Dude! Neal's getting a Dell!

[Onkel Neal]

Intel Core i7-920 Processor, what's this? Does it supercede the Dual core/Quad core? Would this PC be a good choice? (http://shop2.frys.com/product/5807163)

http://images.frys.com/art/product/big_shots/5807163.big.jpg


Pros? Cons?

.

[AVGWarhawk]

I7 is the newest core and is very fast. You should have no issues with this core. The issues I see with FX series is poor cooling and cheap cases. The innards of this computer are the usual stuff you find in all computers so no problem there. You will probably find cooling sucks with this case. If you can, go to Best Buy. They carry these. Look it over. I was not impressed with case and cooling. Also, check the PSU. Probably too weak and no name brand. Can you post the specs of this machine?

LukeFF just got the I7. No complaints.

[AVGWarhawk]

I found the specs on this machine. All good stuff. Nice reviews. My only grips, crappy case. Cooling is not great and feels cheap. PSU is not powerful enough IMO. If I were making this purchase I would look into a better PSU and case combo. Usually the case combos come with larger fans.

I also priced this same set up at Cyberpower. Obviously the case is top notch for cooling and I picked out a 650 watt PSU. The hard drive was 500 MB where the one you are looking at is 750MB. For a few bucks more you could get the 750MB at Cyberpower. I also chose the 64 bit Vista OS. Cost before shipping when I was done was $1125.00.

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Intel_Core_i7_Configurator/

Toy around with it and weigh your desires and options. I studied all of this for weeks before I dropped the money on my current computer. :up:

[Onkel Neal]

Thanks for the feedback.

It has come down to the Gateway or the Dell XPS 630 with the Intel Core2 E8400 (6MB,3.0 GHz, 1333FSB). (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2269812,00.asp)

Man, I've been putting this new buy off for 2 years... I'm so close to just saying the heck with it and getting something. Anything will be better than my 2001 P4 2.4 with 1GB RAM :doh:

[Onkel Neal]

Finger....over....BUY....button.....must....resist .....:shifty:

Another Dell XPS630 review (http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/dell-xps-630/4505-3118_7-32865535.html)... looking good:ping:

[Zachstar]

Neal if you are going to be spending a thousand dollars would you please consider doing a home build and letting us talk you though it?

For a thousand dollars you can put together a nice little (And by little I mean the low end of monster) Core i7 PC

You want Core i7 What makes it powerful is not the speed but how it is built and the sheer number of stuff it can do per cycle. Games that take advantage of it will easily be able to play games for the next 4-5 years atleast. Assuming gradual update of video card every 2 years or so.

[AVGWarhawk]

That old P4 does not owe you anything. She is ready for menial tasks like web browsing only.

Anyway, both computers are nice. Both will lighting fast compared to what you have currently. A couple of things. 64 bit can us up to 8 gigs of RAM. I see the Dell is offering only 2 gigs of RAM. I would go no less than 3 but recommend 4 gigs RAM. If you take a look at the Dell's case note the open cooling vent. Heat kills computers. Dell apparently understands this judging by the case were Gateway was more interested in putting bright orange color strips on the case and not a cooling vent. Also, the Dell looks much cooler:D

BTW, the link above for Cyberpower. The price I got by customizing the i7 included the EVGA 9800 GT 512mb vid card and 4 gigs of RAM with all the other goodies at the cost noted above. Here with the Dell, 2 gig of RAM and a 8800GT vid card. Price, $1200.00+. So you see, bang for the buck.

I think if you swing by Best Buy and really look over the Gateway you will see that it is just not that great. At least to me it was not great. Just felt like it would not last. If that is the case, then you have eliminated a contender.

[Bill Nichols]

Go with the Dell. I've had four and was happy with every one. Their XPS service & support can't be beat.
Also, up the RAM as AVGWarhawk suggests, RAM is cheap and is the best bang-for-the-buck to improve performance.

[Onkel Neal]

Ok, that's good food for thought, thanks. I have had two Gateways, but I bought them back when to company made them to order, like Dell. Sadly, I learned a few months ago that Gateway no longer offers this service. They all must be bought in stores, pre-configged... :(

The Dell I set up on their webpage has 4GB RAM, and comes with WinXP and a free upgrade to Vista.

XPS 630 Qty 1 Intel® Core™2 E8400 (6MB,3.0 GHz, 1333FSB),
Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate BonusUnit Price $1,344.00
Estimated Delivery Date 3/16/2009 https://si.cdn.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gif
Save $145 on this Dell XPS 630 Desktop!
Expires Thursday, April 30, 2009 - $145.00 https://si.cdn.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gifhttps://si.cdn.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gifNo interest for 12 months on XPS and Studio XPS systems!
Limited Time Offer! https://si.cdn.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gif
XPS 630Intel® Core™2 E8400 (6MB,3.0 GHz, 1333FSB)
Operating SystemGenuine Windows Vista® Ultimate BonusSystem
ColorBlack Bezel Chassis
Memory4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 4 DIMMs
Video CardSLi, Dual nVidia GeForce 9800GT
512MBHard Drive500GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache
MultiDrive: 16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability

This machine has a lot of good reviews, and a few Editor's Choice awards.

Zach, thanks for the i7 core info, I don't think this PC has that option, I'm checking now. I wish I could build one, thanks for the offer of help, just don't have time.

I've completed the order info, and am sitting here looking at the Submit Order button....:rotfl:

[Bill Nichols]

Push the button.

