New system next month, suggestions?

[Brundle Fly]

Only one T-4 left to get, and I'm going to start buggin my boss tomorrow, then I'm off to H&R Block for instant cash back. I'm budgeting myself $1600 to $1800, but I'd like to stick closer to the $1600. So, here's what I have so far, all prices Canadian:

ABIT AA8XE $220.02
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13515&vpn=AA8XE&manufacture=ABit

INTEL PENTIUM 4 540 3.2GHZ $299.98
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=12132&promoid=0

MSI NX6600GT $250.80 http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13799&vpn=MS-8983-010&manufacture=MicroStar

ULTRA X-CONNECT 500W ATX POWER SUPPLY W/ UV CABLE KIT HIGH-GLOSS TITANIUM $123.83
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=12606&promoid=0

WD CAVIAR SE 120GB HARD DRIVE SATA 7200RPM 8.9MS 8MB 3YR WARRANTY $118.74
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=10005&promoid=0

LITEON BLACK 16X DVD-ROM INT E-IDE $32.90
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=8522&promoid=0

LG BLACK CDRW 52X32X52 INT EIDE ATAPI
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=10728&promoid=0

VIEWSONIC 19IN E90 .27MM 1600X1200 MONITOR $252.42
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=6912&promoid=0

And a $10 floppy, cause, well. I'm old school :D

Missing is the RAM, here I'm lost, I want Corsair, I know it's DDR2, does it have to be un-buffered and non-ECC? I'm a guy that's never used RAM faster than PC-133, so I'm lost with DDR2. I'm having a hard time figuring out what will work with this mobo. I'm willing to kick out $250 for a stick of 512, I can add another later, I just want to get the right stuff.

Is there something better than Corsair, or as good as Corsair, for less?

The DVD player, instead of a burner, because I have no desire to burn DVD's, but I may watch some, even that's debatable. I have a CD burner, but I'll leave that for #2 son and scoop a new one.

19" monitor, I just want a bigger screen, mine is a 17" with 16" viewable, the extra 2" will be nice.

There's no changing my mind on the mobo and 2.8(okay, that's changed, heh). The vidcard, it will be 6600GT PCI-E, I like the price on the MSI, but will go to $300 for something better. Suggestions? I have an "ethical" problem with BFG, so they're not an option.

The HDD, I'm open to suggestions, I like WD, haven't had a problem with them, and I like the 3 year warranty, hard to beat. Suggestions?

The PSU I like, the platinum finish will show up nice with some Duplicolour Metalcast on it, I'll just have to figure out a colour.

That's a grand total of $1,343.01 before taxes. I hate the tax man :bang head

Shipping $84.93
Insurance: $40.29
Subtotal: $1,468.23
GST(7%): $102.78
YOUR TOTAL: $1,571.01

The insurance covers the full cost of my purchase, and ExpressRMA.

My tower I will buy locally at Skunk Works, I want to lay all my parts out, check out the colours, and then figure out how I want to go with a tower, acrylic, aluminum, Plain Jane and mod the hell out of it, whatever, I just have to see everything in "the flesh" so to speak, before I decide on a tower. Same goes for keyboard and mouse, I have to decide on what kind of tower I'm getting before I snag them.

I intend to run with the onboard sound for now, I don't listen to tunes on my computer, I'll have to hear how it does with my games before I decide to buy a soundcard. I'll probably buy some new speakers, but don't want to spend more than $50. I'm well below my $1800 maximum, which leaves me lots of options, but of course my tower, KB/M, extra fans, speakers, Arctic Ceramique, all the little things that add up to a couple hundred real fast.

I have room to move on the RAM and vidcard, I can ghetto the monitor to a 19" IBM refurb for $100, but then I go from a 3 year warranty to a 3 month warranty, I don't like that. I have a 5 1/2 year old Daytek, as clear as the day I got it, but I get nervous about refurbs. Any experiences with refurb monitors anyone?

Thanks for any and all input, especially help with the RAM, I am really lost there. :attn:

[RAMMAN]

check out ocztechnologies.com to see some high performance ddr2 ram that will more than match any of corsairs offerings.cant you find a 3.0 or even a 3.2 processor for a similar price?

edit:if you are that far away from your limit a 6800gt is a wise choice.

