System Builder Marathon: Performance & Value
Tags:
- System Builder
- Performance
- Product
Last response: in Reviews comments
Crashman
November 28, 2008 7:20:18 AM
We tightened the budget on this month’s enthusiast-level system while loosening our belt for the low-cost gamer box by a similar percentage. Today we gauge the effect of these changes on performance and value and compare to last month's machines.
System Builder Marathon: Performance & Value : Read more
System Builder Marathon: Performance & Value : Read more
More about : system builder marathon performance
namelessted
November 28, 2008 7:37:14 AM
Crashman
November 28, 2008 7:51:29 AM
NamelessTedSo is there not going to be a high end build somewhere around $2000? Because I am looking forward to that one as usual.
It was explained in the Day 1 article but should have been mentioned at the lead of this one, that Core i7 wasn't ready when the site placed its order. And to build a high-end Core 2 machine after Core i7 was available was not a viable option. Since the site couldn't get a retail Core i7 on time, the high-end build was scrapped.
Score
4
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namelessted
November 28, 2008 7:57:32 AM
Crashman
November 28, 2008 8:10:48 AM
slomo4sho
November 28, 2008 8:52:50 AM
Surprisingly, there was a 1:1 relationship between performance and price when comparing last months $500 build and this months $625 build. You got about a 25% performance boost with an increase in cost by 25%.
Thanks for the write-up. I look forward to seeing both a AMD and Intel build for the lowest price point builds in the upcoming months hopefully
Thanks for the write-up. I look forward to seeing both a AMD and Intel build for the lowest price point builds in the upcoming months hopefully
Score
1
zodiacfml
November 28, 2008 12:31:28 PM
i think the pentium dual core and athlon x2 systems are quite the lowest price points...anything lower will be single core systems.
i should have got the pentium dual core for the same price of an amd.
i was focusing too much on core2duos and thought they were too expensive compared to athlon x2's.
my x2 5000 runs at 3.1 GHz compared to pentium dual cores running at 4.2GHz with 2MB of L2 cache, 1MB more than the x2.
ultimately, pentium dual cores are core2duo's with less cache.
i should have got the pentium dual core for the same price of an amd.
i was focusing too much on core2duos and thought they were too expensive compared to athlon x2's.
my x2 5000 runs at 3.1 GHz compared to pentium dual cores running at 4.2GHz with 2MB of L2 cache, 1MB more than the x2.
ultimately, pentium dual cores are core2duo's with less cache.
Score
0
Huttfuzz
November 28, 2008 1:25:45 PM
Teruo
November 28, 2008 2:01:38 PM
Sorry to bring up the highend system again, but I really do what to see Quadcore Q9300 to be OC because I'm planning to get a Q9300 budget around $1400. Would the setting of the $1250 replace with Q9300 would have a good increase in gaming performance or they will be similar which is not worth the CPU upgrade?
Score
0
Shadow703793
November 28, 2008 2:39:08 PM
Anonymous
November 28, 2008 3:47:19 PM
zodiacfml
November 28, 2008 4:38:32 PM
micles5
November 28, 2008 4:49:14 PM
Portall
November 28, 2008 5:14:47 PM
habib2005
November 28, 2008 5:25:56 PM
habib2005Where is AMD ?I wish to see intel vs amd in price and performance comparisons .
Unfortunately, AMD can't touch Intel when it comes to overclocking, and that's a big part of the System Builder Marathons.
We'll see what the Phenom IIs bring to the table, tho. I'd love to see AMD supply a good price/performing overclocker again.
Score
1
Tindytim
November 28, 2008 7:08:30 PM
afrobacon
November 28, 2008 7:51:59 PM
cobra420
November 28, 2008 8:02:36 PM
cobra420
November 28, 2008 8:25:30 PM
Crashman
November 28, 2008 8:29:21 PM
micles5
November 28, 2008 9:05:39 PM
everything i mean everything cod, far cry 2, fallout 3. really everything max (far cry physic med and aa 4x in fallout). i just got not 50 just 40-45 fps. no difference for me. Crysis is a not a game. what for doing a game when you can not play after 2 years after realise on average comp. its just a benchmark. i know when i spend $1500 i can play but is wroth it? no !!! that why is think!!!!!!!!!
