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<$900 gaming PC advice - now not booting

V

Vehemence

Banned
Hello. I'm a new user/poster here but have been lurking for a while. I've assembled numerous machines over the years and usually just spend a few months researching the individual parts and have at it.

This time I'd like it to be a little different. I've been researching and reading articles on the components, but I'd appreciate some input from the mighty forums here. Any comments or criticisms welcome, as I'd like to get this rig as lean as possible while keeping it around for a long time.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. Gaming. My games primarily consist of World of Warcraft, RTS games, and the occasional FPS. LAN parties do sometimes break out which is why I'm looking a higher budget than WoW would require. No Crysis, I don't need max settings with AA/AF, but I'd like some good performance.

2. What YOUR budget is. No more than $1,500 US. This is exactly what my NewEgg build has come out to, including Vista Home Premium x32. The cheaper the better.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from. USA

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. Intel, nVidia, preferrably ASUS or Gigabyte

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are. From scratch. 22" widescreen LCD, 2.1 speakers, keyboard+mouse already bought. OS (Vista Home Premium x32) required.

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads. Yes. The reason I post mine is to show my current list of parts I've come to a conclusion to and to receive some insight from the members here on where to go with them (any stupid decisions, etc).

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds. I'd much prefer not to although it's not out of the question.

Some other notes: I'd prefer a modular PSU, SLI mobo, 3-4GB RAM, and the Wolfdale.

With that done, here are my located components:

CASE: Antec Performance One P180 - $115

PSU: SeaSonic M12 SS-600HM 600w - $145

MOBO: ASUS Maximus Formula X38 - $260

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale - $220

RAM: pgi 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2-800 - $45

Team Xtreem DARK 1GB (2x512MB) DDR2-800 - $28

GPU: Gigabyte GV-NX88T512HP Geforce 8800GT 512MB - $270

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 500GB - $120

DVD-RW: Samsung 20X DVD-R SATA - $28

Audio: Creative Sound Blaster X-fi XtremeGamer - $81

Vista Home Premium x32 OEM - $109.

Add in thermal compound, some exta fans, and a Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 and the total, before shipping+tax, comes to just under $1,500 US.

The reason I'm going with 3GB of RAM is I don't plan on going x64 any time soon, so the ~3.5GB limit isn't very appealing. I couldn't find exact RAM in 2x512MB, hence the differing brands.

All thoughts appreciated!
 

Just adding my little bit of comments..

Don't bother with X38 with that build. Stick with a P35.. Maybe if you wanted to go higher end I would get an Abit PRO

With 145 Dollars for a PSU go for a Cosair Modular 620HX

I have the P180 and it is very heavy..I was attracted to the Cosmos as it has the handles (but it is even heavier)

Also at 189 the E8400 is at microcenter.


 
Why Vista 32? Go for 4 gb RAM in 2 sticks and 64bit Vista.
You're spending $73 for 3 gb ram in 4 sticks...you can get 2x2gb ddr2-800 for that much or less.
2 sticks is better than 4.

Also, do you really need X38 board? What for? You don't want to go deep in o/c like you say. That leaves SLI. Tell you what, Gigabyte board based on P35 chipset (model name ends in DS3L) will run you $95. That's $165 cheaper than X38 board! Sure, you don't get SLI, but with $165+money you get when you sell your 8800GT you should be able to buy a newer generation card that will PWN two 8800GT in SLI!

Don't buy Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 yet, the stock fan/hsf on C2D is very nice.

Since I don't recommend going SLI, paying $145 for a PSU is MASSIVE OVERKILL. Get a quality 450-520w PSU for around $70-80, such as Corsair VX450. With one 8800GT, your system will draw under 250w power under load...if you go with VX450 for $80 (you can get it for less) that leaves you another 65$ for future video card upgrade - 165 from mobo+65 from PSU = $230! When you sell 8800GT you will have enough money to buy top end video card later on.
 
