$1500 computer (Needs to get me through college)

[brynkng87]

I have a $1500 budget to make the best computer that I can. I need it to last for the next four years. Hypothetically I can upgrade, but at most probably only the GPU and memory in a couple years. I'd like to run the DX10 games as they come out the next couple years, especially Crysis. I made a wish list on newegg, so if you guys could take a look at it and give me your feedback I'd greatly appreciate it.


https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion...41500+Computer

[kamikazi_tom]

Looks like your off to a GREAT start!
I have a few suggestions:
1: Are you into overclocking? If you are Id suggest an e6400 instead of e6600. Reason is that the e6600 usually Overclocks to 3.2GHZ, while e6400 gets up to 3.6 on air. If you don't Overclock, then stick with the e6600.
2. An aftermarket CPU Cooler would be a good idea along with some Artic Silver
3. I personally hate MSI boards with all of my might, but that is just me. For that price I would recomend an ASUS P5N-E SLI or an EVGA 650i SLI LT. I have the eVGA and it kicks that MSI's boards butt in features

Good Luck!
Tom =]

[jer888]

That case is fine, and the power supply is GOOD quality, but for a gaming rig you will want something with alot of headroom and EXCELLENT quality.

CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 520W Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TUV, CCC, C-tick - Retail

Asus is the best for motherboards, and the P5K series is the most future proof option and will allow you the most upgradeability in the future.

ASUS P5K LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Video card is good.

The E6600 is great.

Stick with Corsair Value Select for RAM. Unless your overclocking, 667 will run right on par with the Core 2 Duo.

CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory - Retail

Hard Drive looks good.

Moniter is probably Ok, but the response time and contrast ratio arnt all that great, the response time being very important for games.

This moniter will preform better for gaming.

SAMSUNG 206BW Black 20" 2 ms (GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 800:1 (DCR 3000:1) - Retail

Stick with Lite-On for opticals. This will do everything you will need.

LITE-ON 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 40X CD-ROM IDE DVD Burner included extra White bezel - Retail

You won't need a sound card. The onboard sound should be fine.

[kamikazi_tom]

I am going to have to strongly disagree with jer about the powersupply. I have this exact powersupply and it is a BEAST. Runs my rig which is constantly OC'ed.

Antect SmartPower Pwns! =P

[jer888]

For a high end gaming build? I know Antec is good quality but there is no way that SmartPower is better then the Corsair for high end rigs.

[Cricket]

What Antec Smart Power? All I see is a OCZ StealthXStream in brynkng87's wish list.

Between the OCZ StealthXStream and the Corsair, I'd go with the Corsair.

Cricket

[jer888]

Oh, he must of changed it, there was a Antec Smartpower 500 there before.

[eul0gy]

Originally Posted by kamikazi_tom For that price I would recomend an ASUS P5N-E SLI or an EVGA 650i SLI LT. Tom =]

I agree, go with the ASUS.

Also, one little thing...don't buy a G5.
http://www.esreality.com/?a=longpost&id=1300293&page=5

As you can see the Deathadder absolutely blows it away.

And, if it's possible for you to wait, come July 22nd, the e6750 at 2.66GHz will only be $183. While the e6850, at 3.00GHz, will be a mere $266.

http://www.techpowerup.com/img/07-05-15/Inte.jpg