First PC build. For Gamer. Need Suggestions!

[shock003]

Hi everyone! I am looking to build a desktop computer for the first time. I really appreciate all of your help with this and any advice/tips are WELCOME!! I have been lurking amongst this site for a few months and I hope that this post will cover all of the info you will need to know to make any suggestions you may have for my build…

1. This computer will be specifically for gaming. I will use it mostly for MMO games such as WoW and LOTR Online (when it comes out!), as well as some RTS and Turn-based strategy games like C&C: Tiberium Wars and ROME: Total War. I don’t play a ton of FPS, but I do like to play one on occasion. I also want to get a DVD burner for (obviously) burning dvds.

a. I do not need this computer for any other kind of application, as I have a lappy for work and a lappy for personal stuff like finances, internet surfing, music collection, etc.

b. Sound is not of the greatest concern, as I don’t plan on listening to much music or watching DVD’s with this computer. I have other electronics for that. But I do like for my games to sound decent.

c. As this is mainly for gaming, I don’t need a huge monitor, since I will be pretty close to the screen already. 17” should be fine.

2. I am most concerned with the following things, in this order:

a. Performance/Speed

b. Upgradeability/Future-proofing

c. Price

d. Ease of construction

e. Looks

f. Size

3. I would like to keep the construction to approximately $1500, but I would be willing to spend up to $2000 if it REMARKABLY improves performance. Note: price is #3 on my list of concerns.

4. I have no real preference between AMD and Intel.

5. My budget does not include any peripherals. No need for a printer or speakers. This budget is only for the computer and the monitor. Also, I have Windows XP software already, so I plan on installing that as my OS. I may go with Vista after it has been out for a few months and it stabilizes.

6. I will probably upgrade to a DX10 compatible card at some time in the future, when there is more of a selection and the kinks are out.

7. I do not know how to overclock. Also, from what research I have done, I have no intentions of overclocking…ever.

8. I have no components as of yet, this is completely from scratch.

9. I have found the “Build Your Own PC” guide and will use it to build this pc. This thread is mainly for Components and Tips/Advice. I have read some other articles/sites on building a pc and I have picked up some basic knowledge, but I am NOT an advanced builder!

10. I will be using cable for internet connection (Roadrunner).

I plan on building the computer within the next month or two. If there is a reason to wait, please elaborate! Thank you in advance for all of your help!!

[pam123]

Stop off at the news stand and grab the Feb. 07 copy of MaximumPC.
There on the cover will be BYO $1,500 gaming PC that's great now and will upgrade later.
Saving you real money and keeping your games running well for the next few years.
We can fine tune a few things for you but that basic machine is what you should be aiming at.

[newbuilder14]

What you should be aiming at is a system built around a Core 2 Dou E6600. Pair that with 2gb Corsair ValueSelect if you aren't overclocking, an Asus P5B series motherboard, a 7600GT video card, a Seagate 7200.10 hard drive, a case of your choice, and a high quality power supply.

[shock003]

Here is what I have put together so far. I tried to use NewBuilder14's suggestions and some suggestions from a thread Hi Ho started a few days ago. Please be honest with your opinions


Case - Thermaltake SHARK VA7000BWA Black Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail - $169.99

Mobo - ASUS P5B-E LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail - $150.99

Video Card - BFG Tech BFGR76256GTOCE GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail (changed per the suggestion by glc. Thanks GLC!)

PSU - FSP Group (Fortron Source) FX700-GLN ATX12V/ EPS12V 700W Quad. SLi Power Supply - Retail - $139.99

CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600 - Retail - $316.00

RAM - CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model VS2GBKIT667D2 - Retail - $194.99

HDD - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB - $94.99

Monitor - Acer AL1706Ab Black 17" 8ms LCD Monitor - Retail - $159.99

Disc Drives - LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM Write Black SATA Model SH-16A7S-06 - Retail - $36.99
ASUS Black SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model DVD-E616A3T - Retail - $22.99

Total so far = $1,427 not including rebates/shipping.

What do you think?

Also, I was thinking of getting a wireless gaming mouse and keyboard, but there doesn't seem to be a clear consensus on what is best. Any ideas?

Thanks again for any help you may be able to give. I am completely open to suggestions and am not married to any specific component...

[glc]

Play the rebate game on the video card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814143049

I personally prefer Logitech keyboards and mice.

[PlanesWalker]

well i much prefer a logitech mouse but as far as keyboards go I would recommend this:
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16823114001

yes it a bit pricey but it an awesome looking and fully functional keyboard with tons of customizable keys. i own one my self also great for gaming.

