5-box guidance

[Tiuz]

Hello,

I've finally allocated the resources and gotten the green-light from my wife (hardest part of the equation..lol) to setup a 5-box rig. I'm definitely wanting to follow a more hardware oriented setup as described by Xzin and Bradster. I've spent some time reading through alot of the information on the site here. So first off, thank you to Xzin and Bradster and the many others for contributing your knowledge. Makes a world of difference to someone like me that is not that hardware savvy. Which, brings me to my question(s). Would it be more recommended (with my admission of hardware knowleedge) to build 4 new boxes or buy a barebones comp and build up from there? Also, any and all input is welcome. Knowing the type of investment this is, I really wanna do things right and in a quality fashion. So if anyone is interested in helping me out with a bit more direct guidance. I would be definitely open to the help. Thanks for any and all help.

[Mons]

I am in the same boat. I went to microcenter today and I looks better to build your own systems if you want to save a bit and be able to troubleshoot/change parts yourself if needed.

Obviously the main advantage of getting pre-made boxes is that you get everything all installed and that will save you a ton of time. I think I ll build one this week end and see how it goes. Thinking of a 2gig intel dual core with a 7300gt. The tech said for 4 boxing the 7300GT should be enough.

If money is not that much of an issue you could get 4 boxes at once. If you dont mind spending more time I think it s logical to say you will save some cash building machines yourself...

What do you guys think?

[Slats]

I'm going to buy identical hardware, I'm then going to build the machines myself and then install everything on one PC - then I'm going to use something like Nortons Ghost and ghost it to all the other PCs and change the machine name.

I think I would cry if I had to isntall Windows XP 4 times on the same PC =)

[Tiuz]

Doing some looking around, if I understand the recommended specs as listed in the various guides on this site. I'm wondering if I couldn't get by with purchasing 4 of these:
Link to Dell (http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DDCWEA2&s=dhs)
These can be spec'ed up to a nice wow-capable box (once I upgrade the video card to the 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT-DDR3, which I would be interested in hearing if this is a recommended card or not, the total cost came to around 679 for my final configuration btw), and they total up (for all 4) to about where the running total listed in Xzin's write up is for pc's and monitors. This gets me 4 decent pc's to run WoW (I have a decent system for the 5th already) and the 17" monitors. Would this be thought as a viable option?

[Tealuin]

Doing some looking around, if I understand the recommended specs as listed in the various guides on this site. I'm wondering if I couldn't get by with purchasing 4 of these:
Link to Dell (http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DDCWEA2&s=dhs)
These can be spec'ed up to a nice wow-capable box (once I upgrade the video card to the 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT-DDR3, which I would be interested in hearing if this is a recommended card or not, the total cost came to around 679 for my final configuration btw), and they total up (for all 4) to about where the running total listed in Xzin's write up is for pc's and monitors. This gets me 4 decent pc's to run WoW (I have a decent system for the 5th already) and the 17" monitors. Would this be thought as a viable option?


I bought 4 of those with the basic options except just upgraded to the 8300GS and ditched the monitor. They work just fine, I have the settings low except terrain distance maxed, and the option to load objects set to the middle. I get at least 30 FPS, and can get upwards of 60 fps at times but usually in the 44 to 50 fps range.

[Jezebel]

ive posted this before, but ill say it again anyway..

research parts and stores through the internet and then build your own (or have the boxes built at the store if youre not comfortable assembling). you will end up with much better systems, a similar (far easier to claim) warranty and much more available support.

after a quick look through Newegg.com as a reference for prices..

2gb 667 Corsair RAM - $100
GeForce 8600GT - $90
Motherboard = Gigabyte DS3 or Asus P5B - $100/$130ish
CM CAC-T05 case - $49.99 (430w PSU incl.)
generic 18x DVD - $30
17" LCD - $100
--
<$500.

thats just a quick check. im sure if you research a bit you could find the parts cheaper. any decent retailer will give you a 24 hour hot test with 1-2 year RTB warranty for assembled systems. also remember that owner run business are often willing to negotiate (within reason).. the people i went through knocked $50 off the cost of each system and threw in a free 8 port switch, because i purchased 4 systems and a bunch of peripheral gadgets in one order. all up i got 4 systems, KVM, G15 keyboard, G5 mouse, switch, cables, 4x 17" LCD's and a 28" viewsonic LCD for under $3900 AUD.