[Brundle Fly]

check out ocztechnologies.com to see some high performance ddr2 ram that will more than match any of corsairs offerings.cant you find a 3.0 or even a 3.2 processor for a similar price?

edit:if you are that far away from your limit a 6800gt is a wise choice.

From 2.8 to 3.2 is an $80 jump, and I plan to OC the 2.8, seems they get good numbers.

6800GT or Ultra here in Canada is running somewhere around $750 to $850, I just can't justify that to myself.

I'm willing to look at OCZ, I've read some good things about it, but I really have no idea what I'm looking for, aside from DDR2 and 240 pin.

[RAMMAN]

for some reason the 2.8s and 3.0s just dont seem to overclock the same as 3.2s.i guess they are in a much lower speed bin.if your looking to overclock to 3.8+ a 3.2 is strongly recommended.i didnt realise the 6800,s are so expensive over there.show me a link to an ocz ddr2 kit and i will tell you if it is good or not ;) .

edit:btw an extra $80 for a 3.2 is nothing.the ability to overclock up to 4ghz on air alone makes it definitaly worth it.

[Brundle Fly]

for some reason the 2.8s and 3.0s just dont seem to overclock the same as 3.2s.i guess they are in a much lower speed bin.if your looking to overclock to 3.8+ a 3.2 is strongly recommended.i didnt realise the 6800,s are so expensive over there.show me a link to an ocz ddr2 kit and i will tell you if it is good or not ;) .

edit:btw an extra $80 for a 3.2 is nothing.the ability to overclock up to 4ghz on air alone makes it definitaly worth it.

Okay, I'll do the $80 upgrade to a 3.2, I can't argue that 4.0 on air is definitely worth it. :D

I'll drop a few links in to the DDR2 I was blindly surfing through, I look at it, say "that's nice", then go DUH!, heh heh heh.

I looked at this, I have no idea if it's any good to me or not, and the rest.

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13647&vpn=CM73DD512R-400&manufacture=CORSAIR

**edit** oops, forgot the link.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/Category/category_slc.asp?CatId=1554

I have no intention of buying here, but I'm having a hard time finding DDR2 online at a Canadian store, which is really buggin me. I may have to buy from the states, or shop locally, once I know what I'm shopping for.

Price and parts update up top.

[RAMMAN]

ecc registered memory is only for certain amd mobos.

edit:just how much are you willing to pay? is 1gb an option?

[Brundle Fly]

Okay, so stay away from ECC registered memory, and it has to be un-buffered. I also keep seeing DDR2 PC4200 or PC5400, are they both compatible with my mobo?

*edit* I'm looking at the 1gig option, and then looking at the IBM 19" refurb, kinda evens each other there, price stays the same, but I get some killer RAM. Man, 1 gig sure looks nice, and I want to OC. :-/

[ajrettke]

you may have no desire to burn DVD's but I be you could get a DVD+-RW drive for cheaper than a DVD-ROM drive and a CD-burner...the DVD-RW does burn CD's as well, so your getting DVD burnign capabilties and spending less...win win if you ask me.

[Brundle Fly]

you may have no desire to burn DVD's but I be you could get a DVD+-RW drive for cheaper than a DVD-ROM drive and a CD-burner...the DVD-RW does burn CD's as well, so your getting DVD burnign capabilties and spending less...win win if you ask me.

Yeah, I figure I can save maybe $10 to $15 going with a combo. I think I have to lose my "old school mentality", I figure if I have a combo, the DVD screws up, I have to send the burner back too, and vice verse, it's a combo. Two separate items, only one goes back. My wife laughs at me cause of this kind of stuff. :D

*edit* The DVD burner combos I found run in the $80 to $100 range, while the DVD-ROM's with CD burner are around $50.

[RAMMAN]

i just looked at your link to the cpu and saw that its a prescott.yes that cpu does overclock like a madman but with the stock heatsink trying for 4ghz would be quite literally playing with fire.any all copper heatsink with a decent fan speed should solve that problem.shouldnt have any problem with ram/mobo compatibility as long as the mobo is capable of running at over 250fsb.

edit:sure hope some as5 is on the menu.

edit:just seen your mobo.very good choice.any type of unbuffered 240-pin ddr2 ram will go well with that.

