Convivea
Forums => Computers - Technology => Topic started by: texasboy on May 12, 2008, 07:51:30 am
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;D Here we go again. Its great being a pensioner. ::)
New PC in the making.
XFX Nforce 780i socket 775, sata 300,2x gigabit ethernet, firewire,8 channel high def audio
Intel Q6600Core 2 Quad 2.4GHZ 1066mhz FSB 8MB Cache Quad Core.
Thermal Take 750w PSU.
Samsung 500GB SATA HD.
Will try the Corsair ddr2 800 mhz PC2 6400 Black heat spreader before the 1066 mhz memory.
LG dvd/cd RW
Usual Freezer 7 PRO (seems to work on most CPU`s}
And of course Billies favorite case The Coolermaster Elite 332. Plenty of room and easy no screw fittings.
Changed the Gainward 6800GS Cards over to this board on core 2 duo. Working well.(graphics not as good as on 8800GT cards)
Have the 2x 8800GT cards free for new board in SLI unless a single card would work better.?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Cheers
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What OS and how much RAM are you going for?
Also you looked at the VelociRaptor hard drive if you're going for gaming?
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What OS and how much RAM are you going for?
Also you looked at the VelociRaptor hard drive if you're going for gaming?
Just getting the hang of Vista 32 and havent had any problems and will stay with Vista, Is there much of a difference on 64 bit?.
Will probably run max 4GB ram for now at 800 dual memory. The VP hard drive, do you have a link? Is that 10,000rpm instead of 7,200rpm. Will probably start playing some games as I find more time. Tks
cheers
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What OS and how much RAM are you going for?
Also you looked at the VelociRaptor hard drive if you're going for gaming?
Just getting the hang of Vista 32 and havent had any problems and will stay with Vista, Is there much of a difference on 64 bit?.
Will probably run max 4GB ram for now at 800 dual memory. The VP hard drive, do you have a link? Is that 10,000rpm instead of 7,200rpm. Will probably start playing some games as I find more time. Tks
cheers
What's the point of having 4 GiB of memory when 32 bit versions of windows can't effectively use more than 2? (They can use more than 2, you just don't get the same performance benefits).
Here's a quick review of the drive: http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=3303
Yes it's 10'000 RPM, 300 GB. A faster hard drive should make everything from loading windows to bootting applications snappier, load times on games are reduced but not much more (you don't see the difference with gradual small data chunks being loaded like during the level of a game).
Also if you're not gaming then why the very excessive graphics system and have you looked at the alternatives? Especially the 4870 X2 that's supposed to be out in a week to 2 weeks time.
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Just getting the hang of Vista 32 and havent had any problems and will stay with Vista, Is there much of a difference on 64 bit?.
Will probably run max 4GB ram for now at 800 dual memory. The VP hard drive, do you have a link? Is that 10,000rpm instead of 7,200rpm. Will probably start playing some games as I find more time. Tks
cheers
What's the point of having 4 GiB of memory when 32 bit versions of windows can't effectively use more than 2? (They can use more than 2, you just don't get the same performance benefits).
Here's a quick review of the drive: http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=3303
Yes it's 10'000 RPM, 300 GB. A faster hard drive should make everything from loading windows to bootting applications snappier, load times on games are reduced but not much more (you don't see the difference with gradual small data chunks being loaded like during the level of a game).
Also if you're not gaming then why the very excessive graphics system and have you looked at the alternatives? Especially the 4870 X2 that's supposed to be out in a week to 2 weeks time.
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Only running 2GB ram on Vista 32 at present. Most of the items you are talking about are latest on market. Dont see me changing to VP hard drive or core 2 duo. I am only talking abt 8800gt cards which are already becoming old. Even the Q6600 has been superceeded. As for ram. http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/01/14/windows-vista-32-bit-and-64-bit-x86-and-x64-maximum-supported-ram-physical-memory-limit/ Most people using the Q6600 and half decent graphic cards have found that OC is not necessary to play most games. And yes I just noticed that the 64 bit will utilise more of the ram than 32bit, I also said that I would start trying some games. You have got to remember Quantum that this is a young 65 year old finding his feet. ;D Yes I could go with all the latest graphics cards and processors but why spoil a learning curve before I`m ready.lol
cheers
ps. Presume the Mobo meets with approval? Some people having slight problems with ASUS version and recommended the one I have coming. ASUS I find easy to work with.
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I don't know Intel mobos very well, but I've never had anything but problems with ASUS mobos, so even though the high end ones are supposed to be the best I still avoid all ASUS products.
I don't know why you linked to that article, it even says what I said:
"So if you want to fully utilize your physical memory of 4 GB or more in Windows Vista, the only way is to install 64-bit Windows Vista operating system"
It's not that 32 bit CAN'T take 4 GiB, it's just not going to use it very well.
