new gaming rig for age of conan questions

[Evcolonial19]

Hello,

I am building my first computer and I want to know if the components i have choosen are compatible with one another, will fit in the case, and the psu is sufficient to run it?

This is going to be mostly for gaming, I need it for the upcomming mmorpg Age of Conan that i want to run on the highest graphics smoothly on direct x10. The OS is going to be Vista 64 bit and i hope to have this pc for the next 2 or so years.. please tell me how my setup is and if there can be any improvements. Btw I am only looking to spend around $1,500.

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail


EVGA 123-YW-E175-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 750i FTW SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

MSI NX8800GT 512M OC GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail (2x)

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500 - Retail

CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF - Retail
(2x)

Seagate Barracuda ES.2 ST3250310NS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM


Pioneer 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model DVR-115DBK - OEM



Subtotal: $1,423.93


parts are from newegg

[Alaron]

Welcome to PCMech. That list is a good start. Here are my suggestions:

The E8400 is the best bang for the buck now. The E8500 doesn't give you enough of a performance boost to justify the higher cost.

No need for Dominator Ram. Corsair VS or XMS will be just fine.

The ES series is for servers. Swap for the 7200.10/11 series instead.

Pick up a SATA DVD Burner and be sure it comes with software. We recommend LiteOn brand.

As for the PSU, choose from Nvidia's list of certified units for your SLI setup here: www.slizone.com

Do you need any peripherals?

[Khalil]

Asus.... Asus.... Asus....

I would not buy an Evga motherboard, stick to an Asus and save yourself a lot of headache.
You don't need the E8500 or E8400 to game, unless you just want to brag that you have one.
I would get a cheaper processor like the E6550, any Intel Core 2 Duo will own any game out there. forget SLI and get one powerful card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130338 it will be far more stable and out power the 2 8800GTs, I know it does not make sense but SLI is far from a reliable platform.

Power supply is the most important component in your machine, go with FSP or Seasonic if you want the best, if you want to be a k3wl Dude then you can go with a Corsair or OCZ but they are not as good as the Seasonic or FSP.

Antec power supplies have now become questionable, for years Seasonic made them, but per Antec they are no longer made by Seasonic.

My brother and I are going to play Age of Conan, we already checked with the Dev's they will not be supporting 64 bit OS.

[Evcolonial19]

Okay that makes alot of sense. Can you draw me up a new rig with a different mobo for the video card you recommended. Btw are you sure AOC won't support 64 bit, I've read a lot of people have been playing beta in 64 bit. Finally, is it possible for me to get 8gb of ram? Would 8gb have any performance increase at all?

[Evcolonial19]

this mobo

Maximus Extreme?

[Devastator]

Originally Posted by Khalil Power supply is the most important component in your machine, go with FSP or Seasonic if you want the best, if you want to be a k3wl Dude then you can go with a Corsair or OCZ but they are not as good as the Seasonic or FSP.

Corsair PSU's are based on Seasonic designs - and there is no cool/coolness factor involved, they are just good.

I'd also be very suprised if Age of Conan didn't work on 64bit, as they would miss a big market... older games like BF2 work on 64bit so I would be even more suprised if it didn't work.

I think that you would be better off with the Maximus Formula as this is the DDR2 version. I have it, and it's a great board. 8GB of RAM.. I don't think you would notice it at all to be honest. Get 2x2GB for now and you can always buy the same kit a year down the line if you really feel like you want more

I'd also recommend sticking with just the 8800GT if you want to save a bit of money. You will still easily be able to max every game out. Go for an EVGA though as you get 90 day step up program and 10 year warranty.

[Evcolonial19]

Well, I think/hope that I've finalized my new computer (first one I've ever built). I haven't ordered all of the parts yet and I would like a final opinion and any recommendations. I'm hoping this computer will last me 2 years. Primarily, it will be used for gaming using Vista 64 bit. First game I am going to be playing on it is Age of Conan . I decided not to go SLI because i have heard the mobos are not as reliable and as good, so I went with Intel's latest mobo with DDR3 memory. Yeah, so any recommendations? I also need a power supply, I reckon I will need around 800 watts.

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

$139.99 -$20.00 Instant $119.99

GIGABYTE GA-X48T-DQ6 LGA 775 DDR3 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

$329.99 $329.99

EVGA 01G-P3-N895-A3 GeForce 9800 GX2 1GB 512-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

$594.99 -$20.00 Instant $574.99

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700 Kentsfield 2.66GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6700 - Retail

$279.99 $279.99

CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TW3X4G1333C9DHX - Retail

$369.00 $369.00

Seagate Barracuda ES.2 ST3500320NS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

$129.99 $129.99

LITE-ON Black IDE DVD-ROM Drive Model DH-16D2P-08 - Retail

$17.99 $17.99

Sony NEC Optiarc Combo Drive Black IDE Model CRX320EE/B2S W/O SW - OEM

$22.99 $22.99

Subtotal: $1,844.93

I've heard about over clocking (never done it), but do you think it is possible for me to over clock the quad processor to 3.0ghz?