[Brundle Fly]

i just looked at your link to the cpu and saw that its a prescott.yes that cpu does overclock like a madman but with the stock heatsink trying for 4ghz would be quite literally playing with fire.any all copper heatsink with a decent fan speed should solve that problem.shouldnt have any problem with ram/mobo compatibility as long as the mobo is capable of running at over 250fsb.

The aftermarket HSF is no problem, I expected to snag one anyhow. I just realized that my mobo's "CPU Accelerator only works with 3.4's and up. I'll have to go check the reviews again, and see how it did with a 3.2. That's another $77 for the 3.4, which I can upgrade to down the road.

http://www.abit-usa.com/news/2004/20041109.php

I was looking at the Ceramique, not that I intend to be sloppy, but I'd hate to fry something because I was sloppy with the silver. I can't screw up with the Ceramique. :D

[RAMMAN]

with stock heatsink 3.8 is the limit.with a copper heatsink you can break 4ghz.

edit:i dont think a 3.4 is necessary.from what i have seen it wont overclock any better and an overclocked 3.2 should be just fine on that mobo.

[Brundle Fly]

with stock heatsink 3.8 is the limit.with a copper heatsink you can break 4ghz.

That's what I like to see. Thanks for all your help so far, I'll go RAM hunting tomorrow after work and see what I can come up with. I want to buy all I can from NCIX, they have an excellent rating http://www.resellerratings.com/seller2064.html, and ship Purolator, who I've never had a problem with before, and I shipped a complete system, all in one piece, twice with them. Excellent condition both times, not even a dent in the box. :thup:

Now I have to sleep on this, 5:30 comes early, sadly enough. Thanks again. :attn:

[RAMMAN]

1gb of ram seems to overclock just as much as 512mb.pc4200 or pc 5400, either one is great.for obvious reasons stay away from value ram (super slow timings, poor overclocking etc, etc.)

[Brundle Fly]

1gb of ram seems to overclock just as much as 512mb.pc4200 or pc 5400, either one is great.for obvious reasons stay away from value ram (super slow timings, poor overclocking etc, etc.)

I decided to go with this:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13485&vpn=OCZ2533512EBPER2&manufacture=OCZ%20Technology
but I doubt I'll get it at NCIX, they seem to be rather high on the RAM pricing. Unless their "build a bundle" option can save me enough to make it worthwhile, I'll shop around for that stick of RAM.

Now for a rookie question, dual channel: would a matched pair of 256meg sticks be faster than one stick of 512? That would get me running in dual channel mode sooner, and I could upgrade with another matched pair later. If I just start out with a stick of 512, then add another later, they won't be a matched pair. Is that really a big issue, or is it not all that much of a performance hit? Basically, does a matched pair of RAM perform better than a un-matched set in dual channel mode?

[RAMMAN]

that ram in your link is the fastest available so unless you can afford a 2x512 kit of the same thing there is no other option because there are no 256mb sticks for that type of ram.

[Brundle Fly]

that ram in your link is the fastest available so unless you can afford a 2x512 kit of the same thing there is no other option because there are no 256mb sticks for that type of ram.

I've been staring at too many types of RAM, I was looking at Corsair XMS2, a 512 kit, 2X256. I'll go with one stick of OCZ, that's what upgrades are for. :)

[RAMMAN]

I've been staring at too many types of RAM, I was looking at Corsair XMS2, a 512 kit, 2X256. I'll go with one stick of OCZ, that's what upgrades are for. :)

good choice :) .

[RAMMAN]

oh ****.i just found out from batboy that that ram is not compatible with that mobo.you will have to shop around again for some corsair xms ddr2 unbuffered ram to be on the safe side.

edit:show me some links to some corsair ddr2 ram and i will pick one out for you.

[Brundle Fly]

Okay, back in a bit, I've been reconfiguring the smaller stuff, and can scoop a monitor cheaper here in town by $90(new, not refurb), trying to come up with more bucks for the RAM anyhow, I'll drop some links in shortly. :D

[Brundle Fly]

Here's a few links, I'll have to check out what's available locally, but special orders seem to cost more, for some reason.


