On the motherboard: I intend to do the research so that I can buy what I need and nothing more. Obviously I'd like to get a quality board that gives me some room to grow. As far as the 2d images. The information I remember is probably out of date: Here is what pc hardward in a nutshell said about this issue back in the day: Display quality is subjective and very difficult to quantify, but is the real issue nonetheless. The consensus, with which we agree, is that Matrox video adapters provide the highest 2d quality. Many other adapters provide reasonable 2d quality but the fastest 3d adapters sometimes compromise 2d quailty. Is that true today, I don't know? Have there been any breakthroughs in 2d quality, I'm not sure. I just thought I'd throw the question out there because I couldn't find any articles that discussed 2d quality recently.
If I were building a computer, I would make it so I can install OS X on it. I have seen custom-built computers that are running OS X and they perform better than the newest iMacs out there and they are a fraction of the cost. <object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EG0pHK9hxMU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EG0pHK9hxMU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>
Thanks to Dr. and you for mentioning the 64 bit os. I probably don't need that, just like to see what my options are. In reality this is the first day of research and I already have a lot to think about.
Here's the problem with motherboards when it comes to future-proofing : It's difficult. I bought a quad-core motherboard with a quad core processor (a Q6600) back around late 2007, I think. So 2 years ago. At the time, it was an advanced system. I could upgrade the processor now to a Q9xxx series, but there'd be no point. The performance impovement wouldn't justify it. But that's the newest processor I can use on it. I can't use the newer i5's or i7's on this motherboard - I'd have to buy a new motherboard. CPU sockets are what are driving motherboards into being obsolete more than processors. Intel knows this. They keep coming out with new socket designs every 2-3 years it seems. BTW, this just reminded me... Intel will be introducing new desktop and laptop processors in about a week, so keep an eye on prices. You may get better value on the current processors after that (although prices have been dropping since November/December). I remember buying Matrox cards. The only way you'll be able to judge text quality (which is what Matrox was great at back then) is by reading reviews, or even better, viewing it yourself. Nowadays, the 3D cards are just as good at 2D as 3D, but there are still some niche CAD markets, for example, that will use specific non-gamer video cards. I can't help you with those, but if you want to talk about ATI or nVidia cards for "normal" desktop and gaming use, I can. :grin: Also keep in mind that no matter how good your video card is, if you have a lackluster monitor, you're screwed. Text and graphic quality can be destroyed by an average monitor.
Hardocp.com is where I usually go to read up on stuff. Post a question or just check out other's on their forum section. Though to be really honest, a lot has changed since 1999.
Okay guys, I've been spending the last couple of days reviewing the dizzying new technologies out there and I made a few choices as to gear. Here is a list of parts I have narrowed my list to. I realized early on that there is no sense in me going with i5 or i7 and I'd rather go with the relatively older but stable duo 2 core and as such I needed a good p45 board. It seems that p45 is preferred over x48 these days and I have no qualms with that. Here is the board I picked out: 1. GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail 2. Intel Pentium E6300 2.8GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail 3. Power Supply Turbo Cool 860 PC Power and Cooling 4. XFX Radeon HD 5850 Black Edition Video Card - 1GB GDDR5, PCI-Express 2.0, CrossFireX Ready, Dual DVI, Display Port, HDMI 5. 2 sticks of 2g Memory Crucial ddr2 1033 mobo: At only 134.00 and 1200 reviews on newegg added to the numerous awards, this looks like a solid choice? The processor: e6300 at 80.99 it looks like good deal. I know that I could have gone with other and my dual core is on the lower end of the scale but I am not sure what benefits I might see from paying double that for the q8400 and I'd rather sink that 80 extra dollars into a better graphics card. Power Supply: 249.99 Graphics Card: Radon 5850: At 359.99 certainly not a bargin, but seeing how I am buidling the system partly to coexist as a way to stream movies to my television and for the occasional game, add to the fact that it supports directx 11 and crossfire built in I think I can splurge here. Memory: 125.99
little overkill on the PSU since you arent going to be running 2 video cards. i'd rather have modular too so everything is nice and neat. i dont keep up with processors/mobos to comment on them.
Do you plan on keeping this set up for ten years? If so, I would recommend a q8400 (e8400 even) over the e6300. Frys has the e8400 + that exact same motherboard for $189 right now. frys e8400 combo The c2d/c2q are noticeable quicker than the regular dual cores. DroD was right about the i5. It's not worth upgrading to it if you already own a q6600 or e8400/q8400, but since your build is pretty old, I would recommend the i5. You don't need a power supply over 600 watts unless you plan on running two video cards and like Dominator mentioned, a modular power supply is very nice. I for one will never go back to regular power supplies after owning a modular.
I do plan on eventually going with 2 video cards, just not right away. Thanks for the heads up on the combo. The power supply is overkill to some degree, isn't pc power and cooling PS always are?
i have a q8400 (quad core / chip only, no heatsink) that i'll sell you for $99 shipped if you're looking for one.
I'd have to actually research that mobo, so I can't help you there off the top of my head, but : That price is too high for a Radeon 5850. I bought a 5870 a month or two ago for $370 or so and they've gone up to $400-$420 (gotta love supply & demand). But you should be able to get a 5850 for $300-$330. Also, check the dimensions on the video card. The 5870 I have is a monster card - I had to remove a drive cage in order for it to fit (it's something like 10-11"). The 5850 should be about 1-2" shorter, but still make sure whatever case you buy can support the dimensions of the 5850. Since you haven't bought a graphics card in years, you should know these things are bricks now. Also, make sure the case you use has good ventilation - these cards can run hot. The processor is fine for that pricepoint. You can get that for $80.99 at newegg or the E6500 for only $5 more there. The price on that PS is insane, but if it's what you want, have at it. I'd go shopping at newegg.com, zipzoomfly.com, or mwave.com for the parts. All reputable and usually among the cheapest places to buy parts.
My 2 cents and I'm no enthusiast: Unless you're the really hardcore gamer that wants that extra 10% of performance that only 2 top end video card combined provides, it's probably better to go with a lower wattage power supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002&cm_re=modular-_-17-139-002-_-Product (I like modulars, cleaner) and then upgrade the video cards and hard drives as those technology become obsolete and improves really really fast. One thing I noticed you didn't list is the heat sink. I never thought it was a big deal until I tried my hand at over clocking this past year and this heat sink is awesome. http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8...ocket_LGA_775_LGA_1366_LGA_1156_AM2_Xeon.html Cooling makes a huge difference even if you're not over clocking when it comes to performance and stability, plus the tech for these move more slowly so it's a good future investment. I also like Gigabytes, very pretty mobo with easy overclocking and other features from what I've been told (and I'm using one myself because that was what was recommended). Also, here is a 5870 for only $50 more. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121346 Difference http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1451714
