PS2 Gaming Rig

[inigma]

I hope to update this page with the latest parts for best performance for the money, until I hit the trigger and build my PS2 dream machine either a month away from release, or if I get an invite to the beta.

Update: I purchased the rig and all its parts on Dec 23, 2011 when notice of the beta signups were out. I built it Jan 1, 2012. As of Aug 15, 2012 I have verified all parts are working great together and put them through good stress testing of every capability. No issues. This system is amazingly fast and should meet your needs for the next decade with appropriate upgrades after a few years. This original post will be updated with prices every week until PS2 Release Day 1. Now if you want me to build you one too... pms work great, but I encourage you to build your own as well. Pictures here (http://www.planetside-universe.com/forums/showpost.php?p=620321&postcount=35).

The purpose of this build is to be able to play PS2 at max settings at release, with an eye towards maximum upgrade-ability, and a neutral color scheme from which to add VS/NC/TR color switchable led bling.

This will be my first computer build as I see it as a much cheaper alternative than buying a pre-built machine.

My budget is $2190 including monitor, keyboard, mouse, everything. After all, I am moving away from a 10 year old P4 1GB, and 17" tube.

The PS2 Gaming Rig (https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=22674567): (newegg prices)

Case:$120 NZXT Phantom Black ATX Full Tower (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146068)
PSU: $210 Corsair Pro Series Modular HX1050W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139034) (for future upgrade to 2 gtx 580s)
Mobo: $140 ASRock P67 EXTREME4 GEN3 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157265)
CPU: $290 Intel i7 2600K (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115070)
Cooler: $34 Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099)
RAM: $92 Corsair Vengeance 16GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233143)
SSD: $95 OCZ Agility 3 120 GB SATA III SSD (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227726)
GPU: $500 EVGA GTX 680 2 GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130768)
BR Burner: $90 Pioneer Black 12X BD-R (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129067)

Rig Total:$1571 (newegg wishlist)

EXTRAS:
Monitor: $205 ASUS VS248H-P Black 24" LED LCD (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236153)
Keyboard: $24 Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109149)
Gaming Keypad: $60 Logitech G13 USB Advanced Gameboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126050)
Mouse: $75 Logitech G9x Black Two modes scroll USB Wired Laser 5700 dpi Gaming Mouse (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104261)
Headset: $25 KOSS SB45 3.5mm Connector Circumaural (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826263010)

System Total : $2033
-$40 (Current Rebates and Promos, ($15) SSD and ($25) Monitor)

PS2 Gaming Rig Grand Total: $1973


EDIT 12/31/11: GTX 580 3GB price dropped to $550 the next business day. Newegg customer service was kind enough to bypass their standard policy when I asked, and gave me a one-time exception refund for the diff! Awesome Newegg! I'll definitely be buying stuff from them again in the future. :)

EXTREME BUILD: Add in a 2TB or larger WD Caviar Black HDD, switch out the Hyper 212 EVO with a Corsair H100, add LED bling, and add a second GTX 680 2GB in SLI.


PS2 Gaming Rig Benchmarks (stock settings):
Boot from Power On (cold) to Firefox Google loaded: 18 seconds
Warm Restart Back to Google: 14 seconds.

Temps (using SpeedFan to measure)
Idle CPU temp: 26C
Max CPU temp: 34C (gaming in Tribes Vengeance and World of Tanks)
GPU (GTX 580 3GB) Max temp: 72C (gaming in Tribes Vengeance and World of Tanks)

(Ambient temp is about 70F)(CPU cooler mounted using Arctic Silver 5, large center dot method)

GTX 580 3GB FPS (frames per second on ultra high settings maxed, @ 1080p):
Planetside 1: 218 fps
Planetside 2: excellent fps (NDA prevents disclosure, but you can tell based on what Higby uses in his videos)
World of Tanks: 86-128 fps
Tribes Ascend: 90-110 fps

[inigma]

Which case? NZXT Phantom Black Full Tower or Corsair 600t Mid Tower?

