qPC: current rev
01/23/09 rev (lotta shuffling going on here // swapping amd for intel, nforce for intel // sshd instead of raptor for obvious speed improvements // dropped microphone, added disclamer // bumping up against $2k barrier // depricated oldest rev)
- CPU
- better media performance due to large L1/L2 caches
- lower transfer speed than AMD models, but less transfer required
- Intel P45 chipset
- Intel has RAM speed, nForce has on-board GPU
- nForce will be better then more PPU apps are out there
- modular cabling
- active PFC support
- DDR3 for higher transfer rates
- hits the 4GB barrier neatly
- 512-bit memory oh god my face
- SLI is more or less useless, but still a possiblity if a pair card is found
- geforce cards tend to have better support in linux, if so desired
- large, open layout
- base-mounted PSU
- four 120mm fans
- top-mounted I/O and media panel
- ssd for ridiculous speeds, at cost of size
- isn't large enough to hold much other than OS and primary apps
- large storage for media
- fast interface and random access performance
- 32MB cache keeps burst speed off the charts
- Creative hardware allows for EAX in supporting applications
- hardware does more voices and offloads more processing
- circumaural headphones for wide range and tight control
- best goddamn headphones - period
- 2.1 setup for affordable basic sound
- headphone jack and volume knob for convenience
- ipod dock also a plus
- manufacturers and products move too fast
- just get a desktop mic with high frequency range and low impedence
- headsets are bad and you should feel bad if you use them
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ $190
- Gigabyte GA-EP45T-UD3LR P45 ATX @ $120
- Thermaltake W0106RU 700W @ $140
- OCZ 2x2GB DDR3-1333 @ $110
- EVGA GeForce GTX280 1GB 512-bit PCI-E @ $180
- Coolermaster Cosmos 1000 @ $190
- System
- G.Skill 64GB SATA SSD @ $135
- Seagate ST3250310NS 250GB @ $80
- Card
- Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer @ $91
- Sony MDR-V6 Headphones @ $75
- Logitech X-240 2.1 @ $41
- CD/DVD
- greatest amount of disc formats compatible
- highest non-disc-chattering speed
- no imagelite since it's expensive and mostly useless
- yes, you want a floppy drive
- they're cheap and good for low-level stuff
- fuck this section - I'll go through it when I have the urge to pull my nails off, it'll deaden the pain a little
- $250 estimated cost factored into the price until I can get some solid fucking figures
- spin-wheel volume control is extremely convenient
- macro keys can help if you're into that stuff
- backlighting is okay, and disableable if you don't want it
- slightly better ergonomics than 1000
- drops several unused buttons from 1000
- lith-ion rechange goodness
- balance of performance and affordability
- dual-core processor
- AM2+ and tri/quad-core processors are a bit too expensive (>$180) to consider
- nForce 750a northbridge w/ SLI and RAID support
- avoiding AM2+ until CPU prices drop or AM3 hits
- modular cabling
- active PFC support
- DDR2-1066 speed comparable to mid-range DDR3 sticks
- single stick allows for likewise upgrade in the future at the expense of memory channels
- 320-bit memory makes all the difference
- lowest end card for its specs
- SLI is more or less useless, but still a possiblity if a pair card is found
- 640MB memory to account for load times
- geforce 9 series still a bit wimpy, no 320-bit interfaces
- geforce cards tend to have better support in linux, if so desired
- large, open layout
- base-mounted PSU
- four 120mm fans
- top-mounted I/O and media panel
- highest speed HDD on the market to reduce data bottlenecks
- went for the larger size, as price difference was negligible (~$20) for twice the size
- large storage for media
- fast interface and random access performance
- Creative hardware allows for EAX in supporting applications
- circumaural headphones for wide range and tight control
- looking for an equally effective pair that's not off amazon
- 2.1 setup for affordable basic sound
- headphone jack and volume know for convenience
- ipod dock also a plus
- desk mic provides uniform recording enviroment
- lesser impedence to offset lackluster OS-side amplification
