Advice
goldz28
08-26-2005, 05:55 AM
I am looking to buy a computer. I was thinking about getting a Dell and decided against that. My cousin said Alienware or something like that is really good. I was thinking about this one http://alienware.com/product_detail_pages/Area-51_7500/area-51_7500_features.aspx?SysCode=PC-AREA51-7500-R1&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT or this one http://alienware.com/product_detail_pages/Area-51_5500/area-51_5500_features.aspx?SysCode=PC-AREA51-5500-R2&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT
What should I get or is there a different brand???
Thanks in advance
Jeremy
What should I get or is there a different brand???
Thanks in advance
Jeremy
Neutrino
08-26-2005, 06:14 AM
I am looking to buy a computer. I was thinking about getting a Dell and decided against that. My cousin said Alienware or something like that is really good. I was thinking about this one http://alienware.com/product_detail_pages/Area-51_7500/area-51_7500_features.aspx?SysCode=PC-AREA51-7500-R1&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT or this one http://alienware.com/product_detail_pages/Area-51_5500/area-51_5500_features.aspx?SysCode=PC-AREA51-5500-R2&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT
What should I get or is there a different brand???
Thanks in advance
Jeremy
well alienware is certainly a top brand, and between the two you listed I would go with the 5500. The major difference amond them from what i skimed trough is the chipset. and i would go with the tried and true intel chipset. Nvidia is very new at intel hipsets so i doubt their maturity not to mention all the intel mobo chipsets based on them failed during a toms hardware torture test.
So unless you want two cards running in an SLI config go with the 5500 model.
All that being said save yourself a boatload of money and build yourself (or have someone build it for you) the same system. It will probably cost you ~60% of the cost.
Also go AMD, not that intel is bad but one prescott is hot and two are a foundry and very power hungry. not to mention that everyone knows the whole intel netburst architecture is a mess which is why intel is desperate to change it. On the other hand athlon 64s are much more efficient and buit from the start to be used as dual cores: (eg. direct comunication between cores - reason for integrated mem controller and cross bar while intel still uses the northbridge for core-core comunication).
What should I get or is there a different brand???
Thanks in advance
Jeremy
well alienware is certainly a top brand, and between the two you listed I would go with the 5500. The major difference amond them from what i skimed trough is the chipset. and i would go with the tried and true intel chipset. Nvidia is very new at intel hipsets so i doubt their maturity not to mention all the intel mobo chipsets based on them failed during a toms hardware torture test.
So unless you want two cards running in an SLI config go with the 5500 model.
All that being said save yourself a boatload of money and build yourself (or have someone build it for you) the same system. It will probably cost you ~60% of the cost.
Also go AMD, not that intel is bad but one prescott is hot and two are a foundry and very power hungry. not to mention that everyone knows the whole intel netburst architecture is a mess which is why intel is desperate to change it. On the other hand athlon 64s are much more efficient and buit from the start to be used as dual cores: (eg. direct comunication between cores - reason for integrated mem controller and cross bar while intel still uses the northbridge for core-core comunication).
goldz28
08-26-2005, 06:27 AM
So you think I should go with AMD 64, I looked at those also. I just do not know that much about computers. I guess when I go to buy one I can take my cousin with me to pick out the stuff. I am just so unsure what I really want. I know I want a fast computer, I have never really been in to playing games but would like to beable to have a kick ass sound and video card. So if I build my own what are some of the componets I should get. Ie, video card etc?
Neutrino
08-26-2005, 07:28 AM
So you think I should go with AMD 64, I looked at those also. I just do not know that much about computers. I guess when I go to buy one I can take my cousin with me to pick out the stuff. I am just so unsure what I really want. I know I want a fast computer, I have never really been in to playing games but would like to beable to have a kick ass sound and video card. So if I build my own what are some of the componets I should get. Ie, video card etc?
