Gaming System

[saitxi]

I'm wanting to make a PC and I was wonderin if you ladies and gentleman out there would kindly be able tell me what a good build for playin games and watchin movies on a PC would be. I would spend at most $1200. I have a monitor, keyboard, speakers, mouse, and a case. Everything else I need. Thanks for your help, much appreciated.

P.S.
This would be my first time building a PC, just so you guys know... and I would want to be able to build this liitle sucker in no more than a week. Thanks Again! ~_^

[Mr.Ferrari]

Any preference between amd or intel? If intel are you willing to wait until the 7th?

[CommieKid]

I'm too lazy to list parts for you, but one thing I can help you with is be prepared to know how to build it. The PC Mechanic guide to building a computer is a good source.

[saitxi]

Well when I was looking through the Forums, AMD is supposedly btter for gaming, no?
But if not, then whats happenin on the 7th?

[minsonngo]

Actually Intel's new Core 2 Duo processors blew AMD's dual-core Athlon 64s out of the water in all of the benchmark tests.

[Spirit]

Originally Posted by saitxi Well when I was looking through the Forums, AMD is supposedly btter for gaming, no? But if not, then whats happenin on the 7th?

Ah - many say the Core 2 Duo processor is coming out the 7th. And I would really recommend holding out for it's release. The benchmarks say its a great processor, and it beats the AMD's. It's an intel processor.

So say you go with the Core 2 Duo. If your budget permits it, get this mobo. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131025

Around your budget, you may be able to fit in a 7900GT. A lot of 7900GT's are around $270, but offer some pretty good rebates. ex. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130281 Although it has no rebate currently...

If you do get the Core 2 Duo, this ram would be nice. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590 You can get ram for cheaper though, like the OCZ platnium ram. Just make sure to get DDR2 800 ram.

[saitxi]

Oh ok, thanks for the tip, umm... but what about the other stuff like motherboards, video card, sound card, etc. What should i get for those?

[Spirit]

Originally Posted by saitxi Oh ok, thanks for the tip, umm... but what about the other stuff like motherboards, video card, sound card, etc. What should i get for those?

I edited my post above to include those. About sound card, a lot of the time, onboard audio will work fine.

[saitxi]

Ok thx a bunch guys...

[minsonngo]

Have fun with your new build!

[saitxi]

Oh! Almost forgot, what about teh CD/DVD, Floppy drives, the processor cooling system, and the hard drive... heh

[minsonngo]

The heatsink/fan included with the retail boxed processor is more than adequate.


Floppy drives are obsolete so I wouldn't use them. Most newer motherboards don't even have the FDD controller on their boards anymore.


For a good DVD writer with Lightscribe go with this one:

LITE-ON Black 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 5X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 24X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache ATAPI/E-IDE 16X DVD±R DVD Burner W/ LightScribe and 5X DVD-RAM Write - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106019
$32.99

[Mr.Ferrari]

Case: I cant suggest here because its all to your own prefered taste. Just dont get something to cheap. Atleast something 40-50 and above.


HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148144

Sound Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102188 ONLY if your not satisfied with onboard sound, otherwise skip it.

Mobo and cpu:
Depending on budget I would suggest the asus p5wdh(270) or the Gigabyte DS3 (150) with whichever cpu you can afford. Best budget one is going to be the e6300 which should be around 200.

Videocard: I suggest the X1800XT or the 7900GT, take your pick.

PSU:
Antec TP2 550W
FSP 500W
Take your pick. Both great units.

[saitxi]

Thanks Again!

[minsonngo]

Let us know how it goes for ya!