Anniversary - The Centaurs!

McG. wrote:
> "Erik Steffl" <steffl.TakeThisOut@bigfoot.com> wrote in message
> news:137mntet9uh9e52@corp.supernews.com...
....
>> yeah, I noticed, just was curious whether you have any interesting
>> animations or something... I guess it's almost on topic:-)
>
> No anims yet. Working on convincing level of realism with scenes. And
> building and texturing of meshes. Basics first, right?

hehe we'll wait (speaking for a.g.t now:-)

....
>> yeah... then again openSolaris seems pretty interesting too:-)
>>
>> erik
>
> That's making a nice list of stuff to have a look at

yeah it never ends

here, I gotta get a new gaming PC cause of Dirt! Been waiting for the
game, only now (today) figured out that ATI Radeon 9800 Pro does not
support shader 3.0 which is required by Dirt! Seems you have pretty good
HW - what's your recommendation (mostly video card but need a new MB, CPU)?

erik
 >> Stay informed about: Anniversary - The Centaurs! 

"Erik Steffl" <steffl.DeleteThis@bigfoot.com> wrote in message
news:137mntet9uh9e52@corp.supernews.com...
> McG. wrote:
>> "Erik Steffl" <steffl.DeleteThis@bigfoot.com> wrote in message
>> news:137liiehggspi43@corp.supernews.com...
>>> McG. wrote:
>>>> "Erik Steffl" <steffl.DeleteThis@bigfoot.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:137kgats5s9kdbd@corp.supernews.com...
>>>>> McG. wrote:
>>>>>> "Erik Steffl" <steffl.DeleteThis@bigfoot.com> wrote in message
>>>>>> news:137g774ldqqu288@corp.supernews.com...
>>>>> ...
>>>>>>> hehe exactly! there should be linux on that 64 bit machine anyway,
>>>>>>> windows is for gaming and at this point win xp is best for gaming,
>>>>>>> 32 bit machine is perfectly fine for that:-) so I guess you're on
>>>>>>> the good track:-)
>>>>>> You can forget Unix/Linux for a number of the 3D and imaging apps
>>>>>> that I use. No ports. No equivalents. Windows or/and Mac versions
>>>>>> only.
>>>>> heh too bad pixar doesn't release their software...
>>>>>
>>>>> just curious - what 3D and imaging apps are you using (for what)?
>>>>> How'd you rate blender, povray, moonlight creator etc.?
>>>> I use Poser 7 (and DAZ Studio), Hexagon 2.1, Carrara 5.1, Paint Shop
>>>> Pro 10.03, Adobe CS3 / Camera RAW4. Modelling/texturing 3D meshes,
>>>> props and scene building/assembly, final still scene render, postwork.
>>>> Mostly for fun and learning at the moment.
>>>> Blender and nurbs objects won't work for what I am doing. The others
>>>> listed I haven't used. Looking at Vue6, might add this to the
>>>> collection soon.
>>> where can we see what you do? judging by the tools it sounds
>>> interesting, whatever it is:-)
>>
>> Ha! Read that sentence again: "Mostly for fun and *learning* at the
>> moment" !!! I'm a beginner, but a determined one
>
> yeah, I noticed, just was curious whether you have any interesting
> animations or something... I guess it's almost on topic:-)

No anims yet. Working on convincing level of realism with scenes. And
building and texturing of meshes. Basics first, right?

