$1250 Gaming Build

[macrymble]

I'm looking to replace my 4-year old desktop, and would like to get some insight and advice. I'll be using it primarily for games.

Here's what I've come up with so far:

Newegg wishlist: http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=5271974

Case $130
LIAN LI PC-65B Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811112040
I made the mistake of getting a crappy no-name case for my last computer, and I'm looking forward to having a nice, sturdy one this time around.

Power Supply $90
ENERMAX Liberty ELT400AWT ATX12V 400W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817194002
I've been using an enermax power supply and I'm happy with it, so I figured I would stick with them. I like the modular connectors, but doesn't $90 seem like a bit much to spend on a power supply?

Motherboard $210?
I'm not sure about this one. I was thinking about going with the 790FX chipset and with the AM2+ socket for upgradability. Is this a good idea or would it be better to hold out a bit and ensure that it's tried and true?

I was looking at two boards:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128074
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128070

The only difference I see is that the more expensive one has more PCI Express slots. Is this correct?

Processor $180
AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Windsor 3.2GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819103191

Video Card $270
DIAMOND 3870PE4512SB Radeon HD 3870 512MB 256-bit GDDR4 PCI Express 2.0 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103050
Is there any significance between the 4 different manufacturers with this chipset?

RAM $120
2x G.SKILL 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820231121

Hard Drives $300
Western Digital Raptor X WD1500AHFD 150GB 10,000 RPM 16MB Cache Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822136011

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148288

I'm planning on using the 10,000 RPM drive for games and applications and the slower one for large files. Is the increased speed noticable and worth the extra money?

Also, I'm not completely sure about going with the ATI card. I know I could probably get a higher-performance card with nVidea, but I don't really need the best one out there. Is the HD 3870 a good bang-for-the-buck card right now that would last me another 4 years? :)



Thanks in advance for the help!

[Devastator]

I strongly strongly reccomend changing to Intel as they are ahead at the minute, the ATi cards are a matter of preference but i'd much rather have an 8800GT.

An ASUS P5K and the Q6600 would be a much better choice in my opinion.

Do you really need around 650GB storage space in total? The raptors do have more RPM but really you'll fly on the Seagate anyway.

Your PSU seems a bit low on the wattage side of things. Enermax is a good make. Look for a 500W or above PSU. The Corsair 520W HX PSU would be a good choice, it's modular too.

RAM's good but most people prefer Corsair round here for that too.

[macrymble]

I strongly strongly reccomend changing to Intel as they are ahead at the minute, the ATi cards are a matter of preference but i'd much rather have an 8800GT.

I know Intel has better high-end processors, but I don't want anything top-of-the-line. If you can show me a better Intel CPU that's cheaper, I'll be glad to get that instead.



Do you really need around 650GB storage space in total? The raptors do have more RPM but really you'll fly on the Seagate anyway.


I don't NEED the 500GB drive, but it's really cheap and I figure I might as well. :) The thing i'm questioning is whether or not I'll see a significant increase on the 10,000rpm drive.


Your PSU seems a bit low on the wattage side of things. Enermax is a good make. Look for a 500W or above PSU. The Corsair 520W HX PSU would be a good choice, it's modular too.


400W isn't enough for a single video card, 2 hard drives, and a dvd-rw?

[Killapino]

you always want to exceed the power requirements not meet them, when building a pc, to ensure stability. also having more power enables you to add in other component upgrades later down the road. ex. add in another hard drive, power additional video cards.

[piasabird]

When I want to compare CPU's and Video Cards I like to go to Toms Hardware and look at their charts they come in pretty handy as a comparison. With all the new gear they are kind of dated so you might have to also look at some of the newer reviews for video cards. Maybe they will redo them soon.

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_2007.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/10/29/geforce_8800_gt/
http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/11/15/amd_radeon_hd_3800/
http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu_2007.html

Just compare what is out there and see what you are willing to spend your money on.

I think maybe you can afford an Intel Q6600 + Asus P5k.