Looking for a Computer

[Sarov]

I'd really appreciate it if you guys could help me in finding a good computer.

Basically, I'm looking for a high end gaming computer but I don't know where to get it. Basically what I'm looking for in a computer is:

- excellent graphics card and processor
- minimum 4 GB of RAM and 500 GB of hardrive space
- a good audio card
- reasonable amount of USB ports (minimum 4)
- etc

My friends have suggested newegg.com, ncix.com, and Cyber Power. Unfortunately, Cyber Power is based in the US only so I won't be getting one from there (I live in Canada). I've heard from multiple people not to get Dell. I wouldn't be able to build a computer for the life of me so picking all the components is out of the question.

So...

Do you have a computer company would you recommend and if so, what it is it?
Or do you have a specific computer you would recommend?
Anything else you'd like to add like advice, tips etc?

Edit: As for the amount I'm willing to spend on the computer, it is $1500 to $3500 Canadian tax included and with the warranty (minimum 2 years).

You know you need another company when the computer you wanted from AlienWare will cost you $6000.

[spychi]

Right now I can only say that you shouldn't even consider buying an Alienware RIG.

[Sarov]

Right now I can only say that you shouldn't even consider buying an Alienware RIG.

Why not?

Although I heard from a friend that Dell bought the company and replaced the hardware with Dell hardward which... sucks big time.

[spychi]

Because it's overpriced

[Sarov]

Because it's overpriced

Ah. That too.

Edit: Not to mention that the one I wanted would cost me... $6000 US.

[Hammy]

Yeah Dell bought Alienware a while ago. They aren't really bad, but just overpriced. Dell has been reported to have a couple of CPU and power supply issues though. However, Alienware's tech support is good (in europe at least).

If you know anyone who's actually following up on computers have him build your computer online for you. If not, try to be more specific as to what you need. I guess you want to play games, but what sort of games? What's your budget? For how long do you want the computer to allow you to play high end games etc...
Do NOT take random people's advice though. Right now I'm totally out of the loop because I haven't been following up for over a year, but watch out for random advice.
On a final note, if you don't know exactly what you need, that probably means you don't need anything very specific, so don't sweat it too much.
Good luck ;) (yeah I know, this wasn't a very helpful post :p)

[Sarov]

Yeah Dell bought Alienware a while ago. They aren't really bad, but just overpriced. Dell has been reported to have a couple of CPU and power supply issues though. However, Alienware's tech support is good (in europe at least).

If you know anyone who's actually following up on computers have him build your computer online for you. If not, try to be more specific as to what you need. I guess you want to play games, but what sort of games? What's your budget? For how long do you want the computer to allow you to play high end games etc...
Do NOT take random people's advice though. Right now I'm totally out of the loop because I haven't been following up for over a year, but watch out for random advice.
On a final note, if you don't know exactly what you need, that probably means you don't need anything very specific, so don't sweat it too much.
Good luck ;) (yeah I know, this wasn't a very helpful post :p)

Yeah. That and I've heard that Dell... well, let's just say Dell sucks.

I asked my friend to build me one since he seems to be pretty good with computers but the problem is the company is in the US only so that doesn't exactly help because how would onsite care work?

In case you didn't read the edit in the original post, I guess my ideal budget is between $1500 to $3500 (absolute maximum is probably $4000) but that's including tax and the warranty hopefully.

As for what I want, I want to be able to play demanding games like Crysis etc and be able to do a lot of artwork. I need a computer that will last me 2 to 3 years. Like, I don't want to buy a computer say today and have to upgrade in a month or two. Which is why I'm trying to get the best I can get. Although, I know I'll have to upgrade eventually and when that time comes, I want to have the money to do so.

[Alzarath]

I have a laptop fitting most of those requirements. It's about $1050 for me. It has a GTX 260M graphics card, 4 GB ram, and 4 USB ports. Not sure about the audio card. The only downside I have with it is the processor. 2.00 Ghz Dual Core. It's called Asus G51.

I could also play Crysis on very high settings without noticeable lag on the Asus G50V. But it did have 2.33 Ghz. I can install Crysis on the G51 and tell you how it works out.

[The_Blade]

Build one, Nvidia video cards are great for gaming, you can get the cpu and other components from many places.

And for god sakes dont buy an ALien...