>
>>> (wow vue6 demo pics/animations look amazing)
>>
>> Yeah, that's why I wanna get it
>>
>>>>>> And what good is an operating system I can't even figure out how to
>>>>>> change a video driver for???
>>>>> ? you edit /etc/X11/xorg.conf (or XF86Config for pre-xorg X) but
>>>>> most distros these days figure out the drivers themselves anyway...
>>>> They don't seem to as of Mandrake 9 and Redhat 8. I know there are
>>>> newer distros, but fully workable self installing implementations of
>>>> the most recent distros do not come cheap. They work out pricewise to
>>>> what I pay for more copies of XP Pro full retail.
>>> ? AFAIK you only pay if you want support or some non-free stuff that
>>> some of them include. Anyway, seems like the best distro now is Ubuntu,
>>> debian based but more polished (better installation etc.), you can
>>> download it for free (http://ubuntu.com).
>>
>> You get limited if any support, do not get full installer packages. They
>> make you gotta work for the so-called 'free' stuff. Because of the way
>> Mandrake and Redhat do the carrot before the donkey bait thing, I won't
>> buy their stuff. I'll buy someone elses though.
>
> hmm... just go with ubuntu then (if you decide to try again) or some
> specialized distro based on ununtu
>
>>> then again for video drivers you probably want Nvidia or ATI own
>>> drivers (for good openGL suport) which one way or another is pain in the
>>> *ss (more work than editing config file cause they are not
>>> redistributable by distros so you have to download them, build kernel
>>> module etc.)
>>
>> OpenGL is needed for the games and most 3D apps which implement an OpenGL
>> viewport. Which is what you are looking at while you're working. I'm no
>> longer the least bit interested in SLI or Crossfire. Neither allow use
>> of multiple displays while in those modes. Absolute rubbish for me. One
>> (01) 8800 GTX in a 16x PCI-e slot is faster than two 7950GTX's in SLI or
>> any two ATI cards in crossfire. That was a pretty stunning thing to
>> discover.
>
> hmmm... that's interesting
>
>> I doubt very seriously if there are *ANY* Unix/Linux packages that will
>> do what I need to do. So the non-windows pc stuff is just toys for me to
>> learn stuff with. It's also the least expensive way to go actually.
>
> probably not, blender seems to be the best... gimp is alright but it's
> no photoshop (even less so if you do stuff for printing). movie studios
> use linux a lot but afaik mostly for rendering and lot of what they use is
> proprietary

BLender and Rhino offer much less of what I want to do. I want 3D mesh
creation, modifying, morphing and animating. Hexagon is the best equipped
mesh modeller I have and one of the least intuitive to work in. I guess I
didn't mention; High Poly Mesh Modelling.

>
>>>> thru this weekend. Also time to check out the 'FreeBSD' unix port
>>> good idea, rock solid, we use it for most servers at work, however
>>> we're (slowly) switching to linux because of better support for new
>>> hardware, faster development etc. (using RHEL)
>>>
>>> erik
>>
>> Looks like it's really well documented too.
>
> yeah... then again openSolaris seems pretty interesting too:-)
>
> erik

That's making a nice list of stuff to have a look at
McG.
 >> Stay informed about: Anniversary - The Centaurs! 

"Erik Steffl" <steffl DeleteThis @bigfoot.com> wrote in message
news:137pnmr1obf8122@corp.supernews.com...
> McG. wrote:
>> "Erik Steffl" <steffl DeleteThis @bigfoot.com> wrote in message
>> news:137mntet9uh9e52@corp.supernews.com...
> ...
>>> yeah, I noticed, just was curious whether you have any interesting
>>> animations or something... I guess it's almost on topic:-)
>>
>> No anims yet. Working on convincing level of realism with scenes. And
>> building and texturing of meshes. Basics first, right?
>
> hehe we'll wait (speaking for a.g.t now:-)
>
> ...
>>> yeah... then again openSolaris seems pretty interesting too:-)
>>>
>>> erik
>>
>> That's making a nice list of stuff to have a look at
>
> yeah it never ends
>
> here, I gotta get a new gaming PC cause of Dirt! Been waiting for the
> game, only now (today) figured out that ATI Radeon 9800 Pro does not
> support shader 3.0 which is required by Dirt! Seems you have pretty good
> HW - what's your recommendation (mostly video card but need a new MB,
> CPU)?
>
> erik

The AMD A64 X2 4800+ is still real good bang for the buck. It will
outperform most of the Core2 Duo chips, but not the upper range. If bucks
ain't a problem then go for the Intel QX6700. The newer motherboards use
DDR2, the AMD uses an on CPU memory controller running at 2000 mHz, so
system ram is treated more like an oversize L2 cache. But the Quad Core
QX6700 pretty much runs a ring around the best AMD has out right now. Check
the prices for each. Motherboard? Gigabyte is solid, reliable, easy to
work with. I also like the NForce chipset, especially for the AMD cpus.
Intel chipset is fine. If you're planning to run Vista, good luck. I have
no plans on touching that OS anytime soon.
You'll have at least 1 PCI-express x16 slot on whichever mobo you get for
these cpu's. The best thing to drop in that is an 8800 GTX or 8800 Ultra.
I would *NOT* concern myself with SLI or Crossfire no matter which brand vid
card you choose. For me, the problems that go with using SLI just ain't
worth the use I get from it. Waste of a video card there. Yes, it IS
faster, but not significantly enough to justify it IMO. You will NOT use
SLI and multiple displays together. Period. Coming out OF SLI to the
normal dual or triple display desktop things are left in a royal mess and
must be re-setup every single time you leave SLI mode or Crossfire mode. I
work with multiple displays constantly, so SLI is a very rude joke to me.
I'm planning to build a new box with the QX6700, 8 gigs of DDR2 and an 8800
Ultra or GTX. This will be a 2D/3D workbox. I figure the basics I'll be
putting in it will run me around $3500 USD. But, it should have quite a bit
of use and futurability )
McG.
 >> Stay informed about: Anniversary - The Centaurs! 