[Zseth]

Who did you go through Jez?

[Mons]

I just started building the first of my 4 boxes (doing one first then I replicate 3 times).

I am going for Lanbox cases because they will be easier to store/stack and have a handle and a small form factor

[Ohls]

2gb 667 Corsair RAM - $100
GeForce 8600GT - $90
Motherboard = Gigabyte DS3 or Asus P5B - $100/$130ish
CM CAC-T05 case - $49.99 (430w PSU incl.)
generic 18x DVD - $30
17" LCD - $100
--
<$500.

Isn't 2gb of ram a little bit of an overkill to just play wow? Aswell as 430w PSU. Very cheap though. And you could skip the DVD. Just transfer files through your LAN. That brings the sum down to around 400. And if your buying 4 computers thats about a whole computer =).

[Tiuz]

I guess this may just show my lack of knowledge for putting together PCs I was not able to find parts that equalled out to that price. I kept ending up with numbers like 730. Did the mobo you listed have a processor bundled with it? Again, hope that isn't a terribly dumb question. But I'm just trying to get a handle on the whole hardware aspect of things.

[Tiuz]

Well, it looks as though lack of knowledge or not, building the PCs is really going to be my only option. I spoke with Dell and a few other wholesalers I would be willing to work through and they don't carry ps/2 support anymore :( I could use the usb-ps/2 adapators...but am trying to stay away from adaptors if possible.

[Ughmahedhurtz]

Isn't 2gb of ram a little bit of an overkill to just play wow?Not at all. I had a wierd lag problem in cities that magically went away when I upgraded to 2GB. A lot depends on how many mods you're running, whether you surf the web in the background on your main box and if you run stuff like GameCam/Fraps/Winamp/etc.

[Scribbler]

2gb 667 Corsair RAM - $100
GeForce 8600GT - $90
Motherboard = Gigabyte DS3 or Asus P5B - $100/$130ish
CM CAC-T05 case - $49.99 (430w PSU incl.)
generic 18x DVD - $30
17" LCD - $100
--
<$500.

I'd highly recomend a CPU, and a hard drive. You won't get much done otherwise.

[Wilbur]

lol.

[Slats]

Hahaha.

[Bradster]

Hey Guys,

Glad to see more upcoming boxers. Grats on the green light from the wife. I know exactly how that goes, "you need HOW many computers?!" :)

I've done both. I've built my own, and I've bought bare bone systems. I'll tell you from many years of experience.


I learned that it’s not a good idea to buy the cheapest case out there, all of which come with a crappy power supply that goes the first year of use. My new main machine I just bought I spent a lot of my case and power supply. More then necessary but I did it because I don’t want to face any down time.

Building your systems today is pretty easy, no IRQ, DMA, COM, ETC jumpers to set. It’s just a matter of selecting the hardware you need. Which takes time. I spent a week speccing out my new machine, making sure the hardware I selected will work. Even posted the setup here, to see if anyone could find a flaw with it. The hard thing about building a new machine for me is, I work on old crap all the time but nothing this new, always old stuff. So when it comes to building one I've never worked stuff this current which raises a lot of questions, such as how RAID-0 configurations work, SLI linking, and other newer common configs. So I have do to a lot of research.

As a base you can look at existing bare bones systems out there (Motherboard CPU combos) to see what people are using. In my case, I wanted a new main machine, 3.0 GHz Core 2 Duo. I looked up what mother boards could handle that CPU, selected an ASUS mother board, then looked up those two components together to see if anyone else out there was using it. I found from my reading that they work great together with one exception. If the BIOS on the mother board was old it wouldn’t recognize the processor, to fix you just need to flash the BIOS. Mine came with the new BIOS on it already so I didn’t even have to deal with it. But I knew what to expect is what I’m getting at here.

Once you have your motherboard and CPU out of the way, it’s pretty much down hill from there. What’s great about the whole thing is, if you have the patience you can find answers to every hardware configuration out there. It’s just a matter of time. Plus you have forums like these to post your hardware setup for others to review and help out as well. Just expect to spend some time researching, it can take days before you feel your ready and know what to expect from your setup you have picked out. You just have to pace yourself sometimes, you can get lost a lot researching. It's to be expected you don't do this everyday!