well it seems like your budget is fairly large, or that is the impression I'm getting (correct me if necesary on this)
anyway a top of the line desktop would be something along those lines:
amd 4800 x2
asus a8n sli premium
7800GTX video card
sound blaster xfi (you'll have to wait a few more weeks for availability on this one)
2Gb or some low latency memory (preferably based on BH5/BH6/TCCD/TCC5 chips)
2+ raptors in raid 0 for OS and software
then as many large space seagates as you need for storage (optional in raid 1 for redundacy or raid 5 for speed and redundancy)
Pc power and cooling 510W or 600W enermax noisetaker PSU
for cases thermaltake amor/coolermaster cm stacker/lianli v1000 or my fav:http://www.xoxide.com/koolance-pc3-725bk-case.html
well it seems like your budget is fairly large, or that is the impression I'm getting (correct me if necesary on this)
anyway a top of the line desktop would be something along those lines:
amd 4800 x2
asus a8n sli premium
7800GTX video card
sound blaster xfi (you'll have to wait a few more weeks for availability on this one)
2Gb or some low latency memory (preferably based on BH5/BH6/TCCD/TCC5 chips)
2+ raptors in raid 0 for OS and software
then as many large space seagates as you need for storage (optional in raid 1 for redundacy or raid 5 for speed and redundancy)
Pc power and cooling 510W or 600W enermax noisetaker PSU
for cases thermaltake amor/coolermaster cm stacker/lianli v1000 or my fav:http://www.xoxide.com/koolance-pc3-725bk-case.html
tenguzero
08-26-2005, 10:14 AM
In a nutshell, go Athlon64 :iceslolan
My recommendation is you look into PCI-Express based motherboards (preferably one with an NVidia chipset, as the NForce4 is considered the tops right now in features and stability, at least for AMD platforms.) Go with one that has SLI capabilites, as you can nab two GeForce 6600GT's for under $160 (I got mine at MonarchComputer.com -- they have a $30 mail in rebate in addition, making it the most ass-kicking graphics card you can find for $130) and chain them together in an SLI configuration *drooling*
Serial ATA is also definately a consideration. Any motherboard with SATA will support SATA1, and if it has SLI capabilities, it'll probably support SATA2 as well (SATA2 is not really much of a factor right now, as the specification is really a convoluted one, and the technology has yet to truly pan out, but I suppose it would be nice to know you have the capability down the road.) At any rate, you can stripe whatever you hard disks are together in a RAID 0 configuration, and you'll have some awesome speed. As a side advantage, many of these new motherboards actually come with onboard 6.1 or 7.1 sound setups, which are reportedly pretty good (although I haven't utilized the AC97 codec-based onboards in years, and lately I only work with 2-channel professional audio production cards so unfortunately I can't tell you much about the multi-channel Audigy's and whatnot.)
Aside from that, once you've chosen your motherboard use that to get recommendations on compatible RAM modules from whichever manufacturer you decide on, as it seems some people never end up running across RAM compatibility issues, while others experience them regularly -- I can't really make any recommendations on specific RAM manufacturers, as I've seen people have problems with high end Corsair units, and yet have no problems with some store-stocked PNY unit.
Make sure you get at least a 400W power supply, preferably 450-500W or higher to be on the safe side, and insure that your case provides for good airflow -- even if you have 5 fans in the thing, it still does you little good if they're just pushing around the hot air instead of exhausting it. Oh yeah, and get yourself a DVD burner (I'd be lost without mine!) Just shop around for parts in your price range, and then Google "- insert part here - review" You should come up with at least a few sites offering reviews or comparison tests.
I've included some links to places where I recently bought all my new stuff (earlier this week) and believe me, I shopped around like crazy, so I can say with pretty good confidence that they have some good deals. You could have them build you a box as well, but I really recommend you build it yourself (much more gratifying, and you'll learn a thing or two about current technology.) Just Google "building a computer" or something like that -- trust me, it's easier than you think. Take your time and have fun with it, after all, it is your hard earned $$
-----------
www.Monarchcomputer.com
where I bought my GeForce 6600GT -- they have a $30 mail in rebate offer going until the end of the month, which brings the card cost to $130) Free shipping on many items as well.
-----------
www.Zipzoomfly.com
where I bought my motherboard, power supply, CPU, and a couple 80GB SATA hard drives. They were bare drives (just the drive in an anti-static bag, no accessories) but for something like $53 each they were a pretty good deal. Free shipping on most stuff there as well, they also sent me a free copy of FarCry as a result of my CPU purchase.
-----------
www.Newegg.com
one of the more popular sites for computer products
-----------
www.Pricewatch.com
lists all types of components, and what they're going for at what stores, with ratings for most stores as well.