McG. wrote:
> "Erik Steffl" <steffl RemoveThis @bigfoot.com> wrote in message
> news:137pnmr1obf8122@corp.supernews.com...
....
>> here, I gotta get a new gaming PC cause of Dirt! Been waiting for the
>> game, only now (today) figured out that ATI Radeon 9800 Pro does not
>> support shader 3.0 which is required by Dirt! Seems you have pretty good
>> HW - what's your recommendation (mostly video card but need a new MB,
>> CPU)?
>>
>> erik
>
> The AMD A64 X2 4800+ is still real good bang for the buck. It will
> outperform most of the Core2 Duo chips, but not the upper range. If bucks
> ain't a problem then go for the Intel QX6700. The newer motherboards use
> DDR2, the AMD uses an on CPU memory controller running at 2000 mHz, so
> system ram is treated more like an oversize L2 cache. But the Quad Core
> QX6700 pretty much runs a ring around the best AMD has out right now. Check
> the prices for each. Motherboard? Gigabyte is solid, reliable, easy to
> work with. I also like the NForce chipset, especially for the AMD cpus.
> Intel chipset is fine. If you're planning to run Vista, good luck. I have
> no plans on touching that OS anytime soon.
> You'll have at least 1 PCI-express x16 slot on whichever mobo you get for
> these cpu's. The best thing to drop in that is an 8800 GTX or 8800 Ultra.
> I would *NOT* concern myself with SLI or Crossfire no matter which brand vid
> card you choose. For me, the problems that go with using SLI just ain't
> worth the use I get from it. Waste of a video card there. Yes, it IS
> faster, but not significantly enough to justify it IMO. You will NOT use
> SLI and multiple displays together. Period. Coming out OF SLI to the
> normal dual or triple display desktop things are left in a royal mess and
> must be re-setup every single time you leave SLI mode or Crossfire mode. I
> work with multiple displays constantly, so SLI is a very rude joke to me.
> I'm planning to build a new box with the QX6700, 8 gigs of DDR2 and an 8800
> Ultra or GTX. This will be a 2D/3D workbox. I figure the basics I'll be
> putting in it will run me around $3500 USD. But, it should have quite a bit
> of use and futurability )

thanks a lot, it's mostly for gaming (and line6 guitar port and stuff
like that) so not looking into installing vista anytime soon... Guess
I'll pass SLI as well...

erik
 >> Stay informed about: Anniversary - The Centaurs! 

>> I'm planning to build a new box with the QX6700, 8 gigs of DDR2 and an
>> 8800 Ultra or GTX. This will be a 2D/3D workbox. I figure the basics
>> I'll be putting in it will run me around $3500.

May I ask, what do you do that requires 8 GB of RAM?
 >> Stay informed about: Anniversary - The Centaurs! 

"Alfred Einstein" <no.DeleteThis@way.jose> wrote in message
news:V0_fi.7152$n9.865@bignews8.bellsouth.net...
>>> I'm planning to build a new box with the QX6700, 8 gigs of DDR2 and an
>>> 8800 Ultra or GTX. This will be a 2D/3D workbox. I figure the basics
>>> I'll be putting in it will run me around $3500.
>
> May I ask, what do you do that requires 8 GB of RAM?
>

It doesn't *require* it, but it will *use* it. Multiple 3D apps concurrent.
McG.
 >> Stay informed about: Anniversary - The Centaurs! 

