Humble Pie

[Gben 20]

Okay, I decided to to cut back on the budget a build a more mid-range comp under AUD$2500.00

 

Price is most important here, I don't want to bloat it any further without good reason, but I'm happy to be convinced and enlightened!

Your opinions and insights, as always are invaluable...

 

$257 - Intel Core 2 Duo e8400

$229 - Gigabyte EP45-UD3R Motherboard

$255 - Kingston 4GB RAM DDR2 Memory (667MHZ???)

$261 - WD Veloci Raptor 150gb 10,000 rpm (system drive) [300GB - $399]

$156 - Seagate 1TB SATA2 (data drive)

$156 - Seagate 1TB SATA2 (External Storage Drive)

$230 - Gigabyte GF9800GT 1 GB Video Card

$45 -- Pioneer Dual Layer DVD Burner

$88 -- Logitech Quickcam s7500

$444 - Samsung 2233SW 21.5inch LCD Monitor ($222x2)

$134 - Coolermaster CAC inc 460watt Case

$71 -- Hotway 3.5inch external HDD case with firewire

$215 - Windows XP PRO OEM SP3

 

Approx costs in AUD included.

 

(I have wireless keyboard and mouse, and I'm planing to use onboard speakers in monitors. I'm debating the 2nd internal 1tb drive in favour of a bigger raptor drive. Most files will be stored on file server, external drive is for media files for editing [video etc]. I note previous thread conversations about seagate. I have not shared those with the vendor, but planning to switch.)

[Malevolence 6]

$255 - Kingston 4GB RAM DDR2 Memory (667MHZ???)

 

Why is that old DDR2 ram OVERPRICED? The worst part its 667Mhz. Oh you have been pwned. Currently at least take 1066Mhz DDR2 rams. Lol. And that price I could simply get 03x2GB=6GB DDR3 1600Mhz.

 

$156 - Seagate 1TB SATA2 (data drive)

$156 - Seagate 1TB SATA2 (External Storage Drive)

 

I'm debating the 2nd internal 1tb drive in favour of a bigger raptor drive. Most files will be stored on file server, external drive is for media files for editing [video etc]. I note previous thread conversations about seagate. I have not shared those with the vendor, but planning to switch.)

 

You know what I was gonna say about that. Lol. Get 2 pcs 640GB Western Digital Caviar Black 32MB Cache.

 

 

$230 - Gigabyte GF9800GT 1 GB Video Card

 

Get EVGA GTS 250 instead.

 

$134 - Coolermaster CAC inc 460watt Case

 

I prefer you choose a separate PSU with 80+ efficiency.

 

[Gben 20]

You're quick - no doubt about it.

[Malevolence 6]

Think about it.

 

I was shocked by the overpriced and obselete rams the guy intend to sell.

Edited May 5, 2009 by Malevolence

[Gben 20]

Vendor just confirmed it was "Kingston 4GB KIT 800MHz DDR2 ECC Memory".

But that means nothing to me...

 

Gigabyte GTS250 1GB PCI-E $266....

Excuse my ignorance. What's the difference?

 

NB: My prices are estimates from a third party vendor.

 

Case suggestion?

[Fiesta 0]

Vendor just confirmed it was "Kingston 4GB KIT 800MHz DDR2 ECC Memory".

But that means nothing to me...

 

ECC memory is server-grade stuff and will NOT function in consumer-level motherboards. No wonder it costs so much.

 

Gigabyte GTS250 1GB PCI-E $266....

Excuse my ignorance. What's the difference?

 

GTS250 is the 9800GTX+ with a redesigned PCB and power management. It's marginally faster than the 9800GT and you'd be better off saving money and getting the 512MB version, unless you game at higher than 1680x1050.

 

Case suggestion?

 

Depends on what's available. You have a link to a retailer you could buy this all from instead? I wouldn't change anything but the video card (see above), case, power supply, and RAM.

[Malevolence 6]

RAMs:

-DDR2

-02pcs X 2GB sticks

-1066Mhz

 

Here is a link of possible options listed for you.

 

Graphics Card:

-Nvidia (PhysX support, reliable, stable)

-Cheap (your call?)

-More than 512mb GDDR3 specs. (because you are using a 21.5" monitor, and assuming that will be a 1680x1050 resolution)

 

Nvidia likes to rebrand their items.

There was an 8 series Nvidia card known as 8800GT. Later in time, when they started releasing the newer 9 series back then, they decide to rehash the old 8800GT and viola, 9800GT was born. Not long ago, with the release of the current GTX 200 series Nvidia decides to get lazy and was thinking of rehashing the same model yet again, calling it GTS 240. However they decide not to go with the idea.

 

As for another story, with the release of the 9 series Nvidia card, 9800GTX was born. It was faster than 9800GT (obviously), and was considered the most powerful card back then. As the 9 series began to be replaced by the current GTX 200 series, Nvidia was thinking to themselves, "Hey let's get lazy and rehash the 9800GTX card!". The entire board agrees and viola, GTS 250 was born.

