My Vista PC 2008– Why I Choose Them?

My current PC is already five years old now and it’s about time getting a new one. Normally gamers like me always seeking for highest performance to spice up my favorite games. After looking and monitor the PC technologies advance so fast previous years. It eventually hurt my buying and upgrade decision harder because of the development cycles is so fast to catch up these days that’s why it took at least five years to get a new PC. I am hoping mine current setup will last at least for three years cycle this time.

Here’s the hardware I have gotten and win from online contest this year which it already save me around more than B$1500.00 dollar (estimate) setup.

Window Vista Home Premium

There are many people out there dislike Vista a lot when it first release until now. The reasons are simple, it required latest faster hardware, problem supporting older programs (especially for office and dos) and at least 4GB memory ram to run smoothly. Although the latest services pack 1 already solved much performance issue and has better hardware supports. There are many still prefer to wait for Window Seven next year.

I don’t really care much anyway, as I already brought the Vista Home Premium original license from Singapore for S$140.00 (or lower a bit by now). It was worth it and at least $60+ dollar cheaper than in Brunei. Thanks to the Tech Distribution damaging the local PC market profits and making customers much even more wanted to have pirated install on their PC and laptop. I will explain more detail about the Microsoft in Brunei on my next post. BTW, I do not have any problem activate my license too in Brunei. ^^

Intel Quad Core Q9400 Processor with Cooler Master Hyper 212

The reason is simple, lower power consumption and better performance running four cores in the future. The price wasn’t that cheap and not to mention the new Intel i7 mainstream processor version also cost around the same.

Although many PC experts think having Quad core is useless, I do not believe that is true. Having extra two core for future ready application and helping to reduce the workload is better than nothing. I love the Intel Quad Core performance on my Vista. Many users also like to compare the heat issue with other Core 2 processor because they are much cooler. Well, I don’t use the original Intel cooling fan. I used the best CoolerMaster Hyper212 cooler and install extra same CM cooling fan to cool down the processor down to 30 degree lower at non-overclocking speed. How’s that? When I game with Supreme Commander Forged Alliance, the processor hit up to 43 degree higher on all four cores. Custom cooling always win!

Asus P5Q Pro

If you are planning to get a new motherboard for the mainstream, than Asus P5 series can be your likely choice. I am currently using Asus P5Q Pro which has Dual PCI Express 2.0 support for Crossfire and with 6 EPU Engine to manage the PC hardware’s power usage. I simply really like the features offer by Asus especially when I am doing normal surfing or watching movies. I can simply one click to lower down the performance without require run at full speed all time unless I am gaming or doing video encoding. The price is depending on which type of Asus P5 series. Mine is around with the Intel Quad Core price.

Memory Ram and Graphic Card

I got a Corsair Dominator 6400 4GB kit from Singapore PC Fair on June and it damages me around $140.00 with Limited Warranty. For the graphic card, it’s a Palit GeForce 8500GT Super+ 1GB I won from the Palit forum two months ago. However, the first one was a DOA (Dead on Arrive) and luckily got a free replacement from the good guys at Palit. I will replace another powerful one next year because I still monitoring the new card on the market before hitting with Dawn of War 2 and Starcraft II.

Hard Disk

I brought a Western Digital 750GB from my friend. I couldn’t care less about the price anymore because the price is very affordable nowadays and 500GB is now around B$120.00 or lower if I’m not mistaken. The only problem concern me if something wrong with the drive, you are going to be in deep shit. Make no haste and buy an external desktop or any portable notebook size hard disk for backup. If you are a business man or woman, think less about the money buying a hard drive.

Keyboard and Mouse

Since I win a lot of prizes from CoolerMaster, I decided to buy their accessories and parts from them to show support. Back in Singapore, I was surprise I can find the CM keyboard and mouse bundle which damage me only S$43.00 at Sim Lim Square. That building is the only place you can find all stuffs on computer hardware’s and accessories.

I also own a Razor DeathAdder EA version mouse from Command & Conquer Kane Wrath Expansion. It was worth it and you won’t find that kind of bundle price. It just a question if you might received a bad mouse. Mine? Perfectly good! I love the CM keyboard too.

Chassis & Power Supply

I am using CoolerMaster Cosmos 1000 with Real Power Modular 1000 Watt PSU (Also won from the contest). Both are a kickass product! I’m sure many users might have complaining about the lack of air cooling on the hard disk. Funny thing is that mine was able to get 36 degree and lower when I turn on the air conditioning. All you need is place another cooling fan on top of the HDD slot and you are ready to go. I have to say I am satisfied with the setup and big room for cable management.

Final Setup Photos