OT: I want the best

[Nacaa]

OT: I want the best

Hey all. I am still lurking here but now it's time to start posting again since Diablo can't disappear, ever. And since I am now a full-time pro in poker I have tons of freetime left when I don't play so I am looking to get back into it (Diablo). My computer is kind of old tho so I am going to buy a new one and as the title says, I want the best there is aslong as it don't cost like $10,000+...

So here is what I have worked out so far:
Intel® Pentium® D 950 Dual Core Processor 3.40GHz (Whats the difference between Dual Core and a "normal"? Normal ones are cheaper but?)
2048MB Dual Channel DDR2 533MHz (4x512MB) (Is it better to have 2x1024 than 4x512?)
250GB Seriell ATA (7200rpm) (BTW, whats the difference between a Stripe and Mirror harddrive? Since I have found a cheap one with 500gig that says "0 Stripe". I don't want to buy it if it's junk.)
2x Dell 20'' 2001FP UltraSharpâ„¢ (Won't change this, heard they are the best for poker etc...)
256MB nVidia® GeForce® 7300LE or 256MB ATI Radeon® X600??? Thinking about 256 MB nVidia® GeForce® 7800GTX Single Card but im most interested in those 2 to begin with since the price may jump quite high.
Suggestions for cheap surround sounds etc?

And a question too. I have a shared internet here at my home with 2 other computers so do I need to get a modem for this computer? Or is it enough to just have my computer wired through my network and the internet will work?

 

[Denton]

I feel too "caffeinesized" to go into specifics, just few words about processor. When the computer will be used for gaming, take a AMD processor. AMD Athlon 64 -series, with Socket 939. AMD >>>> Intel when it comes to games and the "usual" single-tasking on home computers.

Dual core is able to handle 2 strings at once. For example a Athlon 64 X2 running at 2.0 GHz, would roughly equal the speed of two separate Athlon 64 2.0 GHz cpu:s, when using a program that fully supports multiple cpu:s. But the thing is, that not many programs support multiple CPU:s, although this may change in future. But for D2 use, a single core CPU would be a much better choice. If the program doesn't support multiple CPU:s, the other core in a dual core CPU does absolutely nothing.

Edit: I recommend 2x 1024 Mb of RAM. That way you can expand to 4096 easily in the future with two additional 1024 Mb sticks.

 

[AJK]

Let me try to shed some light on your questions.
First, as Denton said Athlon64>Intel at gaming. But, if you're solely interested in poker & D2, then only price will be the deciding factor.
Also, programs that specifically use two cores are mostly non-game apps, like photoshop, mp3 converters, rendering apps. Buy a single-core CPU. Even the cheapest ones perform more than well enough for your needs. Unless those needs involve playing the newest Shooters/3D games with lots of eye candy.

BTW, 2Gb of memory is overkill, see a recent test on XBitlabs. 1GB should serve you well. But, with the prices of 1Gb sticks dropping, I certainly recommend buying a kit of 2 sticks. For peace of mind, and future-proofness.

About the harddisk: if you install only one harddisk, Stripe or Mirror means nothing. Those terms refer to a RAID setup (tech term for a combination of multiple harddrives). Google for RAID if you need more info (and want more than one disk). 250GB seems like more than enough to me. The 0 Stripe 500Gig you refer to probably is a combination of 2 harddrives, 250G each.

About the screens: Dell LCD's are highly regarded in the price/performance category. Just make sure that your graphics card has dual-DVI output, but I guess all of them have that nowadays.

Graphics card: Depends on gaming wishes. If it's only poker/D2, you can do with a low-budget card (NVidia 7300, Radeon X1300). You only need to shop for a version with a silent fan.
If you want to play the latest 3D shooters, you'll want to have at least an ATI X800/NVidia 6800GS. Especially with the monitor(s) you plan to use.

If you have shared internet, you probably have a router at home. You don't need to buy a modem since all (all but the ultra-low-budget) motherboards have a LAN port integrated.

Summarizing, if you don't want ultra-high-end gear, you could do with around $900-$1100, excluding monitors (don't know the prices on those).

Edit: For surrounds, try Logitech. They have a wide choice in speakers, and cool mouses/trackballs for über poker power too.

 

[Denton]

AJK's explanation seems OK to me. :tongue:

One thing though, which I disagree. Since you're investing that much money(2x 20" LCD:s etc.), get 2 Gigabytes of RAM while you're at it. If you go with 1, you'll regret it later. I have 1 Gb of memory, and it's often not enough. Although 1 Gb is more than enough for browsing, audio/video player and poker, but programs keep on consuming more and more memory. 1 Gb is only barely enough, at least for me. With 2 Gb you wouldn't have to worry a thing for a while.

