Looking into a 3xs. Help, assistance and advice needed.

[Hezzy]

First of all before I start I have bought a 3xs system before, I bought a computer 2 years ago aproximently, maybe less? However it's begining to feel out of date and as I use it just about every day for at least 6-8 hours as I do everything on my computer; play games, watch films, music, work, college work I need it to be tip top.

Currently I have:
ASUS P5 Motherboard
Nvidia Geforce 8800 GTS
4 gig of RAM (dont ask specifics)
Ecore Duo E6600.

For the past week or so my computer has been restarting itself because the computer has been overheating (mainly gfx), probably due to the weather, I dont know.

Although I have tried my best to clean it out internally, I often dont remove certain pieces like the PSU as I would probably break it knowing my luck and I cant afford to be without a PC as Im a pathetic gaming addict.


Now I need a new computer and I'm in no means a rich man, my last few computers were bought out-right as I didnt have any Girlfriends, cars and all that malark (GF's big drain on fund) so I'd probably have to sort the finance out which isnt your problem.

My budget is going to be idealy between 1100-1700 quid.

I need something that can play everything present and upcoming in perfect FPS, crisis, gta 4 and without problems.

I dont really care about fancy Neon lights or shiney cases, I just want something that does the job, runs silent and doesnt overheat.

And I need something powerful. Recommendations please.

Basic Requirements:
-Must be super awesome, and able to run any game in perfect fps.
-No need for 2 harddrives, but if it makes thing easier then sure.
-Soundcard preferable as I do like the odd sound editing here and there (also like to stream music via Ventrilo and online radio channels)
-No need for Additional software as I have XP and Dont fancy Vista (I cant see the benefit, correct me if Im wrong)
-2 Dvd drives preferable that are read-writeable. No need for bluray.
-Soundproofing is a must.
-Plenty, plenty and plenty of cooling (not sure about water cooling, advice required)
-A PSU that can hold its own and wont die.

Remeber I do nothing but gaming so it will be getting ragged for a good year or so.

Also: IS IT A BAD TIME TO BUY? Like are there any new components coming out i should wait for?

Cheers!

[Mossy]

Welcome to Hexus Hezzy

First of all let me say all our 3XS systems are awesome its just finding the right one for you. Looking at your requirements and budget it makes me lean towards the 3XS Intel X58 Core i7 - Custom PC Premium Grade which we can modify to suit your hardcore Gaming plans. Please feel free to call Scan and ask for myself or you can mail me direct and maybe we can discuss your exact specification.

paul@scan.co.uk

Regards

[Ph4ZeD]

You should seriously consider switching to Windows 7. I've been using it since the start of January with various different Beta and RC builds and it keeps getting better and better! And you can use the Release Candidate for free for many months.

[Philipp]

Phazed couldnt agree more using windows 7 on laptop and desktop!!!

All 3XS systems are offered with Windows Vista + Windows 7 Upgrade packages..... they wont let us ship systems with windows 7 RC

[Hezzy]

Im not sure if i even need a whole new system, but mine is currently just overheating, even with the case off!

I dont know if its the powersupply or the graphics card.

Im not dissapointed since ive had at least 7000-8000 hours worth of gaming over the past 2 years out of it.

And I'm afraid to say, part of my OCD is that all appliances are off and all sockets are off, so I never leave a computer on which i hear halfs the life span.

anyhow, i'll probably give you guys a call and talk about it further.

[Mossy]

Thanks Hezzy

Look forward to hearing from you.

Regards

[Ben @ Scan]

Hi Hezzy

A lot of overheating issues are caused by a build up of dust around the intake fans of the case or around the CPU heatsink/fan , also around the heatsink under the protective cover on the VGA card, you can use small cans of comressed air to dislodge any dust or fluff build ups in the system and hoover any dust from the bottom, I use a small new paint brush and a vaccum cleaner it works a treat !

If the system is clean and dust free and its the CPU thats overheating you may need to remove the thermal paste and apply some new paste to it, there should be some spare in the motherboard box with all the extra cables etc

Please let me know your build number as its also possible that the VGA card if that is at fault is under the manufacturers warranty and we can issue an RMA

Regards

Ben