Newegg purchase bragging! :)

[Pck21]

Ok, I'm not sure if anyone is a computer geek like me, but I'm hoping so because I just scored the best deal (IMO) on newegg.com this morning. My computer was becoming out of date really fast so I decided to upgrade a few things and here's what I got:

Video card: ASUS EN9800GT ULTIMATE/HTDP/512M GeForce 9800 GT 512MB

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121266

Power supply: PC Power & Cooling S75QB 750W


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703009

Ram: OCZ SLI-Ready 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227198

DVD Burner: Lite-On

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106073

Total before mail in rebates: $338.xx
Total AFTER mail in rebates: $263.xx

Why am I bragging? For 1, I just upgraded my video card, ram, and power supply BIG TIME. I currently have a 7600GT gpu, 2GB of the same ram, and a 500 watt psu, and no DVD burner. I now have a sweet video card for the price, doubled my ram, added one of the best power supplies on the market in PC Power & Cooling, and also finally got a DVD burner after all these years :D

Also, the power supply itself normally costs $250 and after MIR it will be $82! The way I look at it, I bought one of the best power supplies for full price and after MIRs I will have a new gpu, more ram, and a DVD burner for $13 extra. Pretty good right?

Oh and the video card also comes with Alone in the Dark for free. Not the best game, but a free game none the less. Hopefully my system will be able to push Crysis now with no problems. Here's the set up I will have now:

CPU: AMD 5000+ Black Edition (2.6GHz) socket AM2 w/ Zalman Cooler
RAM: 4GB OCZ SLI
GPU: 9800GT 512mb Ultimate edition
PSU: 750 watt PC Power and Cooling

So what do you guys think? Did I score a fairly decent deal?

[Oktoberfest]

pretty good, especially the PSU and RAM obviously.

[Pck21]

pretty good, especially the PSU and RAM obviously.

Well I thought the GPU was a pretty good snag because it's the same performance as a 9800GTX but less money. Plus it came with a free game 8-)

[bubbafett4hire]

sweet deal

[MrDubbs]

I assume you're running Vista? Or XP 64 bit then?

[Pck21]

I assume you're running Vista? Or XP 64 bit then?

EDIT: Actually I'm running XP Professional. I forgot that I tried 64 bit and it wasn't compatible with a ton of programs that I need on an everyday basis. Is that going to be a problem?

[kube00]

Nice deal let me know if Alone in the Dark is worth a cheap purchase!

[MrDubbs]

EDIT: Actually I'm running XP Professional. I forgot that I tried 64 bit and it wasn't compatible with a ton of programs that I need on an everyday basis. Is that going to be a problem?

32 Bit Operating System like XP won't read 4GB of ram

[bubbafett4hire]

32 Bit Operating System like XP won't read 4GB of ram
isn't that also true for certain motherboards as well? i heard with a lot of cheaper sided motherboards (gigabyte,pc chips, biostar) there cut off limit is 2gigs RAM supported though the BIOS but they support a x64 CPU

[bigdaddybruce44]

All motherboards have different RAM capacities, depending on a number of factors, but yes, cheaper boards often have 2GB or 4GB limits. Of course, if you are buying a cheap motherboard (especially to couple up with high-end parts), you should be smacked upside the head, anyway. Also, Gigabyte is a pretty good motherboard brand. They make a wide-range of boards, yes, but they are all pretty high quality.

[bubbafett4hire]

i don't know i only use ASUS and MSI if i can't find a deal on a ASUS

[Pck21]

My mobo supports 16GBs of ram... :)

It's a socket AM2 Gigabyte GA-M57SLI-S4 board.

My girlfriend's dad has a socket 939 board from a long time ago and he's running 4GBs of ram on Windows XP Pro with no problems at all. It recognizes it just fine.

[bubbafett4hire]

you run any linux on that mobo at all? with the 16 gigs of ram support i imagine Linux would fly even more then it already does.

[helluvagood]

newegg doesnt ship to canada =(

[Pck21]

you run any linux on that mobo at all? with the 16 gigs of ram support i imagine Linux would fly even more then it already does.

I haven't installed linux on that PC because I don't have a hard drive that's big enough to the large partition size that I want. I have Ubuntu and SuSE installed on separate machines and they both fly with only 2GBs of ram installed. You're right though, with 16GB's linux would absolutely scream lol.

[Lice]

My girlfriend's dad has a socket 939 board from a long time ago and he's running 4GBs of ram on Windows XP Pro with no problems at all. It recognizes it just fine.

It should only count up to 3.

Some says it still uses all of it but it will only register as 3. I dont know if its true that it still uses it or not.

[Pck21]

It should only count up to 3.

Some says it still uses all of it but it will only register as 3. I dont know if its true that it still uses it or not.

Well I'll certainly double check with him today and see what XP shows. I'm fairly sure that it uses all 4 GBs though.