CORSAIR CM2X512-5400C4PRO PC2-5400 512MB DDR2 - PRO SERIES
http://www.vibecomputers.com/index.cfm?loc=iview&if=n&vID=200882

CORSAIR CM2X512-5400C4 PC2-5400 512MB DDR2 - BLACK HEATSPREADER
http://www.vibecomputers.com/index.cfm?loc=iview&if=n&vID=200881

CORSAIR TWIN2X512-5400C4 PC2-5400 DUAL CHANNEL 2X256MB DDR2 - BLACK HEATSPREADER
http://www.vibecomputers.com/index.cfm?loc=iview&if=n&vID=200475

I also decided to go with the ABIT AA8XE 3rd EYE. $17 more than the AA8XE, has the 3rd EYE, multiple dongles, and isn't that ugly freakin green colour. Also has active NB cooling. Oh yeah, and it'll look better with the MSI 6600GT :thup:

**EDIT** The matched 256 sticks is why I was asking if those two, matched, would perform better than one stick of 512. As I understand it, matched pairs clock better. If I was to buy one stick of 512 now, add another later, they wouldn't clock as well as a matched set. I don't want to buy a gig of RAM right now, but if it's not a big deal(matched sets), I'll go with one 512. Are matched sets of RAM over-rated?

[RAMMAN]

Here's a few links, I'll have to check out what's available locally, but special orders seem to cost more, for some reason.


CORSAIR CM2X512-5400C4PRO PC2-5400 512MB DDR2 - PRO SERIES
http://www.vibecomputers.com/index.cfm?loc=iview&if=n&vID=200882

CORSAIR CM2X512-5400C4 PC2-5400 512MB DDR2 - BLACK HEATSPREADER
http://www.vibecomputers.com/index.cfm?loc=iview&if=n&vID=200881

CORSAIR TWIN2X512-5400C4 PC2-5400 DUAL CHANNEL 2X256MB DDR2 - BLACK HEATSPREADER
http://www.vibecomputers.com/index.cfm?loc=iview&if=n&vID=200475

I also decided to go with the ABIT AA8XE 3rd EYE. $17 more than the AA8XE, has the 3rd EYE, multiple dongles, and isn't that ugly freakin green colour. Also has active NB cooling. Oh yeah, and it'll look better with the MXI 6600GT :thup:

**EDIT** The matched 256 sticks is why I was asking if those two, matched, would perform better than one stick of 512. As I understand it, matched pairs clock better. If I was to buy one stick of 512 now, add another later, they wouldn't clock as well as a matched set. I don't want to buy a gig of RAM right now, but if it's not a big deal(matched sets), I'll go with one 512. Are matched sets of RAM over-rated?

definitaly go with the last one :thup: .and no dual channel is definitaly not overrated :) .

[Brundle Fly]

definitaly go with the last one :thup: .and no dual channel is definitaly not overrated :) .

Very cool, call that a done deal. I'll be able to upgrade to another matched set later, giving me a gig of matched RAM in dual channel mode. :attn:

I'll just order from Vibe, the price works out nice. :)

Items: $220.47
Shipping: $21.22 (Purolator Ground, full loss/damage protection)
GST: $16.92
PST: $0.00
Total: $258.61

[RAMMAN]

sweet :thup: .order already :D .

[Brundle Fly]

Man, I wish I could order right now, still need my last T-4 which I should have by the middle of February, then the order will be fired off. Cool, can do everything with online direct deposit through my bank, no credit card BS, I like that. Hopefully, there will be a few price drops between now and then. :D

Okay, so here's the updated list, probably top out around $2000 once I get my case, P4 cooler, a couple 120mm's, mouse and KB, but I can live with that. :D

*UPDATED*ABIT AA8XE 3RD EYE 925XE LGA775 DUAL DDR2 PCI-E16 3PCI-E 2PCI SATA RAID 1394 SND 1000LAN MOTHERBOARD
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13514&promoid=0

INTEL PENTIUM 4 540 3.2GHZ $299.98
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=12132&promoid=0

MSI NX6600GT $250.80 http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13799&vpn=MS-8983-010&manufacture=MicroStar