McG. wrote:
> "Erik Steffl" <steffl RemoveThis @bigfoot.com> wrote in message
> news:137pnmr1obf8122@corp.supernews.com...
>> McG. wrote:
>>> "Erik Steffl" <steffl RemoveThis @bigfoot.com> wrote in message
>>> news:137mntet9uh9e52@corp.supernews.com...
>> ...
>>>> yeah, I noticed, just was curious whether you have any interesting
>>>> animations or something... I guess it's almost on topic:-)
>>> No anims yet. Working on convincing level of realism with scenes. And
>>> building and texturing of meshes. Basics first, right?
>> hehe we'll wait (speaking for a.g.t now:-)
>>
>> ...
>>>> yeah... then again openSolaris seems pretty interesting too:-)
>>>>
>>>> erik
>>> That's making a nice list of stuff to have a look at
>> yeah it never ends
>>
>> here, I gotta get a new gaming PC cause of Dirt! Been waiting for the
>> game, only now (today) figured out that ATI Radeon 9800 Pro does not
>> support shader 3.0 which is required by Dirt! Seems you have pretty good
>> HW - what's your recommendation (mostly video card but need a new MB,
>> CPU)?
>>
>> erik
>
> The AMD A64 X2 4800+ is still real good bang for the buck. It will
> outperform most of the Core2 Duo chips, but not the upper range. If bucks
> ain't a problem then go for the Intel QX6700. The newer motherboards use
> DDR2, the AMD uses an on CPU memory controller running at 2000 mHz, so
> system ram is treated more like an oversize L2 cache. But the Quad Core
> QX6700 pretty much runs a ring around the best AMD has out right now. Check
> the prices for each. Motherboard? Gigabyte is solid, reliable, easy to
> work with. I also like the NForce chipset, especially for the AMD cpus.
> Intel chipset is fine. If you're planning to run Vista, good luck. I have
> no plans on touching that OS anytime soon.
> You'll have at least 1 PCI-express x16 slot on whichever mobo you get for
> these cpu's. The best thing to drop in that is an 8800 GTX or 8800 Ultra.
> I would *NOT* concern myself with SLI or Crossfire no matter which brand vid
> card you choose. For me, the problems that go with using SLI just ain't
> worth the use I get from it. Waste of a video card there. Yes, it IS
> faster, but not significantly enough to justify it IMO. You will NOT use
> SLI and multiple displays together. Period. Coming out OF SLI to the
> normal dual or triple display desktop things are left in a royal mess and
> must be re-setup every single time you leave SLI mode or Crossfire mode. I
> work with multiple displays constantly, so SLI is a very rude joke to me.
> I'm planning to build a new box with the QX6700, 8 gigs of DDR2 and an 8800
> Ultra or GTX. This will be a 2D/3D workbox. I figure the basics I'll be
> putting in it will run me around $3500 USD. But, it should have quite a bit
> of use and futurability )

thanks for the advice,

ended up getting:

intel core 2 quad Q6600 (2.4GHz compared to 2.66 GHz XS6700, other
than they seem to be the same)

nvidia 8800 GTX - seems pretty much the same as ultra

Asus P5K Deluxe MB

also couldn't resist industrial looking case: FATAL1TY by
http://www.zalmanusa.com/

now craving for monitor(s)!

hooray to assemble! Can't way to see Dirt (doesn't play on my current
computer) and TRA in full glory (it already looks amazing on ATI Radeon
9800 Pro)

erik
 >> Stay informed about: Anniversary - The Centaurs! 

