Should I 'Pimp' Her Out? [Archive]

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Fibbles

3rd March 2005, 19:21

Part 1:

:lol: Allrighty. I've got this:

Case: Lian Li V2000B
Motherboard: Abit IC7 Max 3 i875P
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 3.0GHz (can hit 3.6)
Memory: 1gb Mushkin Level 1 DDR 3500/PC433
Hard Drive(s): 1 WD Raptor 74gb SATA, 1 Maxtor 300gb SATA 16mb Cache
CD/DVD Drive(s): 1 NEC 16x Dual Layer DVDRW, 1 Plextor 8x DVDRW
Video Card: Gigabyte 6800GT
Sound Card: SB Audigy 2
Storage: Iomega Rev Drive 35gb (90gb Compressed), External 120gb WD USB
Keyboard/Mouse: MS Natural Pro, Logitech MX510 Red
Game Controllers: Logitech Wingman Cordless, Logitech Freedom 2.4 joystick, Belkin Nostromo N52

That's a smokin' system by my standards. I can play Doom 3 @ 1280 x 1024 in Ultra mode and run pretty good, but it dips at times. I've never been one to have the latest and greatest, but I think I want to upgrade (or pimp, if you prefer), to give her one last hurrah.

My upgrade plans would be to go for a Northwood 3.4 (the end of the line for socket 478), and a gig more of memory. An alternative to buying another pair of the same RAM (it's still over $230) would be to grab some good DDR500/PC4000 for more OC'ing headroom.

Is that worth it? I don't have a lot of funds comming my way right now (I just bought a brown metal desk :wub: ) and I'm certainly not in the mood to ditch my $400 video card for a PCI-E one. I think the OC'ing possibilities of faster RAM and a 3.4 should give me a nice boost to last for another year or so, plus I'd be able to keep the same water blocks :mellow: (still can't decide on which one to use on the CPU - it's the EVO for now).

Part 2:

I have a Nostromo N52, and I use it for 80% of my FPS gaming. I want a new non ergo Keyboard. Anyone have any favorites? I was thinking of a Logitech Elite or even a Logitech cordless. Do cordless biscuits have tracking or response time issues I shuld worry about? Hrmm, the Saitek 'Gamers' Keyboard looks really good, especially with that breakout numpad thing, plus it glows blue and can be turned off. Hrmm...

Starbuck3733T

3rd March 2005, 19:27

fillip

3rd March 2005, 19:30

As far as the keyboard, non-ergo style, goes. IBM MODEL M, there IS NO OTHER!
HAHA http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/laugh.gif

You're a funny man.

I have a Logitech Elite and 'tis goooood http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/wub.gif

AS for the Saitek one, I think it's horrid, but it does have mod potential to it and would look cool incorporated into some kind of giant robotic computing station.

Can't really comment on the internals, mainly because since being at Uni' i've not been able to afford upgrading my comp, thus i'm out of touch so to speak.

Fibbles

3rd March 2005, 19:57

Stick with what you've got man. I saw very little difference in HL2 (subjective, non benchmark) going from 3.06 to 3.6GHz.

As far as the keyboard, non-ergo style, goes. IBM MODEL M, there IS NO OTHER!
Holy sweet beetlebeans!! The Model M? This Model M --> http://www.scoutingaround.com/computers/keyboard/Model_M.html? OH MY --> :o

The Logitech Elite has that wheel on the side, I think that's the schizzy. I'd be able to scroll with my left hand, I was born to scroll with my left hand! The Saitek is out, I just read a review that claimed it doesn't light up the keys in a way that lets you see them in the dark. That was something I wanted it for, I guess a USB flexi light is in order then. Fillip, can you see the letters on the board allright? It seems they're light or off-white, and I still need to look from time to time when I get confused, and when I misspell words (which I do all the time).

Hey Star, this keyboard OWNS YOUR SOUL! --> http://www.newstandardkeyboards.com/Product.html

It's gonna be hard to skip the 3.4, esp when I think I'll have the money. My relatives always send $$$ - here's hoping 27's special :unsure:. Ideally, I would like to hold off on any major upgrade until 2006.

