$800-1000 budget Help me build a decent gaming PC plz

[saikojay]

Hi all

This will be my 2nd build for a PC.
I will be using the PC for gaming, storing mp3s, burning cds, and multitasking greatly. So I'll be needing a high performance PC.

I've been reading articles for some gaming rigs, but I can't seem to decide what to choose....

I find it a little difficult to choose between Intel, AMD and Nvidia, ATI....

What do you guys recommend for a decent gaming PC that's up to date?

Dual core, single core, Nvidia, or ATI

whatever you suggest will be greatly appreciated

Thx in advance!

[flanzig1]

Core 2 Duo E6300/jump to E6600 as budget allows
Corsair VS DDR2 667 1gig kit/2gig kit if budget allows
Video card: place holder card until more DX10 cards are out: Nvidia 7600GS/want the power now: ATI X1950pro or XTX depending on budget

[saikojay]

what mobo would you suggest?
Should I get PCI express or stay with AGP
Would u recommend ATI or Nvidia?
I'm not too familiar with Intel so I rely on you guys for making a suggestion.

[flanzig1]

Sorry, forgot the motherboard: Asus P5B series/the P5B is the starter board.
AGP is basiclly dead as for motherboards are concerned/PCIE X16 is the Standard.
The ATI x1950 is a bit better than it's Nvidia counterpart the 7950. Top dog now is the Nvidia 8800GTX at around $600.

[Staren]

Asus P5B http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131030 $126.99. That's a good solid board.

You don't want AGP at this point. It's old news. Any new system should be built with PCI-E. There are more then enough budget cards now.

The last one is a little harder because DirectX 10 cards are on the horizon. Right now, I'd probably go with an ATI X1950 or maybe an nVidia 7600 then upgrade...not sure.

[freakitchen]

The ASUS P5B series is the way to go for Core 2 Duos. The standard P5B is more than adequate for most users.

PCI-Express is the way to go. AGP motherboards are pretty much gone now, and fewer video cards are being released in AGP format.

The ATI x1950Pro is a GREAT video card for a good price, but it's at the top end (price-wise) of what I'd suggest at the moment As Flanzig has already said, we're in a transition period at the moment - Windows Vista will bring Direct X 10 to the party, and the majority of cards on the market right now are only Direct X 9. Depending on how soon you plan to upgrade to Vista, you'd be best off getting a low-mid-range card now, and upgrade to a DX10 card when they're available.

FK

EDIT: Beaten to it TWICE!!

[saikojay]

so should I save my money for the DX 10 cards?

[Alaron]

If you want to wait on the entire build, thats fine. But you can do a build now, just buy a mid-range card like the 7900GS or even the 7600GT (around $125). Then when the DX10 cards come down in price ($500+ is steep right now), you can upgrade.

[glc]

Even the 7600GS at $90 makes a good placeholder card. It's going to spank your current rig.