[AVGWarhawk]

Just don't push the RED one! Nice pick you made Neal. You will love it. :yeah:

[Onkel Neal]

All I needed was an enabler:D

Thank you
NEAL
For choosing Dell
Your order has been submitted
https://si.cdn.dell.com/images/global/buttons/dell_brownbox_66x57.jpg


OMG! A new computer!:timeout:

[AVGWarhawk]

What I like about your pick is the 9800gt. I have one and love it! You will too!:up:

[Zachstar]

Now all we need is SH5 to go with it.

[CaptainHaplo]

Heck if I had known a bit ago you were thinking this route, I could have put together a box for you for less cost and just let you pay for the parts and shipping. Oh well, in this case - at least you went the right direction - the Dell.

[Onkel Neal]

Now all we need is SH5 to go with it.

We? :O:

[gandalf71]

THAT!!! is called a stimulus package!:yeah:

Good Buy!

And the local power station will also increase their business volume :har:

Cheers,
Michael

[Quillan]

In the last year I've built two computers with the E8400 processor, and I have zero complaints about it.

[Dimitrius07]

XPS 630Intel® Core™2 E8400 (6MB,3.0 GHz, 1333FSB)
Operating SystemGenuine Windows Vista® Ultimate BonusSystem
ColorBlack Bezel Chassis
Memory4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 4 DIMMs
Video CardSLi, Dual nVidia GeForce 9800GT
512MBHard Drive500GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache
MultiDrive: 16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability

I have almost the same configuration system. A very good toy :up:.

[Onkel Neal]

Thanks for the feedback. I am really looking forward to this. I think I got my money out of my 2002 PC. (I said somewhere else 2001, I don't think it's THAT old, lol).

I suppose the easiest way to transfer files from my current HD, I can stick my current hard drive into an empty bay on the new PC, set is as slave, and move the files that way.

OT: I am reading War Without End, a book about Israel and Palestine.:shucks:

[Task Force]

Same processer I have.:yep: Works well.

I wish I had a set of 9800gts. I just have 1 8800gts 640mb.:shifty:

[NeonSamurai]

:nope: Neal... you should have called and negotiated with Dell. I recently ordered a studio xps 16 laptop and pretty much cut them down almost to cost, got about 250$ extra in savings including free 5.1 x-540 speakers and 50% off my next battery purchase (as i need a 9 cell but they don't got them yet). And that was on a system that was already discounted by about 500$ from their base list system. It did take 2 hours on the phone and talking to the manager a few times to get it.

Anyhow looks like it will be a good build.

[AVGWarhawk]

I suppose the easiest way to transfer files from my current HD, I can stick my current hard drive into an empty bay on the new PC, set is as slave, and move the files that way.

Need to watch. Your new drive will be SATA and have a different connector than the drive in your old computer which is probably a IDE connector. SATA is a better/faster drive. Anyway, your PSU on the new computer may not have the correct connector for an older IDE drive. I know you got a new 1TB external drive. Before I would crack open the new computer and pulling wires:o I would consider transfering your files to the external drive and then move to your new computer.

:shifty: If something goes wrong Dell might ask just WTH you were doing inside the machine and then decline any warranty claim for repairs/replacement.

[stabiz]

Yup, dont go inside a computer unless you know what you are doing or have someone close by who knows.:) External drives are getting cheap anyway, and are very handy.

Edit: I have pretty much the same computer, Core 2 Duo E8500, 4GB DDR2 and the ATI HD 4870. A bit more power, but you will run most games maxed out with no problems.

[wetgoat]

OK, now I'm really mad. Just read your post, and almost cried. I've been checking out the same dell setup you just bought. Just as you say, ''got to do something'' Am limping along with the same basic setup as you. 2003 P4 with dinosaur crap all over it ! This machine doesn't even have a start button on it. Has a hand crank like an old tin lizzy. Only advantage this has over a newer machine is that I don't have to worry about power failures, as this thing is a coal burner !:doh: Oh well... Hurry up, tax refund !!!

[longam]

Oh yea, you'll love it Neal. Running 60fps+ in SH4, and this baby is quiet. The case is real impressive and built well for cooling.

I remember my ordering days...

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=144095

[Zayphod]

Thank you
NEAL
For choosing Dell
Your order has been submitted
https://si.cdn.dell.com/images/global/buttons/dell_brownbox_66x57.jpg


<TheGovernment>
Thank you, Neal, for helping to stimulate the economy.
</TheGovernment> :yeah:

[nikimcbee]

Intel Core i7-920 Processor, what's this? Does it supercede the Dual core/Quad core? Would this PC be a good choice? (http://shop2.frys.com/product/5807163)

http://images.frys.com/art/product/big_shots/5807163.big.jpg


Pros? Cons?

.

Pros: Bigger bonus for me= more spending money at subsim shin-dig:hmmm:
Cons: Neal will spend all day playing SH[x] and NOT working on his birthday present.:haha:

[SUBMAN1]

TELL ME YOU DIDN'T BUY A DELL!!!!! Ugghhh!

I also have a POS Dell arriving tomorrow for work that I am so not looking forward too, regardless that its decked out with Nvidia GPU, etc.:doh:

They skimp on everything. Looks nice on paper BS....

-S

[goldorak]

Intel Core i7-920 Processor, what's this? Does it supercede the Dual core/Quad core? Would this PC be a good choice? (http://shop2.frys.com/product/5807163)

http://images.frys.com/art/product/big_shots/5807163.big.jpg


Pros? Cons?

.

Don't buy into the hype for the i7 processors.
These are workstation oriented processors, very fast in multithreaded applications BUT for gaming they are a marginal increase at best and in some cases they even go slower over the fastest Core 2 Quads. If all you do is rendering all day long then yes an i7 is your choice, but for gaming no. You'll just throw $$$$ for no benefit at all.
Take a Core 2 Quad at 3 GHz with 12 MB L2 cache + 4/8 GB of ddr2 ram and you'll have a computer that smokes pretty much everything out there.

