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[MaxBeta]

I thought I would start a thread so I could discuss a current project I'm working on..with includes building (all components) a new "primary" PC for myself.

Everyone is welcome to chime in..with opinions and experiences, as doing this sort of task has been a reoccurring process ever since I started using PC's..and even before they were recognized, or called PC's.  ..well enough about my age.

What provoked this latest project..?  Simply put, my LAN that I've used for several years (4) PC's and My personal gaming PC.. plus my Laptop..I could make a six MP session work fairly well.  Problem..I need to upgrade most all of the PCs..faster CPUs and faster (matching) Ram configs, so the current games have fewer issues. 

This means most MoBo exchanges and just Ram, along with current graphics cards (DX10 compliant).  In some cases this require PSU upgrades..were the PC is under the 450watt threshold...in my case this means 4 650watt PSU's will be replacing all the current boxes.

Now..I think everyone will understand why I called this a "project."

So while I'm collecting all these components..I thought I might as well "replace" my current PC..my sis bought me a new Laptop for Xmas..which has done remarkably well..for being a Dell..now just because those two words rhyme, I'm in no way hawking the D-Label.

The following is a Primary List for my new PC.. some items may change, availability..or the time or method it takes to acquire the component.

• CPU: Intel X6800 Core 2 Extreme
• Corsair Dominator XMS2-10000 4GB
• PSU: OCZ GameXStream 700W
• HDD: WD Raptor 2X 150GB , 1x 750 GB Seagate
• Asus Striker Extreme Nvidia nForce 680i Motherboard
• Model-Asus EN8800GTX/HTDP/768M -XFX 8800 GTX

The DvD/CDR/W's and CD devices will be be whatever I can find locally..Best Buy or Fry's.

note: My current PC case is a Nexus NX-5000, which will upgrade to the increased wattage PSU, and has sufficient housing for all the components.

This will be my first nVidia based PC for awhile..I've used ATI exclusively for several years, and no real gripes..as the issues in general are attributed to the state of the drivers no matter whose Graphic card is inside the box.

If there's any major changes to this project, I'll update to the current status as it progresses.

[Sandra]

What a great idea Max!!
Although I haven't the tech savvy to contibute, I will most certainly keep up with this project as I'm thinking of getting a local computer retailer to build one to my specs, and that's where you come in---I'll nick your list

[Lengo]

Kee rhyme inn-ee!! Save some money! Here's how

IBM XT with 64 KB ram
Seagate 6 Mb hard drive
EGA graphics card with 16 KB memory
101 Key keyboard
2400 Baud dial-up modem
mouse
DOS 6.01

You'll be set for a long time!

DO YOU REALLY NEED ALL THAT EXPENSIVE HARDWARE?

What you really need is a vacuum cleaner, some Windex, some paper towels, and Glade furniture polish. Then you can really clean up!

Some people are so spoiled! 

[MaxBeta]

  Ahh Lengo.. I still have on of those XT's.. not an a true IBM...remember those "clone" years.. Yeah, one of those..built right here in Eugeneland..around 84ish I think.  I was working in Hillsboro then...DRAM was being outsources..microprocessors became Intel's production leader. You could spent 3 to 4K on one of those boxes back then.  So today's price factoring inflation any configuration of a PC is practically a steal for what you get in comparison.

Just for the record..I do this major build about every two years..I do put a massive amount of mileage on my personal PC.  So every month I "contribute" to my next PC..and it takes that long (2 yrs) to accumulate enough to make it happen...without disrupting my budget.

Yes, I'm spoiled..but still shop at Dollar stores..flea markets..I love what a perceive as a good deal..been called "cheap".  My neighbors claim they can here my pennies n nickels screaming two blocks away.   

Building a new PC has become a routine.. I gripe about whatever misgivings I find it them while they are in use.. I will upgrade graphics cards..if something come along that is amazingly better.  Plus I have no problem replacing Dead HDD's or other broken components.

[Sandra]

I AM SPOILED
I must have my new PC when it's time to buy one, I don't mind saving a few quid here and there, but ultimately, a shiny new computer is what I want
_{The one-eyed cyclops know what I mean}

[MaxBeta]

<update>  During my shopping for RAM, I bumped into a comparable item.  Here's the info.

OCZ EL DDR2 PC2-8800 / 1100MHz / Gold Edition 
The OCZ PC2-8800 Gold Edition is "optimized" to match your system specs

The nice thing with Ram the price has found some parity..so which ever one seems to be the better performer..gets the call.

On the Hard drives... I wanted to tell my nephews that I had a Terabyte of HDD capacity..though I rarely use 50% of my primary HDD anymore.  But the Seagate isn't a true high end performer, so came the decision to have 2 WD Raptors.. for Primary,and the other exclusively for games, the 3rd HD for Backup and Storage.

The Asus Striker Extreme Nvidia nForce 680i Motherboard..offers this spec for Ram/memory
Dual channel memory architecture

4 x DIMM, max. 8GB, DDR2-800/667/533, non-ECC and un-buffered memory
SLI-Ready Memory @ 1200MHz

It might take awhile to find 2GB single Ram sticks..to max out the 8GB capacity..I'm settling for 4GB initially.

[Sandra]

Thanks for reporting in Max
those motherboard specs look pretty formidable, can I get this in the UK, it's not something I've given a lot of thought to, I just buy a (hopefully) good PC and play--
But I like the sound of 8MB of Ram
When I find what I'm looking for(cue for a song)I'll post the specs and you can tell me if it's ok
if you don't mind that is

[MaxBeta]

  Actually I felt a little arm twisting going on when I researched the motherboard. It is a great performer and will be "prepared" for graphics that are of the same genre...just in case I decide to try SLI..everything is tuned for it.  My welcome back to Nvidia all in one package..

Now that I've started..my nephews have decided they want one too.. so much for a relaxing hobby during retirement.   hehe

[Sandra]

Ah but it's something you enjoy doing Max, that in itself makes retirement worthwhile
I have an ATI graphic card, I have to say I don't like ATI
I much prefer Nvidia,
 my next PC will have Nvidia.