My recommendation is you look into PCI-Express based motherboards (preferably one with an NVidia chipset, as the NForce4 is considered the tops right now in features and stability, at least for AMD platforms.) Go with one that has SLI capabilites, as you can nab two GeForce 6600GT's for under $160 (I got mine at MonarchComputer.com -- they have a $30 mail in rebate in addition, making it the most ass-kicking graphics card you can find for $130) and chain them together in an SLI configuration *drooling*
Serial ATA is also definately a consideration. Any motherboard with SATA will support SATA1, and if it has SLI capabilities, it'll probably support SATA2 as well (SATA2 is not really much of a factor right now, as the specification is really a convoluted one, and the technology has yet to truly pan out, but I suppose it would be nice to know you have the capability down the road.) At any rate, you can stripe whatever you hard disks are together in a RAID 0 configuration, and you'll have some awesome speed. As a side advantage, many of these new motherboards actually come with onboard 6.1 or 7.1 sound setups, which are reportedly pretty good (although I haven't utilized the AC97 codec-based onboards in years, and lately I only work with 2-channel professional audio production cards so unfortunately I can't tell you much about the multi-channel Audigy's and whatnot.)
Aside from that, once you've chosen your motherboard use that to get recommendations on compatible RAM modules from whichever manufacturer you decide on, as it seems some people never end up running across RAM compatibility issues, while others experience them regularly -- I can't really make any recommendations on specific RAM manufacturers, as I've seen people have problems with high end Corsair units, and yet have no problems with some store-stocked PNY unit.
Make sure you get at least a 400W power supply, preferably 450-500W or higher to be on the safe side, and insure that your case provides for good airflow -- even if you have 5 fans in the thing, it still does you little good if they're just pushing around the hot air instead of exhausting it. Oh yeah, and get yourself a DVD burner (I'd be lost without mine!) Just shop around for parts in your price range, and then Google "- insert part here - review" You should come up with at least a few sites offering reviews or comparison tests.
I've included some links to places where I recently bought all my new stuff (earlier this week) and believe me, I shopped around like crazy, so I can say with pretty good confidence that they have some good deals. You could have them build you a box as well, but I really recommend you build it yourself (much more gratifying, and you'll learn a thing or two about current technology.) Just Google "building a computer" or something like that -- trust me, it's easier than you think. Take your time and have fun with it, after all, it is your hard earned $$
-----------
www.Monarchcomputer.com
where I bought my GeForce 6600GT -- they have a $30 mail in rebate offer going until the end of the month, which brings the card cost to $130) Free shipping on many items as well.
-----------
www.Zipzoomfly.com
where I bought my motherboard, power supply, CPU, and a couple 80GB SATA hard drives. They were bare drives (just the drive in an anti-static bag, no accessories) but for something like $53 each they were a pretty good deal. Free shipping on most stuff there as well, they also sent me a free copy of FarCry as a result of my CPU purchase.
-----------
www.Newegg.com
one of the more popular sites for computer products
-----------
www.Pricewatch.com
lists all types of components, and what they're going for at what stores, with ratings for most stores as well.
goldz28
08-26-2005, 10:21 AM
well it seems like your budget is fairly large, or that is the impression I'm getting (correct me if necesary on this)
anyway a top of the line desktop would be something along those lines:
amd 4800 x2
asus a8n sli premium
7800GTX video card
sound blaster xfi (you'll have to wait a few more weeks for availability on this one)
2Gb or some low latency memory (preferably based on BH5/BH6/TCCD/TCC5 chips)
2+ raptors in raid 0 for OS and software
then as many large space seagates as you need for storage (optional in raid 1 for redundacy or raid 5 for speed and redundancy)
Pc power and cooling 510W or 600W enermax noisetaker PSU
for cases thermaltake amor/coolermaster cm stacker/lianli v1000 or my fav:http://www.xoxide.com/koolance-pc3-725bk-case.html
I was thinking between 1,500 and 2,000.
anyway a top of the line desktop would be something along those lines:
amd 4800 x2
asus a8n sli premium
7800GTX video card
sound blaster xfi (you'll have to wait a few more weeks for availability on this one)
2Gb or some low latency memory (preferably based on BH5/BH6/TCCD/TCC5 chips)
2+ raptors in raid 0 for OS and software
then as many large space seagates as you need for storage (optional in raid 1 for redundacy or raid 5 for speed and redundancy)
Pc power and cooling 510W or 600W enermax noisetaker PSU
for cases thermaltake amor/coolermaster cm stacker/lianli v1000 or my fav:http://www.xoxide.com/koolance-pc3-725bk-case.html
I was thinking between 1,500 and 2,000.
tenguzero
08-26-2005, 10:43 AM
Just to give you an idea about what you might spend if you decided to build a box yourself, I've listed my newest build, and what I payed overall. I'd consider this an upper level as far as performance, as I've got an Athlon64 and PCI Express setup, but I'm using slightly older DDR RAM modules, a mid-level videocard (though the 6600GT is probably one of the best in its class) and the CPU is a 3000+ (though the Athlon64's have some awesome overclocking abilities.)