Score
-3
micles5
November 28, 2008 9:09:01 PM
everything i mean everything cod, far cry 2, fallout 3. really everything max (far cry physic med and aa 4x in fallout). i just got not 50 just 40-45 fps. no difference for me. Crysis is a not a game. what for doing a game when you can not play after 2 years after realise on average comp. its just a benchmark. i know when i spend $1500 i can play but is wroth it? no !!! that why is think!!!!!!!!!
Score
-3
afrobacon
November 28, 2008 9:49:40 PM
V3NOM
November 29, 2008 8:26:07 AM
dirtmountain
November 29, 2008 10:48:52 AM
I posted in the $625 build comments, but i'll post a build here too. a $625 9550BE, 790GX, 4850 can work
CPU/mobo - 9950/790GX combo at $234
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
RAM - G.Skill 2x2GB DDR2 1066 $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Case - Xclio coolbox $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
PSU - Antec earthwatts 430w $35
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
GPU - Sapphire HD4850 $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Cooler - Sunbeam CR-SW-92 ? $20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
HD - WD 320 $55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Burner - Liteon $21
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Total - $624.21 (as of now)
I'd have liked to have had a bigger PSU to support crossfire as an eventual upgrade, better cooler, HD, but it's a workable build that uses a quad core AMD CPU with a SB750 mobo. It would be an interesting test.
CPU/mobo - 9950/790GX combo at $234
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...
RAM - G.Skill 2x2GB DDR2 1066 $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Case - Xclio coolbox $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
PSU - Antec earthwatts 430w $35
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
GPU - Sapphire HD4850 $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Cooler - Sunbeam CR-SW-92 ? $20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
HD - WD 320 $55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Burner - Liteon $21
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Total - $624.21 (as of now)
I'd have liked to have had a bigger PSU to support crossfire as an eventual upgrade, better cooler, HD, but it's a workable build that uses a quad core AMD CPU with a SB750 mobo. It would be an interesting test.
Score
-2
philosofool
November 29, 2008 2:06:20 PM
This was a pretty interesting set of comparisons. I wish that there had been a bench of some of the games at less-than-highest settings. Crysis is pretty stunning at medium details. My rule for games is "highest settings with playable fps" (30fps usually, no dips below 24); I'll always be a a ~$150-200 graphics card guy.
Also, I wish Tom's would choose some benches that show the limitations or lack thereof in the small L2 cache of the e5200. L2 cache really only comes out in multitasking and CPU bottlenecked games. None of these marks really looked at those situations.
Also, I wish Tom's would choose some benches that show the limitations or lack thereof in the small L2 cache of the e5200. L2 cache really only comes out in multitasking and CPU bottlenecked games. None of these marks really looked at those situations.
Score
0
blackened144
November 29, 2008 2:15:21 PM
Quote:
I posted in the $625 build comments, but i'll post a build here too. a $625 9550BE, 790GX, 4850 can workCPU/mobo - 9950/790GX combo at $234
The problem with that suggestion is that the 9550BE cant hold a candle to the 8500 when overclocked to the max, thus making it not an option for these builds. Even the Q6600 from last months build would be better suited than the 9550BE. Maybe when the PhenomII is out we can see some AMD cpus in these builds.
Score
1
micles5
November 29, 2008 2:19:35 PM
cjdavis7
November 29, 2008 3:03:39 PM
mediv42
November 30, 2008 2:09:07 AM
it would be great to see the $1250 system (about $1500 with monitor)compared to say...
$1500 20 inch baseline imac
2.66 C2D
2gb ram
320 gb hd
radeon hd 2600
and say the baseline $1500 studio xps with 24" monitor
2.66 i7-920
6gb ram
750 gb hd
radeon 4850
you know, just to get some idea of how much you loose with different brands.
