FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Register Register  Login Login

Help on new gaming rig please

Post Date: 2007-08-26
 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
  Topic Search Topic Search  Topic Options Topic Options
Nicoliy View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie

Email address used to purchase matched with forums account email.

Joined: 25 Aug 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 16 		  Quote Nicoliy Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Topic: Help on new gaming rig please
    Posted: 26 Aug 2007 at 12:55am
Hello all,
 
After a terrible leak from my liquid cooling unit to my motherboard, I have lost my gaming PC. Such as it is, I am now in the market for a new computer. After alot of searching, I came across DS and am confident that the customer service, knowledge, and value are all present for me to make a remorseless purchase. I will honestly say that I am not the most educated in computer componets, and thus turn to you, the community. If it is not too much to ask, I would like to gain some advise from all of you.
 
This is what I desire from my new computer:
 
Reliable - I use this machine for gaming, work, and online schooling.
Value - After searching Alienware, I knew I could find more value for the amount of money I wish to spend
Longevity - I do not wish to need to do a full system replacement for a good 3-4 years.
Gaming - I currently play City of Heroes/Villains, WoW, Quake 4. I intend to play: Warhammer Online, Aion, and other games that may be graphic intensive. I can admit that I enjoy my gaming more when I do not have to worry about turning my settings down to avoid slow down or lag.
 
My current concern is in the area of liquid cooling. I wish to avoid any issues like the one that destroyed my last system. This was a custom build, made by my brother, and thus I was left without when the worst happened. The build I will post is with the cooling option, but if I can have high end gaming without the need of liquid cooling, I'd like to put that money elsewhere.
 
My budget is $2500.00 (US). If I go over a couple dollars I am ok, but I would like to avoid crossing the $2600 mark. After playing around, this is what I came up with. ($2558)
 
Case: Digital Storm Twister PRO (Black Anodized Aluminum Finish)
Power Supply: 850W Thermaltake (8800 GTX SLI Compatible) (Silent Toughpower Edition)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz (1066MHz FSB) (8MB Cache)
Motherboard: nVidia 680i LT Core 2 Quad (By: eVGA) (nForce 680i SLI)
Memory: 2GB DDR2 Corsair at 1066MHz Dominator (Dual Channel) (Extreme-Performance)
Floppy / Media: Sony 1.44MB Floppy (Black Edition)
Hard Drive 1: 320GB (Western Digital / Seagate) (16MB Cache) (7200 RPM) (SATA)
Hard Drive 2: - No Thanks
Raid Option: - No Thanks
Optical Drive 1: DVD-ROM/CD-ROM (DVD Reader 16x / CD Reader 40x)
Optical Drive 2: DVD±R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 20x / CD-Writer 48x)
Network Card: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Modem: - No Thanks
Video Card: 2x SLI Dual (nVidia GeForce 8800GTS 320MB (By: eVGA / Asus) (PCI-Express)
TV Tuner: - No Thanks
Sound Card: Motherboard Multi-Channel High Definition Audio (7.1 Channel)
Physics Card: - No Thanks
Cooling: Liquid Chilled CPU Only (TwisterBoost Overclocked) (Madusa Purple Liquid)
Case Lighting: Blizzard Internal Lighting (Red Edition) (Cold Cathode Tubes)
Round Cables: Enhanced Interior Air Flow (Optical Drive & Floppy Cables (Red Edition)
User Manual: Personalized Platinum Digital Storm Binder (Includes Paperwork/Benchmarks/CDs/Manuals)
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Restore Kit: Digital Storm Specialized Recovery System (DVD Image Based)
Protection: McAfee Internet Security (Includes: AntiVirus, FireWall and AntiSpyware)
Office: - No Thanks
LCD Display: - No Thanks
Surge Shield: - No Thanks
Speakers: - No Thanks
Keyboard: - No Thanks
Mouse: - No Thanks my keyboard comes with a mouse
Warranty: 3 Year Platinum Care Extended Parts & Labor Warranty
Support: Lifetime Toll-Free Platinum Care Technical Support
If I can ditch the liquid cooling and still have the performance I'd like, what would you reccomend I put that money into? Also, what tweaks would be bennificial to my needs?
 
Thank you for your time and help.
 
Nicoliy
Back to Top
skyR View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie

Digital Storm Apprentice


Joined: 08 Oct 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2220 		  Quote skyR Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 26 Aug 2007 at 1:38am
http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=75628

Is there any reasons why you need two optical drives?

