The start of a wonderfull relationship...
by Maxwell Marsh · 06/14/2006 (12:38 am) · 12 comments
Hey, its been a while since I've posted a blog, but here I am. Since I've last posted, I have created all of the textures I need for my game, bought TGE, bought Torque showtool pro, and bought a brand new computer. It's what you might call the "Ultimate Gamer Machine". Here are its specs:
GS P4-3200HT
Custom Build
Total: $1,595.00 (Shipping Not Included)
Time frame: Ships Within 3-5 Days
My Configuration
Chassis: Chieftec Full Tower (Black) w/ Clear Side
Power Supply: 300 Watt Power Supply
Motherboard: Gigabyte 8iKXW 800MHz P4 w/AGP LAN & Raid (478 Pin)
Processor 1: Intel Pentium 4 3.2Ghz 800Mhz FSB 1Mb Cache
Processor 2: None
Memory 1: 512MB DDR400 PC3200 Memory
Memory 2: 512MB DDR400 PC3200 Memory
Memory 3: 512MB DDR400 PC3200 Memory
Memory 4: 512MB DDR400 PC3200 Memory
Controller Card 1: On-Board SATA150 RAID 0 / 1 (2 Drives) Controller
Controller Card 2: None
Hot Swap Trays: None
Hard Drive 1: 200Gb 7200RPM 2Mb Buffer EIDE ATA100 HDD
Hard Drive 2: 200Gb 7200RPM 2Mb Buffer EIDE ATA100 HDD
Hard Drive 3: None
Hard Drive 4: None
Removable Media 1: None
Removable Media 2: None
CD Drive 1: 16X Dual Layered DVDRW / CDRW Drive (Black)
CD Drive 2: None
Video Card 1: None
Video Card 2: Nvidia GFX6800 256Mb DDR3 AGP w/DVI & TV out
Network Card 1: On-Board Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet Controller
Network Card 2: None
Modem: None
Sound Card 1: On-Board Realtek ALC650 Audio Codec w/AC97 Audio Port
Sound Card 2: None
Display: 21-inch LCD Monitor (max. res. 1280x1024) Black
Keyboard: None
Mouse: Black Logitech Laser Optic Mouse (Black)
USB Storage: None
Speakers: None
Software 1: None
Software 2: None
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Pro Installed w/CD
Warranty: Visionman 1-Year Depot Warranty
Adjustments: System Handling Fee
Chronicles Of Zenorth
Well, since I just got my computer June 13, (Yesterday night) I havent had much time to work on it. I got the hang of TGE in just a few hours, and got started perfectly. So far Ive got done an Island level, with a lighthouse, a volcano, a working fireplace, docks, a house, and 2 ponds. This doesnt sound like much, I know, but for a 13 year old who has only had about 6 hours of time to do it, I'd call it good.
Those are some images from it, I made the map, all the effects, but no shapes. Heres a movie.
Movie.wmv Windows Only (Aprox 5.2 MB)
Well, thats where I stand now. You can count on future blog posts.
GS P4-3200HT
Custom Build
Total: $1,595.00 (Shipping Not Included)
Time frame: Ships Within 3-5 Days
My Configuration
Chassis: Chieftec Full Tower (Black) w/ Clear Side
Power Supply: 300 Watt Power Supply
Motherboard: Gigabyte 8iKXW 800MHz P4 w/AGP LAN & Raid (478 Pin)
Processor 1: Intel Pentium 4 3.2Ghz 800Mhz FSB 1Mb Cache
Processor 2: None
Memory 1: 512MB DDR400 PC3200 Memory
Memory 2: 512MB DDR400 PC3200 Memory
Memory 3: 512MB DDR400 PC3200 Memory
Memory 4: 512MB DDR400 PC3200 Memory
Controller Card 1: On-Board SATA150 RAID 0 / 1 (2 Drives) Controller
Controller Card 2: None
Hot Swap Trays: None
Hard Drive 1: 200Gb 7200RPM 2Mb Buffer EIDE ATA100 HDD
Hard Drive 2: 200Gb 7200RPM 2Mb Buffer EIDE ATA100 HDD
Hard Drive 3: None
Hard Drive 4: None
Removable Media 1: None
Removable Media 2: None
CD Drive 1: 16X Dual Layered DVDRW / CDRW Drive (Black)
CD Drive 2: None
Video Card 1: None
Video Card 2: Nvidia GFX6800 256Mb DDR3 AGP w/DVI & TV out
Network Card 1: On-Board Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet Controller
Network Card 2: None
Modem: None
Sound Card 1: On-Board Realtek ALC650 Audio Codec w/AC97 Audio Port
Sound Card 2: None
Display: 21-inch LCD Monitor (max. res. 1280x1024) Black
Keyboard: None
Mouse: Black Logitech Laser Optic Mouse (Black)
USB Storage: None
Speakers: None
Software 1: None
Software 2: None
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Pro Installed w/CD
Warranty: Visionman 1-Year Depot Warranty
Adjustments: System Handling Fee
Chronicles Of Zenorth
Well, since I just got my computer June 13, (Yesterday night) I havent had much time to work on it. I got the hang of TGE in just a few hours, and got started perfectly. So far Ive got done an Island level, with a lighthouse, a volcano, a working fireplace, docks, a house, and 2 ponds. This doesnt sound like much, I know, but for a 13 year old who has only had about 6 hours of time to do it, I'd call it good.