[Onkel Neal]

Intel Core i7-920 Processor, what's this? Does it supercede the Dual core/Quad core? Would this PC be a good choice? (http://shop2.frys.com/product/5807163)




Pros? Cons?

.

Don't buy into the hype for the i7 processors.
These are workstation oriented processors, very fast in multithreaded applications BUT for gaming they are a marginal increase at best and in some cases they even go slower over the fastest Core 2 Quads. If all you do is rendering all day long then yes an i7 is your choice, but for gaming no. You'll just throw $$$$ for no benefit at all.
Take a Core 2 Quad at 3 GHz with 12 MB L2 cache + 4/8 GB of ddr2 ram and you'll have a computer that smokes pretty much everything out there.


Thanks, that's sort of the conclusion I came to. That, plus I didn't want to re-learn processors all over again. :doh:

[AVGWarhawk]

TELL ME YOU DIDN'T BUY A DELL!!!!! Ugghhh!

I also have a POS Dell arriving tomorrow for work that I am so not looking forward too, regardless that its decked out with Nvidia GPU, etc.:doh:

They skimp on everything. Looks nice on paper BS....

-S

Just what are you trying to say:har: I use a Dell at work. It runs well and does the job. Neal is getting a Dell dude! :haha: A lot of folks told me not to get Emachine (now Gateway). Many said it was a POS. I have had two of them over the years and both have been great. My daughters are still using the second one! It just keeps cranking along and as many times as I have grounded out the MB on the chassis, it is a wonder it still does.:D I think the Dell Neal purchased will be cool groovy.

[longam]

TELL ME YOU DIDN'T BUY A DELL!!!!! Ugghhh!

I also have a POS Dell arriving tomorrow for work that I am so not looking forward too, regardless that its decked out with Nvidia GPU, etc.:doh:

They skimp on everything. Looks nice on paper BS....

-S
Just what are you trying to say:har: I use a Dell at work. It runs well and does the job. Neal is getting a Dell dude! :haha: A lot of folks told me not to get Emachine (now Gateway). Many said it was a POS. I have had two of them over the years and both have been great. My daughters are still using the second one! It just keeps cranking along and as many times as I have grounded out the MB on the chassis, it is a wonder it still does.:D I think the Dell Neal purchased will be cool groovy.

They don't put much crap on them anymore, the last couple of ones I setup at work were good to go out of the box. Yes they still have the Dell service thing, but that's easy to dump.

[Onkel Neal]

Yeah, I have to go with Dell, being from Texas and all :shucks: I think they give a fair value for the dollar, and since I'm only spending $950, this should be a good value.

The computer is supposed to come with WinXP, and free Vista upgrade. With Windows 7 coming, I may skip Vista. Hopefully Win7 will not be such a system and resource hog.

[Onkel Neal]

The order page and tracking says tomorrow...will be sitting in a lawn chair in the front yard sipping tea and reading Das Boot watching for the FedEx truck...:woot:

http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1612/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1612R-12660.jpg

[AVGWarhawk]

Wonderful. I think you will be amazed at the speed. :yep: Once again, gaming becomes incredibly fun with all the bells and whistles pushed to the max:D

[longam]

Don't forget to pop the top to do a check.

Removing the plastic film from the stainless will take the longest! oh the excitement!

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n174/sean125_2006/MonkeyOnPorchw.jpg

[Wolfehunter]

One think to remember about dell and other named brands. You have 30 days to make sure your rig is running perfectly. If dell messed up there rig they sold you because a component doesn't work just right there not responsible for it after 30 day unless its a manufacture defect. :yawn:

I learn that one with an X-fi PCI Extreme Music card added to and nForce 790i motherboard package. It never work properly I had the clicking sound issues like reported in many forums. But the killer was the BSOD from a month and a half after playing certain games with X-Fi attached to the nforce mobo board. Onced removed all is good and perfect. :nope:

If you don't believe me Dell customer service told me this.

I had a similar issue for my wifes sony viao with a burnt DVD burner that crapped out after 3months. But thats a different story.:cool:

[Onkel Neal]

Thanks for the advice, Wolf, I'll be sure to check all the systems thoroughly on Day 1.

Then on Day 2...
http://www.stingraysstudios.com/images/driftflyer1024_gfqn.jpg


:rock: :rock: :rock:

[AVGWarhawk]

Nothing like the smell of new hardware warming up. I do not know if you got Vista or not and it might pertain to XP now. Remember to register you OS with MS. I had to with Vista. You have 30 days to register you OS if you need to do it. :03:

[Sea Demon]

Go with the Dell. I've had four and was happy with every one. Their XPS service & support can't be beat.
Also, up the RAM as AVGWarhawk suggests, RAM is cheap and is the best bang-for-the-buck to improve performance.
Neal, I think you made a right decision in purchasing the Dell machine. I agree with the subguru here. I currently have an XPS 400. I got it in 2005 and only had trouble once. I had to replace the hard drive 2 weeks ago. No problems with their service and the replacement and support was easy. In regards to memory, yes, Dell Memory right now is very cheap. I just purchased 2GB more of memory to bring my specs up to a total of 4GB. Each 1GB memory module purchased was only $12.59 plus tax and shipping.While I would like to have a new system, my Dell XPS is still running perfectly. I'm sure you'll be happy with your new purchase.

[XLjedi]

Enjoy the new PC. :yeah:

Personally... I'd never go back to one of those proprietary innard pre-builts.