I know, you cant really make these systems materialize out of thin air... I'm kidding mostly.. although if anyone over there still wants to stand up for mac pricing then i'm only half kidding.
$1500 20 inch baseline imac
2.66 C2D
2gb ram
320 gb hd
radeon hd 2600
and say the baseline $1500 studio xps with 24" monitor
2.66 i7-920
6gb ram
750 gb hd
radeon 4850
you know, just to get some idea of how much you loose with different brands.
I know, you cant really make these systems materialize out of thin air... I'm kidding mostly.. although if anyone over there still wants to stand up for mac pricing then i'm only half kidding.
Score
-1
wh3resmycar
November 30, 2008 3:06:28 AM
you wont see amd cpu stuff in the sbm series. amd defeats the statement "bang for the buck"
people who waste money on phenom systems are just plain fanboys. argue this argue that, its a reality that they suck ass right now.
on a side note. IS IT REALLY HARD FOR TOMS TO FIND A COPY OF CRYSIS WARHEAD??
people who waste money on phenom systems are just plain fanboys. argue this argue that, its a reality that they suck ass right now.
on a side note. IS IT REALLY HARD FOR TOMS TO FIND A COPY OF CRYSIS WARHEAD??
Score
-1
Anonymous
November 30, 2008 10:59:44 AM
sparky2010
November 30, 2008 6:05:34 PM
dave+1
December 1, 2008 4:20:03 AM
Score
0
sublifer
December 1, 2008 1:22:17 PM
SSBrando
December 1, 2008 5:36:34 PM
You know, I'm glad they tested Intel CPU's and ATi/AMD Radeons because that's the same stuff my computers made of. But my friend Jean likes AMD CPU's and Nvidia Geforce cards which you would think is opposite just like a Intel/ATi setup. I'd like to know which is better. An AMD with a SLI setup or an Intel with a Crossfire setup? With fairly equal standing cards that's is.
Score
0
Lurker87
December 2, 2008 2:11:53 AM
count_rugen
December 3, 2008 10:43:05 PM
This is going to seem like a very silly question buuuut...is the $650 build "mainstream"? Meaning, were I to buy a comparable Dell or HP, how much money would I have to spend to achieve the results of the $650? The technical benchmarks are helpful, but they don't give me a common sense mental benchmark to evaluate the builds against...
Score
0
sighQ2
December 5, 2008 12:07:44 AM
nerrawg
December 7, 2008 10:41:52 PM
Nice value comparison as usual
It always gives an added perspective that is otherwise difficult to see from simply reading the previous articles and trying to memorize and compare frame rates. It was very interesting for me to see (interested primarily in gaming) that is possible to spend $1250 and get an almost EQUAL BANG for the BUCK increase in game performance from a $500!
At least if one is only looking at the newest and most demanding games on the market. As far as I can remember none of the previous system builder marathons have been able maintain this amount of value in a $1000 + system.
Just one question that I hope isn't too pesky or ignorant:
Would simply adding a beefier gpu like the 4850X2 or 4870X2 to the $625 system increase the gaming performance to levels similar to the $1250 system, example in terms of playable crysis on high settings - or is a beefier cpu like the E8500 also needed to ensure proper scaling and performance at that level?
It always gives an added perspective that is otherwise difficult to see from simply reading the previous articles and trying to memorize and compare frame rates. It was very interesting for me to see (interested primarily in gaming) that is possible to spend $1250 and get an almost EQUAL BANG for the BUCK increase in game performance from a $500!
At least if one is only looking at the newest and most demanding games on the market. As far as I can remember none of the previous system builder marathons have been able maintain this amount of value in a $1000 + system.
Just one question that I hope isn't too pesky or ignorant:
Would simply adding a beefier gpu like the 4850X2 or 4870X2 to the $625 system increase the gaming performance to levels similar to the $1250 system, example in terms of playable crysis on high settings - or is a beefier cpu like the E8500 also needed to ensure proper scaling and performance at that level?
