Opinions Sought - The HP Firebird 803 or...?

[DOH2006]

Not sure where to post this. I apologize if this is the wrong forum. I am new this, so I appreciate your patience.

I'm looking to buy a pre-built system, and I want to spend around $1200. I'm considering the HP Firebird 803. I like this system overall (the limited expansion aside), but I really don't know what other options are out there for a pre-built. I included a link at the bottom in case this system is new to you. This computer would be used for nothing but playing PC games, and other than my preference that it be a fairly quiet system that's my only consideration.

I'd just like to find out what the general opinion of the HP is, and if anyone has a better option in the same price range. Of course building is an option, but I'm no overclocker case modder. I've got several systems under my belt but mainly I'm intersted in keeping it simple.

http://www.voodoopc.com/#/productsfirebird

 

[VoodooDan]

Hi Doh2006, VoodooDan here from HP. This is definitely an important decision and you should do your research before deciding on any system.

From HP’s point of view, the Firebird 802 is a great system for gaming. You can learn more about its specs here: http://tinyurl.com/96b8c2

It’s also worth pointing out that the Firebird operates at less than 30 decibels at full crank making it very, very quiet. (25 db at idle)

Feel free to check out this cnet review for more information:
http://tinyurl.com/brq3cj

Let me know if you have any other Firebird questions, I’m happy to help.

VoodooDan

 

[DOH2006]

Thanks Voodoodan.

The thing is, at some point I'm going to build a monster system. Right now though I just want a nice speedy box to replace the pile of screws occupying my desk right now. I like everything about the Firebird, but I gather the 803 is no longer available. I don't mind paying a little more for the extra power, and the 803 is certainly within my budget.

Basically, as far as hardware upgrades, that doesn't bother me much. I would like to add more RAM, so I'd like to know if that's possible.

Again, thanks for the help. I'll check out the links.

 

[JaredAudiophileGamer]

well doh2006 might suggest building your own computer man?

 

[DOH2006]

Hey Jared.

I have considered that, but I'd almost need to have someone lay the whole thing out for me from scratch. The last time I built a system it took me about four months to decide on the components, and the options have only become more complex. It gets overwhelming, especially when people who really do know what they're doing can't agree about anything. You can imagine a novice trying to decide which way to go.

Part of the appeal of buying a pre-built is that I can just plug it in and start playing. I think I want to let the dust settle with Windows 7 and Core i7. Once there is a solid bottom on the prices and technology I will gradually assemble my Devil Box. : )

Of course, I am open to suggestions!

 

[JaredAudiophileGamer]

Hmm well you might want to consider amds phenoms if you are strictly for gaming and aren't really all to interested in video encoding and heavy photoshop work (which the phenom II does quite well anyways.) and for your 1200 price mark i could assemble you a system for that price with far more performance given that you have a monitor and keyboard and things of that nature already.

Here ill give it a go.

AMD Phenom II X4 940 3.0Ghz + Gigabyte 790GX Mobo $303.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.165047

Edit:
CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V $129.99 (109.99) After MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139009

Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower $59.95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

Edit:
Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) $45.99 Free Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104020

Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) $45.99 Free Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104020

Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB $79.99 Free Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

LG Black 22X (CAV) DVD + CD Combo $24.99 Free Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136152

Edit:
SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 $189.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102801

SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 $189.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102801

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit $99.99 Free Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488

Edit:
Total = $1170.86 Not Including Mail In Rebates Or Free Shipping

 

[JaredAudiophileGamer]

or an i7 based system

GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD4P + Intel i7 920 Nehalem $519.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.156590

G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) $94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231247

Antec 300 Case + Antec EarthWatts 500 Watt PSU $109.94
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.176613

Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB $79.99 Free Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

LG Black 22X (CAV) DVD + CD Combo $24.99 Free Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136152

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit $99.99 Free Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488

EVGA GeForce GTX 285 1GB 512-bit $354.99 (30.00 MIR) Free Cod W.A.W.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130442

Total = $1284.87

New motherboard edit for sli if wanted in future would require psu replacing.

 

[DOH2006]

JARED.

