Awesome Computer Configuration

[PR-0927]

So I've been waiting and biding my time for a while now to buy a beast computer. I'd been waiting since the GeForce 8800 Ultra was king, then through the 9800 GX2, and then the GTX 280. Mostly it was 'cause I didn't have any money to buy a beast computer at the time, but now I have accumulated enough money. I was originally going to buy through DigitalStorm after doing heavy research and analysis (and reading of posts on their forums, like daily). However, by buying parts off Newegg, I save MUCH more money. Plus, it's the only way to go for a self-respecting computer geek.

 

Here's the setup:

 

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=11231227&WishListTitle=End

 

 

I'd appreciate any comments/feedback on the setup. There is a reason for every component I have chosen, so if you are bewildered at a choice of mine, ask why.

 

I am not a fan of regular SLI or CrossFireX, but am willing to go dual-GPU (such as the 9800 GX2 or HD 4870 X2), which I like to call "pseudo-SLI/CrossFireX."

 

Anyways, the 650W PSU was chosen after MUCH consideration and research. I'm trying to save money too, so I'm not willing to pay more than $89.99 for a 650W PSU, and I'd much rather prefer cheaper (right now the chosen one is $74.99). I did my research and found that with a quad-core processor, 4 GB of DDR3 RAM (1333 MHz), and an ATI HD 4870 X2, a 600W PSU might cut it, but I want to be on the safe side (more than 1000W PSU needed for two 4870 X2s).

 

I was going to go with the Q9300 processor, but for five bucks more, I get a .16 increase in GHz for my processor (the new Q9400). As for the hard drive, I was sticking with a 500 GB HD, and found that for (again) five bucks more, I could add an additional 140 GB.

 

I'm sticking with 2.1 audio, and the Antec 900 is a case I refuse to remove from the list. The keyboard I like, but am willing to change it to a recommended keyboard, OF THE SAME OR VERY SIMILAR PRICE. The monitor was chosen because of the resolution, the contrast ratio, and the fact that it has HDMI AND an audio port (for headphones/speakers) - a similar Acer monitor has an HDMI connection yet no audio port - this is important because I'd love to hook my Xbox 360 up to the monitor every once in a while - there are no HDTVs in my house.

 

My budget is up to $1850, not including shipping, I'm ignoring that for now.

 

Oh, and ignore the HD 4870 X2's random "out of stock" message. I found that it said that yesterday at 2:30 P.M., yet by 3:30 P.M. it was miraculously in stock. This happened the day before when it came out as well (August 12th) (I'm pretending today is still August 14th). There is a PowerColor HD 4870 X2 I'm willing to pay $10 extra for if the chosen Sapphire one remains out of stock this time around.

 

Thanks again for any input.

 

- PR-0927

[Det. Bart Lasiter]

I'd go with this set of RAM since DDR3 isn't really worth the money and this set has cool blue heat sinks

[PR-0927]

Yeah, I was planning on going DDR2 for a while, but decided I want to do some future-proofing. DDR3 shows considerable gains if you make sure your FSB and RAM standards all match the correct frequency. That's why my build has 1333 FSB in CPU and motherboard, and has a RAM standard of DDR3 1333 for the motherboard.

 

Sadly DDR3 is not cheap. But 4 GB of DDR3 1333 at roughly $143 looks like quite a deal to me!

 

I appreciate the input.

 

- PR-0927

[Achilles]

Ooo, I have that keyboard (not that mouse though)! After many failed (and sometimes pricey) attempts to find a keyboard I liked, I have to say that I'm fairly pleased with it. Not quite as ergonomic as I like and I don't really care for the multimedia controls, but it's a solid pick.

 

Hint: I like it far more than this bloated POS, which is now sitting on the floor as if in time-out.

[Dath Maximus]

i got an Eniac

 

beat that

[RoxStar]

That should run Jedi Outcast on high settings.

[Dath Maximus]

That should run Jedi Outcast on high settings.

 

 

it can run ANY game on high settings

[Sabretooth]

i got an Eniac

 

beat that

 

I got Abacus. And it will run Crysis.

[Dath Maximus]

I got Abacus. And it will run Crysis.

 

i got a pointy stick

 

 

i could stab you with it, it IS a first person shooter...or stabber in this case

[Sabretooth]

i got a pointy stick

 

 

i could stab you with it, it IS a first person shooter...or stabber in this case

I've got Fingers. And they're the first first person stabbers.

[PR-0927]

i got an Eniac

 

beat that

 

 

Damn, ya' got me.

 

 

Thanks Achilles, I knew very little about the keyboard/mouse combo I had chosen, and was going off ratings and the amount of reviews for it on Newegg (and the price, not to mention it was optical at least).

 

I'd really appreciate more input though.

 

 

Thanks.

 

- PR-0927

[jon_hill987]

I would just like to ask if you know just how noisy the Antec 900 is. My brother has one and it is very loud. It also fills with dust, it does keep everything cool though.

 

I know you said you didn't want to change the case but you could look at an Antec P182, much quieter and still fairly good cooling.

[PR-0927]

Never seen the case in real life before, but sound isn't an issue at all, and cooling is a major deal (especially because I refuse to resort to liquid-cooling or additional fans I buy separately).

 

Fills with dust? Hmm, looks like I'll have to keep it clean, LOL. I'll make sure to check out that Antec P182, however - always open to suggestions.

 

- PR-0927