Alienware

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » August 15, 2003, 7:58 pm

Seebs wrote:I was going to ask Marbus to help build my PC, but his support is lacking. I expect my Pc's to last three years. My present one has lasted 3.5.

Going to spend too much money for my new system, but having support will be worth it. Too busy to build it myself or burden Marb.

What I'm getting:

BOARD: ABIT IC7-G MAXII i875 CHIP 800FSB DDR400 8X AGP MB W/ LAN/5.1 SOUND/IEEE-1394/USB 2.0

CPU: Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 3.0 GHZ CPU 800MHz FSB, Hyper Threading Ready

HDD: MAXTOR 160 GB 7200 RPM ULTRA ATA-133 8MB CACHE BUFFER

MEMORY: 1024 MB DUAL CHANNEL DDR-400 [512MB X 2] PC3200 MHZ buying another stick for 1.5

VIDEO: ** 8X AGP ** NVIDIA GEFORCE-FX 5900-ULTRA 256MB W/ DVI + TV OUT 8X AGP VIDEO

Seeber

With the memory and motherboard you're getting it would take 30 seconds to make a 2.4C chip run at 3GHz.

2X512mb ram will allow hypterthreading...soon as you add that third 512MB stick of ram you're going to lose a chunk of system performance...if you must add another 512..add 2X256 and you'll preserver the hyperthreading. (memory must be added in pairs for hyperthreading/dual channel)

160MB maxtor....the Western Digital Special Edition drives perform the best. WIth your MB, be sure you at least get a serial ATA hard drive or you'll lose more performance.

your 256MB 5900 nVidia card will work ok....consider a 128MB one as the performance difference between 128 and 256mb cards...whether you buy, ug, nVidia...or the better ATI9800 series is miniscule and you'll save 100.00.

you can save yourself about 300.00 and your system will perform as well or better. Nice system either way seebs.

edit: are you going to use the gigabit Lan or the 2nd Raid on the IC7-G? If not, the IC7 is the exact same board w/out those 2 features for lass.

Marbus · Post by **Marbus** » August 16, 2003, 12:53 am

Man, I thought I knew my hardware. Excellent run down Win!

Marb

Gumurok · Post by **Gumurok** » August 18, 2003, 10:41 pm

my computer owns, built it all myself, if i wanted to i could get a phat ass case and put all the parts in it, but i dont really care if it looks that fancy, /shrug

Gumurok · Post by **Gumurok** » August 18, 2003, 10:42 pm

P.S. Pentium blows, go athlon

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » August 18, 2003, 11:00 pm

Gumurok wrote:P.S. Pentium blows, go athlon

troll

Seebs · Post by **Seebs** » August 19, 2003, 4:24 pm

Jesus Winnow, Thanks.

Building this system for the next generation of gaming, namely EQII. Since this is now postponed until at least February, I'll buy this system, or one more to the specs you laid out during the Christmas sell off.
Better yet, post-Christmas when prices drop more.

I have an Athlon at present and have nary an issue .. but I'm intrigued with the 800FSB of the Pentium.

Oh, and thanks for the tip on the memory. I assume the hyperthreading will perform as advertised if I get two sticks of 1GB mem. That'll be down the road as needed.

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » August 19, 2003, 5:10 pm

anybody who thinks pentiums suck is a moron.

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » August 19, 2003, 6:26 pm

My past hate of OC was for all the additional cooling (aka NOISE) and some flakyness.

Today it doesn't seem as bad.

If you can OC a 2.4ghz to 3.2Ghz with no additional cooling then I'm interested.

What MB/CPU/Ram would you recommend? I'm thinking 2x512 DDR ram but I dunno which brand.

Also I want to learn more about hyperthreading and striping. Is that basically using 2 identical units to each take alternating halfs of the load so that you get to use 2x the "pipeline/channels"? Thus making it faster read/write correct? I would still get the same total value of the ram or HD like 40gig+40gig would be 80gigs right?

Would I need SCSI Raid controllers and such for the striping? Or would IDE be fine? I have 2 IDE 40gig drives now but they are different models/manufacturers most likely.

My video card is a G4-ti4600, standard 19" monitor, SBlive, Linksys wireless network, 52x CD, 2x DVD burner (Also burns CD's obviously), keyboard, mouse, speakers all in decent shape still. I figure I can save all of that...and 1 or 2 40gig HD's (I might have to buy a twin of my newest western digital for striping depending on your response)

I'll buy a new case though....the ones I have suck (I have 3 matching cases)...the floppy doesn't line-up properly with the slot heh....I haven't had a floppy disk drive on any of my machines here in years....makes some installs a bitch obviously.

Marbus · Post by **Marbus** » August 19, 2003, 7:10 pm

I just purchased one of these cases. I looked at CoolerMaster, Thermaltake etc... but for the money, power and quiteness this case KICKS MAJOR ASS!

