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07-25-2006, 02:52 PM
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#1 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 28
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Building Computer - Good Components?
Hello, I was planning on building my first ever computer. I am using this computer for everyday computer use (internet, email, word processing, etc.), moderate gaming, and photo editing.
In advance I would like to thank you all for your generous help to everyone here. Here are the components I selected: Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144076 CPU: http://www.newegg.com/product/Produc...82E16819103735 Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145015 Hard Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148105 Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814141015 Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/product/Produc...82E16813130048 Optical Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827131031 Now the total for this computer was about $750-800 not including a monitor, keyboard, or speakers. I was really hoping to pay less than this because I plan on getting an LCD monitor. Is the power supply included with the case adequete for this system? Any recommendations? Is this more than I need? I am more than happy to downgrade on the memory or CPU, etc. to save a few bucks. Could anyone suggest other components that could still handle the tasks I need to perform smoothly, such as a different CPU or less memory? Thank you all very much. Last edited by ryan126; 07-25-2006 at 02:58 PM. |
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07-25-2006, 03:17 PM
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#2 |
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Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 109
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The CPU, mobo, and memory are overkill for your situation, IMO.
Try these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116001 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157086 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145526 The PSU looks fine to me. |
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07-25-2006, 03:19 PM
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#3 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 28
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Thank you for your suggestion. I think I want to build an AMD system, because I already own an Intel Gateway, which does handle games fine, but I'd like to try AMD.
I also had one more important question: I am a bit worried about the bios. Do the option values come pre-defined as defaults, meaning I wouldn't have to change much at all? Last edited by ryan126; 07-25-2006 at 03:29 PM. |
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07-25-2006, 03:31 PM
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#4 |
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Forum Administrator
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No, that is NOT a quality power supply.
I would go with the 939 version of the X2 3800+ you were looking at - same price - and an Asus A8N5X board. Get a dual channel kit of Corsair Value Select DDR400. Try to go with a 7xxx series video card - the 6600 is starting to show its age. Just don't fall into the Turbocache trap. That Sony drive does not come with any software - the only OEM drives that definitely do are Lite-On. The only case that comes with a PSU that I recommend for a PCI-E build is the Antec Sonata II. |
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07-25-2006, 06:52 PM
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#5 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 28
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Thank you, glc. Does anyone have the answer to my question regarding bios above?
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07-25-2006, 08:36 PM
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#6 |
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Wx geek
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 6,638
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You shouldn't have to adjust much in BIOS - you may have to adjust the boot order, but that's about.
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07-25-2006, 08:44 PM
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#7 |
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V12
Join Date: Dec 2005
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Well if I were you, I would keep with your first motheboards and cpu choices. Much better for what your using it for. You do not want the headache of the Pentium D 805 heater. Nor is the motherboard of good quality. You will be much happier with the 3800 x2. Pentium D 805 is more of a overclocking toy.
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07-25-2006, 10:06 PM
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#8 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jul 2006
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I appologize for opening duplicate threads. I wasn't realizing they were so similar.
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07-26-2006, 04:36 PM
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#9 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 28
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Here is another budget configuration I have put together. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. I plan to use this computer for some moderate gaming once in a while.
LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Black ATAPI/E-IDE Model SHW160P6S04 - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106013 Antec Solution SLK3800B Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Rackmount Case 400Watt (SP400) SmartPower 2.0 ATX 12V 2.0 for AMD™ & Intel systems Power Supply - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129163 HITACHI Deskstar 7K80 HDS728080PLA380 (0A30356) 80GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822145082 Wise Wing W902DB Black 19" 8ms LCD Monitor DVI - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824104001 Rosewill KMS-100 Black PS/2 Wired Standard Keyboard Mouse Included - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823201024 CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model VS1GBKIT400 - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145440 Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2 - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16837102059 AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice 2000MHz HT Socket 939 Processor Model ADA3200BPBOX - Retail http://www.newegg.com/product/Produc...82E16819103535 BIOSTAR TForce4SLI Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail http://www.newegg.com/product/Produc...82E16813138272 I will use the PNY nVidia 6600gt video card I currently own. This, believe it or not, is actually over my original budget of around $650. So, if anyone can recommend anything different/cheaper that can still run the game Half Life 2 and it's mod Counter-Strike:Source, I would greatly appreciate it. Last edited by ryan126; 07-26-2006 at 04:40 PM. |
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07-26-2006, 05:04 PM
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#10 |
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Staff
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Location: Doncaster, UK
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Drop the Biostar SLI motherboard, and get an ASUS A8N5X. Higher quality, and without the SLI support that you really don't need with that kind of system.
