A big ask? Computer comparison

[DeusVolt]

Dear Wise-Ones,

I come before you a humble plebian, and beg of you a moment of your time.
For I seek to join the ranks of the Gamer of Recent Games, having been adrift in the void of 2 years or older games only gaming experience for too long!

So basically I've got two comps I'm considering, I'm also wondering if 6 core or whatever it is is perhaps a little surplus to requirements, though it does present ample room for upgrades. Anyway, to cut to the chase firstly:

1GB NVIDIA GT430 vs ATI Radeon HD 5770 1GB - any comments on which is superior?

Secondly, and primarily:
This badboy with the 6x Turbo Core,
MESH Computers - Award Winning Review PCs, Custom PCs and Budget PCs Since 1987 - Evolution X6 Pro

vs this badboy with the QuadCore, 8gb memory and ATI 5770 1gb
Veloce i5-760 5770 - Gaming PCs - Dino PC Ltd

Now, my humble opinion is that perhaps all this 6x core stuff isn't really going to boost my gaming experience that much? Am I kind of putting a topnotch set of pistons with an engine too small to fill them? (Or a mahoosive engine with a set of small pistons....)

Also will the sets need a little additions such as with the DinoPc one power supply, will 500W PSU as supplied be sufficient, or should I really opt for a 430W Corsair CX, or even a 500W Xigmatek?

Anyway, I'm sorry if this is a big ask, but I am but a lowly muggle in the ways of these magicks, so any and all help appreciated, thanks in advance!!

Oh and errr...any spare 22-inch monitors? Just lying around??

[AdrenalinPlease]

I just want to be part of this post for the sake of being part of this post and no other reason since I have nothing to add to this awesomest post of awesome.

[glc]

I just looked through both system's customization options, and I'm not too enthused with them. Some of the components are high quality, but others just don't trip my trigger. Is there any reason why you can't buy components and build your own system? Neither one of them can be customized to my complete satisfaction.

The 5770 blows a GT430 away, by the way.

[DeusVolt]

Well glc, I kind've have tinkered around with computers inside and out before but all i can think is if i spend £600 on some good kit then naff it up I will chop off my own hands in anger...

Seriously though I cccooouullldddd just put something together, but all this talk of incompatiblity, diagnosing problems etc, is a major put-off. If i can just get it, stick it together, yeah i know how to do that, then boot up and install the O/S I can handle that (let's face it, it's pretty damn easy, it's just most people never try!).
If I knew what went with what I would probably chance it, be a laugh won't it?

Would you say the rigs are ok without upgrading?
What do you reckon with this 6 core stuff, bit OTT or what?
I've read somewhere that in terms of just game playing dualcore can do ok, as its focusing on one task.

Anyway, as ever, thanks for feedback !!

And AdrenalinPlease I would like to nominate you for honourable mention of the year award

[AdrenalinPlease]

I humbly accept you nomination!!! Now wheres my trophy?

[glc]

I think 6 core is a waste for gaming. A quad is the best compromise between gaming and other things most people would use a computer for.

I'm not enthused about power supply and hard drive brands on those rigs.

[DeusVolt]

ok what about this badboy?

Scan 3XS Systems

and would you say those rigs would do ok though, for reasonably up-to-date gaming?

If no to the above link - tell me oh wise-one, and I shall assemble the sacred machination, I shall gather the materials ye stipulate and piece them together into a divine mockery of human intelligence, a beast of a computer, to please both high and low alike!!
So yeh, if you can tell me what, then I can make it.

AdrenalinPlease:
I tried to draw you a trophy but it failed. go make your own instead...

[glc]

What is your budget for the case and its contents? Do not include the operating system or any peripherals, budget those separately.

I don't trust Samsung hard drives or Corsair Builder series PSU's.

[AdrenalinPlease]

Originally Posted by DeusVolt AdrenalinPlease: I tried to draw you a trophy but it failed. go make your own instead...

NO, you make it since you nominated me.

[DeusVolt]

My budget is about £500 not including o/s, i've never been one for fancy mice or keyboards and have often topped a lot of servers when on form on CS etc so im not fussed about that. besides, logitech are a reputable brand....right??

Also I thought corsair had a good reputation?
Any other comments about that set-up (most recent link i put up)? the overall gaming power etc?

