Maingear Unleashes Prelude 2 with GeForce 3D

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By Kevin Parrish
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Maingear Computers sent the good word that the new Prelude 2 system is now available for purchase, starting at $1999.99

Maingear's new Prelude 2 system isn't something to shake a stick at, especially when the rig comes packed with Nvidia's GeForce 3D Vision, the new stereoscopic 3D technology. The Prelude 2 also features Intel's Core i7 and a 22" Samsung SynchMaster 223RZ display, making the somewhat hefty $2K pricetag not such a bad offer after all. Gamers looking to purchase the Prelude 2 can head to Maingear's website or order by phone at 888-MAINGEAR.

The Prelude 2's system specs offer a bit more of a glimpse under the hood, specifically revealing Intel's Core i7-920 processor running at 2.66GHz and the Intel X58 chipset. In the graphics department, Nvidia's GeForce 9800 GT card offers 512 MB GDDR3 with PhysX support; the Nvidia GeForce 3D Vision comes bundled with the Samsung LCD. For storage, the Prelude 2 features the Western Digital Caviar SE16 250G B (16 MB Cache, SATA II). Audio is made possible by the on board ADI AD2000B 8-channel HD audio.

“We’re offering gamers the complete package to fully immerse themselves in the gaming arena of their choice,” said Wallace Santos, CEO and Founder of Maingear.  “With support for some of today’s hottest titles like Burnout Paradise, The Ultimate Box, or the Mirror’s Edge, Prelude 2 and Nvidia GeForce 3D Vision offers an unrivaled, unique gaming experience that is a phenomenal value at under $2,000.”

Additionally, Maingear announced that it partnered with Elemental to offer an easy way to convert video and audio files using the Badaboom software. According to the company, Badaboom transcodes by using the GPU instead of the CPU, thereby freeing up the processor and allowing for additional tasks. The single application enables users to switch formats of any video or audio file, whether it's converting HD movie down for the PSP or porting Media Center content to Apple TV. Consumers who purchase the Prelude 2 will have access to the Badaboom software.

Prelude 2 also comes with Maingear’s standard 14-month warranty and is backed by "the best in-house support team in the country," so claims the company.

Are you more into building a system from scratch yourself? Or do you think it's better to buy something from a company like Maingear, Shuttle, or others?

Kevin Parrish
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8 Comments Comment from the forums
  • jeverson
    I will always build my own. The price markup on parts with boutique PCs is ridiculous. Then they charge you extra for the warranty. For $2k I can either by an "eh" boutique gaming rig or a kick ass dual video card (SLI or CrossFire... whichever floats your boat) with more RAM CPU horse power and storage. In some cases close to twice as much bang for buck. Plus I've been building systems for over 14 years so I don't need to pay someone even more money to support a PC I am using. The only reason I would recommend a boutique system over one I build is if it is for someone that I don't want to be "on call" for. Long live the DIYs!!!
    Reply
  • toothchatter
    Not really close to a bargain, should really be in the $1500 range. But at the same time, a sucker is born every min.
    Reply
  • nubie
    How can a rig be "packed" with an external peripheral? The nVidia "3D" is just a USB dongle. For real 3D have a look to iZ3D software that runs on any video card.

    Second jeverson's comment.

    For $2k my first thought was "ok, it is probably overclocked with a factory warranty, or at least has a 2.8-3.0ghz chip", or "that's OK, as long as there are dual GTX200 series cards in it".

    But to saddle it with a card available readily for $150 (or was it not the 9800GTX+?). OK, a $110-125 card, the 9800GT, PITIFUL.

    2 large and they can't splurge the extra $54 for a decent 9800GTX or the $100 more for a GTX260 card?

    A "Geforce3D" bundle is retailing for $600 (3D kit and LCD). So just ask yourself if a 9800GT is worth $1,400. Hint: it isn't.

    If you want to double check the performance boost on this system vs a Core2 Q6600 for $500 ($100 case, $50 PSU, $160-170 CPU, $180 for a MB and RAM), with your choice of video card from $100 9800GT to the GTX260 for a paltry $215.

    The hard drive is a $52 unit.

    Add up the numbers and ask yourself what you are getting, The case is OK, but it isn't a $300 case. I would prefer a Lian-Li case at this price.


    Does anyone know of a PC maker with decent prices in the enthusiast market?