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.a ... 115&depa=0

Marb

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » August 19, 2003, 7:29 pm

Pilsburry wrote: Also I want to learn more about hyperthreading and striping.

I'm short on time atm but if you want to see the advantages of the 875P chipset from Intel right from Intel, check this link:

http://www.intel.com/design/chipsets/875P/

Neost · Post by **Neost** » August 19, 2003, 10:24 pm

OMG! What have I missed?!?!?!

Seebs crawled out from under a rock and I've been ignoring this thread. Holy carbuncles, Batman!

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » August 20, 2003, 4:25 pm

Is 350w Power Supply enough these days?

I'm looking at power supplies and they have a 350w PS with <14 DBA noise. Plus 2 80mm quiet fans for $49.00 if you buy a case at the same time.

P.S. Thanks for the link Winnow I'm looking at the D875PBZ MB and a 2.4C CPU. I understand hyperthreading a bit more now.

Lexien · Post by **Lexien** » August 20, 2003, 4:29 pm

I would go for a 420...

More power means more stability and upgradability...

At least in my eyes..

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » August 21, 2003, 11:27 am

More power also adds more heat and noise though, so I don't want to over do it too much...

My basement has 4 computers and a mini-fridge going...and finished basements don't have the best ventilation. This will make possibly a 5th computer (I have spare parts to make a 5th after I upgrade).

It gets hot down there. And noisy...especially if I have the other dangermice over for gaming...over the winter I was actually cracking a window and turning on the ceiling fans because we were starting to sweat.

My real goal is to get my dad hooked back on broadband somehow and get my place down to 2 computers...both for me.

Denadeb · Post by **Denadeb** » August 21, 2003, 11:53 am

A 350 is fine unless you plan on running OMGIAMRETARDEDCAUSEALOTISTWOWORDS of diffrent drives and such. I would never go below 350 though the diff in noise and heat from 350 to 420 isn't that much in all honesty though.

Drolgin Steingrinder · August 21, 2003, 12:20 pm

Just get a good one - the ThermalTake PS are nice, quiet, and rock solid

Lexien · Post by **Lexien** » August 21, 2003, 12:27 pm

I just recently purchased a new computer, the case i got for it was the big ass Thermaltake with 7 fans and the Thermaltake 420 power supply has 2 fans. Total of 9 fans!!

This case with the power supply generates less heat, less noise then my old computer did (PIII 500). I actually was able to sleep for the first time with my computer on in my room last night.

Here is the link for the case : http://www.thermaltake.com/products/xaser3/v1000a.htm

I'm really glad i got that one, although the new lanfire one looks really nice and light. this big case should last me for a good couple of years.

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » August 21, 2003, 1:48 pm

I guess you guys are right....I the noise and heat won't be too much of a difference.

I think I just have a tendency to add too many damn fans. My next case should have a thermometer, and a variable fan or two so I can regulate how many fans are actually on.

I mean cases and power supplies last forever....if you buy a good brand. I've only seen one case go bad..the power button broke but it was like a $30 no name case my boss told me to buy, ugly as hell too. And I have never seen a power suppy fail, although I have had a power cord fail twice..WTF?

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » August 21, 2003, 2:35 pm

I'd go with a 400W+

I have encountered issues with underpowered Power supplies. Quality over W though.

generic CompUSA 425W power supply < Enermax 350W etc etc.

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » August 22, 2003, 2:07 am

CompUSA one would probably be noisy too....my goal is to hardly hear the machine when I turn it on.

Drolgin Steingrinder · December 2, 2005, 12:20 pm

Just a little bump with some info:

http://www.powernotebooks.com/ <-- If you're looking for a desktop replacement and it's not important to you that it looks overly fancy with a $600 paint job, go here and get a Sager. It's the same components, made by the same ODM company - and it's a *lot* cheaper. Here's a little blurb about it .

As far as powerhouse desktops, there's really only one company for the mad super insanely power fast machines, and it's http://www.overdrivepc.com

Knarlz · Post by **Knarlz** » December 2, 2005, 12:50 pm

I looked at the link Drolgin posted on overdrive PC and customized to the most expencive option available. I did not add game or productivity software.

