I first want to thank everyone for their input and taking the time to reply.
Well this is quick & easy, I'm not looking to spend the highest dollar amount for the absolute best, top-of-the-line equipment but just wanting the best for the money (reliability & performance).
As George Foreman said... "I'm not going to pay alot for this muffler" hmmmm can a muffler be used in a computer to dissipate heat )
I'm starting with a Intel E6850 and was looking for advice on how to continue from there:
I just bought a new computer with the E6850 instead of the Q6600. I choose this because I didn't fell the need for those 2 "backup" processors, and I would much rather have 2 very-fast cores instead of 4 medium-fast cores.
You see, I already had an 2 core - 2,4 gHz AMD processor and I wanted to fell a difference with my new computer. So now I'm running the E6850 at 3,6 gHz with no problems and I couldn't do that with a Q6600, because it generates twice as much heat. (I could probally only get it to 3,00 gHz.)
The Dual core I better for gaming and 'big' software, because most games/programs can only take advantage of 1 or 2 cores. So if you want a quad core, then you must consider if you need that ekstra power for running several programs at one time.
But I have to say, that I'm good at keeping my computer clean of software I don't need, so I don't have the need of those "backup" processors.
Hmmmmnnn....instead of the E6850, i suggest you go for the Intel E8400 Penryn Processor(cheaper and faster and cooler than the E6850).... The Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L motherboard (the v best mobo for non SLI) ...... 2GB DDR2 RAM ......an Nvidia 8800GT GPU (i guess you've heard of that) ....and a Corsair 450W PSU (34 amps on 12v rail)
Really just usage, just want the fastest processor at this time for the least amount of money. Don't really play any games. Settled on the E6850 because it seems to be the fastest processor for under $350 (at least I think so but not sure). Also I heard Asus was the best mobo but got conflicting info from them that confused me more like they have 3 choices P5K-Deluxe or P5N32-E SLI or Blitz Formula and me being clueless how do I choose...
To answer whats the best equipment for you...tell us what you plan on doing with your system? If not for gaming then for what? Storing music or videos, editing video, internet surfing...?
Corsair 520 HX is made by Seasonic (Arguably one of the best if not the best PSU maker) and the VX series are made by another OEM, that's why I recommend the HX series over the VX, even though the VX are pretty good units on their own right.
I also have one of these and I STRONGLY recommend them if budget allows:
Message edited by emp on 01-23-2008 at 04:44:47 PM
---------------
-Advocate of the 64-bit OS
-Friend of Sound Cards
-Enemy of cheap PSUs
-Fanboy: eVGA, GIGABYTE, Antec, Seasonic, PCP&C, Razer, Saitek, and Corsair.
Ahhhh, maybe I should buy a corvette to haul my groceries from the market. <smile>
After all, being ABLE to go fast is not the same as GOING fast,
however, being ABLE to go fast is better than NOT being able to.
We should have an Autobahn in this country.
I didn't read that part, but that system is good for anything really, if he throws in the sound card the only thing that the system can't do is his coffee. Some people don't play games because they can't due to their current specs, if he wants to get into gaming he can perfectly do it, also some others have no interest in games, in that case an HD2600XT would fit the system just fine too.
That's the system I'd buy for myself if I already didn't have one, he can tweak it to his own needs.
---------------
-Advocate of the 64-bit OS
-Friend of Sound Cards
-Enemy of cheap PSUs
-Fanboy: eVGA, GIGABYTE, Antec, Seasonic, PCP&C, Razer, Saitek, and Corsair.
I agree, just wanted to fit into his budget, whatever that is. Your build didn't have any issues that I was referring to, but just wanted to get a little more info before going all out and recommending parts.
The GA-P35-DS3L is a great board, but it will limit you to one DVD burner and 3 hard disks (assuming you don't want any IDE devices in there). If that's not good enough, get the GA-P35-DS3R. If you need Firewire and/or support for 3 monitors (or 4), get the GA-P35-DS4. Asus P5K-E or P5K Deluxe are also good boards, but I think I trust Gigabyte more these days. aBit IP35Pro is an excellent motherboard too, and a bargain at $150 (at newegg).