AdrenlinPlease - you're a feisty little one

.....|\__|\_
~~|-------\
~~|.__..__/
.....|/ |/

Have a rocket instead

[glc]

Corsair has an excellent reputation, but the CX series is their cheap line and is a bit questionable.

Every system you have linked so far has had some questionable components. I'm sure my standards are a lot higher than yours, but I refuse to compromise on quality. I learned that when I was in the custom PC business - warranty work is a time and money waster, and a pain in the neck.

If you are strictly trying to game, it's ALL in the video card. Just about any current processor will be fine, but you need an appropriate power supply to support your power-hungry video card in a stable fashion, and a well-made motherboard.

I'm going to move this to the BYOPC forum, and give you a suggested "build your own" list - something I'd be confident in. If you really want to buy something prebuilt, start researching all the builders available to you for overall satisfaction and very importantly, SUPPORT and WARRANTY. I'd seriously consider local shops rather than a prebuilt from a large vendor.

Stay tuned.

[DeusVolt]

Ok cheers, thanks for all your help!

I await with baited breath....(or is that bated?)

[glc]

Here you go:

Coolermaster Elite 330 Black Mid Tower Case - No PSU | Ebuyer.com

Asus P7P55 LX P55 Socket 1156 8 Channel Audio Out ATX.. | Ebuyer.com

Intel Core i3 540 3.06GHz Socket 1156 4MB L3 Cache.. | Ebuyer.com

WD 500GB 3.5" 5400rpm 32MB Cache Caviar Black.. | Ebuyer.com

Sony Optiarc AD-5260S 24x DVD±RW & DL SATA.. | Ebuyer.com

Sapphire HD 6850 1GB GDDR5 Dual DVI HDMI Mini Display.. | Ebuyer.com

Antec Basiq Power 550W PSU - 6x SATA 2x PCI-E 20+4pin.. | Ebuyer.com

Corsair XMS3 - Memory - 4 GB : 2 x 2 GB - DIMM 240-pin.. | Ebuyer.com

I show this at 509 quid.

[DeusVolt]

Hmm from my amateur eye that looks rather tasty good sir!!
Many thanks indeed upon thy household!

Should I give the quad core a miss then you think?
for an extra £20 I could go for some AMD quad core, but I'm wondering if its worth it....

Again, thanks very much for your help! I will be buying the stuff by end of january/start of february, will keep you posted on my progress if you are interested

Cheers me dears!!

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by glc Here you go: Coolermaster Elite 330 Black Mid Tower Case - No PSU | Ebuyer.com Asus P7P55 LX P55 Socket 1156 8 Channel Audio Out ATX.. | Ebuyer.com Intel Core i3 540 3.06GHz Socket 1156 4MB L3 Cache.. | Ebuyer.com WD 500GB 3.5" 5400rpm 32MB Cache Caviar Black.. | Ebuyer.com Sony Optiarc AD-5260S 24x DVD±RW & DL SATA.. | Ebuyer.com Sapphire HD 6850 1GB GDDR5 Dual DVI HDMI Mini Display.. | Ebuyer.com Antec Basiq Power 550W PSU - 6x SATA 2x PCI-E 20+4pin.. | Ebuyer.com Corsair XMS3 - Memory - 4 GB : 2 x 2 GB - DIMM 240-pin.. | Ebuyer.com I show this at 509 quid.

nice except for the case power button.

[glc]

I don't spec out AMD systems because I don't build them and don't know what's good or not. However, you could upgrade to an Intel quad core for another 75 quid.

Intel i5 760 2.8GHz Socket 1156 8MB L3 Cache Retail.. | Ebuyer.com

Good point on the case - another 12 quid will get you a really nice case:

Antec 300 Three Hundred Case | Ebuyer.com

[DeusVolt]

Hey I had a mate who builds comptuers take a look at this, he reckons things a bit differently (you techies and your personal differences!)

I'll let you know what he suggests too so you can have tech-off

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by DeusVolt Hey I had a mate who builds comptuers take a look at this, he reckons things a bit differently (you techies and your personal differences!) I'll let you know what he suggests too so you can have tech-off

this should be interesting

[cantputt04]

I would never... EVER... tech-off against glc. Ever.




.... just sayin :3

[rwest]

Very exciting stuff....

We have a Newcomer... from outside the walls of PC Mech, goes up against one of our top and highly respected moderators for the newest and first event of the year - specifically named- The Tech Off of the Year 2011....