Score
0
ccintron
December 11, 2008 5:48:01 PM
Is there a reason Tom's hasn't migrated the test builds to Vista Ultimate SP1 64bit? If you purchased Ultimate you do have the option to install 32 or 64. Plus Tom's keeps pushing the idea of more RAM always being better. Also considering that I've seen more sub-$800 Dell's, Gateways, HP's, etc in stores all running Vista Home Premium 64bit its clear that the 64bit build is becoming the norm.
Score
0
jjd
December 11, 2008 9:39:15 PM
jjd
December 11, 2008 9:50:08 PM
Maybe this is off the $$ topic but building a puter for me and my 15yr grandson. Yes this 58er is an up till 4AM gamer LOL is there anything wrong with this config. Appreciate your critique. Should one go to these i7 proccessors and would a double core intel suffice as well as quad? It seems like this Crysis game is the benchmark for graphics/puter upgades?? Thanks JJD
CASE: ($25 off Mail-in Rebate) New! Apevia X-Jupiter Full Tower Gaming Server w/ Temp Display and Fan Control 420 Watt Power (G Type Black Color with Side-Window)
Neon Light Upgrade: NONE
Extra Case Fan Upgrade: Extra Case Cooling Fan (2 x Fans)
POWER SUPPLY Upgrade: 800 Watts Power Supplies (NZXT PP800 Performance Power ATX 2.0 Power - Quad SLI Ready)
CPU: (Quad-Core)Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q9550 @ 2.83GHz 1333FSB 12MB L2 Cache 64-bit
COOLING FAN : Asetek Liquid CPU Cooling System (Extreme Cooling Performance + Extreme Silent at 20dBA)
MOTHERBOARD: EVGA 750 SLI NVIDIA 750i SLI Chipset LGA775 Supports LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2/800 Mainboard w/GbLAN, USB2.0, &7.1Audio
MEMORY: 4GB (2x2GB) PC6400 DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
FREEBIES: None
VIDEO CARD: NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GTX+ 1GB 16X PCI Express (EVGA Powered by NVIDIA)
VIDEO CARD 2: NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GTX+ 1GB 16X PCI Express (EVGA Powered by NVIDIA)
VIDEO CARD 3: NONE
LCD Monitor: 26& quot; TFT Active Matrix LCD Display (ViewSonic VA2626WM Flat 26& quot; (25.5& quot; Viewable) TFT Active Matrix XGA LCD Display 1920x1200)
2nd Monitor: NONE
HARD DRIVE: Extreme Performance (RAID-0) with 4 Identical Hard Drives (1.28TB (320GBx4) SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD)
Data Hard Drive: NONE
USB PORTABLE DRIVE: NONE
Optical Drive: LG GGW-H20L 6X INTERNAL SUPER MULTI BLUE BLU-RAY DISC REWRITER & HD DVD-ROM DRIVE (Black Color)
Optical Drive 2: 16X DVD ROM (BLACK COLOR)
SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
SPEAKERS: 600Watts PMPO Subwoofer Stereo Speakers
NETWORK: ADDITIONAL PCI 32 BIT 10/100 NETWORK CARD
MODEM: PCI 56K V.92 FAX MODEM W/ VOICE
KEYBOARD: Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard
MOUSE: Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
Extra Thermal Display : NONE
Wireless 802.11B/G Network Card: PCI Wireless 802.11g 54Mbps Network Interface Card
Flash Media Reader/Writer: INTERNAL 12in1 Flash Media Reader/Writer (BLACK COLOR)
Cable Wiring: Professional Wiring for All WIRINGs Inside The System Chasis with High Performance Thermal Compound on CPU
Rounded Cable: Round Cable Upgrade for Optical Drive
VIDEO CAMERA: NONE
PRINTER: None
PRINTER CABLE: None
IEEE CARD: NONE
USB PORT: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
FLOPPY: NONE
OS: Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Premium w/ Service Pack 1 (64-bit Edition)
FREEBIES: FREE! (Halo 2) Game
Media Center Remote Control & TV Tuner: None
SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