I'd rather stick to x32. If 4GB is better/cheaper than my listed 3GB 4 sticks, then that's welcomed.

The beefy PSU is for future upgrading with SLI, which I'd want as an option. Lowering the PSU while maintaining future SLI'd 8800GTs and modular (80 Plus very much liked although not necesaary) is all that's required.
 
Originally posted by: dNor
I'd rather stick to x32. If 4GB is better/cheaper than my listed 3GB 4 sticks, then that's welcomed.

The beefy PSU is for future upgrading with SLI, which I'd want as an option. Lowering the PSU while maintaining future SLI'd 8800GTs and modular (80 Plus very much liked although not necesaary) is all that's required.
Click to expand...

Definately go with a cheaper mobo at the very least..I was looking at the Maximus too and realized its ALOT of bells and whistles.

If you reduce your Mobo search to 100-150 there are a ton of great gigabyte boards to choose from.



 
Originally posted by: MegaVovaN
Keep in mind P35 does NOT support SLI.
Click to expand...

I'm just collecting the advice. I figured I'd get x64 recommendations.

Is a third party CPU cooler really not necessary? I realize it's a Wolfdale and most likely won't be overclocking, but I'm used to adding one in anyway.
 
3rd party CPU cooler is only needed for overclocking.

You chose a 45 nm CPU, it runs cooler than any CPU before it. For stock speed, stock cooler is definitely adequate.

I am running a E6750 (65nm) on stock cooler with mild overclock: 2.66 ghz --> 3.2 ghz.
Temps are in 40-50 under load which I can tolerate.

I figured I'd get x64 recommendations.
Click to expand...
What do you mean by this? Are you concerned that 64bit Vista is still "raw" and there are not enough 64bit drivers?
 
From what I have read SLI isn't a very linear gain on what you put into it. Im still running a 7800 GT OC on my 24" widescreen and it can still keep up somewhat decently. If it were me I'd just invest in a high end 8800 768mb card when the 9xxx series comes out rather than get 2x w/e



Also the Wolfdale is a shrink of the C2D's which produce very little heat compared to the Pentium D's..if you were overclocking I would say of course, but @ stock speeds it should run pretty cool with the stock cooler
 
Originally posted by: MegaVovaN
3rd party CPU cooler is only needed for overclocking.

You chose a 45 nm CPU, it runs cooler than any CPU before it. For stock speed, stock cooler is definitely adequate.

I am running a E6750 (65nm) on stock cooler with mild overclock: 2.66 ghz --> 3.2 ghz.
Temps are in 40-50 under load which I can tolerate.

I figured I'd get x64 recommendations.
Click to expand...
What do you mean by this? Are you concerned that 64bit Vista is still "raw" and there are not enough 64bit drivers?
Click to expand...

Okay thanks. So trimming down on the mobo (even if not dropping to P35), a lower wattage PSU (500w maybe? 550?), and stock CPU cooling should drop the price a hundred or so. How's the GPU/RAM looking in terms of choice?

edit:
Dropping to maybe closer to $1k by trimming parts like mobo, PSU, cooling, and specific choices would be nice. Modular PSU, Wolfdale, 3-4GB RAM, and an 8800GT are the only ones I'd greatly prefer. SLI potential a definite plus, but not 100% necessary.


As to x64, I meant I'd figured I'd get x64 recommendations. I'd just prefer not to. If there's some overwhelming amount of replies regarding going to x64 and getting a full 4GB RAM then it'd be a consideration, but as of now I'd prefer to keep it to 32bit an either 3GB of RAM or 4GB with some wasted.

From what I have read SLI isn't a very linear gain on what you put into it. Im still running a 7800 GT OC on my 24" widescreen and it can still keep up somewhat decently. If it were me I'd just invest in a high end 8800 768mb card when the 9xxx series comes out rather than get 2x w/e



Also the Wolfdale is a shrink of the C2D's which produce very little heat compared to the Pentium D's..if you were overclocking I would say of course, but @ stock speeds it should run pretty cool with the stock cooler
Click to expand...

