Ultimate Gaming System

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: fisher

Originally posted by: fanboi
And unless you're a hardcore audiophile and listen/mix/record music all day long, as well as have a set of $200+ 5.1 speakers, a high-end sound card won't yield much better results than the standard on-board audio chip found on most good boards these days.

Seriously, I have an Audigy 2, and I plugged my Logitech Z-560's on my on-board card just for kicks. For some games, the EAX from Creative makes a difference. But for those games that don't use EAX, I couldn't really tell the difference.

Now, if you're a serious audiophile, maybe the difference is obvious to you. To me, I just realize that the quality of the on-board audio chip nowadays makes purchasing an expensive sound card less worthwile than it once was.

Keep the money you woulda spent on the sound card and buy a better CPU/vid card is my recommendation.

you also take the load of audio off the cpu by going with a dedicated card, altho on a high end system like this it wouldn't make as much of a difference i guess. at the very least get an audigy 2 zs card, how high you want to go up that chain depends on what you want to spend.

i wish people would stop misusing the word audiophile. a true audiophile would laugh at the idea of having an audigy anything.

Indeed, a true audiophile would prefer the $25 Chaintech AV710 to ANY Audigy based card.

 

[Regs]

Yeah, that would certainly justify a Ultimate Gaming rig description. However like others said, it may not pay to be on the bleeding edge unless you are Donald Trump. 870 dollars for a CPU just for gaming is just insane. Maybe if you do encoding and some hardcore 3D graphics rendering then the price tag will be justified.

If not, the over head (over kill for this matter) will be equivalent to blowing up a building with a 100 Megaton nuke instead of a few pounds of carefully placed C4 explosives .

And get some high quality 5.1 surround sound speakers for that Audigy.

 

[Vicious38]

Originally posted by: jpeyton

Last Question... What do you think of this setup? I saved money for a couple of months for this and I'm planning to have this last for atleast 2 Years.

I'll give you an interesting perspective. You spent $4000 on the system above. I browsed Hot Deals, Fatwallet, etc., and put together the following:

AMD Athlon 64 3400+ S754 $275
Chaintech VNF3-250 $80
1GB Corsair Value Select $120
X800 Pro VIVO ---> X800XT PE $399
Antec Sonata $90
Chaintech AV710 $25
2X Maxtor 160GB 7200RPM 8MB $130

I paid ~$1100 for the computer (w/o monitor). Now, granted, I did have a LOT of money saved up this summer, and I could have spent 4x as much on something with bragging rights. However, if you put your box and mine behind a curtain, hooked them up to the same kind of monitor, ran the same timedemo, unless you had FRAPS running you wouldn't be able to tell whose machine was running what.

But here's the kicker. The $2900 I didn't spend is kept, so that 12-16 months from now, when both of our machines are getting a little long in the tooth and the new generation GPUs are out, I can easily upgrade to something more current while still keeping my budget below yours. As time goes on, my machine will get faster with LESS money than your machine which consumed MORE money from the onset.

Well, you see, I've been running on Mid-Level Computers for a while now, my last video card was a ATI Radeon 9000 Pro, My Sound Card was Onboard, My motherboard was an Intel... Why? Because it had the name Intel in it. My Processor was an Intel Pentium 4 2.4GHz B, Monitor was a Philips 17" Flat Screen that I got off a friend for 50.00. I got fed up with it when I relised I can't run Warcraft III, or something like Unreal Tournament 2003. That computer cost me around 799.99, The motherboard and processor where 150 together. I went cheap on everything, but I've been saving money up for a year. No I'm not rich, however I don't have expenses. I work and make 400 a month, but all of the money goes to me, not to rent, food, car, nothing.. So it was fairly easy for me to gather the money for this computer. However it's still my money I'm not going to spend 250 dollars extra for something at 499.99 once in stock. Thats just a waste, just because I spent that much money on the rest of my computer, there were all at great deals, the cheapest I could find anywhere. Now, there wouldn't be any reason for you guys debating how I wasted my money because I already bought everything except for the Video Card, and the Monitor. So please I'd like for you guys to awnser those questions. Not to make me feel like an idiot for spending this much money. I wanted everything high-end, thats understandable isn't it? I don't want a game coming out in 6 months that I wouldn't be able to run at High Quality High Resolution. I want the maximum on everything. My last computer could only go to 1024x768, Even though my video card could support higher. I don't want that problem anymore. Also this computer isn't just for games. This is my computer the only computer I'm going to have or use. Meaning it will involve all of my hobbies. Watching DVDs, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Photoshop, Gaming, any kind of Graphic Designing, Flash, and listening to MP3s. Who knows what I want to do with it in the next 2 months, but I'll be prepared either way. If I want to I could buy another computer for 4000 in the next Year. Since again, I have no expenses all the money goes to my pocket for me to spend however I like. So please... Could You guys help me out with my questions because I'm going to buy the monitor in a few days and the Video Card whenever there available.