Wow, THANK YOU. I mean, that's the sort of thing you should be paid a consulting fee for. I very much appreciate this, so thank you again.

Literally the only thing I use my PC for is gaming, and that's where I would put every cent of the money. I also just got a very nice new HD 24" monitor.

If there is a nearby price break I would go up to $1400, if there is a substantial performance jump. For instance, I know I'd like to go for more than 4g of RAM. If a few more dollars means a large increase in gaming power I would definately pay for that. And as far as platforms I just don't care. Bang for the buck is the bottom line.

lol, you've suddenly made this seem a lot less complicated. I mean, I can't believe it but I'm considering building this. Thank you again Jared.

 

[JaredAudiophileGamer]

hah well no problem man your gratitude is better then any monitary payment (haha well maybe) ;P

But seeing as how you already have peripherals im going to edit those builds for optimal gaming performance.
Also, coming as of next month are new cpus from amd which should cause a drop on current ones, and new cards from ati , so the prices on existing cards should drop a little. So if you just drop me an email or just respond on this forum ill gladly help you more. email is jdpballer@hotmail.com

 

[VoodooDan]

Hi Doh2006 - Yes, RAM can be upgraded in the Firebird 802 to 8G by using two 4G sticks of DDR 2.

Feel free to pass along any other questions about the Firebird - I'm happy to help.

-VoodooDan

 

[RENN77]

Can you swap the DDR2 for DDR3 RAM Voodoodan?

Hi Doh2006 - Yes, RAM can be upgraded in the Firebird 802 to 8G by using two 4G sticks of DDR 2.

Feel free to pass along any other questions about the Firebird - I'm happy to help.

-VoodooDan

 

[fatherczar]

Doh2006,

I know this is a late response; however, I wanted to throw in my two cents. I build gaming rigs, sometimes upgrading my systems several times a year; however, I almost always encounter problems with either compatability, DOAs, and no response MIRs. Plus you have to consider the time spend puting your system together, and hope you do not run into one of the first two problems I just mentioned. Running into one of those problems will only delay getting into the games you want.
Some of the other things you may want to consider when deciding between the HP Firebird and a DIY rig, is power consumption, noise, space, and heat. My DIY gaming monster will blow the socks off of most games; however the down side is that it is a massive tower, it sounds like a turbine engine when gaming, it literally raises the temperature in my office 10 degrees and it uses more power then my wife's PC, my daughter's PC and my laptop, all combined. Don't get me wrong, I like my machine and I enjoy making it better through upgrades; however, it will never compare to the HP Firebird's ability to save space, run way cooler, run at a 30-decibel noise level, and uses very little power.
If you are like me and want to eliminate some of the aforementioned issues, then you may want to consider the HP Firebird 802. You really can't beat the current price of the system. I am considering purchasing the HP Firebird 802, eventhough I would have much prefered the 803.

 

[VoodooDan]

Hey RENN77,

Unfortunately, the HP Firebird 802 only takes DDR2. Both DDR2 and DDR3 are incompatible, and hardly anybody makes motherboards that can use both or be upgraded. However, if you have any other questions about the HP Firebird please let me know – I’m happy to help. You can also check out the support forums at our community site, The Next Bench, if you have any issues.

 

[wisemancrack]

Hi Doh2006, VoodooDan here from HP. This is definitely an important decision and you should do your research before deciding on any system.

From HP’s point of view, the Firebird 802 is a great system for gaming. You can learn more about its specs here: http://tinyurl.com/96b8c2

It’s also worth pointing out that the Firebird operates at less than 30 decibels at full crank making it very, very quiet. (25 db at idle)

Feel free to check out this cnet review for more information:
http://tinyurl.com/brq3cj

Let me know if you have any other Firebird questions, I’m happy to help.

VoodooDan

hey voodoodan, what are the core differences between firebird 802 and 803? i know very little about computers please forgive me if that's a stupid question ;P

 

[VoodooDan]

Hi Wisemancrack,

The core differences between the two are that the 803 has a slightly bigger hard drive and faster CPU. The 803 also comes with a Blu-Ray drive and a different sound card. It was certainly a popular model and actually sold out really quickly.