I realize SLI isn't a 100% gain. I'd only prefer it as I'd like to get something like an 8800GT now (save some money) and in the future when my system shows some age (also, when they're even cheaper) throwing another in, opposed to getting a more powerful card now (more expensive). This all will be bought soon too so waiting isn't much of an option unless they're coming out in 1-1.5 months.
 
I guess I don't follow your logic..

I think it would be better to have 1 top end card now @say 360 dollars then one middle of the road card @270 followed by another of the same card 6-12 months from now @100-150?. I'm not sure if Two SLI'd 8800 GT would out perform a 768 Oc'd 8800 GTS or at least not by a very noticeable margin

Oh and as far as your GPU's brand is concerned I'd go with an eVGA, i've heard their customer service is great, and they have a lifetime guarentee on their cards..so even if you overclock the cards..i think it is still covered to some degree. They also offer an upgrade program as well..look into that brand a little more. eVGA
 
Originally posted by: Powernick50
I guess I don't follow your logic..

I think it would be better to have 1 top end card now @say 360 dollars then one middle of the road card @270 followed by another of the same card 6-12 months from now @100-150?. I'm not sure if Two SLI'd 8800 GT would out perform a 768 Oc'd 8800 GTS.

Oh and as far as your GPU's brand is concerned I'd go with an eVGA, i've heard their customer service is great, and they have a lifetime guarentee on their cards..so even if you overclock the cards..i think it is still covered to some degree. They also offer an upgrade program as well..look into that brand a little more. eVGA
Click to expand...

I'd like a more expensive card now as opposed to 2 SLI'd 8800GTs, but my budget is $1,500, with a great preference to drop it to closer to $1,000. A year or more from now I'll be able to add another 8800GT if need be, but I'd like to build this machine very soon and for the lower end of my budget.
 
Originally posted by: dNor
I realize SLI isn't a 100% gain. I'd only prefer it as I'd like to get something like an 8800GT now (save some money) and in the future when my system shows some age (also, when they're even cheaper) throwing another in, opposed to getting a more powerful card now (more expensive). This all will be bought soon too so waiting isn't much of an option unless they're coming out in 1-1.5 months.
Click to expand...

You sound like you think 8800GT is a weak card. No! Just because it costs $250 does not mean it's weak. This card has phenomenal!

By buying a 8800GT you are already buying a high end card.

BTW, what resolutions you play at? Do you like AA/AF all maxed? If your screen 24" or bigger (1920x1200) you might need a more powerful card. Else, 8800GT is more than enough for anything.

Point of SLI is to buy 2 high end cards today to have fastest gaming solution available, no matter the cost.

Why I'm telling you to NOT use SLI is because couple years down the road you're better off buying whatever powerful card is out at that time, and getting rid of 8800GT altogether. That new card will be FASTER than two 8800GT, and in the end, cheaper.

By sticking to SLI as upgrade strategy you pay more for less performance.
If I haven't convinced you, read around, many have said same thing I say.



edit: for example, two 7800GT in SLI will easily get RAPED by single 8800GT.
Two 7800GT cost more because of premium for SLI board.

edit2: as for Nick's post below: if you SLI two 512 cards, you still have 512mb RAM, that's how SLI works.
 
Originally posted by: dNor
Originally posted by: Powernick50
I guess I don't follow your logic..

I think it would be better to have 1 top end card now @say 360 dollars then one middle of the road card @270 followed by another of the same card 6-12 months from now @100-150?. I'm not sure if Two SLI'd 8800 GT would out perform a 768 Oc'd 8800 GTS.

Oh and as far as your GPU's brand is concerned I'd go with an eVGA, i've heard their customer service is great, and they have a lifetime guarentee on their cards..so even if you overclock the cards..i think it is still covered to some degree. They also offer an upgrade program as well..look into that brand a little more. eVGA
Click to expand...

