Gaming Pc- Please Advise

[Quinn]

Hello Everyone-

I am a first time builder,but do have some basic knowledge.

Budget-1000 dollars

Does Not include Monitor,OS,and Case.

I decided to go with with the Antec Nine Hundred Gaming Case.I really like the cooling this case has to offer for gaming.I thought about the dust factor,but it's nothing compressed air can't resolve.

XP Pro- Glad I bought a copy.

I still need a cpu,motherboard,video card,and ram.I will also take any suggestions on a dvd drive and a decent hard drive.I plan on using a virtual drive to play pc games.It is much easier to mount,install and play.

I am thinking of a dual core chip,4 gigs of ram,and want a motherboard that is dependable.Having all the bells and whistles is not a major priority.


Thanks.....

[Khalil]

welcome to pcmech.

here is a list of hardware for a powerful gaming build to fit under your budget

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103771
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131340
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102770
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151027
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148301
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106226

Good luck

[08Lazer08]

I think its better to take a Core 2 Duo CPU its better for gaming.

[Khalil]

The CPU has very little to do with gaming, 90% of the load is on the GPU, the Core2Duo is awesome and if the original poster was looking to do Multimedia I would have suggested a core2duo however for gaming the advantage is AMD because it cost so much less for the same performance.

[not important]

XP has a 3.something GB limit. I would also suggest the Intel Dual Core CPU. You could also save a little money by going with the Antec 300 and adding your own fans as needed.

[Quinn]

First- Thanks to all who replied.

As I mentioned,I have some basic knowledge in hardware,but much better in configuring software.I should of mentioned all of my requirements.I used to do alot of video encoding,but a divx player resolved the constant need to encode.

I need the multi-media side because I love to multi-task,and want that advantage.Yes,this thread is about building a gaming pc,so I need the best of both worlds.I guess technology has spoiled my interests.

Anyway,I need to make a decision on a cpu.As mentioned, I have a good gaming case,and will be using windows xp pro 32 bit os.I aslo understand that with for gigs of memory I will only be able to use about 3.5 gigs.I have alot of pc games,so the latest and greatest would be nice to run,but I'm not going to split hairs because I can't play every game.

I still need alot of help here to build a nice rig,but I need to make a cpu choice.Here are the 2 chips I am considering,but undecided.


Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor


* Processors Type: Desktop
* Series: Core 2 Duo
* FSB: 1333MHz
* L2 Cache: 6MB
* Manufacturing Tech: 45 nm
* 64 bit Support: Yes
* Hyper-Threading Support: No
* Virtualization Technology Support: Yes
* Model #: BX80570E8400
* Item #: N82E16819115037
* Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy


AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz Socket AM2 125W Dual-Core Processor


* Processors Type: Desktop
* Series: Athlon 64 X2
* Hyper Transports: 2000MHz
* L1 Cache: 128KB+128KB
* L2 Cache: 2 x 1MB
* Manufacturing Tech: 90 nm
* 64 bit Support: Yes
* Hyper-Transport Support: Yes
* Model #: ADX6000CZBOX
* Item #: N82E16819103773
* Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy

[chuck4456]

The monitor and the case from this list and you have your build:

BUILD LIST

[strjms72]

I think its better to take a Core 2 Duo CPU. For gamming you need a 4GB RAM, 200 GB hard and a videocard with 1-2GB.

[Khalil]

Either CPU will do the job for gaming. It is up to you to choose how much you want to spend.

In benchmarks the Intel E8400 is definately superior however in the real world and playability when it comes to gaming once the Video card is taking charge you will notice no difference at all between the 2 processors.

I would go with the AMD and put the money in even a better video card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121277

[Quinn]

Here is my update,but still need help...

Edit: Need monitor

Budget- 1000.00 dollars for the best gaming case I can build.I will also be doing alot of video encoding,and multi-tasking.Can go a little higher,but I would like to stay on budget.

I have some concerns and questions,but here is my build so far........


OS - XP Pro 32bit It's all about playing a wide range of games.New and old.Already purchased and waiting for a home.

Case - Antec 900 I bought this a few months ago.I'm drooling over the Antec 1200,but I'm still happy with this purchase.


Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036 $190.00


Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST31000340AS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148274 $119.00

One TB!I'm already considering (2) at this price.


ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131299 $114.00

EVGA 512-P3-N871-AR GeForce 9800 GTX(G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130339 &150.00

This card is the best bang for your buck now a days. Some people underestimate what this card can do so they go for 280s and 4870x2s. Those are really over kill unless your favorite game is Crysis/warhead/Farcry2. This can burn all the main stream games. CSS, COD4, TF2, you name it,easily at max settings.

I also read this card is very long,and I'm sure it will be a squeeze into a Antec 900.I have not purchased this card yet,so it's not written in stone.


PC Power & Cooling S75QB 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI NVIDIA SLI Certified (Dual 8800 GTX and below) CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817703009 $135.00 with a 35 dollar mail in rebate

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retai
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006 $120.00 with a 20 dollar mail in rebate


I am still deciding on which power supply to get out of the two listed above.Either way I have some flexibility to add some hardware,and still have the power.The Corsair seemed to be hit or miss.I hear alot more about DOA Corsairs then Pc Power and Cooling.



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135156 $35.00
ASUS Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 14X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe - Retail

Not bad For 35.00 dollars

Asus DRW-2014L1T DVD burner gives you 20X speed and impressive features so you get results, not coasters! Asus brings you smooth, reliable performance, every time. FlextraSpeed recognizes your destination media and sets the write speed for best recording quality. Using the drive's 2 MB buffer, FlextraLink prevents buffer under-run, so instead of bad disc "coasters," you get usable media, every time.

The Asus AVRS (Auto Vibration Reducing System) reduces vibration and noise by adjusting the balance of the disc and spindle as it operates, whether the drive is mounted horizontally or vertically. These Asus’ technologies make minimal demand on your system resources so your PC is ready for other work during the recording process. Your time and blank discs are too valuable to waste!




*Need Help with ram.I heard Asus is very picky about ram would like to get 4 gigs even though xp it will only recognize 3.3 gigs.

*Need a good gaming monitor without breaking the bank 22" -24"

[tomtoon]

You should get the 64BIT version of XP or Vista as thats cheaper as you want 4GB RAM

Its up to you.

I reccommend this RAM form NEWEGG

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184

$69.99 but only $39.99 after mail-in rebate.

[Quinn]

Originally Posted by tomtoon You should get the 64BIT version of XP or Vista as thats cheaper as you want 4GB RAM Its up to you. I reccommend this RAM form NEWEGG http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184 $69.99 but only $39.99 after mail-in rebate.

I already bought a copy of xp pro 32 bit,I know 64 bit is better,but will this effect me from playing older games.I'm not talking stone age,but games released 2 to 3 years ago.I have a copy of virtual pc,and can run multiple os systems at once.I know,I still need a copy of xp 64.No problem.What is the major difference here between 64 bit vs 32 bit,and do i need to upgrade board,ram ect....

Thanks for the link on the ram.Does Asus boards play nice with CORSAIR?

[tomtoon]

No, 64-bit version is only for 4GB RAM or more.

You will not need to upgrade anything.

Possibly drivers though when you install it.

[Quinn]

I am ordering parts tomorrow,and still need some advice.

20 to 22" monitor that will not break the bank.

I am putting this board and psu in a Antec 900.
ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
PC Power & Cooling S75QB 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI NVIDIA SLI Certified (Dual 8800 GTX and below)


Any concerns that I need to know about?

Thanks.......

[SCKiller]

I just bought this monitor and I'm very happy with it. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824005116

[Quinn]

Originally Posted by SCKiller I just bought this monitor and I'm very happy with it. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824005116

Sweet! I think I just found my new monitor.Thanks for the link SCKiller.

I was going to order parts today,but I delayed the order.As I mentioned,I'm using a ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard with a Antec 900.I have been researching possible problems and tips using this motherboard.Some of these potential problems have nothing to do with the mobo,but rather the case connections.

All the fans have a 4 pin molex connector,so I can't use the motherboard to hook up these connections.I also read the front panel wiring is short,so I might need adapters.Hey,I'm a first time builder,so this research can be somewhat daunting.I then to take psu into consideration.Another important variable.