost more money...) but I'm not sure if it's underpowered GPU compensates (but I'll only be playing battlefield.)



Comments?






edit: The basic components are a lot less, but I'm factoring in monitor, more software, better mouse/keyboard, games...etc..

 

[Noobtastic]

bump

 

[KungFused]

Get the Dell. I'd advise getting the cheapest possible graphics solution pre-installed, though, and buying the X1950 Pro 256mb (512mb is a waste of money for you) and installing it yourself. Installing a video card is seriously one of the easiest things I've ever done, and it won't void your warranty with Dell, and I promise it'll fit in the 410 case with no problems. The 375W PSU is not underpowered, it's more than adequate for the system even if you do upgrade the video card, it's just not overkill like all the 500W+ PSUs people keep convincing you to buy.

[EDIT] Or, if you're still leery of swapping a video card without adult supervision or whatever, get the 8600GTS from Dell instead of the 8600GT. The X1950 Pro will give you better performance in your games than anything Dell offers in the system, though.

 

[Banzai042]

Originally posted by: Noobtastic
As stated previously, I'll be playing Battlefield and Battlefield 2142 at High-Maximum settings, expecting zero lag or stutter from my computer.

Then you'll be sorely disappointed, I have a 7900gt, which is ranked above the x1950pro and the 8600gt/gts on THG, and I can't max things in 2142. I have most settings on medium and some on high and get 40-60FPS at 1280x1024. Realistically the only way you'll be able to use max settings on 2142 is to buy a more expensive videocard.

On top of that you can easily get a higher priced comp from dell using this deal, which more or less makes the dell cheaper by $250.

Also, dell monitors are fairly popular in part because they are decent quality for what you pay. I'd be willing to bet that buying a dell monitor with a dell computer would be safer than buying a cheap monitor in a store where you're paying store markup.


Edit: On top of the $250 deal from dell you also can get a discount on systems, including 12% off $1600 and up systems, meaning you configure a $1600 system -12% for $1408, then apply the $250 discount for a total of $1158. That comes in well under your budget and with all of that you could probably get a far better card that will live up to what you're apparently expecting.

 

[Noobtastic]

Originally posted by: Banzai042

Originally posted by: Noobtastic
As stated previously, I'll be playing Battlefield and Battlefield 2142 at High-Maximum settings, expecting zero lag or stutter from my computer.

Then you'll be sorely disappointed, I have a 7900gt, which is ranked above the x1950pro and the 8600gt/gts on THG, and I can't max things in 2142. I have most settings on medium and some on high and get 40-60FPS at 1280x1024. Realistically the only way you'll be able to use max settings on 2142 is to buy a more expensive videocard.

On top of that you can easily get a higher priced comp from dell using this deal, which more or less makes the dell cheaper by $250.

Also, dell monitors are fairly popular in part because they are decent quality for what you pay. I'd be willing to bet that buying a dell monitor with a dell computer would be safer than buying a cheap monitor in a store where you're paying store markup.


Edit: On top of the $250 deal from dell you also can get a discount on systems, including 12% off $1600 and up systems, meaning you configure a $1600 system -12% for $1408, then apply the $250 discount for a total of $1158. That comes in well under your budget and with all of that you could probably get a far better card that will live up to what you're apparently expecting.

I'm not a COLLEGE STUDENT. I'm still in high school. The dell deal asks for an .edu address, in addition to "proof of acceptance."

Gah, I'm so CONFUSED!

I'll probably be playing at 1400x900. Costco has a viewsonic 19inch widescreen for $199. I already own one and it works fantastic. They're also really good about returning stuff. I didn't even have the receipt and they still let me return the monitor (it had dead pixels.)

They offered cash back or product exchange. Keep in mind, the monitor was more than 3 months old.

Anyways - any other suggestions?

Is the x1950pro a huge leap from the 8600GTS? Remember, I'll be paying for a 7300LE (that's the lowest model they offer) if I don't go with the 8600GTS.


If I do go that route, I'm considering buying a 7950GT, but that requires too much power and runs mega hot. (Dell PSU is 375 watts, unsure about cooling.)


I'll be ordering on Saturday no matter what, so I'm kind of in a rush.

All help will be GREATLY appreciated.

 

[KungFused]

The 7950GT DOES NOT REQUIRE TOO MUCH POWER. I don't know how many times we have to explain to you that 375W will power any single video card you can put in your machine. It also doesn't run very hot -- I have one, and the temps really aren't anything to be concerned about. The fan is also pretty darn quiet for a stock VGA cooler.

 

[Noobtastic]

Originally posted by: KungFused
The 7950GT DOES NOT REQUIRE TOO MUCH POWER. I don't know how many times we have to explain to you that 375W will power any single video card you can put in your machine. It also doesn't run very hot -- I have one, and the temps really aren't anything to be concerned about. The fan is also pretty darn quiet for a stock VGA cooler.

Will a 7950GT fit in the XPS 410?

Also, I'm pretty sure the 8600GTS is faster than the 7900GT.