[Sarov]

I have a laptop fitting most of those requirements. It's about $1050 for me. It has a GTX 260M graphics card, 4 GB ram, and 4 USB ports. Not sure about the audio card. The only downside I have with it is the processor. 2.00 Ghz Dual Core. It's called Asus G51.

I could also play Crysis on very high settings without noticeable lag on the Asus G50V. But it did have 2.33 Ghz. I can install Crysis on the G51 and tell you how it works out.

Alright. That would be a good idea.

As for a laptop, I don't mind having one because being able to take it where ever I go and play video games and check up on SCLegacy would be great.

I've been kinda stuck on what might be the hardest questions about my computer: Desktop or laptop?

If I can find a really good laptop, I'll buy it no problem. Plus a benifit with laptops is the wireless part. Desktops don't usually come with built-in wireless cards, at least from what I've seen.


Build one, Nvidia video cards are great for gaming, you can get the cpu and other components from many places.

And for god sakes dont buy an ALien...

Problem is, I don't know how to put a computer together and I don't know of anyone who lives in Canada who can help me. Except maybe my uncle but I haven't talked to him in what seems like forever. And my friend seems to not want to help me.

I guess I could always try to have it custom built but I don't know any companies that do that.

Oh, I won't be getting AlienWare anymore. I checked up and picked all my options and the freaking thing came to $6000 US.

[Alzarath]

If I can find a really good laptop, I'll buy it no problem. Plus a benifit with laptops is the wireless part. Desktops don't usually come with built-in wireless cards, at least from what I've seen.

Only prob with laptops is that they're harder to upgrade. I've been using laptops since Christmas and I really love em. With $3500, you could buy either a highly overpriced laptop with tons of aesthetical appeal, or buy a decent one with not so much. If you REALLY wanna save money, just build one, pretty sure desktops are a lot cheaper to build.

[Sarov]

Only prob with laptops is that they're harder to upgrade. I've been using laptops since Christmas and I really love em. With $3500, you could buy either a highly overpriced laptop with tons of aesthetical appeal, or buy a decent one with not so much. If you REALLY wanna save money, just build one, pretty sure desktops are a lot cheaper to build.

Yeah, desktops are easier to build and upgrade, which was why I was thinking about getting a desk top. Depending on how much money I have since it increases as the months go by - right now it's $5000 although I need to save at least $1500 for a tablet - by about +$1000 each month, I might be able to get both a desktop and a laptop. I'll probably focus the hardware and money on the desktop first. The laptop would be more for mobility in case I go to another city or to a friend's house etc.

Do you have a link to the model of your laptop so that I can check it out? Or you could just give me the name and I could try to find it.

[Xyvik]

Newegg.com and build it yourself is always my first recommendation. So you know my credentials (so you aren't listening to random people as Hammy says) I've been building computers for clients for 8 years now and this year alone I've built seven....even in the bad economy.

Best bet right now is to wait until the DX11 cards come out. I always, always recommend AMD/ATi to people who buy computers....Intel and Nvidia are overpriced for very little gaming gain. Right now, and for the foreseeable future, your best bang for buck will end up being AMD/ATi. They also have the best integrated NB/SB right now...the SB850 is sheer awesome.

As for your other components, recommendations:
Motherboard: Asus, MSI or Gigabyte
RAM: Corsair or Kingston
Power Supply: Corsair or Enermax
Case: personal preference, but I like Antec
Hard Drive: Western Digital (accept no alternatives! WD is the only HDD company in -eight years- that has never had a failed hard drive on me...seagate has had nineteen, samsung twelve)
DVD-Drive: grab whatever is cheap...you can get a nice sony SATA one for 40 bucks, works like a charm
Monitor: another personal choice, I like ViewSonic but they tend to be pricey. Shop around some.
Sound Card: Asus makes a nice alternatice to the Soundblaster series, but darned if I can remember it off the top of my head. My Bose speakers have their own sound driver so I don't use sound cards.

There ya have it, hope it helps :)

[Sarov]

Newegg.com and build it yourself is always my first recommendation. So you know my credentials (so you aren't listening to random people as Hammy says) I've been building computers for clients for 8 years now and this year alone I've built seven....even in the bad economy.

Best bet right now is to wait until the DX11 cards come out. I always, always recommend AMD/ATi to people who buy computers....Intel and Nvidia are overpriced for very little gaming gain. Right now, and for the foreseeable future, your best bang for buck will end up being AMD/ATi. They also have the best integrated NB/SB right now...the SB850 is sheer awesome.

