Best gaming computer that I can possibly buy...

[Ichigo]

Do you even have a decent monitor? I mean, hell, you could buy a 360 + a nice LCD monitor to go with it at that price range. If you have a good monitor, then you have some more breathing space. Also, I say wait for Conroe, if at least for the AMD price drops (we're talking around 50% price cuts across the board here).

But let's see what you need to buy anyways (I'm listing prices from Canada Computers, they usually have good prices, just watch out for the pompous sales people):

After taxes...

Case+PSU: Antec Sonata II - $138
RAM (your current ram won't be compatible, guarenteed): Corsair 1GB RAM - $115 (varies based on DDR or DDR2, but it's around that price)
Optical Drive: Benq DVD Writer - $46
Hard Drive(in case your current one is really old): Maxtor Diamondmax10 160GB - $92
Video Card: 7600GT or X850XT - $250ish (Brand doesn't matter much, both cards will be good for you at that price, after tax remember)

Which leaves you with $250 to use on CPU+motherboard. It's not so bad if you go AMD once Conroe comes out, as you can actually get a dual core X2 3800+ and a decent motherboard for about that price.

My suggestions, take it as you will.

 

[skooma]

Look here as well

 

[Ichigo]

Shipping is going to kill him, being in Canada and all. Especially if the seller ships with UPS, those robbers charge outrageous customs fees.

 

[JtheBest]

Originally posted by: Ichigo
Shipping is going to kill him, being in Canada and all. Especially if the seller ships with UPS, those robbers charge outrageous customs fees.

Well, I was thinking, wouldn't I be able to find the parts I want and then buy it at a computer store? Or are some parts just online only?

And also, how long would this price drop take?

And yes, my 17" LCD flat panel monitor should be good enough for me/

 

[Ichigo]

The price drop occurs next month, July 23rd I think. And yes, the prices I listed before are from Canada Computers, a retail store. If you must buy online from somewhere like ncix.com, their prices are usually competitive, and shipping isn't horrible considering they're based in Canada. Your monitor is okay then, my setup should work well for you as long as you can find all of the products at those prices.

 

[skooma]

Yeah, I understand what you mean about the shipping. My thought was that you get the cpu/mobo combo after the price cuts but in the meantime, start a WTB thread for anything like the ram, optical etc.

 

[Ichigo]

I had a similar idea. I just meant that he can start looking for everything BUT the CPU/mobo for now. The current setup at current Canadian prices after tax leave him around $250-300 to play with. It'd work for a cheap Conroe or AM2 setup.

 

[abracadaver]

250 GB Hard Drive
PSU
Memory ($40 MIR)
BenQ DVD writer
7600 GT KO ($30 MIR)
Athlon 64 3500+
Asus A8N-E
SLK 3000B

Total is $866.38 before taxes + shipping, but there's $70 worth of rebates there, so it should fall within your budget.

EDIT: Also, if you plan on overclocking, you might want to throw in a Freezer 64 Pro for only $30 more. A cheap 120mm fan would probably be a good idea as well.

 

[JtheBest]

The problem with the Canada Computers store is that it's all in Toronto. And I live in Calgary. I don't see the point of going all the way there just to buy computer parts. I suppose I'll try to look for good stores in Calgary.

And I'd really prefer getting the new computer AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I'm really fed up with the pathetic one that I have to live with now. But if you see no better deals then I might be able to put up with this for just one more month.

 

[Ichigo]

Originally posted by: abracadaver
250 GB Hard Drive
PSU
Memory ($40 MIR)
BenQ DVD writer
7600 GT KO ($30 MIR)
Athlon 64 3500+
Asus A8N-E
SLK 3000B

Total is $866.38 before taxes + shipping, but there's $70 worth of rebates there, so it should fall within your budget.

EDIT: Also, if you plan on overclocking, you might want to throw in a Freezer 64 Pro for only $30 more. A cheap 120mm fan would probably be a good idea as well.

That's not a bad build, but he'll save a LOT of money when Conroe comes out. With that budget, I'm sure every bit helps.

Also, you don't need 2GB of RAM, especially with a 7600GT. It doesn't make sense. I'd rather have a 7900GT with 1GB of RAM. He also doesn't need a 3500+ when there's no difference in game performance from a 3200+ or even a 3000+.

I'd say try and stretch a 7900GT if you can. Memory and CPU will matter a whole lot less than the video card in gaming, with no exceptions.