I do not recommend McAfee for your firewall & anti-virus as it is a memory hog and well it isn't very good. Try out NOD32 and Lavasoft Ad-ware.

Liquid cooling is not needed unless you plan on overclocking to the extreme or you placing your computer in a badly ventilated area. If you do decide to go this route, you should not have to worry about leaks since Digital Storm offers three years of warranty for free.

You should not need SLI unless you are going to be playing games at resolutions of 2048x1536 and higher.


Several builds that could satisfy all your needs.

http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=75628
http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=75629
http://www.digitalstormonline.com/comploadsaved.asp?id=75631

You can request Digital Storm to overclock the Q6600 to 3.0ghz or 3.2ghz so you don't have to get a QX processor.


Edited by skyR - 26 Aug 2007 at 1:39am
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star.
Back to Top
Kenny View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie

Digital Storm Engineering


Joined: 24 Aug 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 509 		  Quote Kenny Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 26 Aug 2007 at 3:06am
You have a great Config, if you want to build your system with the liquid cooling, you should upgrade your Pro case to Ultra or Extreme case.
Back to Top
Kenny View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie

Digital Storm Engineering


Joined: 24 Aug 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 509 		  Quote Kenny Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 26 Aug 2007 at 4:10am
Because the Pro Case has no room for liquid cooling system.
Also, skyR is right, all of our custom gaming computers come with a three year platinum parts & labor warranty plan.
Back to Top
Nicoliy View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie

Email address used to purchase matched with forums account email.

Joined: 25 Aug 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 16 		  Quote Nicoliy Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 26 Aug 2007 at 5:08pm
Ok, so I looked at the suggested builds and went with this.
 
 
I upped the power supply based on some other threads I read about the graphics card vs. the power needed. I run my games on 1280x1024 so I went without the SLI and opted for the higer single card. If I need more perfomance later I can add another card, right?
 
I went with no liquid cooling because it seems that I don't necessarily need it. I'd rather put that money into more upgrades if the system and gaming will be fine without liquid cooling.
 
As far as the suggestion on having the q6600 oc instead of upping to the xtreme processor, what does this mean and how do I do it? I've never messed with overclocking and I don't want to potentially harm my computer with my ignorance.
 
Outside of this, what do you think?  Thanks again for all the help. Once I peg down the final configs I think I will be making a purchase. Big%20smile


Edited by Nicoliy - 26 Aug 2007 at 5:09pm
Back to Top
skyR View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie

Digital Storm Apprentice


Joined: 08 Oct 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2220 		  Quote skyR Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 26 Aug 2007 at 5:56pm
Yep that looks good. You can add replace the card or add another 8800 Ultra in the future if you need to.

Overclocking is increasing the speed of the processor by raising the FSB or multiplier.

The major plus is that you can buy a $300 processor and overclock it to match the speed of a $1000 processor. The downside is that the processor will run at higher temperatures and the lifespan will shorten.

You can request Digital Storm to overclock the Q6600 to 3.0ghz, it runs fine on air cooling with proper ventilation.

The QX processors are just faster with an unlocked multiplier (easier overclocking). You decide if $500 is worth it for a few more GHz
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star.
Back to Top
Nicoliy View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie

Email address used to purchase matched with forums account email.

Joined: 25 Aug 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 16 		  Quote Nicoliy Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 26 Aug 2007 at 8:08pm
Would you happen to have any final suggestions or reccomendations before I make my purchase.
 
Thanks Again for your help skyR and Kenny.
Back to Top
Nicoliy View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie

Email address used to purchase matched with forums account email.

Joined: 25 Aug 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 16 		  Quote Nicoliy Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 27 Aug 2007 at 1:32am
Alright, after some more tweaking, here is what I think I will buy. Let me know what you think. If all goes well, I plan on purchasing this tommorow. As a note, I will be requesting the OC on the processor.
 
Back to Top
Alex View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group

Digital Storm Supervisor


Joined: 04 Jun 2012
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 16314 		  Quote Alex Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 27 Aug 2007 at 3:01am
I just took at your new ticket, 75826.
 
Wow, looks like you been reading the forums, it's perfect. We will take care of the overclocking for you, you selected the Stage 3 system. By the way, it looks like a beast! Alex approved! Tongue
Back to Top
Nicoliy View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie

Email address used to purchase matched with forums account email.