Limiting yourself to an 80GB hard drive isn't economical right now - 250GB is in the 'sweet spot' of price per gigabyte, so you'll be more than tripling your storage for a few dollars more. I'd also switch to a Seagate drive (preferably with 16MB of cache for top performance) to ensure top quality. Regarding your specs, a 3200+ with 1GB of RAM and a 6600GT is a very similar system to mine - built 2 years ago now. I wouldn't drop any lower for gaming, even if it is only occasional. FK
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-FK- "Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw, The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die, We shall not sleep, though poppies grow, In Flanders fields." - John McCrae, May 1915 |
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07-26-2006, 05:26 PM
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#11 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 28
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Thank you very much for your reply. If you built that system 2 years ago... do you suggest I instead splurge a bit and go for the dual core processor, better motherboard, more memory, bigger hard drive, etc., or do you think that's all I really need for what I will be doing?
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07-26-2006, 06:10 PM
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#12 |
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Staff
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All depends on your budget. For occasional gaming the 6600GT will do ok, as will 1GB of RAM and a 3200+. Upgrading the hard drive would make sense, as I explained earlier. Getting an ASUS motherboard will maintain the stability of your system, so I'd get that regardless.
Prices on dual core processors just took a massive tumble. It might be worth looking at the 3800+, as it would improve your system's multitasking ability. FK |
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07-27-2006, 02:36 AM
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#13 |
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Is your 6600GT AGP or PCI-E?
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07-27-2006, 10:42 AM
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#14 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 28
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PCI-e
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07-27-2006, 06:28 PM
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#15 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Okay, here is what I believe I am going to buy. Let me know if you see anything wrong. I think what I have below should be fine for playing Counter-Strike Source and doing other things right? Right now I have a Pentium 4 HT 3.0ghz, 512mb ddr400 that runs CS:S fine... so this 3200+ should be fine as well, correct?
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Asus A8N5X Corsair ValueSelect PC3200 (2x512mb) Seagate Barracuda 120GB SATA150 Lite-On 16x DVD +/- RW Antec LIfeStyle Sonata II (with PSU) nVidia GeForce 6600gt PCI-e (I already Own) Windows XP Home Mouse, keyboard, speakers This is configured at $590. Would you consider this an upgrade/addition to the P4 I already own? |
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07-27-2006, 07:22 PM
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#16 |
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Wx geek
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 6,638
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Hmm...well the video card makes a much bigger difference in games - I don't think you'll see much difference - if you want a better gamer upgrade the video card and throw in a bit more RAM.
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07-27-2006, 11:27 PM
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#17 | |
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Quote:
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07-28-2006, 10:53 PM
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#18 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 28
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Moderate Gaming Computer: Budget $650
Can anyone be kind enough to suggest parts for a moderate gaming computer? I have a budget of around $600-650 for the box itself (everything but the monitor). I think I want to use an Intel Pentium D 805/915 or AMD Athlon 64 3800+ x2, whichever is better for gaming/everyday use. If you can fit a video card in the budget, that'd be great, otherwise I will use my nVidia 6600 pci-e. I would also like a case with a clear panel on the side, but that isn't completely necessary. By the way, right now I have a P4 3.0ghz HT, 512mb ddr 400, nVidia 6600 pci-e. It runs games fine (good enough FPS), but I would like a second computer that is a bit better. |
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07-29-2006, 01:05 PM
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#19 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Which would be better for gaming, the AMD Athlon 64 3500+ or the Intel Pentium D 805 (Both within my budget)?
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07-29-2006, 01:52 PM
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#20 |
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Wx geek
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 6,638
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The CPU doesn't make that much difference in gaming - either one will work, I'd suggest making sure you get a good video card.
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07-29-2006, 02:43 PM
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#21 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jul 2006
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I'm looking at the x550 256mb pci-e card, how does that sound?
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07-29-2006, 02:47 PM
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#22 |
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Wx geek
Join Date: Aug 2005
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It's not going to be much of a gamer (not sure how it ranks against the 6600GT though). If you want an upgrade from what you have now, you're going to have to spend more. Especially on the video card. Otherwise, I'm afraid you'll be wasting your money.