[Onkel Neal]

Nothing like the smell of new hardware warming up. I do not know if you got Vista or not and it might pertain to XP now. Remember to register you OS with MS. I had to with Vista. You have 30 days to register you OS if you need to do it. :03:

The computer comes with WinXP, and free Vista upgrade. When the I need the PC to do something that it will not do on XP, I'll consider using the Vista upgrade. With Windows 7 coming, I may skip Vista. I can get MS software for cheap as a student at the college.


Dude! You're getting a Dell! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Spa_l_12cIw)



.

[AVGWarhawk]

7 is not far off. Good plan of action. Hope the new rig arrives today. I guess we will not see you for a few days, eh? :D

[Wolfehunter]

Wait for windows 7. I like it more than vista. But its still beta and not the real finished product... :hmmm: Hard to say... your call dude.

[Onkel Neal]

It's here!
http://www.subsim.com/images2/Dell/P3111077.JPG

[Onkel Neal]

:rock: :rock: :rock:

http://www.subsim.com/images2/Dell/P3111081.JPG

http://www.subsim.com/images2/Dell/P3111082.JPG

http://www.subsim.com/images2/Dell/P3111085.JPG

http://www.subsim.com/images2/Dell/P3111088.JPG

:rock: :rock: :rock:

See y'all later, I have some work to do. :shucks:

.

[longam]

http://static-p3.fotolia.com/jpg/00/06/70/10/400_F_6701011_XPyYSfaOcAOBDQQDd60zZ7mB2z5cZ8Jw.jpg

[AVGWarhawk]

Hehe, sweet! :up:

[nikimcbee]

The order page and tracking says tomorrow...will be sitting in a lawn chair in the front yard sipping tea and reading Das Boot watching for the FedEx truck...:woot:

http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1612/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1612R-12660.jpg

Are you sure you want to be dressed like that with all those fire ants and killer bees around?:doh: :hmmm:

[nikimcbee]

Wait a minute! how are you gunna get any studyin' done with that new computer.


...starts log of how many classes Neal skips because he's in the middle of a mission!:haha:

[FIREWALL]

Happy for you on your new rig. :up:

But... Who's that drunk leaning on your new Puter ? :haha: :har:

[Task Force]

Wana trade pcs neal.:rotfl:Glad you got a nice pc.:up:

[NeonSamurai]

Don't forget to strip that sucker of all the bloatware, pc decrapifier works pretty good (free too)

http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/

[Wolfehunter]

Don't forget to strip that sucker of all the bloatware, pc decrapifier works pretty good (free too)

http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/Actually I just formated the HDD and installed my own OS. I hate the restrictions dell puts on my rig with the bloaded OS. I use all drivers from the hardware manufactures. Only thing I search for updates with dell is the firmware bios update for the nforce 790i motherboard. :D

This way I'm in control. They don't like it but that is too bad.. :03:

[Skybird]

http://www.subsim.com/images2/Dell/P3111088.JPG


In the gym.

:D

[Onkel Neal]

Yay! Up and running :woot:

First I had to set up my 2002 computer with a keyboard, mouse and monitor, so I can continue using it for e-mail.

Then I set up the XPS, went through the setup and it's rocking right along now.

Ok, you guys said you would walk me through a custom build, so I want to see what kind of assistance I can get from you on a small glitch :yep: .

When I first set up the new Dell with me new-ish 2232BW Plus Samsung 22" WS monitor, it showed the BIOS screen and the initial WinXP screen...then went blank. I could hear the lovely music but all the monitor displayed was the Analog/Digital box, suggesting the monitor was not getting a signal...

Ok, the new Dell has two DVI out connectors on the back, and the Samsung monitor has RGB and a DVI plug. The new Dell came with an adaptor to use the RGB cable and plug into the computer's DVI socket. I also have a DVI cable, not sure where it came from, maybe the 22" Samsung. Are all DVI cables the same? I would assume.

So, here's what I tried:
Using the RGB cable and the DVI adaptor
Using the DVI cable
Moved the cable from one to the other DVI port on the Dell
Starting in SAFE mode to fiddle with the display settings; WinXP got to safe mode but popped up a message saying "Windows will adjust your settings to improve your display..." and promptly froze.

So, I switched monitors, and am using the RGB cable with the DVI adapter on my 19" 931B Samsung monitor, which is a little older than the 22", I think. :88)

So, what do you think?

[NeonSamurai]

Did you try safe mode? It may just be a settings issue or its not properly recognizing the monitor, you could also try turning turning the monitor on first then the computer. Another possibility is you need to change the displays own settings.


@Wolfehunter ya you can do that, but its time consuming to do, this program will get rid of all the installed stuff you select automatically. Also going with manufacturer drivers doesn't work if its a laptop, as the manufacturer is effectivly Dell.

[longam]

Use the DVI cable and connect to the Right DVI socket, if looking from the back.

Dont forget to check your monitor to accept DVI input not VGA.

[AVGWarhawk]

You should be able to run straight DVI from the monitor to the 9800gt card. I have a Samsung 220WM. The card detected the screen and automatically configured the screen resolution. If you can get you other screen to work I would suggest going to Nvidia for the current driver for the card. Set the program to all defaults for you card and monitor. Check to see if your screen can be changed to DVI input. I think mine had that offering and I selected DVI. Also, get the driver for you monitor at the Samsung website.

Edit: if I remember correctly, once I loaded the monitor driver from Samsung the video card did it's magic and set the best resolution for the screen.

[Onkel Neal]

Use the DVI cable and connect to the Right DVI socket, if looking from the back.

