Re: OT: New PC!
 

OK, but now it's broken. I hope you're happy. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Hmmm….Not sure what the link was to, but it looks like it might have been to a Chiller? If so, they will let you make some real good OC’s, but they are in and of themselves, as big pain in the butt.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

AZ:
Leave the url part alone and just change the text displayed.

<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>make this part short</pre><hr />

quote this post to see the underlying code

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Threadium Resurectus!

Still don't have my new PC, I'm considering waiting until Feb when nVidia releases it's next generation video cards, since that'll drive down the price of the ones I want. Or at least until after Christmas when shipping becomes reliable and bargains abound.

Came up with two questions though.
1) Seeing as I'm going with an SLI configuration, I'm a bit worried about the noise the thing'll be making. Two video card fans, a processor heatsink &amp; the power supply fan sounds noisey to me. Anyone know of any good solutions for that?

2) I've found an Irish website that actually is a bit cheaper for a few parts than I've found on US sites, so I'll definately be getting a few from there. Question is, if I buy some parts in Ireland, and some parts from the US, am I going to have to worry about any incompatabilities? ie: Power supply...?

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Hey, I finally finished one of my projects yesterday. 4.2GHz of water cooled bliss http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

PIXs

Re: OT: New PC!
 

1) The fans on the cards don’t make much noise, the 7800/256 cards run quite cool and don’t need fast loud fans. Most heat sink fans list the dbs and you can look for a quiet one. Also, larger diameter fans move the same amout of air as smaller fans, with less noise. So look for a case with 120mm fans.

2) Remember to add shipping costs and any duties to offshore orders. Often it is a lot cheaper to buy in country. The only thing to worry about is the power supply. The AC plug and voltage need to match what is locally available. Also be sure to get a PSU with dual SLI leads.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

quietpc.com. They sell all sorts of things for silencing the beast. Fans, special quiet drives and more. You can spend a little, or you can spend a whole lot. Just depends on how quiet you really need it to be. I've never actually bought anything there, but I love browsing the site and dreaming. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Whisper power supplies are amazingly good, I was suitably impressed with how quiet they actually are. As Thermy mentioned get a quiet processor fan, the graphics card not too loud and a nice 120mm case fan. Throw in a quiet power supply and job's a good 'un.

Customs duty can be an unpleasent surprise when it kicks in, there are various threshold beneath which it doesn't apply. Not being an expert on Irish duty I have no idea if it's the same there, but I'd imagine it's at least similar.

The US is 110v 60Hz while Europe has allegedly standardise on 220v 50Hz. I'm pretty sure Ireland has dropped down from 240v to the European standard. Regardless a US spec power supply wouldn't be happy in Ireland.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Don't have a clue bout customs either. Regardless, I'll be buying the power supply in Ireland since the one I have my eye on is eur40 cheaper. The only thing I'm concerned about would be things like sound &amp; graphics cards; if I buy them from the States, and plug them into a mobo bought in Irleand, running off an Irish power supply, would they be OK? Currently the cheapest GeForce 7800s available in Ireland are eur120 more than the cheapest in the States.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Have you taken a look at www.tigerdirect.ca ? They have some of the best prices I've seen for computer components. I'm looking at getting a nice shiny new power supply from them now that I've got a good job. 500 or 600W. Remember, prices are in Canadian dollars, not American. Though the two are becoming closer all the time!

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Careful about cheap PSUs... a malfunctioning PSU will fry everything in your computer. Make sure to do plenty of Internet research on the brand/model you are looking at.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Renegade while I appreciate the sentiment (who doesn't like cheap deals?) a Canadian PSU will get fried on 220v. While a candle burnt at both ends will live half as long, a PSU on double the voltage will last a couple of seconds before going boom.