By the way, am i missing any components? Probably one of my most important questions is it going to overheat?

Cheers

[flanzig1]

Don't see an OS on the list. Also, don't see a PSU. A Corsair 520 or 640w would do nicely.
As for using DDR3 ram, it's not quite ready for prime time. The general thought is to stick with DDR2 ram and motherboard.
Should be able to do some mild OC with the stock heatsink and heat shouldn't be a worry at this time.

[catacon]

I agree with flanzig1 on the PSU and RAM. Also, I think you would be fine with the Q6600 instead of the Q6700. I don't think the .26Ghz increase is worth $60 price difference. You could easily overclock the Q6600 to 3.0-3.5Ghz.

[Evcolonial19]

yeah i know about the memory but hey why not upgrade because im sure people will be using that in the next year anyway, right? And for the .26, Im gonna go with it, even if it costs more because Im not a professional at overclocking.

For the Psu, that why i asked what one i should get and i think my graphics card needs at least 600 watts?

[catacon]

The Corsair 650W would work nicely.

[Katreat]

I agree with the others on DDR3. People may be using DDR3 next year but it will be with the new Intel CPU line up on the new Intel socket, not on the current line-up on 775 boards. Processors are just not fast enoug to really utilize the potential of DDR3. The ram will step down to the speed of the processor so its only current use is for extream OC'ing. With Intel already planning on a new socket it is very unlikely that they will speed up the current crop of processors to even push the fastest DDR2 so I would hold off on DDR3 tell your next build and save some $.

Kat

[Evcolonial19]

Ok I will change my build and do exactly what you said. And hopefully by next year...

Thanks a ton

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by Devastator Corsair PSU's are based on Seasonic designs - and there is no cool/coolness factor involved, they are just good. I'd also be very suprised if Age of Conan didn't work on 64bit, as they would miss a big market... older games like BF2 work on 64bit so I would be even more suprised if it didn't work. I think that you would be better off with the Maximus Formula as this is the DDR2 version. I have it, and it's a great board. 8GB of RAM.. I don't think you would notice it at all to be honest. Get 2x2GB for now and you can always buy the same kit a year down the line if you really feel like you want more I'd also recommend sticking with just the 8800GT if you want to save a bit of money. You will still easily be able to max every game out. Go for an EVGA though as you get 90 day step up program and 10 year warranty.

I never said 64 bit OS won't work with age of Conan however I said it won't be supported, meaning if something goes wrong you are on your own because non of the game designers design the games for 64 bit therefore they do not support 64 bit. I hope I am clearer now.
Tabula Rasa played great with 64 bit till one patch then it started to lock up. Several people contacted the dev team and they simply replied that they do not support 64 bit OS.

Same thing happend in EQ2, Quake 4 and SWG, they work fine with 64 bit but they get bugged and the devs say the same thing. "WE DO NOT SUPPORT 64BIT"

You have to remember MMORPG are not the same as games like BF2.

Evcolonial19 your safest bet is to contact the dev team or the game's technical support and ask them if the game was designed to SUPPORT 64 bit operating systems.

If you have not built a system yet I will gladly put together a parts list that will work extremely well for you.

[Alaron]

Evcolonial19, I've merged your two threads since they concern the same build.

_Moderator_

[Evcolonial19]

Thanks everyone. Khalil I would greatly appreciate if you helped me put a build together.

proof for support on game box http://img120.imageshack.us/my.php?image=64bitqt5.jpg

[Masaki 7-11]

Here is a list for a solid high-performance system which will overclock well (You'll have no problems with overclocking to 3.0GHz, but it will void the warranty on the processor, if you are not interested in overclocking it, you can take out the zalman fan, the stock one will work fine if not overclocking):


LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write Black SATA Model LH-20A1S
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106057
$26.99

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021
$119.99

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148288
$99.99

EVGA 512-P3-N871-AR GeForce 9800 GTX(G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130339
$299.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005
$109.99

mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996587
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820146731
$83.99

ASUS P5K-E LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131225
$139.99

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115017
$219.99

Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116204
$94.99

ZALMAN CNPS 9700 NT 110mm 2 Ball Ultra Quiet CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118020
$69.99

Subtotal: $1,265.90

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by Evcolonial19 Thanks everyone. Khalil I would greatly appreciate if you helped me put a build together. proof for support on game box http://img120.imageshack.us/my.php?image=64bitqt5.jpg

Awesome man, thats the best way to know for sure. I am definately going to play it on my 64 bit box.

What Maskai is recommending sounds like a very solid build.

