Budget Gaming Rig

[Stokes]

I'm looking to put together a system, just the box and everything in it, monitor, speakers, etc, are not required.

This will be a gaming computer but not hardcore by any means. Mostly used to play Civ 4, maybe some BF2 and lesser games of the sort. But gaming would be more like 30% of the total usage with simple browsing and non demanding applications.

The key I want though is speed. I want fast boot times, etc, which I things get in my hands once the computer has windows installed, etc.

I was thinking maybe to do something with that Pentium D 805 that I know people are talking about, etc. Anything possible with that? I plan to overclock it so a good heatsink will be necessary.

I'd love any build ideas people can give me.

 

[bamacre]

I want wings so I can fly, too. Not gonna happen for less than $600. This is the fastest thing you can get, with a dual core and gaming quality video card setup...

Antec Solution Series SLK1650B Mini Tower Case (Black) Retail
$69.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=140036

ABIT NI8 SLI NVIDIA nForce4 Socket 775 ATX Motherboard
$78.98
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications...etails.asp?EdpNo=1490501&sku=A458-1122

Intel Pentium® D Processor 805 2.66GHz, 533MHz FSB, Socket 775, 2MB Cache, Dual Core Retail
$122.90
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80849

GeIL GX21GB4300DC 1GB Kit DDR2-533 PC4300 DDR 2 Series Dual Channel Memory w/Heat Spreader Retail
$78.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=85002-16

Western Digital WD Caviar SE WD800JD 80GB Serial ATA 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffer
$48.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=101206-1

LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model SHW160P6S05
$35.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106014

BFG 3DFuzion GeForce 7600 GT PCI Express 256MB DDR3 Video Card w/Dual-DVI & HDTV-Out Retail
$164.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=326038

Total Price Shipped:
$599.84

 

[GeNome]

Originally posted by: bamacre
I want wings so I can fly, too. Not gonna happen for less than $600. This is the fastest thing you can get, with a dual core and gaming quality video card setup...

Antec Solution Series SLK1650B Mini Tower Case (Black) Retail
$69.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=140036

ABIT NI8 SLI NVIDIA nForce4 Socket 775 ATX Motherboard
$78.98
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications...etails.asp?EdpNo=1490501&sku=A458-1122

Intel Pentium® D Processor 805 2.66GHz, 533MHz FSB, Socket 775, 2MB Cache, Dual Core Retail
$122.90
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80849

GeIL GX21GB4300DC 1GB Kit DDR2-533 PC4300 DDR 2 Series Dual Channel Memory w/Heat Spreader Retail
$78.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=85002-16

Western Digital WD Caviar SE WD800JD 80GB Serial ATA 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffer
$48.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=101206-1

LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model SHW160P6S05
$35.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106014

BFG 3DFuzion GeForce 7600 GT PCI Express 256MB DDR3 Video Card w/Dual-DVI & HDTV-Out Retail
$164.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=326038

Total Price Shipped:
$599.84

I'd agree with everything here except the CPU, mobo and case. Since you said it'll for gaming with some browsing, etc., I'd get these:

A64 3000+ Venice - $108
ASRock 939 - $88
Antec Sonata II w/ 450W PSU - $115

The reason I'd get that case is because of the better PSU. Both are decent, but the 450W is going to be more stable with your components. So total with bamacre's parts and my modifications: $639.

Of course, either way would be fine, that's just what I would pick for what you want.

 

[Ionizer86]

Buy a <$300 Sempron box with PCI-E. Toss in $300 video card (7900GT?). Done.

 

[thecoroner]

Here's a guide to building a $450 Linux PC. You can still put Windows on it.
http://gsreview.com/Joomla//content/view/131/38/

Current gen Intel processor prices will go way down soon with Conroe being released on July 23rd.

 

[Stokes]

Originally posted by: thecoroner
Here's a guide to building a $450 Linux PC. You can still put Windows on it.
http://gsreview.com/Joomla//content/view/131/38/

Current gen Intel processor prices will go way down soon with Conroe being released on July 23rd.

Good guide, I'm looking through it now and I'm liking so far what I see there...

I'm still intrigued though by the Pentium D 805 and am pricing a build for that, but I have no idea what kind of cheap motherboard I can pair with it that will still allow a decent overclock? Any ideas?

 

[w00t]

why are you going to get a whole new computer instead of just upgrading that one maybe graphics card and dual core?

 

[Stokes]

Because my system now in my sig is great and doesnt need to be touched. I'm getting rid of a Dell Celeron 2.4ghz that is crapping all of the place and instead of buying more ram and a dedicated video card I think it would be better in the long run if I can get better components.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Stokes

Originally posted by: thecoroner
Here's a guide to building a $450 Linux PC. You can still put Windows on it.
http://gsreview.com/Joomla//content/view/131/38/

Current gen Intel processor prices will go way down soon with Conroe being released on July 23rd.

