Please critique my future PC (from portatech)

[Mainframe]

Hello,

I'm planning to get a gaming/multimedia PC from Portatech.com.
Here are the tentative specs:

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 ( 4 x 2.4GHz - 1066FSB)
Asus P5K-V (mobo)
8GB DDR2-800MHz Atlas Precision Memory (Dual Channel Kit)
80GB 7200RPM SATAII (U300) - 8MB Cache Western Digital Hard Drive
(I chose 80 GB b/c I already have an external 500 gig hard drive)
Zumax 650 Watt PS
nVidia GeForce 8800GTS 640MB PCI Express X16
SB X-Fi Fatal1ty Pro 7.1 (sound card)
Ultimate cooling package
Vista Ultimate
total price: $$1960.69

My other option is:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ (Dual Core)
MSI K9AG NEO2-DIGITAL (mobo)
rest is same...
total price: $$1881.73


Basically I'm investing in the best config that can last at least 5 years (including upgrades). What do you guys think?

Thanks :)

[minus-sign]

Basically I'm investing in the best config that can last at least 5 years (including upgrades). What do you guys think?TBH, I think you're overestimating how long the PC will be able to keep up with tech. I asked a similar question a while ago on these forums, and decided to wait until the x48 chipsets and Nehelam become available. By then, I'm also hoping that DDR3 drops in price, as i figure it will become the new standard as people shift away from the old RAM configs.

Intel has also delayed the next series of their processors, so your quad core will--hopefully--be seeing a price drop soon. Even so, I've looked around here and other forums and quad isn't really needed for a gaming station; it may even end up being less than you want for what you want it to do. A stronger dual core might be a better option for you, but I reserve saying more until someone who "knows" weighs in. Take this with a grain of salt; I'm a newbie too.

What I think is that you should wait if you can, and consider one last upgrade if your current PC setup is just starting to teeter on antique (thats what I did and its doing a solid job right now).

http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=61536

[CheeepNeon]

Basically I'm investing in the best config that can last at least 5 years (including upgrades). What do you guys think?

Well according to Moore's Law (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moore's_law) you will have to buy a PC that is approximately the equivilent to 2.5 good PCs, in this current time, for it to last you 5 years. :cool:

[odannyboy000]

I would get a different harddrive.

I would definitely not get that video card. Instead I would get the 8800gt or 8800gts 512MB version, the one you picked out is a joke.

8GB of RAM is not needed, you should get 4.

[Ajmukon]

if you want it to last 5 years, get the 8GB RAM. and VISTA HOME PREMIUM x64 bit
Video card: 3870 X2 CrossFire (2x 3870 X2)
OR 8800 ULTRA SLI (2x ULTRA's)
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 Yorkfield
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115034
get a better HD- one with a 16MB Cache or a FLASH cache
and any x48 motherboard.

[adz0rz]

OMG :eek:
That cpu looks amazing AJ !
price is a bit hefty but might be adding that to my future build,
and mainframe for a computer to still be "good" for 5 years without updrades really needs alot of money invested ans top of the range parts
BUT... it can surely be worth it, it will run like a wet dream:p

[Mainframe]

Thanks for all your suggestions guys :)

Yah, I guess I am asking too much for a PC to last at least 5 years...it's a big investment though, so I really would like it to at least be useful for 3-5 years.

odanyboy000, the reason I wanted 8 gig ram was b.c I'm sure 3-5 years from now, applications will require even more ram than today. So I thought, I might as well get the highest possible ram. Also can I ask why the 8800 GTS 640 mb is bad? I read a lot of positive reviews on it.

Ajmukon, that looks like a fantastic setup. A little pricey but I'm willing to invest. I'm gonna take a look at it :)

Appreciate your help guys :)

[Ajmukon]

just remember. it hasn't been built...
if you want, i can get a list of pieces i would put together.. now,
but in the next few months, the 9,000 series Geforce and the next ATI card will be coming out... along with the x48 motherboards... (Mid- March) and the QX9770...... (same time)- if they are not delayed anymore...

(and, apparently, to get SLI, you will need to buy a 790i SLI motherboard. the x48 will NOT support SLI- only crossfire)

[odannyboy000]

The 8800gts is outdated and expensive compared to the 8800gt which performs better and is cheaper.

Seriously, you don't need 8GB of RAM. Why not just wait 3 years down the road when you MIGHT need it and get it; it will probably be cheaper.

[Ajmukon]

true, but it should be in the list when he needs it- just try to get 2x2GB(and let the other two slots be empty and upgrade when you need to- 2-3 years down the line)

unless the RAM is no longer made....

[Mainframe]

Thanks AJ and ODanny.

I think I'll take your advice and wait for the newer stuff. Curious to see how they perform :)

[dalton13]

After weeks of arguing with $5/hr staff about XP reporting memory, I give up. I am a 4 time MCSE working for Microsoft, and they refuse to address the fact that the BIOS itself reports 3GB of memory, not the 4GB as ordered. They wrapped up our business by threatening me if I cancel the charge with Visa. NEVER do business with these clowns.

[alfroogy]

if you have a 32bit os it can only show 3gb ram. Not sure why it only comes up as 3gb in the bios though. IIRC the bios should be able to detect all the ram.

ps. not to sound rude or anything but don't you think it would have been better to start a new thread rather than necro post this one?