If I get the Corsair case, it can bundle with the 1050w PSU, taking $5 off the total rig price, but if I keep the NZXT case I have a full tower for future upgrades and water cooling vs a mid tower.

[Bags]

I used the corsair carbide 500r on my recent build and loved it. 600t looks more of the same greatness.

Here is a picture of my finished build... very easy to work with, very spacious, and great cablemanagment. Was my first build ever, too.

http://dash.ponychan.net/chan/files/src/132383409770.png

you'll probably even be able to get it even neater since you have modular.


One note of advice I can give you; you might want to get low profile vengeance ram. since you will be filling all four slots. I have an aftermarket cooler like that, and on my Z68 by msi I would not be able to fit the ram that big under the heatsink in the 4th slot.

[inigma]

I used the corsair carbide 500r on my recent build and loved it. 600t looks more of the same greatness.

Here is a picture of my finished build... very easy to work with, very spacious, and great cablemanagment. Was my first build ever, too.

http://dash.ponychan.net/chan/files/src/132383409770.png

you'll probably even be able to get it even neater since you have modular.


One note of advice I can give you; you might want to get low profile vengeance ram. since you will be filling all four slots. I have an aftermarket cooler like that, and on my Z68 by msi I would not be able to fit the ram that big under the heatsink in the 4th slot.

Excellent pictures. Neat build. I read the entire thread. Thanks!

I was a bit concerned that the Corsairs usb 3.0 port doesnt attach to a board header but rather routes a cable to the back port taking up a whole port back there. The NZXT doesnt have usb 3, but i could just get a face mount for one for cheap.

[Bags]

Huh, mine connected from the front panel to my mobo.

[inigma]

Huh, mine connected from the front panel to my mobo.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139007 reviews indicate no header connect. maybe its the diff between the 500r and 600t series.

[Bags]

dunno mate, too busy trying to get my pc to work to help you

7 days and counting... pc building is easy my ass

[inigma]

dunno mate, too busy trying to get my pc to work to help you

7 days and counting... pc building is easy my ass

lol. good luck.

[Bags]

If you're worried about the headers you could always get a 500r instead. YOu get a side 200mm instead of a top 200mm, and 2 front 120's instead of a 200mm. Other than that and some more less, the only difference seems to be the look.

[Coreldan]

If you are only upgrading for PS2s sake, I would wait till closer of at least closed beta. Components will get cheaper and/or new generation components will be made in that time.

But that said, I don't really have anything to contribute with to this discussion :D

[Infektion]

This is my PS2 rig :)

c2d E8400 @ 4.0Ghz
Gskill 2x 2GB ddr2 1066Mhz
PNY GTX 460 1GB Xlr8

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb321/emeianoite/IMG_1638.jpg

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb321/emeianoite/IMG_1640.jpg

[inigma]

New prices updated. Increased budget by $150. Bumped up gtx 580 from 1.5 GB to 3 GB for more future proofing. Added mouse, keyboard, and headset based on recommendations.

[Bags]

Isn't AMD releasing new cards very soon?

[Traak]

I would like to see someone engineer a pancake version of the best components and make a "Slabtop" computer, basically full-speed, full-size components, all arranged in as thin an array as possible, with flip-up screen. :D

It could be briefcase-mounted, so it was possible to carry by just shutting it like a briefcase.

With carbon fiber components (conductive) instead of steel or aluminum, it could be fairly light.

The briefcase gaming workstation. Some would, of course, prefer the "Samsonite" sized model. :D

[inigma]

Isn't AMD releasing new cards very soon?

Limited on the 22nd and not commercially avail until January. Until then we have no pricing yet so, therefore no update to the PS2 Gaming Rig... yet.

[inigma]

I would like to see someone engineer a pancake version of the best components and make a "Slabtop" computer, basically full-speed, full-size components, all arranged in as thin an array as possible, with flip-up screen. :D

It could be briefcase-mounted, so it was possible to carry by just shutting it like a briefcase.