- greatest amount of disc formats compatible
- highest (reasonable) speed
- no imagelite since it's expensive and mostly useless
- fuck this section - I'll go through it when I have the urge to pull my nails off, it'll deaden the pain a little
- $250 estimated cost factored into the price until I can get some solid fucking figures
- spin-wheel volume control
- macro keys
- backlighting
- slightly better ergonomics than 1000
- drops several unused buttons from 1000
- lith-ion rechange goodness
- best cost/value of all X2 processors
- dual-core processor
- AM2 provides forward compatibility
- SLI support
- nForce 590 SLI MCP northbridge
- nForce 600 series is too expensive (>$250) to consider
- modular cabling
- PFC support
- largest single amount of RAM
- single stick allows for likewise upgrade in the future at the expense of memory channels
- 320-bit memory makes all the difference
- lowest end card for its specs
- SLI is more or less useless, but still a possiblity if a pair card is found
- doubled memory to account for load times
- geforce cards tend to have better support in linux, if so desired
- open layout
- base-mounted PSU
- three 120mm fans
- highest speed HDD on the market
- reduces data bottlenecks
- large storage
- best performance
- better sound quality
- smaller system resource footprint
- WIP
- looking for an equally effective pair that's not off amazon
- greatest amount of disc formats compatible
- highest (reasonable) speed
- fuck this section - I'll go through it when I have the urge to pull my nails off, it'll deaden the pain a little
- $250 estimated cost factored into the price until I can get some solid fucking figures
- spin-wheel volume control
- macro keys
- backlighting
- slightly better ergonomics than 1000
- drops several unused buttons from 1000
- best cost/value of all X2 processors
- dual-core processor
- AM2 provides forward compatibility
- SLI support
- nForce 590 SLI MCP northbridge
- nForce 600 series is too expensive (>$250) to consider
- modular cabling
- PFC support
- largest single amount of RAM
- single stick allows for likewise upgrade in the future at the expense of memory channels
- 320-bit memory makes all the difference
- lowest end card for its specs
- SLI is more or less useless, but still a possiblity if a pair card is found
- geforce cards tend to have better support in linux, if so desired
- open layout
- base-mounted PSU
- three 120mm fans
- highest speed HDD on the market
- reduces data bottlenecks
- large storage
- best performance
- better sound quality
- smaller system resource footprint
- WIP
- looking for an equally effective pair that's not off amazon
- greatest amount of disc formats compatible
- highest (reasonable) speed
- fuck this section - I'll go through it when I have the urge to pull my nails off, it'll deaden the pain a little
- $250 estimated cost factored into the price until I can get some solid fucking figures
- spin-wheel volume control
- macro keys
- backlighting
- slightly better ergonomics than 1000
- drops several unused buttons from 1000
- best cost/value of all X2 processors
- dual-core processor
- AM2 provides forward compatibility
- SLI support
- nForce 590 SLI MCP northbridge
- high degree of BIOS tweakability
- modular cabling
- PFC support
- optimized for the DFI mobo
- largest single amount of RAM
- 320-bit memory makes all the difference
- lowest end card for its specs
- SLI is more or less useless, but still a possiblity if a pair card is found
- open layout
- base-mounted PSU
- three 120mm fans
- highest speed HDD on the market
- reduces data bottlenecks
- large storage
- best performance
- better sound quality
- smaller system resource footprint
- greatest amount of disc formats compatible
- highest speed
- spin-wheel volume control
- macro keys
- backlighting
- slightly better ergonomics than 1000
- drops several unused buttons from 1000
- best cost/value of all X2 processors
- dual-core processor
- AM2 provides forward compatibility
- SLI support
- nForce 590 SLI MCP northbridge
- high degree of BIOS tweakability
- modular cabling
- PFC support
- optimized for the DFI mobo
- largest single amount of RAM
- 320-bit memory makes all the difference
