PC gaming help please?

[Bulletinmybrain]

Alright christmas is coming in a few months with my birthday so I have decided i'm going upgrade my computer, A lot of the information from before is bad but once I got everything down i'll put the rig i'm getting then.


Thanks everyone for all the help!

I'm on the cheap train here.

And so begins the linkage.

Motherboard-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131142
Case-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156090
Power Supply-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153052
Hard Drive-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148317
Graphics Card-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127325
CD driver thingy-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151171
RAM-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184
Processor-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

Decent desktop for gaming, And it comes a little under 700$.(750 if you add in windows XP) should be able to run crysis on high maybe not maxed out but on borderline high very easily.

(Sorry if this is not aloud or off-topic mods.)

 

[Aries_Split]

I would drop the 8800gt 1gig. Because the GT doesn't really have enough power in situations where that extra 512 would come in handy. Instead, I would go with an 8800gts 512. NOT the 640 or 320, the 512 model. It packs quite a bit more punch for the same price as the 1gig model of the 8800 gt. Just forget vista man. It's a piece of shit. Get Xp or Ubuntu. I would also swap out the processor for This one [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036]. Mainly because from my experience, AMD is a piece of shit when it comes to customer service. Everything else looks fine, but you might need to up that power supply to 500. And please at least consider getting a different case, because heat build up is generally NOT a problem unless you overclock, which I doubt you will.

That's about all I can think of. PM me if you have any more questions.

I would also swap out the motherboard for this one. [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036]
It's a great board,I've used it in one of my custom boxes and it's amazing for the price. If you wouldn't mind telling me the case you picked out, I can certainly help you find a better one.
If your worried about heat intake, This Case [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021] Has never failed me when I over clocked. NEVER. Great buy.

As for powersupplies, if you want to have a nice lifespan, I'd go with this one [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171016] in case you ever want to try Sli.(Dual graphics cards)

Again, any more questions, feel free to ask. Either here or VIA PM.

If the first processor is too far out of your budget, try this one [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115032] It is the same speed as your AMD one, but it's an intel, which have proven better gaming performance. I've tested this, as have others. Also, AMD's customer service SUCKS BALLS.

here [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220161] is 2 gigs of awesome ram. Costs more than just 1 stick of 2 gigabyte, but will run faster since it's in dual channel.

 

[Bulletinmybrain]

Okay if I were to go Intel, I can go quad core at the same price from where i'm building this pc, (Quad-Core)Intel® Core? 2 Quad Q6600 @ 2.4GHz 1066FSB 8MB L2 Cache 64-bit

MSI P7N SLI-FI 750i SLI Chipset LGA775 Supports LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2/800 Mainboard w/GbLAN,USB2.0,&7.1Audio - Would be my new motherboard.

NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 16X PCI Express - This graphic card?

My case has a 20$ rebate so its really cheap.

 

[Aries_Split]

Can do. Is it possible for you to go to $800 dollars? That would drastically increase performance.

 

[Bulletinmybrain]

Can do. Is it possible for you to go to $800 dollars? That would drastically increase performance.

Trying to get a decent rig by christmas so I can start upgrading it. Nice find on that 500w power supply.

Heres what i'm thinking, Get a decent rig. Down the line get another 8800 GT, Upgrade the power supply get more RAM then I should be good right?

 

[Aries_Split]

Sounds like a plan. I've almost got your list of parts together, hold on a sec.

 

[Aries_Split]

ASUS P5K PRO LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard


$119.99 -$15.00 Instant $104.99



MSI NX8800GTS 512M OC GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
$179.99



Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600
$194.99



Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC22G8500ELK
$59.99



Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
$89.99



LITE-ON Combo Black SATA Model DH-52C2S-04

$22.99
Subtotal: $652.94

I hope that's not too over budget. I didn't include a keyboard, mouse or moniter. But i have some great deals for all of those if you'd like.

 

[Alex_P]

Try the Ars Technica summer gaming guide: http://arstechnica.com/guides/buyer/guide-200807.ars

-- Alex

 

[Bulletinmybrain]

Sounds like a plan. I've almost got your list of parts together, hold on a sec.

