Looking to upgrade video card. Created 17 years ago2007-09-15 02:09:02 UTC by Tetsu0

ok. note taken
thanks for the info.

I know they use the exact same parts Dave, but due to their strict quality control, they may spend more time comparing setups to see which ones work best. Not that anybody else couldn't do this as well, it's just less likely any one person would have the resources to test so many configurations.

For example, pairing up different RAM DIMMs with a motherboard may yield different results, but the average person isn't going to go and buy 20 brands to compare them.

Don't take this the wrong way, I'm a huge proponent of homebuilt computers, I'm just saying that those expensive gaming machines do have their place, and they aren't all bad. They're just out of reach for most.

You know what? If RAM causes UT3 to run 3% slower, but the whole machine costs $1400 more because of this fairy-tale QA, I'll take the sacrifice. If it's defective, I can buy another bunch of parts, and still pay less than if I went with Dell (lol), Alienware (lmao), or Voodoo (roflmao).

OEM gaming computers are for people who know nothing about building their own computer, calling up a local place, or calling up a friend. Kinda like Norton AV users.

@Srry: Ok, then. Just use pre-builts for reference, then build it yourself.

heyy.. i use norton AV....
haha. you guys have seriously been a huge help.
i know i'm not going to buy any parts for this computer for years, so im not even going to start researching it because by the time i can afford all the parts and such the machine will be out of sate and therefore not worth it.

Tetsu0, if you replace Norton, your computer will have a massive jump in performance.

i only let it start when i want to scan my system. other than that i have no reason to get viruses.
I google for computer parts, go on twhl, facebook, and yahoo for email.

havent had a virus myself in years. the occasional tracking cookie that adaware picks up, bu other than that, the way one browses the internet has a huge impact on whether or not system cleaning tools are required.

thats the way i think anyway.

Dave, when I said...

By the way, ever heard of the rumor that OEM parts are lower quality and lower performing than their retail counterparts? There's a significant price difference between the two, and most people end up going for the OEM version because of this...

...I was referring to something entirely different. I was talking about the difference between OEM and retail branded parts, not whole computers. I don't even know WTF an OEM computer would be.

OEM = ?

Original Equipment Manufacturer. You'll see parts branded as OEM on places like Newegg, along with their regular and higher priced "retail" versions. These parts aren't available in stores, because they contain minimal packaging and usually no instructions of any kind. It's usually just a cardboard box with some bubble wrap.

Because of this, they're priced lower (usually by about 10-20 dollars), but I've read before that they also don't perform as well. For something like CPUs, where they aren't all created equal, this makes a difference.

BUMP!
sorry, but i didn't see the reason for making a new thread, and this is pretty much on topic anyway

So i have been browsing the net for ram lately and i stumbled upon crucial.com which i guess is recommended from a bunch of tech forums...

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Dimension%204600

so it says in one of the drop-down FAQ lists that I have to install matching pairs of RAM Sticks in my computer

I bought a 1 gig stick of ram and paired it with a 512 stick.

Will this hinder my performance at all or does it really not matter?

Uh... correct me if I'm wrong, but you can only use RAM sticks with matching capacity. So yeah, that'll probably show up as 1 gig or not at all.

Well, I dunno how this works in dell machines, but I have a 512 and a 256 stick in my beast, and it works perfectly. What's really important, is to have sticks running on the same speed (Mhz), and if the manufacturers are the same, that doesn't hurt either. But I guess these problems are out of the question in your situation.

They'll both work, as far as I know.

You're thinking of speeds. A PC3200 stick wont necessarily run as fast as it should when paired with a PC2700 stick. They'll both just run at 2700.

I'm sure that's what the site meant by matching pairs.

oh so just same speeds not necessarily same memory amount?

no. matching pairs are an old idea, these days you can use anything. just don't plug them into the same channel if your motherboard has dual channel, because they should be identical (size & speed) for dual channel to function properly. read the mobo manual and it should tell you if any slots are on the same channel.

edit: since it wasn't actually explained, matching pairs is basically buying a kit (for example, 2GB kit = 2x1GB sticks) and using that. its "highly recommended" for dual channel, but these days you dont need it to run normally. if you dont know about dual channel, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_channel

basically, i think everyone here is talking about dual channel. it is unstable with different sized chips, and runs slower with different speeds. not using dua channel means the sticks will run independently, at their clock speeds.