Nexxo

3rd March 2005, 20:03

Logitech Cordless Desktop Pro. It's black, it's ergonomic, it's curvy, it's cordless. 'nuff said. B)

Fibbles

3rd March 2005, 20:13

Oh My! How about this: http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2162,CONTENTID=9950

It's pretty nice looking keyboard and it comes in a combo with the laser mouse. I think I will go to my local high cost computer shop and check them out, and buy elsewhere when it's out.

So Nexxo, there's no lag in the cordless world with more recent products? I was asking some one on Bit about the lag on his Logi cordless ergonomic duo, but he was more interested in selling it to me than answering my questions.

scopEDog

3rd March 2005, 20:13

LOL my friends got an M and swears by it. I just hate that damn clicky sound but dang you can beat a man silly with it and still type on it afterwards.

For some reason i always find myself buying an IBM keyboard (http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=-840&langId=-1&partNumber=73P2620&storeId=1). I just like its no nonsense look to it.

By the way DRF thats one heck of a system bro...keep it!

fillip

3rd March 2005, 20:15

Fibbles

3rd March 2005, 20:23

That MX 3100 looks the daddy! http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/blink.gif

Steep price though for some input peripherals.

The text on mine is perfectly clear, it is an off white as you say but I have no trouble reading it.
Depends, it does include the MX1000 laser mouse, whch I've been wanting to upgrade to. My friends got one, and I envy him and it.

I think I'm going wireless no matter which I choose though. When I finish with my desk, I'll have added a keyboard tray and another base side (I only have 2 legs on one side now - I'll post pics later). With wireless, I'll be able to browse with the KB on the tray, and then move it back to the desktop for gaming, and I'll be able to put it on my lap and move around and... You get the idea :wub:

fivecheebs

3rd March 2005, 21:44

I have had a cordless desktop for about 18 months. Its the no longer avaliable MX pro. I dont know the kb moniker (the one with the wheel on the right which i never use and the funky volume knob) but the mouse is an MX700. Its the first one they released that does match up to a wired mouse and ive proved it at home with some software i found. The only thing that took a while to get used to going from a wired MS explorer was the weight. Man its heavy, or it was, well of course it still weighs the same its just that im used to it lol.

fillip

3rd March 2005, 21:52

I dont knob the kb moniker http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/ph34r.gif

I should certainly hope not!

http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/tongue.gif

Starbuck3733T

3rd March 2005, 21:58

Holy sweet beetlebeans!! The Model M? This Model M --> http://www.scoutingaround.com/computers/keyboard/Model_M.html? OH MY --> :o
[...snip...]
Hey Star, this keyboard OWNS YOUR SOUL! --> http://www.newstandardkeyboards.com/Product.html

It's gonna be hard to skip the 3.4, esp when I think I'll have the money. My relatives always send $$$ - here's hoping 27's special :unsure:. Ideally, I would like to hold off on any major upgrade until 2006.

Yes, that Model M.

Good luck man, birthday money is always better when you can spend it on toys instead of bills. And that keyboard looks like something for the 90 year old PhD - they've got no common sense!

IBM needs to make their keyboards with trackpoints integrated and no number pad ;) USB number pad = good.

Fibbles

3rd March 2005, 22:08

^_^

So I take it I'm the only one who sets up the various knobs and buttons on the board? I like having lots of buttons to bind stuff too. I never cared for them until I got this MS a few years ago when they were brank spankin' new B). Its held up really well, but the keys are worn and loud, some don't work anymore, and it's beige/white. The ETA on the 1300 is for early May, and I don't know if I can wait that long. I do like the Cordless Internet Pro, and since it's only $25, I might buy it and use it as a spare or on the laptop (Dell Inspiron 3800 500mhz Celeron) when the one I'm eyeing comes out.

fivecheebs

3rd March 2005, 22:28

http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/ph34r.gif

I should certainly hope not!

http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/tongue.gif hehe oops!

/me wistles :huh:

;)

cools

3rd March 2005, 23:00

zer0

3rd March 2005, 23:40

wow your set up is very close to mine

p4 3ghz
1gig memory
80gb hdd
gigabyte geforce 6600GT
sb audigy 2 zs
singel layer NEC DVDRW (dont remember what speed)

(well its sorta close...)