That aside the rest of the bits should be utterly fine, the voltages for PCI, etc are all defined (3.3v rings a bell but I'm sure someone else know or can google the real answer). The components should, by everything I know and have heard, be fine. No power system in the world runs correct for a motherboard so transforming the voltage is a must, hence the only check is if the PSU will work on your countries voltage and frequency.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Well the site I quoted has computer components of all varieties at good prices, I didn't mean to imply that it was solely PSU's. And I wasn't recommending a North American PSU in Europe! Boom not good when it comes to computers http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: OT: New PC!
 

That's assuming that the PSU doesn't fail by starting to put out significantly more than 3.3V on that rail... The standards are defined, but when electronics start failing, anything can and will happen.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

I'm looking to buy a new comp as well... what is better, Geoforce pci express 6800 or geoforce 7800 gtx???

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Definitely second Fyron's comment about cheap PSUs. The same thing goes for fans. If a RAM chip dies, no big deal, toss in another.

If a PSU goes, it can either A. do nothing B. take out a couple components C. nuke your whole system or D. (doesn't happen often) catch fire.

Fans, if they die without you noticing, will do any number of things. Case fan..not a big deal, you'll have time to notice. CPU fan? Modern CPUs will overheat more or less instantly without a fan.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

/me is afraid now

It's been a good few years since I was last building PCs (to give you an idea the last one I built was a Pentium 200MHz, and it was state-of-the-art at the time), but I recall that power supplies used to have a little switch at the back for flipping betweent 220v and 110v. Is this not the case anymore?

And I've no intention of buying a 'cheap' PSU, or fans, or anything vital. I just want to get the best price that I can for good equipment.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

The 6800 is a good midrange card that should last you for quite some time. That's the good thing about cards that aren't quite top of the line anymore, but aren't too far below either. I have a 6600 GT OC and it runs everything just fine. In a couple years though, that might no longer be the case. However, the 7800 GTX is definitely top of the line at the moment. It'll cost you quite a bit more than the 6800, but will also last longer in a machine. In either case I'd definitely go with PCI-Express, not AGP.

7800GTX 256MB will cost you about $350 if you can get a good deal. Up to $600 if you don't. 6800 will likely run you about $150-$175US, but will not run graphics intensive games at their highest level for as long as the 7800. Really it's up to you. Especially if you don't run graphics intensive games, I'd stick with the 6800. If you do, might consider the 7800.

Which is why you hope you have a temperature display that you glance at frequently!

I believe that is still the case.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

It is generally a bad idea to buy top of the line video cards... Always buying top of the line cards will cost more mony in the long run. While it is true that the card will last longer than the last generation (or two) of top of the line, it will cost more than twice as much and will not last anywhere near twice as long before feeling "dated." Buying a new second or third generation card a few years down the line when the 2nd/3rd gen card you buy today starts feeling dated will still have you spending less money overall (even taking inflation into account) than the initial purchase of the top of the line card today... Top of the line models fall drastically in price after a rather short period, largely because they start out highly inflated in price.

The same holds true for CPUs, and pretty much all other computer parts...

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Good point, Fyron, which is why I'm thinking of waiting for February to buy my graphics cards, since that's when the next-gen nVidia's are supposed to be out. And seeing as I'm giving serious consideration to a pair of 7800s, I think the savings of waiting a couple months would be well worth it.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Since this has become a general tech thread, I've got a question about RAM.

I'm looking to upgrade from 1GB to 2GB. The question is, do I need to buy the extra Gig from the same manufacturer or is RAM compatible across manufacturers? As it is, I could end up with 2x512 from one manufacturer, and 2x512 from another...would this work fine?

Another separate yet related question; is there any way to determine the manufacturer of a particular component without physically cracking open the case and checking the labels? I have the idea there is a way and spent a while poking around the various device managers, but couldn't seem to find it. If anyone knows, please help! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Dunno if it was suggested or not, but get a 10,000 RPM SATA hard drive, the WD Raptors at 74 gb are great.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Renegade 13 said:
I'm looking to upgrade from 1GB to 2GB. The question is, do I need to buy the extra Gig from the same manufacturer or is RAM compatible across manufacturers? As it is, I could end up with 2x512 from one manufacturer, and 2x512 from another...would this work fine?

