My $2400 Build, What do you think?

[rauchster]

Case: $69.99
Full ATX Black Transformer Case by Xoxide/Sunbeam
Link: http://www.xoxide.com/sunbeam-transformer-case-black.html

Motherboard: $179.99
Name: MSI K9A2 Platinum AMD
Socket Type: AM2 / AM2+
CPU Type: PhenomFX / Phenom / Athlon64FX / Athlon64X2
Front Side Bus: 2600Mhz Hyper Transport (5200 MT/s)
Memory Slots: 4 DDR2 240 Pin
Memory Standard: DDR2 1066
Max. Memory: 8GB
PCI x16 Slots: 4x Gen. 2
SATA slots: 6
Audio: Onboard 8 Channel, 6-Way Output
Max LAN: 1000 MB/s
Rear Panel: 2x PS/2
4x USB 2.0
1x FireWire 1394
2x SATA
Onboard USB Hubs: 6
Power Connector: 24 Pin Primary, 4 pin Molex Secondary, 4 pin flat for Video
Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130136

Processor: $224.99
Name: AMD Phenom 9600 Agena Black Edition
Speed: 2.3 Ghz
Cores: Quad-Core
Socket Type: AM2+
L1 Cache: 4x 128kb (512kb)
L2 Cache: 4x 512kb (2mb)
L3 Cache: 2mb
Technology: 65 nanometer
64 bit Support: Yes
Hyper-Transport: Yes
Virtual Tech. Yes
Voltage: 1.1~1.25V
Thermal: 95W
Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103244

Memory: $218.98
Name: OCZ SLI-Ready Edition
Type: DDR2 240-pin
Size: 2gb/stick (2 sets of 2 sticks for 8gb total)
Speed: DDR2 80
Voltage: 2.1V
Heat Spreader: Yes

Power Supply: $169.99
Name: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX
Size: Full ATX
Max. Power Output: 750 Watt
Efficiency: ~80%
Connectors: 20+4 Pin Main Motherboard
12v Motherboard (4/8 Pin)
4x PCI
8x SATA
8x 4-pin Flat
2x Floppy
CrossFire Support: Yes
SLI Support: Yes


Primary Hard Drive (OS): $99.99
Name: Western Digital Raptor WD360ADFD
Speed: 10,000 RPM
Size: 36gb
Interface: SATA
Cache: 16mb
Avg. Seek Time: 4.6ms
Avg. Write Time: 5.2ms
Avg. Latency: 2.99ms

Secondary Hard Drives: $339.98
Name: Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD
Speed: 10,000 RPM
Size: 150gb (2 Drives in Raid 0 format for 300gb total space)
Interface: SATA
Cache: 16mb
Avg. Seek Time: 4.6ms
Avg. Write Time: 5.2ms
Avg. Latency: 2.99ms

Graphics Cards: ~$900
Dual NVidia 9800 GTX Cards, when they are released on or around Feb. 15
For now using an old 6600, until they come out.

Other accessories, including 4 LED 80mm fans, 4 LED 120mm fans, Zalman CPU Cooler, 3 Masscool Hard Drive Coolers and Cold Cathode lighting (Green) is about $250.

Running with Windows Vista 64-bit Ultimate Edition, this should be a monster once it's fully pieced together.
For now, waiting on the two 150gb Hard Drives for main file storage, and the gfx cards to be released.

 

[beurling]

case looks more annoying than cool, but whatever floats your boat I guess. You should probably just get one 150gb raptor and get a another 500gb hardrive for half that price for the same performance. The Seagate 7200.11 drives are supposed to rival the raptor's performance and even beat them on occasion. I can't vouch for the mobo or CPU as I don't use AMD anymore.

Good luck!

 

[rauchster]

Thanks for the input.
The case is good and has pretty good airflow, so I like it.

I went with the small HDD just because there won't be anything on it but the OS.

The Dual Raptors in Raid Striping are gonna be where the info is.

I chose this format because this will let the operating system read/write as it needs without bothering the programs running.
Plus the Programs will be running on RAID Striped 10,000 RPM drives, which means blazing speeds and 2 read/write heads.

 

[Shadow703793]

Drop the AMD route (unless you plan to get the B3 Phenom). Get the Q6600 or E8xxx and a good P35/X38 motherboard (like the P35-DS3x, P5K-x, or DQ6) and you should be all set. The Raptors seems like an overkill. Just get a Raptor for the OS only and a bigger 500GB+ drive for other stuff. Every thing else looks good.