Edit: AJK, sorry. I noticed that you actually recommended buying 2 Gb of memory. My bad. Although, from my experiences, 2 Gb wouldn't be a overkill, at least for me.

2nd edit: About mouse & keyboard: Logitech G5 mouse and Logitech UltraX Flat keyboard. Oh and spending a bit more to a decent mousepad pays off in the end. I personally recommend Steelpad 4S. Excellent touch, it's fast but accurate, slim, and the thing I love the most about it; it doesn't wear out, ever(it's made from thick aluminum)!

 

[DeathMaster]

When I saw the title, I thought eBoTD, etc..

For Computer, here is my recommendation.

CPU: Go for AMD, highly recommend AMD dual core.

Graphics: you said you want best, so at lease we expect to see something like 7800 GT. Anything lower, doesn't fit the title.

Hard drive: have at least two. and for safety, forget RAID 0. Just install OS/program on one, and keep data on other. In case something happened, you won't lose everything.

RAM: have at least 2G, 2x 1G is better than 4x 512. And the next windows OS requires 4G for gaming, so even 4G is not overkill, if you plan to go that way.

Monitor: you got to be joking. There is only one monitor I would buy - Viewsonic, and I would only buy VP191b or the new VX922 if I cannot get my hand on 191b.

 

[AJK]

When I saw the title, I thought eBoTD, etc..

For Computer, here is my recommendation.

CPU: Go for AMD, highly recommend AMD dual core.

Graphics: you said you want best, so at lease we expect to see something like 7800 GT. Anything lower, doesn't fit the title.

The thread starter was a bit ambiguous when he combined 'I want the best PC' with 'i play poker/D2'. Again: if playing the newest games is the target, you're right with at least 7800GT and AMD X2. I tried to explain that he maybe doesn't need an über PC.

Hard drive: have at least two. and for safety, forget RAID 0. Just install OS/program on one, and keep data on other. In case something happened, you won't lose everything.

Agreed.

RAM: have at least 2G, 2x 1G is better than 4x 512. And the next windows OS requires 4G for gaming, so even 4G is not overkill, if you plan to go that way.

Please tell me where that 4G requirement comes from. AFAIK Windows Vista isn't due for home PC's until february 2007.

Monitor: you got to be joking. There is only one monitor I would buy - Viewsonic, and I would only buy VP191b or the new VX922 if I cannot get my hand on 191b.

The fact that Dell sux at gamer PC's doesn't mean that their monitors suck. Several users on a (big) dutch hardware forum attest that they produce very capable LCD's. That Viewsonic does look sexy to me.

 

[DeathMaster]

I tried to explain that he maybe doesn't need an über PC.

You cannot fight uber in SP, what is the issue
Serious side, he might not need uber PC, but if he has the money and really wants to, why not. (I wish I have that money)

Please tell me where that 4G requirement comes from. AFAIK Windows Vista isn't due for home PC's until february 2007.

Vista requires nearly 1G RAM to just run the OS. 2G RAM is something you can start with, but 4G is the way to go if you plan to have gaming machine based on that OS.

The fact that Dell sux at gamer PC's doesn't mean that their monitors suck. Several users on a (big) dutch hardware forum attest that they produce very capable LCD's. That Viewsonic does look sexy to me.

Well, look the real life performance (factory spec is complete BS), you cannot find anythig better than 191b. Since we talk about gaming, and the best, Dell just doesn't fit into "our bill". I highly recommend tomshardware LCD review, since it is the only site that gives you real life performance of monitors.

 

[Day]

On the Viewsonic - I bought a Viewsonic monitor about 20 months ago (as part of a package) - I really liked it - quality picture etc all good.

Interestingly it went wrong. Just stopped working - light on but no picture- -here we go I thought. Phoned the supplier of the computor - they gave me a Viewsonic number to call - definetly going to be trouble.

Called the number (answered promplty) - gave the serial number discused the problem (I think this was on a thursday afternoon) was told the solution was for them to replace - no arguments at all - very helpful - and would send a courier to my home - I didn't need the old box but should wrap the faulty one as best I as best I could. They didn't even ask for proof of purchase (I assume that they could get it from the serial number).

New monitor delivered and old one collected on the Monday morning.

Electronic kit does go wrong from time to time and I thought the Viewsonic service was excellent.

I'd buy from them again.