"Erik Steffl" <steffl.RemoveThis@bigfoot.com> wrote in message
news:1386jf6cgpkao95@corp.supernews.com...
> McG. wrote:
>> "Erik Steffl" <steffl.RemoveThis@bigfoot.com> wrote in message
>> news:137pnmr1obf8122@corp.supernews.com...
>>> McG. wrote:
>>>> "Erik Steffl" <steffl.RemoveThis@bigfoot.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:137mntet9uh9e52@corp.supernews.com...
>>> ...
>>>>> yeah, I noticed, just was curious whether you have any interesting
>>>>> animations or something... I guess it's almost on topic:-)
>>>> No anims yet. Working on convincing level of realism with scenes. And
>>>> building and texturing of meshes. Basics first, right?
>>> hehe we'll wait (speaking for a.g.t now:-)
>>>
>>> ...
>>>>> yeah... then again openSolaris seems pretty interesting too:-)
>>>>>
>>>>> erik
>>>> That's making a nice list of stuff to have a look at
>>> yeah it never ends
>>>
>>> here, I gotta get a new gaming PC cause of Dirt! Been waiting for the
>>> game, only now (today) figured out that ATI Radeon 9800 Pro does not
>>> support shader 3.0 which is required by Dirt! Seems you have pretty good
>>> HW - what's your recommendation (mostly video card but need a new MB,
>>> CPU)?
>>>
>>> erik
>>
>> The AMD A64 X2 4800+ is still real good bang for the buck. It will
>> outperform most of the Core2 Duo chips, but not the upper range. If
>> bucks ain't a problem then go for the Intel QX6700. The newer
>> motherboards use DDR2, the AMD uses an on CPU memory controller running
>> at 2000 mHz, so system ram is treated more like an oversize L2 cache.
>> But the Quad Core QX6700 pretty much runs a ring around the best AMD has
>> out right now. Check the prices for each. Motherboard? Gigabyte is
>> solid, reliable, easy to work with. I also like the NForce chipset,
>> especially for the AMD cpus. Intel chipset is fine. If you're planning
>> to run Vista, good luck. I have no plans on touching that OS anytime
>> soon.
>> You'll have at least 1 PCI-express x16 slot on whichever mobo you get for
>> these cpu's. The best thing to drop in that is an 8800 GTX or 8800
>> Ultra. I would *NOT* concern myself with SLI or Crossfire no matter which
>> brand vid card you choose. For me, the problems that go with using SLI
>> just ain't worth the use I get from it. Waste of a video card there.
>> Yes, it IS faster, but not significantly enough to justify it IMO. You
>> will NOT use SLI and multiple displays together. Period. Coming out OF
>> SLI to the normal dual or triple display desktop things are left in a
>> royal mess and must be re-setup every single time you leave SLI mode or
>> Crossfire mode. I work with multiple displays constantly, so SLI is a
>> very rude joke to me.
>> I'm planning to build a new box with the QX6700, 8 gigs of DDR2 and an
>> 8800 Ultra or GTX. This will be a 2D/3D workbox. I figure the basics
>> I'll be putting in it will run me around $3500 USD. But, it should have
>> quite a bit of use and futurability )
>
> thanks for the advice,
>
> ended up getting:
>
> intel core 2 quad Q6600 (2.4GHz compared to 2.66 GHz XS6700, other than
> they seem to be the same)
>
> nvidia 8800 GTX - seems pretty much the same as ultra
>
> Asus P5K Deluxe MB
>
> also couldn't resist industrial looking case: FATAL1TY by
> http://www.zalmanusa.com/
>
> now craving for monitor(s)!
>
> hooray to assemble! Can't way to see Dirt (doesn't play on my current
> computer) and TRA in full glory (it already looks amazing on ATI Radeon
> 9800 Pro)
>
> erik

Zalman does cooling. I don't see any system cases there. There are lots of
mfgrs that use Johnathan Wendel for endorsements, and Zalmans graphics
coolers section lists a Fatal1ty named cooler. I wanna see this case you're
talking about
McG.
 >> Stay informed about: Anniversary - The Centaurs! 

McG. wrote:
> "Erik Steffl" <steffl DeleteThis @bigfoot.com> wrote in message
> news:1386jf6cgpkao95@corp.supernews.com...
>> McG. wrote:
....
>>> The AMD A64 X2 4800+ is still real good bang for the buck. It will
>>> outperform most of the Core2 Duo chips, but not the upper range. If
>>> bucks ain't a problem then go for the Intel QX6700. The newer
....
>>> these cpu's. The best thing to drop in that is an 8800 GTX or 8800
>>> Ultra. I would *NOT* concern myself with SLI or Crossfire no matter which
....
>> ended up getting:
>>
>> intel core 2 quad Q6600 (2.4GHz compared to 2.66 GHz XS6700, other than
>> they seem to be the same)
>>
>> nvidia 8800 GTX - seems pretty much the same as ultra
>>
>> Asus P5K Deluxe MB
>>
>> also couldn't resist industrial looking case: FATAL1TY by
>> http://www.zalmanusa.com/
>>
>> now craving for monitor(s)!
>>
>> hooray to assemble! Can't way to see Dirt (doesn't play on my current
>> computer) and TRA in full glory (it already looks amazing on ATI Radeon
>> 9800 Pro)
>>
>> erik
>
> Zalman does cooling. I don't see any system cases there. There are lots of
> mfgrs that use Johnathan Wendel for endorsements, and Zalmans graphics
> coolers section lists a Fatal1ty named cooler. I wanna see this case you're
> talking about

thanks to their not-so-competent use of javascript there's no way to
post a link:-( At http://www.zalmanusa.com/ mouse over left side menu
item 'Tower system' (in 'SYSTEMS' section), sub-menu appears, pick Fatal1ty.