With carbon fiber components (conductive) instead of steel or aluminum, it could be fairly light.

The briefcase gaming workstation. Some would, of course, prefer the "Samsonite" sized model. :D

Hah. I'd like to see an led lit briefcase...

[inigma]

updated BD-R from LG to Pioneer based on feedback at another site (LG is subject to throttling due to lock guard).

Added $100 to my budget (holiday money).

Changed out memory to Corsair supported memory with mobo. same speed and size.

The beta signup is available at planetside2.com, which is a trigger point for me. I want to have a build ready in time to download the beta and play on the first day. I'm finalizing compatibility across all parts, and searching for vendors, although the bulk will be newegg. I also know the ASRock mobo only has 1 yr warranty, but I believe purchasing an extended 1 yr on top of that for only $14 is worth it.

[Vancha]

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AMD/HD_7970/

Might make you reconsider the 580...

[SKYeXile]

i think ill be on that ATI boat, maybe when windows 8 comes out.

[inigma]

I figured the bump on the 580 to 3GB would still match or nearly match the new HD 7970. At $50 cheaper it sounds neat, but it wont arrive until mid January. Besides, being a pcie 3.0 card and the first of its kind, and a first of its generation, I don't trust a new build to it entirely yet. Also with the beta sign ups starting today, beta is probably next month too, and I thinking it's nearly time to build. I bought my cpu today.

I also switched out the 2TB Seagate for a 120GB SSD for two reasons:

1. seagate sucks. really it does. I've had a Maxtor and WD drive last me 10 years on my old rig. A seagate I had lasted only 3 years.

2. in a weird turn of events, it actually makes more sense now to buy ssds and wait until hdd prices go down to buy a new hdd, instead of the other way around. the flood in thailand that wiped out a good portion of the world's supply of internal hdds has nearly caused the prices of hdds to double. Granted the price per MB doesn't yet overshadow the price per MB of an hdd - but SSDs are way faster, and today's SSDs last just as long as hdds (more than 10 years which is my target). its a mixed blessing - i get an ssd sooner than i wanted, but i suffer on storage space. I do plan to eventually get a storage drive, but doesn't everyone? The 120 GB will last me until hdd prices start going down in 2013. In the meantime, I can hook up an external hdd for the same price as an internal (since apparently only internal hdd prices are affected by thailand flood), or even just buy a cheap ide/sata adapter around $20 and hook up my old drives until then!

So with the updated change from a 2TB hdd to a 120GB ssd, it actually knocks $10 off the totals. :)

[Coreldan]

This is sort of a random statement, but I bought this "custom pre-built" rig from Novatech with AMD+ATI setup and it runs every game I try to play with no issues. Naturally the 5770 is limited in what it can do, but I get expectable frame rates everywhere and Ive had zero issues with it.

Then I see lots of people who use double the money in intels and nVidias and have a crapton of problems with different games and all that. I'm sure though that its not just brand that costs more, they most likely are a tad better, but AMD is nothing to underestimate anymore.

As I wont be having any real income for another 3½ years, I'm most likely sticking with the AMD boat.

I lack knowledge and will to build my own PC, which is why I went with Novatech. I couldve saved a bit building myself, but the good thing is that they've thoroughly tested every combination they sell, meaning that there wont be those "oh crap, seems that this card doesnt like this mobo"-kind of issues or anything.

Also, got the best customer service of my life from that place.

I could really use another TB of HDD space myself, but they are so darned expensive. I fraps a lot, but it would be cool to not have to delete published material right away.

[Vancha]

^
You're lucky. CPU issues generally seem to be in the minority, with ATI being the main offender in GPU problems (typically due to the drivers). Buying a pre-built doesn't mean you're any less likely to experience problems, unless someone's silly enough to buy parts that aren't compatible.

[inigma]

With the beta sign up available, and to give me enough lead time to build it and work out any kinks, I pushed da button. The PS2 Gaming System is on order now. Should be here late next week in time for the holiday weekend and first boot on Jan 1, 2012.