The difference was that GTS 250 was slightly shorter than the older 9800GTX, most GTS 250 models now used one 2x6pin connector instead of two 2x6pin connectors in 9800GTX (exception was Palit's non reference GTS 250 which still used two 2x6pin connectors, and possibly some others models I didn't take note of.) As for the reference design comparison, a reference design GTS 250 sports an improved air cooler and is a little faster and performs a little better than the old reference 9800GTX. And both GTS 250 and 9800GTX are sold at the same price. So why bother buying an old 9800GTX when you can get a slightly better and newer GTS 250?

 

Ok enough of history lesson, here is another link of possible candidates to choose from. Personally I prefer the reputable EVGA brand.

 

PSU:

- 80+, 80+ Bronze, 80+ Silver or 80+ Gold.

- Anything below 650W will be excellent

- Modular PSU (highly recommended, will reduce cable mess, in which will help in better cable management, and will improve on good airflow of the case.)

 

Your choice, and there are some folks who love Cosair PSU, I don't know why and didn't bother to check.

 

Casing:

- Mid-size tower

- Supports ATX Form Factor motherboard (in your case, Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R)

- ???

 

There are tons of options and I couldn't narrow down any more because you didn't specify what else you intend to look for other than cheap. If possible, Lian Li is an excellent case.

Link.

Edited May 5, 2009 by Malevolence

[Luk3us 63]

Get a bigger screen, else you'll regret it later on.

[Malevolence 6]

Get a bigger screen, else you'll regret it later on.

 

A 22 inch monitor is pretty decent for mainstream users, IMO.

 

A little O.T.:

I was checking out the IT market currently and I was surprised to see the prices of DDR2 rams are starting to rise up slowly (not as ridiculous as 225 bucks in the first post) while prices of DDR3 are dropping to be on par with DDR2. Soon consumers will be kinda "encouraged" to use DDR3, and bye bye to DDR2. I guess its a bad time to get a new rig at this time.

[Fiesta 0]

As the 9 series began to be replaced by the current GTX 200 series, Nvidia was thinking to themselves, "Hey let's get lazy and rehash the 9800GTX card!". The entire board agrees and viola, GTS 250 was born.

The difference was that GTS 250 was slightly shorter than the older 9800GTX, most GTS 250 models now used one 2x6pin connector instead of two 2x6pin connectors in 9800GTX (exception was Palit's non reference GTS 250 which still used two 2x6pin connectors, and possibly some others models I didn't take note of.) As for the reference design comparison, a reference design GTS 250 sports an improved air cooler and is a little faster and performs a little better than the old reference 9800GTX. And both GTS 250 and 9800GTX are sold at the same price. So why bother buying an old 9800GTX when you can get a slightly better and newer GTS 250?

 

Here's the thing; the regular 9800GTX is just a rebadged 8800GTX and sold cheaper. The 9800GTX+ is 55nm (G92b, whereas the non "+" was G92), which runs cooler and allows for higher clocks. That's the one they redesigned for the GTS250. The 9800GTX is basically irrelevant now.

[Gben 20]

Hey thanks for the feedback, I've sent the comments about the RAM, 1 TB drive and Case to the vendor and awaiting feedback.

Nothing conclusive from the comments about the graphics card, so I've left that as is.

Displays will be fine.

 

The vendor supplying provides onsite technical support, but I got prices from a third party to get an idea of component prices and for competition/price checking etc.

 

UPDATE:

 

(Hdd and Memory changes have been sorted - 1066mhz is the highest accepted on board.)

 

Vendor comes back with these suggestions:-

 

- Antec Earthwatts 650W PSU 80Plus $160

- Antec NSK4000 v2 Solution ATX Case $85

 

Any issues there?

 

 

Edited May 6, 2009 by gben

[Malevolence 6]

Not too familiar with the casing though, but if you like it its ok I think.

 

As for the PSU, some folks claimed that its pretty loud as compared to other brands.

[Gben 20]

Heh - how do I buy something rated on noise???

This is kinda beyond my expertise (case) do you have an alternative in the same price bracket?

[Malevolence 6]

You have to read the reviews of the name of the product with searches like google. As for me, I rather pay more for a reputable PSU with less complaints and problems.

[Gben 20]

Reputable Hardware Review URL?

[Malevolence 6]

Reputable Hardware Review URL?

 

Just google it and read every review you could get your hands on.

[Sonic 296]

If your concerned about the potential noise level of parts like PSU's, Fans, HDD's, Cases etc... have a read through Silent PC Review - http://www.silentpcreview.com.

[Fiesta 0]

- Antec Earthwatts 650W PSU 80Plus $160

- Antec NSK4000 v2 Solution ATX Case $85

 

Are those in US dollars or AU dollars? If it's US dollars there are better components for less money. I'll wait to suggest until you clarify.

[Gben 20]

Australian... (First post).

 

But I'm kinda settled right now unless you spot a glaring anomaly!

[Fiesta 0]

I can't find better for that money, really. Go ahead and get that case and power supply (Earthwatts series are quite nice, even if they are noisier).

[Malevolence 6]

What's your budget for a PSU, as well as a casing?

[Gben 20]

If you're talking to me (not clear) then I've already ordered the comp...

[Malevolence 6]

If you're talking to me (not clear) then I've already ordered the comp...

 

Hope you enjoy your rig.

[Gben 20]

fingers crossed...

[Malevolence 6]

Wait what's the finalized specs btw?