Looking to build/buy gaming PC.

[King Mir]

I'm looking to build or buy a new PC from gaming.

I am willing to spend $1000.

I want a good PC that will last as long as possible (continue to be a good gaming PC), but I do not want to pay premium prices. I also want it to be easy to upgrade in the future.

I do not have a lot of spare time to spend on research, however my need is not urgent. I want to buy/build the PC before june this year. I am also open to the idea of entrusting somebody else to build A PC for me, for a fee.

What parts should I use or how could I establish a benchmark standard for evaluating a pre-built PC?

I would prefer my PC to come with Windows XP, but I should be able to obtain a free copy if the need arises. I plan to tri-boot the PC with windows XP, Vista, and Ubuntu.

The only part I have to recycle is my wireless keyboard. I also have a few junked laptops, but I imagine there isn't much that would be salvageable from them.

[EzyStvy]

Since things change so fast, I would wait till June and ask your question again.

[King Mir]

I would prefer to get the PC now.

[EzyStvy]

This build your own forum is fulll of suggestions. Here's a recent random pick:
http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=191925

[King Mir]

I'm not sure how a random pick helps me.

Particularly one priced at $600 if you exclude the OS.

[Alaron]

Here is a basic list to get you started.

Asus P5K Motherboard
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
2GB Corsair DDR2-800 RAM
eVGA 8800GTS 512MB Video Card
LiteOn Retail DVD Burner
Seagate 320GB SATA Hard Drive
Corsair 520HX Power Supply
Any Case you like

[King Mir]

I went a head and priced that:

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 $260.00
eVGA 8800GTS 512MB Video Card $339.99
Asus P5K Motherboard $79.99
Seagate 320GB SATA Hard Drive $64.99
LiteOn Retail DVD Burner $26.99
2GB Corsair DDR2-800 RAM $77.00
Corsair 520HX Power Supply $124.99
Any case you like $79.99
Monitor $179.99

total: $1,233.93

It's a bit much, but my budget is flexible if there's much to be gained. What am am I getting for that additional $233?

[Dave21]

I went a head and priced that:

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 $260.00
eVGA 8800GTS 512MB Video Card $339.99
Asus P5K Motherboard $79.99
Seagate 320GB SATA Hard Drive $64.99
LiteOn Retail DVD Burner $26.99
2GB Corsair DDR2-800 RAM $77.00
Corsair 520HX Power Supply $124.99
Any case you like $79.99
Monitor $179.99

total: $1,233.93

It's a bit much, but my budget is flexible if there's much to be gained. What am am I getting for that additional $233?
The video card + the processor which will ensure your pc is futureproof.

If you want, i'm thinking the prices of the video cards for the 8xxx series may drop a bit when the 9xxx series gets released next month. So you may save a bit there. Up to you.

Also if you wait till june, I'm sure those prices would have dropped. But then you'll be behind a bit in regards to tech.

[doubledragon5]

You can save buy down grading the cpu to a C2D and drop the psu to someting like a FSP or even PC Power and cooling.. Most motherboards which take a C2D will also take quad which you can update at a later time..

[shadowpr]

Take that build, and just drop the processor down to the e6750. That will lower the cost for a build right now.

If waiting, keep an eye out for the e8400. That should be a new sweet spot once released.

[Fo1k-E]

Yeah, just wait for the 45nm processors. Same price, a lot better overclocking, lower temps, and a bit of performance boost. Not to mention, if you care, you can get a 3.16GHz processor stock w/the 45nm architecture.

"eVGA 8800GTS 512MB Video Card $339.99"

Don't waste your money on that - get the EVGA(Love EVGA) 8800GT 512Mb On NewEgg for about $250-260. Almost near performance, but, a lot better price. Only problem - it's usually sold out.

Don't get the "Superclocked" ones, a bit more performance for more money, but, you can just do the small amount w/a better VGA cooler yourself.

[King Mir]

You can save buy down grading the cpu to a C2D and drop the psu to someting like a FSP or even PC Power and cooling.. Most motherboards which take a C2D will also take quad which you can update at a later time.Yeah, I that's what others have recommended about the cpu.

Would getting a PSU that's seperate from the case mean greater portability? Others have recommended I just get a Antec Sonata III, which would cost about 80 dollars less, by my estimates (which may be off). Would that compromise upgradability?

"eVGA 8800GTS 512MB Video Card $339.99"

Don't waste your money on that - get the EVGA(Love EVGA) 8800GT 512Mb On NewEgg for about $250-260. Almost near performance, but, a lot better price. Only problem - it's usually sold out.

Don't get the "Superclocked" ones, a bit more performance for more money, but, you can just do the small amount w/a better VGA cooler yourself.Hm. Two people have recommended that video card, and by budget isn't tight, But I'll keep your suggestion in mind.

[flanzig1]

here's a budget case/PSU combo/quailty parts:
case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119068
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104037

[King Mir]

That's $115, which put it the slightest bit cheaper than Antec Sonata III 500 (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811129024) at $119.95.

But which is better? Why? $5 doesn't matter, especially since I have not considered other retailers yet.

[flanzig1]

That Antec case/PSU is a good deal. Thought you were pricing the Antec case only.

[King Mir]

No, sorry.

But will it limit upgradability?

[flanzig1]

The Sonota case is a standard ATX, so it should be good for many years of up-grades.

[Katreat]

The 8800 GTX (512) is a great card but the 8800 GT and the 3870 are also very nice for gaming so you culd save some bucks there. If you really need to get the price down a bit the best bet is lowering the CPU to a 6750 or even a 6550, which are both very nice, and dropping down the video card list a bit, but stay with something in the 3800 or 8800 series with 512 on-board memory.

Check out this list for a review of current video cards and price breaks.

http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/01/03/the_best_gaming_graphics/

Kat

[King Mir]

Ok, so there are still a few things I am unsure about.

The motherboard. I have no clue how to compare them, and I’ve gotten different suggestions. How do I evaluate if a motherboard will meet my needs. I can (I think) look at the specs and make sure the components will work together. But how do I evaluate a motherboard for upgradability? how do I evaluate quality?

The hard drive. How do I know how much space I’ll need? How do I compare different hard drives of the same size?

Memory. How do I decide on what memory to buy? How do I know if it’s any good? Is there perhaps a list of good brands?