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General discussion

New Computer Time!

Mar 31, 2005 2:51PM PST

Hi everyone, this is my first post. My name is Joe. I am looking for a new computer and I have been shopping around. I definitely want a gaming pc - I have looked at the computers from Voodoo, Bullypc, alienware, and these are WAY too expensive for me. My price range is 1700-2000 for a new computer. My priorities are as follows:
1) Graphics card - I want the best..either the 6800 ultra or the x850xe from ATI 9800 series.
2) 1 Gig of Ram
The rest, I do not really care about. I have found an awesome price on dell.com for a pc that includes a 17 inch lcd and a geforce 6800 "GTo" for around 1900$. I will be willing to post the link to it. However, I want to know if I can do better. NOW, this is where I want to bring in Cyberpower. I have recently configured a system that is 1800 dollars with a 17 inch lcd and a x850xe ATI radeon 9800 card, it was unbelievable. However, I AM VERY hesitant on buying a computer from a company like this - let alone over the internet. I need to know some expert advice on what to do, and where to go thanks payce!

Discussion is locked

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Gaming PC
Apr 1, 2005 1:18AM PST

Hi Ames,

Haven't much time, have to go somewhere, so being a little short here.

Dell does have some good gaming PC's to be configured in the 8400 series (also 8400 has the 64-bit support) without going to the more expensive XPS series.

LCD...well, gamers like the faster CRT, however LCD is improving. Don't know what Dell or others have, but you if you get a LCD, you should check to see that it has at least a 8ms response time or you may be disappointed.

What I suggest is that you go through all the below links and get an idea of what you want for a gaming machine, making note of the CPU and motherboard that can fit your price range. The Nvidia 6800Ultra for a card is also what I suggest. And 1GB of RAM is all you should start out with.
The highest end gamer would probably use the AMD Athlon 64 FX-55 with SLI mobo, but that is expensive & really not needed if you are not doing the extreme competitive gaming. Something like a AMD Anthlon 64 3800 or 4000 or a Intel Pent4 6xx series in 3.6, 3.4, 3.2 GHz is pleanty IMO.

OK, after you get a idea on what processor and motherboard, you can go to Monarch and configure a very good gamer PC with them as they have a large selection of quality part/components and only charge $49 to build practically anything you want. They are reliable and will be building my next PC for about the same price I can build, and they have a guarantee that I would't have to self guarantee (call myself on problems) along with whatever the parts OEM will give.
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=M&Category_Code=allcustom

Check these sites for ideas:

http://www.polywell.com/us/desktop/poly-939SLI.asp

http://www.alienware.com/intro_pages/aurora_7500_sli.aspx

http://www.voodoopc.com/sellPage.aspx?productID=1012

http://www.velocitymicro.com/

http://www.falcon-nw.com/

http://www.alienware.com/Product_Pages/desktop_default.aspx

http://www.totallyawesomecomputers.com/

http://www.abspc.com/

http://www.cyberpowersystem.com/Default.asp

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THANKS!!
Apr 1, 2005 4:34AM PST

Thanks John, you have given me the most info anyone has ever given me about getting a computer, I will definitely be buying from monarch like you.

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Question
Apr 1, 2005 4:46AM PST

Ok, I don't know a lot of the stuff on monarch's website, which system should I start off with? I started off with the Monarch Versall? (P4 775) Custom Desktops w/DDR And the p4 processor was over 1,000$. I am confused as to what the major difference between p4 3.4 GHZ LGA775 2mb 800 FSB (HT) Extreme edition $1,075 and the p4 3.0 GHZ LGA 775 2mb 800 FSB (HT) $258. Why is the first so much different? the only "difference" i see is .4 GHZ and "extreme edition" - what is so special about the "extreme edition"? What exactly should I be looking for, for gaming, b/c if I save 800$ I could put in a great graphics card. Thanks again

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Re: Question
Apr 1, 2005 6:08AM PST

Well Joe, don't feel lonesome. I've studied the Intel Extreme Edition and came to the conclusion that it is either outdated, was a gimick to counter the AMD FX-55, or just plain sucker fodder for the rich kids to bite, since it says 'Extreme'. I've logged out the thought of the Intel "Extreme Edition" processors, and suggest when with Intel to stay with the new 6xx series and 3.6 to 3.0 GHz. Besides, you and I don't need to pay that rediculous $1075. Wink

Also, instead of the Versall? (P4 775) Custom Desktops w/DDR, I would suggest the next one down which is the same except has DDR2.