Overdrive PC™ DreamBuilder

Build ID : 36803

System Warranty and Coverage : [Platinum 3 Year] Parts, Labor and Shipping Warranty
Battery Backup (UPS) : [APC] SUA1500 Battery/Surge Protector (1500VA)
Case and Color : [Lian-Li] PC-60 (Painted) Mid-Tower (Only for VapoChill Cooling)
Ultra-Quiet SureCool System and Fan Colors : (Blue) L.E.D. Fan Lights
Processor Cooler(s) : [AMD] Factory Heat-Pipe Copper Cooler (Air)
Power Supply : [I-Star] (Twin Independent 500 Watt) Redundant Power Supply
Video Adapter : (2) [nVidia] GeForce 7800 GTX 512 MB HyperClocked
Monitor 1 : [Samsung] 243T-BK 24
Monitor 2 : [Samsung] 243T-BK 24
Disk Array 1 | Hard Disk Drive(s) : (2) 500GB SATA 7,200 RPM [Hitachi]
Disk Array 2 | Hard Disk Drive(s) : 500GB SATA 7,200 RPM [Hitachi]
Disk Array 3 | Hard Disk Drive(s) : 500GB SATA 7,200 RPM [Hitachi]
SATA RAID Controller : [3ware] (SATA RAID) (64-Bit) (128 MB) (8-Port) 9500S-8
Processor(s) : [AMD] (2) Opteron 280 (DualCore) HyperClocked
Motherboard : [MSI] K8N Master4-FAR2 nFORCE 4 Ultra SLI Motherboard
System Memory (RAM) : 4GB DDR
Operating System : [Microsoft] Windows 2003 Server Enterprise (64-bit) (25 Client)
External Storage 1 : [Seagate] (External) 400 GB Hard Drive (USB/FireWire)
External Storage 2 : [Seagate] (External) 400 GB Hard Drive (USB/FireWire)
External Storage 3 : [Seagate] (External) 400 GB Hard Drive (USB/FireWire)
External Storage 4 : [Seagate] (External) 400 GB Hard Drive (USB/FireWire)
Hot-Swap and Removable Hard Disk Drive Trays 1 : (5 Drive) Removeable SATA Hard Drive Cage [SuperMicro]
Hot-Swap and Removable Hard Disk Drive Trays 2 : (5 Drive) Removeable SATA Hard Drive Cage [SuperMicro]
Network Ethernet Adapter 1 : [Netgear] WG311T 108 Mbps Wireless Network Adapter
Network Ethernet Adapter 2 : [Netgear] WG311T 108 Mbps Wireless Network Adapter
Dial-Up Modem : [Creative Labs] Modem Blaster 56K
Network Hub/Switch : [Netgear] (Switch) (24-Port) (10/100/1000) FSM726
CD/DVD Disk Drive 1 : [Plextor] (External) 16X Dual Layer DVD Burner 48X CD Burner
CD/DVD Disk Drive 2 : [Plextor] (External) 16X Dual Layer DVD Burner 48X CD Burner
Floppy/Flash Drive 1 : [Mitsumi] 13-in-1 Floppy and Flash Media Reader (1.44MB) (3.5)
Sound Adapter : [Creative Labs] Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro
Speakers : [Logitech] (5.1) Z-5500
Keyboard : [Auravision] EluminX S202 Illuminated Keyboard (Black) (Blue Glow)
Mouse : [Logitech] G7 Cordless Laser Mouse
Keyboard/Mouse Combo : [Logitech] MX 5000 Cordless Desktop Keyboard and Mouse
Mouse Accessories : [WireWeight] Mouse Cord Anchor - Gamer Recommended!
Gaming Controller 1 : [Logitech] MOMO Racing Force Feedback Wheel and Pedals
Gaming Controller 2 : [Logitech] MOMO Racing Force Feedback Wheel and Pedals
Games and Entertainment 1 : Battlefield 2
System Utilities and Protection 1 : [Symantec] Norton AntiVirus 2005 (Pre-Installed FREE)
Shipping Options : [FedEx] 1-Day Service (Computer Only)
CD/DVD Cable Color : Rounded Cable (Steel)
Floppy Disk Drive Cable Color : Rounded Cable (Steel)

System Price : $21,652.00

Psyloche · Post by **Psyloche** » December 2, 2005, 12:59 pm

I saw a lot of people post, "I've never heard anything bad about Alienware" Well I have a laptop I got last year with the extended warranty and I found out the warranty doesn't cover the chassis, only components. So now that I have a crack on the top of my laptop, above the screen... I'd have to pay around $300 to get the chassis sent to me and then I don't even know how much to have them change it for me, or try doing it myself.

Maybe their warranty has changed in the last year, but when I found this out I was really pissed off -- although I guess I should have read it better. The crack isn't on the screen itself, its just near the button that you push to open the laptop, so it could get potentially worse. I also found that the thing would overheat even in a pretty cool room. I'd prop the thing up just so the bottom would definitely get more ventillation too. Their customer servive wasn't exactly friendly when I was trying to work with them to get it fixed.

I think bottom line I'm probably not ever getting a laptop for gaming, its nice being able to carry it anywhere and play but I think I like desktops a hell of a lot more. So as far as desktops, I'll always build my own.