The pics don't do it justice, case just looks black in the pics but
in reality it's heavy-duty metal look (well, comics style heavy duty
metal:-)

BTW just found a a new version of wireless Xbox 360 (at best buys),
it's exactly the same as original Xbox 360 wireless but has the receiver
(the thingy you plug into USB port) which was missing in the original
Xbox 360 wireless gamepad, the pacakging explicitly says it's dual
platform and there's windows logo there. Didn't try it yet spo can't
report how it works (my computer is still not fully assembled, I am
mostly staring at the amazing beauty of the case and video card (it's a
freaking monster!)

maybe it's just that it's almost as much fun putting it all together
as playing the games:-)

erik
 >> Stay informed about: Anniversary - The Centaurs! 

"Erik Steffl" <steffl RemoveThis @bigfoot.com> wrote in message
news:1386jf6cgpkao95@corp.supernews.com...
> McG. wrote:
>> "Erik Steffl" <steffl RemoveThis @bigfoot.com> wrote in message
>> news:137pnmr1obf8122@corp.supernews.com...
>>> McG. wrote:
>>>> "Erik Steffl" <steffl RemoveThis @bigfoot.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:137mntet9uh9e52@corp.supernews.com...
>>> ...
>>>>> yeah, I noticed, just was curious whether you have any interesting
>>>>> animations or something... I guess it's almost on topic:-)
>>>> No anims yet. Working on convincing level of realism with scenes. And
>>>> building and texturing of meshes. Basics first, right?
>>> hehe we'll wait (speaking for a.g.t now:-)
>>>
>>> ...
>>>>> yeah... then again openSolaris seems pretty interesting too:-)
>>>>>
>>>>> erik
>>>> That's making a nice list of stuff to have a look at
>>> yeah it never ends
>>>
>>> here, I gotta get a new gaming PC cause of Dirt! Been waiting for the
>>> game, only now (today) figured out that ATI Radeon 9800 Pro does not
>>> support shader 3.0 which is required by Dirt! Seems you have pretty good
>>> HW - what's your recommendation (mostly video card but need a new MB,
>>> CPU)?
>>>
>>> erik
>>
>> The AMD A64 X2 4800+ is still real good bang for the buck. It will
>> outperform most of the Core2 Duo chips, but not the upper range. If
>> bucks ain't a problem then go for the Intel QX6700. The newer
>> motherboards use DDR2, the AMD uses an on CPU memory controller running
>> at 2000 mHz, so system ram is treated more like an oversize L2 cache.
>> But the Quad Core QX6700 pretty much runs a ring around the best AMD has
>> out right now. Check the prices for each. Motherboard? Gigabyte is
>> solid, reliable, easy to work with. I also like the NForce chipset,
>> especially for the AMD cpus. Intel chipset is fine. If you're planning
>> to run Vista, good luck. I have no plans on touching that OS anytime
>> soon.
>> You'll have at least 1 PCI-express x16 slot on whichever mobo you get for
>> these cpu's. The best thing to drop in that is an 8800 GTX or 8800
>> Ultra. I would *NOT* concern myself with SLI or Crossfire no matter which
>> brand vid card you choose. For me, the problems that go with using SLI
>> just ain't worth the use I get from it. Waste of a video card there.
>> Yes, it IS faster, but not significantly enough to justify it IMO. You
>> will NOT use SLI and multiple displays together. Period. Coming out OF
>> SLI to the normal dual or triple display desktop things are left in a
>> royal mess and must be re-setup every single time you leave SLI mode or
>> Crossfire mode. I work with multiple displays constantly, so SLI is a
>> very rude joke to me.
>> I'm planning to build a new box with the QX6700, 8 gigs of DDR2 and an
>> 8800 Ultra or GTX. This will be a 2D/3D workbox. I figure the basics
>> I'll be putting in it will run me around $3500 USD. But, it should have
>> quite a bit of use and futurability )
>
> thanks for the advice,
>
> ended up getting:
>
> intel core 2 quad Q6600 (2.4GHz compared to 2.66 GHz XS6700, other than
> they seem to be the same)
>
> nvidia 8800 GTX - seems pretty much the same as ultra
>
> Asus P5K Deluxe MB
>
> also couldn't resist industrial looking case: FATAL1TY by
> http://www.zalmanusa.com/
>
> now craving for monitor(s)!
>
> hooray to assemble! Can't way to see Dirt (doesn't play on my current
> computer) and TRA in full glory (it already looks amazing on ATI Radeon
> 9800 Pro)
>
> erik

Nevermind Erik, I see it
McG.
 >> Stay informed about: Anniversary - The Centaurs! 

