Attention Slim Shady Options

[M@ster of Dis@ster]

I've been thrust into needing to get a new computer too, as my current system is limping a little after the driver directory got corrupted. I could fix be re-installing XP, but I figure turn a crisis into and opportunity and finally get the computer I had been putting off.

So anyway, here's what I slapped together at www.pccanada.com and ordered tonite. Just posting it here for you to compare. Researched the parts all day long, specific attention given to the video card, power supply, case, and hard drive (all reviewed very well). Also attention given to motherboard and RAM to ensure compatibility. Motherboard notable because it should be able to handle the next generation processor, assuming no new socket change.

This would qualify as a high end unit. The video card is wicked expensive, but I broke down and went for the best (well, 2nd best, but just barely). As a SLI system, I should be able to add another one in the future when the price is more reasonable.

Of note, I didn't need EVERYTHING, as I have a huge HD already (the 74GB I ordered will be where my OS and general apps will reside), and nice keyboard/mouse. Otherwise, basically everything you ned to make a killer system is here. Total cost was pretty much exactly $2000, which includes shipping and insurance.

Don't know if this will be of any help, perhaps it's above what you might be looking at, or maybe it will give you some good ideas. Anyway, good luck.

[steel]

Looks great. Good going too on the beefy power supply.

FYI, I have that 74GB 10,000 RPM Raptor HD. It really doesn't seem faster than the 300GB Seagate sata drive that I also have in my computer and also the Raptor is a bit noisier (louder chatters when it accesses).

[M@ster of Dis@ster]

Looks great. Good going too on the beefy power supply.

FYI, I have that 74GB 10,000 RPM Raptor HD. It really doesn't seem faster than the 300GB Seagate sata drive that I also have in my computer and also the Raptor is a bit noisier (louder chatters when it accesses).

Well, here's my theory. Use the following page for reference.

http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=2922&p=5

In terms of noise, it is almost the exact same as the WD 500GB I already have and will be using. So, given that, I figure the noise issue is moot since I already have an equally noisy HD. I guess that sucks, but I'm used to it.

Ont the other hand...

http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=2922&p=7

http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=2922&p=8

It really seems to do well in these benchmarks (the red one). So I'm fairly confident I should see a decent speed advantage over most drives. Daily tasks I probably won't notice it, but loading a new map in COD I might be one of the first in. Of note, the WD 750GB 7200RPM drive was quite close to it's speed in another review (basically, the review said it was the fastest 7,200 RPM drive they tested), but I'll wait for now for the price to drop and eventually buy it to replace my 500GB drive.

Oh, btw, I'm not a shill for WD. I buy any drive that's priced right or performs right. Jut seems WD is the way to go recently, for me at least.

Anyway, thanks for the heads up nonetheless. I checked the sound chart again to make sure I was right that it's about the same as my current drive noise level. For you, you're right to notice a difference. The noise level between your Seagate and WD is a difference of 3-5 decibels (assuming you have that 320GM Seagate listed).

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Also, for any Americans reading, don't pay too much attention to the prices. This is Canada, products like this are a little more expensive here, but our median average incomes are higher in our dollars.

This post has been edited by M@ster of Dis@ster: 08/05/07 9:17am