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Some Research Comments
Apr 1, 2005 6:49AM PST

Hi John, I just want to thank you for taking your time to help me, but I want to make some comments. The systems that i have configured in Cyberpower.com and Dell.com (the 8400 series) are still coming out to be cheaper than monarch. Although, I have one gripe. The Dell does not offer the 6800 ultra, instead a "GTO" version. However, it does offer the ati 9800 x850xe PE 256 pci-e, which I heard is even BETTER than the nvidia. HOWEVER, this video card is not even an option on the 8400 series!! which really makes me angry, because if I would have added that video card to my configured system, it would have come out to be around 1500$!! , 500 dollars cheaper than the system I configured with monarch. Both systems have the 3.0 GHZ hT 6xx series processor, 1 gig of ram, however the choice in video cards is very limiting for Dell, which really angers me. Well, I hope to hear from you (or anyone else) soon. Thanks, and I will keep shopping in the meantime

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Change My mind about CyberPower
Apr 1, 2005 7:47AM PST

I have heard too many bad reviews and frankly, I think this company should be out of business from what I have heard about their horrible service and products, I guess "you get what you pay for" is very true indeed.

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Cheaper than Monarch
Apr 1, 2005 8:10AM PST
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Sorry John - Here are some:
Apr 1, 2005 10:14AM PST

Here are some of the configurations I have come up with. Based on what everyone has told me, I will go with a cheap CRT monitor to lower my costs, hopefully it will pay off.

ViewSonic 17" .27mm E70 CRT $125.00 Logitech Cordless Internet Pro Keyboard/Mouse PS2/USB (Black) (967461-0403) $27.00
Creative Labs SBS 270 Speakers Black 2 piece (51000000AA27Cool $19.00
Monarch Furia Custom Desktop $49.00
Case: 100866 - NO PS - Lian-Li PC-6077B Aluminum Mid-Tow $135.00
Power Supply: 100915 - PS 300W - SPI FSP300-ATX GT ATX 12V Power $27.00
Case Fan: 100096 - 120mm - Lian Li BS-01 Aluminum Blower Set $25.00 M
otherboard: 110182 - Abit AV8 K8T800 Audio/Gb-LAN/IEEE/USB/SAT $115.00 Processor: 12A421 - AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 512K 90nm (939) $129.00
Thermal Grease: 800018 - Shin-Etsu G675 Thermal Grease (Cools CPU $14.00
Heat Sink Fan: 130122 - AMD Certified Opteron/64/FX Heatsink $8.00
Memory: 140509 - 1 GB DDR (2 pcs 512) PC-3200 (400) OCZ Go $245.00
2nd Memory: None
Hard Drive: 150539 - IDE - Hitachi (HDS728080PLAT20) 80 GB/720 $60.00
2nd Hard Drive: None
RAID Setup: None
RAID Controller: None
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW: 160855 - Combo - Lite-On SOHC-5232K 52x32x52X16 Co $34.00
CD-RW/DVD-RW: None
Floppy Drive: 170101 - Mitsumi 1.44 MB 3.5" Floppy Drive $15.25
More Storage: None
Sound Card: 180329 - Creative Audigy 2 ZS 24BIT/5.1/IEEE/MIDI/ $96.00
Video Card: 190436 - BFG GeForce 6800 Ultra 256 MB DDR3/8x-AGP $485.00
Modem: None
Network Card: 280945 - Linksys LNE100TX Ethernet Card 10/100 $19.00
Add-On Card: None
Case Function Add-On: None
Round Cables: None
Operating System: 210112 - Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition w/SP2 $89.00
Additional Software: None
Antivirus: None
Warranty: 800009 - 3 Year - Parts & Labor - Plus $49.00 $49.00 Hot Rush: None - Standard Order ( ships within 8-13 business
Far Cry Promotion: 270846 - FREE Full DVD Version of Far Cry - 39.95
Wireless Network Card: None
Napster Promotion: 270136 - FREE Napster Music Download for 4 Months
Half Life 2 Promotion: None
CD-RW Software: 210613 - Ahead Nero 6.3 Suite DVD+-RW Software (OE $6.99
DVD-ROM Software: 210601 - Cyberlink PowerDVD 5.0 (OEM) $6.99
$0.00
$0.00
$1,779.23

