New Computer Specs: Changes / Suggestions ! [Archive]

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Netzoko

05-17-2007, 09:44 PM

I'm looking to get a new computer. I used Alienware in the past, so I'll be using them again. I really like their support, and I had little problems with my first one. Heres are the specs which I'm looking to hook it up with. Please offer any tips or suggestions on components, mainly on running EQ2 as well as possible. <img src="http://image.alienware.com/images/global_images/spacer.gif" border="0"> <img src="http://image.alienware.com/images/global_images/spacer.gif" border="0"> [1] Area-51® ALX Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme QX6700 2.66GHz 8MB Cache 1066MHz FSB - Overclocked to 3.2GHz! Includes Liquid Cooling! Operating System (Office software not included): <a href="javascript:OpenDetailsWindow('/Configurator_Pages/Details_Pages/Static_Pages/genuine_microsoft.aspx'<img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Genuine</a> Windows® Vista Home Premium - With no Media Center Remote Control or TV Tuner Chassis: Alienware® P2 ALX Chassis with AlienIce™ 3.0 Video Cooling - Conspiracy Blue Chassis Customization : Alienware® Standard System Lighting - Fusion Red High-Performance Liquid Cooling: Alienware® ALX High-Performance Liquid Cooling Acoustic Dampening: Alienware® Acoustic Dampening Motherboard: Alienware® Approved NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard Memory: 4GB Low Latency DDR2 Performance SDRAM at 1066MHz - 4 x 1024MB System Drive: Single Drive Configuration - 500GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7,200 RPM w/ 16MB Cache Primary CD ROM/DVD ROM: 18X Dual Layer DVD±RW/CD-RW Writer w/ Nero Software Suite Secondary CD ROM/DVD ROM: 18X Dual Layer DVD±RW/CD-RW Writer Graphics Processor: Dual 768MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8800 GTX - SLI Enabled Power Supply: Alienware® 1000 Watt Multi-GPU Approved Power Supply Monitor: No Monitor Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster® X-Fi™ XtremeGamer High Definition 7.1 Audio Keyboard: Logitech® G15 Gaming Keyboard Mouse : Razer Copperhead™ High Precision Gaming Mouse - Anarchy Red Exclusive ALX Extras: AlienInspection - Exclusive Integration and Inspection - $100 Value - FREE! Exclusive ALX Extras: AlienWiring - Exclusive Internal Wire Management - $100 Value - FREE! Exclusive ALX Extras: Exclusive Alienware® ALX Items Exclusive ALX Extras: Alienware® ALX Mousepad Exclusive ALX Extras: Alienware® Mesh Cap Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support with Onsite Service If anyone has a system similar to this, how does it perform on higher graphical settings? Thanks for the help!

synicalx

05-17-2007, 10:07 PM

I have to say that an AWSOME beast you got there! But I would suggest using Windows XP until Vista is completely stable, but of course it's up to you. And your SLI 8800 GTX's should run like a dream with on the maximum GFX settings.

Netzoko

05-17-2007, 10:29 PM

<cite>synicalx wrote:</cite><blockquote>I have to say that an AWSOME beast you got there! But I would suggest using Windows XP until Vista is completely stable, but of course it's up to you. And your SLI 8800 GTX's should run like a dream with on the maximum GFX settings.</blockquote>Thanks for the input! It looks great to me as well! The only problem I see is the dent it will cause to my checkbook <img src="/smilies/2786c5c8e1a8be796fb2f726cca5a0fe.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

synicalx

05-18-2007, 01:16 AM

Yeah buying a high end computer (especially one like yours) will leave a nasty stain on your bank. Of course Alienware will be overjoyed at their accounts though!

Savara

05-18-2007, 01:27 PM

I also have an Alienware computer. Have to say their support is horrendous(Costa Rica Help Desk and you have to ship your whole system to Miami if you have any major issues and thats the good part), but their computers are nicely put together. If you are getting liquid cooling i recommend getting the gpus cooled as well. The Alien Ice video cooling is just a few fans and vents nothing more. The on site warranty is bs if you live in California, When I received my system it kept crashing due to issues below and they had it back two times and couldn't figure it out. I had to finally figure the problem out on my own, by going to the component manufacturers' forums. Their support forums are a joke. They do not let you post, until they review the post. I had posted on the MoBo issues and they were never allowed. When you call you get someone in Costa Rica, which is not a problem for me but they have no authority and have to check with Alienware in Miami before they will authorize any type of exchanges or repairs. Be prepared to tell every person you talk to your email, your alienware account number and your phone number. Having to do this for the first person you talk to is understandable, but if you call back they will not take a case number and transfer you they want you to repeat it all again. Every person 1st, 2nd, 3rd acts as if they have no knowledge of your issue and require credentials and have no knowledge transfer whatsoever. I have heard ALX service is better. I doubt it. They are right next to the other support folks. You may have better wait times. Mine average at least 20 min initially and they put you on hold multiple times for 10-15 minute intervals. Regarding performance: I have a little faster processor (6800) and mine runs very well. I did have major problems with the original moBo which is getting replaced (Asus P5N32 SLI-Se Deluxe Stay clear of this crappy board). As a matter of fact I am getting your MoBo EvGA NFORCE 680I SLI which is much better. I could run the asus only with the memory clock at 667mhz due tor ram compatibility issues, but it I could get away with everything turned on and no lag. I always zoned first in raids. If you want to save 2k get a Area-51 7500 instead of the ALX and you can probably get a faster proc with just about everything else you have listed. Thats the route I took. You can always build your own cheaper, but I have gotten tired of keeping track of warranty's on a bunch of separate parts and the risks involved with leaks. I would rather let Alienware handle it. As long as you have some good technical experience and are willing to troubleshoot issues its a good system once all the issues are worked out. Also on the memory, make sure you get memory that is supported by the MoBo check this site out <a href="http://evga.com/support/mbmem/ " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://evga.com/support/mbmem</a> Alienware uses PDP (Patriot memory) and they dont have DDR2 1066 (8200) compatibility on this MoBo. You will end up having the same issue as I did.