System Builder Marathon: TH's $2000 Hand-Picked Build
-
Page 1:The Better Way To Spend $2000?
-
Page 2:Processor And CPU Cooling
-
Page 3:Motherboard And Graphics
-
Page 4:Case And Power
-
Page 5:Memory And Storage
-
Page 6:Hardware Installation
-
Page 7:Overclocking
-
Page 8:Test Settings
-
Page 9:Benchmark Results: 3DMark And PCMark
-
Page 10:Benchmark Results: SiSoftware Sandra
-
Page 11:Benchmark Results: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
-
Page 12:Benchmark Results: Crysis
-
Page 13:Benchmark Results: DiRT 2
-
Page 14:Benchmark Results: S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call Of Pripyat
-
Page 15:Benchmark Results: Audio And Video Encoding
-
Page 16:Benchmark Results: Productivity
-
Page 17:Power And Efficiency
-
Page 18:Value Conclusion
Benchmark Results: Crysis
Yes, these machines can all play Crysis. But you’re going to want one of the expensive systems to play it at 2560x1600. That’s also the setting where the original $2000 PC’s GeForce GTX 480 graphics are finally able to outperform the alternative build’s half-priced cards, despite the original PC’s greater CPU bottlenecks.
The problem for the older PC is, of course, the fact that it only excels at super-high resolutions. Perhaps the only “fair” way to compare low-cost to high-end systems would be to include Nvidia Surround- or AMD Eyefinity-based configurations?
Summary
- The Better Way To Spend $2000?
- Processor And CPU Cooling
- Motherboard And Graphics
- Case And Power
- Memory And Storage
- Hardware Installation
- Overclocking
- Test Settings
- Benchmark Results: 3DMark And PCMark
- Benchmark Results: SiSoftware Sandra
- Benchmark Results: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
- Benchmark Results: Crysis
- Benchmark Results: DiRT 2
- Benchmark Results: S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call Of Pripyat
- Benchmark Results: Audio And Video Encoding
- Benchmark Results: Productivity
- Power And Efficiency
- Value Conclusion
Actually I proposed that for an upcoming SBM, but it couldn't be included this time since the former systems had already been decommissioned for shipment to the contest winners. So, who's up for an ATI EyeFinity/Nvidia Surround SBM?
The story has the numbers to *prove* the improvements made to this build. This is a solid configuration that we have no problem recommending.
Aside from that, we enjoy the luxury on the editorial side of operating completely separately from sales. In this case, our follow-up system was a good move editorially, and we get to give it away, to boot.
Best,
Chris Angelini
With an i7-930, a better heatsink, 2 470s and maybe an extra fan or 2 for the case is in reach.
Click the link in the announcement?
Actually I proposed that for an upcoming SBM, but it couldn't be included this time since the former systems had already been decommissioned for shipment to the contest winners. So, who's up for an ATI EyeFinity/Nvidia Surround SBM?
The story has the numbers to *prove* the improvements made to this build. This is a solid configuration that we have no problem recommending.
Aside from that, we enjoy the luxury on the editorial side of operating completely separately from sales. In this case, our follow-up system was a good move editorially, and we get to give it away, to boot.
Best,
Chris Angelini
Someone not wanting to spend an extra $1000 on monitors.
How about bouild with 930 instead and some nice SSD?
Also I'd rather a case with proper PSU bottom mount, like Cooler Master does.
1.) The SSD is mentioned in the article. The problem is, it increases only synthetic test scores and the value analysis only uses "real world" benchmarks so it's basically a non-starter.
2.) The i7-930 is nice, and would normally have been used if this build hadn't been designed as a direct alternative to the former six-core build. It will probably be used next time!
3.) The Antec Three Hundred is "proper bottom mount", please check the photos!
Appreciate the feedback on this, guys. This is something we'll consider for the next SBM in the planning stages now!
I accidentally clicked the thumbs up icon on your message, and welcome the slamming of this comment as punishment. The case in this article was chosen for its excellent cooling-to-noise ratio, where the cases you picked are noisier and don't cool as well. It's all in the case reviews at this very site, really. None of the cases you picked even support dual front fans, and the original plan was to pair the dual front fans with graphics cards that vented externally.