Has anyone found nVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra Extreme Edition at MSRP thats available to buy?

About the monitor... I'm having concerns that this montior may be to big for my Table, heck just in general 19 x 19 at 70 Pounds, Although I heard the quality is unmatched. I'm willing to go 200 Dollars more for a good monitor that has the same quality though it should be LCD Flat Panal, is this even possible? Or atleast one that comes close.

My Original plan about the memory was to get 2 GB of OCZ DDR PC-3700/466MHz Platinum Enhanced Bandwidth Dual Channel (4x 512 MB) But I was so impatient to find it because I only found one place and it was on backorder that I settled for the memory I bought yesturday? Will there be a major difference in performance?

Also Thank you for awnsering my question about the sound card, I'll guess I'll keep my Platinum Pro.

 

[imported_theEman]

AMAZING SYSTEM! :Q

 

[jpeyton]

So you are a teen living at home with is parents who doesn't have any financial responsiblity yet?

We're not here to massage your ego. If you want to run a game at max settings now, your system is great. If you want to run a game at max settings a year from now, your system isn't so great. In fact, you'll be hard pressed to build a system now for $4000 that will do such a thing, which is my point.

Future-proofing a computer CANNOT be done by throwing more money at it when you're starting out. There is always something better right around the corner. The smartest enthusiasts are the ones who upgrade to that 90% of maximum level for the best price/performance ratio, and then save their money for the next upgrade.

To better illustrate my point, just consider our processors.

$843 for your 2.4GHz Athlon FX-53
$275 for my 2.4GHz Athlon 64 3400+

I got better than 90% of your CPU performance for 1/3rd the price. Does the FX-53 cost AMD 3x as much to make as my 3400+, or offer 3x the performance?

It's even more silly when you realize that the real-world performance difference can't really be noticed between the two CPUs.

I saw a fellow just like you this morning at my local Fry's. He was bragging about how he had $4000 worth of computer parts for the "ultimate system" in his cart to all the Fry's employees, who were probably snickering at the margin they made on this guy. That guy was a bigger fool by far, because he paid Fry's retail prices vs. the immediate savings he could have had if he ordered the exact same parts from Newegg. What's worse...he was a college student driving a Geo Metro. I have nothing against Metros, but it's obvious this was just another kid concerned about bragging rights.

I should know, because I made the same mistake with my first build several years ago. Never again. I know you ordered your parts already, but keep this post in mind next time you get the itch.

 

[kd2777]

Originally posted by: tphss
for all that I would get a high end Powersupply like Antec or OCZ, 450W+ range.

So are you saying an Antec or OCZ in the 450W+ range is high-end compared to a PC Power and Cooling 510 Deluxe? Surely you missed that and don't actually think that. If you do think that, then do some research on the PC power and cooling 510 Deluxe, and I guarantee you will have a new favorite PSU because it is the best period.

KD

 

[Vicious38]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
We're not here to massage your ego. If you want to run a game at max settings now, your system is great. If you want to run a game at max settings a year from now, your system isn't so great. In fact, you'll be hard pressed to build a system now for $4000 that will do such a thing, which is my point.