-MSI K8N Neo4 -F (939 pin, SATA support, PCI Express, supports Athlon64/64FX, non SLI model.) For the price you absolutely can't beat this board.
-Athlon64 3000+ (939 pin, Venice revision)
-2 Western Digital 80GB SATA hard drives (RAID setup, still trying to decide if I want to go 0 or 0+1)
-eVGA GeForce 6600GT PCI Express videocard
-KingWin AlphaPower 450W power supply with support for latest components (SATA, 24pin ATX, etc.)
-5U rackmount server case (8 drive bays, 3 hot swappable mid-case fans with monitoring system, and it came with a cool 300W x2 redundant power supply, which unfortunately doesn't support my motherboard. Got an incredible deal on this by purchasing on Ebay.)
Not counting the likely purchase of new DDR RAM modules in the near future, my system came in at a shade over $600. That being said, if you've got the resources to shop around for Alienware systems (and they are probably the sweetest systems for the $$) by instead going with your own system construction, you could probably build a monster -- i'm talking the kind of computer little children run from out of fear of being eaten :evillol:
-MSI K8N Neo4 -F (939 pin, SATA support, PCI Express, supports Athlon64/64FX, non SLI model.) For the price you absolutely can't beat this board.
-Athlon64 3000+ (939 pin, Venice revision)
-2 Western Digital 80GB SATA hard drives (RAID setup, still trying to decide if I want to go 0 or 0+1)
-eVGA GeForce 6600GT PCI Express videocard
-KingWin AlphaPower 450W power supply with support for latest components (SATA, 24pin ATX, etc.)
-5U rackmount server case (8 drive bays, 3 hot swappable mid-case fans with monitoring system, and it came with a cool 300W x2 redundant power supply, which unfortunately doesn't support my motherboard. Got an incredible deal on this by purchasing on Ebay.)
Not counting the likely purchase of new DDR RAM modules in the near future, my system came in at a shade over $600. That being said, if you've got the resources to shop around for Alienware systems (and they are probably the sweetest systems for the $$) by instead going with your own system construction, you could probably build a monster -- i'm talking the kind of computer little children run from out of fear of being eaten :evillol:
Neutrino
08-26-2005, 07:16 PM
I was thinking between 1,500 and 2,000.
well that is a bit smaller for what i originally specced out so here is revised list for your price range:
amd 4400 x2
asus a8n sli premium
6800GT video card (or 7800GT if you can still fit it in the budget)
sound blaster xfi platinum (you'll have to wait a few more weeks for availability on this one)
2Gb or some low latency memory (preferably based on BH5/BH6/TCCD/TCC5 chips) (here is some good latency OCZ for a decent price http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227210)
1 raptor for OS and sofware (or 2 in raid 0 if your budget allows)
then as many large space seagates as you need for storage (optional in raid 1 for redundacy or raid 5 for speed and redundancy)
plextor DVD burner if it fits the budget otherwise a BenQ 1620a will also do just fne
600W enermax noisetaker PSU
for cases thermaltake armor/coolermaster cm stacker/lianli v1000 or whatever stikes your fancy and has good spce and ventilation
Serial ATA is also definately a consideration. Any motherboard with SATA will support SATA1, and if it has SLI capabilities, it'll probably support SATA2 as well (SATA2 is not really much of a factor right now, as the specification is really a convoluted one, and the technology has yet to truly pan out, but I suppose it would be nice to know you have the capability down the road.)
if the mobo has sli capabilities it will support sata2 (nothing "probably" about that) all nf4 ultra and sli chipsets support sata2.
also there is nothing convoluted about sata2 it is the new standard. the only reason not be overly concerned about sata2 drives is that sata1 had already plenty of bandwith for current drive making sata2 a bit overkill.