The consumer is a concerned and information wanting advocate. Going against his will to buy a premade, he listens intently and takes the advice of those around him and chooses to follow sound advice given by our very own - GLC

But the Newcomer is an unknown. He may.. very well be a highly decorated tech in his own right...will he give GLC a run for his money, or will this newcomer just be another wannabe to fall under the mighty mind and knowlegeable of GLC. Known also by the name of George to some..and just 'G' to others.

It is a battle of wits and knowledge of the Intel world. Reserved for the followers of this thread,. a few other pc mechers, and for the entertainment of us who have nothing else better in the near future....

....so without further ado.... It's 'G' 'L' 'C'

Let the games begin!!!

[Nikon]

mind = blown, also:

techies can be really stubborn on what they recommend and how they do things =D

then again, you get someone like me who loves amd, but went and built himself an i7 rig.

on the amd side of things, an Athlon II 640 (quad core) coupled with an asus m4a87td evo would be the base of the rig. the athlon is quite a good performer for the price. i have used these 2 with various other components for several lower budgeted gaming rigs.

[glc]

Too bad Khalil has been too busy lately to participate in the forums - he's an AMD fan and I'd love to see HIS ideas on this! He's a true professional builder with thousands of computers under his belt.

I'm not anti-AMD - I just don't build with them due to past less than good experiences with them and can't make an honest recommendation except in my opinion you are less likely to have issues with an Asus motherboard than other brands. Every builder has their favorite brands of components for various reasons.

My component choices are driven more by stability and reliability than performance considerations. I also weigh manufacturer support heavily.

[Nikon]

i 2nd that notion GLC. high performance means nothing if it is not rock solid stable. it kills me inside when a customer gives an order for a really high end system and a budget of 600 bucks. i try to explain the importance of quality parts and come to a comprimise. most of the time they take my advice (which has been heavily influenced by many members of this community), but once in a while they are hell bent on getting that gtx 480 on a 700 budget, or the heard from their friend that ocz is the best thing since the light bulb.

[jdeb]

As many of you know I was a solid Foxconn mb guy but around 1.5 to 2 years ago I switched to primarily Asus because of this forum. I was down on Asus because I had a couple of boards (years ago) give me trouble but looking back on it, it may have been just bad luck. I have a lot of Foxconns out there and they have held the line admirably. The switch has been seamless and have not had any trouble to speak of.

On the AMD front, I have not built any ultra high end systems yet but have put a couple dozen budget to mid range pc's together and I must say I am very impressed. Dollar value wise, I think they have a performance and stability edge over Intel in the budget to mid range arena. I am not impressed at all with the P55 chipset, hopefully the P67 will get me back on track. To this day, I think the P45 chipset was the best intel ever made.

[Extremerc12]

GLC is very good when it comes to recommendations and building a system that is first and foremost stable. If you are really interested in an AMD system then take a look at something like this.

Asus M4A87TD/USB3 870 Socket AM3 8 Channel Audio ATX.. | Ebuyer.com

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Socket AM3 3.2 GHz.. | Ebuyer.com

[Hufigyed]

Originally Posted by jdeb nice except for the case power button.

What wrong with the power button?

[pally01]

Originally Posted by Hufigyed What wrong with the power button?

Apparently it is prone to failure.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by pally01 Apparently it is prone to failure.

correct, plastic spring breaks very easily. replaced many of them and they just break again.

[Hufigyed]

Oh. I recently got this very case and the power button seems like the most solid thing on the whole case but you're right it is just a plastic spring type thing so I can see that breaking. It just feels really solid but maybe its just because the rest of the case is flimsy due to the thin steel.

I was used to my Antec 902 and about five minutes after pulling this one out of the box I noticed blood and sure enough I had two cuts.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by Extremerc12 If you are really interested in an AMD system then take a look at something like this. Asus M4A87TD/USB3 870 Socket AM3 8 Channel Audio ATX.. | Ebuyer.com AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Socket AM3 3.2 GHz.. | Ebuyer.com

I was gonna post something of the sort. I was kinda waiting to see if Kahlil was going to. That's a great processor for the price it is now. Like GLC, I miss Kahlil's input. I thought I noticed him not posting. Hopefully he'll find some time to partake again. Thanks for clearing that up GLC. I was wondering what happened to him.