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Spyder
02-10-2007, 04:04
Hey everyone, I know i've posted almost this exact same thread befor, but now the time has come, and the money is close to being available ( a week or 2) so now is when I REALLY need the help. Here is what I've got SO FAR.

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819115003)

RAM: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400 (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820145590)

Tower: RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP Black SECC STEEL ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811156062)

I Need help picking out a video card and mother board. I was told to get an Asus MoBo in the past, and then a good friend of mine, who also does part time PC fixing for people told me NOT to get an Asus card because 98% of the PCs he gets with MoBo problems ALL are using Asus cards. He says they burn up REALLY quick ect ect and some other stuff which I didnt understand. He told me to get an Intel MoBo because there powerful and very durable. What are your takes on this, and what would you reccommend in terms of an Asus mobo, and an Intel MoBo?

Now, for the video card, I don't want anything TOP OF THE LINE! STATE OF THE ART! I just want something decent enough to NOT need to upgrade for a while, but also gets the job done on todays games. I plan on upgrading to Vista and getting a DX10 card later down the road once it's upgraded and service packed ect, so I just need something to hold me off.

I don't really know the difference between the Nvidia cards and ATI cards. Wat I do know is that I have an ATI Radeon 9800 PRO 128MB right now, and I like how ATI works thus far. BUT, then again, I've never had an Nvida card so I don't know how those work, so I can't judge. Someone once told me if I plan on playing games from the past, present, and future, to go ATI because there drivers are decent for all tenses of games. BUT, if I only plan on playing present and future games, then NVidia is the way to go because there drivers are best for present and future games, but lack support for some of the older games.... true, maybe... maybe not. I don't know lol. I would appreciate ANY info ya'll can give me. Thanks!

Dukey
02-14-2007, 11:53
I to am also looking to upgrade, now that my computer has given up and will not run at all. I was looking at these specs:

Motherboard
Asus P5N32-E SLI
Memory
Corsair Dominator 2Gb
Graphics Card
BFG 8800 GTS
Processor
Intel E6600 2.4GHz
HDD
Seagate Barracuda 7200 250Gb SATA II 16MB Cache
Power Supply
Cooler Master CMPSU 650W HXUK
CPU Cooling
Zalman CNPS9500-LED Aero Flower
DVD Drive
DRW-16083PS
Monitor
Asus VW1925S 19"


http://www.overclockers.co.uk/

As you can see I have shortlisted the Asus board, until now I had not heard of any problems in the reviews like the ones you state. I am going to look and hard on the net now :blank:

By the way, does anyone know of a good 20" monitor, I can't seem to find any that have 100% positive feedback on reviews.

*having read this thread: http://www.fighterops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6669 I have found a possible winner, I am not to sure that 22" TFT's should be that low a price though*

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-050-SA

Cougar12dk
02-14-2007, 12:55
I just upgraded my computer........not majorly though....bought a new MoBo (which supports Core2 Duo AND AGPx8), a Core2 Duo E6600 and put everything in a new (sweet AS) cabinet. It's running VERY well compared to the Celeron 2.2 upgraded to a P4 3.4Ghz.......It's been a REAL pleasure to run so far (had it for like 3 hours or so now)

Dukey
02-14-2007, 16:13
PC Format magazine recomends the Asus P5N32-E SLI, in fact the PCF team put that mobo in the superPC that they built. As for RAM the same team recomends the Corsair dominator DDR2 2GB sticks.

http://www.pcformat.co.uk/

Cougar12dk
02-14-2007, 16:18
Yes, if you have the money for it, go all out.... Corsait RAM is HELL expensive, and I'm not sure whether the extra 'punch' is worth the money to buy it.

I've just tried FSX on this Core2Duo E6400 with 1 GB PC3200 DDR400 ....... All settings maxed out.....smooooth.

But of course if you're a filthy rich buggar, then go spend a ****load of money on a brandnew rig.

reapers
02-14-2007, 19:36
I just upgraded my main rig with plans to mildly OC from 1.8 to 2.7 or so maybe 3.0Ghz (the C2Duo is supposed to be real good with this).

I already had a 7600GTS I picked up on sale for < $90 and I'll upgrade the video next year when that all shakes out.

Stock, this system is a good bit faster than my X2 4200 with 1GB ocz and Raedon X800GTO (all stock).

Based on the fact that I'm not looking to overclock everything to the nth degree I went with well reviewed components without spending the extra 40% for the last drop of speed on the bloody edge.


What I got:
Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 $178

GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 $133

XClio 450BL ATX 450W Power Supply $38

G.SKILL 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit $185

All under $540

I'll probably need to get a better CPU fan but there are lots of reports of these E4300 doing well over 3Ghz on stock air.

The only issues I've had is one of the Gigabyte MB Apps locks up immediately on start (haven't bothered to T-Shoot) and I was a little nervous about the smart CPU fan not starting until I turned it on in the BIOS) :bigeyes:

All kinds of good articles if you do a little digging:

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2903&p=1

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=28&threadid=1988113&enterthread=y

(just don't hold me responsible if you blow up your machine ;) )