LancerChronics on 16/5/2009 at 18:00
So, I have a job for the summer, and have decided that I may need a new computer soon, with my laptop slowing to a crawl and being almost finished with college. Due to the outrageous prices of dell computers of equal ability, I have decided to build my own. Sadly, I don't have much to go on, and I know one has to be very careful in making sure all the parts fit and are compatible.
It will be a gaming computer, that will hopefully make even crysis bend at the knees ((
http://www.hardware-revolution.com/computer-systems/gaming-pc/500/) It's possible even at $500). Budget will be approximately $1,500, with products mostly from Newegg and Amazon. The only thing I've had to help me is (
http://www.pcityourself.com/index.php) this guide.
Also, I think I already know what processor I want, since I don't do much multitasking. It is a (
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036) Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
I'm thinking at least 4GB memory, but suggestion as to why more or less is better would be appreciated. I'm also trying to decide on an appropriate video card. I prefer Geforce, but may consider Radeon if there is a good argument.
Really what I need to know is what is compatible w/ what. So any assistance would be great.
PS: ignore the cost of monitor, keyboard, and mouse. I consider those separate to the budget.
Oh and almost forgot. I'm a legacy gamer as well as I want the ability to run the upcoming MMO's (SW:TOR). Maximize Oblivion, and Fallout 3, with high-def mods. Stuff like that.
LancerChronics on 16/5/2009 at 18:32
Wow, that sounds like an amazing setup. I love the concept of cool and quiet. Even my current Dell Inspiron 9300 sometimes gets so hot that the temperature in the room goes up 4 to 5 degrees (F).
Actually, I like the build so much that I bookmarked the page. Out of curiosity, if you weren't cutting corners, or "bang for buck", would there be anything you would upgrade? Or maybe a case with even more cooling then that, so I can pop open the side and put in a bottle of water to chill.(This is just a metaphor, of course, but you get the idea.) But yah, I definitely like the one you have now.
bikerdude on 16/5/2009 at 21:08
Quote Posted by LancerChronics
Out of curiosity, if you weren't cutting corners, or "bang for buck", would there be anything you would upgrade?
Unless prices have changed, no, that is the best setup for the money. I spent a few hours researching, comparing prices and features to get the best 'bang for buck' As you can see Bretheren has his setup, up and running and as far as I know loves it.
Ive changed the case and the Gfx card
(
https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=9559425)
:cheeky:
.
LancerChronics on 17/5/2009 at 05:54
Hmm, would love to look at it, but for some reason the link doesn't work. Just says the wish list is blank. Made an account for it too.
bikerdude on 17/5/2009 at 12:32
Quote Posted by LancerChronics
Hmm, would love to look at it, but for some reason the link doesn't work. Just says the wish list is blank. Made an account for it too.
Its because Ive modified the list, it will take 24hrs from that time before it can be viewed - so 10pm tonight.
TBE on 17/5/2009 at 14:12
We can't see your choices yet, but I'm going to have to recommend the Intel i7 920 chip. (
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202) Check it out here. The abilities of this "budget" version of the i7 chip are extreme. You can overclock it on air cooling to the speed of the stock 965 chip. But even if you don't overclock, it's a much better processor for your build than any of the Core 2 Duo chips.
For video, I'd recommend ATI over nVidia right now. The 4870 from ATI is quite affordable for a gaming PC, and will bring Crysis to a good slump. I don't know about bringing it to it's knees though. ;) You're going to need to spend about $500 or more on a video card setup to bring Crysis to it's knees. That's a little too much money for your budget, but hey, if that's what you want, buy two of the nVidia 295 video cards and SLI them.
bikerdude on 17/5/2009 at 15:50
Quote Posted by TBE
We can't see your choices yet, but I'm going to have to recommend the Intel i7 920 chip..
Its a very good chip, but consider the following, when compared to the AMD based system I specc'd...
CPU i7 920 - $290 (Phenom $145)
Motherboard X58 - $179 (AMD 790 $109)
6Gb DDR3 Cas7 - $69 (DDR2 4GB $55)
Total -$539 (Amd $230 Cheaper)
In most games and windows operations the Core i7 is only 10-20% faster than the Phenom, there are a few occasions where the Core i7 utterly destroys Phenom, but so it should for the extra $230. One added benefit from the X58 based motherboard though, is that it supports both SLI or CrossFire. Tri-core Cpu's seem to better in most games than quad, which is surprising. But as intel are phasing out the Core i7 as its just too expensive for the mainstream market.
LancerChronics on 17/5/2009 at 17:40
SLI and Crossfire means you can use more than one video card at the same time in games. If the motherboard is compatible with both, I could just get two of the cards you suggested. Is there a significant bonus with SLI? Are there any issues people have with it?
bikerdude on 17/5/2009 at 20:05
Quote Posted by LancerChronics
Is there a significant bonus with SLI? Are there any issues people have with it?
SLI and Crossfire isnt all its cracked up to be, and not all game make use of both cards. My ethos is to buy one single powerful card (in my case a GTX280) as you know everything will be supported. FYI, thief only supports 1 card.
