I'm nervous about this custom built CPU I bought for gaming

[Fletch206]

I just bought a tower for $600 from a guy on Craigslist who builds custom CPU's. I run HL2 CS:Source at 250 average FPS, honestly I thought with this system it would be a solid 300 easy (As HL2 does not require a great system). It seems like a fast computer but did I get enough for my money? (I know $600 isn't a ton to spend on a CPU tower anyway).

Here are the specs:

(Running on Windows Vista Ultimate 64bit)

Antec 300 Case
Intel 975BX2 Mobo
Enhance 500W ATX12V 24+8pin Power Supply (400watt output, is that good?)
Intel Core 2 Quad CPU 2.9 GHZ
Nvidia 9600GTX+ 512 MB Vid Card
4 GIGS OCZ REAPER RAM
Philips 22x DVD+RW/CD+RW

So I'm thinking about buying GTA IV and Call of Duty 4 to play on this system, any guesses on how it will handle?

 

[Levi182]

well you will run GTA4 at medium which is better than console graphics for gta4 you do have a quad core which is a plus but your video memory has to be 1Gb for GTA4 to run properly on high (i know stupid right!)

what is your quad cpu model number

Y ou got an average deal but you saved the trouble of building it your self and you still got good items

 

[Fletch206]

Hey thanks for the reply. The processor is the QX6800. Yeah I know I'm wincing at the fact that I'll have to spend another $300 for a 1GB vid card :/ Any suggestions on which I should get and what the best deal is?

 

[pr2thej]

Would just try to run GTA as it is, 1GB is a luxury but the game is certainly playable with a 512MB card.
I reckon you got a good deal by the way, the Operating System alone is $160.

Ive never heard of Enhance PSU's but the specs don't look terrible...usually system builders try to save money on PSU / cases so its a good sign as well that you have an Antec case.

 

[Fletch206]

Hey PR, yeah he seemed like an honest guy (hard to find these days). He even gave me the original boxes for the processor, dvd drive, graphics card and Vista 64 (He gets Vista 64 for like $30 through employee discounts). I think the power supply is mediocre but yeah the case is real nice.

 

[pr2thej]

If you want to check out how much power you are getting then grab CPU-Z

Run the app, and on the first tab at the bottom left it will have a section listing the delivered volts across each rail. As long as they fall within 5% you are ok for now. inside 10% is not so good but still ok according to the manufacturer.

Your specs are listed as:

+3.3v @ 25A
+5v @ 20A
+12V1 @ 18A
+12V2 @ 18A

So for example if CPU-Z shows your +12V1 is delivering 16.7A then you got issues.
Wattage is derived from multiplying Volts by Amps, so if your 12V1 shows 16.7A then 12 x 16.7 = 200.4w

The voltage will degrade over time, even the best ones do. One thing i cant find is your PSU's efficiency rating which tells you how much of the power is converted to heat before it is delivered to your components. Its usually around 80% though so 500w = 400w.

 

[pr2thej]

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/page-101176_25_0.html

Looks like they are a good brand.

 

[Flakes]

please watch your terminology, i dont see a custom made CPU...i see an Intel made CPU.

 

[Fletch206]

Yes most of the main components are Intel... what is your point? Someone still put it together themselves.

 

[Fletch206]

Thanks for the help PR

 

[Flakes]

uh, i cant leave this.....

CPU = Central Processing unit
what you got built was a PC - Personal Computer

i opened this thinking you had a personal CPU built(which would of been great to read lol)

 

[Godiwa]

custom built cpu? hehe

just like the case is NOT the harddisk (many ppl think that)

any modern computer can run any modern game, it's just a matter of how big resolution you want and how many details you want to turn on

 

[Fletch206]

lulz. pwned.

 

[pr2thej]

I just bought a tower for $600

while we are being specific.... :lol:

 

[kvkx111]

You have your own Cpu fab? dam man, think you could cook me up a custom CPU?

I want an on die memory controller x86 64bit chip operating @ at least 20Ghz stock.

k?

 

[Fletch206]

Wow you're a riot.

 

[amdfangirl]

I just bought a tower for $600 from a guy on Craigslist who builds custom CPU's. I run HL2 CS:Source at 250 average FPS, honestly I thought with this system it would be a solid 300 easy (As HL2 does not require a great system). It seems like a fast computer but did I get enough for my money? (I know $600 isn't a ton to spend on a CPU tower anyway).

Here are the specs:

(Running on Windows Vista Ultimate 64bit)

Antec 300 Case
Intel 975BX2 Mobo
Enhance 500W ATX12V 24+8pin Power Supply (400watt output, is that good?)
Intel Core 2 Quad CPU 2.9 GHZ
Nvidia 9600GTX+ 512 MB Vid Card
4 GIGS OCZ REAPER RAM
Philips 22x DVD+RW/CD+RW

So I'm thinking about buying GTA IV and Call of Duty 4 to play on this system, any guesses on how it will handle?

Yes, it should play smoothly.

 

[Devastator_uk]

You have your own Cpu fab?

Doesn't everyone? If not then what's that thing in my kitchen next to the microwave