    (part of the problem may be the DDR3 and i7, this isn't the best time to upgrade to those, wait a bit for prices to fall, maybe 6 months to a year)
    Reply
  • toothchatter
    I have both iz3d, and the nvidia 3d, and iz3d pales in comparison to the nvidia 3d. The iz3d has the sense of depth, but the nvidia 3d has both depth, and actually gives you sense that objects are coming towards you,(at least in the tech demo.) The dongle actually transmits a signal to the wireless active lcd glasses to sync up with the monitor. You can also use nvidias 3d on 3d ready dlp's when connecting dvi-hdmi on the tv. But you're spot on with the rest of your comments.
    Reply
  • ooo
    http://gamerslastwill.com/2009/02/02/3d-left-4-dead-for-free-oh-yeah-heres-how/
    Reply
  • ooo
    http://gamerslastwill.com/2009/02/02/3d-left-4-dead-for-free-oh-yeah-heres-how/

    In the link above you can use the old anaglyph red/ble , red/green , blue/yellow old 3D glasses and it works well download stereoscopic player or the iz3D player for free...
    http://iz3d.com/t-dcplayer.aspx

    Works fine with Friday 13 : Part 3-D / Fly Me to the Moon / and im currently downloading Jaws and Ametiville...

    Nvidia now use a new technology and glasses but the constant black frames between one eye and the other can cause headache and also your videocard will not last further cuz of the constant blinks / second...

    So is your choice now the old technology (no so good but does the job very well) or the new tech but could cost you more in the future...you decide also works with ati the link above... enjoy

    Reply
  • djab
    For those who want to try the Nvidia 3d drivers compatibility with their games before to buy the 3DVision glasses, you can use the Nvidia 3D drivers with Red/Cyan Anaglyph glasses WITHOUT any hack.

    The link above may be useful if your glasses do not have the correct colors. But most of the cheap cardboard anaglyph glasses you can find attached to magazines are Red/Cyan.

    The Nvidia 3D driver kit is there:
    http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce_3D_vision_CD_1.05_beta.html
    This kit contains the graphic driver, the stereo 3D driver and the 3Dvision driver. It is more stable than downloading/installing each of the drivers seperatly.
    If you do not have the 3Dvison glasses, just skip the part about their installation.

    I am using the 1.04 version and it is working perfectly with my Red/Cyan glasses with Prince of Persia (my best stereo 3d game so far because there is almost no in game HUD and there are lots of platforms) and Assassin's Creed.

    Reply
  • nubie
    Let me see if I can spell it out for you: I have a 3D solution with Dual LCD's and passive full color 3D.

    No batteries, no wires, no "sync signals".

    nVidia WAS supporting it for several years up to 2006/7, then mysteriously they dropped all support for real 3D. Have a look at a real driver panel from when nVidia actually supported 3D: http://picasaweb.google.com/nubie07/3DMonitor#5057080082702102034

    Thankfully iZ3D has come out with a driver to support dual output displays such as Polarized direct view, polarized projection, and HMD. (not to mention front/back polarized, side-by-side etc.) They even offer checkerboard DLP for free (Samsung/Mitsubishi 3D HDTV's) on AMD video cards.

    Also iZ3D drivers are TOTALLY FREE in anaglyph mode: http://www.iz3d.com/t-dcdriver.aspx

    I have built my own passive polarized projection rig, and my own direct-view beamsplitter polarized setup. nVidia cancelled all support for this SUPERIOR method of 3D. I can't support their "package" of 3D for $600 when I can do it for under $300 at the same quality (but DOUBLE the resolution), with multiple high quality passive glasses going for $3 apiece or less.

    Here are pictures of my proof of concept, it can be mounted on a stand. http://picasaweb.google.com/nubie07/3DMonitor#

    Not to bash nVidia for trying to bring 3D to the mainstream, $200 is fairly reasonable if it works on your projector or TV or whatever, but $2,000 is NOT!

    Cost? 2 Screens with a 45° or 135° polarization and a half-mirrored piece of glass. A stand to put it in, and $3 for a pair of glasses.

    Use a Dual-Output video card (AKA any video card), download the iZ3D drivers and start playing in 3D for real.

    2 LCD screens are dirt cheap, unlike this $600 monitor bundle. Since you likely already have 1 LCD screen, simply get another off eBay for ~$150 and find some half-mirrored glass at the local glass merchant.
    Reply