Another *Help me build a gaming rig* Thread

[PwrGetter00]

Hi guys.. before you hit the back button on your browser, let me start off by saying that, I do know types of threads are posted quite often, and often yield the same responses. Considering that, I'm actually seeking some advice for some parts that I have actually picked out, and also need advice on some components I haven't yet decided on.

Well, tax return season is on the horizon, and according to my calculations (lol?) I should be receiving a generous 6-7k return. It's been a hard year for me, so I want to treat myself to a nice and pure gaming rig. I'm not spending $6k on a PC mind you, if that's even possible, but I am willing to spend $3k-3.3k and maybe some change.

I should point out, that not only do I do a lot of gaming, but I also do a lot of heavy video editing as well, thus the mass storage I've added to the system.

Below is a list of what I need, and a list of what I already have. Don't be shy to tell me what should go, what should stay, and what should be added! The fields left blank are is hardware I've yet to decide on, and would greatly appreciate your thoughts on them...

What I need:

-CPU: AMD Athlon 64 FX-62 Windsor 2.8GHz Socket AM2 Dual Core
-CPU Cooling: VIGOR GAMING CLT-M2A 92mm Thermal Electric CPU Cooler
-Mobo: ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
-Memory:
-GPU: PNY VCG8800XXPB GeForce 8800GTX (x2)
-Storage: Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM (Main Drive)
-Secondary Storage: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM (x2)
-PSU: OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI ATX12V 700W Power Supply
-OS: Microsoft Windows XP Pro SP2b 1pk w/Upgrade Coupon for Vista
-Case:

 

[taterworks]

Is this by any chance being built by VIGOR? (since I see that's the brand of CPU cooler being used.)

The optimal amount of memory when running 32-bit software is 2GB. If you plan to overclock, you may want to look for PC2-8800 memory. Stick with a reputable manufacturer like Corsair, Kingston, or OCZ. I'm not sure I would trust "Super Talent", "G. Skill", or "GeIL" in my main computer. At least with OCZ and perhaps Kingston, you get a lifetime warranty.

As for your case, did VIGOR also provide a list of options? If you're building this yourself, I suggest the Antec P180B. It ain't cheap, but it's a lot better to work with than cheap crap. The Antec NSK6500 is also a good option if the P180's plastic side panels and non-standard internal design scare you off.

 

[Snakexor]

why am2??

 

[JollyGreen66]

personaly If I were to run 2 8800 gtxs I would feel better with a bit of a bigger PSU.

like this one ENERMAX GALAXY

 

[ShawnD1]

Looks like a good setup, but I would change the AMD to an Intel. AMD's current generation is lagging behind

Keep in mind that CPU isn't really that important for games. I have a Core2Duo 6600 and most games I have run at exactly the same frame rate even after I turn off one of the processors (affinity options in task manager). Doesn't the CPU only start to bottleneck at incredibly high resolutions, those which are not even supported by LCD monitors?

 

[secretanchitman]

you should probably go for intel now, since core 2 duo is faster than anything AMD has to offer right now.

3000-3300 you say?

cpu - intel core 2 duo E6600
mobo - asus p5w dh deluxe (or the 680i for intel if you want sli)
cooling - your choice
memory - memory in my sig (it'll have 4-4-4-12 timings and will be in black on newegg.com) - g.skill 2x1GB
gpu - 8800GTS/GTX (could wait for 8600 Ultra within the coming weeks if you wanted to)
storage - western digital raptor 150GB for the boot/installs drive
storage 2 - 320GB/400GB/500GB in however many quantities you want (from seagate for western digital, but i would go with seagate because it has a higher warranty)
PSU - dont know which one is good for you, so stick with whatever you've picked out or listen to the other members and what they recommend
os - xp media center edition with vista home premium upgrade - MCE and xp pro are the exact same thing, minus some domain stuff - google it if you want more info
case - antec nine hundred, P180/P180B, any lian-li...just make sure its a case YOU like, not what other people say. but also make sure that it isnt a cheap case from a cheap company, and dont be tempted to get one that has a "free power supply" with it. those psus usually suck and arent very good. there are TONS of cases to choose from...

hope that helped!

 

[dispair]

not that I really know what I'm talking about, but there is an article on the front page concerning the new c2d chip coming out at the end of the month. the 4400 I think? they provide a setup for it to, that just makes this chip an overclocking beast. If your not afraid to overclock, I would wait around till then and look at what they recommended.

Concerning your video card, I think if your going to go SLI, go with two 8800 GTS. Currently the GTX premium isn't worth it(as usual) and for decoding(if you plan to use your gaming rig for anything more than gaming, ie movies) the GTS out performs in the GTX.

Either way, good luck with your rig.

 

[Boyo]

I would switch to an Intel E6600 with an eVGA 680I mobo and 2GB of Corsair Dominator series of RAM. You will need a 1K PSU with that 2x 8800GTX. Enermax Galaxy is a good choice.

 

[ShawnD1]

Originally posted by: Boyo
You will need a 1K PSU with that 2x 8800GTX. Enermax Galaxy is a good choice.

Are you sure that isn't overkill? I have a core2 6600 with a geforce 7950 and 6 hard drives. With all that, my UPS says the power demand never goes above 200W. It seems unlikely that having 2 slightly newer video cards will cause the computer to demand literally 5x as much power.