The 'Perfect' Gaming Setup 105
1up is running a fun piece looking at how to take your gaming setup from merely functional to truly outstanding. From the article: "So you already took the plunge on a hot new HDTV. You've got an Xbox 360, but you're hungering for more HD gaming goodness, and you don't care how much it costs to get there. If that's the case, you're ready to enter the extremely hardcore domain of rolling your own home theatre gaming PC. This is not a project for the light-hearted. If you've never built a computer before, you're better off experimenting on the one you already have first with simpler exercises, like RAM and video card upgrades. Get comfortable, expect mistakes, and don't be afraid to see your own blood - computers can be pointy on the inside."
computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:5, Funny)
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:4, Funny)
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:4, Funny)
I notice u say 'ex'.. perhaps it wasnt so accidental?
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:2)
My money is on computer geek foreplay. A steamy session of hardware mounting gone a litte too far for close quarters.
One minute you're screwing in a motherboard, and the next...
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:1)
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:3, Funny)
The denizens of alt.sysadmin.recovery have made frequent references to the need for blood sacrifices (typically, your own, although sometimes a chicken or a goat would do) in order to get hardware to work properly for the past, oh 10 years or so.
But my guess is that you're too young to know what alt.sysadmin.recovery is, in which case that's a good thing.
Only ten years? (Score:1)
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_bug [wikipedia.org] for those so uninitiated.
Okay, so it was a fly, and not a chicken, but it had wings, and it did die in service to the computer gods!!
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:2)
Neither had I... I've built about 7 or 8 machines and I don't think I've ever cut myself. I've even cut custom windows into the case, though I took extra precaution when dealing with THAT. Exactly how roughly are these people handling their computer's innards? I've always thought that delicacy was key with this stuff.
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:2)
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:2)
That HSF was a really poor design, IMO (especially when combined with that particular ABit Motherboard)- the wedges didn't have an actual hole and the thing was so big you had to apply pressure at a sharp angle. I had a different HSF from the same maker (Speeze) that I had no problems with. No visible blood in the computer, tho, I reacted too fast.
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:2)
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:1)
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:2)
-Eric
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:5, Funny)
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:5, Funny)
Yeah why use a finger when a gerbil works just as well.
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:2)
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:2)
[GRUFF VOICE] Not with my box of bunnies...[/GRUFF VOICE]
Did you ever steal a second box? You could use them on the engine in the semi. The fan would chew them up with a buzz-saw noise to the William Tell Overture or something like that. Great game! Great memories!
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:2)
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:2, Funny)
I hope you don't have to say this very often.
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:1)
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:2)
I guess I should note: assuming cheap plastic fans. Don't do this with a metal fan.
Also, disclaimer: don't blame me if you find some way to make this go wrong.
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:1)
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:2)
And I'd say better-made cases would help, but I realize they are few and far between. Even the more expensive cases I've dealt with lately are stamped from steel (or aluminium) that seem about one or two gauges too thin. Of course once the motherboard is installed and a few drives are mounted in the cages, they seem to be rigid enough, but what that really means is that any motion of the computer is physically stressing the motherboard,
I feel the need to shill (Score:2)
Re:I feel the need to shill (Score:2)
One of my boxes is an Antec Aria, and while the chosen CPU disappoints the case is an absolute dream to work with (and their P180-line is on my wish list).
The rest of my boxes are originally from Fujitsu-Siemens (and are more or less hacked by YT), and while they are heavy (nothing but steel) and not very stylish, there's not a corner or a screw in them (and they're environmentall
Re:I feel the need to shill (Score:1)
Re:I feel the need to shill (Score:2)
-Eric
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:1)
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:1)
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:1)
(Don't mod this funny as its a true story)
Re:computers can be pointy on the inside (Score:2)
A trip to the E.R. to stitch your finger back together: $50 co-pay.
There's minimal cost difference between the two but one hurts a lot less and looks a lot cooler.
At least, that was my argument to my wife for my new Antec case. Granted, I was pushing it somewhat on the Zalman watercooling system when I told her it was "to avoid the risk of burns" but, fortunately, she's not a geek and thus accepts what I tell her.