 

[mbevolution]

you can use something like my setup (similar parts that cost approximately the same) which will be $598 ended up with, just got keep looking for good deals.
all new parts
athlon 3400+ - should be less than $160 on ebay
dfi ultra d - should be less than $100
hard drive - 120gb should be enough for you unless you want to install 1000 games and download N songs. <$60
cooling fan - arctic freezer 64 < $30
patriot memory - $150 on newegg
search craigslist for a free monitor or spend $100 to get a decent flat screen monitor (doesn't have to be lcd)
get a random case w/ power supply, if you want pci-express, get a cable and update the psu - should cost no more than $60
cd/dvd - $40
graphis card - 6800gt will run between $70 to $150 depending on the brand of the manufacture, just saw a palit 6800gt gone on ebay for $68, forgot to bid.

anyway total should run you less than $750 if you spend $100 for the monitor..and if you have one already, you can consider spend this extra $100 on things like graphis card or other stuff

 

[bluemax]

Originally posted by: Ichigo
That's not a bad build, but he'll save a LOT of money when Conroe comes out. With that budget, I'm sure every bit helps.

Also, you don't need 2GB of RAM, especially with a 7600GT. It doesn't make sense. I'd rather have a 7900GT with 1GB of RAM. He also doesn't need a 3500+ when there's no difference in game performance from a 3200+ or even a 3000+.

I'd say try and stretch a 7900GT if you can. Memory and CPU will matter a whole lot less than the video card in gaming, with no exceptions.

No 7900GT is going to come in that budget.
Also, the difference between 3000+ and 3500+ is a lousy $20 right now. Might as well go for the 3500+!

 

[abracadaver]

Originally posted by: bluemax

Originally posted by: Ichigo
That's not a bad build, but he'll save a LOT of money when Conroe comes out. With that budget, I'm sure every bit helps.

Also, you don't need 2GB of RAM, especially with a 7600GT. It doesn't make sense. I'd rather have a 7900GT with 1GB of RAM. He also doesn't need a 3500+ when there's no difference in game performance from a 3200+ or even a 3000+.

I'd say try and stretch a 7900GT if you can. Memory and CPU will matter a whole lot less than the video card in gaming, with no exceptions.

No 7900GT is going to come in that budget.
Also, the difference between 3000+ and 3500+ is a lousy $20 right now. Might as well go for the 3500+!

Took the words right out of my mouth. I guess you could go for less memory, if you want to save some money. If you're willing to put up with a lot of rebates, you could get two sticks of Kingston Hyper-X
for $60, but that's after two $25 rebates. That would probably free up enough money to get this 7900GT KO for $300 after a $15 rebate. This would actually be much better for gaming than the first build I posted, but you would have a lot of rebates to deal with. Of course, you could save quite a bit if you're willing to wait, like Ichigo said.

 

[Ichigo]

Originally posted by: mbevolution
you can use something like my setup (similar parts that cost approximately the same) which will be $598 ended up with, just got keep looking for good deals.
all new parts
athlon 3400+ - should be less than $160 on ebay
dfi ultra d - should be less than $100
hard drive - 120gb should be enough for you unless you want to install 1000 games and download N songs. <$60
cooling fan - arctic freezer 64 < $30
patriot memory - $150 on newegg
search craigslist for a free monitor or spend $100 to get a decent flat screen monitor (doesn't have to be lcd)
get a random case w/ power supply, if you want pci-express, get a cable and update the psu - should cost no more than $60
cd/dvd - $40
graphis card - 6800gt will run between $70 to $150 depending on the brand of the manufacture, just saw a palit 6800gt gone on ebay for $68, forgot to bid.

anyway total should run you less than $750 if you spend $100 for the monitor..and if you have one already, you can consider spend this extra $100 on things like graphis card or other stuff

He lives in Canada. That's the basis of many problems in the build. Please read next time.

And he may or may not be able to pull a 7900GT. Canada Computers has a BFG one for <$300. He may find a similar deal or he may not. But don't rule it out. $600, after the AMD price cuts, is enough for a decent case/psu, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD, optical drive, and a 3200+ along with a good budget motherboard, in Canadian dollars.

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: skooma
Look here as well

For 900 canadian and some patience, you could end up with an insane system...... This is your best bet OP.....

 

[Ichigo]

Have you ever imported from the USA? Do you know how much customs and taxes cost? And that's not including the actual shipping.

Granted, he may find a good deal or two, but he's not going to find his entire system there.

 

[gramboh]

Hi,

I live in Calgary too.

What you are going to want to do is buy your parts at Memory Express - see their website Here. I have used them to build my last 3 or 4 systems and they are great. They have pretty much the lowest prices in town, huge stock of good enthusiast brands parts and best of all, 7 day cash back and 1 year in store warranty on parts. For $40 they will build your system (but not install the OS). I usually pay the $40 since it's not worth an evening/weekend of my time.

For $894.15 with GST I built:

CPU: AMD A64 3800+ AM2 - $164.95
MB: ASRock AM2N4FG-SATA2 - $89.95
Memory: Corsair ValueSelection 1GB PC2-4200 DDR2 - $109.95
Case: Antec Sonata-II w/ 450W SmartPower - $119.95 (Great case!)
HD: Maxtor 250GB DiamondMax 10 7200RPM SATAII w/ 16MB Cache - $94.95
Optical: LiteOn SHW-160P6S 16x16 DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Black - $45.95
Video card: eVGA GeForce 7600GT KO 256mb PCI-E - $209.95
System assembly: $40

Sub Total: $875.65
GST: $61.30
Total: $936.95

You can play around on their Online Quote/Desktop page if you need to add keyboard/mouse etc. I'm assuming you will just use them from your old sysetm. I highly recommend them, huge selection/inventory and good service.