As for your other components, recommendations:
Motherboard: Asus, MSI or Gigabyte
RAM: Corsair or Kingston
Power Supply: Corsair or Enermax
Case: personal preference, but I like Antec
Hard Drive: Western Digital (accept no alternatives! WD is the only HDD company in -eight years- that has never had a failed hard drive on me...seagate has had nineteen, samsung twelve)
DVD-Drive: grab whatever is cheap...you can get a nice sony SATA one for 40 bucks, works like a charm
Monitor: another personal choice, I like ViewSonic but they tend to be pricey. Shop around some.
Sound Card: Asus makes a nice alternatice to the Soundblaster series, but darned if I can remember it off the top of my head. My Bose speakers have their own sound driver so I don't use sound cards.

There ya have it, hope it helps :)

Yeah, I've heard from a friend that newegg.com is a good site but the problem still remains of: I couldn't put a computer together if my life depended on it. I wouldn't mind custom building it and paying someone or a company a small fee to put it together though I am warry about building it myself or buying all the components separate. I just have to find a good custom-build company.

Also, what's you recommendation on video cards? That's been one of my worries, other than a processor and other stuff like the overall machine.

[Xyvik]

Yeah, I've heard from a friend that newegg.com is a good site but the problem still remains of: I couldn't put a computer together if my life depended on it.

I wouldn't mind custom building it and paying someone or a company a small fee to put it together though I am warry about building it myself or buying all the components separate.

Also, what's you recommendation on video cards? That's been one of my worries, other than a processor and other stuff like the overall machine.

Putting a computer together is pretty daunting at first but a piece of cake once you get the hang of it. If you really are worried about it though, yeah you should see a professional. Just don't let those bloody Best Buy boys do it...overpriced punks!

Honestly, I recommend waiting until the DX11 GFX cards come out. If you don't think you'll be doing DX11 for awhile, then my easiest recommendations comes out as the Radeon 4890. This baby right here (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102847) is a lovely one. Sapphire has been mostly good to me but they have had a couple ones that didn't work so well, but their VaporX cooler seems to be working just fine on the last one I built with it.

[Sarov]

Putting a computer together is pretty daunting at first but a piece of cake once you get the hang of it. If you really are worried about it though, yeah you should see a professional. Just don't let those bloody Best Buy boys do it...overpriced punks!

Honestly, I recommend waiting until the DX11 GFX cards come out. If you don't think you'll be doing DX11 for awhile, then my easiest recommendations comes out as the Radeon 4890. This baby right here (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102847) is a lovely one. Sapphire has been mostly good to me but they have had a couple ones that didn't work so well, but their VaporX cooler seems to be working just fine on the last one I built with it.

Yeah, I think I could wait until the DX11 cards come out, depending on how long of a wait it is. I could always continue to use the computers at the library. The real reason I wanted to get it soon is so that I can work on artwork so that I can show you guys what I've promised to show Gifted, Dauntless and Equiliari as per request via IRC. :D

It looks good to me, but I can't say much being average at understanding specifications. I would look at benchmarks of it but I can only find the 512/1 GB versions.

And I'm trying to figure out how I would go about finding a proffessional. I don't know of any that would do it for me or specialize in doing stuff like that. I only know stores like Best Buy and Future Shop etc.

[Xyvik]

I'll help you out looking for stuff. Check for my PM :)

[Alzarath]

This is the proper review for it.
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5217

It doesn't look like that though, the pictures look like the G50V. The real thing looks like this: http://www.notebookreview.com/assets/43468.jpg

[Sarov]

This is the proper review for it.
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5217

It doesn't look like that though, the pictures look like the G50V. The real thing looks like this: http://www.notebookreview.com/assets/43468.jpg

Checked out the review on it and it looks pretty good. I think I might get that for my laptop assuming I have enough money left over for when I get my desktop or just assuming I have enough money to get both a desktop and a laptop.

[Hamshank]

Hope I'm not too late.

Go to www.newegg.com
build your own comp, save hundreds WITHOUT the rebates.
Ontop of that get the best parts.

For help type in google "eggxpert"
register to it, and go into eggchat.

if you need help pm me

[spychi]

Phenom II X4 965BE @ 3.4GHz
ATI 4890 Vapor-X or stock 2.0 from Sapphire
4GB DDDR3 1600MHz
Case CM690
OCZ Stealth X-treme 600W or 650W
Asus Crosshair III 790FX
OCZ Vendetta 2 HDT
This is what I would recommend and what I will be buying soon.
Right now I have a Q6600 @ 3.4GHz, 4GB DDR 2 800MHz, HD 4870 1GB, Cooler Master CM690, Chieftec 600W and a bit weak mobo Asus P5N-D( which I will be changing next month)

[Sarov]

Hope I'm not too late.