As far as I know, RAM is RAM is RAM. It shouldn't matter who made each chip, unless it is some shoddy Chinese junk manufacturer... Just make sure to get them all the same clock frequency, since the motherboard will run all RAM at the frequency of the lowest chip.

Another separate yet related question; is there any way to determine the manufacturer of a particular component without physically cracking open the case and checking the labels? I have the idea there is a way and spent a while poking around the various device managers, but couldn't seem to find it. If anyone knows, please help! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Device manager is not always helpful, especially if you have components using generic drivers. Try Belarc Advisor, which I believe reads all the identification bits for each piece of hardware, as well as driver info:

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Re: OT: New PC!
 

And, it may seem obvious to us Techmonkeys but i've seen it happen, make sure you have enough DIMM slots to place 4 sticks of RAM in. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Thanks Fyron! That's pretty much what I thought, but wanted to be sure.

RD: http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif Wouldn't that be the first thing one would confirm before thinking about an upgrade!?!?

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Speaking of RAM, does anyone have any suggestions for a good mix of performance &amp; price? I'm looking at some nice Corsair stuff, but it's about eur250 for 1GB, and I want 2GB, but don't really want to spend eur500 on RAM.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/redface.gif 250 Euro's!?! Is it gold plated and encrusted with diamonds?!? There's really no need that I can see to spend anywhere near that much on a Gig of RAM. Something a little lower down the price spectrum should still do you just fine. Then again I'm not horribly knowledgable, so you'll probably want some better opinions than mine. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

Re: OT: New PC!
 

What kind of ram are you looking to get. DDR PC2700?

Re: OT: New PC!
 

DDR PC3200, if memory serves. Had a lovely spreadsheet done up but left it at work, and won't be able to get it back until the 3rd. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif Would PC2700 do fine for a system geared primarily towards gaming?

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Heh...

It probably depends completely on the game. Some FPS games might need every little thing to be as fast as it possibly can be in order to perform best. Others might only need enough memory to keep from having to use disk swapping.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Um, not hugely into FPSs... I'll play them now and then but I'm mainly getting the rig for the graphic-intensive RPGs &amp; strategy games on the way. Don't know if the different engines would make a difference though.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Dear Xintis... any RAM costing that much money is a ripoff. Its all the same, really... so long as it isn't from a no-name Chinese factory, performance will be virtually the same from different manufacturers (for same make and frequency of RAM). Most of it comes from the same factories anyways... Heat sinks as featured on glitzy Corsair stuff cost only a few bucks if you buy them separately, so that is no reason to pay such a mark-up...


A quick froogle search even shows those same chips to be far cheaper... (250 euros is ~296 US dollars). Even with import duties, that 250 euro figure can't compare, I think.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

...'Froogle'?

Ah, computer slang. Nothing like it.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Well the time has come to upgrade the old video card. Since everything is going PCI express I guess I need to consider a new MB as well. That brings me to memory and CPU.

What would your suggestions for a solid, enexpensive Motherboard, CPU, Ram (1gig), and power supply wattage?

Sure AMD 64's are hot right now, but are they worth the money?

I am finding it very confusing with all of the socket types, merrory version so any one able to clear things up would get a gold star from me. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

I would like to try and stay around $500.00 (not counting the Video card) for costs in parts. The cheaper the price the better things will be.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

What do you have now? $500 is not going to get you ^&amp;$# from that list.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

It's not really slang when it is a web site name...

$500 can go a mighty long way Thermodyne... Once you know what you need, just watch the deal sites and wait for good rebates. All it takes is a bit of patience.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

It is slang when it mimics an actual word.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Frugal: fru·gal adj.
1. Practicing or marked by economy, as in the expenditure of money or the use of material resources.

Sorry. Had to.

Anyway, I've been out of the loop for so long, all this new RAM terminology has got me a bit confuddled. DDR this and PCxxxx that. What the devil does it all mean? And more importantly, what's a good thing to look out for that would give decent performance along with a managable pricetag?

