My new computer - should I make any changes?

After my last computer died, I decided to take the plunge and order a new one from NCIX. This is the system I've decided on: http://pc.ncix.com/ncixpc/ncixpc.cfm?uuid=82BE2BF0-6F7E-43FB-AA8AB121E301EFB7-2507722 .

I can afford another $200 if need be, but I'd rather keep the price around where it's at.

I have a couple of questions:

-For the CPU Cooler, is what I've chosen a good pick? I'm leery of the whole water-cooled idea, but I know it's got its benefits, plus leakage is unlikely.

-For the graphics card, is the GTX 285 the best choice? Going by what I've seen in framerate comparisons, the GTX 295 isn't a whole lot better for the price. I intend on eventually adding at least one more card down the road when they drop in price.

I also have a couple of questions relating to NCIX itself:

-They mention that assembly of the machine doesn't include any water-cooling devices - would that include the CPU Cooler I've picked?

-Apparently, I can get free shipping on this machine - does anyone know who the free shipping is by? Is it through Canada Post?

I've bought from NCIX before, but only computer parts and a couple of PC games, so I thought I should ask before I commit to buy.

 

Personally I would go with a GTX 275 It's about as fast as the 285 for less.

Also you don't need a thousand watt power supply.

Also the price for that is a bit high.

If you have ability to I would build myself.

If you are looking to spend 2,000 CAD I would look around. I think you can find better deals for your money.

 

That case looks nice. Do you already have a good monitor and speakers? I don't know if the on board sound is okay. Mine is so far on my Gigabite MOBO.

 

Are you sure you want an AMD, Intel may offer better bang for buck (I5 is becoming a bit of the gamers choice)?

Maybe do a price comparison between Newegg, TigerDirect and NCIX as 2k seems expensive to me.

If you are Canadian I would be asking these guys as they are locals:

http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/
Canadian Price Comparisons:
http://hardwarecanucks.pricecanada.com/

That water cooling is on par with quality air cooling and roughly the same price if you look for reviews:

http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1025/7/

Either way if you get water do not forget about the rest of the system cooling as pointed out recently to myself many get water but ignore the motherboard, NB and HDD cooling and run into problems later.

 

As an example these look like better systems for less money:

Asus P6T Intel X58 Barebone Kit - Socket LGA1366, Intel Core i7 920, 12GB OCZ Gold DDR3-1600, 1.5TB SATA2, Clear Side ATX Mid-To $1444.99

ASUS P6T Intel X58 Barebone Kit - Socket LGA1366, Intel Core i7 920, 12GB Corsair DDR3-1600, 1.5TB SATA2, Clear Side ATX Mid-Tow $1139

iBUYPOWER Chimera LX2 Gaming PC - Intel Core i7 920, 12GB DDR3, 1TB HDD, (2) GTX260 SLI, DVDRW, 800W, Vista Home Premium 64 $1799.97
Two GTX260s should beat a single GTX285?

From there you will find all of the different Canadian stores and can do some build prices comparisons. One of those suppliers "will beat any price" (can't remember which of the top o my head).

 

I don't want to start any subjective fanboyism but if I was spending that sort of money I would be wanting the latest "form factors" for a bit of future proofing.

For example tri-channel RAM systems (in a 64bit environment you can "take advantage" of the RAM available so why just have 4GB?!?), a Video Card with GDDR5 mem chips and DirectX 11.0 capabilities for Win7, etc.

To compare between the Video cards here are some excellent summary tables on both the players:

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/131

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/132

If you really want nVidia you may have to wait for the next model launch for DirectX 11.0.

 

I agree with Bold Eagle here, (assuming you have not already purchased your computer by now) Intel > AMD, if your a gamer dont gimp out on a cheap CPU, get the core i7, absolutely amazing. Handles everything, my computer hardly ever has to even think it does what i tell it to in an instant.

Nvidia GTX series is amazing, the card i have is actually no longer being made but if the 275 or 285 are anything close to the 280 i would HIGHLY recommend it.

Also as bold stated, core i7(maybe the i5 to?) supports tripple channel ram, which is an upgrade from dual channel rams. so IMO go with 6gb of ram.

Also get a heatsink other than stock for any CPU for best cooling and efficiency.

 

Stay away from the GTX295. It's hot and loud and not worth $500.

 

I have to agree and I was indicating you should seriously consider an ATI 5850 or 5870 if you really want to take advantage of Win7 with DirectX 11.0. You will need a big case for these as they are "huge".

 

Wow - looks like I've got quite a few more choices to make than I thought I did. LOL

I'm thinking now that, going by the number of people recommending going with an i7, I might be better off to hold off buying until I've got enough to get one.

I also think that, after looking at the prices on some of the other sites Bold Eagle mentioned, I won't be going with NCIX.

A friend is willing to lend me his old machine until I've got enough for a new one with an i7, so I think that's what I'll do.

 

my personal opinion, based on local issues/personal experience of course, would be to get a UPS, if you don't have one already. not where you buy your system, though. you ought to be able to find one WAY cheaper than NCIX's $120CD, or at least get one that you know isn't more/less than you need.

 

For the future I would seriously be considering an I7 build with at least 6GB of RAM and a ATI5850 or 5870 with a Win7 64Bit OS. That will give you excellent performance and allow for future upgrading.

 

Again completely agree although i am a nvidia person and would suggest a GTX 275/285 but again its all on preference i suppose.

But core i7 build 6gb of ram and win7 64bit ur pc is gonna be able to fly to the moon and back each time u turn it on

on a side note, get a decent PSU(at least 700+watts)

 

Have to agree with the PSU and this looks like really good value and a solid unit at the moment:

Corsair TX750W Power Supply $109
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showpost.php?p=1407544&postcount=3

No fanboyism.....lol :-D.

The only reason I mention the ATI (I don't mind which I use) is because they have DirectX 11.0 and are slightly better value "at this current point in time". I'm sure nVidia will offer DX11.0 next product launch though .