If you do want to go with preexisting, If possible try to go with a local PC store. Just for the simplicity of troubleshooting and replacement. I recently purchased a premade computer from the Net; I spent a ton on it and its gone defective now 3 times. I haven’t seen that computer since June. Long story short it’s now in the hands of my attorney and I’m suing that company.

Trust me you don’t want to get something from a company you never heard of before because the deal sounds good on paper. I’m undergoing a lot of crap right now because I made that poor choice.

Perhaps there are a few places people can recommend that makes good barebones systems. I don’t know any, I don’t do it anymore.

Speaking of which this brings us to sites like EBay, Price watch, local computer show and other sites were you may also find a good deal on PC parts. I’ve used them all and something else I learned.

I’ve bought many things from all of them. These are small risks. I’ve had both good and bad experiences. Each company or store has there own return policy. Some of which are terrible. Under the normal circumstances for me it was a lot of grief and many many hours on the phone to try to get a part replaced that went defective. Also a lot of down time.

I purchase all my parts from newegg.com. This site is not the cheapest out there but I’m assured a few things by doing it. For the little extra cost compared to super cheap no ones heard of you store, I know the return policy and what I’m up against with newegg. They have excellent customer service and one phone number. I don’t have to dig in receipts to find the vendor I purchased the part from, because I already know who I used. Not only that they are damn fast with getting the part out to you (normally 2 days max for me).

Yeah you’ll pay $10-$30 more per part compared to Pricewatch.com in some cases but I honestly feel it’s worth it. I’ve done it all and I’ll gladly pay the little extra.

It boils down to how much down time can you afford? In my case with 5 boxing if one goes down, I’m screwed until that one PC is back up and running. Down time is not an option for me, so I paid the little extra and went with newegg.

Just two things to remember if you choose to build your own computer. Do not buy a cheap case or power supply. Cheap cases some times have bad grounding problems, such as the machine that now is my wife’s (this power supply has been replaced 4 times, in 4 years). Not because it a bad power supply brand, but because of this case. I’ve had a lot of power supply’s die on me in other computers, simple because they were cheap.

For clarification a good power supply isn’t much. $100 maybe a little less. As for case I’m not sure what you have to spend. Looking at Newegg reviews on cases you can get a feel for them doing a little searching.

You can build a PC to run wow fine for $380 Complete. Or you can spend more so they are compatible for future games. Mine cost $480 each, spent a little extra so I have the option of going back to EQ2 or playing the new War hammer.

Another option you have is spend 1.2k on a really nice computer, then $10 for Key clone. Less electric, heat, more room. The down side is your limited to windowed mode with 5 copies of wow running. But were talking financially a big price difference here. I had an idea, not sure if it would work. But if you got something like an 8800GTS video card that has duel video outputs on it. Wonder if you can put 3 wow windows on one mother and two on another. Or even run two video cards, you could then hook up 4 monitors. That would be pretty bad ass actually. Another down side is, future games, how many clients you could run. Anyway it’s just a cool suggestion =)

Hope that was helpful. 8)

[Tiuz]

Hope that was helpful.

Incredibly so, thanks :)

I spent a better part of today looking at setups and reading on newegg (I'm glad it fell in line with your suggestion, honestly I was only looking at their site because I could navigate much easier..heh). Here is my first draft of a system...please, thoughts, suggestions, criticisms.


ASUS Black SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model DVD-E616A3T OEM - OEM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827135151)
Item #: N82E16827135151
($18.99 each)

CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145440) Model VS1GBKIT400 - Retail
Item #: N82E16820145440
($54.99 each)
already thinking of upping this to 2g(2x1gb)

EXCELSTOR Jupiter Series ESJ8080S 80GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822210003)
Item #: N82E16822210003
($36.99 each)

Hanns·G HW-173DBB Black 17" 8ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16824254018)
Item #: N82E16824254018
($149.99 each)

ECS RS482-M754 A 3200+ AMD Athlon 3200+ 754 ATI RS482 Micro ATX Motherboard/CPU Combo - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813135058)
Item #: N82E16813135058
($69.99 each)

Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B 1 Pack - OEM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16832116056)
Item #: N82E16832116056
($88.99 each)
Would it just be worth it to go to Vista??

EVGA 256-P2-N751-TR GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814130085)
Item #: N82E16814130085
($114.99 each)

COOLER MASTER eXtreme Power RP-550-PCAR ATX from factor 12V V2.01 550W Power Supply - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817171016)
Item #: N82E16817171016
Combo'ed with case listed below.