Dont forget to check your monitor to accept DVI input not VGA.

Thanks, guys. I think that had something to do with it. After setting the display to low res, I hotswitched the montiors and the 22" started working, using the RGB cable. So I installed the digital driver, then hooked up the DVI cable--presto!:woot:

[AVGWarhawk]

Rock on!:rock:

[Skybird]

"Introduction to Probability & Statistics" - Neal you scare me. Seeing that book on your table brings back some bad memories... :D

[Stormin Norman]

Way to go, Neal. Have you loaded any new games on it yet? I have a bud who has the Dell XPS, it really blazes.

[Onkel Neal]

So far, just BioShock. Yeah, it looks amazing, and that's the newest game I have. I'm going to get Fallout 3 next.

Any suggestions?

[AVGWarhawk]

Call of Duty World at War. The graphics are excellent and leave nothing to the imagination as to what bullets and grenades can do to a person...virtual or not! Lots of colorful four letter words one might hear as a squad is bearing down on your butt!

[CaptainHaplo]

If you want amazing graphics....

World in Conflict
and
Empire: Total war

I have heard good things about Fallout 3 but have never played it.

[Digital_Trucker]

Call of Duty World at War. The graphics are excellent and leave nothing to the imagination as to what bullets and grenades can do to a person...virtual or not! Lots of colorful four letter words one might hear as a squad is bearing down on your butt!
I'll second that:yeah: There's nothing like a good old LAN party in Co-Op mode with some Nazi Zombie mods (maps, really). You ain't been frustrated until you try to defend yourself against hordes of undead Nazis wanting to eat your brains:D

[nikimcbee]

If you want amazing graphics....

World in Conflict
and
Empire: Total war

I have heard good things about Fallout 3 but have never played it.

yeah, get ETW. This game is absolutly amazing! The level and attantion to detail...:yeah: wow. It will give your computer a good workout!

[NeonSamurai]

Crysis if you want something to slap your computer around and call it a girl (especialy in dx10 mode).

Supreme Commander, great massive scale air/land/sea futuristic RTS. This one can make full use of a quad core cpu if i remember right, and give your video card a decent workout too.

Empire Total War. Big thread on it in the other games forum.

DCS Black Shark, high fidelity state of the art ka-50 sim, but has starforce (and so I won't be getting it :cry:)

Dead Space, horror shooter on a space ship, haven't tried this one yet but its suppost to be realy good

Far Cry 2 had good and bad points

Spore, dunno if you would like this one or not, kinda open sandbox, i found it dull after a bit

X3 Reunion & X3 Teran Conflict. Both are realy awsome space games where you can build a trading empire (including stations and complexes of linked stations), explore and fight in any ship found in the game (you can theoreticly pilot any ship in the game). Jaw droping graphics and detail, but don't expect much of a story (its played for the sandbox aspect and large modding/scripting community).

Mass Effect, good shooter rpg hybrid, but kind of repeditive in areas.


Other ones you could look into, assasins creed, gears of war, gta 4, saints row 2, the witcher enhanced edition, warhammer 40k dawn of war I & II, rail simulator, trainz simulator 2009, the orange box, company of heroes, crysis warhead, world in conflict.

Ooo almost forgot, get ArmA so you can come play with the clowns (once they are done taking their ArmA break anyhow)

[Wolfehunter]

Crysis if you want something to slap your computer around and call it a girl (especialy in dx10 mode).

Supreme Commander, great massive scale air/land/sea futuristic RTS. This one can make full use of a quad core cpu if i remember right, and give your video card a decent workout too.

Empire Total War. Big thread on it in the other games forum.

DCS Black Shark, high fidelity state of the art ka-50 sim, but has starforce (and so I won't be getting it :cry:)

Dead Space, horror shooter on a space ship, haven't tried this one yet but its suppost to be realy good

Far Cry 2 had good and bad points

Spore, dunno if you would like this one or not, kinda open sandbox, i found it dull after a bit

X3 Reunion & X3 Teran Conflict. Both are realy awsome space games where you can build a trading empire (including stations and complexes of linked stations), explore and fight in any ship found in the game (you can theoreticly pilot any ship in the game). Jaw droping graphics and detail, but don't expect much of a story (its played for the sandbox aspect and large modding/scripting community).

Mass Effect, good shooter rpg hybrid, but kind of repeditive in areas.


Other ones you could look into, assasins creed, gears of war, gta 4, saints row 2, the witcher enhanced edition, warhammer 40k dawn of war I & II, rail simulator, trainz simulator 2009, the orange box, company of heroes, crysis warhead, world in conflict.

Ooo almost forgot, get ArmA so you can come play with the clowns (once they are done taking their ArmA break anyhow)I vote dead space... or mass effect both are uber fun to play and superb graphics. :yeah:

[Wolfehunter]

@Wolfehunter ya you can do that, but its time consuming to do, this program will get rid of all the installed stuff you select automatically. Also going with manufacturer drivers doesn't work if its a laptop, as the manufacturer is effectivly Dell.

Time is irrelevant to me. I have a dell laptop and desktop.., ok laptop is old but I don't use dell drivers.. I opened my laptop found out the component brands and did my own search on the net. I do the same with all hardware. Dell is slow and stupid. I need ultimate performance and stable system.