[danny8k]

does somebody knows if the GeForce 9800 GT is supported by OSX86 10.5 or in EFIX?

just wondering ^^

other than that sweet deal

[Zing]

Windows 32-bit limits itself to approximately 3GB of RAM. Ever since, I believe, XP SP1, Microsoft changed the memory reporting to state it is using the full 4GB, but it is really only using anywhere down to 2.5GB, depending on how much RAM your video card has.

Windows 64-bit and OS X 10.5 do not have this limitation (when using Santa Rosa or newer chipsets).

*edit* http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/09/03/road_to_mac_os_x_snow_leopard_64_bits_santa_rosa_a nd_the_great_pc_swindle.html

[MrDubbs]

Windows 32-bit limits itself to approximately 3GB of RAM. Ever since, I believe, XP SP1, Microsoft changed the memory reporting to state it is using the full 4GB, but it is really only using anywhere down to 2.5GB, depending on how much RAM your video card has.

Windows 64-bit and OS X 10.5 do not have this limitation (when using Santa Rosa or newer chipsets).

*edit* http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/09/03/road_to_mac_os_x_snow_leopard_64_bits_santa_rosa_a nd_the_great_pc_swindle.html

Yes, it doesn't matter how many GB's your Mobo can hold

[Pck21]

Windows 32-bit limits itself to approximately 3GB of RAM. Ever since, I believe, XP SP1, Microsoft changed the memory reporting to state it is using the full 4GB, but it is really only using anywhere down to 2.5GB, depending on how much RAM your video card has.

Windows 64-bit and OS X 10.5 do not have this limitation (when using Santa Rosa or newer chipsets).

*edit* http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/09/03/road_to_mac_os_x_snow_leopard_64_bits_santa_rosa_a nd_the_great_pc_swindle.html

Damn, you're kidding? So if I have 4 sticks of DDR2 800 dual channeling on my mobo, XP will only utilize 2.5GB-3GB? That seems totally bizarre. I've always been under the impression that it was the mobo that either hindered or promoted component performance, not the OS. So basically I wll have 4GBs of ram but they won't be used or they won't show up in a 32 bit environment? I am so confused lol.

So to utilize my system to it's full capacity, I need to do what exactly? Upgrade to XP 64 bit or Vista 64 bit? I certainly don't want to even look at Vista, let alone use it. I've tried it out on a few systems and hated it. Why should I change because it sucks!? :D

Bottom line: Will I be able to play Crysis on very high settings? :) I've found out a way to trick the game into thinking it's running on "High" settings (reserved for "only" for XP) when it's actually running on "Very High" settings (reserved for "ony for Vista) by changing some things around in the game's folder. I found it on some forum and I have the file if anyone wants it. Really easy to do and you can run Crysis on Very High settings in XP *with* a boost in 10fps, or so they say. I've seen the screen shots and they don't seem to be lying or kidding around.

Any advice?

Edit: Will the 64 bit of any OS be less compatible with applications such as games? I have been reading that my Office XP Professional will work with Vista, but I'm not so sure about the 64 bit edition...ugh!

[MrDubbs]

Yes, in order to use a full 4gb you need to upgrade the OS. As far as programs go, I'm not sure what programs you use, so it depends really. I myself tried XP 64 Bit and couldn't get a lot of programs to run like Norton 2008, so it's hit and miss.

[Pck21]

Yes, in order to use a full 4gb you need to upgrade the OS. As far as programs go, I'm not sure what programs you use, so it depends really. I myself tried XP 64 Bit and couldn't get a lot of programs to run like Norton 2008, so it's hit and miss.

Damn, damn, damn. Damn. Well that's definitely a kick in the pants from my side. Hmmm so if I don't upgrade to a 64 bit OS, my system will not run at it's full capacity. On the other hand, the only "stable" OS on the market calls itself "Vista" which should be renamed to "Garbage Dump." I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't it looks like.

Well what happens if I don't upgrade? I know my ram won't be fully utilized, but my GPU and games will work ok, right? The other reason I don't want to upgrade is because I have heard MS is already "giving up" on Vista and are developing a new OS right now called "Windows 7." I feel that if I upgrade now, I'm just going to be raked over the coals again in like 2 years. See, this is why I mainly use Apple thank you! :D:applause::booty:

I know my Kaspersky 2009 internet suite will work fine because it was "Made for Vista." I'm just worried about other applications from my professors and other school stuff that will be voided or messed up if I go to Vista.

Anyone want to sell me a cheap copy (not pirated of course!) of XP Pro 64 bit? No? Well darn! :)

Any suggestions from anyone out there? I really appreciate all the help from everyone! :)

Edit: Ugh well now I'm toying with the idea of Vista 64 bit. Of course I'm trying not to tie the rope around my neck as I type this, but geez lol. Since I just spent a butt load on the components, Vista will have to wait until next month. What version is recommended for stability and gaming?

[MrDubbs]

Actually, Vista was never meant to be. It was kind of like a side project if you will. Windows 7 has been in development for some time now, before Vista was released too I believe.

As far as your question on the game, I'm not sure the requirements of the games, to compare them to the specs on the computer.