COOLER MASTER Centurion 541 RC-541-SKN1 Black Aluminumm bezel, SECC chassis MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811119088)
Item #: N82E16811119088
($99.98 each)

Sub Total: ~$655.91 (Does not include s/h, there are also a few parts that I can get as combos for less than they are listed..I think I posted the combo price here; but my wish-list does not list them as combos which is what I used for the sub-total :-P)[/quote]

[Bradster]

Glad it was helpful. =) Here's my review.

Everyone has there own taste and brands. So I’ll list off if I think it’s ok. Then state my option about the selection. It’s totally up to you and most will have their own suggestions as well.


ASUS Black SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model DVD-E616A3T OEM - OEM
Item #: N82E16827135151
($18.99 each)
GOOD

CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model VS1GBKIT400 - Retail
Item #: N82E16820145440
($54.99 each)
already thinking of upping this to 2g(2x1gb)
VERYGOOD. I run a gig in mine, works perfect. Plenty for WOW.

EXCELSTOR Jupiter Series ESJ8080S 80GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16822210003
($36.99 each)
OK. I’ve not worked with this brand. IBM uses these but the ones I work on have Deskstars (excellent drives) in them. I like Western Digital myself. I hate Maxtor, no matter how many people out there love them.

Hanns•G HW-173DBB Black 17" 8ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail
Item #: N82E16824254018
($149.99 each)
OK. I leave this to someone else, I’m not the best one to ask on monitors. I am a brand loyal type of guy however. That’s why I use all Viewsonics. Never had one fail on me ever. Same price.

ECS RS482-M754 A 3200+ AMD Athlon 3200+ 754 ATI RS482 Micro ATX Motherboard/CPU Combo - Retail
Item #: N82E16813135058
($69.99 each)
POOR. Looking at the reviews on newegg, I wouldn’t feel safe about this purchase. Not enough feedback. The feedback is your arsenal and personal assurance for building this PC. That said after looking at it, looks too scary to me. The Motherboard and Cpu IS the computer. I’ve not worked with ECS. After trying a few brands out there I’ve gone with ASUS for everything anymore. Only reason again is flawless experiences. An ASUS is a higher value board and as such it costs a little more. Many will tell you to go with a decent motherboard it’s worth it’s weight in gold. I have some pretty cheap no named mother boards in my Alt computers that I bought (barebone systems) that so far have had no problems. But from now on I’m sticking with ASUS reguardless. If I was going to do it again, with the processor you picked out here is what I personally would get

Asus mother board ASUS A8V-VM SE 939 VIA K8M890
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131069

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Orleans 2.0GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103031

More research required for suggested hardware. Take a look on the net to see if you can find “personal” reviews on this combo. Many companies offer it, that doesn’t mean it’s a good hardware configuration. I like to find things on tech forums about performance, and ease of setup if possible.

Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B 1 Pack - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116056
($88.99 each)
Would it just be worth it to go to Vista??

There are a couple solutions to this cost. If you are a college student taking any computer science classes you can get this free from the Microsoft Software Alliance program. There is also a Linux solution which is free, however setup and rollout I wouldn’t wish on anyone. There is also another way, which I shouldn’t suggest here on the forums but all of you know what I’m talking about. I’ll send you a PM.

EVGA 256-P2-N751-TR GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814130085
($114.99 each)
Excellent! You could go a little cheaper if you wish (for wow only). But this is a soild choice.

COOLER MASTER eXtreme Power RP-550-PCAR ATX from factor 12V V2.01 550W Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817171016
Combo'ed with case listed below.
Good. Cooler Master makes some soild stuff. Looking at specs, and user reviews it looks like a good buy. There are a couple brands out there that people will suggest, but I feel safe this choice. Also that fact it’s included with the case at that price is great!


COOLER MASTER Centurion 541 RC-541-SKN1 Black Aluminumm bezel, SECC chassis MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811119088
($99.98 each)
Looks Good, I like to spend more on a case but high user reviews. You will need to purchase Cooling fans for the case. Depending on how much noise you want to deal with you may want to invest in some decent ones. I’ve had a bad experience with a Cooler Master CPU fan. The bearings worn out after a few months of use and it sounded like an aircraft. I haven’t bought enough fans and CPU coolers to make experience based suggestions but these Zalman fans I have in my Zalman case are super quite. Too soon to tell if it’s a good buy as I’ve only built the PC two weeks ago. For the record my alt computer cases are cheaper then hell. I didn't make the buy a nice case rule from now on until I received my new computer case.