 

[topper743]

I think that you'll be very happy with that system. One thing to consider is the CPU. Why not go with a 5000+ BE for the moment one can be had for under $100. OC it and it will get you by until the new and more highly clocked Phenoms arrive; the new steppings will be better than the current ones. They are supposed to come clocked around 3ish Ghz. And they will have some of the wrinkles ironed out. The 5000+ can clock to 3.2Ghz easily btw. The other thing is the ram. They are 2gb sticks is that right? What are the timings? I have 2Gb sticks at 6 6 6 18. The 2gb for the most part do have these looser timings. Look at the ones you want for timings and compare what it would cost the get some rated at tighter timings. I tried to set at 5 5 5 17 and mine didn't really like it. Just someting to think about.

 

[topper743]

Shadow your not much help. You just told the man to change everything. Then you add "Every thing else looks good". I can tell by looking at your avitar that a computer = epenius to you, look at your big gun, oh my!!

Rauchster- one point the boy with the big gun brings up it if you are going to be building a new system you do have to weigh AMD vs Intel. Both will work well. Depends which you prefer. The AMD system will cost you less over all.

Oh and Shadow I'm a retired "Combat Vet" and I have used a Barret on personnel.

 

[harly2]

I like your prosessor, They are ahead of there time with new software and games they will bench better and are equal to Q6600 in pefomance all together, great price to. Go for 74 gig Raptor for main dive and something bigger and cheaper for secondary, I do not see your logic, having small fast raptor as secondary, it will not improve your system performance. Go for cheaper ram then that. Also the new 9800 will not be 900 bucks the days of ultra expensive graphics are over. case is ugly, airflow will not be an issue.

 

[harly2]

I SEE YOUR HARD DRIVE LOGIC, one rator with big secondary still better though

 

[zenmaster]

#1 - Are you sure that is an SLI and not a CF Board?
#2 - I think you seriously under-estimate the cost of the GPUs.
#3 - I think your PSU is likely underpowered.
1000w Likely required for Dual 9800x2 GPUs.

 

[makotech222]

drop the phenom, go for the E8400

 

[runswindows95]

For that much money, you can build a much better system:

1) Drop all the Raptors, save one 150GB for the OS and programs. I don't think a 10,00RPM makes a difference for data.
2) Better off getting a Q6600. Hate to say it, the Phenom is not worth the money.
3) Overkill on the RAM. For that much money, find a good 4GB set.

 

[Guest]

For that much money, you can build a much better system:

1) Drop all the Raptors, save one 150GB for the OS and programs. I don't think a 10,00RPM makes a difference for data.
2) Better off getting a Q6600. Hate to say it, the Phenom is not worth the money.
3) Overkill on the RAM. For that much money, find a good 4GB set.

agreed.

anyone who tells you to go amd at this point in time doesnt need to be giving advice.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

I chose this format because this will let the operating system read/write as it needs without bothering the programs running. Plus the Programs will be running on RAID Striped 10,000 RPM drives, which means blazing speeds and 2 read/write heads.

Well "blazing" was appropriate some time back but the Raptors been knocked off the top of that hill. As others have said, the Raptors are pretty long in the tooth and are not the fastest drives around anymore. There are 7200 rpm drives which are not only quieter and cooler buy have faster DTR's, gaming and hi end windows program performance.

The case is a cool one (temp wise) but it relies on moving lots of air.....this means it's a bit noisy and a somewhat of a dust magnet (no sceens) . No removable MoBo tray IIRC also.

MoBo supports 1066 DDR2 but you're going with DDR800 ?

Again, IIRC this MoBo supports Crossfire not SLI.

 

[harly2]

I see dual 9800's, ok 900 bucks is probably right on, and no the PSU is good, cards are taking less and less power, at wall you pull less then 450 watt under full load. People are out of control with PSU ratings. Look at reviews on this site and you will see what system actually pull in power, way better then few years ago when these ultra high watt PSU started coming out. There is a pull back now people run there high end systems on high quality 550 watts, And manufacturers are being pushed to make there hardware far more energy effieient, we see this already form Intel, AMD/ATI, and Nvidia. Look at the 3870 and 8800 gt compared to the gtx and 2900 xt for example. The 9800's will be really good on power as is the rest of your system. Read the reviews on this site and others on the phenom, it's just getting bad rap form forum people the reviews show good prosessor ahead of its time.

 

[harly2]

And no raptor still fastest top vendors still use them as there hard drive of choice look at the charts on this site and you will see that Jack is wrong. Jack look at the charts man. Hard drives only make your load time faster does not effect the fps of the system, sorry jack.

