Gaming PC + Heavy Duty workhorse?

[Spriggan_one]

My currently used PC is in my sig. My dad bought it a few years back(1HD with 36GB), and now that I'm gonna start college, and love to game, and run alot of other stuff on my PC, I am buying my own. I'm using www.cyberpowerpc.com and I've checked out alot of the configurators, made systems with AMD, and Intel, and I racked my brains trying to find the best, for the least $$. What seems to be my most powerful yet not above limit $ PC is this setup I'm about to post; made with the Intel PCI-E Configurator linked here: https://www.cyberpowersystem.com/sys...ELPCIE.asp?v=d


with these parts:
*BASE_PRICE: [+585]
CAS: Hot New! X-Cruiser Mid-Tower 420W Case W/ WINDOW, MultiMeter Display & Control (Green Color)
CASUPGRADE: 12" COLD CATHODE NEON LIGHT [+10] (GREEN COLOR)
CPU: (Sckt775)Intel® Pentium® 4 650 CPU w/HT Technology 3.4GHZ 800FSB 2MB Cache, 64 Bit [+104]
CD: (Special Price) LG GWA-4161 16X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER (GREEN COLOR [+9])
CD2: COMBO DRIVE (16X DVD-ROM & 52x32x52 CD-RW) [+36] (GREEN COLOR [+9])
CABLE: None
FLASHMEDIA: None
FAN: INTEL LGA775 CERTIFIED CPU FAN & HEATSINK + 3 EXTRA CASE FANS [+9]
FLOPPY: NONE [-5]
HDD: 160GB Hard Drive [+26] (SATA150 - Hitachi 160GB 7200RPM 8MB Cache -- Recommended)
HDD2: 160GB Hard Drive [+86] (SATA150 - Hitachi 160GB 7200RPM 8MB Cache -- Recommended)
IEEE_CARD: NONE
KEYBOARD: PS2 MULTIMEDIA INTERNET CONTROL KEYBOARD (GREEN COLOR [+3])
MOUSE: PS2 INTERNET MOUSE W/ WHEEL (GREEN COLOR)
MODEM: PCI 56K V.92 FAX MODEM W/ VOICE
MP3PLAYER: NONE
MONITOR: NONE
MOTHERBOARD: Asus P5GD2-X I915P Chipset Sckt775 DDR2/533/600 SATA PCI-E w/7.1Audio,GbLAN,&USB2 [+19]
MEMORY: 2GB (4x512MB) PC4200 DDR2 Dual Channel Memory [+155] (Corsair Value Select)
NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/100 NETWORK CARD
OS: Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition w/ Service Pack 2 [+89]
POWERSUPPLY: Aspire 600W DARK SIDE POWER ATX Power Supply [+79] (GREEN Color ATX-AS600W-GN)
PRINTER: None
PRINTER_CABLE: None
PRO_WIRING: None
RAID: RAID-1 (DATA MIRRORING)
RUSH: NO; READY TO SHIP IN 5~10 BUSINESS DAYS
SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
SOUND: Creative Labs SB LIVE 24.bit 7.1 [+30]
SPEAKERS: (BLACK) Logitech X530 70Watts 5.1 Configuration Speaker System [+44]
STRAP: LAN Party Case Strap
SCANNER: NONE
TEMP: NONE (AS SHOWN)
UPS: None
USB: Build-in USB 2.0 Ports
USBHD: NONE
VIDEOCAMERA: NONE
VIDEO: NVIDIA Geforce 7800 GT 256MB 16X PCI Express Video Card [+267]
VIDEO2: NONE
WIRELESSCARD: NONE
WIRELESSPOINT: NONE
ZIP: NONE
_PRICE: (+1555)
_view_: detail
Shipping is an additional +$65 Fedex ground (some PC's do 5% rebate off, and free shipping) I don't know if this config has either.

