$800 CAN build -- need video card suggestion (edit)

[geokilla]

I'm helping my friend build his $800 CAN gaming computer. His computer will primarily be used for gaming. I've done some research for him since he doesn't know much about computers. I must go with AMD because of the $700 budget. There will be no overclocking, and there will also be no expensive cases or PSU. We're going to buy from Canada Computers so the computer case and the PSU will be from Canada Computers as well. He cannot wait any longer and he wants his computer within a few weeks.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 65W
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.ph...wProduct&cmd=pd&pid=011232&cid=CPU.907

or

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ (65nm)
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.ph...wProduct&cmd=pd&pid=012775&cid=CPU.907

Asus M2N-E
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.ph...owProduct&cmd=pd&pid=010459&cid=MB.526

LG GSA-H22N
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.ph...owProduct&cmd=pd&pid=011389&cid=CR.184

Corsair DDR2 PC2-5300 667MHz Value Select 1GB Kit (2X512MB)
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.ph...wProduct&cmd=pd&pid=011168&cid=RAM.475

Western Digital 250GB Caviar SATAII 16MB Cache
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.ph...howProduct&cmd=pd&pid=007311&cid=HD.96

Mask Case (by Canada Computers)
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.ph...owProduct&cmd=pd&pid=009203&cid=CS.664

or Nova Case
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.ph...owProduct&cmd=pd&pid=008614&cid=CS.664

The total price for the 3800+ is $522.88 with the $14.99 assembly fee.

OS and Monitor are not needed.

I'm missing the video card since I can't decide what video card I should get for him. I know the case is really cheap, but I'm using the Nova case and it's running pretty fine right now. Are there any problems with this build? Am I missing any parts? If I am, please post what I am missing. Also any recommendations for his build is greatly appreciated.

Since we are 15 year olds, we don't know how to assemble a computer, and we both don't want to take that risk. Many thanks from both my friend and I.

 

[Alone]

A couple tips/suggestions:
1. For computer hardware in Canada, order from NCIX.com
2. Don't buy an AMD right now. For the money, it's simply not worth it. Get an E6300.
3. Assembling a computer is easy. I built my first one back in October and couldn't be happier. Everything fits in only one spot, and assuming you don't shower with it, it'll be fine. Worse case scenario; you have to send back one part if a problem occurs (rare). That's better than sending back an entire computer because the hard drive fails (holy shipping costs, batman!)

EDIT: For the Intel build...why are you buying hardware that is primarily for overclocking?

 

[WobbleWobble]

Originally posted by: Alone
A couple tips/suggestions:
1. For computer hardware in Canada, order from NCIX.com
2. Don't buy an AMD right now. For the money, it's simply not worth it. Get an E6300.
3. Assembling a computer is easy. I built my first one back in October and couldn't be happier. Everything fits in only one spot, and assuming you don't shower with it, it'll be fine. Worse case scenario; you have to send back one part if a problem occurs (rare). That's better than sending back an entire computer because the hard drive fails (holy shipping costs, batman!)

NCIX has great selection but their prices are not the greatest and he may be local to Canada Computers. There are multiple threads on other Canadian computer e-tailers.

If you are simply not comfortable building a computer, then just get the store to assemble it based on your parts selection for a minimal fee. Best of all, you get a system warranty rather than component warranty that way.

Looks like you might be missing a PSU as well. So you might want to look at getting Sparkle or Fortron as they are quality PSUs that don't break the bank. If you want to hear the story of my friend's computer getting entirely fried because of a cheap no-name PSU I can tell you about it.

You can look at cheaper RAM lines. Such as the Corsair Value Line, to save a few bucks. Still quality memory, but cheaper.

 

[Alone]

My Corsair Value ram allowed me to boost it up to 940Mhz. I'm not gonna start complaining anytime soon.

 

[geokilla]

I bought my computer from Canada Computers before. My computer was similar to the AMD setup that I posted here except for the CPU, and RAM. My friend and I seriously don't want to take the risk and the assembly cost is only $14.99 so it's worth it. They're also very friendly, and have great service.

I'm going with the E4300 and the OCZ RAM because it's cheaper than the E6300 and the other RAMS that Canada Computers currently has. As for the PSU, I'm using the PSU that comes along with the case and they've been great. It's been around 5 months and it's been problem free. My parent's P4 is using a no-name PSU too. We're trying to keep the cost down.

Well I think we're gonna go with the Intel route anyways. Am I missing anything parts besides the video card? I can't decide on which video card to get for him. I'm thinking about the 7900GS instead of the 7600GT since the price difference is only $30.

Also, are the AMD Ready to Go Systems worth it, or would I be better off building the Intel setup.

Any comment on the video cards and the computer parts are greatly appreciated. My friend and I thank the forum members in advance.

 

[Alone]

For $30 extra, the 7900GS is a great choice (I use one myself).

 

[theAnimal]

From directcanada.com:

E4300 $209.15

P5B $149.58

LG GSA-H22N $36.79

FSP ATX400-PN 400W PSU $37.25

From ncix.com:

Corsair Value Select PC2 5400 1GB $81.99

EVGA 7600GT $115.99

No PST for both sites.

BTW, you don't need a hard drive?

 

[geokilla]

Oh yea. Well, there goes the Intel setup. He was saying that he couldn't pay $40 extra for the 7900GS.

 

[Alone]

I seriously suggest you advise him to save up. I rushed into things and ended up regretting it when I purchased better hardware only a couple months in. I mean, I built my computer in October and I already have almost enough parts to build a C2D server.

 

[geokilla]

I doubt he can wait though. He's been waiting for I think a few months just to get his $700 budget. Making the budget to $750 will be difficult....probably.

