What CPU and video for a new computer? (It's here!)

[GreyGeek]

Re: What CPU and video for a new computer? (Preliminary picks)

I have updated the first post in this thread with the components I am thinking about right now. Much progress has been made, but I still haven't nailed down the motherboard and video card.

GreyGeek, I want you to know that I take your warnings about nVidia seriously. Unfortunately I can't seem to figure out which cards are affected.

Is Kubuntu going to work well with these components? Any recommendations?

http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/News/145...o-battles.aspx

The short story is that the list of defective chips shipped by Nvidia goes back to the NV4x generation, and the list of OEMs affected counts ten and basically includes every Nvidia customer.
.......
So now, the defective chip list has expanded to the G86, G86A2, G84, C51, G72, G72M, G73, G72A3, MCP67 and NV42 officially, but those are only the ones that are named in the lawsuit. There could be others that haven't cropped up yet, or that had problems that Nvidia managed to suppress early on.

Essentially I'd stay with Intel or AMD video chips until NVidia comes clean. Kubuntu works with most, but Intel's GM45 is still ify, but it's a mid-range chip and not good for gaming or second life if you are going to to mech combat or Ninja Naruto combat. It might even be too slow for American Army or shoot'm ups.

[Telengard]

Re: What CPU and video for a new computer? (Preliminary picks)

Now I am worried that if I switch to an AMD/ATI video card then I will have to change the motherboard and CPU to get best performance

Edit: The video card has a lifetime warranty. If it dies then I will just RMA it for a replacement.

[GreyGeek]

Re: What CPU and video for a new computer? (Preliminary picks)

I'd focus on the video card/chip that gets the performance I want/need, along with ADEQUATE thermal grease to prevent over heating and suitable fan(s) to keep it cool. Then I'd talk with the mother board vendor to see what their recommendation is for a matching mobo. Mobos usually come with video & audio chips on board, so they will have to be turned off in the BIOS if you are going to replace them with higher performance peripherals. Don't forget to make sure the mobo isn't an MSI using a Foxconn BIOS. Even if they claim they've removed the Linux traps I don't believe them.

[Telengard]

Re: What CPU and video for a new computer? (Preliminary picks)

Don't forget to make sure the mobo isn't an MSI using a Foxconn BIOS. Even if they claim they've removed the Linux traps I don't believe them.

Fine, but how do I know?

As for the video card, my chosen card is enclosed and its fan is inside the enclosure. I'm afraid breaking the enclosure might void the (lifetime) warranty. I believe the computer case I chose has more than adequate cooling anyway, especially because it is designed for more efficient air circulation than average cases. The card is made by the same company who makes the motherboard, so I assume they will work well together.

It looks like I'll have to forget my plans to use the RAID 1 (mirroring) feature of the motherboard.
[url=http://kubuntuforums.net/forums/index.php?topic=3106012.0[/url]

[GreyGeek]

Re: What CPU and video for a new computer? (Preliminary picks)

Don't forget to make sure the mobo isn't an MSI using a Foxconn BIOS. Even if they claim they've removed the Linux traps I don't believe them.

Fine, but how do I know?

Ask. If they can't answer you should find another vendor.

As for the video card, my chosen card is enclosed and its fan is inside the enclosure. I'm afraid breaking the enclosure might void the (lifetime) warranty. I believe the computer case I chose has more than adequate cooling anyway, especially because it is designed for more efficient air circulation than average cases. The card is made by the same company who makes the motherboard, so I assume they will work well together.

It looks like I'll have to forget my plans to use the RAID 1 (mirroring) feature of the motherboard.
[url=http://kubuntuforums.net/forums/index.php?topic=3106012.0[/url]

RAID seems to be dying out anyway.

[Telengard]

Re: What CPU and video for a new computer? (Preliminary picks)

Pressing Del takes you to the Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility.

Is that enough assurance that Foxconn and MSI have nothing to do with my BIOS?

[GreyGeek]

Re: What CPU and video for a new computer? (Preliminary picks)

Pressing Del takes you to the Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility.

