New system stuff?

[madgamer]

I currently have an Asus 8AN SLI Prem. Mobo with a AMD XP 2x 4400 CPU and:
2GB of corsair Memory
250GB SATA 2 HDD
16X combo Optical Drive
2 eVGA KO 7950 video cards in SLI
Asus ext. USB sound card
good 5.1 speaker system
All the other goodies like KB,Mouse,Floopy, etc. The GPU's,CPU are also water cooled with a system from danger den.(Internal temp about 40c running under load)
I am going to buy a new Mobo&CPU and would like a Mobo with 4GB of ram and a one of the new AM3 boards are what I am most interested in. I will not upgrade the OS or video cards till the new MS OS comes out.
I have the 2 GB of RAM in duel channel so adding more to this Mobo is not possible. so:

1. Will my present specs above be good enough to run the large games in SaS
2. What Mobo under $300 and GPU under $300 (must be AMD fo both) would you recomend
3. would it be better to get 4GB of RAM on the new board or stick with 2GB?

Thanks for taking time to respond
Madgamer

[Warship NWS]

I think you should be fine Madgamer.. remember this is a turn based wargame, not some fancy 3D shooter. ;)

[Fleet Command CC]

1. Will my present specs above be good enough to run the large games in SaS

It will run with no probs, has Warship NWS said.


2. What Mobo under $300 and GPU under $300 (must be AMD fo both) would you recomend

The GPU I would pick between are has follow. :D

XFX GeForce GTX 280 1GB PCI-E 2.0
Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 4870 1GB GDDR5 PCI-E 2.0

Also have a look at this link below.

http://uk.gamespot.com/features/6202494/index.html?tag=nl.e579

The Mobo I would go for is one of the new Intel Socket 1366, because I'm not a big fan of AMD CPU. :)

I would pick between any of the follow.

MSI Eclipse SLI Intel X58 Socket 1366 Motherboard
Asus P6T Deluxe Intel X58 Socket 1366 Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-EX58-EXTREME iX58 Socket 1366 Motherboard


3. would it be better to get 4GB of RAM on the new board or stick with 2GB?

I would recommend going for the fastest DDR3 ram you can buy, and have the max the Mobo can have. If you are going to be playing the latest games. :D

[madgamer]

I did not give enough info so here are the other factore

1. I am only interested in upgrading the Mobo and CPU

2. I only want Nvidia chipset on the Mobo and the CPU will be AMD

3. I am going to get one of the new AM3 Mobo's

4. The video cards will not change from the present 7950 eVGA KO's till next year at the earliest because my system has a fluid XP cooling setup on the cards and the CPU. The cooling system uses jacket coolers (not just GPU) on the video cards and these wouls have to be replaced most likely and can run $150 apiece.

5. I do hnot plan to change my OS till the new windows has been out for awhile (2010+?)
unless for some reason due to new software I would have to do it sooner.

Any sugestions or opinions are welcome.

thanks all
Madgamer

[Fleet Command CC]

If it was me I would wait a few months, because It's going to be some time before the new line of AMD CPUs will be available, and it's very likely that something could happen between now and then to delay the release of AMD new CPUs even further. I think only ECS has announced it's doing a DDR3 AM3 motherboard at this time, its a few steps ahead of the big boys.

Check out this site.

http://www.techspot.com/news/33005-ecs-announces-first-ddr3-am3-motherboard.html

Also the new CPU's might not be that good compare to the AMD Phenom Quad CPU or they may have some problem. So I wouldn't jump the gun wait for some good benchmark test review on the new AMD CPU's and Mobo's, before you think about buying any thing. :)

Have a look at these review sites. :D

www.bit-tech.net
www.bleedinedge.com
www.guru3d.com
www.hardwarelogic.com
www.hardwarezone.com

[Ed Rotondaro]

If it was me I would wait a few months, because It's going to be some time before the new line of AMD CPUs will be available, and it's very likely that something could happen between now and then to delay the release of AMD new CPUs even further. I think only ECS has announced it's doing a DDR3 AM3 motherboard at this time, its a few steps ahead of the big boys.