Those are some images from it, I made the map, all the effects, but no shapes. Heres a movie.Movie.wmv Windows Only (Aprox 5.2 MB)
Well, thats where I stand now. You can count on future blog posts.
#2
06/14/2006 (1:15 am)
Oops, I left some stuff out. Let me fix it real quick. 
#3
06/14/2006 (1:40 am)
I actually just bought a more powerful system from dell for only $549.99 plus my video card ~$150. Plus a 8ms 19" monitor. And no I actually hate Dell. It was just a great deal. 
#4
great work :)
06/14/2006 (1:43 am)
Power Supply: 300 Watt Power Supply ====> Is that enough for your system ?great work :)
#5
06/14/2006 (2:36 am)
I'd be worried about that power supply with that video card and all the RAM and drives. And why did you get an AGP motherboard? Oh well...
#6
06/14/2006 (2:57 am)
no you need a 500 or more for that 6800
#7
Can't wait to see where you take your game.
06/14/2006 (2:57 am)
I don't want to make you feel bad about your purchase but you could've gotten alot more for the price. If it makes you feel better, I always feel bad about my build after I buy. I always find out how I could've gotten more for the money after I spend a ton.Can't wait to see where you take your game.
#8
06/14/2006 (2:27 pm)
WIthout hijacking the blog, my 6800GT runs perfectly on my 350w PSU.
#9
1) You spent too much for that system.
2) Your power supply is nearly half what you should have (450+ for that system)
3) Shoulda gone with an AMD processor ;)
4) You have SATA, use it!
5) Duel graphic cards for the win ;)
It's still a good system, just not worth the 1500 you spent.
Good luck with the game though. If you stick with this, by the time you are 18 you'll be a complete expert at Torque and game dev and be in a real good position.
06/14/2006 (2:42 pm)
I'd have to say (or agree in some cases);1) You spent too much for that system.
2) Your power supply is nearly half what you should have (450+ for that system)
3) Shoulda gone with an AMD processor ;)
4) You have SATA, use it!
5) Duel graphic cards for the win ;)
It's still a good system, just not worth the 1500 you spent.
Good luck with the game though. If you stick with this, by the time you are 18 you'll be a complete expert at Torque and game dev and be in a real good position.
#10
If it's still inside 30 day period, try to return your parts and say you are not happy with them ;)
Also, you can go www.dell.com/outlet, buy a basic config dell computer for $200-$300 and upgrade some parts, you'll be aroud $600-$700 with a similar config ;)
06/14/2006 (2:51 pm)
A similar configuration cost me around $800 (with a 17" LCD ASUS monitor, 8 ms responce), try www.newegg.comIf it's still inside 30 day period, try to return your parts and say you are not happy with them ;)
Also, you can go www.dell.com/outlet, buy a basic config dell computer for $200-$300 and upgrade some parts, you'll be aroud $600-$700 with a similar config ;)
#11
Also, my file server with 4x300gb drives running RAID 5, + 2x 150gb drives running RAID 0 for the OS runs an older 350w power supply without a single problem, the card in it is only an older GeForce 3, but it's a dumb terminal anyhow.
People seem to go way OTT on power supplies for some reason, no idea why, the only reason you should ever need more than 450w in a home PC is if you're going for SLI. I've been running machines with large amounts of drives, high end cards and such for years without issue now.
06/14/2006 (3:55 pm)
Not sure why people are suggesting you need a more powerful power supply, I'm running a GeForce 7800/512mb, 2gb RAM, DVD-RW drive + DVD drive, 4x SATA hard drives, 2x IDE hard drives on this machine with just a 400w power supply and I've never once had any issues with it, runs like a dream.Also, my file server with 4x300gb drives running RAID 5, + 2x 150gb drives running RAID 0 for the OS runs an older 350w power supply without a single problem, the card in it is only an older GeForce 3, but it's a dumb terminal anyhow.
People seem to go way OTT on power supplies for some reason, no idea why, the only reason you should ever need more than 450w in a home PC is if you're going for SLI. I've been running machines with large amounts of drives, high end cards and such for years without issue now.
#12
300 vs 400 is quite a difference. I've had three 6800's choke on a 300w but work okay on a 400w. Just my 2 cents.
06/15/2006 (7:26 am)
Hi Ian,300 vs 400 is quite a difference. I've had three 6800's choke on a 300w but work okay on a 400w. Just my 2 cents.
Associate Joseph Euan
You could build a better machine for a lot cheaper... :(
I'm building a new PC in the next few weeks with a higher spec than that and it's only going to cost about 800 (uk pound) and it dosen't have anything onboard (so it's easy to upgrade later) :\
Good luck with the game :p
Edit: that system is still over priced...