The only thing that interest me from dell is there firmware bios. Thats all folks. :shucks:


I can't depend on dell. :D
Nforce 790i motherboards I get from Nvidia drivers for dual networks, chipsets, GTX280, etc.
http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us

Onboard sound is from Realtek High Definition chipset.
http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/

For vista codec fixes etc, I use the collection from VistaCodec
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Advanced_Vista_Codec_Package_d5326.html

So-on All is possible with the right research.. :salute:

[AVGWarhawk]

Call of Duty World at War. The graphics are excellent and leave nothing to the imagination as to what bullets and grenades can do to a person...virtual or not! Lots of colorful four letter words one might hear as a squad is bearing down on your butt!
I'll second that:yeah: There's nothing like a good old LAN party in Co-Op mode with some Nazi Zombie mods (maps, really). You ain't been frustrated until you try to defend yourself against hordes of undead Nazis wanting to eat your brains:D

I have played the entire game but have not done the zombie part. The blowing off of legs and other appendages was enough for me. In this respect, the COD series has come a long way. This game does not lack in the gore department. But yeah, an online fragfest would be cool. I enjoy an online fragfest before I go to bed. What I find very cool is being able to create the soldier you want concerning the weapons you want.

[Onkel Neal]

If you want amazing graphics....

World in Conflict
and
Empire: Total war

I have heard good things about Fallout 3 but have never played it.

yeah, get ETW. This game is absolutly amazing! The level and attantion to detail...:yeah: wow. It will give your computer a good workout!

Call of Duty World at War


DCS Black Shark, high fidelity state of the art ka-50 sim, but has starforce (and so I won't be getting it :cry:)

I vote dead space... or mass effect both are uber fun to play and superb graphics. :yeah:

Ok, those will go on my list. I will be getting Black Shark ASAP, I have heard great things about it (don't care if it has SF), and I already have World in Conflict--with the new system it should play a whole lot better. My daughter plays Dead Space, she says the same, it's a great game.

But when am I going to have time for work? :06: Oh well, somehow the work always gets done :shucks:

Someone mentioned removing the crapware, surprisingly, it did not come with very much. I opted not to include MS Works, I am loading MS Office 2007 on it. The hard drive was 98% free. Now I'm loading all my apps, yee haa, always remember where your CDs are :D

[NeonSamurai]

Ya the stuff that came with my dell wasn't too bad either, but there was plenty to get rid of, as i didn't have the option for them not installing ms works. also getting rid of all the 30 day trial ware, the damn av that came with it that was automatically deleting files on sight and making me super angry as I couldn't get it to stop.

Btw Neal before you start sticking on games I would suggest getting all your usual apps and other programs installed then do an image backup of the drive with what ever backup program you got. I know on my system games are going on and off it all the time and they can make a real mess after a while so i like to have a clean backup so I can just throw it on when things start chugging. I don't put any games as those vary too much, though I do semi regularly back up games save and config files.

As for DCS Black Shark, I would love to buy it but my money is staying in my pocket as long as it has starforce. After the tangled web of lies and crap from starforce I utterly refuse to support any product that contains it.

Anyhow here are some links to some of the lesser known games that i listed

Supreme Commander
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Commander
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/supremecommander/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;read-review
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/supremecommanderforgedalliance/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;read-review

X3 Games
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X3_Reunion
http://www.gamespot.com/pc/sim/x3reunion/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;read-review

I would point out that even though the reviews on x3 games tend to be medium high, egosoft is one of those companies that sticks by its games and patches the heck out of them over the years, this is also further supported by some very talented scripters and moders.


<blinks> hey wait a sec, Wolfenstein Neal is back

[Onkel Neal]

That's a great idea, about setting everything up and making a backup, :yep: since I just got Norton Ghost, I should do that!

Edit: Done! :yep:

[longam]

Let us know how the payment thing works out with Black Shark, that's one thing that's holding me back, just not sure about it. :hmmm:

Not real crazy about the star force, but it really didn't do anything to my last system with SH3

[Overboard]

Let us know how the payment thing works out with Black Shark, that's one thing that's holding me back, just not sure about it. :hmmm:

Not real crazy about the star force, but it really didn't do anything to my last system with SH3

Alot of poeple say many bad things about Starforce, and i know it (could) cause some poeple problems..But for me i truly cant find where it has hurt anything on my system and i have had it instaled for many years, If i thought it was bad and messed up my pc i would just reformat, but it hasent. :03:

[AVGWarhawk]

Black Shark looks very cool :up:

[Kpt. Lehmann]

Dell's are great for...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUPVOqfFAng&feature=related


:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[NealT]

That's a great idea, about setting everything up and making a backup, :yep: since I just got Norton Ghost, I should do that!

Edit: Done! :yep:

Just be careful...there are many programs out there according to my kids, that will detect Norton Ghost and refuse to run...

Cannot tell you what they are but you can always undo Ghost if you have to...

[NeonSamurai]

If you do it on a boot disk outside of the native operating system, any such software wouldn't know that it even happened.

Also with that method i suggested you do kind of have to separately do incremental file backups of stuff like internet browsers, email, documents and other such files. This can be done automatically via different backup software, or when planning to restore the backup. You can also do a second incremental full image backup periodically for emergency reinstalls. What i suggested is pretty much for non emergency restores unless you have been backing up the other stuff.

[Onkel Neal]

Hmmm... not sure how to go about that. I'm using Ghost 14, it supposedly makes a "full backup" and also does incremental backups.

Back on the topic of new computers, I dug out my old receipts, at least all I could find since my first Pentium PC.