Good guide, I'm looking through it now and I'm liking so far what I see there...

I'm still intrigued though by the Pentium D 805 and am pricing a build for that, but I have no idea what kind of cheap motherboard I can pair with it that will still allow a decent overclock? Any ideas?

The problem you will have is the expenses of OC'ing that Pentium D 805. You'll need an expensive motherboard and an expensive PSU, and not to mention after-market cooling. You'll end up way over your $600 budget.

 

[rayzha]

there was a pretty nice one in the maximum pc magazine.

 

[SoundTheSurrender]

You could probably model a pc off the one I'm making.. Add a Sempron instead and other stuff.

 

[pkrush]

The Pentium D805 doesn't really require much out of the motherboard to overclock (probably won't even go past 200fsb), but you'll need a really good power supply and cooling. I'd recommend everything in Barnacre's build except get yourself at least a Fortron 450 watt power supply for around $55 and an Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro for the CPU for around $25. This'll probably push you about 50 bucks over your budget with a decent case. On the other hand, if you can scrounge up a cheap case from somewhere (try the Dumpster behind most PC repair shops) then you might be able to make it under $600. Also, that old Dell has a hard drive and optical, so you can use those for a little while until you save up more money.

 

[Stokes]

I found this case, Rosewill I have respect for more then most of the other no name brands and it looks like from comments it will get the job done.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811147014

good price too and it lets me buy another PSU for more money.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Stokes
I found this case, Rosewill I have respect for more then most of the other no name brands and it looks like from comments it will get the job done.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811147014

good price too and it lets me buy another PSU for more money.

Free shipping makes this one cheaper, and it's probably better than the Rosewill...

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=371295

Also a $10 MIR.

 

[Stokes]

Originally posted by: bamacre

Originally posted by: Stokes
I found this case, Rosewill I have respect for more then most of the other no name brands and it looks like from comments it will get the job done.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811147014

good price too and it lets me buy another PSU for more money.

Free shipping makes this one cheaper, and it's probably better than the Rosewill...

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=371295

Also a $10 MIR.

I thought about that one, but after looking where this new computer will be, it will be hard to keep openning and shutting the front door to reach cdrom and such (not sure if power switch was located in there or now). I'm willing to pay a few extra for that, and the Rosewill build looks pretty good with good reviews.

 

[Stokes]

Here is the build so far,just over $600 is looking to be the price with the Pentium D 805 mostly because I have some ram sitting around (the exact one the 2nd poster suggested), that can be used here.

Intel Pentium D 805 Smithfield 533MHz FSB LGA 775 Dual Core,EM64T Processor Model BX80551PE2666FN - Retail - $123.99

ASUS P5ND2-SLI Socket T (LGA 775) NVIDIA nForce 4 SLI Intel Edition ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail - $89.99

Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 ST3808110AS 80GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $50.99

Rosewill R7229K Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ATX12V 350W with P4 support, 20 Pin Main Connector Power Supply - Retail - $33.99 ($13.99 AR)

Antec SmartPower 2.0 SP-500 ATX12V 500W Power Supply - Retail - $68.99

LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model SHW160P6S05 - OEM - $35.99

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM - $5.99

Thermaltake's Blue Orb II - $39.99

TOTAL OF COMPONENTS LISTED: $443.92
ESTIMATED SHIPPING : $45
MINUS $35 IN REBATES : $35
GRAND TOTAL W/O VIDEO : $453.92

NOTE: I ALREADY HAVE RAM FOR THE BUILD

The build although still needs a Video card and thats all. I was looking at the 7600GS line since that can be overclocked well. Don't know if I could sell that 350W power supply somewhere either that may give some money back.

So the question comes into play in this whole picture, does this build make sense? Overclockin the 805 will give me the best bang for my buck over the Venice 3000 build, but that build will also be around $450 per : http://gsreview.com/Joomla//content/view/131/38/

So right now I see two routes that are possible the Pentium D 805 or the Venice 3000+. I'm leaning more towards the Pentium because i think it would last longer then the Venice build.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Stokes

Originally posted by: bamacre

Originally posted by: Stokes
I found this case, Rosewill I have respect for more then most of the other no name brands and it looks like from comments it will get the job done.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811147014

good price too and it lets me buy another PSU for more money.

Free shipping makes this one cheaper, and it's probably better than the Rosewill...

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=371295

Also a $10 MIR.

I thought about that one, but after looking where this new computer will be, it will be hard to keep openning and shutting the front door to reach cdrom and such (not sure if power switch was located in there or now). I'm willing to pay a few extra for that, and the Rosewill build looks pretty good with good reviews.

Yeah, as for the Mambo, the power switch is inside the door.

 

[Stokes]

I looked closer at the motherboard pictures and it looks like the Blue Orb 2 won't fit because of ASUS chipset heatsink will definately cause a problem, so I'm in the market also besides the video card looking for a heatsink and fan that can handle a load.