Future-proofing a computer CANNOT be done by throwing more money at it when you're starting out. There is always something better right around the corner. The smartest enthusiasts are the ones who upgrade to that 90% of maximum level for the best price/performance ratio, and then save their money for the next upgrade.

To better illustrate my point, just consider our processors.

$843 for your 2.4GHz Athlon FX-53
$275 for my 2.4GHz Athlon 64 3400+

I got better than 90% of your CPU performance for 1/3rd the price. Does the FX-53 cost AMD 3x as much to make as my 3400+, or offer 3x the performance?

It's even more silly when you realize that the real-world performance difference can't really be noticed between the two CPUs.

I saw a fellow just like you this morning at my local Fry's. He was bragging about how he had $4000 worth of computer parts for the "ultimate system" in his cart to all the Fry's employees, who were probably snickering at the margin they made on this guy. That guy was a bigger fool by far, because he paid Fry's retail prices vs. the immediate savings he could have had if he ordered the exact same parts from Newegg. What's worse...he was a college student driving a Geo Metro. I have nothing against Metros, but it's obvious this was just another kid concerned about bragging rights.

I should know, because I made the same mistake with my first build several years ago. Never again. I know you ordered your parts already, but keep this post in mind next time you get the itch.

I understand your point but its just like saying, Why would anyone go buy a Ferrai or Viper when they can go buy a Toyota for 1/5 of that price? Best Performance, doesn't matter how marginal that performance boost is. You don't see people with Vipers going 150 when you can only go 55. I don't buy a computer for Bragging Rights, Hell the only reason I mentioned them on this board is because I had a few questions. A AMD Athlon FX-53 still has better performance then a AMD Athlon 64 3400+ it doesn't matter if its only 10% its still has better performance. Therefor it will last longer, maybe if its only a month it will last longer then Athlon 64 3400+. If there was no point in buying FX-53 then why would anyone? Why would AnandTech Suggest this processor 3 or 4 times over since it came out in there High End Buyers Guide? I just go about getting the best product, I don't go buy price range. People keep saying that Klipsch Pro Media Ultra 5.1 would be great speakers, but I'm not going to buy it not because of the price but because I don't need it, I'm just going to be using a Headset for Gaming because its the better choice for me. I don't need to pay 400 Dollars for a high end speaker system when all I'm going to be using are $25.00 Dollar Headsets. I define High End as the best possible system, money isn't a issue. My goal was to build a high end system and thats what I'm trying to do. I'm not trying to future proof my system, I'm just trying to make it last longer. Hell maybe one year from now my computer will be worth 500. But its better then 2 months from now or 6 months from now. But even within one year, I'll be able to use it. Just not at maximum settings. Also the most I'll need to upgrade would be the Videocard, when a Windows 64 Bit Operating System comes out I'll be all set.

 

[imported_Computer MAn]

Nice rig.
And when that FX starts to get a little bit slower you can always overclock it because of its unlocked multiplier it should be a pretty good overclocker.

 

[masshass81]

Hey its all good. Hes happy with his high-end system and we benefit from it also - AMD gets more money and is able to do more R&D to get us even better tech in the future!

 

[imported_catch22]

Originally posted by: Vicious38

Originally posted by: jpeyton
We're not here to massage your ego. If you want to run a game at max settings now, your system is great. If you want to run a game at max settings a year from now, your system isn't so great. In fact, you'll be hard pressed to build a system now for $4000 that will do such a thing, which is my point.

Future-proofing a computer CANNOT be done by throwing more money at it when you're starting out. There is always something better right around the corner. The smartest enthusiasts are the ones who upgrade to that 90% of maximum level for the best price/performance ratio, and then save their money for the next upgrade.

To better illustrate my point, just consider our processors.

$843 for your 2.4GHz Athlon FX-53
$275 for my 2.4GHz Athlon 64 3400+

I got better than 90% of your CPU performance for 1/3rd the price. Does the FX-53 cost AMD 3x as much to make as my 3400+, or offer 3x the performance?

