Opinions on Computer Geeks?

Sean · Post by **Sean** » Sat Jun 14, 2003 3:26 pm

Look at my post further down, or here:

I'm about to have my parents buy from Computer Geeks. I'd like to hear some of your impressions of them. Have they ever screwed up a simple case order? Should I be worried about getting the wrong PSU?

THANKS!

Also, help me out with the other stuff while you're here.

Ok, I got my new system up, but, now my Enermax 350w can't handle my A7N8X. The 5v rail is usually around 4.9 and has dropped to 4.82 at times. This is causing my CPU speed to fluctuate. Not good. :-\

I'm thinking of getting an Antec True 480 to replace my Enermax. I may consider the true blue, but I'd want to be able to turn the lights off, and that's not possible.. :-\

Some other things I'm looking into buying:
New HDD: A Raptor is what I'm looking at now. I've heard they are pretty quiet and run cool, and for $140, I'd be willing to pay that for the performance because I don't really need the space. or, should I look at something else? i kinda wanna put my onboard SATA to use.

New Heatsink: SLK 800U - I'm pretty sure on this, because I can get a 92mm fan to fit on it and it bolts in. i always take my motherboard out to put on a heatsink anyway. Its easier and less stressful for me.

New Video Card: I'm thinking of getting a 9700 pro towards the end of summer when prices are down.

Case Mods:
PSU Mod - I'm thinking of modding my PSU with one of those clear PSU covers from SVC.

(that's why I'm considering the True Blue, but maybe I can add a 4" CC or something.
Rheobus - Thinking of getting a reheobus that switches off, so I can manage fans easier and still be able to turn them off
New Side panel - From Directron, I'd get a side panel with a window.
A Few CC's - Not sure if I'll be getting UV ones yet or not. But, I will be getting something.
New 92mm Enermax Adj fan - This would be for my SLK 800u, same as the rest of my case fans

Just a quick list. I wanted everyones thoughts, opinions, and recommendations. I still have a bunch of stuff to get.

I should be set until the Athlon 64's come out, and they are running a bit cheaper. maybe 1.5 years if I'm lucky. It will be plenty fast for me.

Something I am considering is waiting out for a PSU, but my system is really ify with a 5v rail that low. (It's not even oc'd right now, just at 180x10 - and I wanted to get it to 2.4)

Anyways, if you all could tell me where I'd get the best prices on this stuff, that'd be great too. The thing I'm getting first will be the SLK 800u, where could i get that for a good price? I was thinking either SVC or KDC.

I know, the thread a bit unorganzied, but that's because I'm in a hurry, and just put all my thoughts into one thread.

Thanks everyone!!

By the way, I just noticed that the 80mm AeroBlower is out! Would that would pretty well? (http://svc.com/comaaeseblfa.html) Pretty sweet.

xsiled · Post by **xsiled** » Sat Jun 14, 2003 4:48 pm

http://overclockers.com/tips00399/

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Sat Jun 14, 2003 5:45 pm

Get the Antec True. I love mine - ROCK stable and QUIET.

blade · Post by **blade** » Sat Jun 14, 2003 7:21 pm

Just got the aero 7+ which is not as fast as the previous version and therefore, less air. Think I'd look elsewhere, maybe something like the ys-tech fans if you use a rhoebus as I do. Which btw the best is the sunbeam. Accent on the sun in beam.

The trueblue is nice, but you can't turn the leds off unless you mod it to do so. I'll let you know how it does on a a7n8x next week.

Maybe consider the slk900U, depending on price. It fits a 92mm as default. KDC or svc will be the cheapest, usually. Consider shipping charges of course.

As for cc's, consider the angel mod cathodes. They will usually be brighter because of the placement. Plus using that sunbeam rhoebus, you can control them. Or any cc's for that matter. The sunbeam does turn something completely off.

Sean · Post by **Sean** » Sat Jun 14, 2003 9:25 pm

For cold cathodes, I'll install all the seperate switches to the outside of my case. the rheobus will be exclusively for my fans.