Alternatively (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Alternatively (Score:1)
it's a geek's way of working on a car or building a treehouse.
all we need now is some geek beer and a geeky bbq where we can all geek around trying to figure out the most entertaining, and therefore the most stupid and irresponsible
Re:Alternatively (Score:2)
By component, avoid mid-range parts if possible (Score:2, Informative)
Dont be so quick to consider just saving in the short term will do fine. If you want to be constantly bleeding cash for parts, fine. Just dont be disappointed by the low quality.
Start with a very highend setup(proven components that are built solidly) and keep the configuration relatively unchanged until you cannot go further with that setup. Only add components infreque
Re:By component, avoid mid-range parts if possible (Score:3, Insightful)
Things that aren't worth buying top quality - CPUs and grafix cards. The upgrade cycle is too intense and the price/performance doesn't scale linearly. Buy one step below top of the range because you're going to be upgrading both long before 2-3 years.
Re:Alternatively (Score:1)
Re:Alternatively (Score:1)
A better alternative (Score:2)
Only if you buy a cheap case... (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Only if you buy a cheap case... (Score:1)
Skimping a little bit on things like the case is what allows some of us to build nice systems. If the budget is a concern in a build, the case is the most obvious thing to go cheap on. Afterall, it is basically just a box for your stuff. I wouldn't just use anything that is available, but
Re:Only if you buy a cheap case... (Score:1)
Re:Only if you buy a cheap case... (Score:1)
Not just the chassis (Score:2)
From the article's title... (Score:5, Insightful)
Pg 2 - Buy Rechargable batteries (Score:3, Insightful)
Widescreen Gaming Rig built around a 37" Westy (Score:3, Interesting)
CPU: AMD 3700+ SD Overclocked to 2530mhz (230X11 Aircooled 80mm @ 5,500RPM w/ 4 Heatpipes 1.456V 36C/44C) (very loud, my PC is in a seperate sound isolated room...I have been considering water cooling but have yet to take the plunge)
Board: ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe
RAM: 4 X 512 OCZ Platinum EL Rev. 2 TCCD (230mhz 2,3,3,5 Aircooled NB 2.8V 37C/41C)
Video: 2 X eVGA 7800GT SLI (stock)
Drive: 74GB WD Raptor
Sound: Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic + PA2v2 Headphone Amp + Sennheiser HD595 Headphones
PSU: Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-550 550W Power Supply (not recommended, poor quality control on these...some are fine others are not...I got a not)
Case: CM Stacker [coolermaster.com]
Display: Westinghouse 37" 1920X1080 LCD [westinghousedigital.com] (best purchase of my life)
37" may seem too large for a PC display, but I sit back in a reclining chair with a viewing distance of about 6 feet. It's so comfortable I can game for 16 hours straight(which I do on occasion).
It's a sweet setup...I'm CPU and fsb limited but I can play almost all games at max settings 1920X1080. Low resolution emulated games (Dos, MAME, Atari ST, NES, commodore, amiga, apple IIgs) etc. all look great on this screen.
Re:Widescreen Gaming Rig built around a 37" Westy (Score:2)
haha.
Actually it is a monitor. It's perfectly compatible with HDTV but you need to purchase your own tuner. I thought this was a good approach given the FCC bs over Broadcast Flags etc.
Re:Widescreen Gaming Rig built around a 37" Westy (Score:2)
Re:Widescreen Gaming Rig built around a 37" Westy (Score:2)
Roughly $4,000.
It's worth it to me because I game 7 days a week. My car is a piece of junk and I live on a very thin budget, everything else goes into the PC.
Re:Widescreen Gaming Rig built around a 37" Westy (Score:3, Informative)
Having just installed it, I can really recommend the Zalman Reserator 1 Plus kit. It has everything you need, everything is designed to fit together without leaks, and it goes together really easily. You literally unscrew a bunch of mount points for the old heatsinks, put on your new ones, add your new heatsinks and gunk, push the tubes on, drop the clamps in to position, fill with distilled water and its supplied coolant, then go. It's ma
Easier setup... (Score:4, Insightful)
1 Bigass Couch
4 Wavebirds
1 Gamecube
1 Decent-Sized Television
I'm not sure what other equipment anyone could EVER need.
Re:Easier setup... (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Easier setup... (Score:2)
Re:Easier setup... (Score:2)
With a DS you still need friend codes.