Check out this site.

http://www.techspot.com/news/33005-ecs-announces-first-ddr3-am3-motherboard.html

Also the new CPU's might not be that good compare to the AMD Phenom Quad CPU or they may have some problem. So I wouldn't jump the gun wait for some good benchmark test review on the new AMD CPU's and Mobo's, before you think about buying any thing. :)

Have a look at these review sites. :D

www.bit-tech.net
www.bleedinedge.com
www.guru3d.com
www.hardwarelogic.com
www.hardwarezone.com


Fleet:

I know that you and Chris prefer to build you own customized PCs for optimum performance, but I'm in the market for a notebook/laptop PC for home use and take on vacations/holidays. I have generally bought Dell desktops over the years and have been satisfied with their reliability and pricing. But I've noticed that HP seems to be becoming more common on the portable market. Any thoughts/recommendations on a brand and processor power?

[old_pop2000]

Fleet:

I know that you and Chris prefer to build you own customized PCs for optimum performance, but I'm in the market for a notebook/laptop PC for home use and take on vacations/holidays. I have generally bought Dell desktops over the years and have been satisfied with their reliability and pricing. But I've noticed that HP seems to be becoming more common on the portable market. Any thoughts/recommendations on a brand and processor power?

Not to intrude, but take a look at Asus and Dell. Both build a good system at decent prices. If you are looking for just an internet machine, examine the new crop of Netbook systems priced in the $400 range. Asus built the best at this juncture, but new ones will be coming out this year. I believe that the Netbook will start to take off in markets. The battery life on the new Asus Netbook is the highest at 5.5 hrs. Its fast and more than adequate for travel due to lightness. Asus has been building motherboards for major manufacturers and custom builders for years.

But remember to define your requirements on paper. What are the three highest priority tasks for the notebook? Remember that operating systems tend to be resource hogs. Unknown is Windows 7. It might make a step backward in that area. Simple specs might range from:

2 gb - Physical memory

512 mb - Video Ram

160 gb Hard disk if you plan to store a lot of pictures, video's etc. However, a smaller hard disk in the notebook can be supplemented by a portable hard disk later that can be used at home on a desktop or a notebook and kept in the bag. Some extras are connectors for memory chips from cameras, USB ports, external video port. The latter is handy at home. I attached a second flat screen to my notebook which makes it nice because I can keep the lid closed and use an external wireless mouse/keyboard.

Bottom line, define the requirements carefully. If internet is primary use, and downloading of picture, the a small netbook might suffice with an external hard disk.

[madgamer]

[quote=Fleet Command CC;20464]If it was me I would wait a few months, because It's going to be some time before the new line of AMD CPUs will be available, and it's very likely that something could happen between now and then to delay the release of AMD new CPUs even further. I think only ECS has announced it's doing a DDR3 AM3 motherboard at this time, its a few steps ahead of the big boys.

Also the new CPU's might not be that good compare to the AMD Phenom Quad CPU or they may have some problem. So I wouldn't jump the gun wait for some good benchmark test review on the new AMD CPU's and Mobo's, before you think about buying any thing. :)

My repair tech says the same thing. I will wait till the new AM3 Mobo's are out. As for the CPU choice I am currently running a AMD2x 4400. I do not require the latest and greatest but don't want to be left in the dust either. I like the quad core CPU's but my budget may not allow that much. A new Mobo is the most important choice and will be an AM3.
I have to allow some labor time to change the mobo and CPU and having to reinstall the fluid XP CPU cooler block will also add to the labor bill. I have a Danger Den cooling system that covers the CPU and 2 7950 eVGA KO video cards. The video cards are using jacket cooler blocks that cover both the GPU and the memory. SO you can see why I have to wait for the new windows before considering changing video cards because the jacket cooler blocks run at least $150 each.
I will check out the sites and keep a copy of your email. Thanks for the info. It gives my tech and I a place to start looking.

Madgamer

[keschofield]

Fleet:

I know that you and Chris prefer to build you own customized PCs for optimum performance, but I'm in the market for a notebook/laptop PC for home use and take on vacations/holidays. I have generally bought Dell desktops over the years and have been satisfied with their reliability and pricing. But I've noticed that HP seems to be becoming more common on the portable market. Any thoughts/recommendations on a brand and processor power?

Ed,

My oldest son is a tech wiz, and he told me that the best medium priced laptops are the ones made by HP. He is very down on Gateway, Dell, and others. He also likes Lenovo, but I won't buy from them. They used to be IBM and I don't like the way the separation was handled.