ULTRA X-CONNECT 500W ATX POWER SUPPLY W/ UV CABLE KIT HIGH-GLOSS TITANIUM $123.83
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=12606&promoid=0

WD CAVIAR SE 120GB HARD DRIVE SATA 7200RPM 8.9MS 8MB 3YR WARRANTY $118.74
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=10005&promoid=0

**UPDATED**LG BLACK 52X24X52 CDRW& 16X DVD COMBO INT EIDE ATAPI OEM W/ CDRW SW
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=10367&vpn=GCC-4520B%20BLACK&manufacture=LG%20Electronics


Check Out Summary
Shipping $27.18
Insurance: $32.80
Subtotal: $1,153.39
GST(7%): $80.74
YOUR TOTAL: $1,234.13

CRT - TTX 19 inch .21 hdp Perfect Flat 1600 x 1200 NI @ 75HZ Model 1997
http://db.ttx.ca/TTXCanada/Products/html/crt.html
$252.20 Tax Included(local store, Yesplay.com, no shipping)

CORSAIR TWIN2X512-5400C4 PC2-5400 DUAL CHANNEL 2X256MB DDR2
http://www.vibecomputers.com/index.cfm?loc=iview&if=n&vID=200475
Total: $258.61 Tax and shipping.

Grand Total $1744.94, taxed, shipped, delivered.

Whoo Hooo! Under the $1800 mark! :attn:

BTW Ramman, let me once again say thank you for your help, it is greatly appreciated. :thup: :attn:

[RAMMAN]

im just wondering, what type of case are you getting? a flashy/cool case can go a long way :D .

[Brundle Fly]

im just wondering, what type of case are you getting? a flashy/cool case can go a long way :D .

I'm not sure about the case yet, I want to lay all my parts out on the table, see how all the colours go together, and go from there. I want a window, but if I can't find something I like, I might go full acrylic. If I go acrylic, I mean, aside from lighting, there's not much for me to do when it comes to modding. I may just get myself a large case, $70 to $90 (Canadian) and mod it myself. Man, I know I'm going to mod it myself, who am I trying to kid, forget the acrylic. I really have to shop around, I'd like a full tower, but don't want to pay extra for a PSU I'm not going to use. It's got to have front USB ports, I hate having to wrap my joystick cable around behind my monitor, and plugging my camera in the back of my tower sucks, my wife and I both use it, and of course I have to plug it into her system, it's a just annoying.

I'm ready to pick up a $30 case to get my system up and running when it gets here, then start modding my real case. That way, I won't rush the case, I can take my time, and do it right. :D

[9mmCensor]

ecc registered memory is only for certain amd mobos.

No.

ECC Registered RAM is used in servers and workstations for both Intel and AMD CPUs (dunno bout PPC chips).

[9mmCensor]

Ok. Why pick an Intel system? It looks to me, that you get alot of enjoyment out of modding and the look of your system. So why not save a few bucks on the CPU, Motherboard and RAM (DDR2 is too expensive still for what its worth)? have the same preformance and spend the extra money on a case you really like and some switches or whatever.

Also I would buy the monitor locally. A shipping them is expensive, and be you can usually get a good deal at FutureShop, and you can also look at them, and see if they are good for you.

[RAMMAN]

I'm not sure about the case yet, I want to lay all my parts out on the table, see how all the colours go together, and go from there. I want a window, but if I can't find something I like, I might go full acrylic. If I go acrylic, I mean, aside from lighting, there's not much for me to do when it comes to modding. I may just get myself a large case, $70 to $90 (Canadian) and mod it myself. Man, I know I'm going to mod it myself, who am I trying to kid, forget the acrylic. I really have to shop around, I'd like a full tower, but don't want to pay extra for a PSU I'm not going to use. It's got to have front USB ports, I hate having to wrap my joystick cable around behind my monitor, and plugging my camera in the back of my tower sucks, my wife and I both use it, and of course I have to plug it into her system, it's a just annoying.

I'm ready to pick up a $30 case to get my system up and running when it gets here, then start modding my real case. That way, I won't rush the case, I can take my time, and do it right. :D

i prefer pre-modded mid towers myself but its your choice :) .

