Computer Hardware: 2008

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Jonathan
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Post by Jonathan »

I'm going to build a new computer using some of the money from our Oregon state tax kicker check.

Here's the list:
C2D 6850: $144 through Intel EPP
a P35 motherboard with single x16 (probably abit?): $90
2x1GB DDR2 800: $49
HSF: ?

These components are to be replaced by a Nehalem when that becomes available, which should be free for the CPU and then I have to pay for the rest.

DVD Burner: $30
Case (probably Antec Solo): $80
PSU (something quiet): $70
WD 7200RPM 250GB HD: $65

And then there's the video card. I can't decide on the video card. I want a 8800 GT, that's a given. So there's three (maybe four) choices:

From cheapest to most expensive:
8800 GT 256MB: $210-220. Works fine with current gen games at 1280x1024. No future proofing.
8800 GT 512MB: $260-270. Works at higher resolutions and probably with new games.
Sparkle 8800 GT Passive: not bloody available anywhere. I've been looking for a week.
8800 GT 512MB overclocked: could get a factory overclock for around $300.

I really want to buy the passive because the fan noise is just killing me. But if it can't be found for love or money, that presents a problem as I want to build this thing before Amber starts school again.

Another way to go is to reuse components from my existing computer. I kinda like the idea of keeping it in one piece, though.

Dave
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Post by Dave »

I'm also looking to get the sparkle 8800 whenever that's available. the widescreen LCD is growing a bit on me, tho I got a low-end one which I can notice the difference between 5 and 2ms, or it might just be the crappier refreshrate at the natice resolution.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but it doesn't take any to just sit there with a dumb look on your face.

Jonathan
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Post by Jonathan »

Sparkle also has an 8800 GT with fan. My searches turned up a Sparkle 8800 GT at directron.com, but it wasn't the passive version.

Jonathan
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Post by Jonathan »

directron.com says they'll have the passive Sparkle on the 11th.

Here's the part list:
Antec Solo
MSI P35 Neo-Combo (it was cheap plus see below)
2x1GB DDR2 800 G.Kill (the slow stuff)
C2D 6850
Lite-On DVD mega combo drive
Audigy 4 ($15 at Office Depot)
Seagate 7200RPM 250GB SATA HD

Didn't get the large memory board or a lot of memory because I'll make that leap come Nehalem time.

Now that I've written this down, I don't think I bought a power supply?

VLSmooth
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Post by VLSmooth »

Dwindlehop wrote:Now that I've written this down, I don't think I bought a power supply?
Yep. The Antec Solo does not come with a power supply.

I still recommend the CMPSU-520HX by Corsair ( silentpcreview ).

VLSmooth
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Post by VLSmooth »

You might also want to look at Corsair's VX450W if you want to try to save $30-$80.
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article751-page1.html

Some head-to-head comparisons can be found here
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article751-page5.html

I still recommend the HX-series. Not only do they perform better acoustically and offer more wattage, but they also have modular cables and can support dual video card setups. Furthermore, PSUs can easily be re-used.

Jonathan
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Post by Jonathan »

I don't intend to cram it full of disks or cards. I think a cheaper one is fine.

Jonathan
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Post by Jonathan »

I was wrong. I bought a 430W Thermaltake and completely forgot about it. :D

Jason
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Post by Jason »

Ars recommended the PNY 8800: http://arstechnica.com/guides/buyer/guide-200801.ars/3.

Does it look like a good idea? I'm wondering because it's on sale: http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/110058

Jonathan
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Post by Jonathan »

8800 GT is the card to buy. 512MB is good up to ridiculous (HD) screen resolutions. 256MB is sufficient if you have an older display and don't plan to upgrade to 16x12 or greater. There's not much differentiation between the different brands. A few come with a bundled game; a couple are factory overclocked (nothing you can't accomplish yourself). PNY is as good a brand as any. I paid $250 for my 8800 GT, so $232 is pretty good.

Jonathan
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Post by Jonathan »

I did not get the passive 8800 as directron was full of lies. It is unobtanium in the US.

Dave
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Post by Dave »

Think the 9600 will be out soon? I'm ocnsidering getting the 8800, but the (crappy) 22" I got isn't all that for gaming.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but it doesn't take any to just sit there with a dumb look on your face.

Jonathan
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Post by Jonathan »


Peijen
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Post by Peijen »

Jason wrote:Ars recommended the PNY 8800: http://arstechnica.com/guides/buyer/guide-200801.ars/3.

Does it look like a good idea? I'm wondering because it's on sale: http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/110058
I wish I have money because that would make settler of catan tolerable at 1080p

George
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Post by George »

Well, to be fair, I wasn't able to display it at 1024x768 with a 8600GT.
I feel like I just beat a kitten to death... with a bag of puppies.

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