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Dell:
Apr 1, 2005 10:18AM PST

Dimension 8400 Pentium

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Dell Price:
Apr 1, 2005 10:19AM PST

$1,793.00

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Cyberpower - Too Good To Be True
Apr 1, 2005 10:21AM PST

Gamer Infinity X700 Pro (NO MONITOR)
# *BASE_PRICE: [+849]
# CAS: X-BLADE Mid-Tower 450W W/ WINDOW & LCD Temperature Display + FAN CONTROL (SILVER COLOR)
# CD: 16X DVD ROM (BEIGE COLOR)
# CDRW: (Special Price) LG GWA-4161 16X DVD

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Gateway System - I liked this one actually
Apr 1, 2005 10:25AM PST

Operating System: Microsoft

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???
Apr 1, 2005 8:19AM PST

your post is confusing
so i'll set you straght on model names first, then advise you...


6800 Ultra is a GeForce card
from the GeForce 6 series
which based on the nVidia NV40 processor

the GeForce 6800 series includes: GeForce 6800LE, 6800nU, 6800GT, 6800Ultra, 6800Ultra EE

NV40 is the above cards

NV43 is GeForce 6600's and 6600GT's


as to the ATI thing

ATI Radeon X850XT PE is their current top-end product
ATI Radeon X850XT is their #2 card

ATI Radeon 9800 is a previous generation chip based on the R350 and R360 processors from ATI

Radeon 9800 competed with GeForce FX 5800 and 5900
which were based on the NV30 and NV35 processors from nVidia


NOW to the advise:

I would suggest building it yourself
www.newegg.com
and you can find all the parts you need

i would suggest:

1xAMD Athlon64 3800+
1xDFI LanParty nF4 SLI-D
1GB PC 3200 DDR (2x512MB sticks)
2xGeForce 6800nU (the plain 6800's) for PCIE with SLI connectors
1x250GB SATA hard drive from Western Digital, Maxtor or Seagate
1xCase of your choice (with 2 cooling fans or more)
1xAntec NeoPower 480W
1xMonitor of your choice


it sounds like you want a gming system
few things to explain to you about gaming computers:

LCD monitors suck for gaming, CRT monitors are MUCH MUCH better (no ghosting, no dead pixels, no BS)

you need Athlon64 if your serious (MUCH more powerful for gaming)

6800nU SLI should easily whip X850XT for less money, and probably whip X850XT PE

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Response
Apr 1, 2005 10:05AM PST

Yea, there are so many cards out there that I get really confused sometimes. Secondly, I WISH I could afford SLI, but I cannot. Thirdly, I know a lot about computers, but I don't trust myself piecing everything together and probably screwing something up somewhere, I do not think it's gonna happen - I remember all this stuff about grounding yourself and making sure not to touch metal parts, etc etc etc, too many variables I just don't feel comfortable dealing with. I also like the warranty aspect. But nonetheless, great advice, and thank you for the clarification - you are much more knowledgeable than I am.