 

[oya]

Cpu: AMD Athlon 4800+ 64Bit X2 Dual-Core Processor Socket 939
GFX: ASUS EN7900GTX/2DHT 512MB PCI-express 7900 GTX
Ram: OCZ 2048MB Kit (2x1024MB) 500Mhz PC4000 DDR Platinum XTC Series 3-3-3-8
Mobo: MSI K8N Neo4 FI
Case: ANTEC Sonata II Black
Feed: HIPER Racing Blauw Metallic 580Watt HPU-4B580 Supersilent
Cooler: Water cooled
Screen: 19' Samsung SyncMaster BF TFT 0.02''
Sound: any good 5.1 sound card for use with a Zalman Theathre 6 headphone but if you want the best: CREATIVE Sound Blaster X-FI Elite PRO

 

[Nacaa]

Damn, had a long reply written then I accidentially pressed the back button. Meh.

Anyway, about the monitors. Dell 20' is probably the only one that is intersting me since it's one of few flatscreens that supports 1600x1200 and I want that to be the minimum requirement since that allow me to play 4 tables on each monitor without any overlap at all. Anything less is a big meh.

I will check up on Athlon processors instead since all of you have suggested those instead, thanks for that guys

The part that has the biggest questionmark is the graphic card. Whats a cheap/excellent one?

 

[AJK]

The part that has the biggest questionmark is the graphic card. Whats a cheap/excellent one?

Cheap: get a X1300 (ATI) for around 80-100 bucks.
Mid-price segment: NVidia 7600GT owns ATI here (until ATI drops prices, gotta love competition).
Big-bucks: X1900 series by ATI or 7900GT (GTX for even more power).

I recommend buying graphics cards of the latest generation (X1?00 series by ATI, 7?00 series by NVidia), since they improve image quality (DAC's etcetera) with each new generation.
If you don't play 3D shooters/RPG's at all, the cheap category suffices. But if you want to keep your options open: shove a bit more cash towards the mid-price segment.

Note: If you happen to be very rich: EIZO sells 1600x1200 TFT's with superior image quality (they are a brand for image wizards).

 

[salvo]

slighty OT: what's the best computer setup for D2?
best in term of no graphic lag, fast loading for pindle MFing, etc. Thanks

 

[AJK]

Erm, if I remember correctly from some comments in this forum:

Best computer: Any PC from the last three years?
No lag: Use DirectDraw (or Glide), not Direct3D.
Fast loading: Use windowed mode.

 

[Zhao_Yue1]

Hey Nacaa, nice to see you again after all this time. Glad that you've become successful as a big time poker pro, as I had predicted those many months ago! :thumbsup:

You must share with us your poker adventure while you made it to the top. :grin: Have you gotten a nickname yet?

 

[Rizzo]

If I were you Nacaa, I would seriously consider what you're really gonna do with this computer. Consider which games you want to play and such. I bought a new computer last year, top notch the best of the best, but I've learned to regret my purchase, since I would much rather have a laptop now. I only really play D2, and the other games I play can easily run on a laptop. Besides laptops are alot more handy and nice.

Just a word of caution; think i through before you buy something you might regret.

 

[Shagsbeard]

One thing you have to consider too is that even a top notch computer will be a molten pile of slag within a year if you don't take steps at the very beginning, before you even hook it up to the internet, to take steps to keep your top of the line computer running smoothly. If you don't know how to set up a computer yourself, the best $50 you're ever going to spend on computer maintainance comes before you even plug it in. Have some knowledgable college student, or professional if you can afford it, set up your firewall, virus protection, spyware protection, and all that before you hook your machine up to the internet. Have him set up an administraitor account that you can access and do all your gaming/internet/email stuff in a daughter account so that any problems that arise can be more easily fixed by the administraitor.

Take preventative steps or your computer will be worthless within a year.

 

[Nacaa]

AJK: Thanks. I'll go and check some reviews on those graphic cards now. Will be interesting to see what I find.

Rizzo: Nah. Laptops are out of the question since I want two monitors beside eachother so I hmm, can play more tables of poker I may buy one on the side tho so I can play when I am not at home but we'll see about that. I have been thinking about this for awhile and t he only things I am wondering about are the small stuff like processors etc that I don't know crap about.

Shags: Yea, I have two friends where one of them will do it for me. If something leaked it would be devastating so yea, thanks for the heads up

Zhao: Thanks. No nickname I could write a small "history post" of how I struggled my way to where I am today in Poker in the Days of Our Life thread if anyone is interested.

Cheers