I just bought an HP G60-120 (I think that's what its called) and I love it. Total price with tax (shipping was free) was $741 from HP.COM. So far its been great.

Good luck.
Kurt

[Ed Rotondaro]

Not to intrude, but take a look at Asus and Dell. Both build a good system at decent prices. If you are looking for just an internet machine, examine the new crop of Netbook systems priced in the $400 range. Asus built the best at this juncture, but new ones will be coming out this year. I believe that the Netbook will start to take off in markets. The battery life on the new Asus Netbook is the highest at 5.5 hrs. Its fast and more than adequate for travel due to lightness. Asus has been building motherboards for major manufacturers and custom builders for years.

But remember to define your requirements on paper. What are the three highest priority tasks for the notebook? Remember that operating systems tend to be resource hogs. Unknown is Windows 7. It might make a step backward in that area. Simple specs might range from:

2 gb - Physical memory

512 mb - Video Ram

160 gb Hard disk if you plan to store a lot of pictures, video's etc. However, a smaller hard disk in the notebook can be supplemented by a portable hard disk later that can be used at home on a desktop or a notebook and kept in the bag. Some extras are connectors for memory chips from cameras, USB ports, external video port. The latter is handy at home. I attached a second flat screen to my notebook which makes it nice because I can keep the lid closed and use an external wireless mouse/keyboard.

Bottom line, define the requirements carefully. If internet is primary use, and downloading of picture, the a small netbook might suffice with an external hard disk.

Dennis:

Thanks, that's sort of the type of system I had in mind. I'm not familiar with Asus and I'll look into them.

[Ed Rotondaro]

Ed,

My oldest son is a tech wiz, and he told me that the best medium priced laptops are the ones made by HP. He is very down on Gateway, Dell, and others. He also likes Lenovo, but I won't buy from them. They used to be IBM and I don't like the way the separation was handled.

I just bought an HP G60-120 (I think that's what its called) and I love it. Total price with tax (shipping was free) was $741 from HP.COM. So far its been great.

Good luck.
Kurt

Kurt:

Thanks, I've seen some of the new HPs and they're getting some good reputations. I used to suscribe to PC magazine years ago and was able to stay current with processors and computer designs, but now I usually visit Consumer Reports online for updates on that sort of stuff. One advantage of this forum is we have a lot of knowledgeable people to draw on for information like this.

[Fleet Command CC]

Fleet:

I know that you and Chris prefer to build you own customized PCs for optimum performance, but I'm in the market for a notebook/laptop PC for home use and take on vacations/holidays. I have generally bought Dell desktops over the years and have been satisfied with their reliability and pricing. But I've noticed that HP seems to be becoming more common on the portable market. Any thoughts/recommendations on a brand and processor power?

Hey ED

Has old_pop2000 as said a netbook would be great for home and holiday use, Samsung NC10 to Asus Eee PC Netbook, the problem is they are't any good for games because of the screen resolution 1024 x 600. There isn't any games I know that can run on this resolution, without messing about with the game files, but other than that netbooks are great for the Internet, playing A/V media and a bit of photo editing.

Hewlett-Packard are making some great toys and come with good warranty.
Toshiba are also making some great items, but best of all there warranty are very very good, probably the best around.

Check out the link, and see for yourself. :cool:

http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/innovation/NEWSARCHIVE/archived_news_article.jsp?service=UK&ID=ReliabilityRefundGuarantee&cnt=NEWS&key=ReliabilityRefundGuarantee&display=T

The CPU speed: Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6 to 2Ghz
The Memory Size: 2Gb to 4Gb
The Memory Type: DDR2 800mhz
The Hard Drive Capacity: 250 GB
The Optical Drives: Lightscribe DVD ReWriter

I bought myself a Sony Vaio VGN-FZ31S before for xmas, and its a ok laptop. :)

15.4" TFT 1280 x 800 - X-black,
Intel Core2 Duo T8100 2.1Ghz,
2GB RAM,
250GB HDD,
Blu-ray Burner Drive,
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS - 256 MB,

[Fleet Command CC]

[quote=Fleet Command CC;20464]If it was me I would wait a few months, because It's going to be some time before the new line of AMD CPUs will be available, and it's very likely that something could happen between now and then to delay the release of AMD new CPUs even further. I think only ECS has announced it's doing a DDR3 AM3 motherboard at this time, its a few steps ahead of the big boys.