I'd like a more expensive card now as opposed to 2 SLI'd 8800GTs, but my budget is $1,500, with a great preference to drop it to closer to $1,000. A year or more from now I'll be able to add another 8800GT if need be, but I'd like to build this machine very soon and for the lower end of my budget.
Click to expand...

Well by going with a lower end board you've saved 100 dollars AT LEAST.
The PSU you could actually get around 90 with rebate..thats another 60 dollars saved.
Using stock cooling is another 30-50 saved.



So just by those things you could afford this uber card. I mean LOOK at this beast. Depending on when the 9000's come out this might drop quite a bit but seriously..*drools*

EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130072


Also @Megavon that is more or less the point I was trying to make. The 8800 GT is not a weak card by far..but if he is playing at higher resolution it would benefit him a little more to spend a bit more now than getting 2x sli'd. More Ram= better at higher resolutions.


 
Originally posted by: MegaVovaN
Originally posted by: dNor
I realize SLI isn't a 100% gain. I'd only prefer it as I'd like to get something like an 8800GT now (save some money) and in the future when my system shows some age (also, when they're even cheaper) throwing another in, opposed to getting a more powerful card now (more expensive). This all will be bought soon too so waiting isn't much of an option unless they're coming out in 1-1.5 months.
Click to expand...

You sound like you think 8800GT is a weak card. No! Just because it costs $250 does not mean it's weak. This card has phenomenal!

By buying a 8800GT you are already buying a high end card.

BTW, what resolutions you play at? Do you like AA/AF all maxed? If your screen 24" or bigger (1920x1200) you might need a more powerful card. Else, 8800GT is more than enough for anything.

Point of SLI is to buy 2 high end cards today to have fastest gaming solution available, no matter the cost.

Why I'm telling you to NOT use SLI is because couple years down the road you're better off buying whatever powerful card is out at that time, and getting rid of 8800GT altogether. That new card will be FASTER than two 8800GT, and in the end, cheaper.

By sticking to SLI as upgrade strategy you pay more for less performance.
If I haven't convinced you, read around, many have said same thing I say.
Click to expand...


I know the 8800GT has some power, especially for the price, which is why the potential of buying it now and SLI'ing it later is appealing. My screen is a 22" widescreen LCD at 1680x1050, high settings in games but AA/AF not maxed.

SLI isn't 100% necessary and if my process of getting an 8800GT now and SLI'ing it later doesn't make much sense than it can be ditched.

Well by going with a lower end board you've saved 100 dollars AT LEAST.
The PSU you could actually get around 90 with rebate..thats another 60 dollars saved.
Using stock cooling is another 30-50 saved.



So just by those things you could afford this uber card. I mean LOOK at this beast. Depending on when the 9000's come out this might drop quite a bit but seriously..*drools*

EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130072
Click to expand...

The price trimming has been great, but I don't think I really need an 8800GTX for what I do. The only reason why SLI is a consideration is for somewhere around 2 years from now and the 8800GT starts having the ability to show his age in my MMORPG/RTS/very occasional FPS gaming that doesn't ahve to be maxed.
 
Originally posted by: dNor
I know the 8800GT has some power, especially for the price, which is why the potential of buying it now and SLI'ing it later is appealing. My screen is a 22" widescreen LCD at 1680x1050, high settings in games but AA/AF not maxed.

SLI isn't 100% necessary and if my process of getting an 8800GT now and SLI'ing it later doesn't make much sense than it can be ditched.
Click to expand...

That's what every buyer before you thinks. "Card is cheap now, and will get even cheaper! I'm in for two!"

1680x1050 is not a taxing resolution (I have same res and 8800GT), so 8800GTX would be overkill.