- lowest end card for its specs
- SLI is more or less useless, but still a possiblity if a pair card is found
- open layout
- base-mounted PSU
- three 120mm fans
- highest speed HDD on the market
- reduces data bottlenecks
- large storage
- best performance
- better sound quality
- smaller system resource footprint
- better performance in games (4-8 FPS)
- EAX compatable
- greatest amount of disc formats compatible
- highest speed
- spin-wheel volume control
- macro keys
- backlighting
- slightly better ergonomics than 1000
- drops several unused buttons from 1000
- 10 buttons and scroll wheel
- best cost/value of all X2 processors
- dual-core processor
- AM2 provides forward compatibility
- SLI support
- nForce 590 SLI MCP northbridge
- high degree of BIOS tweakability
- modular cabling
- PFC support
- optimized for the DFI mobo
- largest single amount of RAM
- until DX10 GPUs are cheaper and more common
- ~$300 at the least; way too expensive
- open layout
- base-mounted PSU
- three 120mm fans
- highest speed HDD on the market
- reduces data bottlenecks
- large storage
- best performance
- better performance in games (4-8 FPS)
- EAX compatable
- Steve has an extra that he'll donate for free
- better sound quality
- front-panel audio
- greatest amount of disc formats compatible
- highest speed
- spin-wheel volume control
- macro keys
- backlighting
- wireless
- 10 buttons and scroll wheel
- lith-ion battery with charger dock
- best cost/value of all X2 processors
- dual-core processor
- AM2 provides forward compatibility
- SLI support
- nForce 590 SLI MCP northbridge
- high degree of BIOS tweakability
- modular cabling
- PFC support
- optimized for the DFI mobo
- largest single amount of RAM
- until DX10 GPUs are cheaper and more common
- ~$300 at the least; way too expensive
- open layout
- base-mounted PSU
- three 120mm fans
- highest speed HDD on the market
- reduces data bottlenecks
- large storage
- best performance
- better performance in games (4-8 FPS)
- EAX compatable
- better sound quality
- front-panel audio
- greatest amount of disc formats compatible
- highest speed
- spin-wheel volume control
- macro keys
- backlighting
- wireless
- 10 buttons and scroll wheel
- lith-ion battery with charger dock
- best cost/value of all X2 processors
- dual-core processor
- DFI Lanparty-UT NF590 @ $190
- AM2 provides forward compatibility
- SLI support
- nForce 590 SLI MCP northbridge
- high degree of BIOS tweakability
- Thermaltake W0128RU @ $150
- modular cabling
- PFC support
- OCZ 2GB dual-channel DDR2-800 @ $292
- optimized for the DFI mobo
- largest single amount of RAM
- ON HOLD
- until DX10 GPUs are more common
- DX10 is about 3-4 months out, so a GPU now will be obsolete then
- Coolermaster Stacker 810 @ $155
- open layout
- base-mounted PSU
- three 120mm fans
- WD Raptor 74GB @ $160
- highest speed HDD on the market
- reduces data bottlenecks
- large storage
- highest (performance/size)/cost value
- Creative Audigy2 ZS @ $75
- =RECOMMENDED=
- better performance in games ( 4-8 FPS)
- EAX compatable
- Chaintech AV-710 @ $22
- better sound quality
- front-panel audio
- Samsung 18x DVD±RW/DL @ $30
- greatest about of disc formats compatible
- highest speed
- Logitech G11 @ $59
- spin-wheel volume control
- macro keys
- backlighting
- Logitech MX1000 @ $60
- wireless
- 10 buttons and scroll wheel
- lith-ion battery with charger dock
- PRO: best cost/value of all X2 processors
- PRO: dual-core processor
- CON: lowest speed X2 processor
- Gigabyte GA-M59SLI-S5 @ $189
- PRO: AM2 provides forward compatibility
- PRO: SLI support
- PRO: nForce 590 SLI MCP northbridge
- PRO: 16GB RAM support
- Thermaltake Quad 12V 700W @ $166
- =RECOMMENDED=
- PRO: quad-rail power (more stable)
- OCZ GameXStream 700W @ $160
- PRO: more customer reviews
- G.Skill 2x 1GB DDR2-800 @ $250
- PRO: fastest timings for it's class
- PRO: largest single amount of RAM
- Patriot 2x 512 MB DDR2-800 @ $127
- PRO: signifigantly cheaper
- eVGA GF 7600GT 256 MB @ $160
- PRO: highest core clock (580 MHz > 520 MHz)
- CON: less pixel-pipes (12 < 24)
- CON: lower memory interface (256-bit < 512-bit)
- NOTE: manufacturer OCed (questionable stability?)
