Help needed: Review my future comp's specs

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2003-03-27 02:18pm

Crayz9000 wrote:
phongn wrote:NO! DO NOT get the SBLive! If you must stay with Creative Labs, get an Audigy 2. Or look around are Hercules or some other company.
I wish someone had told me that before I built a SB Live 5.1 into my computer.

On ASVS there had been many discussions revolving around it.

What's the problem with it, anyway? Just not such a good card, or is there a serious problem?

Part of the problem is that VIA, for awhile, had a slightly nonstandard implementation of the PCI bus, leading to screwups (it was at first blamed on Creative Labs for a long time, but then someone slipped at COMDEX one year(!)) Another issue is that the DACs are absolute shit, compounded by the issue that all sound is resampled to 48kHz. The drivers also tend to be subpar.

Lord Pounder · Post by **Lord Pounder** » 2003-03-27 02:41pm

I ordered my new PC tonight, i'm getting a Athlon 1900 XP with 512 DDR, a 80 Gig Hard Drive and a DVD R/W for £450.

Shinova · Post by **Shinova** » 2003-03-27 03:38pm

After doing some motherboard research, there's one I can use if I want RDRAM but its PC800 only:

http://www.alphacomputer.com/motherboardintel.html

Look at the way bottom motherboard, the one labeled "Intel D850EMV2L"

I think that's the only one available from this store that supports RDRAM, but its PC800 (or can it also support PC1066?)

The other ones can support DDR266 and DDR333.

So the question is: Go with DDR333 PC2700 or go with PC800 RDRAM?

Also, the Radeon cards above 9000 are all 8X AGP, which most of the more expensive motherboards on that page don't have support for, I think.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2003-03-27 03:49pm

Shinova wrote:After doing some motherboard research, there's one I can use if I want RDRAM but its PC800 only:

http://www.alphacomputer.com/motherboardintel.html

Look at the way bottom motherboard, the one labeled "Intel D850EMV2L"

I think that's the only one available from this store that supports RDRAM, but its PC800 (or can it also support PC1066?)

Don't get it, it'll only support PC800. Intel makes fine motherboards, though (if in a bewildering variety and not intended for overclocking)

Oh yes, have you checked ResellerRatings for the distributer you're planning on buying stuff from? Always check their reputation!

The other ones can support DDR266 and DDR333.

So the question is: Go with DDR333 PC2700 or go with PC800 RDRAM?

If you aren't going to overclock, go with PC2100. If you are going to, get PC2700 or PC3200.

Also, the Radeon cards above 9000 are all 8X AGP, which most of the more expensive motherboards on that page don't have support for, I think.

AGP 8X is backwards compatible with AGP 4X.

Faram · Post by **Faram** » 2003-03-27 04:09pm

Late in the thread but I have to agree with the Soundblaster Issue.

I had the first generation SB Live!, the driwers included Bluscreened a freshly installed WinME and lead to a yet another reinstall.

Had to download the drivers from the website that is a nightmare to browse btw.

When I bought my current computer I shelled out some more and got myself a Santa Cruz from Turtle Beach.

http://www.turtlebeach.com

Way better than the crappy Live!

Crayz9000 · Post by **Crayz9000** » 2003-03-27 04:27pm

I've actually never had serious problems with my SBLive. The only thing I can think of is how I couldn't get EAX working under Windows 2000, but that problem was solved by using Creative's driver install program rather than just pointing Win2K at the driver .inf.

I was never bothered by the bluescreen issue with Windows 98, BTW.

I suppose I'll have to get a better sound card if I want to do professional-quality editing and stuff on my PC, but for now it serves its purpose well.

Shinova · Post by **Shinova** » 2003-03-27 06:12pm

Sound Card: How's Audigy?

Memory: Is there a big difference between equal amounts of PC2100 DDR and PC2700 DDR?

I won't be overclocking but I still want to know if there's a significant, or even fairly small difference between the two.

