advice for ibuypower rig

[mikeg610]

hey everyone,

i'm in the market for a new gaming pc with a budget of about $1,200. i'm open to building my own with newegg so to get some ideas, i modified an ibuypower gamer paladin Q840. below are the specs.

Case ( Ikonik Zaria A10 Gaming Tower Case - Black )
Processor ( Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E8600 (2x 3.33GHz/6MB L2 Cache/1333FSB) )
Motherboard ( Gigabyte GA-EP45T-UD3LR Intel P45 Chipset w/7.1 Sound, Gb LAN, S-ATA Raid, USB 2.0, PCI-E MB )
Memory ( 4 GB [2 GB X2] DDR3-1333 Memory Module - Corsair or Major Brand )
Video Card ( NVIDIA GeForce 9800GTX+ PCI-Express x16 – 1GB - Single Card )
Case Lighting ( Cold Cathode Neon Light - Blue )
Power Supply ( 700 Watt -- Power Supply - SLI Ready )
Processor Cooling ( Coolermaster V10 Hybrid TEC CPU Cooling Fan System - Full cover of DRAM & CPU cooling for best cooling performance )
Video Card Brand ( Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA )
Hard Drive ( 500 GB HARD DRIVE - [Serial-ATA-II, 3Gb, 7200 RPM, 16M Cache] )
Optical Drive ( LG 22X Dual Format/Double Layer DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW Drive - Black )
Sound Card ( Creative Lab Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio )
Speaker System ( Logitech X-540 5.1 Surround Speakers + Subwoofer - Black )
Network Card ( Onboard LAN Network (Gb or 10/100) )
External Wireless Network Adapter ( Zonet ZEW2545 802.11n 130Mbps Wireless USB Adapter )
Keyboard ( iBUYPOWER USB Keyboard with 18 Internet Hot /Multimedia Keys - Black )
Mouse ( iBUYPOWER 1600 dpi High Sensitivity Internet Mouse - Black )
Operating System ( Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium - 32-Bit )
Warranty ( Standard Warranty Service - Standard 3-Year Limited Warranty + Lifetime Technical Support )
Advanced Build Options ( Tuniq TX-2 High Performance Thermal Compound - The best interface between your CPU and the heatsinks )
Advanced Build Options ( Professional wiring for all cables inside the system tower - Achieve exceptional airflow in your chassis )
Flash Media Reader/Writer ( 12-In-1 Internal Flash Media Card Reader/Writer - Black )

for $1,192 + $65 shipping i'm impressed, but i think i can get something better for a similar price. I'd like something with a very good audio / graphics of course and preferably a 64-bit operating system. if anyone one has any suggestions, id appreciate your help.

thanks for reading.

[stopthekilling77]

If you understand that you might get a DOA part/parts from newegg, I'd highly recommend that you price out a similar system on newegg. I bet you could save $300-500 in parts building it yourself. Not to mention that you'll know your machine inside and out and will be able to troubleshoot if you need to!

[mikeg610]

ok check it out,

i've put together a very similar computer on newegg to the ibuypower rig i posted earlier today. i know some of the components are better and i feel pretty good about it, although i'm still uncertain if i've built something of quality for the price range i'm working with. the total for this build comes to $1,235.87 with about $85 in rebates. $1,150 bones isnt so bad. for some reason i can not make my wish list public, so heres a list of the components. i'll be sure to follow up with a link to the wish list once it works.

case - IKONIK Zaria A10 IC-Z1DBM Black Aluminum / SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
processor - Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 Wolfdale 3.33GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8600
motherboard - GIGABYTE GA-EP45T-UD3LR LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
memory - Patriot Viper 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PVS24G6400LLK
video card - EVGA 512-P3-N871-AR GeForce 9800 GTX+ 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
power supply - A-Top ATP-AP700SC 700W ATX12V2.2/EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Power Supply
cpu cooler - COOLER MASTER V10 Hybrid TEC RR-B2P-UV10-GP 120mm CPU Cooler
hd - Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
cd / dvd burner - Sony Optiarc DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model AD-7241S-0B LightScribe Support - OEM
sound card - Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card
speakers - Logitech X-540 70 watts 5.1 Speakers
network interface card - Intel PWLA8391GT 10/ 100/ 1000Mbps PCI PRO/1000 GT Desktop Adapter - OEM
keybaord / mouse - Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 B2L-00047 Black USB Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse - OEM
os - Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 32-bit for System Builders - OEM

i could use some pointers for the motherboard, processor, video card, and cpu cooler.

thanks for reading.

[mikeg610]

heres the machine above in a newegg wishlist --> http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Publi ... r=14744188

[stopthekilling77]

Well first off, you need a better power supply, but you also don't need a sound card or add-on NIC for a motherboard like that. Sound quality will be fine for just about anyone other than a serious audiophile and the onboard NIC will be just fine. I'd also recommend a different heatsink/fan combo like the Sunbeam Core Contact

[ViPeR.Ja]

i would recommend u get the coolermaster V8 instead of the V10 since the V10 is huge and can cover up memory slots

[mikeg610]

ok cool, thanks for the advice. problem is, i'll also be using this computer for music production / recording so i will need some serious power in the sound department. from what ive read, the sound blaster x-fi xtremegamer is a quality card for the price. maybe its overkill?
ive switched the motherboard over to something similar to what i had previously, but its a little better. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813128358

i also took your advice on the power supply and i'll be switching the fan too. although the coolermaster v8 looks like it performs well, the sunbeams specs have it listed as quieter and with more airflow. i dont know much about fans tho so i could use some good guidance there.

sunbeam -- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6835207004
or
coolermaster v8 -- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... aster%20v8

aside from that, the only thing im confused over is the add on NIC. i think i am misunderstanding the specs for the motherboard ive chosen. will the onboard LAN make up for the lack of a network card?

heres the new wish list --> https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySa ... D=14744188

very excited for this computer

[Major_A]

If you can't afford an Intel quad core I'd recommend you look at AMD. I didn't think I'd really notice the extra cores on a daily basis but even using a fairly fast dual core (E6750 @ 3.5Ghz) the difference is definitely noticeable.