I can think of some things.... (Score:1)
Re:I can think of some things.... (Score:2)
So, your idea is great and all, save for the fact you'd be sitting there staring at the screen while the intro movie plays over and over. ;)
Re:Easier setup... (Score:1)
Re:Easier setup... (Score:1)
HD would be nice, but my tip for you is to get a nice upscaling projector and beam it across the wall.
Re:Easier setup... (Score:2)
Re:Easier setup... (Score:2)
For independent games? (Score:2)
You play party games on your GameCube, and you claim to be "not sure what other equipment anyone could EVER need." To play independent party games, you need a set-top PC. Why do you reject all independent games immediately?
It depends (Score:2)
VT100 + PDP11/70 + Adventure! (Score:2)
Actually I'm exaggerating a bit - plug a Vax of just about any flavor into the back end of the VT100 and you can play Nethack, or get a PC with Win95 or better and run the color version.
Re:VT100 + PDP11/70 + Adventure! (Score:2)
What version of Adventure are you playing. In the version I played on a PDP11/35, the dwarf wasn't stoned and was deadly. Sometimes I was lucky and tossed the axe back killing the dwarf, but I could never get the dwarf. He always dissappeared in a cloud of greasy black smoke.
Re:VT100 + PDP11/70 + Adventure! (Score:4, Interesting)
4 serial terminals plugged into a SGI Challenge running IRIX. 4 guys with root access. The task: Stay logged on and kill (-9) the others. The most ultimate deathmatch.
Log in.
Use 'ps', try to figure out which login is yours. Kill -9 the other processes kicking the others. Watch "ps" list for new logons. More than once you'll kill -9 yourself. More than once they will kill your logon process before you do. Spawn extra shells as decoys. Attempt to append another line to your "ultimate weapon" script. Try to read manpage to find what option on IRIX version of 'ps' displays terminal you're connected from. Remember login process number of the opponent who kicked you before you managed to finish typing the PID and use it immediately after the last login.
That was about the most fun multiplayer game I ever played
Recently Upgraded... (Score:3, Interesting)
I just bought myself a completely new gaming rig -- my first such rig in about seven years. Prior to that I'd been upgrading various components in my old box. But the newest games were starting to far outstrip my machine's ability to play them (Doom 3/Quake 4 were the earliest offenders). Thanks to a pleasant year-end bonus from my employer (and rather serious prodding from my partner), I got a completely new box:
Sadly, the graphics card has turned out to be the biggest problem in the new rig. It seems that everyone is having trouble with the new NVidia 7900-based boards. My first card would display "exploding" geometry once it warmed up a bit. Happily, eVGA have been very good to deal with, and performed a free cross-ship RMA. The new card still exhibits a few glitches, but only when I expressly go looking for them. When actually playing games, it's been very well behaved. It's only done the exploding geometry thing once since then, during a game of Oblivion. I'll keep leaning on eVGA to perfect this card.
I have very mixed feelings about the Creative sound card. Creative has a very spotty reputation for drivers, especially when multiple CPUs are involved. However, virtually all the competing sound card vendors have gone away, or have chosen instead to go for a race to the bottom in terms of price (and, sadly, quality). So I got the Creative X-Fi. It makes the games sound pretty good (it's breathed new life into QuakeWorld), but I would have much preferred something that works with Linux. I have my eye on the upcoming Razer Barracuda sound card, though...
I'd have to say that I'm probably happiest with the case. I was very paranoid that I wouldn't have enough space for all the cruft I planned on putting in it, or that it would be very difficult to work with, but it's turned out to be just lovely. It weighs a ton, but no more than the old Antec tower it's replacing. It's very accessible, has a large interior, very well ventilated, very sturdy, has a clean appearance, and the blue LEDs don't hurt, either.
As I said, this is the first new rig I've put together in seven years (the last machine I built was a dual-Pentium III on a PC-100 motherboard). I'd appreciate commentary from a more experienced eye. Could I have selected better RAM? Better drives?
Schwab
Re:Recently Upgraded... (Score:1)
My build philosophy, as a semi-broke college student, is that your money goes further when you purchase just below top of the line (law of diminishing returns). I look at my system more as a process than a static unit, so I wouldn't have gone with that CPU. But everything else is pretty reasonable, including the GPU. Since you can double it later, it makes sense to reach for just near top of the line.
