BYOC vs Alienware

Post by **Archangelus** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 2:44 pm

XP doesn't support DX10 currently and while all the pundits like to claim that it's impossible for XP to support DX10, I think that as long as there is a significant majority of gamers using XP, you'll see something (long rumored DX9.L, but I believe discounted already).

Another thing to think about is that more and more games are being developed for the XBOX 360 and then ported to the PC, and since the XBOX 360 doesn't support DX10, don't be shocked if there isn't a lot driving it. Also, I don't think anyone is making DX10 exclusive games (meaning you can't play them w/ DX9). Crysis was supposed to be one, but you'll see that wasn't the case.

On the x64 front, personally I stick w/ 32-bit for the time being only so I don't have any "compatibility" issues when it runs the programs in "compatibility mode" on x64 systems. I know quite a few people do it though, mainly because of the ability to access more memory.

So here's what I would suggest:
-Make sure you have a DX10 capable Video Card (and possibly sound card)
-Go with 32-bit XP for now.
-When/If you upgrade to Vista, go 64-bit

Of course, this is just one man's opinion....

Oh, and make sure it has a mirror on the visor for the little woman to put on her lipstick....

Thowarr · Post by **Thowarr** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 2:51 am

Ok here's the parts list so far. I still need feedback on this motherboard vs the EVGA. Click the links for descriptions and here we go:

CPU- Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Quad-Core Processor 2.4GHz, 1066FSB, LGA775, 8MB cache
Video Card- ASUS EN8800GT/HTDP/1G Geforce 8800 GT 1GB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card (getting two for SLI)
Motherboard- TBD *1
Harddrive #1- Western Digital Raptor WD740ADFD 74GB Serial ATA 10,000RPM Hard Drive w/16MB Buffer *2
Harddrive #2- Western Digital Caviar SE 16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s
RAM- Corsair Dominator Series TWIN2X2048-8500C5D 2GB Kit DDR2-1066 PC2-8500 Memory *3
DVD- LG GH20NS 20X SATA DVD Burner
Case- She wants pink. I do not argue. *4
Power Supply- ANTEC TruePower Quattro TPQ850 850W Power Supply
Monitor- LG L226WTY-BF 22in LCD Monitor
OS- XP (obtained through Microsoft/ military deal, aka very cheap)

Notes:
*1- Still waiting final inputs on the two MB's

*2- I want to put XP and MS Office on the 10k rpm drive and absolutely everything else (games, music, save files, video) on the 500gb. Will I see quicker boot times if I do that? Or should I just go with two 500gb's?

*3- You're right, CAS 5 is cheaper! Since we'll eventually upgrade to Vista, should I go ahead and get two of these for a total of 4gb? If I do, do they have to be installed in pairs? Can I install just 3gb's of it and install the other gig when we get Vista? Will XP even recognize 4gb? Also this is the correct type right?

*4- If someone finds a better pink one, let me know. Pinkrabi's don't count.

I think this is the last of the questions, after that it's just order and assemble. Thanks a ton guys/ gals. This is what I still hang onto you for... errr... *cough* I value each and every one of you, and treasure your friendships forever and ever!

Arch- Seriously, when we meet up, Ayla is going to kick you so hard in the gonads that the pain will time travel to the past where your 10 y/o self will go "OMGWTF?!?!?!" as he crumples to the ground. Hell it might even negate your kids, ala Michael J Fox Back to the Future picture fading deal!

And your woman will be right there going, "Yup, you totally deserved that." Then they'll both turn, high five and go yarn shopping.

BadAsh · Post by **BadAsh** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 9:42 am

I'd go for the ASUS over the evga in a heartbeat. As for the ram I believe XP will recongnize all 4 GB, it just won't be able to access it all so your call whether you want to just grab 2 gb for now and pick up another 2 gb later, ram is pretty cheap overall nowadays so not really gonna hurt to just pick it up now

Undead_Mercenary · Post by **Undead_Mercenary** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:36 am

Well my room mate has 4 gigs of RAM with 32-bit XP. It allows the use of 3.2 gigs of this memory. Turns out XP takes into account more or less all forms of memory when determining what the available memory is. So if he had a 512mb video card instead of 256, he'd only have about 3 gigs.

With what you're getting, I agree with Bad. Stick with 2 for now.

XoR · Post by **XoR** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 1:02 pm

Lookin' good buddy.

Putting the OS and system stuff only on the Raptor 74G is a good idea. Only pain is a lot of programs will automatically assume you want to install in your C:\ so you will always have to remember to edit the path when installing programs (easy to forget, believe me!)

I'm with BadAsh, ASUS over eVGA for motherboards.