- core clock: 450 MHz -> 580 MHz
- mem clock: 1302 MHz -> 1500 MHz
- XFX GF 7900GTX 256MB @ $285
- =RECOMMENDED=
- WIP
- XFX GF 7900GT 256MB @ $260
- WIP
- Coolermaster Stacker 810 @ $165
- =RECOMMENDED=
- PRO: more open layout
- PRO: greater expandibility (22 points > 18 points)
- PRO: case-top interface
- PRO: more durable (steel > aluminum)
- PRO: base-mounted PSU
- PRO: more 120mm fans (3 > 2)
- CON: less built-in cooling
- CON: taller (23" > 18")
- Lian Li PC-60B II @ $130
- PRO: built-in cooling
- PRO: shorter (18" < 23")
- PRO: heavily directed airflow
- CON: less durable (aluminum < steel)
- CON: less expandibility (18 points < 22 points)
- WD Raptor 74GB SATA150 @ $170
- =RECOMMENDED=
- NOTE: no alternatives within price range without compromising performance
- =RECOMMENDED=
- PRO: more value (3.6 GB/$ > 3.158 GB/$)
- CON: less capacity (250 GB < 300 GB)
- Samsung 300GB SATA3 @ $95
- PRO: more capacity (300GB > 250 GB)
- CON: less value (3.158 GB/$ < 3.6 GB/$)
- Creative Audigy2 ZS @ $75
- =RECOMMENDED=
- PRO: better performance in games ( 4-8 FPS)
- PRO: EAX compatable
- CON: no front-panel audio
- Chaintech AV-710 @ $23
- PRO: better sound suality
- PRO: front-panel audio
- CON: performance hit in games (- 4-8 FPS)
- LG 20.1" 8ms Widescreen LCD @ $353
- WIP
- Samsung 20.1" 5ms Widescreen TN LCD @ $287
- WIP
- AG 19" 4ms Widescreen LCD @ $200
- WIP
- Hyundai 19" 8ms LCD @ $214
- WIP
- Logitech MX1000 @ $57
- NOTE: only wireless mouse available with embedded, dock-charge lith-ion
- Samsung DVD±RW/DL @ $26
- Samsung 3.5" Internal Floppy @ $8
- Keyboard
- Logitech G11 @ $59
- Logitech MX Revolution @ $80
Final costs:
- Barebones: $745
Full set: $1971
OLD REV
08/06/08 rev (major changeups here, mostly in selection instead of technology // costs amazingly holding around 1.8k mark // next half year should see some major technology changes with AM3 and DDR3 going mainstream // depricated oldest rev)
- CPU
- AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Socket AM2 @ $113
- ASUS M3N72-D nF750a @ $145
- Thermaltake W0106RU 700W @ $130
- mushkin 2GB DDR2-1066 @ $60
- EVGA GeForce 8800GTS 640MB PCI-E @ $180
- Coolermaster Cosmos 1000 @ $190
- System
- WD Raptor 150GB @ $170
- Seagate ST3250310NS 2500GB @ $80
- Card
- Creative SB Audigy2 SB0400 @ $73
- Sony MDR-V6 Headphones @ $78
- Logitech X-240 2.1 @ $36
- abtec 980183-0403 Desk Mic @ $8
- CD/DVD
- Samsung DVD±RW/DL @ $29
- Keyboard
- Logitech G11 @ $59
- Logitech MX Revolution @ $80
Final costs:
- Barebones: $808
Full set: $1811
OLD REV
01/25/08 rev (gearing up for getting some of these parts myself, warhol's in a bad place // usual price changes // changed gpu // silly me just noticed that the mobo has nb/sb heatsinks, so no need for aftermarket // "post too large" - guess I'll start depricating old revs)
- CPU
- Athlon 64 X2 3800 Socket AM2 @ $48
- ASUS M2N32-SLI nF590 @ $175
- Thermaltake W0128RU @ $150
- G.SKILL 2GB DDR2-800 @ $50
- MSI GeForce 8800GTS 640MB PCI-E @ $290
- Coolermaster Stacker SECC @ $120
- System
- WD Raptor 74GB @ $150
- Seagate ST3400620AS 400GB @ $105
- Card
- Chaintech AV-710 @ $30
- Sony MDR-V6 Headphones @ $77
Microphone
- CD/DVD
- Samsung DVD±RW/DL @ $28
- Keyboard
- Logitech G11 @ $59
- Logitech MX Revolution @ $72
Final costs:
- Barebones: $693
Full set: $1792
OLD REV
11/14/07 rev (usual price drops // changed mobo, ram, burner // gave up on getting monitors done anytime soon, it's a big project for a much later time)
- CPU
- Athlon 64 X2 3800 Socket AM2 @ $66
- ASUS M2N32-SLI nF590 @ $170
- Thermaltake W0128RU @ $150
- G.SKILL 2GB DDR2-800 @ $70
- EVGA GeForce 8800GTS 320MB PCI-E @ $295
- Coolermaster Stacker SECC @ $145
- System
- WD Raptor 74GB @ $150
- Seagate ST3400620AS 400GB @ $100
- Card
- Chaintech AV-710 @ $27
- Sony MDR-V6 Headphones @ $70
Microphone
- CD/DVD
- Samsung DVD±RW/DL @ $32
- Keyboard
- Logitech G11 @ $49
- Logitech MX Revolution @ $80
