Upgrading....

[Sophie]

Ok, well my computer is about out-of-date by my standards, So I think I am going to switch it to a server, or something else. I am wanting to buy THE TOP-OF-THE-LINE gaming/development computer. My budget range is rather large, from $4,000 - $5,000, I know that will get me a mighty hefty machine, but lets see who can recomend the best.

However, I do wish to include a few of my own parts. Here is a bit what I am wishing for.

- AMD Processor
- Radeon X800
- GB Ram
- VERY Large Hard drive.

The rest is up to you. Please recomend the best for the lowest price.

- Sophie

(No pre-built systems either -- I'm wanting to build it on my own)

 

[Asus]

What type or specific applications are you going to use?

Also, what is your preference on Case style/size/noise vs cooling etc.

Are we going for performance or cost? What do you expect to pay?

 

[RABIES]

In my opinion:
For 32-bit get the XP3200 (Barton) and some sort of nForce2 board.
For 64-bit get something like a 3200-3400 AMD 64 or even an AMD 64-FX series chip, relatively more but faster nonetheless.
Newegg <--no longer seems to work?

RADEON X800 series card, the X800 XT and X800Pro both recieved good ratings, the choice is up to you both will run you well around $500
Allstarshop <--Just an example of the price, OEM though. Look for retail.

As for RAM especially one GB you would want to run Dual-Channel or 2x512MB. I use Corsair XMS Pro and I have heard that Kingston makes RAM very nice as well. For AMD's you might want to look for something with either 2.5-3-2-6 or if you want the highest end you can look for 2-2-2-6 timings. Also make sure it is somewhere around PC3200 if running a 400 bus on the CPU.
Corsair XMS Pro LL
Kingston HyperX

Very Large HDD huh....OK
If the motherboard support Serial ATA or SATA then you have a choice of ATA(100/133Mhz) or SATA(150Mhz). Overall I found extremely low prices here:
All SATA Models
All ATA Models

Western Digital has given me absolutely no problems whatsoever for ATA drives, as for SATA, I have no experience in that section. Perhaps someone else can clear that one up :E

 

[Shockwave]

4-5k???

A top of the line system can be built for $1500, yes the best of the best can be built for 1500

 

[RABIES]

4-5k???

A top of the line system can be built for $1500, yes the best of the best can be built for 1500

Quite true, a wise shopper can in fact double his orders, build two systems and still have enough money to fill a car up with gas :E

$2.01 a gallon down here and still rising! :frown:

 

[Sophie]

I am just saying, I have the money to pay for a very good system. And Asus, I am looking for performance, not cost. Any case style, it honostley doesn't matter. Size, huge desk, cooling, needs to be very good, and noise, could care less. Half of the time listening to music. And another thing you didn't say, I need a very good power supply. If I am going to be getting an X800, I will need it.

 

[Asus]

I am just saying, I have the money to pay for a very good system. And Asus, I am looking for performance, not cost. Any case style, it honostley doesn't matter. Size, huge desk, cooling, needs to be very good, and noise, could care less. Half of the time listening to music. And another thing you didn't say, I need a very good power supply. If I am going to be getting an X800, I will need it.

Monitor(s)?

 

[Sophie]

Two, possibly, Viewsonic would be nice.

 

[Shockwave]

If you actually want the best of the best get 2 15,000rpm HD's, rarely will you see people with those because they are so expensive.

My suggestion
Antec P160 case(with window)
p4 3.0C or higher
Abit IC-7 Max3 mobo
Mushkin RAM
Antec 400-450 watt smart/true power
74gig raptors in RAID
X800XT
Windows XP
DVD/CD-RW
Creative audigy zs

above system would be about $1750-$2000 off the top of my head

 

[Asus]

Here ya go.

 

[Maxi]

ASUS system is VERY good, but i'd want to change that raptor to the 36.6 gb edition, since it's a bit faster then the 76 gb one. And remember that currently, only the soundstorm offers 5.1 digital output. The logitech ZS only offers 2.1 digital.

 

[Asus]

ASUS system is VERY good

Thx, I hope it was decent...it costs ~3000$ just for the system w/out speakers/monitor.

but i'd want to change that raptor to the 36.6 gb edition, since it's a bit faster then the 76 gb one.

Link

And remember that currently, only the soundstorm offers 5.1 digital output. The logitech ZS only offers 2.1 digital.

Ah yes. I always forget about that since I currently have soundstorm.

I updated the Speakers.