I want a new computer but I'm at a loss where to go... - Page 5 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Bobblehead · 08-23-2007, 03:29 PM

I like it. Quick question - what made you decide on those parts?
Nothing wrong with them, but the case & psu is a bit expensive, unless you are going for the clear-sided type of look. The Sonata 3 would save you $80, and the EarthWatts psu line is getting good reviews.

You don't need lightscribe, but it really doesn't cost anything, so as long as you didn't get it, "just because it has lightscribe", it is a good burner.

The video card is great. Although MemEx has a sale on the 320GB version of the card for $90 less. If you don't mind spending the extra $90 for more memory, no problem. (just giving you the options - I'm not sure which way I would go on that decision).

And Memory Express charges $40 to put it together, plus an additional $30 to install the O/S

photon · 08-23-2007, 03:32 PM

OOps, didn't notice the memory difference on the cards.

worth · 08-23-2007, 03:32 PM

Are you planning on doing SLI in the future?

NCIX also sells the hhd cheaper. check in the weekly specials section. looks like a good rig. don't know if you need the dominator ram though. regular corsair sticks would probably do just as well. i just got a couple sticks of corsair 6400c for under $100.

rest looks pretty good. but also, check some reviews on the power supply. not really an antec psu fan. I did have one and it was fine, but i've heard other things from other peple.

photon · 08-23-2007, 03:34 PM

Heh, we got 10 PC's with Antec Sonata II cases in the office a while back, and on 4 of them the fan on the power supply has died.

Bobblehead · 08-23-2007, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by photon

Heh, we got 10 PC's with Antec Sonata II cases in the office a while back, and on 4 of them the fan on the power supply has died.

Yeah, the Truepower and Powersmart line has a bad reputation (although I have 2 Sonata I, and both of them run like troopers). But the Earthwatts line is built by Seasonic, so it seems to have a good reputation so far.

Burninator · 08-23-2007, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

I like it. Quick question - what made you decide on those parts?
Nothing wrong with them, but the case & psu is a bit expensive, unless you are going for the clear-sided type of look. The Sonata 3 would save you $80, and the EarthWatts psu line is getting good reviews.

You don't need lightscribe, but it really doesn't cost anything, so as long as you didn't get it, "just because it has lightscribe", it is a good burner.

The video card is great. Although MemEx has a sale on the 320GB version of the card for $90 less. If you don't mind spending the extra $90 for more memory, no problem. (just giving you the options - I'm not sure which way I would go on that decision).

And Memory Express charges $40 to put it together, plus an additional $30 to install the O/S

I got most of the parts from this Sharky's Extreme guide. I just picked the case because it was featured on the front of the memory express site. I am definitely open to other options. I don't really have any preferences for case or power supply. Something that looks nice but is also affordable and functional.

I don't really mind spending the extra money on the video card. I use my computers mostly for gaming so I don't mind throwing some extra money at the video card.

Burninator · 08-23-2007, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worth

Are you planning on doing SLI in the future?

I am not sure what that is.

Quote:

NCIX also sells the hhd cheaper. check in the weekly specials section. looks like a good rig. don't know if you need the dominator ram though. regular corsair sticks would probably do just as well. i just got a couple sticks of corsair 6400c for under $100.

rest looks pretty good. but also, check some reviews on the power supply. not really an antec psu fan. I did have one and it was fine, but i've heard other things from other peple.

I haven't heard of that NCIX site, I will have to check it out. Yeah I wasn't sure about the ram, I'll change that then.

Burninator · 08-23-2007, 04:55 PM

What should I be looking for in a case and a power supply? I really have no idea which to pick, there are so many choices.

BlackArcher101 · 08-23-2007, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burninator

What should I be looking for in a case and a power supply? I really have no idea which to pick, there are so many choices.

Highly recommend a Corsair power supply. As well, I'm a fan of Antec cases, don't get a mini, instead get a mid-size tower that you can use over and over again. Mine is 5 years old and on it's 3rd generation of different components.

photon · 08-23-2007, 05:37 PM

For a general case, the Antec Sonata 3 that Bobblehead recommended is good.

For something more advanced, bigger, and potentially quieter I really recommend the Antec P182, super case, can be very quiet, and easy to work in.

For power supply, you want something that is effecient. The one that comes with the Sonata 3 is good, or if you get the P182 then you have to get a seperate case, I recommend anything by Seasonic or Corsair.

Here's a good list of good power supplies:

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article699-page1.html

worth · 08-24-2007, 07:49 AM

Yeah corsairs new line is really nice. My next build is using the 620HX. It's also modular which is nice.

PC Power & Cooling is also a good PSU manufacturer.

SLI is when you run two video cards simultaneously. Your motherboard is set up for sli. It has two pci-e video card slots. It's not a problem running just one card on an SLI motherboard, but the P35 boards by asus gigabyte or Abit are nice as well and don't have sli.

If you want the ultimate for a video card right now it would be an 8800 Ultra. Can be had for around $620 on sale and after rebate. But really, an 8800GTX you could overclock and do just as well. But FYI it is rumoured the new line of nvidia cards should be coming out around November.