Right?

 

[KungFused]

Yes it will fit. No it's not faster. Go back to Tom's Hardware and look at the last page of the most recent Best Video Card for the Money article to see a tiered list of cards ranked by overall performance.

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: Noobtastic
If I do go that route, I'm considering buying a 7950GT, but that requires too much power and runs mega hot. (Dell PSU is 375 watts, unsure about cooling.)

We've addressed this already. Dell offers the 9200 with a 375W PSU and with the 8800GTX, which requires vastly more power than the measley 7950GT, so why do you think powering it will be a problem?

Good luck on your purchase. Get the Dell, splurge a bit and get the 8800GTX straight from Dell if you're that concerned about installing it.

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Also, I'm pretty sure the 8600GTS is faster than the 7900GT.
Right?

This is answered as well. Why don't you look at the charts we've already provided you?

 

[Noobtastic]

Originally posted by: dclive

Originally posted by: Noobtastic
If I do go that route, I'm considering buying a 7950GT, but that requires too much power and runs mega hot. (Dell PSU is 375 watts, unsure about cooling.)

We've addressed this already. Dell offers the 9200 with a 375W PSU and with the 8800GTX, which requires vastly more power than the measley 7950GT, so why do you think powering it will be a problem?

Good luck on your purchase. Get the Dell, splurge a bit and get the 8800GTX straight from Dell if you're that concerned about installing it.

I don't have $400 bucks lying around to splurge with.

According to videocard/graphics forum and tomshardware, the 8600GTS is better than the 6800 ultra. I used the 6800 ultra for battlefield 2 on max settings and it ran perfectly.

So therefore, the 8600gts should run battlefield 2 without a hitch as well....right?

The charts tomshardware has is for battlefield 2142, which uses a much more advanced battlefield 2 engine.

http://www23.tomshardware.com/...9&model2=722&chart=277

Now, I'm pretty set on a dell. I really don't want to have to install anything on my own, I'm a major goof. Plus, it would just cost me more money. I'll have to get the 7300LE, and then buy the x1950pro plus shipping, install it, etc..

Is there performance gained really worth the extra hassle and money?

I'm going to be playing Oblivion or EverQuest. Just battlefield.

The Dell XPS 400 is being shipped at $1,100 with 2 gigs of ram, E4320, 8600GTS and vista.

Do you guys know of any better retailers with similar reputations to dell that offer more options/cheaper builds?

ibuypower and cyberpower don't count. They suck major.


edit:

Does anyone know what model dell uses for the 8600GTS.

I know it's XFX, but there is two different versions.

This one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814150228

And this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814150227

The first one being vastly superior in terms of quality.


Help?

I posted on the dell forums and dell community and they don't know.


I even called but got transfered to some technician that was closed.

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Is there performance gained really worth the extra hassle and money?

Its your money and your time, so you'd have to tell us that. I suspect most people here would say the hassle amounts to about 5 minutes worth of work, but if you're uncomfortable opening a PC, it's probably best to buy it all intact.

The Dell XPS 400 is being shipped at $1,100 with 2 gigs of ram, E4320, 8600GTS and vista.

Sounds like a lot of $. The 9200 I priced was cheaper....I just put together a 9200 (2GB, 320GB, 8600GTS, 20" LCD, DVDRW, Core2Duo E6420 (2.13) for $1089. Granted, XP, but games play faster in XP anyway. And this is with a better CPU.

I know it's XFX, but there is two different versions.
This one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814150228
And this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814150227
The first one being vastly superior in terms of quality.

675 vs 720 is a difference of what - 8%? That's in 'barely noticeable' territory.

 

[Noobtastic]

Originally posted by: dclive

Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Is there performance gained really worth the extra hassle and money?

Its your money and your time, so you'd have to tell us that. I suspect most people here would say the hassle amounts to about 5 minutes worth of work, but if you're uncomfortable opening a PC, it's probably best to buy it all intact.

The Dell XPS 400 is being shipped at $1,100 with 2 gigs of ram, E4320, 8600GTS and vista.

Sounds like a lot of $. The 9200 I priced was cheaper....I just put together a 9200 (2GB, 320GB, 8600GTS, 20" LCD, DVDRW, Core2Duo E6420 (2.13) for $1089. Granted, XP, but games play faster in XP anyway. And this is with a better CPU.

I know it's XFX, but there is two different versions.
This one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814150228
And this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814150227
The first one being vastly superior in terms of quality.

675 vs 720 is a difference of what - 8%? That's in 'barely noticeable' territory.

Dimension came out more expensive with shipping. XPS 400 has free shipping until the end of August. : )

I really want XP, but I don't feel like moving all my crap when I get vista in the next year.

With my gpu, ram and cpu, vista won't bog down by system that much...will it?

edit: The reviews are worse. The cheaper XFX has much better drivers and less issues than the second one.

edit: Do you think the McAfee is worth having?

IT comes free...but I've heard it has spyware issues.

 

[dclive]

The drivers are exactly the same, which calls into question the rest of the conclusions.