That said, we still think that the 802 is a great value for the performance it offers. And it’s available for just $1,300.

This review from Digital Trends can give you more details about the 802:
http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review/5788/hp-firebird-802-review

Let me know if you have any other questions. I’m happy to help

Cheers,
VoodooDan

 

[Ezer]

VoodooDan,

I have spend a good portion of my day researching the 802 and 803. A key component for me is the wifi available in the 803; obviously I dont expect you to leak product pipeline info on a forum, but It would be great to have some more information regarding either 803 restocking ETA, or eta of the next-gen; Also as of this weekend the 802 is unavailable for order on the hp website.. and i would prefer to buy directly from the manufacturer..

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Sincerely,

Ezer

 

[wisemancrack]

Hi Wisemancrack,

The core differences between the two are that the 803 has a slightly bigger hard drive and faster CPU. The 803 also comes with a Blu-Ray drive and a different sound card. It was certainly a popular model and actually sold out really quickly.

That said, we still think that the 802 is a great value for the performance it offers. And it’s available for just $1,300.

This review from Digital Trends can give you more details about the 802:
http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review/5788/hp-firebird-802-review

Let me know if you have any other questions. I’m happy to help

Cheers,
VoodooDan

yay thanks! a few more questions though

since the 802 dropped $500 can i expect the 803 to have the same price drop?

also where can i buy the 803? it seems everywhere i look 802 is the only one selling

and how is bestbuy able to sell the 802 at $999 when even HP is selling it at $1300? is the quality different at all?

 

[VoodooDan]

VoodooDan,

I have spend a good portion of my day researching the 802 and 803. A key component for me is the wifi available in the 803; obviously I dont expect you to leak product pipeline info on a forum, but It would be great to have some more information regarding either 803 restocking ETA, or eta of the next-gen; Also as of this weekend the 802 is unavailable for order on the hp website.. and i would prefer to buy directly from the manufacturer..

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Sincerely,

Ezer

Hi Ezer,

Thanks for you interest in the Firebird. Unfortunately, we can’t share any information about our direction in the coming months at this time.

However, as soon as we can, I’m happy to share with the board, and will be available to answer any questions the community may have.

Cheers,

VoodooDan

 

[ektpuah]

Hi Ezer,

Thanks for you interest in the Firebird. Unfortunately, we can’t share any information about our direction in the coming months at this time.

However, as soon as we can, I’m happy to share with the board, and will be available to answer any questions the community may have.

Cheers,

VoodooDan

Hi,
I just ordered the 802, just wonder whether the 802 can be upgraded to 803?

James Puah

 

[VoodooDan]

Hi James,

Sure, but this is an upgrade you would have to complete yourself.

We would recommend installing a 9650 CPU since this is what the 803 comes standard with.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Cheers,
VoodooDan

 

[ektpuah]

Hi James,

Sure, but this is an upgrade you would have to complete yourself.

We would recommend installing a 9650 CPU since this is what the 803 comes standard with.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Cheers,
VoodooDan

Hi,
Many thanks for the advice. This is something I can do myself. Btw, I have a few naive questions, also regarding the upgrade:

1) How do I upgrade to the 803 type of wireless lan and soundcard?

2) What is the max memory size the Firebird can address?

3) Can I upgrade the internal DVD to the blueray equipped with the 803.

You can judged from the above that I am 'voodooed'

 

[VoodooDan]

Hi James,

Sure, all these upgrades are possible and actually quite simple. Again, these are things you will have to complete yourself.

Cheers,
VoodooDan

 

[ektpuah]

Hi VoodooDan,

How do I connect 2 HDTV/Monitor to the Firebird?

Best regards
James Puah

 

[VoodooDan]

Hi James,

You will just need a DVI to HDMI adapter for this. Sorry about my delayed response!

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Cheers,
VoodooDan

 

[tootles]

Hi VoodooDan where would I be able to buy a HP Firebird 803? I've been looking on the interent and only find 802's for sale... Are the 803's discontinued?