Re: OT: New PC!
 

You can get a good price tag on any RAM, so long as you shop around.

PCxxxx is related to clock frequency of the RAM, in a convoluted sort of way. Higher is generally better. Try not to combine different "PC" levels of RAM, since it will all be downclocked to run at the lowest frequency.

Sorry. Had to.

Not entirely sure why.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Because I had to. I thought I was clear on that. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Anyway, here's a rather important question: I'm looking at a Geforce 7800 card, and it says as part of it's minimum requirements that one should have a 350W power supply. Now, if I'm going for two SLI cards, does that mean I should be looking at a 700W power supply?
I'm assuming not, since I don't think it needs the whole 350W, and that's listed as a minimum since that's the least it will run on with the processor, fans, HD, etc running.

But I can't seem to find anywhere that says what the card's actual draw would be. Any ideas?

Re: OT: New PC!
 

This is what I used in both of my sli systems
PSU

Beware, it's slightly longer than a std PSU. Made it a real hard fit in one of my cases.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Is there an online version of the printed manual at the manufacturer's website? Those things usually explain all the nitty-gritty technical details...

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Thermodyne, this is the case I'm thinking of (Though I'll be looking for a slightly better price, this site just has the best info about its dimensions). Case

Ed, thanks for the idea, but I left my spreadsheet with all the details on it at work (I'm productive, really!) so I can't actually remember what card I was looking at. I might actually show up early tomorrow just to find out.

Edit: Fixed linky

Re: OT: New PC!
 

OK that’s the same case I have but with a different front. You will have to remove the top of case connector panel and fan to install the linked PSU. It’s not a big deal, one screw on the panel and a squeeze bracket on the fan. Don’t loose the screw, it’s a real short one.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

AZ, I believe the minimum power wattage on a PSU for two 7800's in SLI is 500W.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Currently this is the PSU I'm looking at PSU .
That should fit ok, shouldn't it? Out of curiosity, Thermo, do you have to remove the case connector pannel &amp; fan permenantly, or can they be replaced once the unit is in place?

Re: OT: New PC!
 

You can put them back after the PSU is in.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Ah, well that's grand then. I'm well used to having to finangle computer bits around to get them working.

Another little question just came to mind. In terms of primarily gaming performance would I be better of with an AMD 2.4GHz with a 1MB cache, or a 2.2GHz with a 2MB cache? The 2.4GHz with 2MB cache is a bit out of my price range.

Re: OT: New PC!
 

OK, so here's where the system is sitting at the moment:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ 2.2GHz Socket 939
Asus A8N-SLI Premium, nForce4 SLI,Socket -939
Corsair TWINX2048-3200
Western Digital Caviar SE16 250GB SATA2 16MB 7200RPM
Gainward GeForce 7800GT 256MB GDDR3 x2
Creative SB X-Fi Platinum PCI, Retail
Samsung 19" LCD Syncmaster 930BF TCO-99 Monitor, DVI-D, D-sub, 4ms
Logitech Z-5450 Speakerset 5.1 THX
Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard
Razer Diamondback Plasma
Zalman FS-C77 Fatal1ty CPU Cooler - Retail (HS-018-ZA)
Thermaltake Kandalf Black
Seasonic S12 Powersupply 600W
Plextor DVD±RW burner, PX-750A x2

I know, it won't be cheap, but I've got the funds for it, and it's just looking sooo purty. Anybody have any suggestions for things I might have forgoten about, or not even thought of?

Re: OT: New PC!
 

Anybody? Any thoughts at all? I've changed the PSU to a Thermaltake PurePower 680W, for the simple reasons that a) it's cheaper and b) the Seasonic can't handle SLI. I've also changed the DVD drive to a Plextor PX-716AL because it's faster, &amp; I don't really need two just yet.

Also, Thermodyne any thoughts on whether a Zalman CNPS9500-LED Aero Flower would fit in the case I'm looking at?