The thing is, by the time 8800GT will start struggling with your games, it will be so old it just won't make sense to get another what, 50%? boost in speed from second 8800GT.
And if you plan to get second 8800GT soon (say 1 year down the road), it will be a waste because 1 year from now 8800GT will still go strong.

Also, by "ditching" I didn't mean "throw away" - I meant sell to recoup some of the money to go towards new card, whatever $250-300 card is out by then.


Say, if you had a 7800GT 256mb today - would you get another 7800GT 256mb or ditch 7800GT 256mb and get 8800GT 512mb?
 
Originally posted by: MegaVovaN
Originally posted by: dNor
I know the 8800GT has some power, especially for the price, which is why the potential of buying it now and SLI'ing it later is appealing. My screen is a 22" widescreen LCD at 1680x1050, high settings in games but AA/AF not maxed.

SLI isn't 100% necessary and if my process of getting an 8800GT now and SLI'ing it later doesn't make much sense than it can be ditched.
Click to expand...

That's what every buyer before you thinks. "Card is cheap now, and will get even cheaper! I'm in for two!"

1680x1050 is not a taxing resolution (I have same res and 8800GT), so 8800GTX would be overkill.

The thing is, by the time 8800GT will start struggling with your games, it will be so old it just won't make sense to get another what, 50%? boost in speed from second 8800GT.
And if you plan to get second 8800GT soon (say 1 year down the road), it will be a waste because 1 year from now 8800GT will still go strong.

Also, by "ditching" I didn't mean "throw away" - I meant sell to recoup some of the money to go towards new card, whatever $250-300 card is out by then.


Say, if you had a 7800GT 256mb today - would you get another 7800GT 256mb or ditch 7800GT 256mb and get 8800GT 512mb?
Click to expand...

Yes, an 8800GTX would be overkill for my resolution and my gaming.

So two SLI'd 8800GTs in the future as a way for me to save money upfront (now) isn't worth it, so dropping down to say a P35 and lower PSU would make more sense and save more money.

Again, many thanks to both of you.

Any recommendations on ~500w modular PSUs? Other mobo recommendations?
 
Exactly 🙂
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L is an excellent P35 board for just $100.

When you need more GPU power later on, just buy whatever card is out then and sell 8800GT :thumbsup:

With one video card you have a vast array of PSU options. You can even get Antec Earthwatts PSU 500 watts I think (components made by SeaSonic) for jsut $40 AR!

edit: other mobo = Abit IP35-E or PRO.

edit2: Hold on, let me dig up a list from Motherboards forum.

edit3: Recommended mobos for Core 2 Duo
Don't pay attention to listed prices, they are outdated.
I personally use Abit IP35-E and love it. Here's MEGA-thread on Abit IP35-E.
 
Well this seems to be able to theoritcally lower my price $200-350 which is great. A different 8800GT card and RAM could lower my price even further although I'm not sure where to go with those.
 
Originally posted by: dNor
Well this seems to be able to theoritcally lower my price $200-350 which is great. A different 8800GT card and RAM could lower my price even further although I'm not sure where to go with those.
Click to expand...

Hot Deals forum 😀
 
Originally posted by: MegaVovaN
Originally posted by: dNor
Well this seems to be able to theoritcally lower my price $200-350 which is great. A different 8800GT card and RAM could lower my price even further although I'm not sure where to go with those.
Click to expand...

Hot Deals forum 😀
Click to expand...

I meant which brand, speed, model, etc to look for.
 
Any ideas how the DS3R or DS3L handle Wolfdale processors, and the comparison between the two boards?

After some work, I may be able to reuse some components of my current setup. This wasn't planned and definitely saves me some money.

Current pieces reused...

PSU: OCZ GameXStream 700w

HDD: Seagate 400GB SATA

Audio: SB Xfi XtremeGamer



Redesigned choices for new machine...

Case: XION Slacker XON-791P

Mobo: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R P35

No third party CPU cooling, rest of components same as first post.

Under $900 w/o tax or shipping.
 
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