That system would work even better if it had a hard disk I like the Western Digital 750GB (WD7500AAKS) because it's very fast and it tops the price/performance chart at Tom's. That is, it's very cheap for its size and speed.
Which processor is faster actually depends a lot on the type of application. For example a Q6600 will beat an E6850 at video encoding, while the E6850 will beat the Q6600 at (most) games. mlaporta, name the 5 programs you use most, then we'll be able to tell if you're better off with a quad or with a higher-clocked dual-core.
A case would be good here too. There's the RC-690 for example, pretty good and cheap.
If you don't have a monitor yet, I recommend looking for something 22" LCD widescreen (or 20" or 21.6" ). Samsung makes some of the best models, but LG and Viewsonic and others are also good. Preferably get one that comes with a DVI cable and can be rotated. For example I'm very happy with my Samsung 216BW. I'm assuming here that you are willing to spend $200 to $300 on the monitor. If you can afford $1000 there's the Samsung 275T, which of course is much better.
To answer whats the best equipment for you...tell us what you plan on doing with your system? If not for gaming then for what? Storing music or videos, editing video, internet surfing...?
Wow great responses my best was "buying a corvette to haul my groceries from the market" this is a true statement though. Really only use office apps (including project & visio), email, adobe apps (acrobat & photoshop), web surfing, playing music video's & music (.mp3). So not a gamer BUT just want the best system... THE BEST for 1,200 and under. I am not stuck on any processor either, I thought (which I should't being a newbie) that the E6850 was the best for under $350.
So I would propose this question for you high-end folks... if you had 1,200 bucks to build the best system you could (without the monitor) "WHAT WOULD YOU BUILD???"
Answering that question would get me to the grocery store minus the corvette...
Greeting from Houston's East side. If you want to build , go for it, its fun. Aevm, Lunyone and Emp all know alot more than me, but for $1200 you could try these:
Abit IP 35 Pro MB
WD 320 MB HD Q6600 CPU G Skill (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800 Ram
CORSAIR 520HX Power Supply Light On 20X DVD RW Sata Vista 64 Bit Silverstone Kublai KL01B Case Saitek Eclipse II Keyboard Add an inexpensive video card
This should handle your needs quite well. I built a similar system a few weeks ago for gaming its under my name to the left. You can order from Newegg or go to Fry's on the North Freeway. Good Luck and people here will help you if you want to try building.
EMP's System is good. I would recommend a few changes. I would skip the 2GB 1066 and go with 4GB of 800. It's about the same price. here is some from Patriot which has decent timings.
If I didn't skip any components, Emp's system comes in at juster under $900 with the memory I suggested. that leaves you with 300 to play with. Personally I would go with the Q6600. With the G0 Stepping you should be able to overclock it to 3.0 with absolutely no effort. with an Aftermarket cooler like the Zalman
Q6600 = +$50
Cooler = +$50
Case = +$100
OS = +100 -> vista home premium
And that takes care of the extra dough. If you don't want to overclock, then perhaps you should go with the 3GHz dual core but definitely make sure you get the penryn 45nm core. That will free up $100 you could use elsewhere. You could either save it, or get a better motherboard that leaves room for SLI later like the P5N-D. I have no experience with this motherboard, and haven't heard much about it but at first glance it looks quite nice. Plus, I have always had good luck with ASUS.
Also note, if you go with the Motherboard I suggested, the memory spec is DDR2800 so EMP's suggestion of 1066 would be wasted as it will be downclocked to match this specification.
I would stick with the 8800GT if you will be editing photos.
*EDIT*
Oops, forgot about the Hard drives and optical drives. Given that I would probably forgo the q6600 and cooler and use that hundred to grab a 500GB HD and $30 DVD burner.
Message edited by Jedi940 on 01-23-2008 at 07:42:50 PM
)
seiko@topsecret.dk 