The 9000 series is only a slight revamp of the 8800GT, so it's not exactly old. Not telling you to go with all the latest stuff, but some times they have a better price/ performance point than older stuff. It's not worth excluding a product just because it's new, they don't have the same kind of premium that they used to, it's a very competitive market.
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Tks Quantum. Only put in link for others to read. Processor and ram arrived today.
It may be of interest to others that the current fastest Futuremark 3D06 is with an ASUS board.
32,601 3DMarks
ASUS P5E64 WS PRO.
iNTEL CORE 2 EXTREME QX9650
Vista of course.
CPU speed 5.707
GPU ATI Radeon HD 3870X2
2GB memory.
You will remember that I was only getting about 13,000 3D marks with the E6550 and 2x 8800GT cards. ( but older 650i chip).
Futuremark has updated to Advantage now, with better engine and tighter tests, and the results are more to the higher graphics available. Mind you the fastest marks were acheived by professionals.
I have had several ASUS mobos and found them great to work with,a big improvement on the old ABIT board.
Hope this will be of some interest to others.
cheers
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I wouldn't get too fussed about 3DMark scores, computers and complicated machines that excel differently in all sorts of areas and really can't be reduced down to a single number. Those that get high scores on 3DMark like that probably don't have a better system at all, just very good at running 1 benchmark for 10 minutes.
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Should have all the pieces in next couple of days. Will give you some input when I get this lot together.
cheers
ps. memory received is Corsair XMS ddr2. 2x1gb 1024-6400 matching pair,
500GB SATA hard drive + ThermalTake PSU arrived today 15/5/08 just waiting on MOBO tomorrow
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;D After a long weekend of work , I finally got to put part of this project together. Only got one card (8800gt) installed. Extremely quiet on stock settings. Downloading at 1.3MB on most files. Vista 64 bit Ultimate. (so easy to install). Still working on updates before adding extra 8800GT card and running SLI. More info as it happens. Not much room if you decided to run 3 cards in SLI especially if cards have heat sink and fan built on.
Will add extra card and possible OC a little at a time and post some results.
Let me finish updating and I`ll post soonest.
cheers
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OMG...........Tex is turning into a computer geek :D
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OMG...........Tex is turning into a computer geek :D
;D Just an old mans hobby. Would never have got this far without the great help offered by other members.
cheers
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I'm glad you decided to go with the 64bit version. I think it's better to start moving toward 64bit these days and as Quantum said it can handle larger amounts of RAM much more efficiently. The 9 series geforces are a complete waste in my opinion.
The 9800 GTX doesn't even outperform the 8800GTX in some of the tests. Nvidia really screwed up their whole numbering system. The 9800 GX2 really should have been an 8900 GX2. Why they never had an 8900 I don't know. It's good to see you got an 8800GT though, that's a damn good card.
I guess mass production variables come into play a lot with motherboards. I had a lot of problems with Gigabyte's top of the line models back in 04. I have heard some good things about gigabyte but I don't see what people saw in them. Their customer service is horrible too and I ended up having a totally dead board, waste of money. I switched over to Asus and I've been using Asus mobos in all machines since. Never had a problem once and I also recommended it to three of my friends who are all new system builders and love them.
Corsair is my favorite RAM. I have always used corsair and right now I'm also using the DDR2-6400 XMS pairs (DDR2-800Mhz).
By defauly my board had the RAM set to 533Mhz to be in 1:2 ratio with my 1066FSB. I had to manually change the RAM over to 800Mhz. I would just double check that your ram is running at full capacity. I also had to change an option for my system to utilitze all 4 gigs of my RAM.
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I'm glad you decided to go with the 64bit version. I think it's better to start moving toward 64bit these days and as Quantum said it can handle larger amounts of RAM much more efficiently. The 9 series geforces are a complete waste in my opinion.
The 9800 GTX doesn't even outperform the 8800GTX in some of the tests. Nvidia really screwed up their whole numbering system. The 9800 GX2 really should have been an 8900 GX2. Why they never had an 8900 I don't know. It's good to see you got an 8800GT though, that's a damn good card.
The 9000 series really started with the 8800GT, but they still wanted people to buy the left over bulk of their 8800 cards so they called it an 8800.
I really hate the phrase of "x doesn't even out perform y in specific test z". Certain Pentium 4's out perform Intel's latest Quad Core offerings in certain tests, this is the nature of modern chip design.
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But that also means that P4 is better than a quad core for certain applications. My computer before this was a 3.6Ghz P4, and now I have the QX6700 (2.66 quad core)
Was my old computer faster than this one sometimes? Yes! If I am going to buy a new product then I want it to be faster in every nature. I got a quad core so I can do more multitasking, but I still wish I had waited until the processor speeds got up a little higher.