With my old pc (in my signature) I used to run games like CS and SoF2 pretty good, CS got bogged way down (with the graphics already limited and sucking) SoF2 went perfectly with over 60 People in a server. Sometimes I ran both games at once (downloading purposes) I used to run some shareware programs at the same time as a game, and Winamp playing in the background. sometimes I ran photoshop, and a game, .... basically I ran as many things as my computer could handle at once... I use multiple things at once, and I want a PC that can handle it. And finally I'll have a PC that can play new games with the graphics all the way up!!!! (instead of on low/medium settings) If I'm going to be running alot of programs at once, and play the new games out on the market and such, will this PC be able to handle me? I tried to pick the best parts I read of, I figured dual core wasn't needed, the SLI stuff~ My friends getting the all in wonder ATI X800 w/ TV tuner card, I was wondering the difference between the NVidia I'm so adamant on getting, and the ATI card He chose. I've been looking at PC's on this site for a few months now, and since I'm returning to my home state soon, I'm buying one. I was reading how the AMD processors and the Intel ones ran differently from their architecture, and how dual core programs are not out yet, and the plusses of having a high RPM HD (unfortunately cyberpowerpc only lets you choose 2 HD's(I wanted raid+1 so I got 2 identical hardrives)) I'd like to get a 3rd 70GB WD Raptor 10,000 RPM drive for my OS and base programs I suppose. My max allowable expenditure is $1650 (without monitor or surge protector) those I'll acquire somewhere else; and I don't know what kind to get either. Would this system be able to handle a ton of programs being dropped on it at once? Will it handle games on fully upped settings? Will it die if I use it like my workhorse? With the video card taking up 450Watts, what does the rest of the programs end up taking? I just want to make sure this thing won't die on me when I use it... I make a lot of PC's freeze because I don't want to recognize and be bogged down by their limits. I do treat them well though. I just use them hard.

What do you think about all this, and what could be changed if anything? Will all this PCI-E stuff make the graphics run to their fullest? is the PCU enough? How will the motherboard hold up? ... I got too many little questions, well, I don't sleep much, so I'll be around, and I'm glad to have found this site, it can do wonders!
- Spriggan

[jayb1234]

That place has some pretty low ratings. I looked at thier site and there is no information about the "standard" power supply, but judging by the fact that about half of thier optional power supplies are from known bad manufacturers, it is probably junk. With your budget, you can get a pretty nice system from a much more reputable manufacturer. Also thier site was throwing tigerdirect popup ads at me, which is a bad sign too, considering tigerdirects lousy reputation, that place might be a front operation of thiers.

[Spriggan_one]

So what should I do if I want to get a quality PC? I need something that'll last me at least 5 years MINIMUM. My dad paid $1200-1500 on Tigerdirect for our dell (in my signature) in 2000-2001 actually; and I'm tired of it so I was going to by my own PC that I could use at its fullest. I don't get popup adds so I couldn't see. Your saying these parts are low quality though? shoot man, What should I do? I'm looking to get a system ASAP. I noticed alot of cyberpowerpc's parts don't have specs, and I've noticed some that had specs, no longer do... so that does bother me a little; Would I be getting what I'm choosing/paying for? If this PC ain't worth it, what should I do to get one that is? I still figure the site as an option, so what else is there?

EDIT: Also, what's a good socket MB to use if I'd like to upgrade in the future? When I first started up these things, I was looking at a 700 something socket, don't remember the #, but then I was looking at a 939 socket make... is 775 good? or a dead end? What do I need for a long lasting powerful PC at this budget? Geez, and I thought I had everything squared away... Looking foward for everyones thoughts on this. (wanting to get a PC before Christmas.

[blue60007]

I'd build one yourself...should save you money and headaches (by choosing quality parts). I don't think you can buy a computer that will play games at good settings in 5 years, but with some planning, you can make one that is easily upgradable to extend more life.

