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Old 10-16-2006, 08:16 PM   #1
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Smile My First PC Build - Gaming System
After much thought I have decided in the investment of parts for an exceptional, beastly gaming computer machine. That said, however, I am a novice when it comes to building computers and I'm not completely sure if my current plan is feasible, or reasonable for that matter! That's why I post this thread - I need some advice!

This is what I have compiled thus far...[List Updated As Needed]

*** Please note that the monitor (LCD), optical drives, FDD, keyboard, mouse, speakers, and operating system is covered. Optical units aside, I am working only on the tower at this point!!

Again, please be gentle if the above setup seems extreme or stupid - I'm not experienced at building computers. I first considered going with an AMD setup, but the Intel C2D technology is apparently more sexier and more efficient, at least at this point of day, or perhaps I'm wrong?

I'm at a loss for good cases. I posted one I thought would be nice, but I'm listening to suggestions.

On the Video Card I posted the nicest card I could find in my little time of research, but is there better? The one posted above was the one I saw off tomshardware.com's recommendation and it seems nice, but, on the flip side, if I can find one with similiar performance for cheaper I would most likely like that as well. I don't plan to utilize ATI Crossfire at this time but I picked the ASUS board just incase I wanted a second video card for later on. I also doubt that I'll do any serious overclocking, unless desired.

I want a superior gaming rig that caters to my gaming needs. If anyone has better recommendations that are more/less costly for great performance lets hear them! I would like for the overall price to drop a bit if possible! My budget is flexible but I want to remain in the upper thousands (~$1,300-$1,999) or low $2000s for this behemoth.

Suggestions, Ideas, Problems?

Thanks,
Adian...
Last edited by Adian; 10-16-2006 at 09:41 PM.
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Old 10-16-2006, 08:39 PM   #2
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Do you plan on going crossfire? If so psu choices will change. But if you dont plan on it, then this is the one I suggest for a single card setup:

Silverstone ST50EF 500w $87.50

And yes the X1950XTX is the highest performing single card on the market.
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Old 10-16-2006, 08:45 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.Ferrari
Do you plan on going crossfire? If so psu choices will change. But if you dont plan on it, then this is the one I suggest for a single card setup:

Silverstone ST50EF 500w $87.50

And yes the X1950XTX is the highest performing single card on the market.
I didn't plan on going crossfire at first but I may consider doing so later down the road. If I did make the jump I'd like the PSU I originally had (whatever I end up deciding on) to support the switch, if possible.

Suggestions on PSUs that support Crossfire that would satisfy my build if I made the switch?
Last edited by Adian; 10-16-2006 at 08:49 PM.
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Old 10-16-2006, 08:50 PM   #4
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The HIS ? Or just X1950XTX? I'd get the Sapphire.
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Old 10-16-2006, 08:54 PM   #5
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My suggestions:
Thermaltake Toughpower 750W $189.99

OCZ 700W Gamextreme 700W $129.99 after MIB

Silverstone ST75ZF 750W $210
-SERVER GRADE OEM, highest quality, and quiet.
Last edited by Mr.Ferrari; 10-16-2006 at 09:28 PM.
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Old 10-16-2006, 08:56 PM   #6
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Those are blasters. Apollo Space Mission Grade.
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Old 10-16-2006, 09:24 PM   #7
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Thanks Mr. Ferrari and chuck4456 for your suggestions.

I switched the video card from HIS to Sapphire and added the 700W OCZ PSU onto the original post.


Any input is greatly appreciated!
Not certain if the PSU is the one I'm going to go with, but it's a start!
Last edited by Adian; 10-16-2006 at 09:38 PM.
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Old 10-16-2006, 09:29 PM   #8
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Oh and I highly suggest a X-Fi xtrememusic. With the "platinum" version of any creative card, all your paying is for the fancy front panel.
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Old 10-16-2006, 09:40 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.Ferrari
Oh and I highly suggest a X-Fi xtrememusic. With the "platinum" version of any creative card, all your paying is for the fancy front panel.
Good point. Updated original post with the X-Fi XtremeMusic sound card.

List now stands as...
Last edited by Adian; 10-16-2006 at 09:44 PM.
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Old 10-16-2006, 09:49 PM   #10
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I seem to be missing something here...why are you getting a 700 watt power supply? Is it for a CrossFire setup in the future?

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Old 10-16-2006, 09:53 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cricket
I seem to be missing something here...why are you getting a 700 watt power supply? Is it for a CrossFire setup in the future?

Cricket
Yes, I will most likely be utilizing Crossfire later down the road. I don't plan on switching to crossfire right off the bat though. Doesn't hurt to go ahead and get a strong PSU if you can afford it, does it?

Is that the wise thing to do?
Last edited by Adian; 10-16-2006 at 09:57 PM.
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Old 10-16-2006, 10:40 PM   #12
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Probally. Id rather spend 130 now rather then 80 PLUS 130 later.
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Old 10-17-2006, 06:09 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.Ferrari
Probally. Id rather spend 130 now rather then 80 PLUS 130 later.
Okay I think I'll stick with the $130 one then. I figure the X1950XTX will do me until after DX10 and Vista is out and reasonably debugged.

What about the case though? Will the COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-WW Black/Silver Alum Bezel ATX MID TOWER suffice, or should I get a bigger case for these parts?

Suggestions?
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Old 10-17-2006, 10:11 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Adian
What about the case though? Will the COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-WW Black/Silver Alum Bezel ATX MID TOWER suffice, or should I get a bigger case for these parts?

Suggestions?
That case is fine.

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Old 10-17-2006, 12:11 PM   #15
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ATI has a list of Crossfire-certified power supplies on their website, make sure yours is on the list.
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Old 10-17-2006, 03:42 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by glc
ATI has a list of Crossfire-certified power supplies on their website, make sure yours is on the list.
Point taken. I did see the OCZ 700W PSU on their list.
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