[quote=""Cyclohexane""][quote=""I__CHAOS__I""] The key part is the video card though, and that's where the cost is...[/quote]
Well, thanks to a generous CompUSA warranty program, I’m getting a top end video card for free (well, I paid ~$45 for the warranty but that’s giving me $450 credit).
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Sounds nice. If u want t top high end graphics card then Nvidia is the way to go.
[quote=""Cyclohexane""]
[quote=""StrokeyBlofeld""]
Do you do video editing? Do you need dual screens? Are you using it as a server for other computers or using it to host anything? [/quote]
1.) I do video editing but not so often as I play video games. Even with my current setup, I can edit movies without it taking all day.
2.) I do want duel screens. I do not have it now at home, but I have them at work. It sounds unnecessary until you use them. It really is nice. Plus, I’d like to get my Flight Simulator on dual monitors, that will be fun. That will be a future add-on.
[/quote]
With a high end graphics card u get for sure dual screen. even (some) low priced graphics cards can do this already.
[quote=""Cyclohexane""]
[quote=""StrokeyBlofeld""]
Intel make the best CPU at the moment, and for the forseeable future too. It is highly unlikely that a dual CPU setup would benifit you enough to warrant the extra $$$, the difference is pretty significant in cost. [/quote]
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OK, single it is. Should I pick my video card out first, then design the rest of the system around it?
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U should pick CPU and graphics card and then design the rest around it. CPU should be at least dual core and because of video editing u should even think about quadcore, because it increases performance there. In games right now dual core is sufficient because games don't support quadcore right now.
[quote=""Cyclohexane""]
[quote=""StrokeyBlofeld""]
If your really looking to futureproof then you'll be looking at a board that will support the new DDR3 ram modules, although they are still pretty expensive compared to DDR2 so you need to weigh up the cost in your decison here too. [/quote]
This is good information. Are the DDR3 modules highly superior, or just moderately better but much more expensive? I have not started looking at prices yet, I just learned today that CompUSA is going to take care of me. I’m waiting for a follow-up email to see what they are offering as a comparable replacement, then negotiate…
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Here u can read something about DDR3 vs DDr2
http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Hardw ... r3/13.html
I don't think that the performance increase is really much. and DDR2 is really low on price (30 € for 2GB module here). And if u have 4 GB or 8 GB of memory, i don't think that u need more memory during the time u own the computer.
And u can never be sure if u have a future proof comp, specicifications sockets etc. can change very fast. Usually the cost in "futureproof" technologies isn't worth it because of one thing changing futureproof is over. And u have kids, if u need something new, give the old things to kids (at least when they need a comp)
[quote=""Cyclohexane""]
[quote=""StrokeyBlofeld""]
At the moment, the best single graphics card set-up is Nvidia, but if your looking for a dual graphics card set-up then ATI's crossfire outperforms Nvidia's SLI configuration. [/quote]
Well that hasn’t changed then. I’m currently using an Nvidia and been very happy; able to play most video games in medium setting with no lag on a 5 year old machine.
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I think single top card is the way to go. Crossfire and SLI have usually higher power consumption and don't perform well on every game.
[quote=""Cyclohexane""]
[quote=""StrokeyBlofeld""]
SATA is the way to go for drives now (sure you already know this), so disc drives and hard drives should all be SATA. Newer drives now offer 32mb cache, so look out for these. I remember you saying you have a lot of media stored, so it may be worth your while going with 4 SATA drives in a RAID 0/1 set up. This will give you slightly better drive performance and also provide you with a back up should one of your main drives fail. [/quote]
4 drives? I regularly use an external hard drive for backup. I have even went so far as to open a bank safety deposit box and store an extra drive there with all my pictures I refresh every year or so.
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RAID IS NO BACKUP. It keeps ur system running if one drive fails and keeps the data which would have been lost, but it doesn't help u if viruses destroy data, an electricity surge destroys all disks etc. They are many other ways of data loss except failing drives. A real backup is only if u make it on an external device which is only connected to comp and electricity during backup and restore.
[quote=""Cyclohexane""]
[quote=""StrokeyBlofeld""]
If your looking to utilise 4gb of RAM or more, then you will need a 64 bit OS. XP comes in a 64 bit version, but in my opinion if your going to buy a 64 bit OS then you should be looking at Vista. You may hear other people saying "don't get it" etc, but there is nothing wrong with it.... seriously there isn't!
A small minority of users will moan about it, like anything. But I read a lot of computer forums and know a lot of people who in to computer technology and can assure you that it is fine. The Ultimate version doesn't offer anything really worth having that the Premium version doesn't have, so it's not worth paying the extra $$$ as it's nearly double the cost. [/quote]
That’s what I’ve gathered from talking with people at work. What I do not understand is all the different versions available. Is Ultimate what you suggest?
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Ultimate is only for geeks like me :twisted: who run an Active Directory at home and wants to have everything of the home premium. For the average user Home Premium is the way to go because it supports all multimedia stuff and other things which home users like. Business and enterprise support Active Directory which companys need. They don't have the ability for DVD playback etc. Ultimate is the combination of Business and Hoem Premium
If u have a XP licence already u can use this and buy an Home Premium licence 64 bit which u can use later.
With XP u can utilize only 3,2 GB RAM. or u even install both xp (first) and vista, so u can do most with vista und use other programs/games, which don't work with vista 64 bit with XP
[quote=""Cyclohexane""]
[quote=""StrokeyBlofeld""]
You will also have to look at cooling. If you've never dabbled in water cooling, then don't! Also, DO NOT buy a water cooling kit, as these suck. The only way to get decent water cooling is by designing it yourself and buying the seperate parts.
You'll need a decent case to ensure decent cooling (also make sure your case will take a high end graphics card as they are pretty long and some cases won't fit them in).
Don't rely on a supplied heatsink with your CPU, go for a decent after market cooler such as a Freezer Pro. Most cases will come with a couple of standard fans, send a little on more fans and get filters too to stop the inside of your system getting too dirty/dusty. [/quote]
I’ve never done water cooling so I guess I’ll stay away from this. I do plan to buy a pimped out case with handles and a strong power supply. I will also look into Freezer Pro as well.
Thanks for the tips![/quote]
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The cooler coming with a boxed cpu is suifficient. I use it myself. Though of course u have some better results with a Freezer Pro etc.