Nathan F · Post by **Nathan F** » 2003-03-27 06:14pm

Shinova wrote:
MOTHERBOARD: ECS-L4S8A

CPU: Intel Pentium 4 3.06AB CPU

RAM: 1GB DDR266(PC2100) 512 x2

HARD DRIVE: 120GB 7200rpm (8MB)

MONITOR: NONE

DISPLAY CARD: ATI Radeon 9000 128MB DDR (TVO)

CD-ROM: NONE

CD-WRITER: Pioneer DVD-RW

SOUND CARD: SB Live 5.1

SPEAKER: Altec Lansing AVS 300

MODEM: NONE

KEYBOARD: NONE

MOUSE: NONE

CASE: ATX 288 Aluminum Tower Case

AS: 250MB INT. ZIP DRIVE, NONE

Do you think there's anything that needs to be changed to make this comp better?

Yeah, let me have it.

Crayz9000 · Post by **Crayz9000** » 2003-03-27 07:26pm

Shinova wrote:Memory: Is there a big difference between equal amounts of PC2100 DDR and PC2700 DDR?

PC2100 has a max speed of 266 MHz double-pumped, and runs at 133MHz.

PC2700 has a max speed of 333 MHz double-pumped, and runs at 166 MHz.

PC3200 has a max speed of 400 MHz double-pumped, and runs at 200 MHz.

There is a performance difference between them, but the difference between the first two isn't that much.

Straha · Post by **Straha** » 2003-03-27 07:37pm

The Duchess of Zeon wrote:*steps aside from the path of the Linux Jihad*

::Rides through riding his horse leading a buch of warriors against the incoming Linux Riders::

In the name of blessed Gates JIHAD!!!!

I shall defend thy windows user against all foes!

Crayz9000 · Post by **Crayz9000** » 2003-03-27 07:52pm

*Linux-powered M1A1 Abrams tanks open fire on primitive horseback riders*

Shinova · Post by **Shinova** » 2003-03-27 07:58pm

*Shinova's 3.06 GHZ CPU smashes all the combatants with its divine powers*

Let's not turn this into a spam thread and get it closed, okay?

Once again, how's MP3 Audigy 1? Is it okay or is getting Audigy 2 a much better experience?

Note that I'm just going to be using normal desktop speakers, nothing fancy.

Shinova · Post by **Shinova** » 2003-03-27 08:11pm

I got some new specs:

MOTHERBOARD: Intel 845PESVL

CPU: Intel Pentium 4 3.06AB CPU

RAM: 1GB DDR333 (PC2700) 512x2

HARD DRIVE: 120GB 7200rpm (8MB)

MONITOR: NONE

DISPLAY CARD: ATI Radeon 9700Pro 128 DDR

CD-ROM: NONE

CD-WRITER: Pioneer DVD-RW

SOUND CARD: SB MP3 Audigy 5.1

SPEAKER: NONE

MODEM: NONE

KEYBOARD: NONE

MOUSE: NONE

CASE: ATX 278WB Black Case

OS: NONE

AS: 250MB INT. ZIP DRIVE, NONE

For the blank ones I either don't need or already have.

aerius · Post by **aerius** » 2003-03-27 08:43pm

Shinova wrote:Once again, how's MP3 Audigy 1? Is it okay or is getting Audigy 2 a much better experience?

Note that I'm just going to be using normal desktop speakers, nothing fancy.

From what I've read over at the Head-fi forums, there's no real difference between the Audigy cards, and they're not exactly high quality cards either as far as sound is concerned. The sound will be fine with 98% of speaker systems, but if you're real picky about sound quality or want to use $200 headphones in the future, then upgrade to the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz.

Keep in mind that the Head-fi people value sound quality above everything else, and that few of them will give a 2nd thought to dropping hundreds to thousands of bucks on headphones, amps, or cd players.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2003-03-28 12:02am

Looking good, but if you can afford the R9800 (assuming that it's out) it'll be better - runs faster and cooler than the R9700.

The Intel motherboard only supports ATA100, but that's fine (as no device can possibly pump out 100MByte/sec.) It should support 48-bit addressing as well (IIRC, all modern motherboards do) so your large HD shouldn't represent a problem either.

Though I'll mention it again: get XP Pro. Things will work not quite right if you try Windows 2000 and enable HyperTransport.

Audigy is better than SB Live and the Audigy 2 is more stable (and has better resampling and DACs), but the Santa Cruz does sound better. OTOH, it is a bit of a dated design - the Audigy 2 is superior for gaming.