Ahh i see.. where would i find the manual? Online somewhere i presume? I don't think i got any documentation on it

And i was putting some thought as to which parts i would like in my next computer and i thought of an idea. let me know what you guys think.

My thoughts were to go to dell.com or alienware.com or whatever, and use their site to build the PC that i want for like.. $5,000. Then i'll just take a list of all the parts, order them separately, and i should save a shitton of money right?

^ read my edit too.

i wouldn't do that dell idea. if you're ordering from that fancy newegg site that you americans have access to, you have a much much wider selection of parts to look at. i think i've said it before, but when you're ready jump on IRC when i'm on and say how much you want to spend, and i can point out some recommended parts.

Give it 1 month for the 8800GT to come out, then make your decision based on what the benchmarks for that are, thats what Im doing (7600GT right now)

Dual channel is just a performance bump. You don't need matching pairs if you want to save a buck.

Thanks penguinboy!
It wont be for another few months once i get my education/ money situation all figured out.

I definitly want top of the line equipment for a pretty reasonable price

there is always the fact though, thats new stuff is shit expensive, but by the time prices are down AT ALL, there are 5 new better products out. they're constantly getting new stuff...

But really, get what you need, then upgrade as much as possible again every 1-3 years (depends where you sit as far as yearly income)

BUMP!!

Sorry

But i feel this link is necessary, and on topic enough.

http://www.build-your-own-computers.com/build-a-gaming-pc.html

Anyone think that's a reasonable idea to consider?

Or even this : http://www.shopl2.com/Gaming-p/glvl1.htm
I dont think it's a rip-off at all

build it yourself, that first link is too outdated to be useful.

[EDIT] I just noticed that this thread was a bit old, you've probably fixed all this by now

I'm using a Dell, albeit a newer one. You need to check a few things before you go on a shopping spree.

1. The PSU. Dell's standard psu isn't that powerful, I had to switch mine for a storebought 520W.

2. Mobo layout. For some reason known only to the geniuses at Dell HQ, my gpu slot is inverted. What that means is that I can't use dual slot cards (the ones with massive coolers) because the cards point upwards, making the card "hit" the cpu cooler. You might want to check if that's the case for you as well.

3. Download CPU-Z to check what kind of ram/gpu/mobo/poo you have.

Good luck!

8800GT. Better than a GTS, but around 200-250 bucks.

EDIT: I read a bit, and apparently Nvidea increased the Stream processors on the GTs just enough to keep it better than the GT. Still, the GT, from the reviews I have read, runs wonderfully.

Here's one review.

I have never heard of that, last week I bought an XfX Geforce 8800GT 512mb ram, 620mhz core. Runs everything like a dream (except that damn crysis game, only gets 25fps with everything maxed)...but if they upped the GTS, it will be hard to find one, everyone will sell the old ones first.

Anyways, about the PSU, I have a 420watt Antec, and it runs everything awesome. I was worried about wattage, however if you dont buy a crappy one, your good to go, what matters for video cards is the AMPS anyways. I've got a Pentium D 3.2ghz, 1 Sata HD, 2 DVD Drives, and the extra plug for the mobo/video card.

yeah the newer GT's are better than the GTS's. i got a GTS, its going great.

Yeah... I read a review of the new GTs in which they ran very close to a GTX! - and for about half the price

Ok so go with a GT i presume?
What's the latest model and does anyone know if a new one is in the works

The 9800GTX.

Supposedly it'll be able to run Crysis at medium settings.

I lol'd.

And yeah Tetsu0, go with the GT. It's reportedly one of the best hardware deals ever in the history of computers.

lol medium? what can run it at maximum. or does such a card not exist yet?
and what's the best bet? dual card layout or a REALLY REALLY good single one