Something kinda on the same page I'd like to bring up. I've always used the stock sound card that's built in to ASUS mother boards. Or for any other mother board for that matter.

When I built my main machine I decided to give a new Creative card a try.

Creative X-FI Xtremegamer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102005

It would be a waste to put this in "Alt" computers. But for your main computer if you have extra money to burn all I can say is THIS THING ROCKS. Every day when I sign on I can't beleave what this card does to wow and how it makes it sound. The added effects, noises it just amazes me.

[Tiuz]

Okay, silly question time. The new mobo you suggested has different dimensions, 9.6x8.0 while my case is listed as 9.6x9.6. Now my impulse would be to believe that because my case dimension spec is higher I should be able to use it with the different mobo. But I don't wanna go on that alone. Would someone be able to explain to me how the mobo dimensions and the case dimensions work with each other? Do they have to be exactly the same or can they be different, if they can be different what are the rules governing acceptable differences?

**Edited for typos...

[Ticks]

Okay, silly question time. The new mobo you suggested has different dimensions, 9.6x8.0 while my case is listed as 9.6x9.6. Now my impulse would be to believe that because my case dimension spec is higher I should be able to use it with the different mobo. But I don't wanna go on that alone. Would someone be able to explain to me how the mobo dimensions and the case dimensions work with each other? Do they have to be exactly the same or can they be different, if they can be different what are the rules governing acceptable differences?

**Edited for typos...

That particular motherboard is a MicroATX form factor and so is the case you have listed in your post so it should fit like a glove. I personally dislike microATX because it's a bit small for my taste.

[Wilbur]

Loading Vista on a machine with 1 Gig RAM and a 2.0GHz CPU is gaming suicide. You'll need 2 Gigs RAM to get decent FPS if you load Vista, it just requires too much RAM. Your best bet is to stick with XP, at least until you can afford to upgrade those boxes.

[Jezebel]

one thing i will mention is take note of the section on cooling in Xzins post on setting up your multibox rigs. he wasnt kidding about the heat output of having so many computers in a single room. i have a small split system aircon in my home office and the temperature still went up 15 degrees or so after i started running all the PC's.



Isn't 2gb of ram a little bit of an overkill to just play wow? Aswell as 430w PSU. Very cheap though. And you could skip the DVD. Just transfer files through your LAN. That brings the sum down to around 400. And if your buying 4 computers thats about a whole computer =).

i use the PC's for work as well as other stuff that needs more RAM.. i suppose you could get away with 1gb, but why? RAM is cheap enough and 2gb makes a noticable difference.



I'd highly recomend a CPU, and a hard drive. You won't get much done otherwise.

i listed parts i purchased =) i didnt buy CPU's or HD's with my order and i wouldnt recommend parts i hadnt personally used. i already had 4 boxed E2160's and some old 80gb 7200 RPM HDD's around the house which fit my specs nicely. all the parts i listed overclock really well, also. the E2160's are sitting on 3.1GHZ, under 40c on air cooling ^^


Who did you go through Jez?

i went through MSY, an australian company.

not sure where good places to buy overseas would be. most places have local tech forums that have lots of information about reliable companies and good prices.



COOLER MASTER eXtreme Power RP-550-PCAR ATX from factor 12V V2.01 550W Power Supply - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817171016)
Item #: N82E16817171016
Combo'ed with case listed below.

COOLER MASTER Centurion 541 RC-541-SKN1 Black Aluminumm bezel, SECC chassis MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811119088)
Item #: N82E16811119088
($99.98 each)

could save yourself $50 per machine and just get the coolermaster CAC-T05. excellent case, same PSU (lower watt, obviously).. but 430w is more than enough for that system.

[Tiuz]

could save yourself $50 per machine and just get the coolermaster CAC-T05. excellent case, same PSU (lower watt, obviously).. but 430w is more than enough for that system.

Thanks, I'll definitely look into that!


That particular motherboard is a MicroATX form factor and so is the case you have listed in your post so it should fit like a glove. I personally dislike microATX because it's a bit small for my taste.