[RAMMAN]

No.

ECC Registered RAM is used in servers and workstations for both Intel and AMD CPUs (dunno bout PPC chips).

the only non-server or workstation chips that use ecc registered ram are the athlon64,s/fx,s for socket 754.

[Brundle Fly]

Ok. Why pick an Intel system? It looks to me, that you get alot of enjoyment out of modding and the look of your system. So why not save a few bucks on the CPU, Motherboard and RAM (DDR2 is too expensive still for what its worth)? have the same preformance and spend the extra money on a case you really like and some switches or whatever.

Also I would buy the monitor locally. A shipping them is expensive, and be you can usually get a good deal at FutureShop, and you can also look at them, and see if they are good for you.

I'm hooked on Intel, what can I say. Some people will only buy a Chevy, hey, the new Mustang may kick the Camaro's butt in a hundred ways, but they'll still buy the Chevy for more. Why? They're hooked on Chevy. I've always owned Intel, they've never let me down, I want to stick with them.

Yes, I know AMD's clock better, yes, I know they're better in gaming, but like that Chevy guy, I'm hooked, the reliability factor has me whipped. I won't sit here and run down AMD chips, I don't have the personal experience with them to back it up, I just like my Intels.

The cost of the case isn't the problem, finding what I want is the problem. Antec has the perfect case, except it already has a window, full tower, only $103 Canadian. I can probably work around the window, do something different with it, I mean, I like the tower, and the price is right :thup:

And yes, I'm getting the monitor locally, saves me $60 in shipping alone. I will take a look at Futureshop, they're just around the corner from me, ten minute walk, and free delivery because we're that close(no wheels here). I may go for a refurb, which will save me $100 to $150. It's a nice case without doing anything to it, good base to start from.

i prefer pre-modded mid towers myself but its your choice .

What bugs me about the mid-towers is how close the PSU is to the mobo(heat), I want them farther apart. Eventually, I want to get into water-cooling, so I figure if I go big now, I'll have the room for water later. I'm still a bit nervous about running water inside my case, call me old fashioned, I'll get over it, heh. :D

**EDIT** Forgot the link to the tower.

http://www.vibecomputers.com/index.cfm?loc=iview&if=n&vID=200953

[RAMMAN]

Ok. Why pick an Intel system? It looks to me, that you get alot of enjoyment out of modding and the look of your system. So why not save a few bucks on the CPU, Motherboard and RAM (DDR2 is too expensive still for what its worth)? have the same preformance and spend the extra money on a case you really like and some switches or whatever.

Also I would buy the monitor locally. A shipping them is expensive, and be you can usually get a good deal at FutureShop, and you can also look at them, and see if they are good for you.

some people prefer intel, while others are total amd fanboys.it depends on personal taste.and some people prefer modding their own case rather than purchasing an overpriced, pre-modded case like mine.ddr2 ram is is no longer as expensive as when it was first released not to mention they can run at a much higher frequency.same performance? not to sure about that anymore.

[9mmCensor]

the only non-server or workstation chips that use ecc registered ram are the athlon64,s/fx,s for socket 754.
Still not quite.

Athlon64 FX chips using socket 940 (mainly for single CPU workstations) are the only A64s to use ECC Registered RAM.

Brundle Fly: Ok dude, gotcha. :cool:

[RAMMAN]

Still not quite.

Athlon64 FX chips using socket 940 (mainly for single CPU workstations) are the only A64s to use ECC Registered RAM.

Brundle Fly: Ok dude, gotcha. :cool:

the point i was making is that ecc registered ram wont run with a 3.2e.

[RAMMAN]

I'm hooked on Intel, what can I say. Some people will only buy a Chevy, hey, the new Mustang may kick the Camaro's butt in a hundred ways, but they'll still buy the Chevy for more. Why? They're hooked on Chevy. I've always owned Intel, they've never let me down, I want to stick with them.

Yes, I know AMD's clock better, yes, I know they're better in gaming, but like that Chevy guy, I'm hooked, the reliability factor has me whipped. I won't sit here and run down AMD chips, I don't have the personal experience with them to back it up, I just like my Intels.