So far, the parts are fine right? I have everything except for the video card. I don't think I forgot anything else. Thanks theAnimal for reminding me that I forgot the hard drive.

 

[geokilla]

The OP has been edited. Are the parts fine? I'm using the M2N-E and it's been great, despite the negative posts in the motherboard section.

 

[geokilla]

bump for comments and suggestions please.

 

[geokilla]

anyone please.

 

[Thoreau]

For the price, that's a pretty decent setup. Assuming he isn't planning to play at insane resolutions with all the details cranked up to the max...

 

[geokilla]

How about the video card. It certainly looks like I will have enough money for the BFG 7900GS. That card costs $179.99 after rebate.

Also, should he get the X-2 4000+ or 3800+. What is the difference between the two except for the 65nm and the 100MHZ speed difference. Is it worth it to get the 4000+ instead?

 

[geokilla]

anyone please?

 

[locutus12]

quoted from a $500 build i did for someone on here.

Originally posted by: locutus12
Pioneer 16X DVD±R DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827129001


Rosewill R5604-BK 0.8mm SECC Screw-less Dual 120mm Fans ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811147037


Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822144415R


Sunbeam NUUO SUNNU450-US-BK ATX12V / EPS12V 450W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817709002


WINTEC AMPO 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820161067



**combo deal**
ABIT NF-M2S Socket AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Brisbane 2.3GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADO4400DDBOX - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductCo...gory=22&PageSize=10&SortField=0&Page=1
(its the bottom combo deal)

i checked all the item reviews and compatibility's out myself, its all good and all has tons of features, PSU also has active PFC and dual 12v rails so he will be safe if he wants to pop himself a graphics card in there at a later date for gaming. also the motherboard has some overclocking capacity as does the CPU just in case he needs a few more Mhz


price:

$498.99 with shipping.

for the G card, either wait for the 8600GT or an ATi equivelant, your only talking a couple of weeks, you should be able to pick it up for around $180.

Originally posted by: Alone
A couple tips/suggestions:
1. For computer hardware in Canada, order from NCIX.com
2. Don't buy an AMD right now. For the money, it's simply not worth it. Get an E6300.
3. Assembling a computer is easy. I built my first one back in October and couldn't be happier. Everything fits in only one spot, and assuming you don't shower with it, it'll be fine. Worse case scenario; you have to send back one part if a problem occurs (rare). That's better than sending back an entire computer because the hard drive fails (holy shipping costs, batman!)

EDIT: For the Intel build...why are you buying hardware that is primarily for overclocking?

1,NCIX.com is more expensive than canada computers.
2, AMD are worth it, there prices are far lower than intel and as the OP isnt overclocking he gets a better deal from AMD.as for intel, if your an ethical kind of shopper, dont use them. they are are bad bad company. nothing wrong with the CPU`s at all, just terrible unlawful business practices for nigh on fifteen years.
3, computer assembling is only easy if you know how to do it or your building a basic system. Some people dont want to take the risk and for a $15 assembly fee i can understand why.



p.s. i just noticed you want to buy from canada so i drew this up for you...

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.ph...wProduct&cmd=pd&pid=012775&cid=CPU.907

Western Digital 250GB Caviar SATAII 16MB Cache
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.ph...howProduct&cmd=pd&pid=007311&cid=HD.96

Nova Case
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.ph...owProduct&cmd=pd&pid=008614&cid=CS.664

MSI K9N Neo-F Socket AM2 nVidia nForce 550 DDR2 400/533/667/800 SATA II 7.1 Channel Audio Gigabit Lan PCI-E 16X
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.ph...owProduct&cmd=pd&pid=010256&cid=MB.526
This motherboard is a better option for you, the asus one you chose is mainly for overclocking enthusiasts given its unique cooling features, its also a top of the line board which seems an awful waste of money given this board here has the same features.


Pioneer 16x DVD writer 111D, you chose an LG drive, they tend to be noisy and unrelable. spend the extra $3 and get a pioneer, second only to plextor.
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.ph...owProduct&cmd=pd&pid=009615&cid=CR.184

Corsair XMS 2 TWIN2X1024-5400C4 Matched Pairs 1GB kit (2x512MB) Xtreme Memory DDR2 667Mhz PC5400 <-- good performing ram, a little more expensive than kingston, alot better.
http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.ph...owProduct&cmd=pd&pid=009615&cid=CR.184

total: $471.96

and remember, wait for the graphics card. not worth getting a DX9 card now, not with the 8600GT and ATI r600 launch just around the corner/

 

[locutus12]

ooops double post

 

[wwswimming]

basically i want one of these myself. love that heat sink.

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?...=EAX1950PRO/HTDP/256M&manufacture=ASUS

ASUS Radeon X1950 Pro EAX1950PRO/HTDP/256M

$255 Canadian at NCIX. i think Newegg has it for about $180 US. maybe you could get it for about $210 Canadian.

i have the eVGA 7600GT. it's in the system i'm using to try to learn 3D Max. it goes well with the 74 GB Raptor ... when i do a graphics intensive zoom or view pan or rotate the fan on the 7600 GT will power up - not noisy. those cards are about $120 US.

 

[geokilla]

OK. So the budget has been bumped up to $780. Do I still use the AMD setup or does he have enough money for a decent Core2Duo now. If I go Core2 for him, I've been planning a E4300 and P5B for him. Is this a good Intel setup or is there a cheaper CPU/Motherboard setup.

Even though the 8600GT is around the corner, he doesn't want to wait for the 8600GT. When is the 8600GT coming out? Is it in mid-March? If he does insist on getting a video card now, hould I get him the 7900GS or the 1950Pro? The price difference between the two cards is over $50.

 

[geokilla]

Anyone please? The computer will be ordered on Thursday.