Well, my first inclination towards microATX boards was based on Xzin's writeup. But, I also like the smaller size because while I have a bit extra room on the monetary side for this project, I don't have the freedom of space. So I know I can get these boxes into my office. Just out of curiousity though, on the cooling side of things, does the smaller case make it harder to cool?

[Tealuin]

Well, it looks as though lack of knowledge or not, building the PCs is really going to be my only option. I spoke with Dell and a few other wholesalers I would be willing to work through and they don't carry ps/2 support anymore :( I could use the usb-ps/2 adapators...but am trying to stay away from adaptors if possible.


Unless you're going the software route you need the PS/2-USB Y Adapters or Y-Mouse anyway to connect both the KVM and Multiplexer to each computer.

Or at least one adapter if you're doing the 2 port KVM to do all or main switching only.

[Tiuz]

Well, it looks as though lack of knowledge or not, building the PCs is really going to be my only option. I spoke with Dell and a few other wholesalers I would be willing to work through and they don't carry ps/2 support anymore :( I could use the usb-ps/2 adapators...but am trying to stay away from adaptors if possible.


Unless you're going the software route you need the PS/2-USB Y Adapters or Y-Mouse anyway to connect both the KVM and Multiplexer to each computer.

Or at least one adapter if you're doing the 2 port KVM to do all or main switching only.

Yeah, I meant I wanted to stay away from too many usb converters. I am going to need to use one for my main. But wanted to use the y-mice to avoid all the driver installs. I'm feeling pretty good about the computer setup. Much more comfortable after some of the advice I've received here. Besides, half the fun of this project, I think, will be the setup involved :). I've also significantly lowered my overall costs (never a bad thing) by going the build my own route. So that's a perk too.

[Slats]

2gb 667 Corsair RAM - $100
GeForce 8600GT - $90
Motherboard = Gigabyte DS3 or Asus P5B - $100/$130ish
CM CAC-T05 case - $49.99 (430w PSU incl.)
generic 18x DVD - $30
17" LCD - $100
--
<$500.

thats just a quick check. im sure if you research a bit you could find the parts cheaper. any decent retailer will give you a 24 hour hot test with 1-2 year RTB warranty for assembled systems. also remember that owner run business are often willing to negotiate (within reason).. the people i went through knocked $50 off the cost of each system and threw in a free 8 port switch, because i purchased 4 systems and a bunch of peripheral gadgets in one order. all up i got 4 systems, KVM, G15 keyboard, G5 mouse, switch, cables, 4x 17" LCD's and a 28" viewsonic LCD for under $3900 AUD.

Jez - ooo another Aussie! Heya.

I will be using MSY for alot of my parts too, but where the HELL did you 17" LCD's for $100 AUD? What brand/make did you get?

I dont know alot about Intel CPU's anymore - did you buy extra air cooling to O/C that CPU to that spec? And how does everything run? Which mobo did you use?

Also are you using monitor mounts and if so where did you buy in and what are you using... I will be using a Dell 24" Wide as my main screen and want the 17" on either side similar to Bradster.

-Dan

[Slats]

Yeah, I meant I wanted to stay away from too many usb converters. I am going to need to use one for my main. But wanted to use the y-mice to avoid all the driver installs. I'm feeling pretty good about the computer setup. Much more comfortable after some of the advice I've received here. Besides, half the fun of this project, I think, will be the setup involved :). I've also significantly lowered my overall costs (never a bad thing) by going the build my own route. So that's a perk too.

I use an 8 Port Vetra KM and 8 Port Vetra Multicaster. I use a Y-Key (Y-Mouse whatever) for my main PC and I have four USB --> PS/2 Keyb/Mouse Adapters on my secondary PC's.

So on my KVM I have 6 switches.

Broadcast to all.
PC 1 (switches Keyboard and a PS/2 Mouse)
PC 2
PC 3
PC 4
PC 5

I plug my keyb/mouse on the KM into the standard one on the PC and plug my broadcaster into the USB converter. The USB converter only works in windows (however doesn't seem to need drivers) and since I only want to broadcast in Windows, this works for me quite well.

Those adapters cost me $9 each. I got 13 PS/2 Cables from Jaycar Electronics for about $5.60 each.

I then use a X-Keys Stick to switch between the PC's rather than ScrLck + 1 etc. So I can do it fast with 1 button.