 

[Smartazz]

Originally posted by: GeNome

Originally posted by: bamacre
I want wings so I can fly, too. Not gonna happen for less than $600. This is the fastest thing you can get, with a dual core and gaming quality video card setup...

Antec Solution Series SLK1650B Mini Tower Case (Black) Retail
$69.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=140036

ABIT NI8 SLI NVIDIA nForce4 Socket 775 ATX Motherboard
$78.98
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications...etails.asp?EdpNo=1490501&sku=A458-1122

Intel Pentium® D Processor 805 2.66GHz, 533MHz FSB, Socket 775, 2MB Cache, Dual Core Retail
$122.90
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80849

GeIL GX21GB4300DC 1GB Kit DDR2-533 PC4300 DDR 2 Series Dual Channel Memory w/Heat Spreader Retail
$78.00
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=85002-16

Western Digital WD Caviar SE WD800JD 80GB Serial ATA 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffer
$48.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=101206-1

LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model SHW160P6S05
$35.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106014

BFG 3DFuzion GeForce 7600 GT PCI Express 256MB DDR3 Video Card w/Dual-DVI & HDTV-Out Retail
$164.99
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=326038

Total Price Shipped:
$599.84

I'd agree with everything here except the CPU, mobo and case. Since you said it'll for gaming with some browsing, etc., I'd get these:

A64 3000+ Venice - $108
ASRock 939 - $88
Antec Sonata II w/ 450W PSU - $115

The reason I'd get that case is because of the better PSU. Both are decent, but the 450W is going to be more stable with your components. So total with bamacre's parts and my modifications: $639.

Of course, either way would be fine, that's just what I would pick for what you want.

I disagree with you there, because dual core would be far better for about the same price.

 

[Stokes]

I think i may go with the big typhoon for cooling, I dont see that havin any problems. Now I'm just figuring out video card situation. Help is appreciated.

 

[bob4432]

unless i am missing something, i don't really think you are going to gain much over your current rig for $600.

as far as boot times, who cares, just leave it on all the time. boot times have absolutely no bearing on computer speed. take anybody running even 15k scsi hdds, it will boot up slower than if you are running plain old pata hdds because you go through the scsi boot screen, but once on the 15k will beat any of the sata/pata (the raptors give them a good run for their money).

are you building this because you want another computer?

for what you are doing i think you are wasting $$$ unless you want 2 computers. even with bf2, a 6800gt (switching to a pci-e interface is not going to change anything unless you go with a 7900gt or faster) is good, while not as goot as a 7900gt you should still get good, non-stuttering fps @ 1280x1024.

correct me if i am missing something.

 

[Stokes]

this rig is not to replace my computer nor will it be in the same house, it will be in a different house that i will be in here and there but other people will be using it for some gaming and web apps.

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: Stokes
this rig is not to replace my computer nor will it be in the same house, it will be in a different house that i will be in here and there but other people will be using it for some gaming and web apps.

if that is the case i would keep an eye on the fs/ft forums and get used parts, that way your $$$ will go further. for what you are wanting i wouldn't go lower than your current rig to still have an enjoyable gaming experience.

are you going to be using a crt or lcd with it?

honestly, i would put the majority of the $$$ into a gpu and not worry about aftermarket hsf combos. even running a 3000venice and o/cing it a bit would be good for gaming and you can keep the stock hsf and save some $$$ of that area.

mixing genome and bamacre recommendations and a little extra:
cpu - 3000 venice - 108
asrock 939 - 82
antec solutions case w/ 400W psu - 80
geil ram 1GB - 78
WD 80GB - 49
lite on dvd-rw - 36

then i would look on the fs/ft forum for a deal on a gpu...

 

[Stokes]

Well, I'm still trying to decide, this is what I was leaning towards the previous Pentium D, but now with the latest AMD price drops the 3200+ venice is the price of what the 3000+ was when this post was made.

I'd probably save some good money on not having to worry about spending an arm and a leg on aftermarket cooler and the psu.

Rosewill R7229K Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ATX12V 350W with P4 support, 20 Pin Main Connector Power Supply - Retail

ASUS A8R-MVP Socket 939 ATI Radeon XPRESS 200 CrossFire ATX AMD CrossFire Motherboard - Retail

AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Venice 2000MHz HT Socket 939 Processor Model ADA3500BPBOX - Retail

Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 ST3808110AS 80GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model SHW160P6S05 - OEM

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM

I'm showing total price is: $291.94 (-$50 combo of MB and CPU)

I already have 1 GB of ram that will work. Newegg did have an open box X1600pro 512 for $99, but that doesnt seem to be there anymore, so I'm still looking. Could use some advice and fast cause I think Im gonna purchase this tonight and have it for fathers day ready to use.

The motherboard is questionable, but as always newegg has both extremes of reviews from great to sucky. I don't plan to do heavy overclocking or much at all so I'm not tooo worried about it.

 

[Stokes]

bump - plan to buy tonight and would like some help on the build