As some of you are aware, (since you helped diagnose the problem), my motherboard and/or CPU fried on my old system a month or 2 ago. I've been using an old Dell shell with Ubuntu 11.10 to get by since then. I really couldn't afford a new system but I've been bummed not having BIAB and no video games!

I usually build my own systems, but I didn't have any current parts for a "base system" and it wasn't cost effective to start from scratch. So here's what I got:

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iBUYPOWER HS11

Intel® Core™ i5-2500K Processor (4x 3.30GHz/6MB L3 Cache)

Liquid CPU Cooling System [SOCKET-1155] - ARC Dual Silent High Performance Fan Upgrade (Push-Pull Airflow)

8 GB [4 GB X 2] DDR3-1600 Memory Module - Corsair XMS3

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 - 2GB - Single Video Card - Zotac

Gigabyte GA-Z68AP-D3 Motherboard

Thermaltake 850 Watt W0319RU Power Supply

1 TB Hard Drive -- 32M Cache, 7200 RPM, 6.0Gb/s - Single Drive

Optical Drive (24X Dual Format/Double Layer DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW Drive - Black)

3D Premium Surround Sound Onboard

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium + Office Starter 2010 (Includes basic versions of Word and Excel) - 64-Bit

NZXT Tempest 410 Gaming Case - Black

iBUYPOWER Labs - Internal Expansion ([6-Port] NZXT Internal USB Expansion System + Bluetooth & Wireless N Modules)

3 Year Standard Warranty Service

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It was a "configure your own" system so I made sure to get a MOBO with 2 extra PCI and 2 extra PCI Express slots for expansion. I'll probably add my old Soundblaster Audigy 2 ZS to it and put my old 500 GB hard drive in so I can add XP 32 as a dual boot system, (I have music hardware and software that won't run on a 64 bit system).

I'll have to say that this is easily the quietest system I've ever been around. I guess the Liquid CPU Cooling system is worth considering for any recording musician, not just gamers.

I'd like to say thanks again to everyone who helped with the old PC. There's a bunch of good folks on this forum.

Looks good Bob. What's the geek bench score for that? http://www.primatelabs.ca/geekbench/

Peter,

I'd never used Geekbench, but since I know you're a trusted source I installed and ran it. (FWIW, it's FREE to try, 20 seconds to install and 60 seconds to run, in case anyone else wants to try it out).

I did get the message on the install that "64 bit benchmarks are disabled for tryout mode", so it ran it based on 32 bit benchmarks.

My score was 8,492. How's that?

Bob,

Not Peter of course but:
Limited knowledge of Geekbench but my score on a pretty fast 3 1/2 year old Vista system
is 2895, hench your PC is literally 2.9 times faster perfomance than mine, its a screamer.

Based this on http://support.primatelabs.ca/kb/geekbench/interpreting-geekbench-scores

Hot damn, wish yours was sitting on my desk...

Frank,

Thanks for the link on interpreting the Geekbench scores. It helps me put it in perspective.

happy for you, BobC.

*smile*



--Mac

Congrats !

Thanks guys. It feels good just having a computer that WORKS! Especially so fast!

Mac,

I really appreciate the phone conversations we had while I was trying to figure out the problem with the old computer. Thanks again my friend.

Yes, that's an incredibly fast GeekBench result.

Happy for you, Bob. Looking forward to seeing you post some of that good ol mountain music.

Don S.

Congrats Bob!



Josie

If you don't mind my asking Bob, how many of your US dollars did it take to get that thing humming (quietly) in front of you?

Curious regards,

Marc

Marc,

I don't mind. $1045 plus shipping. iBUYPOWER was having a Super Bowl sale on a "configure your own" system. There were several upgrades I got for free as part of the promotion.

A newer PC is on my horizon the next few months.
Shopping a bit, and trying to learn more, and in process
found this link for PC Geekbench speed comparisons.
My current Vista system clocks out a bit faster
due to my Nvidia 9600 graphics card. The 2895 as
mentioned above. In June its about 4 years old.

Your system 8492 is right up there in speed.
Your processor can drive even faster system as noted
on this link. Its only 8 down from the top units
tested Nov 2011. You really have a hot system.

http://www.primatelabs.ca/geekbench/pc-benchmarks/

Make sure you have lotsa air movement around it.

Envy, Envy, Envy, Envious....think that is some kind of a sin.

Frank,

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Make sure you have lotsa air movement around it.

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I should be in good shape in that regard. I had them add 2 large high performance silent fans to the case. The top of the case over the MOBO is essentially open as it has a mesh or grate to allow heat to rise, although I have yet to detect even the slightest bit of warm air coming out, even while playing games. I've never had a liquid CPU cooling system but it seems to be working very well.