-Dan

[Ticks]

I just can't imagine what that level 21 rogue was thinking when he saw a second group of <The Zerg> coming for him. He instantly had like 12 DoTs on him and little did he know, I have a level 38 Mage mixed in with my level 20 locks and priest. It was over before it started... =)

If anyone is thinking of rerolling, choosing Mag would be a good choice. I think we have around 6 or 8 active multiboxers and most are on every night.

[Tiuz]

Yeah, I meant I wanted to stay away from too many usb converters. I am going to need to use one for my main. But wanted to use the y-mice to avoid all the driver installs. I'm feeling pretty good about the computer setup. Much more comfortable after some of the advice I've received here. Besides, half the fun of this project, I think, will be the setup involved :). I've also significantly lowered my overall costs (never a bad thing) by going the build my own route. So that's a perk too.

I use an 8 Port Vetra KM and 8 Port Vetra Multicaster. I use a Y-Key (Y-Mouse whatever) for my main PC and I have four USB --> PS/2 Keyb/Mouse Adapters on my secondary PC's.

So on my KVM I have 6 switches.

Broadcast to all.
PC 1 (switches Keyboard and a PS/2 Mouse)
PC 2
PC 3
PC 4
PC 5

I plug my keyb/mouse on the KM into the standard one on the PC and plug my broadcaster into the USB converter. The USB converter only works in windows (however doesn't seem to need drivers) and since I only want to broadcast in Windows, this works for me quite well.

Those adapters cost me $9 each. I got 13 PS/2 Cables from Jaycar Electronics for about $5.60 each.

I then use a X-Keys Stick to switch between the PC's rather than ScrLck + 1 etc. So I can do it fast with 1 button.

-Dan

Thanks for the setup info. I'll take a further look into it. Have you ever had any issues with dropped keys/latency issues? One of my biggest concerns about using the converters has been most peoples statement of "lack of testing". I would rather go with a tried and true method than strike out on an untested setup. Or at least, i would rather be the one deciding when/where to do the testing and definitely not at it's initial setup. Definitely using the converters would save some cash.

A little more research, taking the advice from others here, I think this is my final setup to go with for the alt pc's, any further thoughts?

COOLER MASTER Centurion 541 RC-541-SKN1 Black Aluminumm bezel, SECC chassis MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #: RC-541-SKN1
Item #: N82E16811119088

ASUS A8V-VM SE 939 VIA K8M890 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #: A8V-VM SE
Item #: N82E16813131069

EVGA 256-P2-N751-TR GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #: 256-P2-N751-TR
Item #: N82E16814130085

COOLER MASTER eXtreme Power RP-550-PCAR ATX from factor 12V V2.01 550W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: RP-550-PCAR
Item #: N82E16817171016

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Orleans 2.0GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADA3200CWBOX - Retail
Model #: ADA3200CWBOX
Item #: N82E16819103031

CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model VS1GBKIT400 - Retail
Model #: VS1GBKIT400
Item #: N82E16820145440

EXCELSTOR Jupiter Series ESJ8080S 80GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: ESJ8080S
Item #: N82E16822210003

Hanns·G HW-173DBB Black 17" 8ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail
Model #: HW-173DBB
Item #: N82E16824254018

ASUS Black SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model DVD-E616A3T OEM - OEM
Model #: DVD-E616A3T OEM
Item #: N82E16827135151

Total comp price is ~580 not including s/h. I'll probably place the order this evening. I know someone has already mentioned they were purchasing just 1 pc and then seeing how things worked out from there. I have to admit, I'm rather tempted to just make the bulk purchase up front. Has anyone else made this decision one way or the other and reasons for said decision?

As always, thank you, thank you, thank you. You have all been amazingly helpful :)

[Slats]

Can I ask why you are going widescreen on the monitor?

4x widescreen 17" and a widescreen main lcd and I think that would not work so well on your eyes and take up alot of extra space.

I am running into the problem that nobody wants to stock 4:3 screens anymore though...

Oh never had a problem with dropped keys.

[Tiuz]

Can I ask why you are going widescreen on the monitor?

4x widescreen 17" and a widescreen main lcd and I think that would not work so well on your eyes and take up alot of extra space.

I am running into the problem that nobody wants to stock 4:3 screens anymore though...

Oh never had a problem with dropped keys.

The honest answer is price. Cheapest 17" monitor on newegg.com. I couldn't find a 17" monitor with dvi input that was similar price.