Go to www.newegg.com
build your own comp, save hundreds WITHOUT the rebates.
Ontop of that get the best parts.

For help type in google "eggxpert"
register to it, and go into eggchat.

if you need help pm me

The problem is that I don't want to have to build it myself or take all the parts in and have it built by a professional. My friend recommended a site to me that will order all the parts, build it and test it before shipping it off to you.

But thank you for the advice!


Phenom II X4 965BE @ 3.4GHz
ATI 4890 Vapor-X or stock 2.0 from Sapphire
4GB DDDR3 1600MHz
Case CM690
OCZ Stealth X-treme 600W or 650W
Asus Crosshair III 790FX
OCZ Vendetta 2 HDT
This is what I would recommend and what I will be buying soon.
Right now I have a Q6600 @ 3.4GHz, 4GB DDR 2 800MHz, HD 4870 1GB, Cooler Master CM690, Chieftec 600W and a bit weak mobo Asus P5N-D( which I will be changing next month)

Alright, thank you for your input, spychi. I'll see if I can build it with the site that I'm probably going to be using.

[Sarov]

Rather than making a new thread, I decided to post here.

So here's the deal:

I have $800. There are sales on. I am sick of waiting for my money to come in so that I can get my desktop. Should I buy a cheap laptop or should I just wait until my money comes in and get the desktop?

I can't seem to decide. On the one hand, I'm sick of waiting for my money and I want a computer now. On the other hand, I have this feeling that it might be better to wait.

What do you guys say?

[sandwich_bird]

Rather than making a new thread, I decided to post here.

So here's the deal:

I have $800. There are sales on. I am sick of waiting for my money to come in so that I can get my desktop. Should I buy a cheap laptop or should I just wait until my money comes in and get the desktop?

I can't seem to decide. On the one hand, I'm sick of waiting for my money and I want a computer now. On the other hand, I have this feeling that it might be better to wait.

What do you guys say?With 800 you can buy a decent computer.

[Sarov]

I've decided to save up my money and wait a little longer.

[spychi]

Yeah I changed few things, with the new Intel i7 series and Asus's P55 motherboards, I decided to buy
i7 860 CPU
Asus P7P55D Deluxe
And in the future HD 5870 cause it's super fast.
(single GPU better than GTX295 in some tests - while the GTX295 is a two core GPU).

[Sarov]

Yeah I changed few things, with the new Intel i7 series and Asus's P55 motherboards, I decided to buy
i7 860 CPU
Asus P7P55D Deluxe
And in the future HD 5870 cause it's super fast.
(single GPU better than GTX295 in some tests - while the GTX295 is a two core GPU).

Sweet. I don't really want the Intel i7 because it costs like $1200 for the processor itself from the site I'm buying my computer from.

[spychi]

Nah, 950PLN for the fastest new 1156 socket i7 - 860
it's 339$

[Sarov]

Nah, 950PLN for the fastest new 1156 socket i7 - 860
it's 339$

Ah. Then again, the one I was talking about was the i7 895 Extreme Core edition.

[Xyvik]

Ah. Then again, the one I was talking about was the i7 895 Extreme Core edition.

Which is "Holy Extortion, Batman!" expensive. The 860 is a good card but you've already got everything set up for an AMD build. Your choice.

Just remember that when you want to go 5870 CrossFire, it works significantly better with AMD's own boards ;)


Woo-boy is that 5870 a beautiful piece of machinery! The 5870X2 is supposed to be coming out before year's-end as well. Mmm

[spychi]

Which is "Holy Extortion, Batman!" expensive. The 860 is a good card but you've already got everything set up for an AMD build. Your choice.

Just remember that when you want to go 5870 CrossFire, it works significantly better with AMD's own boards ;)


Woo-boy is that 5870 a beautiful piece of machinery! The 5870X2 is supposed to be coming out before year's-end as well. Mmm

Well I was about to purchase the AMD 790GX mobo but my bro said wait with money a month or two and when I saw the reviews

http://www.guru3d.com/article/core-i5-750-core-i7-860-870-processor-review-test/

http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-5870-review-test/

http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-5870-crossfirex-test-review/
I thought "now this is something I will be going for".