You'll want socket 939 (for AMD) or LGA775 (for Intel) and PCI-E (maybe even go with a SLI board)

[Spriggan_one]

I don't know how to put it together... I can do some car mechanics, but electrical components... I'm prone to breaking, even with directions. But I'd do it to save money....... I bet my #1 problem would end up "PC Overheating." So where should I get the parts? I find Newegg expensive, and my dad went to Tigerdirect... I've never found what my dad "likes" as quality.... cheapo. Is a low GHz AMD processor just as good as a higher Intel one? speaking of AMD's 1 gig, and intels 2 gig PCU's; IF its Putting one together your a talkin, then I'ma bound doing. This will be fun. Could I use the money saved on labor, to buy better parts? If so what could I actually create with $1650? As i've kind of shown, I'm adept to working with quality, and would rather have nothing, over low quality. Should I go double core to be ready for "later?" or should i stay single core to be powerful for "now?" besides that, a Good site to get quality parts at ($decent/cheep$ prices) I'll be posting back here within a week or 2 trying to find out why my PC ain't turning on haha! awesome.

[blue60007]

There are many tutorials on line that you can read on how to build your own PC. It's easier than it looks The longest part is picking out the parts, and we can help you with that.

Newegg is the best place around to get parts...they generally have good prices, sure you might find something a little cheaper over there, but they have great customer service.

There's many threads on the forums to give you an idea with what to start with. And you've got $1650 to spend, not including mouse, keyboard, monitor, speakers etc?

You can get a very nice system with that much Better than what you've got posted above.

Just a quick run down:
ASUS A8N-SLI - $150
3800+ - $350
7800GTX - $460
2GB (2 x 1GB) (DDR400 PC3200, 184-pin) Corsair ValueSelect - $180
74GB Raptor (OS / Apps) - $160
250GB (Storage) - $100
Seasonic 600W - $160

Ok...I know I'm forgetting something...hmm, but that's $1560
EDIT: Doh, power supply...knew I was forgetting something
oh yeah, a case...

Just under budget, might be a bit less, since those are guesstimate prices

You'd have to pick out a case...

(I had a sound card in there...but I think the onboard should do the trick...you can always add one in later if you wish)

[Spriggan_one]

Looks good, I need to get a new mouse + keyboard, the thing that freaks me is, Logitech mouses Spam out on my Dell, I don't want the same on my new PC, cursor doing what it wants.... And these keyboards I see, with the Enter Key mixed with the \ key, and the Delete key mixed with Insert... I like MORE keys, not less!! But I'm going to check out newegg now, and I'm not sure to take Intel's parts or AMD's. I would like to get a TV I can use as a monitor (that won't mess up the screen) and a TV, maybe get a TV tuner in my PC, or just run the cable/PC to the TV (need a quality screen though) cause I don't exactly have room on my desk at my house for a PC besides my TV. Whatever works. I'm going to check out parts at newegg, starting with an intel setup. Just an unbacked preference, and I'll post the parts/price here. I'll need full setup of Everything!! Except monitor - if I keep under budget with PC, then I can throw in more for a monitor.
So I'll go find speakers/mouse/kb/fully loaded tower and post it here, very shortly

[Spriggan_one]

For a 450W video card, how much more do I need for a HEAVY Game & Misc. Programs load? I was guessing 600W, just sounds tasty ^^ here's what I've got so far

CASE: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144154 $59 w/ rebate Is that a fan or case below the bays? (external, lower half, inside door)
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817148024 $ 94 is Aspire PSU reliable with Aspire case? hmmm Please tell. I don't know how much wattage I needd!! 450 go to vid card.
COOLING: I have no clue in hades which fans brands or size or liquid cooling to get; remember teh budget.
MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131551 ??? This is the only Mobo they had that fit the 2gb 420 pin RAM, and the mobo's out of stock? I like the 1066 FSB though $280 - Damn looking at the specs, this looks like 1 fiiiineee mobo! Out of stock
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145527 $159 Works wonders for me. two 240pin 1MB sticks
PCU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116196 $275 2MB L2 cache, 3.4GHz 800FSB, single core processor. This has been my choice for a while, is it worthy? Or should I get something else? Budget~~
VID CARD: I want a 7800GT, but I don't know which to get. I beat the crap out of my Nvidia Geforce 2 and it keeps going and going, so I want another Nvidia 512mb 7800gt would be awesome, but I don't know if "BUDGET"
OPTICAL DRIVES!!!: I need 2 quality optical drives that can both read any kind of CD/DVD and 1 of em must be able to burn Dual Layer (every kind of disc)