Joined: 25 Aug 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 16 		  Quote Nicoliy Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 27 Aug 2007 at 10:31am

Fantastic, thank you Alex. One last question, hopefully:

I have been requesting, from the config screen, for the configs to mail to my comcast.net account. For some reason they have not shown up. Is this an issue with the site, or my email. The reason I ask is that I assume that there is email confirmation with purchase, and I do not want to commit until I know that I can recieve said confirmation. If it is my email spam blocker, what should I add to ensure I recieve emails from your site/team.
 
Thanks Again.
Back to Top
Alex View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group

Digital Storm Supervisor


Joined: 04 Jun 2012
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 16314 		  Quote Alex Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 27 Aug 2007 at 11:37am
It's your email, the site is working fine. Check your junk e-mail folder.
 
If possible, please add: orders @t digitalstormonline.com / sales @t digitalstormonline.com to your approved senders list.
 
---
 
Also, you don't need to worry about the confirmation email, after placing an order, it will show your sales reciept and order number which you may print out as well. You can also call us to confirm the order after placing it.


Edited by Alex - 27 Aug 2007 at 11:38am
Back to Top
Nicoliy View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie

Email address used to purchase matched with forums account email.

Joined: 25 Aug 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 16 		  Quote Nicoliy Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 27 Aug 2007 at 2:35pm
Well I just hit the purchase button, so I should be seing that rig soon. Thanks for all the help with making this an informed descision.
Back to Top
Gary View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
  Quote Gary Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 27 Aug 2007 at 9:39pm
 
Here is my current configuration I am thinking of getting:
 
 
 
Case: Digital Storm Twister ULTRA (Black Anodized Aluminum Finish)
Power Supply: 620W Corsair HX (SLI Compatible) (Silent Edition) (High-Quality Unit)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz (1066MHz FSB) (8MB Cache)
Motherboard: nVidia 680i Core 2 Quad (By: eVGA) (nForce 680i SLI) (A1 Revision)
Memory: 2GB DDR2 Corsair at 1066MHz Dominator (Dual Channel) (Extreme-Performance)
Floppy / Media: - No Thanks
Hard Drive 1: 320GB (Western Digital / Seagate) (16MB Cache) (7200 RPM) (SATA)
Hard Drive 2: - No Thanks
Raid Option: - No Thanks
Optical Drive 1: DVD-ROM/CD-ROM (DVD Reader 16x / CD Reader 40x)
Optical Drive 2: DVD±R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 20x / CD-Writer 48x)
Network Card: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Modem: - No Thanks
Video Card: nVidia GeForce 8800GTS 640MB (By: eVGA / Asus) (PCI-Express)
TV Tuner: - No Thanks
Sound Card: Motherboard Multi-Channel High Definition Audio (7.1 Channel)
Physics Card: - No Thanks
Cooling: Air Cooled Stage 2 (Silent Artic Cooling Heat-sink (Copper Heatpipes)
Case Lighting: Blizzard Internal Lighting (Blue Edition) (Cold Cathode Tubes)
Round Cables: Enhanced Interior Air Flow (Optical Drive & Floppy Cables (Black Edition)
User Manual: Personalized Platinum Digital Storm Binder (Includes Paperwork/Benchmarks/CDs/Manuals)
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Restore Kit: Digital Storm Specialized Recovery System (DVD Image Based)
Protection: - No Thanks
Office: - No Thanks
LCD Display: Samsung 22 inch (Widescreen) (Black) (High-Performance Gaming Display)
Surge Shield: - No Thanks
Speakers: Logitech 2 Piece (Black Edition) Amplified Speaker Set
Keyboard: Microsoft Multimedia Desktop 2.0 (Multimedia Keyboard + Optical Wheel Mouse)
Mouse: - No Thanks my keyboard comes with a mouse
Warranty: 3 Year Platinum Care Extended Parts & Labor Warranty
Support: Lifetime Toll-Free Platinum Care Technical Support
 
 
Does it look ok?
 
thx
Back to Top
skyR View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie

Digital Storm Apprentice


Joined: 08 Oct 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2220 		  Quote skyR Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 27 Aug 2007 at 9:56pm
It looks good, what do you plan on doing with it?
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star.
Back to Top
Gary View Drop Down
Guest
Guest
  Quote Gary Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 27 Aug 2007 at 11:29pm
Games, but will eventually add powerpoint, spreadsheets, and word for work.
 
Games like Medieval 2, and expansion, perhaps a MMO, and some of new games to come down the pike.
 
Back to Top
Alex View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group

Digital Storm Supervisor


Joined: 04 Jun 2012
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 16314 		  Quote Alex Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Aug 2007 at 2:15am
Looks sweet.
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down



This page was generated in 0.0703125 seconds.