I tell t
Re:Recently Upgraded... (Score:2)
Re:Recently Upgraded... (Score:2)
Other than that, I'd have said that if you ever planned on overclocking then a dual core Opteron 170 [newegg.com] will easily trump a 4400 X2. Without overclocking, go with the 4400+. If you're OCing, Opteron can go above an beyond most chips. I've gotten my 170 blazing nearly as fast as the FX-60. On air cooling. And it doesn't get that hot either thanks in part to Opteron's additional heat pipes. Getting them for OC purposes can be a crapsh
Re:Recently Upgraded... (Score:2)
Actually, it's my own personal history that steered me toward dual-core. My previous machine was a dual Pentium III 1GHz, sitting on slocket adapters on a Slot 1 motherboard. And this was a consequence of the fact that I worked for Be, Incorporated for four and a half years (symmetric multiprocessing was our Thing, you see). So I dec
Re:Recently Upgraded... (Score:1)
Hm (Score:1)
I hope this begins and ends with two words: Spend Money.
In-between, details can be added about spending lots of money and, if they really need to add more length, advice on where and what.
I'd tell you, but it would be obsolete... (Score:1)
Oh, I'm sorry, I thought this was an Ask Slashdot..
The article contains no real info (Score:1)
Re:The article contains no real info (Score:1)
if you're looking for advice on how to actually go about it, my advice is to find a friend who's done it before and have him talk you through it the first time. it's really not such a tough process - you just have to know the steps.
Useless, Stupid Article (Score:1)
I was hoping this article would cover important things, like making sure your reciever is getting surround sound from th
Big screen monitors? (Score:2)
If you're referring to computer monitors, those are also much smaller than a typical 40 inch HDTV.
Re:Big screen monitors? (Score:1)
42" 1080p LCD HD Monitor (For Cheap) [bestbuy.com]
Same, only 37" [bestbuy.com]
Westinghouse isn't the only company doing this. You'll find a bunch of HD PC gamers who are doing stuff like this already on the AVS Forums [avsforum.com]
Games for big screen monitors? (Score:2)
So where are the four-player shared-view games that work with a PC connected to a high-definition monitor and four USB gamepads? Shared-view multiplayer means that all four players are in the same playfield and the screen is not split. Examples include Gauntlet or Rampage or Rampart or Bomberman or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (arcade) or Secret of Mana or NBA Jam or Smash Bros. or Amplitude, none of which would benefit from using four separate monitors.
Re:Games for big screen monitors? (Score:1)
Any that won't make me a filthy pirate? (Score:2)
SNES9x does not come with ROM files. You have to rip them from your Game Paks, and at that point, it's cheaper just to hook up a used Super NES. So what PC native games have four players in one view?
FYI: Widescreen Gaming Forum (Score:1)
They have a list of PC games with their widescreen status, and how to get it working if it's not officially supported.
I can't take this article seriously (Score:1)
It's pretty bad when they shoot both their feet in the opening paragraph:
Sorry, since when did "owning all the current consoles (plus an HDTV)" become the definition of hardcore? The
Re:I can't take this article seriously (Score:2)
Re:I can't take this article seriously (Score:1)
Re:I can't take this article seriously (Score:2)
I would have expected 1Up's definition from a website like IGN, but sadly some of the 1Up writers are as equally vapid these days (e.g. SL1p).
And of course I would think a true hard core gamer would already know they want a decent games PC, if 1Up readers st
Re:I can't take this article seriously (Score:2)
So, I expect that I am not hardcore since I read neither 1Up nor IGN.
Anyway, I thought I may count as a hardcore gamer since games are an integral part of my life, and have been for the last 25 years. I have never stopped caring about games, and never stopped playing them, even when real life started to interfere with my gaming time. But I have never bought a console, since I think that, in general, console games suck and are far too expensive. I guess that that particular thought, in itself, clearly remo
My perfect setup... (Score:2)
The sheer fun factor blows any HDTV/Xbox 360 setup away. There isn't a human alive (including grandparents with Pong) that can resist playing something. It's kinda like a large scale Nintendo Wii.
They all see a fair bit of pl
Buy an existing arcade cabinet. (Score:1)
Finding arcade auctions? (Score:1)
Do you have tips for finding arcade auctions in Fort Wayne, Indiana?