I'd also recommend the Sunbeam out of the two mentioned.
http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.c ... cleID=2271

The NIC is integrated into the motherboard so you don't need to buy a separate card unless you are going wireless.

If you plan on hooking multiple instruments up to record I'd also recommend you look at a RAID array. You don't want your hard drive trying to play catchup.

There are better sound cards out there that are have more input jacks. My X-Fi Titanium is setup to output to 7.1 but only has one line in jack. If that's all you need then you could probably just manage with the onboard sound unless you want EAX effects.

One last thing... You are aware that 32 bit Windows can only address a total of 4GB of memory? Your planned video card and sound card will take away from what will be available to the system.

[mikeg610]

i've slept on all these suggestions and switched some things up. got rid of the network and sound card and put the money into the video card. also decided to go for a 64 bit system. i did consider amd but would prefer to stick with intel unless there are some cpu's ive missed and should take a closer look at. im open to advice.

heres the wish list - https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySa ... D=14744188

i do not know tho if i have to change some parts now since ive gone with a 64-bit os. also, would you guys suggest more ram? 4 seems fine but with all the components in the rig, will it be enough? finally, i'm pretty concerned about air flow. with the case and heat sink ive chosen, will there be enough air moving through the box? if not, what fans should i look at to improve the situation?

if i can get this rig for around the price it is listed at now, i'd love to throw an hdtv on it to use as a second monitor or television. something around 22 inches would be great although i think im dreaming considering my budget. either way.. if anyone knows any i should take a look at, link it up. i plan on using a 19 inch acer as my main monitor until i cant get something to take advantage of that video card.

thanks for all the help.

[Major_A]

I can't see your wishlist make sure you make it public.

[mikeg610]

its been public for a bit now, i dont know why it isnt working. this happened yesterday as well.

heres the link again anyway - https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySa ... D=14744188

edit: if you search the public wish lists for 'new rig 1' it should come up.

[stopthekilling77]

Looks like a great rig, even though I'd buy a cheaper CPU and overclock it myself. Considering the recommended wattage for the GPU is only 550 Watts, I'd say you would even be fine with the Corsair HX620 for a $40 savings. Good price on the RAM assuming the MIR goes through. All in all I'd say good luck and have fun!

One last thing though, you may want to just buy a copy of Vista that comes with the free step up to Windows 7 come october. Don't want to be caught behind the times!

[Major_A]

What screen resolution do you plan on gaming at? I see you mentioned a 22", is that what you are looking to purchase? If so then at 1680X1050 with the details turned up you won't notice the difference between a dual core Wolfdale and a quad core Deneb.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6819103471
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813128384
The combo there saves you a whole $10!

On top of that I don't know that I would invest in socket 775 at this time, especially with Core i3 and i5 coming out pretty soon.

[mikeg610]

good call on the processor and motherboard. i'll put that $10 in savings into the 64-bit vista with a windows 7 upgrade.

for the additional tv / monitor i would ideally pick up something like this. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6889005055
comes out to $264.99 after the rebate. as much as id like to, ill have to wait since that would take the entire purchase over $1400.

no problem tho i'll pick up something soon.

here's the list (new rig 1) - https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySa ... D=14744188

i feel pretty good about this set up but let me know if youve got any suggestions. thanks again.

[InspectahACE]

if you're gonna go with a 22 incher i suggest to go with this... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6824001278 . I'm assuming the one you chose was to have hook ups for like an xbox or whatever you wanted so the Samsung will do the same as the LG, with higher resolution.

[mikeg610]

if you're gonna go with a 22 incher i suggest to go with this... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6824001278 .

that samsung is a great value. i added it to the wish list and added up all the mail in rebates. with that tv included the entire rig would come to about $1,320. not a bad price at all!

i've got much to consider.

(new rig 1) https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySa ... D=14744188

[Major_A]

Save yourself some money.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817139005

I run this power supply and it is more than capable for powering your planned rig. I also like the thought of a single 12V rail rather than taking a 12V rail and chopping it up.

[stopthekilling77]

Save yourself some money.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817139005

I run this power supply and it is more than capable for powering your planned rig. I also like the thought of a single 12V rail rather than taking a 12V rail and chopping it up.

Only thing with that PSU is that it isn't modular, and his proposed case only has 2 120mm fans. Best to spend a little extra and have room to upgrade down the line

[Major_A]

If it's modular that you want and don't mind a different manufacturer this is pretty good power supply. I own it and originally thought there was a problem with it but it turned out to be a different piece of hardware.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817341017

[mikeg610]

the order has been placed! thanks for all your suggestions guys, i was lost when i began looking into all of this. newegg's got speedy delivery so everything should come this week. once ive got it all, ill make sure to snap some pics and post them.


here's the final buy - https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySa ... D=14744188 (new rig 1)