I do agree the 8800GT should really be a 9 series considering the design of the GPU. I think it's stupid to buy a 9800GTX over an 8800GTX though, simply because the 8800GTX can do most of what the 9800GTX can.
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;D Did like the P4. seemed to run pretty decent with good card.
Presently running Q6600 Quad on XFX Nvidia 780i Sli Mobo(can run 3 cards in SLI) Running 2x8800GTcards in SLI, 2x1GB Corsair black heat shield 800 mem.
Have slightly Overclocked CPU to 2.65GHZ and cards from 600/900 to 650/946. Havent needed to adjust voltages as Thermal Take 750 w has a built in 20% +/- tolerance built in.Runs from 1.36 v up to 1.46v. Futuremark 3D bench marks over 14,500. But having some slight problems with nvidia graphic card drivers which sometimes quits and recovers during testing on Futuremark. Have submitted details for better Ram.
It maybe that nvidia needs to do more work on drivers for Vista 64 Ultimate.
Using PC as I type
cheers
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sounds good. Yeah PC6400 (800Mhz) is not a bad deal but you could use 4 gigs man. 2 is just not cutting it these days.
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sounds good. Yeah PC6400 (800Mhz) is not a bad deal but you could use 4 gigs man. 2 is just not cutting it these days.
Stole some ram from other PC. Now running 2x2GB. Mobo FSB at 1333 and memory at 990. Slightly upped GPU on 8800GT SLI to 663/940. Dont even have a chance to get my finger off the keys before process is complete. Graphics are excellent. Perhaps Quantum can advise me before I start a game ,which came with Mobo. Ghost Recon advanced warfighter. Not sure if this game has any stress levels on my PC. CPU running at 3.0GHZ (The fans are running ,lol) Temps not a problem
cheers
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sounds good. Yeah PC6400 (800Mhz) is not a bad deal but you could use 4 gigs man. 2 is just not cutting it these days.
Stole some ram from other PC. Now running 2x2GB. Mobo FSB at 1333 and memory at 990. Slightly upped GPU on 8800GT SLI to 663/940. Dont even have a chance to get my finger off the keys before process is complete. Graphics are excellent. Perhaps Quantum can advise me before I start a game ,which came with Mobo. Ghost Recon advanced warfighter. Not sure if this game has any stress levels on my PC. CPU running at 3.0GHZ (The fans are running ,lol) Temps not a problem
cheers
Huh... games that come with components don't tend to stress those components on purpose so you think you've got good stuff.
The only good game I've ever seen come with anything is the Half-Life games with ATi cards, but ATi cards always performed spectacularly on Half-Life and Half-Life 2 series and they've never been stressful games anyway.
If you want pretty:
Crysis
Call of Duty 4 (How cinematic and how well voice acted this is is amazing)
Oblivion still stresses cards out on maximum settings, especially get texture mods and tweaks to improve the graphics a lot!
Unreal Tournament III is unlikely to stress your set-up on maximum settings but will look very pretty!
I highly suggest any of the Orange Box games for an enjoyable gaming experience. If you like the concept of puzzling solving in games, get Portal! It's about the best game of recent times, and it looks so pretty and so clean in maximum settings with 16 x AA, very very funny game as well.
One of the beauty of such a powerful system isn't always playing new games, but going back to 2 - 3 year old games and breathing new life in to them by playing them on super high settings with a fantastic frame rate. The game F.E.A.R plays like a cross between a traditional FPS and Japanese Horror movie, absolutely fantastic in high graphics if you're in to that sort of thing.
Edit: Oh and apparently the new Tomb Raider games (Legend and Anniversary) are supposed to be really good, with British voice actors and a lot of British sense of humour involved.
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;D Just happen to have Tomb Raider Anniversary.lol Full version, came with Mobo. More familiar with this game since daughter was always on the previous versions. No wonder she was trying to steal from me. >:D. It says 16+ moderate violence, so I guess I can try. Finding better Graphics and speed when I lower multiplier from 9 to 8 and increaseFSB and Mem. Still having occasional shut downs due to display driver nviddmkm but always recovers during benchmark testing. Still playing with various settings and no doubt I will find the best one for the set up.. CPU figures are well above average, its the graphics I have to sort out.
TKS
cheers
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;D Just happen to have Tomb Raider Anniversary.lol Full version, came with Mobo. More familiar with this game since daughter was always on the previous versions. No wonder she was trying to steal from me. >:D. It says 16+ moderate violence, so I guess I can try. Finding better Graphics and speed when I lower multiplier from 9 to 8 and increaseFSB and Mem. Still having occasional shut downs due to display driver nviddmkm but always recovers during benchmark testing. Still playing with various settings and no doubt I will find the best one for the set up.. CPU figures are well above average, its the graphics I have to sort out.
TKS
cheers
Yeah, that's entirely expected, low multiplier and high FSB means you have more memory bandwidth, this would affect current generation Intel CPUs more than it would AMD or Intel's neg gen CPUs (Nehalem), because basically they both get rid of the FSB.