It's even more silly when you realize that the real-world performance difference can't really be noticed between the two CPUs.

I saw a fellow just like you this morning at my local Fry's. He was bragging about how he had $4000 worth of computer parts for the "ultimate system" in his cart to all the Fry's employees, who were probably snickering at the margin they made on this guy. That guy was a bigger fool by far, because he paid Fry's retail prices vs. the immediate savings he could have had if he ordered the exact same parts from Newegg. What's worse...he was a college student driving a Geo Metro. I have nothing against Metros, but it's obvious this was just another kid concerned about bragging rights.

I should know, because I made the same mistake with my first build several years ago. Never again. I know you ordered your parts already, but keep this post in mind next time you get the itch.

I understand your point but its just like saying, Why would anyone go buy a Ferrai or Viper when they can go buy a Toyota for 1/5 of that price? Best Performance, doesn't matter how marginal that performance boost is. You don't see people with Vipers going 150 when you can only go 55. I don't buy a computer for Bragging Rights, Hell the only reason I mentioned them on this board is because I had a few questions. A AMD Athlon FX-53 still has better performance then a AMD Athlon 64 3400+ it doesn't matter if its only 10% its still has better performance. Therefor it will last longer, maybe if its only a month it will last longer then Athlon 64 3400+. If there was no point in buying FX-53 then why would anyone? Why would AnandTech Suggest this processor 3 or 4 times over since it came out in there High End Buyers Guide? I just go about getting the best product, I don't go buy price range. People keep saying that Klipsch Pro Media Ultra 5.1 would be great speakers, but I'm not going to buy it not because of the price but because I don't need it, I'm just going to be using a Headset for Gaming because its the better choice for me. I don't need to pay 400 Dollars for a high end speaker system when all I'm going to be using are $25.00 Dollar Headsets. I define High End as the best possible system, money isn't a issue. My goal was to build a high end system and thats what I'm trying to do. I'm not trying to future proof my system, I'm just trying to make it last longer. Hell maybe one year from now my computer will be worth 500. But its better then 2 months from now or 6 months from now. But even within one year, I'll be able to use it. Just not at maximum settings. Also the most I'll need to upgrade would be the Videocard, when a Windows 64 Bit Operating System comes out I'll be all set.

Is one month really worth over $2000? I understand what you're trying to do, but a little common sense goes a long way. Like other people have said, with that money you have left over you could put it towards your next system or spend it on something else, save it etc.

One other thing, you say you don't need the $400 speakers because all you'll be using are a pair of $25 headphones. That $250 sound card will go to waste with headphones like that. The load it would take off your cpu is negligible for the price you pay.

I'm not trying to bash you, you put together a hell of a system. Like a few others in this thread, i'm just trying to give you a few friendly tips for the next time.

 

[kd2777]

That's not what jpeyton is saying. He?s not saying your FX-53 isn't faster, because it is, we ALL admit that. However what he is saying is a 3400 is NOT going to be obsolete in a few months. And when you decide that your CPU is slowing down, with that 600 bucks you saved by not moving to the FX-53 you can spend 250 for the new 90-95% CPU. Then several months later do it again. We are just saying that with the money you are putting down on the FX-53 you can buy 3 good CPUs over the next two years and be much better off. As he has stated, you will not be able to tell the difference in a 3400 and an FX-53 unless you run a benchmark.

KD

 

[deanx0r]

that system is a waste if money imo

best gaming systems can be found in the sub 200: xbox or ps2 :/

 

[Markfw]

Originally posted by: deanx0r
that system is a waste if money imo

best gaming systems can be found in the sub 200: xbox or ps2 :/

You've got to be kidding ? A good gaming system today that plays DoomIII and Far Cry well, will annialate any xbox for video quality and gaming pleasure...... Yes they are a good value, but its like a volkswagon vs Ferrari comparison....