[shock003]

I was wondering if I needed anything else in order to build the pc. As I read the walkthrough, it seems like I may need the following:

1. Heat Sink Compound
2. SATA Cables (not sure how many, but at least 2 for optical drives?)

Is there anything else that I may need to assemble my pc? Thanks for your help

[pam123]

Originally Posted by shock003 I was wondering if I needed anything else in order to build the pc. As I read the walkthrough, it seems like I may need the following: Heat Sink Compound SATA Cables (not sure how many, but at least 2 for optical drives?) Is there anything else that I may need to assemble my pc? Thanks for your help

No, a retail cpu comes with thermal compound already applied to the heatsink.
The Sata cables not only come with the motherboard they come with retail drives as well.
You're going to have spares.

[shock003]

I just found this monitor at Tiger Direct...

Acer AL1916WAB / 19" Wide / 5ms / 700:1 / WXGA+ 1440 x 900 / VGA / Black / Widescreen LCD Monitor

I was thinking of getting this monitor beforehand...

Acer AL1706Ab Black 17" 8ms LCD Monitor 270 cd/m2 500:1 - Retail

Any ideas why the 19" would be cheaper? Is there something I am missing here? Please advise on what I may be overlooking...

Thanks for your help

[haggard21]

stay away from tigerdirect. They often send out poor quality products. Here is a link to a monitor that I have and my friend just purchased one after seeing how awesome it is.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824254005

Packaging on it was great, neither mine or my friends had any dead or stuck pixels whatsoever, and the button problems people are talking about on the reviews really wasn't too big of an issue with me especially if you have external speakers then you really don't need to use the buttons on the side too much.

Also, if you would want to swing the extra few bucks, get an eVGA 7900gs, eVGA also offers a step-up program, within 3 months you can send them your card with a proof of purchase of what you paid and a portion to 100% of what you paid will be applied to an upgrade of your choice, since you said you would probably upgrade to a DX10 card in the future. The card GLC linked you to will be fine though for your needs.

Just a couple suggestions.

[piXel]

Originally Posted by glc Play the rebate game on the video card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814143049 I personally prefer Logitech keyboards and mice.

its hardly a future proof card now really, seen asthough LOTR online will be a next gen title wouldent it be better to get a 8800 GTS now?

[freakitchen]

Originally Posted by piXel its hardly a future proof card now really, seen asthough LOTR online will be a next gen title wouldent it be better to get a 8800 GTS now?

We're recommending that new builders buy themselves a 'placeholder' video card until the full range of DX10 cards are out - then they can make an informed decision - and quite possibly get better value for money. At the moment Nvidia have no competition in this area before ATI rolls out their new range.

FK

[flanzig1]

The 2 Acer monitors that you linked have only VGA inputs. Should go for a monitor that has DVI input.

[LeftyAce]

Dumb question: Does it really make a performance difference? Because my vid card came with adapters to connect VGA monitors to DVI slots, so physically there's not reason to do one over the other...And if I remember correctly, the DVI monitors are still more expensive.

[pam123]

Originally Posted by LeftyAce Dumb question: Does it really make a performance difference? Because my vid card came with adapters to connect VGA monitors to DVI slots, so physically there's not reason to do one over the other...And if I remember correctly, the DVI monitors are still more expensive.

VGA monitors are being superseded so you're buying old tech for a new build.
If the budget requires that you do that then there's no more to be said.
If it doesn't then think carefully, digital monitors have more capability then analog.
It's not used now but it's going to be in the future.
Do you have any plans for HD?
Are you prepared to buy another monitor?

[flanzig1]

Did some looking on Newegg for monitors, there are 19" widescreen DVI inputs for $179.99 w/rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824254005

[haggard21]

^^^that is the one I linked in my previous post.

[Marke522]

That Shark is an awesome tower. Used it before in a build. Real nice to work with, and PLENTY of space. We put a couple of 80mm fans on the bottom of the window, they ended up fitting exactly beside the video cards.

The 7600GT OC is a great crad, especially at that price. Same card my brother uses.

Good choices, but go with a new DVI monitor if you can.

[freakitchen]

Take a read of my review of the Thermaltake Shark case, in the hardware review section:

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=155516

It's a nice case, don't get me wrong. But there's better out there for a lower price. It just has too many flaws for me to recommend it

FK

[shock003]

OK, after waiting as long as I can possibly wait for ATI/AMD to release their new DX10 card, I have decided to go ahead and build my new PC. Before I order, though, I wanted to run this component list through one more time to see what everyone thinks...