I will wait till december since I need to pay for my house a bit more for two or three months

[Sarov]

Which is "Holy Extortion, Batman!" expensive. The 860 is a good card but you've already got everything set up for an AMD build. Your choice.

Just remember that when you want to go 5870 CrossFire, it works significantly better with AMD's own boards ;)


Woo-boy is that 5870 a beautiful piece of machinery! The 5870X2 is supposed to be coming out before year's-end as well. Mmm

Ah. Good point. I don't know if I'm going CrossFire though since I think one graphics card is enough for me. I'll have to see how much money I can spend when my money comes in and how much it will cost me for each system respectively.


Well I was about to purchase the AMD 790GX mobo but my bro said wait with money a month or two and when I saw the reviews

http://www.guru3d.com/article/core-i5-750-core-i7-860-870-processor-review-test/

http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-5870-review-test/

http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-5870-crossfirex-test-review/
I thought "now this is something I will be going for".

I will wait till december since I need to pay for my house a bit more for two or three months

I didn't have a lot of time to read it but I did read some of the first two. They are very big articles so I'll have to read them completely, or at least mostly, some other time.

Originally, I wanted an Intel computer because that was what I'm more comfortable with. Then people start telling me AMD is better. I have no idea what to pick and am now stuck between the two of them. I'll have to do research though and that will take a while.

[Xyvik]

It comes down to personal preference and what you're using it for. Intel's i7s are currently the most powerful processors in the world, but a lot of that power is wasted on games. When it comes to games the i7 only pushed out a little bit more performance and you end up paying a lot of extra money for it.

If, however, you have that money to spend then it's not so much of an issue. I simply recommend AMD because Intel already has enough of a market share, often through illegal means (thank you EU, for helping fix that!). What you end up putting in your machine is really up to you and your budget. If you can afford the i7, and their more expensive motherboards, then by all means go for it. You won't regret it. If, however, you want to save a little money, sacrifice a few frames per second, and go AMD, you won't regret that either.

At the moment, however, there is absolutely no doubt that ATi (owned by AMD) have the best graphics card on the market. The 5870 is a beautiful piece of machinery.

[Sarov]

It comes down to personal preference and what you're using it for. Intel's i7s are currently the most powerful processors in the world, but a lot of that power is wasted on games. When it comes to games the i7 only pushed out a little bit more performance and you end up paying a lot of extra money for it.

If, however, you have that money to spend then it's not so much of an issue. I simply recommend AMD because Intel already has enough of a market share, often through illegal means (thank you EU, for helping fix that!). What you end up putting in your machine is really up to you and your budget. If you can afford the i7, and their more expensive motherboards, then by all means go for it. You won't regret it. If, however, you want to save a little money, sacrifice a few frames per second, and go AMD, you won't regret that either.

At the moment, however, there is absolutely no doubt that ATi (owned by AMD) have the best graphics card on the market. The 5870 is a beautiful piece of machinery.

Yeah. I don't mind either one but I am more familiar with the Intel processors. But if the ATI graphics cards are the best in the market, there is a large chance that I would go for one of them. I guess it really depends on how much money I have to spend on a computer but I also have to figure in the cost of a good tablet which will be at least $1500 with tax. If I have the money to afford on an Intel computer I will probably go with that and since I probably will be able to I might go with that. Well, I'll just have to see - my money hasn't come in as of yet.

Quick question: Can you use ATI graphics cards with an Intel computer?

[Xyvik]

Yeah. I don't mind either one but I am more familiar with the Intel processors. But if the ATI graphics cards are the best in the market, there is a large chance that I would go for one of them. I guess it really depends on how much money I have to spend on a computer but I also have to figure in the cost of a good tablet which will be at least $1500 with tax. If I have the money to afford on an Intel computer I will probably go with that and since I probably will be able to I might go with that. Well, I'll just have to see - my money hasn't come in as of yet.

Quick question: Can you use ATI graphics cards with an Intel computer?

Sure can. Wonderful thing about PCs compared to Macs and consoles is that you can mix and match all sorts of things. In my professional experience Intel motherboards don't push ATI graphics cards as fast as ATI's own boards, but it's been awhile since I tried that. All of the recent benchmarks showing the 5870 to be the fastest single-GPU card on the market have been doing so with i7 setups, so you have nothing to worry about.

