bro wants new gaming PC, need advice

[bball_1523]

My brother wants to buy a new PC so he can play the latest games and make hip hop music. He had a budget of $2000 max, but it would be nice to spend around $1500 max if possible.

He wants to play the latest games with good graphics, but the pc doesn't have to have the greatest graphics. I think an Nvidia 7900 GTX 512 mb videocard would be the best he would want. Also he makes music, but I've already gotten that taken care of with a $200 soundcard.

Now here is the thing, he wants a pre-built pc, not a do-it-yourself PC.

So what do you guys suggest he get? Are there any good web stores you suggest that will customize and build PC's for you at reasonable prices?

[Staren]

There is only one reason to buy pre-bullt and that's support. None of the small stores like IBuyPower or CyberPower will have anything near the support you'd want. You could try Falcon NW or Voodoo PC but that can get pricey. I'd get a Dell XPS or better yet talk him into a custom build and buy him a gift certificate to somewhere like Make It Work or Nerds on Site.

[bball_1523]

Originally Posted by Staren There is only one reason to buy pre-bullt and that's support. None of the small stores like IBuyPower or CyberPower will have anything near the support you'd want. You could try Falcon NW or Voodoo PC but that can get pricey. I'd get a Dell XPS or better yet talk him into a custom build and buy him a gift certificate to somewhere like Make It Work or Nerds on Site.

well he doesn't want to build it.

Will make it work build the PC for him at a reasonable rate?

[Staren]

The last two componies I listed are for support. Either over the phone or on site. As far as I know neither build systems, though both use independent techs. I'm sure a lot of them build on the side if asked.

[Alaron]

Can you build it for him?

[bball_1523]

Originally Posted by Alaron Can you build it for him?

I'm honestly too lazy. I built my current PC and it took forever for me and I don't feel like re-reading the instructions for it again.

so I'd rather have someone else build it.

[Staren]

Really, you'd be amazed how fast the second one goes. My first build took 2 days off and on, but that was mainly due to having to figure stuff out. My second build from opening boxes to basic Windows up and running took about 3 hours. I can easily go from parts to Windows set-up exactly as I like it in an afternoon now.

[bball_1523]

Originally Posted by Staren Really, you'd be amazed how fast the second one goes. My first build took 2 days off and on, but that was mainly due to having to figure stuff out. My second build from opening boxes to basic Windows up and running took about 3 hours. I can easily go from parts to Windows set-up exactly as I like it in an afternoon now.

well it's been 1.5 years so I might've forgotten some things, although I can always use a guide. I'm just afraid to wasting too much time honestly.

[Staren]

My main thinking is that you either go pre-build or you go custom. I've looked at the in-between options and I've never been too happy with any of them. I'd be fine with a Dell or an HP as long as it was a good up to date system. It will either work or you call them up and they deal with it. Or if you build yourself you know exactly what's where and you can take care of any problems. I couldn't trust some random guy though. I'd end up practicaly rebuilding the system anyway just to make sure. With a major manufacturer you'll get what you're owed in the end. It may take some doing but you'll get it. But that's not a given with what you want to do.

If I had to do it this way, I'd pony up for Falcon or Voodoo.

[bball_1523]

do major companies like HP and Dell allow you to upgrade your own parts?

[newbuilder14]

Unfortunately, that is the downside. There is only limited room for upgrade. I would encourage you to rethink build it for him, but if you didn't want to, I'd look into a Dell XPS.

[glc]

The XPS 710 is the only Dell that has a strong enough power supply for a decent gaming video card. That's going to kill his budget.

I have no problem with Dell - they are a lot of computer for the money and are reasonably customizable - but there ARE limitations.

[bball_1523]

Ok so we are going to build the PC with separate parts. Here are the parts. Tell me what you think and if there are any compatibility issues:

1) CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6400 - Retail $221

2) MOBO: Intel BOXDG965WHMKR LGA 775 Intel G965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $126.99

3) RAM: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400 - Retail $200.99-$40.00 rebate=$160.99

4) Videocard: EVGA 256-P2-N624-AR GeForce 7900GS 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 KO Video Card - Retail $154.99-$15.00 rebate=$139.99

5) Harddrive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 ST3250824AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $69.99

6) CASE: Antec LifeStyle SONATA II Piano Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 450Watt SmartPower 2.0 Power Supply - Retail $99.99-$50.00 rebate=$49.99

7) PSU: Antec True Power Trio TP3-550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply with Three 12V Rails - Retail $99.99

8) DVD-Burner: LITE-ON 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write Black IDE Model LH-18A1P-185 - OEM $27.99

9) LCD Monitor: SAMSUNG 720N Black 17" 8ms LCD Monitor - Retail $174.99-$40.00 rebate=$134.99

10) Soundcard: M-audio Firewire solo $179.95

Total cost excluding rebates=$1356.87

Total cost including rebates=$1211.87

What do you guys think about this setup? Are there any conflicting devices? Do you recommend any other devices in replace of any of the ones I listed above?

Is the videocard good enough for all the current games out there? Does Direct X 10 matter?

[Caddywompus81]

First thing is try and get a Retail drive--as it comes with software. The second thing that most may say here, is choose either the E6300 or the E6600. I think your brother would be fine with the E6300.