In what appears to be good news for you though, it appears that Vista's 32 bit can support up to 4gbs of ram

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2068721,00.asp

So you might only have to upgrade and be out 100 if you want

[Pck21]

Actually, Vista was never meant to be. It was kind of like a side project if you will. Windows 7 has been in development for some time now, before Vista was released too I believe.

As far as your question on the game, I'm not sure the requirements of the games, to compare them to the specs on the computer.

In what appears to be good news for you though, it appears that Vista's 32 bit can support up to 4gbs of ram

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2068721,00.asp

So you might only have to upgrade and be out 100 if you want

Ah ha! You see, I heard the same thing regarding Vista and Windows 7 a while back, but it was from a less than credible source so I just ignored it.

Well the game at hand, Crysis, wants a max of 2GBs of ram, dual core CPU (no speed mentioned), and an 8800 or above GPU. I have all of that now (save for the GPU) so it should run ok. I just want it to scream with the 4GBs is all.

Well at tigerdirect.com, they have an OEM disc of Vista Home Premium 64 bit (with optional sun roof or something ;)) for $109.00. With shipping it comes out to $116.xx so that's not too bad. The only thing stopping me at this point is the girlfriend who doesn't want Vista on the PC. I tried explaining everything and she just rolled her eyes at me as usual lol.

One last question though...would upgrading my current system be optimal performance wise, or do I need to do a clean install. If it's the second option, I'm kicking the chair out from under me right now lol.

Thanks for all your help by the way. I've been buidling PC's for only a few years now and this whole 32 bit/64 bit problem has not reared it's ugly head until now. Glad I learned something today for a change!

Edit: I take that back lol. Newegg has the same OEM Vista version 64 bit for $99 shipped. This may have to wait till next month or so but still that's not a bad deal. I just need to convince my gf that we need it...ugh! :)

[MrDubbs]

without seeing the current state of your computer it's hard to say for certain on the clean install vs upgrading from what you have. The honest answer though is regardless I feel you'd get better performance from a clean install overall; but just upgrading is something that can be done. Also, I would say the game should play fine, with what you have, however it's hard to tell how the computer will react, when it wants 2gb, and you may only have 2.5.. I would wager on it being alright though

Are you looking to get the Home Basic or Home Premium version of Vista?

Home Premium 99.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10008484

Home Basic 86.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=604696

They have a free shipping option too via FedEx 5-7 day. The one thing to keep in mind before ordering these ones though is that THEY ARE NOT UPGRADES. It's just the full OEM version. Oh and yes, ZZF is a reliable place to buy from

[Pck21]

without seeing the current state of your computer it's hard to say for certain on the clean install vs upgrading from what you have. The honest answer though is regardless I feel you'd get better performance from a clean install overall; but just upgrading is something that can be done. Also, I would say the game should play fine, with what you have, however it's hard to tell how the computer will react, when it wants 2gb, and you may only have 2.5.. I would wager on it being alright though

Are you looking to get the Home Basic or Home Premium version of Vista?

Home Premium 99.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10008484

Home Basic 86.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=604696

They have a free shipping option too via FedEx 5-7 day. The one thing to keep in mind before ordering these ones though is that THEY ARE NOT UPGRADES. It's just the full OEM version. Oh and yes, ZZF is a reliable place to buy from

Well shoot that's not what I wanted to hear of course. I might have to mull this over for a day or two and weigh my options regarding a clean install. I do have 2 hdd's so maybe I can move all of my stuff over to the other hard drive I have installed, do a clean install on the current hard drive and then move everything back over. It just seems like such a hassle in the end.

Oh I've know about ZZF for years now ;) They are a great company, so no worries there. I just didn't know that the OEM versions wouldn't do an upgrade of my current system. Like I said, I need to do a lot of thinking and planning before I do this. Geez who knew that the flood gates would open after I made this purchase? lol!

Well anyways, thanks again for all the advice and help. Honestly, it's really shined a light on a ton of things. Thanks again! :)

Edit: I'm looking for Vista Home Premium 64 bit edition by the way. That's a mouthful right? :)

[DarkNessBear]

Yea you can have terabytes of memory. Heh.

[Pck21]

Yea you can have terabytes of memory. Heh.

lol!

By the way everyone I received my stuff and installed it. Took about a half hour because I had to plug in the power cords for everything. My system is AMAZING now! So much faster and I can run Crysis on High settings with about 20-35 FPS. With AA on 4x it's drops to like 16-25 FPS lol. I don't even want to try it on 8x! :)

Anyways, I'm really lovin it and I hope that it brings PC gaming back into my house. I wasn't even able to play BF2 on all high settings but man now I definitely can and my card doesn't even flinch.

[DarkNessBear]

Cool grats man! I love that feeling of just unstoppable gaming power! You just want to play everything... hehe.

[bigdaddybruce44]

Cool grats man! I love that feeling of just unstoppable gaming power! You just want to play everything... hehe.

Seriously. I honestly cannot think of a more enjoyable experience than screwing around with a gaming computer...overclocking...running benches...tweaking things to overclock even further...ah...