[Sarov]

Sure can. Wonderful thing about PCs compared to Macs and consoles is that you can mix and match all sorts of things. In my professional experience Intel motherboards don't push ATI graphics cards as fast as ATI's own boards, but it's been awhile since I tried that. All of the recent benchmarks showing the 5870 to be the fastest single-GPU card on the market have been doing so with i7 setups, so you have nothing to worry about.

Good. I would have been disappointed if I couldn't. Now that I think of it, I believe my friend actually has an ATI graphics card in his Intel machine. Besides, I don't like Macs. I think they are very overpriced or expensive, take your pick.

[spychi]

Why did you thought that you can't use intel and ATI?
Hell you can make CrosssSLI combos, for example HD 4870 + GTX260 on a mobo that supports crossfire or sli.

[Sarov]

Why did you thought that you can't use intel and ATI?
Hell you can make CrosssSLI combos, for example HD 4870 + GTX260 on a mobo that supports crossfire or sli.

I don't know. I guess it was because I thought that companies might make them exclusively for their own computers. Besides, I had never found an Intel computer that used an ATI graphics card.

[spychi]

I don't know. I guess it was because I thought that companies might make them exclusively for their own computers. Besides, I had never found an Intel computer that used an ATI graphics card.

well my rig... Q6600 Intel c2q + HD 4870 1GB

[Sarov]

well my rig... Q6600 Intel c2q + HD 4870 1GB

Ah. Now I see. But I don't recognize video cards by the numbers but rather the names - nVidia etc.

[spychi]

Ah. Now I see. But I don't recognize video cards by the numbers but rather the names - nVidia etc.

ATI Sapphire HD 4870 1GB

This is it
Ohq9uZ2VsZQ

[Sarov]

ATI Sapphire HD 4870 1GB

This is it
Ohq9uZ2VsZQ

Ah. Okay.

[Sarov]

So I heard that the i9 Intel processors are coming out 2nd quarter of 2010 (can't remember where I found it so I can't give you guys a link, sorry). Should I wait for it to come out and get it or should I just buy a computer with an i7 Extreme Edition processor?

[spychi]

So I heard that the i9 Intel processors are coming out 2nd quarter of 2010 (can't remember where I found it so I can't give you guys a link, sorry). Should I wait for it to come out and get it or should I just buy a computer with an i7 Extreme Edition processor?

not sure, the i9 will probably be out of reach for most of us

[EvilGenius]

I just helped a friend of mine with a new build

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5226067&Sku=B69-1115

The core i5 has a 7.3 out of 7.9 on the windows experience index. It's more power then he'll ever need, but i can recommend the i5/7 based on experience now :)

DDR3 RAM is the way to go in your case

ATI not only makes the fastest video cards on the planet, but the most efficient as well.
I find it funny how a Radeon 4650 can keep up with my geforce 9600, and not need a cable from the power supply...

[Sarov]

not sure, the i9 will probably be out of reach for most of us

Well, considering that the extreme edition of the i7 is costing me $1200 or so, I doubt I'll be able to afford the i9 since it will be the newest and the most expensive Intel processor.


I just helped a friend of mine with a new build

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5226067&Sku=B69-1115

The core i5 has a 7.3 out of 7.9 on the windows experience index. It's more power then he'll ever need, but i can recommend the i5/7 based on experience now :)

DDR3 RAM is the way to go in your case

ATI not only makes the fastest video cards on the planet, but the most efficient as well.
I find it funny how a Radeon 4650 can keep up with my geforce 9600, and not need a cable from the power supply...

I would have picked that if I knew how to put a computer together and if it weren't for the fact that I'm going to be getting the Intel Core i7 Extreme 965 Quad Core Processor at 3.2 / 3.33 GHZ. The custom build computers only have the 3.2 version of the processor will pre-built computers have the 3.33 GHZ version. Not much of a difference but the pre-build computer's processor is $65 cheaper than the ones you get with custom build computers which means more money for something else.

Yeah, I've heard that the ATI video cards are the best so I'm definitely going to get one of them. Also, the DX11 cards came out and I'm going to be getting the Radeon 5870 DX11 card. Problem is it's only available for pre-build computers. I saw the pre-build computer for the i7 and it's nearly exactly the same as the one I custom built to see how much it would cost.

Thank you for your help! I'll need all the help and advice I can get when it comes to getting myself a gaming computer. :)

[Sarov]

The time has come.