For Hard drives, I was wondering what would be best for gaming, and failsafe issues. I was thinking a 70GB WD 10,000 RPM HD for my WinXP Home OS, and most used apps; then have 2 160gb sata150 drives with raid 1 or raid 0+1 for all the rest of my TON of STUFF... literally. Can I do that? I don't know how. But I'll put the drives I think are purchase appropriate below. The Raptor was cheaper than expected, gives me more options for HD's. What if I got 2 raptor 74GB's and a 160GB 3rd drive, and run Raid 1 or 0+1 on the raptors? This is looking reallll fun, what're your thoughts?

I'd like 3 drives, either two 10,000 RPM ones, or two 160GB ones. Which ever kind I get 2 of I'd like to run RAID on it for failsafe + speed reasons. What's good?

HD1 Basic Access: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144160 74GB 10,000 RPM WD Raptor. $144 w/ rebate.
HD2 Games + basic crap: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144178 $95 160GB drive. I figured I'd go WD as well, but there's alot of choices on drives, this a good idea?
OP SYS: Win XP Home w/ SP2 $86
SOUND CARD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102179 $45 sample rate 196KHz is better than 96. Creative labs has done my dell good, hear footsteps in SoF2 a mile away. People thought I wallhacked haha - headphones. Which makes this next part difficult - never used:
SPEAKERS: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16836121118 $53 look simple enough, right? Dunno quality.
KB + MOUSE: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823165016 <-- NOT BUYING. I like this one but why do the dumb sobs have to mix the Enter key with the \ key??? now I got to look for another....
MOUSE: any help finding a mouse w/ left right buttons and pushdown/scroll wheel minimum 800 DPI? Preferably has a cord. Ball/optical doesn't matter.
KEYBOARD: Same thing, and needs to have all its keys... instead of the RETURN type Mac key AHHHHH INFURIATION!!! *slams mouse* This ones broke anyway. I hate the Insert/Delete key mixed as well.

So far thats all I got. **Without the MOBO, Vid Card, Optical Drives, Mouse/KB, Cooling unit, 3rd HD** selected for purchase on newegg.com; the parts listed below come to $1043.43 (w/o rebates taken)
I have the listed parts: Case $69 (possible $10 rebate), One 10K RPM HD $164 (poss$20 reb), One 160GB SATA150 HD $95, Sound Card $45.50, 600W PSU $94.99, Logitech X-530 Speakers $53.99, Two 1GB 240pin RAM sticks $159, PCU $275, WinXP Home $86.95. That's all folks, Need 'elp with the rest.

[blue60007]

Just taking a quick look...that's a server mobo...you don't want that, try this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131578

Then you should be able to afford the 7800GTX (try ASUS, eVGA brands).

You will need a SLI-certified power suppply - such as the Seasonic 600W I recommended.

You'll probably want DDR 667 RAM with that board.

I'd get a LITE-ON DVD-Burner.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Spriggan_one For a 450W video card, how much more do I need for a HEAVY Game & Misc. Programs load? I was guessing 600W, just sounds tasty ^^ $ 94 is Aspire PSU reliable with Aspire case? hmmm Please tell. I don't know how much wattage I need!! 450 go to vid card.

No video card uses 450 watts all by itself. A 7800GT uses 100 watts. A 450 watt PSU is probably recommended so the 7800GT isn't starved for power when all the other components in the computer are using whatever they need to function.