[bball_1523]

Originally Posted by Caddywompus81 First thing is try and get a Retail drive--as it comes with software. The second thing that most may say here, is choose either the E6300 or the E6600. I think your brother would be fine with the E6300.

ok, the reason I chose 6400 is because one of my friends has one and it works great. But if 6300 works good and almost as great as 6400, then I guess I can choose 6300.

well I honestly don't think I need a retail harddrive because I have two OEM's in my current computer and they were easy to install.

[Staren]

The reason we suggest retail CD drives is that they come with Nero & PowerDVD so you just have them and don't have to buy anything else and there arn't any real great free burning tools. You can same a little more money buy dropping down to DDR2 667. That's the matched speed for C2D processors. You only really need the 800 if you plan to overclock.

[doubledragon5]

Neither the OEM or Retail come with firmware for the drives themselves, The retail version comes with software for burning CD's DVD....

[flanzig1]

Should bump the HD up to the 7200.10, they are faster.
Also, could hold off on the sound card and try the on-board sound. Then use the money to get a 19" monitor.

[freakitchen]

Regarding the video card - Direct X 10 does matter if you want to be able to enjoy future games as they were intended - it will soon be the new standard.

Suggest you go for a 'placeholder' Direct X 9 video card - like the 7600GS/GT that will tide you over until the full range of DX10 cards have been released and you can upgrade.

FK

[glc]

No reason to buy a motherboard with onboard video - change that to the Asus P5B-E if you need Firewire. The power supply that comes with the Sonata case will drive a 7900GS, no need for the Trio. Worry about replacing it later if you upgrade to a strong DX10 card.

Flanzig, that's an external sound device for doing the audio editing.

[bball_1523]

Originally Posted by Staren The reason we suggest retail CD drives is that they come with Nero & PowerDVD so you just have them and don't have to buy anything else and there arn't any real great free burning tools. You can same a little more money buy dropping down to DDR2 667. That's the matched speed for C2D processors. You only really need the 800 if you plan to overclock.

well I am honestly not really concerned with bundled software, I have that taken care of.

Should bump the HD up to the 7200.10, they are faster. Also, could hold off on the sound card and try the on-board sound. Then use the money to get a 19" monitor.

I want to m-audio because my bro wants to make music and onboard audio is terrible for that. You need a low latency card to work with recording music. I have a firewire solo myself and it is great!

Regarding the video card - Direct X 10 does matter if you want to be able to enjoy future games as they were intended - it will soon be the new standard. Suggest you go for a 'placeholder' Direct X 9 video card - like the 7600GS/GT that will tide you over until the full range of DX10 cards have been released and you can upgrade. FK

How good is the 7600 GS/GT compared to a 6800 GT 256 mb? Will the 7600 play a game such as Doom 3 or Oblivion at good graphics settings and good framerate? My 6800 GT plays Oblivion at good graphics.

No reason to buy a motherboard with onboard video - change that to the Asus P5B-E if you need Firewire. The power supply that comes with the Sonata case will drive a 7900GS, no need for the Trio. Worry about replacing it later if you upgrade to a strong DX10 card. Flanzig, that's an external sound device for doing the audio editing.

I think the PSU might be too loud because I have the Sonata II with psu and it makes a loud fan noise, but then that could be my CPU too, I'm unsure. I think Nvidia recommended I get a 500W psu for the 7900 GS.

[blue60007]

Here's a comparison chart for video cards...
http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphi...=538&chart=198

Looks like the 7600 is a little better than the 6800 GT.

[bball_1523]

Originally Posted by blue60007 Here's a comparison chart for video cards... http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphi...=538&chart=198 Looks like the 7600 is a little better than the 6800 GT.

hmm, I guess I'll tell him to get that then, until the DX10 games start rolling in.

[bball_1523]

for the Asus P5B-E mobo, can I insert ddr2 600 ram?

And it says "Notice: Only DDR2-800 memory supporting JEDEC approved 1.8V operation with timings of 5-5-5 or 6-6-6 is supported on Intel Desktop Boards based on Intel 965 Express Chipsets."

What does that mean?

[freakitchen]

If you decide to go the 'placeholder' video card - with the view to upgrading - route, then I'd suggest purchasing a case without a power supply, and going for the 550w Antec you originally chose. This will have enough juice to run a more powerful DX10 video card, without the need for upgrading. Can't say that for the 450w smartpower that comes with the Sonata II.

There's little point in buying the Sonata II if you have no use for the PSU - that's a quality unit you'd be getting rid of. Antec do cases without PSUs installed, another alternative is coolermaster.

FK

[bball_1523]

Originally Posted by Freakitchen If you decide to go the 'placeholder' video card - with the view to upgrading - route, then I'd suggest purchasing a case without a power supply, and going for the 550w Antec you originally chose. This will have enough juice to run a more powerful DX10 video card, without the need for upgrading. Can't say that for the 450w smartpower that comes with the Sonata II. There's little point in buying the Sonata II if you have no use for the PSU - that's a quality unit you'd be getting rid of. Antec do cases without PSUs installed, another alternative is coolermaster. FK

is this coolermaster case any good?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119094

[glc]

What that is saying is if you DO use DDR2-800, it must meet those specs. It will run any DDR2-667 fine.

[bball_1523]

how about this RAM:

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820145098

Corsair valueselect. What's the difference between PC2 5300 and PC2 5400? Will the MOBO support either?

[LeftyAce]

That's fine. PC 5300 is 667 Mhz; 5400 is 675. The 667 is already faster than that processor, so there's no point spending the extra money.

[freakitchen]

Originally Posted by bball_1523 is this coolermaster case any good? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119094

Cases are a personal preference thing - that one looks fine.