SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

rd · Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 6:28 am Post subject: Going dual core, PCI

OK, I've given it some thought, and I am going to build a new everyday/flight sim rig.

I want to go dual core, preferably AMD. My old one was 2.19ghz, and I would like something twice as fast. So this is where you guys come in, as I don't know diddly, on dual core systems, or how they work.

I need to know which MB and CPU you would recommend. But, there is a catch to it. My optical drives (2) are IDE, and not SATA. My two hard drives are SATA, so I know I am good with that. I also know my AGP G-card won't work. That's no problem, as I will get either one or two 9800GTX's. I also know my memory sticks will also not work. No biggie there either.

I am also looking at upgrading my case, to one of the two below. So to start this rebuild of sorts, let's start with the case. Which of the two do you guys think I should get???

http://www.ditcorp.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=CSERDXSMILODONB&eq=&Tp=

http://www.ditcorp.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=CSEASPCRUISERBK&eq=&Tp=

I like the first one, since it has the bigger 120mm fans on it.

I'll also make this a poll kinda thingy when appropriate. And for the case choice, it is there.

I'm also thinking about going to Vista on this, but that is just an idea, since I already have it, and I still like XP better.

RD

viche12345 · Joined: 01 Apr 2005 Posts: 836 Location: San Diego, CA, USA

I am an Intel fan, and definitely would recommend the Intel E2xxx series. They have an enormous overclocking potential and are simply...cheap. I have very little knowledge of AMD CPUs

I can't really make a MB recommendation since all the MBs I have on my wish list either have only one PCIx16 slot or multiple slots for crossfire support only. This MB attracted my attention though:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131231

I also would select the first case among the two listed because of the support for 120mm fans.

rd · Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 7:41 am Post subject:

Thanks for the input on the case.

But I have no intention of overclocking anything. With my luck, I'll fry everything, including the house. LOL

RD

NOTE: If you do pick one over the other, please explain why. As this will be a running poll, for this or that. Thanks.

heeshung · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 554

I don't know about the X-Cruiser, but I've heard of many, many bad things about the Raidmax, as with most cheaper cases. If anything, the Raidmax does appeal more aesthetically, but that's about it.

Also, the 780i is a good nForce chipset if you're going to use DDR2 instead of DDR3. However, I'd go with an EVGA board instead of the Asus.

If you don't plan to run SLI, you might want to take a look at some Intel chipsets as well.

Personally, I'd say spend a little more on the case. You'll save yourself a lot of time, possibly injuries, and definitely a lot of profanity.

rd · Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 4:38 pm Post subject:

Any case suggestions then???

RD

mel wilson · Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 6:28 pm Post subject:

Not ignoring the thread RD, this is a little out of my depth... good luck :wink:

Mel.

tropicalfish · Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Posts: 863

Antec 900 or 1200 gaming cases?

Raidmax, especially their PSU's, are awful choices, avoid them if you can.

heeshung · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 554

I agree with tropical. Also take a look at the NZXT Tempest.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146047

tropicalfish · Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Posts: 863

RD: What kind of budget are you looking at?

rd · Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 4:18 am Post subject:

I don't have a budget. Take it as you will.

Here's the game plan. I want to use some of my old parts, if possible, and they are:

1. 500gig SATA HD Maxtor

2. 200g SATA HD Maxtor

3. 250g SATA HD Western Digital

4. IDE DVD R/RW

5. IDE CD R/RW

6. SATA BLUE RAY DVD RW

7. 650W PSU

So as you can see, all I am in need of, is a decent MB, CPU, G-CARD (9800GTX), RAM, and a case. As well, the OS will be XP PRO.

I just want something faster all the way around from my old 2.19ghz rig. Something along 4.0-5.0ghz. Still needs to be a good gaming rig.

I don't need a barn yard screamer, that can play 3 games at once, with 100fps.

I just want something that is as dependable and reliable as my last rig, was.

Hope that helps you all some.

RD

tropicalfish · Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Posts: 863

4-5ghz? Do those even exist? I think you have to overclock, and even still, it's VERY hard to overclock even near to 4.

What's more important is number of cores and architecture of the chip.
Something like the Intel C2D or C2Q would be nice.

I'll see what I can suggest... tomorrow.

After I finish this homework! :evil:

groundsquirrel · Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 9:59 am Post subject: you know what...

I am afraid I have to go with the 'cruiser. While the big fans might wow the crowds, size is not the final factor in how much air is moved through the case. A smaller fan with a more efficient blade can move more air with less noise. Personally I like the drive mounting system and if you were really serious about the heat then I'd use an external power supply.

heeshung · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 554

The fastest P4 is around 3.8GHz, but single core computing is not prevalent anymore. P4's are considered OLD.

I agree with tropical. Go for a C2D or a C2Q.

Or, wait for Nehalem and consider the Core i7 920 or 940.

tropicalfish · Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Posts: 863

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017

CPU (E8400): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

CPU Cooler - You can use the stock one that comes with the CPU if you want, but otherwise: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134

VideoCard:
(nVidia 9800GTX+): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130376
(ATI HD4870): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121276

Hard Drive: I am assuming you want to use your existing ones...
But Seagate, Western Digital, Samsung are good manufacturers of HDDs.

MB:
(Asus P5Q SE): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131333

(Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3R): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128344

(Gigabute GA-EP45-DS3L): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128345

Case: Antec 1200: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129043

Antec 900: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021

Random choices, I wasn't too good on picking MB and I haven't gotten RAM
But some choices for you.

rd · Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 2:39 am Post subject:

Thanks T-Fish for the options and list. But go up a few posts to see what I am going to use/reuse, as most are less than a year old, or a couple months old.

I have an account with Newegg, zipzoomfly, tiger direct. With newegg, I checked out their combo deals. And me being new to dual core, I haven't a clue as to what is good or decent.

If you (Terry, Mark, Huan) could go to what they have for MB/CPU combo's and post up the links, I'll put up another poll for them.

$ 400 is the max for the combo prices, so stay at or under it, please. Also go to my previous post, concerning requirements, as they are the rule.

I've already ordered the Antec 1200 case. Good call.

Thanks guys.

RD