Aspire power supplies aren't good. Get something better.

Originally Posted by Spriggan_one MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131551 ??? This is the only Mobo they had that fit the 2gb 420 pin RAM, and the mobo's out of stock? I like the 1066 FSB though $280 - Damn looking at the specs, this looks like 1 fiiiineee mobo! Out of stock

And why did you pick out a server motherboard? That's not what you want to use. Stick to one of the desktop models with the Intel 925X, 955X or 975X high performance chipset.

Cricket

[Spriggan_one]

bump*

[Spriggan_one]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128293 Is this board worthwhile or shabby? I'm going to get 2 gigs of 667 ram to match for the moment, the only 925x etc. boards newegg brought up were gigabyte boards. I'm going to check for the vid card now

Here's the ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098 good? no? no heat spreader? har har

and vid card coming

[Spriggan_one]

Originally Posted by Cricket Aspire power supplies aren't good. Get something better.And why did you pick out a server motherboard? That's not what you want to use. Stick to one of the desktop models with the Intel 925X, 955X or 975X high performance chipset. Cricket

ok, this mobo looks like the One: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813121286 Now for the vid card~

VID CARD:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814135184 Looks like the one!

[popgoesthweasel]

You could possibly check out PC Club, there basic machines are a bargain and they allow room for expansion. Their basic SLI capable machine runs for $699. I wouldn't really recomend upgrading with them because they become pricy, but that platform will get you in the ball park. linky: http://www.pcclub.com/systems_config...p&bomid=EN-NI4 .

Being in the ballpark is half the battle. Add a 7800GT or GTX, and 2GB ram and a good quality SLI capable psu and you'd be set. As far as expansion goes, PC Club is using a Gigabyte board in that model, so its not garbage,

$699.00 for basic system
$299.00 @Newegg EVGA 7800GThttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130256
$174.95 @ Newegg- 2GB ADATA SDRAMhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820211014
$99.99 @Newegg- Antec TruepowerII 550W PSUhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103931

Just under $1300, and it will play any game out right now and is expandable.

Save your money and wait for the new WD Raptor to come out shortly into the new year(rumor has it), they'll be just under 150GB, SATA2 and 10000RPMs of goodness. If your looking at a larger drive, look at the 16MB buffers, WD and Maxtor both have these out there. As far as performance goes they do quite well against the 10000rpm WDs. As far as raid goes you have two choices really, striping and mirroring, striping is for speed(RAID 0) and mirroring is for data redundancy(RAID 1). There is another, RAID5 which is both striping and mirroring, but requires 4 drives. I wouldn't worry about RAID, just get in with both feet. I also wouldn't worry about starting out with more than one hard drive, you can add more as needed.

[Spriggan_one]

I'll check out that PC club, here's the current newegg parts though:
ASPIRE X-CRUISE -GN Green Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$69.00


Update Western Digital Raptor WD740GD 74GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate
$164.00

Update Western Digital Caviar RE WD1600SD 160GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 $95.00

Update AOpen Aeolus 7800GT-DVD256 Geforce 7800GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
$50.00 Mail-in Rebate
$339.00

Update Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Value SB0400 8 (7.1) Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - OEM
$45.50

Update SeaSonic S12-600 ATX12V 600W Power Supply - Retail
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate
$159.00

Update Logitech X-530 70 Watts 5.1 Speaker - Retail
$53.99

Update CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Unbuffered System Memory Model VS2GBKIT667D2 - Retail
$181.00

Update Intel BOXD955XBKLKR Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 955X ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
$216.00

Update Intel Pentium 4 650 Prescott 800MHz FSB LGA 775 EM64T Processor Model BX80547PG3400F - Retail
$275.00

Update Microsoft Windows XP HOME Edition With Service Pack 2 - OEM $86.95
Subtotal: $1,684.44
W/ rebates $1,594.44

