Gaming/Video Editing/Misc. Machine

[Maqqie]

Hey Guys,
After asking in a previous thread and doing abit of my own research, I finally compiled a list of parts for my new system. This system is designed for gaming with full detail on as well as video editing, 3d modelling, image editing and the general stuff (surfing the web etc.). My budget is $5000 but I don't mind going over if its worth it. The only thing I haven't decided on is the motherboard. Basically I am searching for one that supports socket 775 Intel Conroe chips and Crossfire for ATi GPUs. Also since I am planning to constantly upgrade this machine, I would like it to have as many expansion slots as possible.

So far here are my specs:

NOTE: Prices are in Australian dollars

CPU = Intel Core 2 Duo X6800 [~$1600]

MOBO = ~$400

GPU = 2 x ATi Radeon X1950XTX Crossfire [~$1200]

Sound Card = Creative X-FI Platinum [$299]

RAM = 4GB D2 6400 Corsair Twinx [$359]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590

PSU = Thermal Take ToughPower 750W [$229]

Case = Thermaltake Armor VA8000SWA Silver Aluminum ATX Full Tower [$299]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133155

HDD = [160GB SATA II HDD in old pc] [$0]

~Total = $4745

Please tell me if anything is bottlenecking the system and if there are any improvements that can be made. If I just had 2GB of RAM would that bottleneck the system?

Cheers,

Maqqie

[Cricket]

I don't have any answers to your questions, I just wanted to know why you need another gaming rig when you already have a $9,000 gaming rig that you mentioned in this thread (http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=164227)?

And since you already had that other thread going (about building a new computer), why'd you start a new one?

:) Cricket

[Mr.Ferrari]

MOBO = ~$400
I would suggest Asus P5WDH

GPU = 2 x ATi Radeon X1950XTX Crossfire [~$1200]
WOW, they are coming out september 15. Those are two of the most sweetest cards for a while. Have fun..

RAM = 4GB D2 6400 Corsair Twinx [$359]
2gigs, no point in 4g.

PSU = Thermal Take ToughPower 750W [$229]
Great choice on psu, will power your rig no problem.

Case = Thermaltake Armor VA8000SWA Silver Aluminum ATX Full Tower [$299]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133155


Its a good case, if your in that kinda price range, I might suggest you look at some Lian-Li's.

Please tell me if anything is bottlenecking the system and if there are any improvements that can be made. If I just had 2GB of RAM would that bottleneck the system?

Right now there is minimal performance gain with 4gbs, and XP 32bit cant even see more then 3. I would highly suggest you stick to 2gigabytes.

Your ram wont bottleneck anything.

Good luck, AMAZING system.

[Maqqie]

I don't have any answers to your questions, I just wanted to know why you need another gaming rig when you already have a $9,000 gaming rig that you mentioned in this thread (http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=164227)?

And since you already had that other thread going (about building a new computer), why'd you start a new one?

:) Cricket

Sorry about starting another thread. Its just the old one was pushed back to the forth page and also I couldn't update the main post with the new components I have chosen.

In regards to getting a 2nd gaming rig, its mostly:

1) I regret not waiting for the new Conroes :/ and getting an AMD FX-62 instead...

2) I want to build this system myself so I can constantly update it, since I will know the system right through (unlike the $9000 rig which was built by the store and is already having problems... and because I didn't build it, I have to bring it back to their technicians).

3) Learn about building pcs and trouble shooting them as well as overclocking

4) My folks are very generous :)

Its a good case, if your in that kinda price range, I might suggest you look at some Lian-Li's.

Yeah, I was looking at the Lian Li's but I am looking for a case that was a side window. I couldn't find any case by Lian Li that had one.

[Cricket]

In regards to getting a 2nd gaming rig, its mostly:

1) I regret not waiting for the new Conroes :/ and getting an AMD FX-62 instead...Really? Why? Nothing wrong with AMD FX processors...they basically were made for gamers. Besides, it's the video card that's more important...don't get caught up in all the Conroe hype...it's just another processor. Just because someone installs it in their computer doesn't mean the computer will magically be that much better...it's still just a computer.2) I want to build this system myself so I can constantly update it, since I will know the system right through (unlike the $9000 rig which was built by the store and is already having problems... and because I didn't build it, I have to bring it back to their technicians).Ahhh...I didn't know you didn't build the $9,000 rig. Yes, there is something to say for building your own computer...you know it inside out and can fix it when necessary.3) Learn about building pcs and trouble shooting them as well as overclocking.That's what I was hoping to hear...you want to learn.4) My folks are very generous :)Do they want to adopt me? I'm only 49 and I'm house trained :D.

:) Cricket

[Mr.Ferrari]

Do they want to adopt me? I'm only 49 and I'm house trained .
Me too!
I call dibs on poolhouse!!



---
Just messin with ya man. If you have any questions feel free.

[Maqqie]

lol.

Mr.Ferrari I wanted to ask you, do you know if that motherboard you suggested supports dongleless Crossfire that is coming with the new X1950XTXs? I remmber reading something about motherboards that will support this feature. I am prepared to wait till they come out.

Also, does Lian Li sell cases with side windows? I might hop over to the website to have a look. What are the benefits to taking a Lian Li case over a Thermaltake case?

Cheers,

Maqqie

[Mr.Ferrari]

Pick whichever case suits your fancy. Its really hard to tell because what I like might not be something you like. Coolermaster Stacker cases are huge and awesome for space. Lian li does sell some of its cases with side window.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Submit=ENE&N=2010090007+50001375+1055508421&Subcategory=7&description=&srchInDesc=&minPrice=&maxPrice=
And www.silverpcs.com sells parts and acessories such as windows for those cases. Im not sure if you can get it in aussie though.

For bling thermaltake does its job very nicely. Coolermaster stacker is also very well built and I believe also had the option of side window. Just pick one that wont make you think twice evertime you look at the case.

On the X1950XTX I dont have much info on this. Its still pre-release...But I think that you'll need Ati RD600 chipsets for dongle-less crossfire? Im not sure if it will be adaptible on current chipsets though.

[Maqqie]

hmmm.. I guess I might wait on the motherbaord then.

I am looking for a full tower case. I noticed that all the Lian Li cases with side windows are mid towers. I also already own the CM Stacker so I am sorta looking for something different.

Much thnx for the info. :)

Cheers,

Maqqie

[Strider]

I have the Coolmaster Stacker case with the optional side windows and I also bought the airflow flan that blows cool air on the motherboard. The case is worth every penny and then some, plenty room to work in and the air flow is great for keeping the temperatures down. The only thing I would advise is not to get it if going to lan parties for it's a beast and would be a pain to lug around. :D

[Maqqie]

And how come I was never told about an optional side window?!? damn those computer sales men!