Is that enough assurance that Foxconn and MSI have nothing to do with my BIOS?

Yes! Phoenix is one of the good ones!

[Telengard]

Re: What CPU and video for a new computer? (Preliminary picks)

Also reassuring is this post in the EVGA forums supporting a closely related EVGA board under Jaunty. And http://www.ubuntuhcl.org/browse/prod...x58-i7?id=6603

[lmilano]

Re: What CPU and video for a new computer? (Preliminary picks)

Let me chip in briefly. The Graphics card compatibily should not be an issue, if you are going to run one card. They all use PCIe 2.0 these days, which is a standard just for that.

The issue becomes if you plan to run several cards in parallel, SLI for NVIDIA and CrossFire for AMD/ATI. That's all.

CPU's: I did my research and AMD is still not supporting triple-channel DDR3. So, if you are looking for top performance it;s gotta be Intel i7. I think your choice makes a lot of sense, but, have you considered this one?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115214

It is more power efficient, same price, and apparently it OC's like crazy! See the reviews! It runs on a 95W power envelope as opposed to 130W, I believe it's a newer generation chip.

For graphics cards, the one you chose seems a bit pricey for the specs. Even if you decide NVIDIA, I am pretty sure you can pick up a monster card for around one half the price.

HTH!

[Telengard]

Re: What CPU and video for a new computer? (Preliminary picks)

The issue becomes if you plan to run several cards in parallel, SLI for NVIDIA and CrossFire for AMD/ATI. That's all.

I assume that either SLI or CrossFire require two of the same graphics card. I am only buying one card to start with anyway. My only worry in this regard is Linux compatibility and performance, which I have been assured is good.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115214

Interesting, but I am not planning to overclock initally. I'm pretty sure the i7-920 overclocks just fine. The power savings would be nice, but it simply is not a priority.

For graphics cards, the one you chose seems a bit pricey for the specs. Even if you decide NVIDIA, I am pretty sure you can pick up a monster card for around one half the price.

Would you please recommend a better one then? I'm not that worried about the money, and plan to spend just over $3000 on the system already.

[lmilano]

Re: What CPU and video for a new computer? (Preliminary picks)

I assume that either SLI or CrossFire require two of the same graphics card.

SLI does, Crossfire doesn't
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATI_CrossFire#Advantages

Would you please recommend a better one then? I'm not that worried about the money, and plan to spend just over $3000 on the system already.

You know you are right, this is good for those specs in the NVIDIA world. You could add a second one in crossfire in the future if you got some incredibly demanding game or graphics application.

Enjoy your new toy!

[sithlord48]

Re: What CPU and video for a new computer? (Preliminary picks)

i have yet to need another video card in my machine the single ati raidonHD 4830 i have has more then enuff power for my video needs. althought i am thinking about getting another one just to have one

[Telengard]

Re: What CPU and video for a new computer? (Preliminary picks)

I am planning to finalize the system tomorrow and make the purchase on Monday. If anyone else has something to add I hope they can do it soon.

The only change at this point is that I won't be using the motherboard's built in RAID features on Linux. If I want RAID I'll have to use a card.

Much thanks to everyone who has posted so far.

[lmilano]

Re: What CPU and video for a new computer? (Preliminary picks)

Just make sure you buy an anchor, this beast is going to fly!
8)

Seriously, I hope you enjoy your new system, and thank you for sharing the experience, everyone learns in these processes (at least I did)

Cheers!

[dibl]

Re: What CPU and video for a new computer? (Preliminary picks)

I've had good luck with Intel and Asus P5 motherboards, using Intel CPUs -- I've been thinking about an i7 myself, lately - the 920 is the best value, from everything I've seen. For graphics, I'm an nVidia guy. I've had 3 cards from EVGA and never had a problem with any of them. I seem to keep ending up with G.Skill memory, although I have nothing against the other memory manufacturers. I think I got the last Samsung SyncMaster 1100 CRT they ever made -- I guess my next monitor will be an LCD. I use WD hard drives. Microsoft build nice "Comfort Curve" keyboards and optical mice, IMO.