Fibbles

4th March 2005, 02:44

I buy keyboards specifically because they don't have lots of fancy extra buttons - I hate them :) Currently typing on a Coolermaster Q Alu one, my second one, and probably not my last - I love it!

If you're after a mouse, you can't go far wrong with a Razer. I'm using a Viper at the moment and it's fantastic for everything I do - I'm tempted by the DiamondBack because the extra width might add to the comfort.

I'm also not a fan of wireless kit, I find the mice too heavy. I like a low profile (bye bye both microsoft and logitech wireless mice) and light mouse. Makes a heck of a difference after pushing one around for 8hrs plus a day for the past 13 years or so.
I have a Chameleon green/purple Razer Diamondback that I think is OK, but not great. I bought a cordless Intellimouse 3 or 4.0 last year and it had the worst tracking ever. I thought that was indicative of cordless mice, but the MX1000 I used later on was excellent. It's heavy enough so that I don't lift it off the desk when I move around agressively, and its big enough to rest my whole hand on so I don't drag my pinky on the mousepad. Buttons are good for me, so I'm going cordless this time around.

I did notice that MS's latest keyboard lot is in PS2 form, what a step backwards! The one thing I will miss about the Natural Pro is the USB connectivity and the 2 port USB hub built in. With a cordless combo, I won't need the hub for the mouse anymore, so that won't be an issue.

fivecheebs

4th March 2005, 08:46

I personally prefer PS2 over USB for mouse and kb anyway. PS2 can sample quicker for a mouse with a little tweaking. And why use a USB port when you have 2 empty PS2 sockets?

Risky

4th March 2005, 08:56

I've been on MS keyboards and mice for a while now and I can't fault them.

Current Home one is a Desktop Elite or something. Have a couple more 5-button optical mice at work.

fillip

4th March 2005, 10:32

I personally prefer PS2 over USB for mouse and kb anyway. PS2 can sample quicker for a mouse with a little tweaking. And why use a USB port when you have 2 empty PS2 sockets? I use my Logitech usb keyboard through it's relevant ps2 slot because otherwise I can't use it to get into the bios - doesn't work on usb until XP is loaded up. http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

Fibbles

4th March 2005, 19:59

I use my Logitech usb keyboard through it's relevant ps2 slot because otherwise I can't use it to get into the bios - doesn't work on usb until XP is loaded up. http://wizdforums.co.uk/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif
I've not had that problem, I'm actually able to reinstall Windows with USB active. On the off chance it doesn't work, I just use the USB to PS2 adaptor that came with another USB mouse a long time ago. My favorite mouse is the Intellimouse Pro. Back when Total Annhilliation was new (96 - 98), I went through 2 of them, they were big and sturdy, and oh so nice!! Sigh, I want an optical in that style now! :rant: It seems that the New Logitech Laser Mouse might fit into that mold pretty well, in all areas except the cord :mellow:

toby

4th March 2005, 20:56

well i would go for a zboard
(http://www.zboard.com)and a razer diamondback
(http://www.razerzone.com/diamondback.html)thats my current setup, i only just got the zboard and its turning out to be quite good, its very easy to configure and the keysets that i have so far are very good i also got the exact mat because my last mousemat which was an acrylic everglide one i think was not very good and warped out of shape so i went for the exactmat and im pleased with it so far.i definetly couldnt live without my diamondback as its the best mouse ever!but i still use my viper for my laptop as its a bit more portable and is very precuise so its good for my sketchup stuff on the laptop.

zer0

5th March 2005, 01:12

i got a logitech MX510 mouse and a logitech Elite keyboard both are very nice i got them after my ms wireless keyboard and moue combo died i recomend the mouse to any gamer very acurate. and well the keyboard is nice but im thinking about removenig the decals so i dont have useless buttons like shopping and there stupid iTouch button. anyways both are good i recomend them to anyone who well wants a nice keyboard and mouse.

Fibbles

6th March 2005, 08:21

Well, I've decided, besides buying a new cordless keyboard and mouse (the LX700 & the MX1000 are the MX3100 bundle, and are cheaper than the bundle if bought seperately :o) I'm going to keep what I have and wait for dual cores to make an appearance. I'll jump on them when they mature a bit and prices drop. I think an up and comming computer related purchase might include the Cuplex XT, even though I really don't need it ^_^ (tell that to my other blocks).