Lets Play:Build My Computer

[USNavy]

Ok So i want a gaming rig like... yesterday. My tax return just hit my account and I want to build me something nice. $1700 budget. I dont want to go over but if I HAVE too than I will. So whatcha got? Also need Monitor keyboard mouse and OS

[seanieboy77]

Well it all depends what games you are looking to run. And what quality you might be looking to run. Those are the main factor when deciding what to buy and what type to buy. Now if it was up to me I would get something like this:

-3.0+ Ghz CPU Dual Core or AMD
-2.0 gigs of RAM PC3200 or better
-LCD monitor 17" or better
-Radeon X series 512mb Video Card (PCI Express/AGP)
-A 500w Power Supply
-So I would go with 300+ GB
-Probably a wireless keyboard and mouse (logitech)
-Creative Xtreme Sound Card ( not too familiar with sound cards so look around)
-SLI mobo
-Whatever case you want

*******NOTES*******

**Depending what you have on your computer, file wise (DVD, Music)
That will determine what hard drive you want. I have 350mb or HD space now

**Also if you want a high end video output you can get a nice SLI mobo from Nvidia and buy some medium level video cards that allow dual connection and thats gonna blow away most single video cards.

**If you are getting a case make sure you have enough cooling in your system otherwise you are gonna be here posting because your comp is restarting

Thats all I can think of now. People might rip me apart for Radeon but whatever thats my input.
-BTY

[USNavy]

Well what parts specifically... Im looking at the core 2 duo line... roughly 500 gb HDD... I want something overclockable

[seanieboy77]

Ok I can see that but if you let us know what games we can help narrow down to the best parts.
-BTY

[USNavy]

Games like F.E.A.R. , The new CRYSIS coming up, I also play CS and WoW but i can build a comp for 400 and play those.

[MadPistol]

I'll check out what i can do later today.

However, take a look at the rig in my sig. That combined with a few other components cost about $2300. Does that rig sound good to you? It was worth every penny.

[USNavy]

Well looks like 1700 isnt cutting it for what im looking for.
This is what im going with.

C2D e6400
2gb of Corsair XMS2 Ram 800mhz
evga 7950gt 512mb
p5n32-sli
WD 500gb HD
antec 650w PSU
Cooler Master Cavalier ATX
Windows XP Pro
Saitek Eclipse 2 Keyboard
Razer DiamondBack
This for Roughly 1350 shipped

Im looking at the Dell 2007 monitor and the Viewsonic VX2235wm
Both are around $300.

Questions: Windows XP Pro or Windows Vista?
8800gts or wait for the 8600?
Any suggestions on overclockable motherboards?
Air Cooling or Water Cooling?

[tasty danish]

i'd recommend stepping the cpu up a speck to the e6600: more cache and argueably the best overclocker out.

you may also consider getting a cheap (maybe 6x00 or or x800 level) card to tide you over until dx10 hits and ATI releases their r600, just to see how the whole dx10 thing works out. it'd be a shame to buy a new card just to have all the new games you play have features it can't utilize.

I know waiting in the computer realm is fruitless, but when we're so close to a big software jump, i'd recommend to stave off just a little for recon. purposes.

[seanieboy77]

Questions: Windows XP Pro or Windows Vista?
8800gts or wait for the 8600?
Any suggestions on overclockable motherboards?
Air Cooling or Water Cooling?

-Windows XP Pro Vista is in first stages
-8800gts will play the games nicely
-Nope
-Air Cooling is easier water would be more tricky but might be better
-BTY

[USNavy]

Well for 1790 after shipping

C2D e6400
Asus p5n-e sli
2 gb of kingston hyperx 800mhz ram
evga nvidia 7950gt KO 512mb at 575mhz
500gb western digital hd
650w antec psu
Cooler Master Cavalier Case
Dvd burner
Windows Xp Pro w/ free vista upgrade
Sceptre 20in wide screen monitor
Saitek eclipse 2 keyboard
Razer krait mouse
Logitech gaming headset
and I think thats basically it.

Im looking to OC the cpu to about 3ghz
and in a month or so im going to pick up an 8800gtx
still going to wait on that vista upgrade.

[tasty danish]

if you're getting a 8800, i'm telling you: get something cheaper to hold you over than a 7950, you're throwing money away that will be better spent on that E6600

[USNavy]

7950 is going to go to a second rig im building for my little brothers... Im ok with the 6400... ive read many places that people are getting 3200mhz stable on air with my same mobo. Worst comes to worst Ill throw my little brothers the 6400 and up it to the 6600. Not a big deal. Nor do i see it as a waste of money.

[tasty danish]

well if you'll have a use for the 7950, after you buy the 8800 then they're excellent but IIRC the ati 1950 is cheaper and faster. things to consider.

if you can live with the 6400 that's all well and good too, just know the 6600 is money well spent. they can oc close to 4ghz on air.

[USNavy]

Well Say I drop the 6400 and the 7950gt... If i were to spend the money... should I upgrade that Mobo too?

[tasty danish]

quite honestly i'm not terribly hip to the best mobo out these days, i will say that the 650i isn't a bad chipset. if you don't plan to use SLI or dual LAN i see no issue with it. i know the asus board had some strange quirks. i'd just hit up some tech sites and do some reading.