Dec 1995 IBM Aptiva P100MHz, 16MB RAM, 1.7GB HD, 1 MB video card: $2698
June 1999 Gateway 500 Pentium III 500MHz, 160MB RAM, 13.5GB HD, nVidia TNT1 6MB card: $2069
Sept 2002 Gateway 500X Pentium 4 2.4GHz, 512MB RAM, 80GB HD*, GeForce Ti4200 128MB card: $1439
Mar 2009 Dell XPS630i Core2 E8400 3GHz, 4GB RAM, 500GB HD, GeForce 9800GT SLI 1GB cards: $1100

Isn't it cool how they hardware is getting better expotentially while getting cheaper too? :up:

I suppose when I'm 60, I'll get a PC that is 100x better and will cost the same as a pack of gum!





*not even showing the fraction anymore

[NeonSamurai]

Well I'm not sure ghost can do individual file/folder replication which is kind of what you need, that or you do a regular incremental backup (basicly thats updating to an existing backup) for emergencies which is fine if you dont mind it taking up a lot of space.

The entire point is to keep some sort of continual backup of locations on the computer that change (like email, browser favorites, save games and settings for games, documents, desktops, etc) to supplement the clean reinstall image so that data is not lost when re imaging or if there is a hardware failure (mainly this is to protect against hardware failure, as if you doing a normal reinstalling of the image you can just simply backup on the spot by hand right before.

So basically you can do a regular full incremental backup to protect against a hard drive failure. Its the easiest to set up and do but the most space consuming as it will back up everything in the selected partition.

Or you can set up automatic file/folder replication for those parts that you want backed up (replication means the selected files will be duplicated at the location specified). Depending on the program used you can do anything from x days between backups, or monitored on the fly backups (this takes up processing power as the software actively monitors the locations for changes).

Or you can just do it manually as you feel like it/need to.

Anyhow here are some links to some free file replication software
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_synchronization
http://allwaysync.com/
http://directorysync.sourceforge.net/features.html
http://synkron.sourceforge.net/

[Onkel Neal]

Defining a file and folder backup


When you define and run a file and folder backup, copies are made of each of the

files and folders that you have chosen to back up. They are converted into a
compressed format, and then stored in a sub-folder at the location you specify,
which by default is the same backup destination that is used for storing recovery
points.



That's being done daily. Is that what you are referring to?

Wow, another thing I just realized--this PC does NOT HAVE A FLOPPY DRIVE! :rotfl:


That's kinda weird for me... glad I'm less of a flashtard than before.

[AVGWarhawk]

These days floppy drives are taken care of by using Viagra:o

[NeonSamurai]

Yep that would be it as long as its not backing up every single file. Also be sure its not doing that on to the clean install image or it wont be clean any more (well unless you carefully select what files are backed up and don't let it update the registry backup).

[Dimitrius07]

Neal Stevens

Fallout3 using the same game engine as Oblivion, as far as i undertand. Not that heavy game.
If you realy want to test performance try to get.

Crysis on dx10, a heavy game.
GTA4 - (not for kids) I think the developers push it too far thise time :) but its still a very good game with lot of stuff to do. Addicted as well, at least its my opinion.

Any way, have fun with your new PC :salute:

[Wolfehunter]

Hmmm... not sure how to go about that. I'm using Ghost 14, it supposedly makes a "full backup" and also does incremental backups.

Back on the topic of new computers, I dug out my old receipts, at least all I could find since my first Pentium PC.

Dec 1995 IBM Aptiva P100MHz, 16MB RAM, 1.7GB HD, 1 MB video card: $2698
June 1999 Gateway 500 Pentium III 500MHz, 160MB RAM, 13.5GB HD, nVidia TNT1 6MB card: $2069
Sept 2002 Gateway 500X Pentium 4 2.4GHz, 512MB RAM, 80GB HD*, GeForce Ti4200 128MB card: $1439
Mar 2009 Dell XPS630i Core2 E8400 3GHz, 4GB RAM, 500GB HD, GeForce 9800GT SLI 1GB cards: $1100

Isn't it cool how they hardware is getting better expotentially while getting cheaper too? :up:

I suppose when I'm 60, I'll get a PC that is 100x better and will cost the same as a pack of gum!





*not even showing the fraction anymore

I'm not so lucky as you... :O:

First PC was a IBM PCjr. costed $2000
My second was a Cortex 386DX for over $3200
My third was one I built first generation Pentium 75 costed me $1600 parts
Fourth PC was a lemon from Microbytes P2 266 for $2600. Never again..
Fifth one I upgraded custom build P3 1.4GHz total cost $1880
Sixth Dell Laptop Insperon 2650 P4 1.6 $3400
Seventh PC was a P4 3.2GHz fully loaded custom build I made for $3000+
Now my Dell XPS 730 Quad core uber system for only $2664. But I got a special deal. :rock:

I didn't included my wifes many PCs and my mothers hehe which I paid for... :wah:

Now If I have invested all that cash into hmmmm savings well maybe I would have a nicer car now.... :hmmm:

But yes over the years Computers are much cheaper if you buy value PC's, Uber rigs always cost well uber... :D

[NeonSamurai]

In many ways the prices have slowly dropped over the last decade, however in certain areas prices have actually doubled or more. That would be the area of video cards were at the start of the decade gaming video cards didn't cost a whole lot, then the GeForce vs ATI thing started and video card prices skyrocketed to 500-700$ for a top line video card. Now we have been convinced that we need 2 or 3 of the 500-700$ cards and that they should be replaced every 2 years.

The biggest investement now in a new computer pretty much is the video cards.

[longam]

You would think a 2 MP phone cam would take a better photo.

http://www.longam.net/sh4/moto_0008.jpg

[Onkel Neal]

Hey, I like that computer!

Does your blue light scheme often fail to come on?

[longam]

No, it has always worked every time, and I shutdown at night.

[Wolfehunter]

Hey, I like that computer!