Is putting a motherboard hard?

ASUS P5K PRO LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #5K PRO
Item #:N82E16813131275
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock

$119.99 -$15.00 Instant $104.99



MSI NX8800GTS 512M OC GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

MSI NX8800GTS 512M OC GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #:NX8800GTS 512M OC
Item #:N82E16814127325
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate

$179.99 $179.99



Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
Model #:BX80562Q6600
Item #:N82E16819115017
Return Policyrocessors (CPUs) Return Policy
In Stock

$194.99 $194.99



Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC22G8500ELK

Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC22G8500ELK - Retail
Model #DC22G8500ELK
Item #:N82E16820220161
Return Policy:Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate

$59.99 $59.99



Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #:WD5000AAKS
Item #:N82E16822136073
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock

$89.99 $89.99



LITE-ON Combo Black SATA Model DH-52C2S-04

LITE-ON Combo Black SATA Model DH-52C2S-04 - OEM
Model #H-52C2S-04
Item #:N82E16827106100
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

$22.99 $22.99
Subtotal: $652.94

I hope that's not too over budget. I didn't include a keyboard, mouse or moniter. But i have some great deals for all of those if you'd like.

Nah not too over budget, And I got mouse and the board covered I got a logitech wireless set

 

[Aries_Split]

I spaced about the power supply in that list.
Rosewill RP550V2-D-SL 550W SLI Ready-ATX12V V2.01 Dual Fans Power Supply

$74.99 -$15.00 Instant $59.99

this brings the total to $712.83

I hope THAT isn't too over budget.

I'm locked out of my newegg account, but I should be able to get back in in about 10 minutes. After that, I can give you a link to a page that lists all of those parts.

 

[Aries_Split]

Also, the assembly should go smoothly if you take your time and read the instructions on the mobo.

If you'd like, I'm friends with a gear head that has done this a million times. I can give you his number if you want him to walk you through it.

 

[Bulletinmybrain]

I spaced about the power supply in that list.
Rosewill RP550V2-D-SL 550W SLI Ready-ATX12V V2.01 Dual Fans Power Supply

$74.99 -$15.00 Instant $59.99

this brings the total to $712.83

I hope THAT isn't too over budget.

I'm locked out of my newegg account, but I should be able to get back in in about 10 minutes. After that, I can give you a link to a page that lists all of those parts.

Try the Ars Technica summer gaming guide: http://arstechnica.com/guides/buyer/guide-200807.ars

-- Alex

Nice guide.

 

[ReepNeep]

A much better choice for a video card would be this:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103060
Its far stronger than any of the 8800 series cards and still less than 200$. This thing is easily the best price/performance card on the market right now.

I also wouldn't buy an Nvidia motherboard as they are much less reliable than the first party chipsets. Get an AMD board for an AMD CPU, an Intel board for an Intel CPU.

The E4600 CPU would be a good buy and you could easily drop a quad core into the system later when they get cheaper.

 

[Aries_Split]

OKay, the final list is here.

Qty. Image Product Description Unit Price Savings Total Price 1 MSI NX8800GTS 512M OC GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

MSI NX8800GTS 512M OC GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #:NX8800GTS 512M OC
Item #:N82E16814127325
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate

$179.99 $179.99
1 ASUS P5K PRO LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard

ASUS P5K PRO LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #5K PRO
Item #:N82E16813131275
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock

$119.99 -$15.00 Instant $104.99
1 Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
Model #:BX80562Q6600
Item #:N82E16819115017
Return Policyrocessors (CPUs) Return Policy
In Stock

$194.99 $194.99
1 Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC22G8500ELK

Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC22G8500ELK - Retail
Model #DC22G8500ELK
Item #:N82E16820220161
Return Policy:Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate

$59.99 $59.99
1 Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #:WD5000AAKS
Item #:N82E16822136073
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock

$89.99 $89.99
1 LITE-ON Combo Black SATA Model DH-52C2S-04

LITE-ON Combo Black SATA Model DH-52C2S-04 - OEM
Model #H-52C2S-04
Item #:N82E16827106100
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

$22.99 $22.99
1 Rosewill RP550V2-D-SL 550W SLI Ready-ATX12V V2.01 Dual Fans Power Supply

Rosewill RP550V2-D-SL 550W SLI Ready-ATX12V V2.01 Dual Fans Power Supply - Retail
Model #:RP550V2-D-SL
Item #:N82E16817182030
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock

$74.99 -$15.00 Instant $59.99
Subtotal: $712.93

 

[Bulletinmybrain]

Also, the assembly should go smoothly if you take your time and read the instructions on the mobo.

If you'd like, I'm friends with a gear head that has done this a million times. I can give you his number if you want him to walk you through it.

I think I will do fine, I took a course in school last year. So I know my way around the box mostly. Stripping the network card from my comp. Also I can put off the power supply for a bit and use the 420watt one from the computer the school gave me..

 

[Aries_Split]

A much better choice for a video card would be this:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103060
Its far stronger than any of the 8800 series cards and still less than 200$. This thing is easily the best price/performance card on the market right now.

I also wouldn't buy an Nvidia motherboard as they are much less reliable than the first party chipsets. Get an AMD board for an AMD CPU, an Intel board for an Intel CPU.

If you're going to get an Intel CPU, look for one with the P35 chipset like this:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136038
DFI makes good quality boards. Asus and ABIT are solid choices too.

The E4600 CPU would be a good buy and you could easily drop a quad core into the system later when they get cheaper.

I've stated my reasons for avoiding AMD. Their customer service (in my experience, which consists of 3 proccessors and 5 video cards) Sucks.
I didn't choose an Nvidia board so...?

And he asked for a quad, and I gave him one. I had previously suggested the e4600 as well. And the motherboard IS a p35.

So...was this directed at me?

 

[Aries_Split]

Alright,but with the 420w, don't try SLi. Just DONT.

 

[ReepNeep]

The thread moved on quite a bit while I was looking up links and typing. :-/
You do know that none of the intel boards can do SLI right? Nvidia won't give them the lisence to use it. Intel boards are Crossfire only. (Skulltrail can but thats a little out of the price range)?

I've built AMD machines since my first, a K6-2 350 back over a decade ago, and haven't ever had trouble with their 'customer service'.

 

[Bulletinmybrain]

A much better choice for a video card would be this:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103060
Its far stronger than any of the 8800 series cards and still less than 200$. This thing is easily the best price/performance card on the market right now.

I also wouldn't buy an Nvidia motherboard as they are much less reliable than the first party chipsets. Get an AMD board for an AMD CPU, an Intel board for an Intel CPU.

If you're going to get an Intel CPU, look for one with the P35 chipset like this:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136038
DFI makes good quality boards. Asus and ABIT are solid choices too.

The E4600 CPU would be a good buy and you could easily drop a quad core into the system later when they get cheaper.

I've stated my reasons for avoiding AMD. Their customer service (in my experience, which consists of 3 proccessors and 5 video cards) Sucks.
I didn't choose an Nvidia board so...?

And he asked for a quad, and I gave him one. I had previously suggested the e4600 as well. And the motherboard IS a p35.

So...was this directed at me?

Yeah I said quad because before I was having someone else build the PC but It looks like i'm building from scratch.(which isn't bad)and the quad wasn't too much higher then the other one. So if I don't go quad whats a decent duo processor?

 

[Alex_P]

$119.99 -$15.00 Instant $104.99
1 Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
Model #:BX80562Q6600
Item #:N82E16819115017
Return Policyrocessors (CPUs) Return Policy
In Stock

$194.99 $194.99
1 Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC22G8500ELK

Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC22G8500ELK - Retail
Model #DC22G8500ELK
Item #:N82E16820220161
Return Policy:Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate

$59.99 $59.99

Something about a quad-core with only 2 GB RAM offends me.

-- Alex