I won't try to talk you out of SLI, but you may want to see just how fast 1 8800GT will destroy everything in its path first. Or buy 1x 8800GTS. I have seen the difference between the SLI 8800GTX and a single 8800GTX, and it's not really that much unless you're going for super high resolutions with all the settings maxed out. But if you want SLI, I say go for it. I have always liked getting one faster card over 2xslower cards IMO.

Thowarr · Post by **Thowarr** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 2:03 am

but you may want to see just how fast 1 8800GT will destroy everything in its path first. Or buy 1x 8800GTS

According to Extreme Tech and Tom's Hardware the 8800GT bests the GTS in just about every catagory, while putting them in SLI mode is the best bang for the buck at the ~$500 mark.

Also on Tom's Hardware is a review of the new 8800GTS and how it stacks up against the 8800GTX and GT. Going off of the COD4 scores, the GTX is still the best, but the the new GTS and GT are relatively close in perfomance.

So I guess here is the last question. Will the dual SLI configured 8800GTs I'm considering purchasing be on par with a single 8800GTX, or exceed it? Remember each of the Asus' sport 1GB of RAM each versus the GTX's 768. If they're simply on par, I'll go with the GTX, but if it'll be better performance, then I'll go the SLI route.

All the rest of the parts have been decided, Ayla has given the OK to start buying and I have a new Iraqi funny story to blog about later today. Not too shabby

Post by **Archangelus** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 7:38 am

You could also consider buying one GTX now, and then when the price falls later, adding a second one and enabling SLI.

Thowarr · Post by **Thowarr** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 7:55 am

At the end of that second article about the GTS/ GTX (I read the end after I had posted), they said that the GTX is going to be replaced by the new GTS, but that even with this new GTS the GT is still not far behind. All three are pretty close. This is getting confusing. =/

XoR · Post by **XoR** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 11:48 am

I stand corrected. Thanks for the articles, I thought the GTS was beating the GT more than that. GT seems like the best you can get for price/performance. I own a 8800GTX and it is amazing, but it does cost alot of moola for the X at the end.

Quite frankly, having 1x8800GT will blow you away, so I would just go with that. You will be very happy.

PinkRabi · Post by **PinkRabi** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 2:09 pm

I dont know if iv missed something the fact no one else has suggested it, but why not just get one 8800Ultra?

XoR · Post by **XoR** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 2:49 pm

Good point Pink, those Ultras are sweet. Big $ though. I guess that's what it comes down to.

Thowarr · Post by **Thowarr** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 3:57 pm

Thanks to Pink, I've just spent the past two hours researching video cards again. Apparently they're not making Ultras anymore? I couldn't find any on Newegg or Zipzoomfly, but that's ok, because I think I discovered this little gem. It's the new GTS model utilizing the new G92 chipset architecture, AND it's $10 cheaper. If the new GTS is almost as good as the GTX, and slightly better than the GT, then I think I'm getting a good deal here. Also I think I'm going to take some of your guys' advice and just get one. I might pick another up a few months from now when prices drop further.

Quick spec comparison:

GTS
GPU GeForce 8800GTS (G92)
Core clock 670MHz
Stream Processors 128
Memory
Memory Clock 1940MHz
Memory Size 512MB
Memory Interface 256-bit
Memory Type GDDR3
RAMDAC 400 MHz

GT 1GB
GPU GeForce 8800GT
Core clock 600MHz
Stream Processors 112
Memory
Memory Clock 1800MHz
Memory Size 1GB
Memory Interface 256-bit
Memory Type GDDR3
RAMDAC 400 MHz

*cue dramatic music, epilictic seizure strobe lights*

Phoenix Order... for Ayla's continued CoD4 pwnage and the chance to take the overall #1 spot in the ladder... what is your final answer!?!?!?!

PinkRabi · Post by **PinkRabi** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 4:17 pm

Lol hope you had fun. and i don't think they have though they are hard to buy as a lot of places dont bother stocking them as only hardcore gamers buy them :S found a couple of websites that were selling them, they might just be clearing stock though. Hope the ultras haven't been discontinued, i planned on getting 2 when the new card comes out later this month.

Post by **Archangelus** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 4:54 pm

I think you look pretty solid. Lock and load, my friend....

Thowarr · Post by **Thowarr** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 10:21 am

Decided on the ASUS board, the EVGA 8800GTS video card, but everything else is the same. Oh, she decided on the Cooler Master COSMOS case instead of a pink one. All the parts should arrive within the next week or two, hopefully my friend gets XP PRO SP2 ordered today or tomorrow so it comes in in two weeks, and she'll be good to go!

Thanks for all your help guys. Means a lot. Another computer built with tons of advice and help from you guys