RUSH SERVICE: RUSH!!! READY TO SHIP IN 3 BUSINESS DAYS
$2600 from Cyberpower 3 day delivery??? Thanks again Pop and Max
CASE: ($25 off Mail-in Rebate) New! Apevia X-Jupiter Full Tower Gaming Server w/ Temp Display and Fan Control 420 Watt Power (G Type Black Color with Side-Window)
Neon Light Upgrade: NONE
Extra Case Fan Upgrade: Extra Case Cooling Fan (2 x Fans)
POWER SUPPLY Upgrade: 800 Watts Power Supplies (NZXT PP800 Performance Power ATX 2.0 Power - Quad SLI Ready)
CPU: (Quad-Core)Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q9550 @ 2.83GHz 1333FSB 12MB L2 Cache 64-bit
COOLING FAN : Asetek Liquid CPU Cooling System (Extreme Cooling Performance + Extreme Silent at 20dBA)
MOTHERBOARD: EVGA 750 SLI NVIDIA 750i SLI Chipset LGA775 Supports LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2/800 Mainboard w/GbLAN, USB2.0, &7.1Audio
MEMORY: 4GB (2x2GB) PC6400 DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
FREEBIES: None
VIDEO CARD: NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GTX+ 1GB 16X PCI Express (EVGA Powered by NVIDIA)
VIDEO CARD 2: NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GTX+ 1GB 16X PCI Express (EVGA Powered by NVIDIA)
VIDEO CARD 3: NONE
LCD Monitor: 26& quot; TFT Active Matrix LCD Display (ViewSonic VA2626WM Flat 26& quot; (25.5& quot; Viewable) TFT Active Matrix XGA LCD Display 1920x1200)
2nd Monitor: NONE
HARD DRIVE: Extreme Performance (RAID-0) with 4 Identical Hard Drives (1.28TB (320GBx4) SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD)
Data Hard Drive: NONE
USB PORTABLE DRIVE: NONE
Optical Drive: LG GGW-H20L 6X INTERNAL SUPER MULTI BLUE BLU-RAY DISC REWRITER & HD DVD-ROM DRIVE (Black Color)
Optical Drive 2: 16X DVD ROM (BLACK COLOR)
SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
SPEAKERS: 600Watts PMPO Subwoofer Stereo Speakers
NETWORK: ADDITIONAL PCI 32 BIT 10/100 NETWORK CARD
MODEM: PCI 56K V.92 FAX MODEM W/ VOICE
KEYBOARD: Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard
MOUSE: Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
Extra Thermal Display : NONE
Wireless 802.11B/G Network Card: PCI Wireless 802.11g 54Mbps Network Interface Card
Flash Media Reader/Writer: INTERNAL 12in1 Flash Media Reader/Writer (BLACK COLOR)
Cable Wiring: Professional Wiring for All WIRINGs Inside The System Chasis with High Performance Thermal Compound on CPU
Rounded Cable: Round Cable Upgrade for Optical Drive
VIDEO CAMERA: NONE
PRINTER: None
PRINTER CABLE: None
IEEE CARD: NONE
USB PORT: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
FLOPPY: NONE
OS: Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Premium w/ Service Pack 1 (64-bit Edition)
FREEBIES: FREE! (Halo 2) Game
Media Center Remote Control & TV Tuner: None
SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
RUSH SERVICE: RUSH!!! READY TO SHIP IN 3 BUSINESS DAYS
$2600 from Cyberpower 3 day delivery??? Thanks again Pop and Max
Score
0
jjd
December 11, 2008 10:07:28 PM
Got 14 tabs up for 3 days trying to figure this out. Bought my first Com64 then win95 in 95. I can't seem to stay ahead of the updating curve. You all seem to know exactly what the score is automatically. I just don't want to be out of date within a year of buying this one! Is Crysis the benchmark and can this $1250 play it and be upgraded if needed? And the LCD monitor choices. "Variety is the spice of life?" Me I say BS :-) Sure could use your help. Thanks again. JD
Score
0
- 1 / 2
- 2
- Newest
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