Simviation Forums

I've been thinking about getting a gaming pc built in the next several months. I will readily admit that I am NOT a computer guy. I've been reading up a little bit around here and it seems that the CPU is quite an important piece to get right and I'm hearing that a quad core (processor ) is coming available. I'm also going to go with the NVidia 8800 GT or whatever better vid card that comes out.

I guess my questions at the moment would be, is it possible to run twin quad core processors? Also, I have no clue what a CPU is, but again, can I run twin or quad CPUs? And, I've read up on the NVidia 8800 GT 256 (mb ) and I know some folks are running twin sets with those, but can they be run as quads? Is there any word of them coming out with a 512mb version that can be set up as twins or even quads? Sorry if these are pipe dreams, I'm just trying to get an idea of what's going on and get some possibilities in the next several months. I priced out a gaming pc on egghead (or something like that) and ran up a $5000 rig with no problem. Now, I don't mind spending that kind of money, BUT I absolutely demand that it performs. I also really don't care if this thing is the size of an air conditioner, as long as it performs. Thanx for any replies and insights.

Semper Fi, Dave

Quad core basically means 4 processors whereas dual is 2. At the moment there is very little advantage in having a quad core over a dual core system in real performance terms.
If you machine is purely for gaming (and as you say you're not that technical so building it yourself is probably not an option) it is probably worth looking at the Alien range http://www.alienware.com/

Hmmm... okay, I have read that the dual v quad core isn't much different also. I wonder why doubling the "cores" would not cause an increase in some measureable way. This might be reasking the same question, but would using two dual core processors cause an increase in performance? In automotive terms, an 8 cyllinder engine definately has more power than a 4 cylinder, but these are computers.

Oh, and, I will absolutely not be building this pc myself. Basically, I just don't want to walk into a pc shop and be clueless about every facet that would be dicsussed at that point.

Semper Fi, Dave

The quad core has potential to really boost performance but the software written to run on a system does not take advantage of the 2 extra processors.

For me using FS9 a dual core wouldn't yield much of a performance boost other then a higher FSB from the processor and memory.

At the moment it isn't so much processing power as RAM that seems to be the bottleneck. DDR3 isn't quite as fast as everyone hoped. Certainly upping the number of processors helps but at the end of the day we need a major increase in RAM speed as well as better multicore software to see the next significant breakthrough in throughput.
If you really want to have a kick bottom system I'm sure for a fee IBM would knock-up a new toy for you... I just hope you own a power station to run it and they don't let Mr. Kasparov out of jail to come and abuse it

Hmmm... so it's more of the software being the actual weak link with the processors at the moment. I have 4Gs right now and I know Vista is only able to take advantage of 3.5 Gs. I'm glad you also brought up the power supply, I figure I'll make the whole grid shut down, especially in the summer. That oughtta pi$$ off the neighbors.

Dave CPU=Central Processing Unit e.g. the computers brain, or processor
Personally I'd look at as much cooling as you think your rig can handle! I run a two fan cooling system and a beefy PSU (Power Supply Unit) simply because of the demands I make on my system (old but overclocked beyond the limit and still holding together).
Currently 500 watt PSUs are the standard but 1 GigaWatt are the coming thing but still a little pricey at the moment. However for running two 8800s you'll need a LOT of juice so you'll be looking at a GW or power!

Ok so, CPU=Dual/Quad Processor.

As far as cooling is concerned, I don't know if this would be possible, but I have thought about this idea for awhile about cutting holes into side of the casing and mounting 4 or 6 fans on the outside of the casing. In the 4 fan set up I think I'd have 2 fans sucking air into the system and 2 fans forcing air out, keeping an even steady flow through the system. In the 6 fan set up, I think I'd have 4 fans forcing the hotter/less dense air out and only 2 sucking in the cooler/denser air into the system. The problems I would have to figure out is 1) how the "guts" are arranged inside of

I don't think you'll find a case that can take 2 PSUs Dave
Also the problems involved vis-a-vis cabling would be headache inducing (I could probably do it but might drink enough beer to float the USS Enterprise in the process)!
Also the multiple fan setup would be complex as well as using up miles more cable.... horribly complicated.
Frankly I've yet to come across a rig that needs more than a 2 case fans. You could look at other cooling options.
I think your best bet is either to get a book on building your own rig such as Adrian and Kathie Kingsley-Hughes Build The Ultimate Custom PC or look at buying something off the shelf
What exactly do you want to do, what performance do you desire and what budget do you have Dave?
Oh and glad to help out in anyway I can

There are server cases out that will take 2 PSUs, just they're quite large (think drinks cabinets) and are a bit too cumbersome for your average user  ;D

As for using 2 PSUs in a normal system it is possible.. something to do with shorting/jumping certain pins, I remember reading something about paperclips..don't ask!

Zap!

I don't think you'll find a case that can take 2 PSUs Dave

Actually the Silverstone 07 is set up for 2 power supplies, complete with the adapter cable to turn both of them on.

And it has plenty of fans in it. It sounds like a wind tunnel if you turn them all on high.

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX10530(ME).aspx

Here, just for kicks, (also a good way to see what can go with what) head over to Falcon Northwest. It's an audio site, so turn down the speakers, or turn off the music on the control panel of the site.(upper right corner) If you thought $8000+ was a lot for a system, you'll have a heart attack over the rigs they can build for you. (My "dream" machine is going for $15,000 +!)

Cool site in any case.

http://www.falcon-nw.com/

Also, were you asking about multiple processors on one board, or a single, multiple CORE processor? I'm probably wrong about this, but while multi-core cpus need software that can make use of multiple cores, I [glow=yellow,2,300]think[/glow] tasks are routed by the board itself on multiple cpu systems, thus making them more powerful with standard software.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, so I too may expand my knowledge of these darned machines!

Asus has the L1N64 board out that takes 2 of the AMD Athlon 64 FX-74 chips. The good news is they are 1207 chips and will take the new Opteron 4 core 1207 chips.

The board with everything plugged in is a power hog and needs to be plugged into the Hoover dam.

But I am hopeing someone here builds one so we can see the results.