The cost of the case isn't the problem, finding what I want is the problem. Antec has the perfect case, except it already has a window, full tower, only $103 Canadian. I can probably work around the window, do something different with it, I mean, I like the tower, and the price is right :thup:

And yes, I'm getting the monitor locally, saves me $60 in shipping alone. I will take a look at Futureshop, they're just around the corner from me, ten minute walk, and free delivery because we're that close(no wheels here). I may go for a refurb, which will save me $100 to $150. It's a nice case without doing anything to it, good base to start from.



What bugs me about the mid-towers is how close the PSU is to the mobo(heat), I want them farther apart. Eventually, I want to get into water-cooling, so I figure if I go big now, I'll have the room for water later. I'm still a bit nervous about running water inside my case, call me old fashioned, I'll get over it, heh. :D

**EDIT** Forgot the link to the tower.

http://www.vibecomputers.com/index.cfm?loc=iview&if=n&vID=200953

if thats what the tower looks like before modding than i cant wait to see it post-modding! :D :drool: :thup: :) .

[Brundle Fly]

some people prefer intel, while others are total amd fanboys.it depends on personal taste.and some people prefer modding their own case rather than purchasing an overpriced, pre-modded case like mine.ddr2 ram is is no longer as expensive as when it was first released not to mention they can run at a much higher frequency.same performance? not to sure about that anymore.

Well, I don't know if you can call a pre-modded case "over-priced", just doing #2 son's case, and we're nowhere near done, is costing me an arm and a leg. I've probably already dropped $100 into it on paint, various nuts and bolts, sandpaper, bondo, ad nausium. It still needs a power supply which will clean up some of the wiring, rounded IDE cables, and some kind of fix for "exhaust stacks" up top. Forget about the time spent on it. When you add everything up, pre-modded cases just may save you a lot in the long run. :bang head


if thats what the tower looks like before modding than i cant wait to see it post-modding!

Yeah, I really like the look, I'd probably just add a few personal touches, something to make it different. I know I want to do something with the window, but I have to see it "in the flesh" before I figure out what. :D

[RAMMAN]

Well, I don't know if you can call a pre-modded case "over-priced", just doing #2 son's case, and we're nowhere near done, is costing me an arm and a leg. I've probably already dropped $100 into it on paint, various nuts and bolts, sandpaper, bondo, ad nausium. It still needs a power supply which will clean up some of the wiring, rounded IDE cables, and some kind of fix for "exhaust stacks" up top. Forget about the time spent on it. When you add everything up, pre-modded cases just may save you a lot in the long run. :bang head

yeah, you could be right there.my case with psu cost less than $200 yet people are already drooling over it and mistaking it for an alienware.

Yeah, I really like the look, I'd probably just add a few personal touches, something to make it different. I know I want to do something with the window, but I have to see it "in the flesh" before I figure out what. :D

maybe an extra 80mm intake?

edit: i guess i made a mistake when i made that quote.

[Brundle Fly]

maybe an extra 80mm intake?

edit: i guess i made a mistake when i made that quote.

I saw that, no probs, I figured it out. :D

You picked your case up for less than $200, with PSU. If I add my PSU to the price of the case, I'm over that $200 already, and I haven't even started modding anything yet. I like the Mercedes/AMG silver colour, but for sure the interior will need a paint job. Fans, oh yeah, 25dba 80mm's, my wife will never know how many are in there. That case is pretty much a given, the more I look at it, the more I like it. :D

Basically, the monitor is all I have left to hunt for, and like 9MM said, local is the way to go, shipping is killer on a monitor. If Skunk Works here in town can get me my case, I can save the shipping on that too. I'm itchin to order this stuff, how do you rush a T-4? Heh, it's not even a freakin T-4, it's for my CCTB(it's Canadian thing), which isn't even taxable income, but I can't do my taxes without it. As far as I'm concerned, they could just do away with the CCTB, and I'd be getting back $6000 to $6300 every spring, and wouldn't have to wait so freakin long. I hate the taxman(unless there's a taxman reading in here, then he/she's a very nice person). :D

[RAMMAN]

i paid too much for my monitor.its only a 19-inch black diamond view crt yet i paid $380 australian for it locally only 2 months ago :bang head ! i hope no one makes that mistake again!