[inigma]

arrgh.

Now this is odd. I used the Corsair memory config tool for the AS Rock Extreme4 Gen3 mobo to select the 16GB Corsair Vengeance CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9 which I purchased, however according to the memory support list for ASRock Extreme4 Gen3 mobo, its not listed. Oy vey! Is the list out of date or am I missing something here? Why would Corsair list it but not ASRock?

I thought I did my research. People on newegg for the memory have the same mobo and it works fine for them, however, and this is a big however, those ppl were also using an i5 instead of an i7 2600k. i did some google searches and found that those using an i7 2600k with the ASRock Extreme4 Gen3 were unable to run all four sticks of the Corsair memory without getting BSOD'd in Win7. 2 sticks work just fine, but not all four. This was for both the p67 and z68 gen3 boards. I think I found some answers by ASRock support forums that the issue is with the cpu's memory controller, and not the board or memory per se.

Can someone help me confirm this? This would really suck to get all four sticks and be handicapped to just 2 with my new build lest I get BSODs. I really liked the color of the Corsair as it matches the neutral black and (and blue led) theme of the rig. The only DDR3 1600 speed 16GB 4x4GB kit that appears supported by the ASRock page that also has a heatspreader is the (tr colored ick!) red g.skill ripjaws.

Any suggestions? Should I rma the Corsair as soon as I get it in the mail this Thursday, or just try it out, see if it works, wait for it fail if ever, and then rma it and get the ripjaws?

I'm sweating here. I thought I did enough homework to make sure I got the right memory.

[Traak]

If you return it without opening, what's the penalty, if any?

If none, you would feel safer sending it back.

If substantial, slap it in. Let the motherboard auto-detect the settings and then rock'n'roll.

After that, you can incrementally overclock it.

[inigma]

If you return it without opening, what's the penalty, if any?

If none, you would feel safer sending it back.

If substantial, slap it in. Let the motherboard auto-detect the settings and then rock'n'roll.

After that, you can incrementally overclock it.

For items that aren't defective (but imcompatible) Newegg charges a 15% restocking fee, plus you have to pay for shipping back. On an $82 kit of 16 GB memory, that's almost a $20 hit. If it's defective, within 30 days of purchase returning is free for replacement. I could probably get away with calling their customer service and explain that Corsair recommends the memory I ordered for my mobo, but that it's defective when I install all four modules. Of course, this means I have to install it and have it fail to make the claim.

So I'm going to try testing the memory, as ASRock's memory list hasn't been updated since release, and I did read of another newegg user who has the same mobo, memory, and cpu combo which worked fine for them. So here's hoping.

[SgtMAD]

this is exactly why I am so friggin happy to have a Fry's in Vegas,makes all this RMA crap much simpler

[inigma]

this is exactly why I am so friggin happy to have a Fry's in Vegas,makes all this RMA crap much simpler

I do have to admit though that newegg customer service reps are empowered to help. I inquired about the $40 price drop from Friday to Monday on the gtx 580 3GB and they gave me a courtesy refund for the difference!

I also understand that they are very accommodating with RMA issues, and are golden when stuff is actually broken. No doubt I probably could get a free RMA if I asked with the situation I described above about the memory being recommended by Corsair. Of course, I'd rather do Corsair. I have 20 some days to generate a BSOD (and those with the issue were experiencing it immediately), and I will certainly be putting the computer through its paces to ensure the memory is working well.

[inigma]

Added gaming mouse and gaming keyboard based on reviews and recommendations. The PS2 Core Gaming Complete System is now complete in its design.

[Traak]

:lol: you said "Core." Bad memories from PS1

[inigma]

:lol: you said "Core." Bad memories from PS1

oy yes, i do remember. maybe i should rename the rig spec. ideas?

[Traak]

How about Gate Outpost Computer Tower! :D

[inigma]

Switched out the G500 mouse for the G9x in the build recommendation. Increase of $10, but in my opinion, well worth it for the greatest gaming mouse known to man kind. I am using it now as all my computer parts came in. I will be building the comp Saturday night with first boot planned for after midnight Sunday Jan 1, 2012.

[inigma]

I built me a computer. :) Using it now to post this! The PS2 Gaming Rig. POSTed on the first try at 2:58am Jan 1, 2012. Memory works flawlessly (although I had to enable Profile1 on the mobo bios to get it to recognize 1600 MHz). No issues. CPU temps at idle in the mid 20s according to RealTemp, 39-41 according to the mobo.

I named it the Inigma. Pics soon.

[inigma]

Pics of the Inigma PS2 Gaming Rig (specs on original post):

http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/9349/dsc05541v.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/560/dsc05541v.jpg/)

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/2571/dsc05539p.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/839/dsc05539p.jpg/)

http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/2244/dsc05552h.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/810/dsc05552h.jpg/)

The third image above shows two comps. The Inigma (below) and my aging P4 Gateway (above) which, btw the mouse in the pic on the right that came with it, finally gave up its last leg - literally: the last teflon pad came loose today after I transferred the final files over from it to the new rig. As if it knew what was happening and tried to last long enough to perform its last useful service before I wipe it clean and give it to a needy person... a faithful machine it was to the very end. 10 years, no issues, no replacement parts (cept a loaner 128MB ATI video card back in the day so I could play PS1 with higher res). :)

The processor chews through anything Image Line's Fruity Loops Studio Producer Edition can throw at it. Temps with the Cooler Master when idle are 24 deg C average. I doubt I have any need to overclock it, though I could overclock it to 4.5 GHz to get a 40% advantage if I wanted to.

Booted at 2:58am Jan 1, 2012.
Name: Inigma

I haven't tested the graphics card, as I have no games or BlueRay vids with which to test it. Come on Planetside Beta, I need you!

I prefer the cheaper Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 keyboard as you can see in the final pic. I won't be able to test the Logitech G110 until later this month, and I will be returning the CoDMW3 Logitech G9x mouse in the pic once an unbranded G9x comes from Newegg this week.

Thanks for paying attention. I'll update the PS2GR spec sheet with new prices this week for new builders once I get settled.

[Zulthus]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/58/Bf3-pc-cover.jpg

The ultimate graphics test. Run this on ultra and you have nothing to worry about for a few years to come.

[Coreldan]

Optionally play SWTOR. If you can run that unoptimized game on best graphics without major drops in FPS, you are also good to go! :D

[inigma]

I got invited to the Tribes beta, so I'll be testing the card out tonight. Seems fitting too, as I played Tribes before Planetside (and Planetside won), it now seems I will play the Tribes beta before PS2 beta (which I again expect PS to blow away Tribes). :)

[inigma]

Update: I played Tribes beta last night on ultra full res for my monitor which is 1920x1080, and I gotta say. Wow. I know Planetside will have better art.

My gpu barely made a sound with its fan. Not sure what the frame rate was, but the action was smooth, no jitter or lag. Played like I was in a movie.

I tested playing with the g110 keyboard, and I found it was way to easy to hit the extra G function keys while playing and typing. So for now, I will be removing the g110 recommendation and going with the tried and true Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000.

I have updated the prices on the gaming rig as well. Sales have ended for most items, and the rig price is now up $77.

[SgtMAD]

one thing i did notice in that case(I have the same one) is that with the lower PSU mount if you decide to sli two vid cards the second one will set almost right on top of the PSU,makes me wonder if it will cause a heat issue if I go buy the other gtx 570 I want.

I also have the same PSU by the way.

what do you have your comp sitting on top of on the floor there? I need to find a way to set mine on the floor without the PSU air intake on the bottom of the case drawing in more dust,I live in Vgeas and the place cranks out so much dust it is mind boggling.

[inigma]

one thing i did notice in that case(I have the same one) is that with the lower PSU mount if you decide to sli two vid cards the second one will set almost right on top of the PSU,makes me wonder if it will cause a heat issue if I go buy the other gtx 570 I want.

I also have the same PSU by the way.

what do you have your comp sitting on top of on the floor there? I need to find a way to set mine on the floor without the PSU air intake on the bottom of the case drawing in more dust,I live in Vgeas and the place cranks out so much dust it is mind boggling.

Mine is on a the 2 inch thick flat wood keyboard tray that comes with the desk you see in the pic, providing clean air flow (never put this thing on bare carpet). The machine is too big to host on the desk. That and the fan intake faces the bottom and back and left of the corner there where not a lot of dust collects (because air from the fans pushing out creating a positive air pressure, and the enclosed space is less apt to collect dust compared to a more open space that wouldn't have that benefit. The only place I've seen dust accumulating on the covers is on the air intake of the two side fans, as expected. The only bummer with the case is that I will have to remove the fans to clean the filters. Hopefully only once every 6 months. It's not dusty where I live.

From pic, I think we should be able to install a second vid card in the second pcie 3.0 slot without any major issues with airflow competition with the PSU. If one wanted to, they could probably do a third as well, but it would require flipping the PSU upside down and removing the taller rubber standoffs in favor of the flatter rubber pads provided with the corsair materials.

[Goku]

I never recommend RAM that has high heat spreaders (especially Corsair's). Those type of heat spreaders can cause issues with setting up many high end air cooling heatsinks due to the RAM interfering with the placement. For example you may have issues putting in 4 dimms of RAM to the end of the HS/Fan hitting into them. They do not add much in terms of performance enhancements as far as cooling either.

More of a personal preference, but I never recommend sand force based SSDs either. You are better off with the Crucial M4 line or Intel 510 series in my opinion. Better reliability and CS support if the need comes up.

[Oryon22]

I love this thread so much. There is a lot of good info here.

[SgtMAD]

this is the ram I went with when I built my machine

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145321&cm_sp=MyNewegg-_-Recmd-_-Pst02Descrip

one other thing with that case too, I put wire harness extensions in for the fans mounted on the removable side of the case,makes taking the panel off much easier

I need to find an air filter system for my fans,this friggin desert dust is a pain in the ass.

I just found what I need at Fry's , man I love that place

[inigma]

With the price drops this week, I added the Logitech G13 gameboard to the complete system list. I got one used for $25, but newegg price still falls within budget of $2200 for everything.

[inigma]

prices updated. $20 net drop overall.

[inigma]

I finally moved in my new rig and setup the production studio. Now I'm ready for Planetside 2.

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7703/inigmastudio.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/85/inigmastudio.jpg/)

[inigma]

Updated prices. Big drop on monitor $30! and case. Updated FPS. The rig runs very cool now as my NZXT fans all came in (just send NZXT a contact email via their site, and if you include proof of purchase you can get any filter/fan/screw/part for the case you have for free since it's under warranty). Except my young boy decided to show daddy how he could lift one of my new fans by its wires... "look daddy I can pick it up!"... using wire cutters.

[Goku]

Given that the 7950 is out now you probably should at least include that in the pricing option. It offers at least if not better performance then a GTX 580 3GB for a $100 less.

[inigma]

Given that the 7950 is out now you probably should at least include that in the pricing option. It offers at least if not better performance then a GTX 580 3GB for a $100 less.

Not sure I can recommend it yet though even $100 cheaper, as it isn't native PhysX and Planetside 2 is being developed with PhysX in mind. Also driver support for AMD hasn't been the best historically, and personally I have a bad taste concerning that. The point of the PS2 Gaming Rig is to be fully optimized for PS2 and that means NVIDIA cards for now. Thanks for the suggestion though! It certainly would be a cheaper alternative, but at the cost of losing (I think) superior optimization that NVIDIA will bring to the PS2 experience.

[Goku]

Not sure I can recommend it yet though even $100 cheaper, as it isn't native PhysX and Planetside 2 is being developed with PhysX in mind. Also driver support for AMD hasn't been the best historically, and personally I have a bad taste concerning that. The point of the PS2 Gaming Rig is to be fully optimized for PS2 and that means NVIDIA cards for now. Thanks for the suggestion though! It certainly would be a cheaper alternative, but at the cost of losing (I think) superior optimization that NVIDIA will bring to the PS2 experience.

We still do not know how truly much PhysX is going to be playing into this game. I have seen a few possible predictions, but it could just be mediocre and not worth the $100 premium.

AMD driver support for single cards is nearly flawless from my experience. On the other hand I will say their Crossfire support does have many issues from when I had 5770 Crossfire. My biggest issue was getting support for when new games come out.

I still think it is worth putting it in there. If the Nvidia cards prove to be that much better the user can either sell the AMD card for the next gen Kepler, or just pick up a cheap Nvidia card (GT 430) for PhysX processing.

[inigma]

We still do not know how truly much PhysX is going to be playing into this game. I have seen a few possible predictions, but it could just be mediocre and not worth the $100 premium.

AMD driver support for single cards is nearly flawless from my experience. On the other hand I will say their Crossfire support does have many issues from when I had 5770 Crossfire. My biggest issue was getting support for when new games come out.

I still think it is worth putting it in there. If the Nvidia cards prove to be that much better the user can either sell the AMD card for the next gen Kepler, or just pick up a cheap Nvidia card (GT 430) for PhysX processing.

I'll post a note in the OP.

[Goku]

Thanks.

[kaosk]

just ordered a rig just for planetside2,hope i did well,wish i would of found this thread earlier
i5 [email protected] proc
hd7970 gpu
p8z68 v -lx mb
8 gigs hyper x memory
hyper x memory cooler
h 80 cooling as intake cpu cooler
corsair 750w bronze psu
zonar 5.1 sound card
HAF X Blue /w extra 200mm fan at top
tt esports challenger ultimate keyboard
g9x mouse
scarab mouse pad
z506 logitech speakers
samsung 27" p2770fh monitor

it came out to be 2750 from IRONSIDE Computers in vegas,i know its too late to change anything but what do you guys think ?will the 7970 be ok without the physx stuff ?

[Vancha]

tt esports challenger :sick:

The memory cooler was probably a waste of money too, but they're the only things that immediately pop out at me.

[kaosk]

thx brother,the mem cooler was just for looks really and was like 20 bucks,this system is gonna be a big upgrade from my current pc with a ati 800xt which i played planetside for 7 years with.

[Goku]

thx brother,the mem cooler was just for looks really and was like 20 bucks,this system is gonna be a big upgrade from my current pc with a ati 800xt which i played planetside for 7 years with.

Dear god :doh:.

[Fenrys]

what do you guys think?

I'm jelly. That system will be wicked fast.

The H80's fan should probably be set to exhaust, otherwise all the heat from the CPU will be blown back inside the case. The rear and top fans should be exhaust, and the H80's radiator will probably be mounted in the rear (heh).

I used to have a HAF 912. It got dusty pretty quick. The HAF X does not have as many non-filtered openings, but the big fans on the side and front should probably be set to intake and that will suck in some dust.

I don't see any disks in your parts list.

[FastAndFree]

or just pick up a cheap Nvidia card (GT 430) for PhysX processing.

Don't the official (read : always up to date) drivers put PhysX into software mode if they detect a non-Nvidia card in the system?

i5 [email protected] proc

Is this a pre-overclocked 2500K or what?

[kaosk]

the i5 i had overclocked at ironside,i have a 1tb hdd,dvd rw and a blu ray/dvd writer.I had originally had the h80 set up for exhaust,they tested it and with it as intake it dropped my cpu temps by 6 degrees,so i went with what they recremended since i added that extra 200mm fan at top for exhaust,it gets pretty warm here in the summer but in the tests they did this set up gave the best temps,as far as dust i ordered the magnetic haf x dust filters for the case and bought a datavac to blow it out once a week or so,now all i need is to hit the jackpot and get in on the beta =) DARK SKYES MOBBING !!!

[Goku]

Don't the official (read : always up to date) drivers put PhysX into software mode if they detect a non-Nvidia card in the system?

There is a PhysX driver hack you have to do in order to make the PhysX card combinable with a AMD one.

[inigma]

Prices updated.

[inigma]

$30 net increase since last update. prices updated. no better equipment for the price yet so parts still remain the same for now.

[Highwind]

How you feel about recommending a 24" monitor after breaking the $2k mark for the whole system? It seems on the small side to me. For $80 more you get a 27 inch also from Asus (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236091&Tpk=N82E16824236091). Seems like for a high end rig like this going cheap on the monitor is shortsighted. I would say investing in two monitors is also wise, either x2 24s or x2 27s for a nice computer like this, because once you are paying $2160 for your current max setup I don't think its outrageous to spend $2520 and get two 27" monitors instead of the one 24" but that's me.

[Goku]

How you feel about recommending a 24" monitor after breaking the $2k mark for the whole system? It seems on the small side to me. For $80 more you get a 27 inch also from Asus (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236091&Tpk=N82E16824236091). Seems like for a high end rig like this going cheap on the monitor is shortsighted. I would say investing in two monitors is also wise, either x2 24s or x2 27s for a nice computer like this, because once you are paying $2160 for your current max setup I don't think its outrageous to spend $2520 and get two 27" monitors instead of the one 24" but that's me.

Monitor setups really come down to preference especially when going into multi monitor. The 27 inch you are linking doesn't provide anything more then a extra 3 inches as it has the same 1920x1080 resolution. If you were looking at also a resolution bump that would be 2560x1440 and costing you about $700 at least.

[Sibercat]

Hey if you still haven't bought all the parts wait for Ivy Bridge. The launch is still scheduled for this Spring, however there has been a delay of approximately three weeks.

[Goku]

Gonna update this to the 680 ;)?

[inigma]

When GTX 680 is in stock at newegg, you bet. :) I included a GTX 680 update with pricing on the OP.

[Goku]

Very nice. Probably can dump that 7950 too!

[inigma]

Updated prices.

[inigma]

Prices updated as E3 comes to a close!

This is probably the best time to buy with the promos at Newegg. Great deal, and even better to get the 680. I've upgraded the Rig description with the new 680 GPU. With other price drops for other hardware, and even promos, the grand total itself drops 20 bucks - and you get the upgraded card! Enjoy!

I have tested everything (except the new GPU, I built this Rig with the 580 3GB card) and it runs smooth, quiet, and cool. No issues.

[Goku]

What about updating to Ivy bridge?

[erunion]

Don't the official (read : always up to date) drivers put PhysX into software mode if they detect a non-Nvidia card in the system?



Not exactly. GPU accelerated physx particle effects require an nvidia card. It has traditionally been possible to use a second dedicated physx card to get physx support with an AMD card. But nvidia hated that and is doing their best to stop it from being possible(even with hacking).

The Physx api serves as the physic engine for planetside2 (for collision, ballistics, etc), but that function is CPU bound on all system. GPU acceleration is only for visual effects, not core physics engine.

[inigma]

Prices updated. $41 overall drop. Still an awesome rig to buy. It hasn't given me any issues, and is quiet, fast, and an awesome gaming and production machine. I hope to add a 2TB WD Caviar black in the near future for media and file storage.

I'm not going to do a hexcore build as I don't think the performance increase isn't justified versus cost at the moment. The purpose of the Gaming Rig is to play the latest games at high settings, as well as do music production using Fruity Loops Studio. I will probably wait until 2nd or 3rd generation to consider a new build recommendation.

[Rbstr]

As a recommendation for others you should update the CPU/Mobo and PSU to reflect new tech and lack of dual cards IMO.

Hex-core is mostly an exercise in excess.
You could have less CPU yet and not lose anything. Even with Fruity loops to account for...I don't see much need for an i7.