Does your blue light scheme often fail to come on?Never. The light scheme's on the XPS730 are super bright. Can light up my living room nicely. :03:

longam is that your woofer on the PC? I hope not. :D

My desk looks like a bomb hit it and then another one hit it again to finish what was left. :rotfl:

[longam]

Yea, that's one of my speakers. I know its a Bad thing to have a magnetic device close to you HD. :doh:

I'm going to put up a shelf on the wall someday so I can put my Amp and speakers and a few other things up off the desk, just never enough room....

[Bill Nichols]

Re Norton Ghost. I use it and have never had any problem with it interfering with any of my other programs.

Presently located in sunny Huntsville, Alabama.

[Onkel Neal]

Ha ha, look at me, the master of procrastination :woot: This week I finally cut the cord with my old Gateway and moved it off my desk and into the retro room. Yeah, it takes me 2 months to set up a new PC and transfer the apps...mainly I have to get used to using the new PC with the old one watching closely. :88)

[NeonSamurai]

Heh ya I just finished transferring over to my laptop. Though mind you I have somewhat better excuses (been up to my neck with university for the last two months, and I also set up dual boot with xp & vista on a system that only has vista drivers available)

I'll have to take some photos now that everything is set up

[RickC Sniper]

I just found this thread because I am needing a new pc and subsim has always been the place to find trusting advice.. I have a couple of questions.

@Neal
1. I did not see a soundcard listed. Are you just using the onboard sound? If so, any complaints?
2. Dual video cards but no cooling system other that what Dell calls "standard"? If you got standard cooling with that case is it proving adequate?


@You techies. Some here recommended the I7 intel processor. For strictly gaming comparison, doesnt a high end duo core do as well or does it depend on which I7 you get? Are there game titles that actually take advantage of a quad core?

To give me a base, compare these 2 ...for gaming.
core 2 E8500 vs a Core 2 Q8300
Any advantage at all for this quad over the duo core?


Building my own just isn't an option.:cry:

.......thanks in advance. :yep:

[Onkel Neal]

I just found this thread because I am needing a new pc and subsim has always been the place to find trusting advice.. I have a couple of questions.

@Neal
1. I did not see a soundcard listed. Are you just using the onboard sound? If so, any complaints?
2. Dual video cards but no cooling system other that what Dell calls "standard"? If you got standard cooling with that case is it proving adequate?


@You techies. Some here recommended the I7 intel processor. For strictly gaming comparison, doesnt a high end duo core do as well or does it depend on which I7 you get? Are there game titles that actually take advantage of a quad core?

To give me a base, compare these 2 ...for gaming.
core 2 E8500 vs a Core 2 Q8300
Any advantage at all for this quad over the duo core?


Building my own just isn't an option.:cry:

.......thanks in advance. :yep:

1. I did not see a soundcard listed. Are you just using the onboard sound? If so, any complaints?

Onboard, I believe, but works the same, AFAICT.

2. Dual video cards but no cooling system other that what Dell calls "standard"? If you got standard cooling with that case is it proving adequate?

Yes, I can play games all night, and the system seems fine (what is that red glow coming from under the desk...?) It is very quiet, but I suppose it is working ok.

[Arclight]

Arma II actually recommends a quad-core for optimal performance, it could be an indication that the industry is moving to support more than 2 cores effectively. Getting a quad-core is still more future-proofing than being practical when it comes to games IMHO. It won't hurt, but it's not strictly necessary (yet).

I7 is powerfull, the most powerfull core on the market, but it's not designed with gaming in mind (though it is indeed faster than Core 2). Personally I have 0 interest, but that has a lot to do with the fact I would have to get a new MB with a different socket to fit the CPU. And there lies IMO the main concern: get an older board, and you won't be able to upgrade in the future, since the new CPUs don't fit those boards. Another thing is that the Core 2 quad-cores aren't true quad-cores, they're 2 dual-cores stuck together. I7 quad-cores are "true" quads. I7 also has the memory controller on the CPU instead of in the MB northbride (AMD has been doing this for years btw).

If you don't feel like going I7, go for Phenom II. If you don't want AMD, go for I7 anyway so you can upgrade in the future. Better than buying an entirely new system... again. (something you'll be doing anyway if you go with Intel, but that's a different story)



Why is building your own not an option? :06:

[RickC Sniper]

Thanks for the answers guys, I appreciate it.

[Onkel Neal]

Keeps us posted, Rick!

[goldorak]

If you don't feel like going I7, go for Phenom II. If you don't want AMD, go for I7 anyway so you can upgrade in the future. Better than buying an entirely new system... again. (something you'll be doing anyway if you go with Intel, but that's a different story)


This is a bad advice. Intel is going to ditch the low cost i7 920 when the lynnfields come out in september.
Those that will want to upgrade their i7 920 will be looking at 500$ cpu's. Thats no upgrade path at least looking at it from a "consumer" perspective.

The only real option if you want future upgradability is to go with the phenom 2 platform. On the Intel side you still have socket 775 which is pretty good (not top of the line), but still you can make yourself a pretty good pc. Buying into i7 is going to bring you to a brick wall with no upgrade possibile (unless you consider spending 500-1000 $ for a cpu a normal thing).
Socket 1136 (for lynnfields) is a better option but it isn't clear what upgrades you will be able to get in the future.

[Arclight]

I wasn't aware of future Intel ploys, just pointing out Socket 775 has no upgrade path. So Intel is switching sockets yet again for their new CPUs? Than you understand what I meant with "something you'll be doing anyway if you go with Intel, but that's a different story". I wish they would just stick with a socket for a while, buying a new motherboard everytime you want to upgrade is pretty annoying. :yep: