Curse

jjdefan · Jun 09, 2007, 05:49 PM // 17:49

I'm looking to build a new computer and while I wont say that I have unlimited funds, I do want to build a computer for tomorrow. I am playing around with the idea of building around the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 Quad processor. What do the gurus out there think about this and what components do you feel will compliment it?

tijo · Jun 10, 2007, 03:14 AM // 03:14

We need the amount of money that you are willing to spend for the system if you want detailed options.

easyg · Jun 10, 2007, 08:34 AM // 08:34

Perhaps:

PSU SEASONIC|M12 SS-700 (Qty=1, Price=$209.99)
CPU INTEL|C2 Quad Q6600 2.4G 775 - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$532.90)
CPU COOLER TT|CL-P0310 RTL - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$55.99)
MB ABIT|IP35 Pro LGA 775 - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$184.99)
VGA SAPPHIRETECH|RADEON HD 2900 XT – Retail (Qty=1, Price=$429.99)
MEM 1Gx2|CRUCIAL BL2KIT12864AA804 R - Retail (Qty=1, Price=$139.99}
HD 150G|WD 10K 16M SATA WD1500ADFD - OEM (Qty=2, Price=$399.98)
DVD LITE-ON|20X DVD±R DVD Burner SATA (Qty=1, Price=$41.99)
LCD SAMSUNG|226BW BLACK 22” WIDESCREEN (Qty=1, Price=$349.99)
KEYBOARD LOGITECH|G15 GAMING KEYBOARD (Qty=1, Price=$71.99)
MOUSE LOGITECH|G5 USB WHEEL MOUSE (Qty=1, Price=$41.99)

Something like that would be pretty safe. The motherboard supports 1333 FSB and Intel's upcoming line of 45nm CPUs. This is essential for future-proofing an Intel system.

As for an AMD system, that option isn't looking particularly attractive right now, what with all the questions surrounding K10. To be frank, K10 looks like it just may be a loser. On the whole, there's very little hope that it will beat Penryn class processors in desktop apps, particularly games. So I would stick with Intel....

jjdefan · Jun 11, 2007, 01:38 AM // 01:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by tijo

We need the amount of money that you are willing to spend for the system if you want detailed options.

I could probably spend 2-3k, but don't let the amount determine what you think is a good system. I will be buying the pieces over a period of time so it wont soak the wallet all at once

.

eggrolls · Jun 11, 2007, 02:50 AM // 02:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjdefan

I could probably spend 2-3k, but don't let the amount determine what you think is a good system. I will be buying the pieces over a period of time so it wont soak the wallet all at once

.

Don't take too long to buy the pieces though. Unless, of course, you have a spare computer to test these new parts. There's always a chance that you end up with a faulty component, so you want to be sure that you can exchange it (usually it's 14 or 30 days). After that time period, you'd have to do it through the manufacturer. Just make sure their customer service is good

Since you aren't in a hurry, wait for the July price cuts for Intel. The Q6600 will only cost about $270, and the QX6700 (unlocked multiplier) at around $530. Memory prices are so cheap compared to the other parts, so you can go for 4GB if you want... considering your 2k-3k budget. 32-bit Windows will only see around 3GB of memory unless you use 64-bit Windows. For the video card, I'd wait and see how DX10 games perform before buying. Nvidia is a bit ahead right now, but ATI's 2900XT gives you free TF2 and HL Episode 2.

Enko · Jun 11, 2007, 06:16 AM // 06:16

i would recommend against buying them over time. your wallet is going to take the same hit regardless but if you wait too long, new stuff would've come out by then and you could've gotten your stuff cheaper. also as eggrolls mentioned, the time to return or exchange might expire.

instead, just save up the money until you can get it all at once (you'll save some money on shipping with one order too)

Tachyon · Jun 11, 2007, 10:46 AM // 10:46

Just shy of 2.5K would get you this half decent set-up which should be good for a few years.

Although you could save £200 by only getting a single monitor.

Faena · Jun 11, 2007, 12:10 PM // 12:10

well getting a Quad core if you are not using your computer for tasks such as video encoding, and if it is mainly a gaming platform, is quite an overkill.
Current games are not able to use correctly the capacity of 4 cores, and you can get a cheaper CPU which will run games more efficienly. I have no references along with me, but if I remember well, the 2 "top" dual core are better with games than the quad core.