Future Rig

[|Brad|]

Well I decided that it's time for me to get a new system and I decided that i wanted to build it myself. I have little experience in the past with customizing systems. The most I did was replace ram, install a DVD writer, replace a fan and add a video card. Now Im going for the full overhaul. I dont rly have a budget to speak about but I didnt want to blow my money at the same time, so this is my potential system:

- Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor Dual Core E8600 3.66 GHz
- Intel® Desktop Board DX38BT
- 2 X 2GB, Ballistix 240-pin DIMM, DDR3 PC3-10600
- XFX GeForce 8800GT 512MB Alpha Dog
- WDC Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
- LG Dvd Writer
- Zalman 9700 CPU cooler
- Rosewill Conqueror RPS-01-WB500P Triple 120mm Fans Steel ATX with 500W PSU

it came up to like 1400 bucks US, which isnt bad, but there is no shipping, nor import and tax duties added as yet.

What do you all think of the system? Any idea how I could import all that stuff via the cheapest route... or is there anywhere in Tnt I could get the parts for reasonable prices?

Thanks

[Spazosaurus]

Seriously consider Core i7 in your new rig. This thread provides some good insight as to what you should get based on your needs/budget.

Off the bat i'd say a Core i7 920 cpu and one of the x58 offerings. Forget x38. And 8800gt? Not such a good idea. You're looking for a GTX 260 core 216/hd 4870 at least in these here times.

AMD's Phenom II is not half bad either, they are also a possibility. Bottom line, you're looking for a quad core cpu. These are the way of the future, no matter what some people might say.

Also, of you're going to be building a system like this, a power supply that's bundled with the case is not going to cut it. Search the forums for power supply threads. There's a lot of info as well as personal experiences and preferences.

Cooling/memory is dependent on your platform of choice.

Everything else is secondary.

[|Brad|]

Mmmmm expensive (i7 and quad core).. but I guess you do have a point... willl look into it, but will have to figure out where to get more money.

Yes I realised that the PSU would have to be changed for sure.

Any idea on the taxation and duties situation and how much they charge?

[Spazosaurus]

You will be charged for stuff like the power supply, memory. If all depends on the mood of the customs officer that checks your stuff. There doesnt seem to be any standards down there or something.

Bottom line, if you're planning to bring down all your components, set aside $800 to $1000 for shipping and duties.

[|Brad|]

800 to 1000 TT or US?

[Saxito Pau]

If you on a tighter budget I suggest these as reference (substitute where applicable)

- Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E8400  3GHz
- MSI P45 Platinum
- Sapphire HD 4850 video card
- 4GB Corsair Dominator DDR2-1066 RAM 2 x 2GB

800 to 1000 TT or US?

TT$$ he meant

[SPK]

I assume he means TT, but I think $1k is a little on the low side, esp. if he decides to ship a case. I'd say closer to $1500 to be safe. Personally, I woulda suggest getting the case and HDD locally - you will WANT that warranty for the hard drive for sure, if nothing else!

[|Brad|]

*breathes sigh of relief*

Yea I might buy the HDD locally, and will also look into getting a case down here as well.

[Saxito Pau]

Yea I might buy the HDD locally, and will also look into getting a case down here as well.

Check Circuit Zone for some good Thermaltake cases.

I also wish to recommend this case if PRW still sells it

[|Brad|]

Well I made a few changes... but I dont see the point of having a top of the line quad core or i7 because very few apps or games could really maximize the potential of those chips. Would be years before software could use it's potential to the max. Many experts also recommended using a dual core for the moment.

So this is the semi final layout

- Intel Core 2 Duo 3.33 GHz Dual Core
- Intel® Desktop Board DX38BT
- 2 X 2GB Ballistix Tracer 240-pin DIMM DDR3 PC3-10600
- XFX GX260NADFF GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 896MB 448-bit GDDR3
- Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500410AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache
- LG Dvd Writer
- Zalman 9700 CPU cooler
- Antec 900 Case (no psu included)
- Antec NeoPower 650W PSU


didnt realise the GTX260 was only a couple bucks more expensive...plus the WDC (even though supposedly) also had lots of crashing complaints. also, i had 2 bad experiences with corsair Ram.... currently using ballistix for a long time now, with success.

[Crixx_Creww]

that board is a complete no no, throw that out one time, seriously, if you not taking any of our expert advice, and why come here and ask for our advice and then tell us the experts on the internets say otherwise? lol we build rigs all day long and we do it for price performance so whatever meh.

But change that board, get an x48 and that antex power supply also=no no.

You should always try and future proof your rig especially when you on a limited budget, so in the future, the next 1500 dollar spend your making, will move your machine into a higher bracket and not just provide you with a second low end machine.

If i7 isnt your speed, and it is the BEST there is, no question about it, the x58 platform is a freaking monster. atleast get your self a q66 or a q9XXX cpu. You should be aiming for vista 64 ultimate or windows 7 so you can move into the 8 gigs of ram bracket and have a respectable machine for several years.

Again, we are pro , we do this all teh timezors so take what we are saying seriously.

we have threads on power supply choices, so do a little search and see the best choices

[Spazosaurus]

I agree with the q66/q9x suggestion. Dual cores are on the way out. Also, as for mainboard, you dont necessarily need to go the x48 route. The P45 is cheaper, almost equally performing alternative. I say almost because the only basic difference is that x48 supports ddr3 and electrical dual x16 pci-e slots while p45 is only one x16 and the other is x8 and supports ddr2.

Fill that bitch up with ddr2. That stuff is very very cheap these days. If you have had bad experiences with corsair, I guess u were an unlucky fella because a lot of us here use it, myself included. However, whatever brand u go with, make it ddr2...lots of it. 8gigs at least all run by vista 64/windows 7 64 beta of course.