You guys are probably wondering what the heck I'm talking about. Well, I'm talking about the fact that I just got my money - $4600 to be exact. So hopefully I will have my computer in the next few weeks.

Here are the specs of my computer that I hope to be getting:

Processor: Intel Core i7 Extreme 975 Quad Core Processor 3.33GHZ
Motherboard: ASUS Rampage II Extreme ATX LGA1366 X58 DDR3 3PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 PCI CrossFire SLI Motherboard
Memory: Corsair 6GB DDR3 (3X2GB)
Video Card: Radeon HD 5870 850MHZ 1GB GDDR5 4.8GHZ
Sound Card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-FI Xtreme Gamer 24BIT Sound Card 7.1
Hard-Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB
Operating System: Windows 7 Home
Computer Case: Antec Twelve Hundred Mid Tower Gamer Case
Power Supply: Corsair HX1000W CMPSU-1000HX 1000W ATX 20/24PIN
Cooling System: Corsair Cooling Hydro Series H50 High Performance CPU Cooler System
Monitor: Samsung 2233BW 22IN Widescreen LCD Monitor Black
Keyboard: Razer Lycosa Gaming Ultrapolling Keyboard Black USB
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Gaming Mouse 5 Button
Other: D-LINK DWA-130 Wireless 802.11 Draft N USB Adapter 2.4-2.462GHZ 802.11B/G/N

[spychi]

w00t guru3d.com would be proud of such gamer girl
cause i am

[Sarov]

w00t guru3d.com would be proud of such gamer girl
cause i am

Thank you, spychi.

Now I just have to cash my check, order it, go to the post office and get money orders and wait.

[Pandonetho]

A $4600 computer? Holy shiet son, you must be baller, the max I would pay for a comp is like $1000.

[screw_ball69]

The Razer lycosa excellent choice for a keyboard, I love mine.

[Sarov]

The Razer lycosa excellent choice for a keyboard, I love mine.

My friend recommended the Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard but I think I'll stick with the Lycosa.

[screw_ball69]

I judge a keyboard on weather I can mash all the keys and they register with out it locking up

[Sarov]

I judge a keyboard on weather I can mash all the keys and they register with out it locking up

Ah. Good point.

I don't care if a keyboard has programmable macro keys, like the Logitech G-15, because I don't care about them. The only reason I'm getting the Lycosa is because it has backlit keys, looks great, and matches everything (everything is black with blue lights; the tower, mouse and keyboard are like that and the monitor is black). The first reason being the more important one and the other two being a bonus.

[screw_ball69]

Lol, pretty much the exact reason I bought mine...its purteey

[Ghost_828]

I judge a keyboard on weather I can mash all the keys and they register with out it locking up

In which case I would have suggested the G19 (handles 5 concurrent keypresses as well as selectable custom backlighting from any RGB combination), but it would seem you have both made your choices.

/Sales pitch

[screw_ball69]

In which case I would have suggested the G19 (handles 5 concurrent keypresses as well as selectable custom backlighting from any RGB combination), but it would seem you have both made your choices.

/Sales pitch

pfft 5, that would render me useless in some instances I need to be able to hit every key.

qwpeuipqweuridsfiajjvkczxmzvca;f

[Ghost_828]

pfft 5, that would render me useless in some instances I need to be able to hit every key.

qwpeuipqweuridsfiajjvkczxmzvca;f

You realize the Lycosa, according to reviewers, only handles between 5 and 3 keys simultaneously?

But it boils down to preference.

[screw_ball69]

Weird it seems to handle more than that when I got mash crazy.

[Ghost_828]

Weird it seems to handle more than that when I got mash crazy.

It's irrelevant, actually. If it works for you, it's a good choice.

But I am derailing the topic.

[Sarov]

Well, this is definitely dumb. NCIX removed the Radeon 5870 from it's list and the Samsung monitor. I'm going to check in for the next week and hope it's listed again so I can get it for my computer. Or else I'm going to have to go with Alienware and no one wants that...

[screw_ball69]

http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=44138&vpn=HD-587A-ZNF9&manufacture=XFX

http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=44304&vpn=EAH5870%2FG%2F2DIS%2F1GD5&manufacture=ASUS

[spychi]

well I am looking at the new 5970 from ATI, dual core GPU that will be the fastest GPU in the world

[screw_ball69]

well I am looking at the new 5970 from ATI, dual core GPU that will be the fastest GPU in the world

The thing is is ungodly huge for a video card tho.