[spartan015]

oh a pentium 4... idk u might wanna take a look at AMD, i was reading stuff... and the AMD are leading in mutitasking and gaming (that thread http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=145331 the links on it are pretty interesting i think amd get top 5 through the entire thing and soemtimes the Xtreme edition by intel comes in there but... eh)

so idk maybe look at AMD, its just a suggestion. (maybe i just personally like AMDs... idk)

[Spriggan_one]

I run heavy loads on PCs, I was reading a metaphor in the forums how AMD's chips are like a 4 lane highway with 55mph speed limit and Intel's are like a 2 lane highway with 77mph limit. PCU's I think, or mobo's, well... I'm a speeddemon, but I do push things over the limits, if I learned how to overclock, heh stuff would just crash and burn (my PC that is). I might feel bogged by AMD, but then Intel might not handle my multitasking... so I really don't know which to choose. hmmmmmmm darn. I'm stumped.

I'm also stuck with choosing the NVidia 7800GT I posted, and this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130247 I read the reviews on both, hmmmm dunno. I'm going to see if I can find a better cheaper PCU. I still need the KB/Mouse , cooling fans, optical drives and HD's I don't know whats quality!! Elp!

EDIT: I've run into another problem, the PCU looks like it runs too hot... I can say this with complete prejudice: I will kill my mobo and PCU and everything else it melts on. My PC will burn in flames and waste good money. So therefore, I need to find a GOOD heatsink / FAN for this PCU, I've got the $275 3.4Ghz 2mb intel p4 650, I will go down to the $210 3.2Ghz 2mb intel p4 640, but since I haven't even chosen FANS yet for this pc (cause I don't know what to get) what kind of aftermarket fan should I get for the pcu, and what kind of heatsink? I read they use aluminum? That makes me think they're retards, as an automechanic I can tell you aluminum conducts heat, and has high cool down times from cracked engine blocks to cracked rims, aluminum no good. Go steel engine, and magnesium wheels (they go hotter, but at least they don't break as easy) but for a PC heatsink, I don't know what to get, and the fan? forget it I dunno.

[Spriggan_one]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103497 This one looks good but $345 kind of doesn't help. Mobo's are really cheap, but whats a good mobo with this PCU?

RIGHT NOW THE MAIN THING I NEED is to find out what fans / heatsinks I will need, any help? ^^^ check the p4 650 2gb 3.4ghz processor, load head about 59c, tooo much, My load would be 80c+ but it may die before then. So what fans/heatsinks will I need? I'm looking to have these parts selected within the next week !! So my other option is amd~ What fans/heatsinks??! I decided to use TWO of these optical drives: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106003

I've been reading alot of AMD product reviews, and I'm really pissed off, about 90% that I've read show faulty, DOA, incompatible hardware. I like my cars the way AMD's stuff works. I don't like my electronics like that. Mechanical problems are an ez fix. Electrical takes even more knowledge and time... Unless I find a really good AMD mobo, then my Budget problem isn't getting fixed, after that cyberpowerpc wins with its $$ over newegg. I'm gonna get rest, well overdue.

[blue60007]

You don't necessarily have to go with AMD, it's your choice. If you feel better with Intel, go with Intel, they both will do what you want.

That CPU is a bit older...a good equivalent to that Intel 650 would be a 3800+ Venice

[pc master]

dont let these people force you onto AMD. go fpor what you want. It isnt important that AMD are a bit better for gaming. Put your money in your video card and then cpu.

[Spriggan_one]

I got the vid card, the optical drives, the speakers, soundcard, case, power supply, 2 hd's at the moment, I have NOT gotten fans, I don't know what fans to get; as for the CPU, ..... I do heavy gaming, but I also do Heavy programs, and when the PC can handle it (my old PC) I'd do both. I want a new PC that can do both. As flawlessly as possible. I first thought single core would be best, taking care of games, but then with programs in the background; I figured dual core would be better; which is it? single or dual core? Whats a the best 2 intel/AMD mobos? if I get that information, I can probably start ordering the parts Soon.

