Good gaming rig for around $600?

[vertimyst]

I've been hearing from some people I know that they've built good gaming rigs for around $600. I've been looking into eventually building one for myself, but I've always managed to get the price around $2000. I read Dave's article on 'Mini PCs' (http://www.pcmech.com/article/mini-pcs/), though, and one guy I know apparently built his with a Shuttle case (http://us.shuttle.com/). I'm not sure which model to get, though.

The system would be mainly geared toward gaming, as I have a laptop running a Linux/WinXP dual boot that I use for everything else.

Regarding the Shuttle MiniPC, it seems I can save a fair bit of money buying that rather than buying a normal case and the components separately. I normally buy from Tigerdirect.ca, but they don't seem to have a lot in the way of 'MiniPC' barebone systems. Where would you recommend to order from? I live in Canada.

I'm thinking of a system that can run games like Bioshock, and Crysis - mostly the newer, high-end games.

I'm leaning more towards Intel as opposed to AMD, and possibly Vista rather than XP. Regarding that, I tried Vista out and I really don't like it, but the reason I chose Vista is because of DX10 and games like Halo 3 and Crysis. I've heard that there's no real advantage to DX10, and I know of the workarounds to run Halo 3 on XP. Which would you recommend for a gaming system?

This is my first time building my own system.

[Dave21]

I'm not too sure about shuttle minipcs, maybe someone could comment on that.

However, for your budget, do you need a monitor, keyboard, etc?

I would recommend going with ncix.com. They have much better deals and is more reliable than tigerdirect.

[Lespaul20]

$600 is all but impossible to build a real gaming PC capable of playing the games you mentioned. You are going to have to up your budget or you will be pretty disappointed when you go to play the latest games.

[vertimyst]

Thanks for the fast replies.

I own several keyboards, albeit old. I also have a 19" 1280x1024 monitor (Samsung), but it doesn't work very well. I'm going to try to clean it out, as I think it may be getting overheated. If not, I'll look into purchasing a new monitor. So right now I do have what I need on that front.

Lespaul20, that's what I said when the guy said he was building it for $600. How much money do you think I'll have to spend for a system like that?

[Lespaul20]

I would plan on spending at least $1000 for a quality gaming build.

[vertimyst]

Alright - that's still within my limited budget. If these 'MiniPCs' are indeed reliable I might look into getting one of those and adding on extra stuff for gaming. Since I occasionally go to LAN parties and such I like that they're on the small side and portable.

[Dave21]

I'm going to attempt a build anyways and see the price:
asus p5k $134
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...S&promoid=1006

intel e4500 $140
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...ufacture=Intel

ocz 600 w PSU $67
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...y&promoid=1006

Corsair xms2 $35
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...R&promoid=1006

8800 GT $220
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...y&promoid=1006

WD 250 GB hdd $70
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...l&promoid=1006

That adds up to around $670. You also still need to select a case and optical drives as well which would amount to around $800.

I say save up $1000 to get a really decent gaming rig.

[vertimyst]

Yeah, saving up for that seems the way to go. Thanks for your input.

One more thing, regarding an OS. Would XP or Vista be better? I tried Vista but I didn't like it very much, other than the Aero effects, which I can achieve on XP anyway with skins.

[Dave21]

Originally Posted by vertimyst Yeah, saving up for that seems the way to go. Thanks for your input. One more thing, regarding an OS. Would XP or Vista be better? I tried Vista but I didn't like it very much, other than the Aero effects, which I can achieve on XP anyway with skins.

Then I guess you answered the question yourself. XP is more stable. However if you want to take on the full advantages of direct x 10, you should go with vista 32 bit.

[Katreat]

From Dave21 list you could also save a bit on the video card if you considered the ATI 3870, still a very nice card that will play newer games well. they also have the 3850 and 8800Gt in the 256 variety, but on the newest games you will have to sacrafice video quality.

I think you could also get buy with around 500w on the PSU so with some of the rebates I have seen lately tht could take a few $ off also and still have a quality unit.

would not go much lower on the rest of the list, it is solid.

Kat

Kat

[Lespaul20]

I would shy a way from any of the minipcs. They likely won't have have a large enough power supply.

[vertimyst]

@Kat: Alright, thanks for your suggestions. I'll keep them in mind.

@Lespaul20: Yeah, good point. Although the size is attractive I like to have a decent case and upgrade room, as well.