Also the new CPU's might not be that good compare to the AMD Phenom Quad CPU or they may have some problem. So I wouldn't jump the gun wait for some good benchmark test review on the new AMD CPU's and Mobo's, before you think about buying any thing. :)

My repair tech says the same thing. I will wait till the new AM3 Mobo's are out. As for the CPU choice I am currently running a AMD2x 4400. I do not require the latest and greatest but don't want to be left in the dust either. I like the quad core CPU's but my budget may not allow that much. A new Mobo is the most important choice and will be an AM3.
I have to allow some labor time to change the mobo and CPU and having to reinstall the fluid XP CPU cooler block will also add to the labor bill. I have a Danger Den cooling system that covers the CPU and 2 7950 eVGA KO video cards. The video cards are using jacket cooler blocks that cover both the GPU and the memory. SO you can see why I have to wait for the new windows before considering changing video cards because the jacket cooler blocks run at least $150 each.
I will check out the sites and keep a copy of your email. Thanks for the info. It gives my tech and I a place to start looking.

Madgamer

Hey Madgamer

If you want any other idea or info let me know and I will try to help you out no probs. :cool:

Yep I know what you mean about not being left with old kit, I've been thinking about building a new computer for some time, but its all about the money today. At the moment I'm sticking to a rule of mine.

Do you need it? Will you used it? Can you afford it?

Went the answer is yes to these three I'm going build a new PC.

Its sound like your computer never gets hot then, which is great to keep your computer running for a long time.

[Fleet Command CC]

Hey madgamer

Something you might not know the AM3 Phenom II X4 and X3 will both be compatible with current AM2+ Mobo and the new upcoming AM3 Mobo, also DDR3 & DDR2 will both be support by the new CPU's which is great to know. :cool:

I might have to think about giving AMD's CPU's a try again. :)

If you would like a more info on the above check out the link.

http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTYwNywxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==

[Jittery]

http://www.alienware.com/products/alx-x58-desktop.aspx?SysCode=PC-ALX-X58&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT

That is the ultimate gaming machine. But as Fleet said, do you need it not want it. More importantly can you afford it because i know for sure i cant :p

Better off IMO buying the thing that was the best 6 months ago as its 1/2 the price of the current new kit and will do everything you want anyhow.

[madgamer]

http://www.alienware.com/products/alx-x58-desktop.aspx?SysCode=PC-ALX-X58&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT

That is the ultimate gaming machine. But as Fleet said, do you need it not want it. More importantly can you afford it because i know for sure i cant :p

Better off IMO buying the thing that was the best 6 months ago as its 1/2 the price of the current new kit and will do everything you want anyhow.

Two things you should know. I had 2 alienware computers and they are over priced for what you get. Believe me when I tell you being on the leading bleeding edge of computer technology is not fun. If you think you need all that stuff then find a local tech and/or do it yourself.
The second system from them was what turned me off because it kept blowing components because of a bad power supply but they would not take it back to there factory till it blew out my three hard drives and I lost all the programs and data.
The second point is that a lot of there service by phone is to some country with some guy you can't even understand. I finally had a system built 3 years ago that was as good as theirs including a total water cooling system and for less money. I agree that if you buy the former top of the line when new stuff comes out to replace it you will be much better off.
just my opinion
Madgamer

[madgamer]

[quote=madgamer;20519]

Hey Madgamer

If you want any other idea or info let me know and I will try to help you out no probs. :cool:

Yep I know what you mean about not being left with old kit, I've been thinking about building a new computer for some time, but its all about the money today. At the moment I'm sticking to a rule of mine.

Do you need it? Will you used it? Can you afford it?

Went the answer is yes to these three I'm going build a new PC.

Its sound like your computer never gets hot then, which is great to keep your computer running for a long time.

Thanks for the reply. My best friend of 30 years the computer wizard says the same thing. When you buy software and it will not run on your system or the system is 5+ years old (LOL) then up grade. The nice thing about the system I have is I can do it one part at a time. The Mobo and CPU will be first and I may end up getting an AM2 when the AM3 come out. My computer tech has the fastest FX duel core that he will sell me for about $90 or so. You are right...think before you buy or upgrade. I went to that site wher you can test you video and when I asked them to compare it to like systems they said that there were not enough 7950 GT video card systems to compare it to, out of some several million. LOL

Madgamer