And, blade, believe me, I WOULD get the SLK 900u, BUT, I don't think it will play nice with my A7N8X Deluxe. People have gotten it on, but I can just imagine having to bend that capacitor. I felt it cause the AX7 is sorta snug too (doesn't push on the capacitors, but touches them), they are pretty tight, and won't move much. Are you getting one for review soon blade? And, you'll be testing out the True blue next week on the A7N8X? So, you got one? Try getting the SLK900 for yourself, and take pics to see how it fits. Cause, if it does, I may give it a try. But, I've seen pictures, and its "very" snug.

Also, where are the BEST prices for the:
True PSU's (most likely the 480)
&
ThermalRight SLK800u OR 900u

Thanks!

Busby · Post by **Busby** » Sat Jun 14, 2003 10:13 pm

I got the TruePower 480W Antec PSU running on an Asus A7N8X Deluxe. I don't trust what my BIOS reports as my voltages at all and I haven't gone at it with a multimeter.

Sean · Post by **Sean** » Sat Jun 14, 2003 11:38 pm

Hmm, I never thought that I may be fine. Should i not trust my BIOS reportings? I guess i can just push it, and see what happens.

thing is, the only other devices that I have hooked to this PSU is 1 hard drive right now. I even unplugged my two cdroms to see if that helped. Although, I do have 4 92mm and 2 80mm fans running in my system at ful speed right now, that shouldn't matter. maybe everything is fine? But, I do think my speeds are fluctuating. With one 3dmark01 test, it said I couldn't publish my score because a variable was too jumpy, or inaccurate.

And, why the hell does PC Mark say my 2100+ @ 180x10 is a Duron?

is there even a Duron at 1.8ghz?

Something else I'm also considering is the 3.5" Enermax Panel thing, with the 2 temp diodes and the 2 fan headers I think? I wouldn't put the fan headers to use, sadly... :-\

Sean · Post by **Sean** » Sun Jun 15, 2003 12:45 am

Hey, blade. i was thinking of getting this: http://www.pcabusers.com/reviews/enermaxp/p1.html

I anted to use it to monitor my CPU temps. What i was planning on doing was running it below my hs, and having it touch the edge of my core. Would that work? Maybe it would work better with an SLK 800 or 900, since those have skinnier bases?

Just asking, since you reviewed it.

PreDatoR · Post by **PreDatoR** » Sun Jun 15, 2003 10:57 am

4.8 on the 5V is still within' the 5% tolerance i wouldn't sweat it if its still stable...

Sean · Post by **Sean** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 11:07 pm

HEY!!

I'm about to have my parents buy from Computer Geeks. I'd like to hear some of your impressions of them. Have they ever screwed up a simple case order? Should I be worried about getting the wrong PSU?

THANKS!

nexus_7 · Post by **nexus_7** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 11:29 pm

not many orderes, but every time AOK.

Greg

Sean · Post by **Sean** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 11:30 pm

Ok, cool. Any others?

blade · Post by **blade** » Mon Jun 16, 2003 11:46 pm

I've ordered several times from them and had no problems. A friend has ordered tons of things from them like cases and has never complained.

Shipping may take up to a week.

Oh yeah, that enermax fan controller, the sensors are not thin enough to fit under a heatsink. You might can trim one to fit, but be very careful. One wrong slice, no more sensor.

The hardcano II is the best I have used, the sensors are as they should be, like fishing line.

wvjohn · Post by **wvjohn** » Tue Jun 17, 2003 5:21 am

i buy 3-4 times a year from them - no probs. 2 people in the office have bought refurbs from the - hp and gateway - and have been pleased - seems like their ship times are a little less these days as well

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Tue Jun 17, 2003 7:12 am

I've bought from them about a dozen times. No problems, but I never bought a system just parts. Always packed well. Never had to deal with a return though.

Read the ad carefully - Geek barebone systems may not come with some things installed you may take for granted. They almost never come with an OS and you rarely get drivers.

Check the manufacturer's website for drivers - some manufacturers don't offer drivers for 98 anymore.

Reseller review here: http://www.resellerratings.com/seller2103.html