That system will play all of today's games at decent settings, the 7600GT is a pretty good video card. If you are trying to build a system for $800 to play games with a monitor it's going to be pretty tough.

The benefit here is you don't have to deal with

a) Shipping costs
b) Customs costs (they are brutal especially with UPS)
c) Possible DOA items/returning them/waiting forever
d) You pick up the system and take it home, ready to go, no messing around

 

[Ichigo]

^Says a Calgary native, and I am inclined to agree with his choices there.

 

[bluemax]

Originally posted by: Ichigo
^Says a Calgary native, and I am inclined to agree with his choices there.

Good choices, agreed. You could save $50 on the CPU and go with the 3200+ and shoot for an overclock.... dump the $50 into video instead - depending on the card.

Also agreed about Memory Express (memoryexpress.com) being a good store - they've been around for 10+ years and come highly regarded. Not THE cheapest in town, but best service and returns, etc.

 

[JtheBest]

Ok, after much consideration, I've come up with a list of parts. This list is by no means finalized, and is open for any adjustments and criticism.

Case: Antec Sonata-II w/ 450W SmartPower
Memory: Corsair ValueSelection 1GB PC2-4200 DDR2
Optical Drive: BenQ DW1650 16x16 Dual Layer DVD+/-RW, Black
HardDrive: Maxtor 250GB DiamondMax 10 7200RPM SATAII w/ 16MB Cache (ROHS)
Video Card: eVGA e-GeForce 7600 GT KO 256MB PCI-E w/ Dual DVI, HDTV-Out
Motherboard: ASRock AM2NF4G-SATA2 w/ Geforce 6100, DualDDR2, 7.1 Audio, Lan, SATA II, PCI-E x16
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3800+ w/ 512K Cache (Socket AM2)


Please tell me if this is a good list, and if any revisions needs to be done. If this list is good then I should be able to buy it right now, but if the price cut can free up any better deals then please inform me.

Also, I've found some deals on Memory Express here for gaming systems. Please tell me if any of those are worth it.

 

[Tsuwamono]

looks good to be. however i would go with dual core 3800 if you got alittle bit more cash.

 

[gramboh]

Hi again,

I'm not sure how much cheaper the A64 3800+ AM2 will get, $165CDN is pretty cheap for a CPU. The price drop leak says $142US which is ~$157CDN so I'm guessing Memory Express is already selling it at the discounted price. Very good deal.

The two gaming systems near your budget:

a) GX3200+
-Slower CPU than your custom build
+Better mainboard, but S939 = less CPU upgradability in the future
-Slightly lower quality RAM (Corsair is regarded as one of the best brands, even -Valueram)
-2 Sticks of RAM (2x512) harder to upgrade than 1x1GB (you can buy another 1GB stick and have 2GB, easier than trying to run 4x512 which can be problematic)
-Uglier/smaller/lower quality case and generic PSU
-Smaller HDD
-Crappy video card (7300GS is considerably slower than 7600GT)
+Inclues XP Home but you said you don't need an OS

b) EX3500+ (only noting differences from 3200+)
-Slower CPU than your build
-Same size HDD but I'd argue the Maxtor is faster/bigger cache
-Worse video card (7600GT again way faster than 6600GT)

In summary, the build you have picked out which is essentially what I suggested a few posts up is the same price range as their pre built EX3500+ but includes better components all around (the price diff comes from them including Win XP Home I guess). I'd go with what you listed for sure, it will be a good gaming system, the 7600GT is plenty capable with current games and you will be impressed with what you are getting for ~$900 taxes in. If you are using this for gaming definetely stick with at least the 7600GT don't get talked down, graphics card is the single most important factor in game performance.

Let us know how it goes!

 

[cubalis]

I live less than 10 minutes from the NE memoryexpress. Highly reccomended!

If you can possibly afford it, I'd suggest going for the 7900GT instead (I think it's $344 their right now). You could wait it out and see what NCIX has on sale tonight - there shoud be another 7900GT for about $300 plus shipping. NCIX will also have a very similar HDD for ~$80 (most likely samsung). If you go over to the NCIX forums and ask nicely, you could 'round up' 500 points that'd give you free shipping too - I'd be happy to donate a few.

Either way, looks like a nice build for a great price. I love the Sonata-II.

don't hesitate to ask for help with the build if you need it - their seems to be a few Calgarians on here.

 

[JtheBest]

I've realized that there will be no sound card on this system. That has me worrying. I listen to alot of music. I'm wondering if there are any good deals on sound cards as well.

 

[bluemax]

Odds are very good that the free sound included on the motherboard will be quite enough.