-2 Western Digital 80GB SATA hard drives (RAID setup, still trying to decide if I want to go 0 or 0+1)
hmm not much of an decision there since you cannot acheive raid 0+1 with 2 drives
well that is a bit smaller for what i originally specced out so here is revised list for your price range:
amd 4400 x2
asus a8n sli premium
6800GT video card (or 7800GT if you can still fit it in the budget)
sound blaster xfi platinum (you'll have to wait a few more weeks for availability on this one)
2Gb or some low latency memory (preferably based on BH5/BH6/TCCD/TCC5 chips) (here is some good latency OCZ for a decent price http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227210)
1 raptor for OS and sofware (or 2 in raid 0 if your budget allows)
then as many large space seagates as you need for storage (optional in raid 1 for redundacy or raid 5 for speed and redundancy)
plextor DVD burner if it fits the budget otherwise a BenQ 1620a will also do just fne
600W enermax noisetaker PSU
for cases thermaltake armor/coolermaster cm stacker/lianli v1000 or whatever stikes your fancy and has good spce and ventilation
Serial ATA is also definately a consideration. Any motherboard with SATA will support SATA1, and if it has SLI capabilities, it'll probably support SATA2 as well (SATA2 is not really much of a factor right now, as the specification is really a convoluted one, and the technology has yet to truly pan out, but I suppose it would be nice to know you have the capability down the road.)
if the mobo has sli capabilities it will support sata2 (nothing "probably" about that) all nf4 ultra and sli chipsets support sata2.
also there is nothing convoluted about sata2 it is the new standard. the only reason not be overly concerned about sata2 drives is that sata1 had already plenty of bandwith for current drive making sata2 a bit overkill.
-2 Western Digital 80GB SATA hard drives (RAID setup, still trying to decide if I want to go 0 or 0+1)
hmm not much of an decision there since you cannot acheive raid 0+1 with 2 drives
tenguzero
08-26-2005, 08:09 PM
hmm not much of an decision there since you cannot acheive raid 0+1 with 2 drives
I'm aware of that :p I'm still deciding -- if I decide I want the advantage of mirroring AND striping, I'll have to spring for two more drives.
As far as SATA2 specifications, it can be a seemingly convoluted venture for those not familiar with it. Mostly based around the fact that SATA2 isn't really SATA2 in terms of speed (the 3GB/sec stat) but merely the name the organisation had. 3GB/sec is merely the next step in it, but you can't very well refer to it all as "SATA" since obviously SATA 1.5 won't support SATA 3.0, and people would be getting confused. So, it's just easier to call 1.5 SATA1 and 3.0 SATA2
http://www.sata-io.org/namingguidelines.asp
1 raptor for OS and sofware (or 2 in raid 0 if your budget allows)
Oh man, a couple of Raptors in a RAID 0 setup... sweet... That's actually the same setup I was considering (a Raptor for OS and programs, and my 80GBs for audio files and samples, so my audio tracks play from different drives than my OS and recording software) if I didn't go with the 0+1 setup, of course -- that way I could still manually back up important data between the drive configurations. Then again, 1 Raptor will probably cost me the same as 2 more 7200 HD's :grinno:
I'm aware of that :p I'm still deciding -- if I decide I want the advantage of mirroring AND striping, I'll have to spring for two more drives.
As far as SATA2 specifications, it can be a seemingly convoluted venture for those not familiar with it. Mostly based around the fact that SATA2 isn't really SATA2 in terms of speed (the 3GB/sec stat) but merely the name the organisation had. 3GB/sec is merely the next step in it, but you can't very well refer to it all as "SATA" since obviously SATA 1.5 won't support SATA 3.0, and people would be getting confused. So, it's just easier to call 1.5 SATA1 and 3.0 SATA2
http://www.sata-io.org/namingguidelines.asp
1 raptor for OS and sofware (or 2 in raid 0 if your budget allows)
Oh man, a couple of Raptors in a RAID 0 setup... sweet... That's actually the same setup I was considering (a Raptor for OS and programs, and my 80GBs for audio files and samples, so my audio tracks play from different drives than my OS and recording software) if I didn't go with the 0+1 setup, of course -- that way I could still manually back up important data between the drive configurations. Then again, 1 Raptor will probably cost me the same as 2 more 7200 HD's :grinno:
Neutrino
08-26-2005, 08:24 PM
Oh man, a couple of Raptors in a RAID 0 setup... sweet... That's actually the same setup I was considering (a Raptor for OS and programs, and my 80GBs for audio files and samples, so my audio tracks play from different drives than my OS and recording software) if I didn't go with the 0+1 setup, of course -- that way I could still manually back up important data between the drive configurations. Then again, 1 Raptor will probably cost me the same as 2 more 7200 HD's :grinno:
yeah raptors are fun, of course a pair of 15K cheetahs would blow them out of the watter, except that their price would also kill his budget.
yeah raptors are fun, of course a pair of 15K cheetahs would blow them out of the watter, except that their price would also kill his budget.
goldz28
09-01-2005, 02:08 AM
You guys are awesome thank you very much.
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2026