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07-29-2006, 03:05 PM
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#23 |
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Member (9 bit)
Join Date: Jul 2006
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i really suggest dishing out some bucks for an ASUS EAX1900XT/2DHTV/512 Radeon X1900XT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 VIVO PCI Express x16 Video Card – Retail $350 on newegg.com
that was the best I found for cheap and absolutely GREAT for gaming, especially if it is not a main use of your computer and you only get some of the best games and what not. ESOblivion will run on that chip without crossfire with no slow downs at all. It is probably the best single-gpu option in my opinion. DarkPacMan77 |
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07-29-2006, 03:09 PM
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#24 |
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The X550 is not even close to being a gaming card. Keep the 6600GT till you can afford at least $200 for a new card.
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07-29-2006, 08:53 PM
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#25 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jul 2006
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So would anyone be willing to suggest a list of parts for my $500-600 budget for everything but the monitor?
Keyboard, mouse, speakers: $30 Windows XP Home Edition: $90 Case: ? Video Card: ? CPU: ? RAM: ? HDD: ? MOBO: ? Optical Drive: ? Anything else? This is being used for everyday use and occassionally playing Half Life 2 and CS:S. I would like to consider it an upgrade to the P4 3.0ghz, 512mb RAM, and 6600 pci-e I already own. |
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07-29-2006, 09:36 PM
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#26 |
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Kickin' it
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How about your list from Post #15 with a 3800+ X2? That would be bit over budget, about $650, but that would be a great build for the money.
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07-29-2006, 10:42 PM
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#27 |
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How about this as a starting point? It's about $85 over budget and will need to be tweaked a little, but we should have no problem doing that. This is a more powerful CPU then the list above, and is also a more up to date video card. I was working under the idea that the other system will still be used, but the 6600 could of course be reused if that is what you would like to do.
Motherboard: ASUS A8N5X Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 ATX AMD Motherboard – Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131569 $82.99 Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Venice Socket 939 Processor – Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103603 $94.00 RAM: G.SKILL 1GB (2 x 512MB) DDR PC 3200 Dual Channel System Memory - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231030 $84.99 Video Card: PNY VCG7600GXPB Geforce 7600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI-E x16 Video Card – Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814133150 $139.99 Power Supply: FSP Group AX400-PN, 20+ 4 pin, PCI Express, 400W Power Supply – Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104953 $41.50 CASE: ASPIRE Black/Silver Steel ATX Computer Case 350W Power Supply – Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144115 $38.00 Hard Drive: WD Caviar RE WD1600YD 160GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA II HD – OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136009 $74.99 Optical Drive: NEC Black DL DVD Burner – OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827152058 $28.99 O.S.: Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2 – OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16837102059 $89.99 Keyboard / Mouse / Speakers: Rosewill Black 104 Normal Keys PS/2 Wired Keyboard Mouse Included – Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823201024 $9.99 TOTAL SYSTEM: $685.43
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Laptop HP DM4t / i5-560M / 14.1 WXGA Widescreen / 1GB Radeon Mobility 6370 / 4GB RAM / 320 GB 7200rpm HD / DVD-RW / 802.11n & BT wireless First Build Abit IC7-G Max II Motherboard / 2.8C 800mhz P4 / 1024 DDR 3200 (2x 512 in Duel Channel) / Saphire Radeon 9800 Pro 128 / Samsung 120 GB SATA HD / Lite-On 16x DVD-ROM / NEC DVD-RW Last edited by Staren; 07-29-2006 at 10:46 PM. |
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07-30-2006, 12:17 AM
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#28 |
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Wx geek
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Location: Indiana
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Unless you upgrade the video card you have now - it would be pointless to upgrade...The 7600GT would be an upgrade (not by huge leaps and bounds, but definitely an upgrade)
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07-30-2006, 07:21 AM
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#29 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 28
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AMD Athlon 64 3800+ x2
Asus A8N5X Motherboard Corsair ValueSelect DDR400 SDRAM (2x512mb) Seagate Barracuda 160gb SATA HDD Lite-On 16x DVD burner PNY nVidia GeForce 7600gt Antec Sonata II Case with PSU Linksys Wireless Network Adapter Microsoft Keyboard/Mouse Logitech Speakers Windows XP Home Edition with SP2 Acer 19" Widescreen LCD Monitor All of the above comes out to be $990 (about $790 without monitor). I think this is a great deal, and if I can afford it all when the time comes, I think it would be a great build (for a first build). And then again, if I did want to save some money, I could always use a 3500+, smaller hard drive, etc. Does anyone know any sites other than NewEgg that they recommend? Sites that have good quality service, as well as cheap parts and good combo deals? Last edited by ryan126; 07-30-2006 at 07:25 AM. |
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07-30-2006, 08:58 AM
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#30 |
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Wx geek
Join Date: Aug 2005
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ZipZoomFly is the other one I would use.
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