[blue60007]

What video card and power supply do you have?

What kind of hard drive do you have?

And you want to re-use those, opticals, speakers, and case? And you still have $1600 to work with?

You'll want to upgrade the video card unless you already have something good (and PCI-E).

Everything should come with necessary fans - any decent case provides the fans you'll need, and as long as you get a retail CPU, it'll have a proper heatsink/fan.

If you are going to be doing heavy multitasking, you probably want a dual core. I'd go for a dual core AMD...since the dual core Intels aren't the greatest.

[Spriggan_one]

I do SERIOUS gaming, and Heavy multitasking. I like to do BOTH at the same time, but it looks like I'll have to do 1 or the other. So thats what I'll do. I was wanting to go intel with the parts listed above; (mobo, cpu, etc.) but everyone says AMD is better for gaming; so be it, as much as I change games codes to my liking, I like gaming much more. If I run games with tons of "custom skins" ingame, and music in the background with say 2 more 20,000kb usage programs running in the background, what kind of core should I get? single or dual?

As I've posted before, here are the parts (I'M BUILDING FROM SCRATCH)
CASE:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144154
TWO(2) OP DRIVES:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106003
HD1 (for OS): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144200
HD2 (for GAMESetc.):http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144178
VID CARD:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130247
SND CARD:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102179
PWR SUPPLY:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151025
SPEAKERS:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16836121118
MEMORY:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098
MOBO:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813121286
PROCESSOR:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116196
OS:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16837102151
Comes out to $1690 Thats pushing my budget, w/o fans, KB, or mouse; I'm not missing anything am I?

To reitterate what I've said that no one acknowledges yet; Serious Gamer. End of story. Heavy Multi tasker. End of story. What kind of CORE (single/dual) and brand (amd/intel) would you recommend for this kind of use? And of the type of CORE/BRAND... What MOBO is best? I sacrafice budget for what I desire. So what is BEST?

[blue60007]

You'll want these opticals probably:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106988

OK, drop the second video card and get one 7800GTX. One of them is comparable to two 7800GT's, and you have the option to add another down the road for even more power.

Then you might consider adding a little more hard drive space.

You may also want to get an Intel 660 in there, didn't run any price checks, but I think if you drop one video card (and go to the 7800GTX) you'll have $200 to work with.

After those changes you'll have a very solid and fast build for what you want to do.

You might also consider dropping one optical if you need to cut costs.

Actually, I have more suggestion: You should try to find a case that has spots for larger fans...80mm fans will be noiser than 120mm fans.

And that one has limited fans - one 80mm intake for the CPU and one rear 80mm exhaust. you should try to find one with an intake on the front and on the side (side is really optional) and the rear. 120mm preferably.

EDIT: Just read a review over that case, and it sounds like you can put a 120mm fan in there

And it has a fan port in the front, so I think you'll be fine with the case...just gotta find some fans to go in there

OK...it's got 2 x 80mm Front - 1 x 80 mm side - 1 x 120mm rear - 1 x 80mm top

Includes 2 x 80 mm fans

Now, do you want non-lit fans or ones with LEDs?

[Spriggan_one]

I have 2 vid cards? In my cart I got 1, as for that OP drive you suggest, too many bad reviews for me to trust it, I'll pay an extra $6 for these two. I'll check out a GTX card, I tried yesterday, but it only brought up GT's; as for the chip, this 650 is already costing me a bundle, but I'll check the 660, and the GTX; as for Fans, I'll take any fans as long as they are QUALITY and are SURELY to keep my system cool. I prefer quality over looks. But I would like to find a green neon light to put in my case somewhere somehow ;P

[blue60007]

OH....that's my bad. Nevermind - yes, you only have one card...I misread SND Card to be second card, not sound card! In that case, the GT and 650 is probably all you can fit in, and that's a good combination.