[Sarov]

http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=44138&vpn=HD-587A-ZNF9&manufacture=XFX

http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=44304&vpn=EAH5870%2FG%2F2DIS%2F1GD5&manufacture=ASUS

I know they actually have them but 1) they aren't in stock and 2) because they aren't listed in either the PC Builder or "Buy a PC", I'd have to order the computer without a video card and find someone to install it. Problem is, I don't know if opening the computer voids the warranty. Maybe they just don't have it listed because it's not in stock.

[screw_ball69]

Are you using NCIX's 50$ service were they build your computer for you?

[Sarov]

Are you using NCIX's 50$ service were they build your computer for you?

Yeah. And they don't list the 5870 anymore. I mean I can't order the computer until next Friday when the rest of my check goes through but I am hoping it comes back and that it's just because it was out of stock at the moment.

I am getting this (http://pc.ncix.com/ncixpc/ncixpc.cfm?uuid=B3A9C197-CEC7-4709-A7631D567D683D94-2572066) but with a better graphics card, processor, mother board and power supply.

[screw_ball69]

I cant see opening the case voiding the Warranty as long as you don't physically damage anything after all you need to open the case to clean it and things of that nature.
So you could still get it off there and buy the video card else where.

Edit: I just asked my boss how often NCIX restocks he said about 1-2 weeks unless they are not going to be selling the product again...so perhaps come the time you order the computer they will be available again.

[Sarov]

I cant see opening the case voiding the Warranty as long as you don't physically damage anything after all you need to open the case to clean it and things of that nature.
So you could still get it off there and buy the video card else where.

Edit: I just asked my boss how often NCIX restocks he said about 1-2 weeks unless they are not going to be selling the product again...so perhaps come the time you order the computer they will be available again.

Oh, that's a huge relief.

Yeah. That's what I'm hoping.

[Sarov]

So, I just checked NCIX and they still don't have the Radeon 5870 so I'm going to have to settle with the 5770 for now as I'll be ordering the computer tonight.

[The_Blade]

*cheers*

[Sarov]

*cheers*

Lol. Thanks.

So that means it should be about one to two weeks for my computer to come in. And because I went with the 750W power supply, I've dropped the price to under $4000 - $3900ish to be exact. Which means I definitely have enough money for my tablet.

So in other words, expect art in two and a half weeks at the maximum.

[screw_ball69]

Theres always the option to wait till the 5980 is released

[spychi]

Theres always the option to wait till the 5980 is released

5970 correction
and it's alread out
http://guru3d.com/article/overclock-radeon-5970-guide/

http://guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-5970-review-test/

[Sarov]

Theres always the option to wait till the 5980 is released

It may be out but I don't have $699.99 to spend on a graphics card - that is how much it costs at NCIX. I'll just have to save up the money and upgrade to it at a later point. And I don't want to wait any longer - seven years for a computer is long enough.

[screw_ball69]

5970 correction
and it's alread out
http://guru3d.com/article/overclock-radeon-5970-guide/

http://guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-5970-review-test/

My bad. my fingers are to fat to type today apparently.


It may be out but I don't have $699.99 to spend on a graphics card - that is how much it costs at NCIX. I'll just have to save up the money and upgrade to it at a later point. And I don't want to wait any longer - seven years for a computer is long enough.

Right I gotta remember not everyone gets the ridiculous price cuts I do.

[Sarov]

Right I gotta remember not everyone gets the ridiculous price cuts I do.

Exactly.

Anyways, off to go order it now.

[Sarov]

Just finished ordering the computer. Just have to go downtown tomorrow (I'm at a friend's house), get a money order and ship it off. Huzzah!

[Xyvik]

It may be out but I don't have $699.99 to spend on a graphics card - that is how much it costs at NCIX. I'll just have to save up the money and upgrade to it at a later point. And I don't want to wait any longer - seven years for a computer is long enough.

...So you have $1200 to spend on a hideously overpriced Intel processor, but not $699 for the best graphics card known to man? And you are aware that most games are held back by the graphics card, not the processor?

Oh well. To each their own.

[spychi]

and the fact that even on that super-duper CPU she will have a bottleneck in some games because of the i7...
i7-870 or i7-950
Asus Premium with 32Voltage control! (sick) or Asus Rampage
HD 5870 from sapphire or HIS
Corsair Obsidian 800D case
and you own girl

[Sarov]

What's done is done. End of story.