Oh yes, with the power loads we're looking at, you may want to purchase a different PSU. Antec's TruePower series is considered quite good; that 278W PSU may not give enough juice. Invest in a decent case as well, they're so much easier to work with!

Shinova · Post by **Shinova** » 2003-03-28 12:13am

phongn wrote: Oh yes, with the power loads we're looking at, you may want to purchase a different PSU. Antec's TruePower series is considered quite good; that 278W PSU may not give enough juice. Invest in a decent case as well, they're so much easier to work with!

The case's power supply is 350 watts.

http://www.alphacomputer.com/case.html

My case, amongst a bunch of others, is listed in that link.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2003-03-28 12:37am

Just because a PSU is rated at 350W doesn't mean that it'll perform very well. Supplies by Deer (for example) are infamous for shoddy construction, for example, and fail even when used well-below their advertised power ratings. In this case it should work, however - just watch out.

Post by **weemadando** » 2003-03-28 12:42am

Shinova wrote:Sound Card: How's Audigy?

Memory: Is there a big difference between equal amounts of PC2100 DDR and PC2700 DDR?

I won't be overclocking but I still want to know if there's a significant, or even fairly small difference between the two.

You want a Hercules Gametheater XP 7.1, accept NO substitutes.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2003-03-28 12:46am

weemadando wrote:You want a Hercules Gametheater XP 7.1, accept NO substitutes.

Gah, how could I have forgotten the GTXP? It's a fine card, indeed, and they've ironed out some of the early kinks in the drivers.

Post by **weemadando** » 2003-03-28 01:38am

phongn wrote:
weemadando wrote:You want a Hercules Gametheater XP 7.1, accept NO substitutes.
Gah, how could I have forgotten the GTXP? It's a fine card, indeed, and they've ironed out some of the early kinks in the drivers.

Thats without mentioning the big shiny blue box that you get that has lots and lots of nice connections...

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2003-03-28 01:40am

Well, that's hardly unique. Creative Labs came out with it first in their SB Live! Platinum Edition. Various other professional companies often use breakout boxes as well.

Shaka[Zulu] · Post by **Shaka[Zulu]** » 2003-03-28 02:25am

Shinova wrote:All hate me, eh?

My two possible cases (don't know about the light):

NO NO NO!!! YOU MUST GO WITH LIAN-LI!!! (the first one is the one I have... hehe

Shaka[Zulu] · Post by **Shaka[Zulu]** » 2003-03-28 02:50am

anyway... here are couple of my recommendations:

speakers -- Logitech Z560 (4.1 channel) or Z-680 (5.1 channel) -- accept NO substitutes!!! (I know... I have the Z560's, and never get to REALLY let them play cuz they'll wake up my entire neighborhood -- and sound awesome at the same time!

)

DVD(RW) -- either the Pioneer DVR-A06 or -106 4x +rw or the Sony DV-500UA 4x +-rw... the pioneer can be gotten for ~$250US, the Sony for about $100 more.

Video Cards -- I currently use (and love) the ATI Radeon AIW 8500DV... anything with the AIW title is worth having!

here are my own system specs for reference -- note I have the above Lian-Li 6083 series case, the Z560 speakers and AIW video.

CPU: AMD XP2100+ with coolermaster heatpipe (LOUD!!!)
MB: EpoX 8k3ha+
RAM: 1gig PC2700 (DDR 333)
DVD: Pioneer (I forget which, but not an RW -- I think the DVD-106)
CDRW: Ricoh 6x (nearing replacement with a DVD+-RW)
HD (all Maxtor 7200/133): 2x 30gig, 1x 40gig, 2x 60gig
Video: see above
Audio: SB Audigy
extra USB2
Linksys LAN
USR modem (for faxing stuff)
Power: Enermax 400W

Straha · Post by **Straha** » 2003-03-29 11:28pm

Shinova wrote:*Shinova's 3.06 GHZ CPU smashes all the combatants with its divine powers*

::gets up from his twitching on the ground::

Owww.

StarDestroyer.Net BBS

Help needed: Review my future comp's specs

Re: Help needed: Review my future comp's specs

Re: Help needed: Review my future comp's specs