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Great people here! I'm trying to select a new computer too>
Apr 2, 2005 1:23AM PST

Wow! I've been reading through everyone's comments and checking out the recommended links. Overall, I seem to be getting more confused with all the options available in configuring a new computer!

I am looking for a computer that will handle video editing along with the "regular stuff." I have four computers I am currently considering. I hope it's ok to list their key components and the prices I currently have for them. These prices include rebates, shipping, and tax where applicable.

I REALLY would appreciate any advice on any of the systems that I list. Thank you!

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Option 1 - HP Pavilion a1050y
Apr 2, 2005 1:27AM PST

Price: $1,229.99

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition with SP2
- Intel Pentium 4 550J w/HT Technology, 3.4GHz
- 1 GB DDR / PC3200 (2 DIMM)
- 250GB 7200 rpm SATA Hard Drive
- LightScribe Double Layer 16X DVD +/-R/RW drive
- 16X max. DVD-ROM
- 3 USB 2.0, 1 Firewire, 9-in-1 card reader + WinDVD
- 3.5 in. 1.44MB Floppy Drive
- 128MB DDR ATI Radeon X300 SE with TV-Out
- Integrated Intel High Definition Audio
- HP Multimedia Keyboard, HP Scroller Mouse
- Microsoft Works 8.0/Money 2005/MSN Encarta Plus

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Option 2 - Gateway 825GM (from Best Buy)
Apr 2, 2005 1:38AM PST

Price: $1283.99

- Intel Pentium 4 with Hyper-Threading Technology
- Processor Speed 3.4GHz
- System Bus 800MHz
- Cache Memory 1MB on die Level 2
- System Memory (RAM) 1.0GB, expandable To 4.0GB
- Type of Memory (RAM) PC3200 DDR
- Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
- 250.0GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
- ATI RADEON X300 SE PCI-Express graphics with 128MB video memory
- DVD ROM drive
- Double-layer DVD

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RE
Apr 2, 2005 1:42AM PST

I would get option 1 if i want win. XP home and gateway one if u want Win. media center

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Option 3 - Alienware Area-51 5550
Apr 2, 2005 1:45AM PST

Price: $1606

- Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support with Onsite Service
- Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition with SP 2
- AlienRespawn: Alienware Respawn Recovery Kit
- Alienware Full-Tower Case (480-Watt PS)
- Intel Pentium 4 Processor 650 w/ HT Technology 3.4GHz 2MB Cache
- Alienware PCI Express Motherboard with Intel

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Option 4 - Dell XPS Gen4
Apr 2, 2005 1:55AM PST

Price: $1675.25

- Dell Dimension XPS Series Gen 4, Pentium 4 Processor 650 with HT Technology (3.40GHz, 800 FSB)
- Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
- 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz (2x512M)
- Dell Quietkey

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Well.........
Apr 2, 2005 2:52AM PST

Hi a50,

You start out with a couple of non-gamer type desktops around $1250 and then jump to a couple gamer desktops for around $1650.

The 825GM operating system is the XP Media Center Edition and comes with a 5xx series processor. The HP Pavilion a1050y can be configured with the XP Media Center Edition or the XP Home operations system and and also come with a 550J series processor. HP says, "? Intel's numbering is not a measurement of higher performance." I must assume they are talking about the 5xx series numbering system. Intel's latest is the 6xx which has the 64-bit support and 2MB of L2 cache, whereas the 5xx does not have the 64-bit support and has 1MB of L2 cache.

Gateway has come out with desktops in the 6xx series, and I believe HP has also, but they both seem to be trying to unload their 5xx series.

The Dell XPS is their top of the line configured as a gamer and you configered for $1675.25 without a monitor, however configuring the 8400 with exactly the same components you have listed for the XPS and the price is $1588 to include a 17" CRT monitor. Course' the XPS has a larger case that can allow more upgrades in the future, and it is unknown what the power supply wattage is on both.

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Adventures in Upgrades
Apr 2, 2005 9:35AM PST