 

[kd2777]

Originally posted by: Markfw900

Originally posted by: deanx0r
that system is a waste if money imo

best gaming systems can be found in the sub 200: xbox or ps2 :/

You've got to be kidding ? A good gaming system today that plays DoomIII and Far Cry well, will annialate any xbox for video quality and gaming pleasure...... Yes they are a good value, but its like a volkswagon vs Ferrari comparison....

I agree, a good 3400 (1MB cache) and a decent ATI or NVIDIA and you can smite a PS2 or xBOX.

KD

 

[deanx0r]

you buy a ferrari to either have bragging rights about social status or get laid
you buy a vw to commute to work

you buy a 4k system to play video games (in this case the ultimate gaming system)
you buy a xbox to play video games

if you are want bragging rights, better save now towards a ferrari

on the other side, console games and pc games are completely different. Sure PC games will always run better on PC, and the best console games will always have the exclusivity

I play mostly PC games, but I have to admit console gaming in general is much better than PC gaming (putting tech aside that require a 400 bucks gfx card)

 

[Marsumane]

Heres the deal: NV's card is more future proof, wins some games, loses others. Both cards are around the same price and average the same performance. If i were to get either card, id get the nv card just cuz it has sm3.0 which down the road MAY help u more. But personally i'd get the 6800gt and oc it to ultra speeds for $400. They seem to overclock to that speed just about every time and ud be saving ALOT of moeny.

 

[AnotherGuy]

Dude... forget about all the frikn PS2-s and Ferraris!!!!!!
U do have one of the best ultimate gaming machines! Thats all u needed to hear from us RIGHT NOW...
now sorry i cant answer those memory or other questions... cz not an expert there... maybe someone else can.
And u plp... cant u just agree that this is a hell of a system... he didnt ask if his system will be the best until after 2 years... he just has some specific questions he needs answers,
I am sure he is definitly NOT asking u to be his parents.

 

[deanx0r]

well it's too late now that he already bought most of this component...
but he could have saved 3 grand if he asked us first

 

[mauiblue]

Great system, vicious38. I hope that you will have many hours of enjoyment building and ultimately utilizing this rig.

BTW, I bought a 19 inch Mitsubishi/NEC CRT monitor the other month. Not as large as the one you want, but just the same the graphics is a great.

Enjoy.

 

[lavagirl669]

WOW...now that is a sweet rig.

I wouldn't care how big that monitor is, it is sweet!
Kick butt CPU and everything else too.....

envy is turning me as green as you......*sigh*
LOL

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: deanx0r
you buy a ferrari to either have bragging rights about social status or get laid
you buy a vw to commute to work

you buy a 4k system to play video games (in this case the ultimate gaming system)
you buy a xbox to play video games

if you are want bragging rights, better save now towards a ferrari

on the other side, console games and pc games are completely different. Sure PC games will always run better on PC, and the best console games will always have the exclusivity

I play mostly PC games, but I have to admit console gaming in general is much better than PC gaming (putting tech aside that require a 400 bucks gfx card)

This comparison doesnt make any sense, a fast car is still a really fast car in 5 years.

In 5 years that computer is a paperweight.

 

[tphss]

Originally posted by: kd2777

Originally posted by: tphss
for all that I would get a high end Powersupply like Antec or OCZ, 450W+ range.

So are you saying an Antec or OCZ in the 450W+ range is high-end compared to a PC Power and Cooling 510 Deluxe? Surely you missed that and don't actually think that. If you do think that, then do some research on the PC power and cooling 510 Deluxe, and I guarantee you will have a new favorite PSU because it is the best period.

KD

My bad, for some reason I thought I saw 250W and replied accordingly...

 

[raildogg]

Originally posted by: Vicious38
Well, all of my computer have had ATI Cards in them in the past. But everyone told me how nVIDIA is better for gaming, so I figured I'd try them out.

nvidia is better for gaming?? whoever told u that needs to get slapped on .... the wrist. totally false. noone is better for gaming. its all about cycles ... during one cycle ati has better cards and in another nvidia has better

 

[GrumpyMan]

Maybe you should send me your gaming rig and just get a $500.00 Dell to make some of these guys happy.