As for fans...I've got one of these in my case:
http://store.yahoo.com/svcompucycle/a1926-01.html

You can use the two provided fans in the front...

And maybe two of these for the top and side?
http://store.yahoo.com/svcompucycle/tricool80.html

What does everyone think?

The reason I suggested those other opticals is because I'm not sure what you need for ATAPI/E-IDE, but I know that the IDE should work in your system. I'm not sure if those others require something special.

EDIT: OK, I aplogize for changing things so much. But, how about this motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131578

It's cheaper, SLI, and might allow for a GTX in the budget.

[Spriggan_one]

The second fans you posted, the Antecs, the 80mms with 2000, 2600 RPM might do me good, I think (no clue, but high RPM is good to me I like your idea of putting the ones that come with the case up front, - you mean at the bottom of the case as intake, flat against the inside of the front of the case? What about putting one up top? put it where? what size fan should I put up top and what size should I put as exhaust in the back? Keep changing things; I love the input! Helps alot

That board looks good, I was looking at it before, but the reviews irked me alittle, they always do. If I get a dual core board, should I go dual or single core processor? Single for now, and dual if I feel I need it later?

[blue60007]

I looked at a review and it looked like the front panel swings open and there's a spot for 2 80mm fans. Then there was an air duct on the side (I think you can mount a fan here), if you can it's an 80mm. Then there's a spot on top for a 80mm and a spot on the rear for a 120mm. You should read over reviews on the case to confirm this though (the Aspire website isn't too helpful).

I really think you should just stick with a single core. Hyperthreading creates two virtual cores on that single core. Of course it won't perform near a true dual core, but it can match it to some extent.

One thing I always like to do is read all the reveiws on things I buy to make sure there aren't any odd quirks that might cause a problem.

[Compstomper]

Originally Posted by spartan015 oh a pentium 4... idk u might wanna take a look at AMD, i was reading stuff... and the AMD are leading in mutitasking and gaming (that thread http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=145331 the links on it are pretty interesting i think amd get top 5 through the entire thing and soemtimes the Xtreme edition by intel comes in there but... eh) so idk maybe look at AMD, its just a suggestion. (maybe i just personally like AMDs... idk)

Pentuim Processors are designed for mainly buisness use so they end up being good multitakers (much better than amd). amd is best for gaming with there 3dnow and... if you want to multitask go for intel but you just want powerful and much more efficient gaming and graphics editing go for amd. if you put the extreme eddition processor and the amd 4800 in a multitasking competition and intel will win hands down. but in gaming the amd will crush it easily. If your gonna be doing so many programs at once while playing your games you will want a dual core processor to handle all those threads heading to your processor. if each program you have open is sending a command and your processor can only handle one at a time than its gonna be losing performance when you ahve that game open and running. but if you have a dual core processor and one cpu can be running the game and the other handling all the other task your gonna get better performance for both your game and your other tasks.

[Compstomper]

Originally Posted by Compstomper Pentuim Processors are designed for mainly buisness use so they end up being good multitakers (much better than amd). amd is best for gaming with there 3dnow and... if you want to multitask go for intel but you just want powerful and much more efficient gaming and graphics editing go for amd. if you put the extreme eddition processor and the amd 4800 in a multitasking competition and intel will win hands down. but in gaming the amd will crush it easily. If your gonna be doing so many programs at once while playing your games you will want a dual core processor to handle all those threads heading to your processor. if each program you have open is sending a command and your processor can only handle one at a time than its gonna be losing performance when you ahve that game open and running. but if you have a dual core processor and one cpu can be running the game and the other handling all the other task your gonna get better performance for both your game and your other tasks.

I forgot to add. DONT GO WITH HYPERTHREADING BAD FOR GAMING!!!! dual core is not bad for gaming it actualy helps it by giving your games its nice own processing enviroment. hyperthreading splits your normall one thread into 2 threads that are half as good.