[Evcolonial19]

Np.

Im most likely going to order the parts tonight.

Do you think with the extra cash i have it is worth to go with a faster processor (quad 2.66)?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115027

I guess the 9800gx2 isn't worth it?

Does the setup include raid (dunno how that works, i have an idea of what it does though)?

And I dont like the looks of that case, any others that will fit my setup, but also have good airflow and is quiet?

Thanks

[Evcolonial19]

Also, ddr2 800 and not ddr2 1066 memory is fine for now until ddr3 goes mainstream?

[Khalil]

I would not bother with DDR2 1066, there will be no noticeable benefit to you, my advice is stick to the cheaper DDR2 800.

As far as the CPU is concerned a core 2 duo Dual core like the E2200 will more than do the job let alone the the Q6600, specialy if you are going to be doing other tasks while you are gaming.
Personaly I see no benefit from upgrading the CPU, The Q6600 is a beast and will superceed all your expectations.

Why isn't the 9800GX2 worth it? I know many people who own them and swear by them, it is a monster graphics card and the performance is just blistering.

[Evcolonial19]

Ok thanks. Before I order I just want make sure about this the video card slot is a PCI Express 2.0 x16, while the mobo only has PCI Express x16, PCI Express x1,PCI Slots. Does the 2.0 make a difference in compatibility?

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by Evcolonial19 Ok thanks. Before I order I just want make sure about this the video card slot is a PCI Express 2.0 x16, while the mobo only has PCI Express x16, PCI Express x1,PCI Slots. Does the 2.0 make a difference in compatibility?

For the most part PCIe 2.0 video cards are backwards compatible with PCIe 1.1 slots (which is on newer motherboards like the one in the list). You shouldn't have any problems having the card work, but I've heard that early versions of the PCIe 2.0 cards were crashing on PCIe 1.1 slots, the 9800GTX has been out for a while, so that shouldn't be a problem. The build I've listed does not have RAID (you need more than one hard drive) but supports it, so you can get a RAID array later on if you want (realistically, you don't get much of anything to justify using RAID in a gaming computer; RAID 0 will give you increased hard drive performance, but will stop working if any of the hard drives in the RAID array crash, while RAID 1 copies the one of the hard drives onto the other making it so you only have the space of one hard drive, there are other types of RAID in addition to those two that I mentioned, but RAID is mostly for workstations or servers and don't improve performance much for gaming computers). If you plan on overclocking the processor a lot, then the Q6700 is a better option since it overclock higher, and comes in the G0 stepping (best for overclocking and runs cooler/more efficiently) while the Q6600 comes in either the B3 (poor overclocking but will overclock to 3.0GHz without problems) or the G0 stepping.

[Evcolonial19]

another question eeek..

How can i tell if everything is vista 64 bit compatible?

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by Evcolonial19 another question eeek.. How can i tell if everything is vista 64 bit compatible?

The only things you need drivers for is the motherboard and video card; both of which have 64 bit drivers. Everything else will be handled through the BIOS and with standard windows drivers, so you won't have anything incompatible with 64-bit. Regarding a case, take a look at the NZXT Hush (I'm currently using it, and it's pretty quiet and doesn't look too flashy): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811146035

[Evcolonial19]

Wonderful. Well, would you recommend this as my motherboard or should i keep what you recommended(reliable wise and features)?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131255

At this point I am just scared, since it is my first custom pc, that it will not work when I try to put it together? What happens if the psu is a doa?

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by Evcolonial19 Wonderful. Well, would you recommend this as my motherboard or should i keep what you recommended(reliable wise and features)? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131255 At this point I am just scared, since it is my first custom pc, that it will not work when I try to put it together? What happens if the psu is a doa?

Most people recommend staying with Intel chipsets for Intel processors, the Asus P5K-E will work fine, so not really any point in spending more money on the motherboard when it's not necessary. For the most part you won't have anything doa if you buy parts from reliable manufacturers (the build list has reliable manufacturers, so that shouldn't be an issue), but if something is doa, you'll have to RMA it and get a new one. Building a computer isn't that difficult and will usually turn on the first time you put it together; make sure you read the motherboard manual, have instructions handy, ground yourself and take your time when building the computer.

[Evcolonial19]

Thanks to everyone that has helped me. I will tell you how it goes when i've finished

[Evcolonial19]

Seeing that PCI Express x16 is compatible with pci express 2.0 x16 video cards my question is there a performance decrease?


I dont have alot of questions (sarcasm)

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by Evcolonial19 Seeing that PCI Express x16 is compatible with pci express 2.0 x16 video cards my question is there a performance decrease? I dont have alot of questions (sarcasm)

At the moment only the fastest video cards see any performance improvement with PCIe 2.0, and even then it's minimal, PCIe 1.1 is fine for all the video cards out now.