CHART IMAGE COMING, YO
Final costs:
- Barebones: $721
Full set: $1913
OLD REV
08/16/07 rev (changed title of entry to more accurately reflect the goal of this listing: the "q" is for "quality" or something // usual prices updates // swapped out storage HDD for a smaller, more powerful drive // removed Creative X-Fi card due to general uselessness // formatting cleanup // removed MX1000 since Revolution is simplier for same price)
- CPU
- Athlon 64 X2 3800 Socket AM2 @ $66
- DFI Lanparty-UT NF590 @ $184
- Thermaltake W0128RU @ $145
- OCZ 2GB dual-channel DDR2-800 @ $110
- EVGA GeForce 8800GTS 320MB PCI-E @ $300
- Coolermaster Stacker SECC @ $145
- System
- WD Raptor 74GB @ $160
- Seagate ST3400620AS 400GB @ $100
- Card
- Chaintech AV-710 @ $23
Speakers
Microphone
- CD/DVD
- Samsung 18x DVD±RW/DL @ $30
Input [=OPTIONAL=]
- Keyboard
- Logitech G11 @ $54
- Logitech MX Revolution @ $90
CHART IMAGE COMING, YO
Final costs:
- Barebones: $800
Full set: $1999
OLD REV
05/08/07 rev (well, Q was given an HP prefab despite this list having been pitched to her higher-ups for over 3/4 of a year, so that part of this is a bust // as such, I've turned this into a 'best PC I can make at a reasonable price' type thing // global limits of ~<=$1000 barebones and ~<=$2000 full set // usual link updates and cleanup // added DX10 GPU to make system complete // removed headset due to taste // swapped soundcard recommendations due to price // removed standard floppy in favor of multicard floppy for reduction of final part count // moved out Vantech Tornado 80mm fan due to second thoughts on noise level)
- CPU
- Athlon 64 X2 3800 Socket AM2 @ $79
- DFI Lanparty-UT NF590 @ $160
- Thermaltake W0128RU @ $145
- OCZ 2GB dual-channel DDR2-800 @ $125
- EVGA GeForce 8800GTS 320MB PCI-E @ $300
- Coolermaster Stacker SECC @ $145
- System
- WD Raptor 74GB @ $155
- Samsung HD501LJ 500GB @ $120
- Card
- Chaintech AV-710 @ $22
- Plain
Microphone
- CD/DVD
- Samsung 18x DVD±RW/DL @ $30
Input [=OPTIONAL=]
- Keyboard
- Logitech G11 @ $60
- Logitech MX Revolution @ $72
Final costs:
- Barebones: $809
Full set: $2007
OLD REV
04/10/07 rev (usual price cuts across the board, ergo new totals // bringing in extra case since q didn't like the big one // rev is still in the works)
- CPU
- Athlon 64 X2 3800 Socket AM2 @ $86
- DFI Lanparty-UT NF590 @ $189
- Thermaltake W0128RU @ $150
- OCZ 2GB dual-channel DDR2-800 @ $190
- ON HOLD
- Coolermaster Stacker 810 @ $155
- System
- WD Raptor 74GB @ $160
- Samsung HD501LJ 500GB @ $130
- Card
- Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer @ $50
- PlainHeadset
Microphone
- CD/DVD
- Samsung 18x DVD±RW/DL @ $30
Input [=OPTIONAL=]
- Keyboard
- Logitech G11 @ $55
- Logitech MX1000 @ $72
Final costs:
- Barebones: $930
Full set: $1731
OLD REV
03/12/07 rev (possibly last rev before purchase // changed up sound card, headsets, storage HDD, monitors // included cooling elements // removed high-priced items // usual price drops across the board // s added for emphasis)
- CPU
- Athlon 64 X2 3800 Socket AM2 @ $110
- DFI Lanparty-UT NF590 @ $190
- Thermaltake W0128RU @ $150
- OCZ 2GB dual-channel DDR2-800 @ $190
- ON HOLD
- Coolermaster Stacker 810 @ $155
- System
- WD Raptor 74GB @ $160
- Samsung HD501LJ 500GB @ $135
- Card
- Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer @ $70
- PlainHeadset
Microphone
- CD/DVD
- Samsung 18x DVD±RW/DL @ $31
Input
- Keyboard
- Logitech G11 @ $54
- Logitech MX1000 @ $85
Final costs:
- Barebones: $1182
Full set: $1832
OLD REV
11/21/06 rev (revised several major parts, moving into final form, major monitor shift due to product unavailability)
- CPU [=FINAL=]
- System
- Card [=FINAL=]
- w/Microphone
Plain
Input [=FINAL=]
- Keyboard
OLD REV
08/29/06 rev (added lesser cost RAM, revised PSU selection, added extra monitor)
- CPU [=FINAL=]
- System
- Card [=FINAL=]
- w/Microphone
Plain
Monitor
- Keyboard
Mouse [=FINAL=]