Speaking of which we have finally seen some early benchmarks on Nehalem: http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/intel/showdoc.aspx?i=3326
Unless AMD can keep up, looks like I might have to switch at some point, they've basically taken everything that gives AMD an advantage and added it to their architecture.
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Hey Tex, what ever you do don't get one of these, I hear there kinda small and over priced ....
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk15/fuzzytomcat/computer_parts_01.jpg)
;D
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;D Have 3 0f those running at present. Not much improvement over standard, and they tend to be very noisy under load.lol.
Now I need some help from those of you running nvidia Mobo`s,
Ntune is a standard extra that comes on disk with mobo. It is an excellent tool for OC especially on GPU core/mem settings (mind you have to check various websites for professional bench mark info), It has always worked well for me and seems to be getting better. Even though using setup at boot uses correct FSB/CPU settings and performance is as it should be for the settings. Ntune does now not show any info on mem/fsb/mobo etc. Shows only CPU cores and GPU settings.
The following is now showing.
FSB -1#10 mhz
FSB Freq -1#10 mhz
CPU multiplier 0.0x
CPU Core Freq -1#10 mhz
Mem Bus Freq -1#10 DDR MHZ
Have tried uninstall/install Ntune but no change. Does not affect performance and PC running normally.
Must be a setting I have missed.
If anyone has any thoughts it would be appreciated.
cheers
PS. 3d/cpu marks on futuremark o6 getting up to 16,000 without much stress on CPU or temps.
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;D After doing my own thing, I have answered my own question. Went into nvidia website for latest ntune, unistall present version , and install latest.
Shows me running FSB1,575 CPU at 3.125 (stock 2.44GHZ),mem bus @1182. So reducing some figures to 2.8 for CPU,mem 1333mhz and keeping standard settings for GPU 600/900. graphics excellent .Ghost Recon seemed to be a stumbling block. So next step is Tomb Raider Anniversary >:D
cheers
Gonna put extra fan into side panel to blow on CPU/Graphics cards.
Maybe I`ll get it right before they put me into nursing home.lol
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;D just a little note. Am presently running CPU 3.015GHZ (stock 2.4GHZ) FSB 1340, FSB Clock 335MHZ X9, GPU Core 656MHZ, MEM 933MHZ.
All is stable even running stability test for 1 hour. Temps around the 48C mark but fans seem to be doing their job and very rarely above this unless testing a benchmark on Futuremark Advantage. Still some room to up CPU, but why do too much more when the speed and graphics are great.
cheers
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Awesome ;D sounds like you've had a lot of fun doing that. Getting your computer finely tuned to it's optimum is a lot of fun.
You looking in to these new PhysX drivers? Should be able to make a real jump in your 3DMark performance http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/Nvidia-PhysX,news-28597.html
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Awesome ;D sounds like you've had a lot of fun doing that. Getting your computer finely tuned to it's optimum is a lot of fun.
You looking in to these new PhysX drivers? Should be able to make a real jump in your 3DMark performance http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/Nvidia-PhysX,news-28597.html
Good thoughts Quantum, Link does not redirect to nvidia updates but sends you to music download site.
Checked on nvidia web site. Nothing new as yet.
cheers
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Guess they changed the links, still keep an ear to the tech news, might be useful.
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Correct again Quantum, nvidia have released top of the line GPU cards GeForce 260 and 280. Look very impressive for any gamers out there. Sorry forgot to post link,but info on nvidia web site. Checking on prices.
cheers
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Correct again Quantum, nvidia have released top of the line GPU cards GeForce 260 and 280. Look very impressive for any gamers out there. Sorry forgot to post link,but info on nvidia web site. Checking on prices.
cheers
They're good on performance, but not so good on the price/performance ratio, the GTX280 occasionally gets outperformed by the 9800GX2 which is £80 less and also occasionally gets outperformed by AMDs new 4870 which considerably less!
AMDs 4850 and 4870 are blowing away nvidia's line-up on price/performance ratio and there's talk of a super-4870 and the 4870 X2 comes out in less than a month. This with nvidia's defective laptop GPUs that they announced today, has make nvidia's stock take a nose dive. Looks like the GPU market will once again be extremely competitive by the end of this year, AMD is getting a big enough leg up to take nvidia on again seriously, with Intel jumping in the GPU bandwagon in the next couple of years it should make a very promising experience for consumers.
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Time to start over ...
(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk15/fuzzytomcat/smashedComputer.jpg)
;D
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If that was the monitor and keyboard to that computer I'd tell tex to do that anyway :P
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I think there could be a conspiracy theory here... Where is the other part of the keyboard? remember the plane that "flew" into the Pentagon..... No wings or back end of a plane for how big it was supposed to be....