$700 Gaming Rig suggestions

[Berethorn]

Hi! I need some help here, I've been out of the loop for a while and my friend wants a new computer to play games (any sort of game, should be able to play new ones for a while).

His budget is about $700. Could go up if there's a good reason.

A major consideration is future proofing - it should last him a while. Intel or AMD, there's no preference.

He has an SATA hard drive and 22" monitor already. He'll be using Windows XP for now.

Any suggestions? Help is appreciated, as always! Thank you guys.

[shadowpr]

MB: Asus P5Q
CPU: E8500
Ram: 2x2gb ddr2-800
PSU: Corsair 650
Video: 4890 (Others might know of better)
Case: Personal choice. I like the antec 300.

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by shadowpr MB: Asus P5Q CPU: E8500 Ram: 2x2gb ddr2-800 PSU: Corsair 650 Video: 4890 (Others might know of better) Case: Personal choice. I like the antec 300.

You can't go wrong with those parts. Future proofing is tough, so much is coming out. i7 is the newest platform but it won't fit in your budget.

The AMD AM3 is the newest from AMD and it will fit in the budget. You don't need a quad core for Gaming but you might consider the AMD 940 Deneb it is about the same price as the E8500 and it is a Quad Core.

[Berethorn]

Great, thanks!

Is there a point to getting a quad core, as far as gaming goes? I hear it's not as fast at Dual Core, so do you think it's worth it in the long run?

That 4890 video card is pretty expensive - I realize it's the most important part of the rig, but what would be the next option down? Unless the performance difference is quite impressive I'm thinking a $150 card could be fine for a while.

And, is Corsair Twin-X still the stuff to get or is something like GSkill just as good?

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by Berethorn Great, thanks! Is there a point to getting a quad core, as far as gaming goes? I hear it's not as fast at Dual Core, so do you think it's worth it in the long run? That 4890 video card is pretty expensive - I realize it's the most important part of the rig, but what would be the next option down? Unless the performance difference is quite impressive I'm thinking a $150 card could be fine for a while. And, is Corsair Twin-X still the stuff to get or is something like GSkill just as good?

No, you don't need a Quad Core to game. The E8500 is all you need in a CPU to game and should be plenty enough for at least 2 more years of gaming.

You might want to consider the ATI 4670 if you feel the 4890 is too expensive, again it all depends on what games you are going to play.
Is there a type of game you are looking at, mmo, fps. Can you give us an example of the type games you like?

[Berethorn]

Mostly FPS-types, I think. Again, it's not for me, it's for a friend, but he seems to like war-type shooting games. It should be able to play any kind of game, though not necessarily at the absolute top options. I don't know if he'll want to try Crysis (which seems to be the benchmark these days), but something similarly intensive will come along. I'd like to have a couple options to give him anyway anyway. 4890 can be the high end. What about the 4870 or 4850 for mid-range, and 4770 for low-end (it seems to have replaced the 4670)?

And just bumping my question: is Corsair XMS2 TwinX better than G.Skill memory?

[glc]

Those are both quality ram manufacturers. If you use an Asus motherboard, it's best to use ram listed on the QVL for that board, but I've never had an issue with Corsair XMS2 on Asus boards except for a couple DOA's.

[Khalil]

The specs and benchmarks show the 4890 as faster than the 4870 but it is not noticeable when gaming.
We sold 2 machines this week with 4890s, we tested both with several games, we are not seeing any change in game experience over the 4870.

[Berethorn]

That's good to know!

Unfortunately we're going overbudget. We're in Canada and can't take advantage of the amazing Newegg prices. I might have to lower the standards of this machine, and am trying to decide whether it's best to get a better video card, better CPU, or neither. Getting both puts us overbudget which isn't desirable. Having done more research I'll list some CPU+GPU options as I see it with approximate dollar values, because it may help other people trying to build a similar computer:

Better gaming:
Intel E5200 and ATI 4870 ($350 CDN)

More future-proofed, since video card is easier to upgrade:
Intel E8500 and ATI 4770 ($380 CDN)

Best value:
Intel E5200 and ATI 4770 ($225 CDN)


And that's just Intel. Not ruling out AMD. Any thoughts? The problem is that I have no idea what the relative performance differences are. If the "Best value" combo will play CoD: World At War without lowering the settings too much, I think it'll be alright.

[glc]

Yes you can - go to www.newegg.ca!

[Berethorn]

Well, you're right of course, and their prices are a lot better than they were when they first started! But it's still more expensive after shipping, and I was going to get this one assembled by an expert at a local shop...unless it's cost effective enough that I can be roped into doing it myself.

[Khalil]

IMO the E5200 and a good video card like the 4770 will do very well for you.

AMD does not have any CPU in Dual Core that can match the power of the E8xxx from Intel. However the Kuma 2.8 Will out perform the E5200
Remember the E5200 is not a Core 2 Duo it is a Pentium Dual Core.

[scuderia]

Khalil:
In my limited experience, I am inclined to recommend the E8500 and the 4770 combo. Why is the E5200/4770 your choice?

(just trying to understand. )

[Berethorn]

I think he meant that for the cheaper combo, it will be fine - not necessarily that it's the best option regardless of price.

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by Berethorn I think he meant that for the cheaper combo, it will be fine - not necessarily that it's the best option regardless of price.

Yep that is what I meant

[Berethorn]

More questions!

The P5Q is recommended for the Intels, right? What's the best motherboard for the AMD 7850, or Deneb 940?

[Khalil]

Built over a 100 of these so far and not a problem http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131381