Stuff I already have:

PSU - FSP Group (Fortron Source) 700W RoHS Quad. SLi Power Supply - 109.99 (after Rebate) (Yeah, I know, a bit of overkill, but what can I say).
DVD - ASUS SATA DVD-ROM Drive - $20.99
DVD Burner - LITE-ON SATA DVD Burner - 44.99 (yeah, I overpaid, but I was anxious after it was sold out for a couple of weeks)

Stuff I am planning to get:

Case - Thermaltake Shark - $169.99 (I read Freakitchen's review, but I really like the look of the case, so I'm gonna go with it anyway)
Motherboard - ASUS P5B-E - $146.99
Video Card - EVGA GeForce 7600GT 256MB - $109.99 ($99.99 after Rebate)
OR
EVGA GeForce 8800GTS 640MB - $389.99 (359.99 after Rebate)
CPU - Intel Core2 Duo E6600 Conroe - $230.00
RAM - Corsair ValueSelect 2GB - $104.99
HDD - Seagate Barracude 7200.10 SATA 16MB Cache - $79.99
Monitor - Hanns-G 19" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD - $169.99
Gaming Keyboard - Razer Tarantula - $87.99
Gaming Mouse - Logitech G5 - $45.99
Surge Protector - Belkin - 13.99 (out of stock)

Total - $176 (stuff I have); $1,159.91 (new stuff, $1,149.91 after Rebate) OR $1,439.91 (new stuff, $1,409.91 after Rebate)
Grand Total - $1,326 OR $1,586 (either is within my budget, but I don't want to throw away money)

A couple questions, IF I was to go with the 8800GTS GPU, would I have to change RAM or Motherboard? Also, would my processor be fast enough to handle the load of the new ATI DX10 video card, or would it be a bottleneck? Does it make sense to go with a E6700 Conroe 2.66GHz after the price drop?

Thanks for your help!!!

[pam123]

Your processor is fast enough and no you don't have to change your ram or motherboard.
As for the video card, if you just want a place holder then the 7600 will do while you save up for whatever comes out later.
If you intend to keep the card then get the 8800.
The 6600 has an operating frequency of 2.4 and the 6700 has an operating frequency of 2.6.
I don't think the latter is worth the $100 price increase.

[Katreat]

Just to add my two-cents, although I dont really know what LOTR will throw at you, the rest of the games you listed will play on the 7600 very nicely. MMO and turn based games do not really stress the video card. So, if you are mainly upgrading just to have 10X for future games you are in a good possition to hold off and wait for a bit. If you where seriously into FPS then you would see quite a big difference between the 8800 and 7600 and might want to go for the faster card now to enjoy your new system.

Kat

Just as a note on monitor. I am glad to see you upgraded to a 19", anymore the 17" just seem small. The other thing about the games you listed is unlike FPS you will probably not be sitting there with your nose touching the screen. I am a avid WOW player and just got a 22" widescreen principally to enjoy that game. It is fantastic on the large monitor and the game supports it at natural resolution so you actually end up seeing more of the field of battle. It is not just streched to fit a wider screen. So where small monitors might be all you need for fast action FPS, the MMO and turned based games will be more enjoyable on larger screens. I personally love wide screen in the MMO world, although it takes a little getting use to for everything else I use the computer for.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by LeftyAce Dumb question: Does it really make a performance difference? Because my vid card came with adapters to connect VGA monitors to DVI slots, so physically there's not reason to do one over the other...And if I remember correctly, the DVI monitors are still more expensive.

From what I've been told, using DVI/DVI instead of VGA/DVI does improve image quality and performance in games. Friend of mine tried it both ways while playing World Of Warcraft and he said the image/performance difference was substantial.

Cricket

[shock003]

I put everything together, got it up and running fine. However, my display is messed up. I am getting some kind of weird pattern in the background and when I scroll down pages the images jumps.

I started another thread to deal with some other problems, which are now mostly fixed, but in that thread, another user suggested that my PSU was inadequate, as it the output is 15A on the 12V rail, whereas my card requires 18A on the 12V rail. Could this be the problem with my display? Do I need a new PSU?

[minsonngo]

Do you have the newest video card drivers installed?


You may need another PSU that meets the 18amp requirement as suggested by the video card manufacturer.

[freakitchen]

Since we're now talking about the same problem in two different threads, I'm going to close this one - let's continue in the other so that everyone is on the same page.

I'll move the last three posts into that thread, seeing as they are relevant to this particular discussion.

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=180399