McG. wrote:
> "Erik Steffl" <steffl.RemoveThis@bigfoot.com> wrote in message
> news:1386jf6cgpkao95@corp.supernews.com...
....
>> also couldn't resist industrial looking case: FATAL1TY by
>> http://www.zalmanusa.com/
....
>
> Nevermind Erik, I see it

heh too late!

erik
 >> Stay informed about: Anniversary - The Centaurs! 

"Erik Steffl" <steffl RemoveThis @bigfoot.com> wrote in message
news:138919ikkn4mjb3@corp.supernews.com...
> McG. wrote:
>> "Erik Steffl" <steffl RemoveThis @bigfoot.com> wrote in message
>> news:1386jf6cgpkao95@corp.supernews.com...
>>> McG. wrote:
> ...
>>>> The AMD A64 X2 4800+ is still real good bang for the buck. It will
>>>> outperform most of the Core2 Duo chips, but not the upper range. If
>>>> bucks ain't a problem then go for the Intel QX6700. The newer
> ...
>>>> these cpu's. The best thing to drop in that is an 8800 GTX or 8800
>>>> Ultra. I would *NOT* concern myself with SLI or Crossfire no matter
>>>> which
> ...
>>> ended up getting:
>>>
>>> intel core 2 quad Q6600 (2.4GHz compared to 2.66 GHz XS6700, other
>>> than >>> they seem to be the same)

Not in the performance charts they don't.

>>>
>>> nvidia 8800 GTX - seems pretty much the same as ultra

no extra hardware or memory in the Ultra, just 'ultra clocked'. I'd go with
GTX too.

>>>
>>> Asus P5K Deluxe MB
>>>
>>> also couldn't resist industrial looking case: FATAL1TY by
>>> http://www.zalmanusa.com/
>>>
>>> now craving for monitor(s)!
>>>
>>> hooray to assemble! Can't way to see Dirt (doesn't play on my current
>>> computer) and TRA in full glory (it already looks amazing on ATI Radeon
>>> 9800 Pro)

Oh Erik... have you *EVER* got a surprise waiting for you!!! I loved
my 9800Pro till it started crashing all over the place, and my FX5900 too.
Then I got a 6800GT, then followed that with a PCI-e 7800GTX SLI. The
8800GTX is faster than all of those put together. Just the one 8800GTX.

>>>
>>> erik
>>
>> Zalman does cooling. I don't see any system cases there. There are lots
>> of mfgrs that use Johnathan Wendel for endorsements, and Zalmans graphics
>> coolers section lists a Fatal1ty named cooler. I wanna see this case
>> you're talking about
>
> thanks to their not-so-competent use of javascript there's no way to
> post a link:-( At http://www.zalmanusa.com/ mouse over left side menu item
> 'Tower system' (in 'SYSTEMS' section), sub-menu appears, pick Fatal1ty.
>
> The pics don't do it justice, case just looks black in the pics but in
> reality it's heavy-duty metal look (well, comics style heavy duty metal:-)
>
> BTW just found a a new version of wireless Xbox 360 (at best buys), it's
> exactly the same as original Xbox 360 wireless but has the receiver (the
> thingy you plug into USB port) which was missing in the original Xbox 360
> wireless gamepad, the pacakging explicitly says it's dual platform and
> there's windows logo there. Didn't try it yet spo can't report how it
> works (my computer is still not fully assembled, I am mostly staring at
> the amazing beauty of the case and video card (it's a freaking monster!)

I don't think an 8800GTX will fit my case. It's too long. It will hit the
drive cage.
Means buying a new case too. That's a pretty case, I've seen Zalman cases
at Frys Electronics stores. That one is big enough, but I don't like it
myself. It is already set up for airflow, but not in the way I want it. I
usually buy a plain case and mod it to suit. And the 8800GTX intakes cool
air in the middle and exhausts it at both ends. The breakout end isn't a
problem, the other end is.
>
> maybe it's just that it's almost as much fun putting it all together as
> playing the games:-)
>
> erik
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