 

[chefman21]

Well "blazing" was appropriate some time back but the Raptors been knocked off the top of that hill. As others have said, the Raptors are pretty long in the tooth and are not the fastest drives around anymore. There are 7200 rpm drives which are not only quieter and cooler buy have faster DTR's, gaming and hi end windows program performance.

The case is a cool one (temp wise) but it relies on moving lots of air.....this means it's a bit noisy and a somewhat of a dust magnet (no sceens) . No removable MoBo tray IIRC also.

MoBo supports 1066 DDR2 but you're going with DDR800 ?

Again, IIRC this MoBo supports Crossfire not SLI.

I always thought there wasn't a huge performance increase between 800 & 1066? Something like 2-3%? If he/she can get good quality 800 ram and spend the difference on other areas then it might be worth while?

 

[JackNaylorPE]

And no raptor still fastest top vendors still use them as there hard drive of choice look at the charts on this site and you will see that Jack is wrong. Jack look at the charts man. Hard drives only make your load time faster does not effect the fps of the system, sorry jack.

Sorry but ya can't argue with numbers....all rankings "with NCQ" as no NCQ wouldn't be a recommended usage. All rankings from storagereview.com

Max DTR (Raptor places 15th with NCQ)
High End Drivemark (Raptor places 2nd with NCQ)
Far Cry (Raptor places 9th with NCQ)
Warcraft (Raptor places 4th with NCQ, 8th with)

Can't compare apples and apples as many sites use different benchmarks and storagereview has yet to do many of the drives introduced in the last 12 months. But for example, Tweaktown writes:

"The Seagate Company has pushed forward in producing HDD’s that not only run at the fastest possible speeds for their generation, but have high capacities along with a good dollar value as well. Seagate has now got a drive that can not only rival the Raptor 150 drive, but it is even more advanced with higher cache sizes and can operate at a lower RPM; this results in less heat and also costs less to produce. The days of the Raptor are numbered with this drive entering the market, and it’s nice to see an affordable option with high capacities available."

 

[zenmaster]

I see dual 9800's, ok 900 bucks is probably right on, and no the PSU is good, cards are taking less and less power, at wall you pull less then 450 watt under full load. People are out of control with PSU ratings. Look at reviews on this site and you will see what system actually pull in power, way better then few years ago when these ultra high watt PSU started coming out. There is a pull back now people run there high end systems on high quality 550 watts, And manufacturers are being pushed to make there hardware far more energy effieient, we see this already form Intel, AMD/ATI, and Nvidia. Look at the 3870 and 8800 gt compared to the gtx and 2900 xt for example. The 9800's will be really good on power as is the rest of your system. Read the reviews on this site and others on the phenom, it's just getting bad rap form forum people the reviews show good prosessor ahead of its time.

Have you read any reviews on any recent hardware?
The 3870x2 pulls upto 260watts on its own because it's basically two cards on a single PCB.
The 9800x2 is basically the same thing and the 8800 Takes more power than the 3870.

The result is you will be looking at close to 300Watts per 9800x2 which will be close to 600Watts along in SLI.
Expect your CPU with a moderate OC to pull down 125watts.
15Watts per raptor for 45w more.
Toss in 10w per 2gb stick for 40w more.

We are now sitting at 800+w and still have mobo, case fans, cpu cooler, etc....

The Phenom is getting good reviews?
Where Pray Tell? THG? XBITS? ANANDTECH?
It's significantly slower Clock for Clock than the Q6600.
Clocks significantly slower than the Q6600.
Uses significantly more power than the Q6600.

Then there is an option for the E8400 which clocks so far beyond the phenom and is even futher ahead
clock for clock that it's dual core will destroy it in non-quad optimized programs and even in quad optimized it can't pull ahead.

 

[harly2]

no

 

[harly2]

your so wrong look at what the test bed systems are pulling. Your numbers are wrong. We just built system, 2 8800 gts in sli 6850 c2d 2 hard drives pulling 400 watt at full load, you do not understand electricity.

 

[nhobo]

For half the price you can build a rig with better performance. No RAID, no Raptors, no AMD. You are paying top dollar for substandard performance, except for the dual graphics cards, which are top dollar *and* probably total overkill for whatever monitor you've got.

 

[nossr50]

For half the price you can build a rig with better performance. No RAID, no Raptors, no AMD. You are paying top dollar for substandard performance, except for the dual graphics cards, which are top dollar *and* probably total overkill for whatever monitor you've got.

One guy in this room I can agree with