Building Custom Gaming Comp - Need MAJOR HELP

[daftpunkit]

AMD is > then Intel for gaming. Intel has some pros, but not many any more. That company is getting shady. Especially when they publicly announced the Pent D was a rush job just so they can compete with AMD. That, imo, is unprofessional. You don't see ATI rushing out their R5xx's, but ATI is shady too lately with false quarterly statements... and there I go hijacking a thread... my bad.

 

[Arye]

You seem to be the one helping me the most I thank you for that. By looking at what everyone else suggested can you tell me what items are the best to use since no one is really agreeing. Oh and everything has to be compatible.

 

[daftpunkit]

By best you mean the 'latest and greatest' or by best you mean within a sub-$2000 budget?

As someone said, prices are flucuating a lot lately. If you have time, I say save your money and wait it out. Dual core CPUs are new, and have their pros and cons. Right now a big con towards gaming is that some games speed up randomly because it seems like windows is not handling it correctly. You really don't need dual core for gaming right now, not unless you want to play a game, while running like norton anti-virus, or burning a dvd, etc etc. When I was introduced into computer building I was told a very simple rule: Get the latest mobo, and everything else can be in-between.

 

[Arye]

Newegg items-

Case - Cooler Master Praetorian
GPU - Leadtek 7800 GTX 256MB (Editor's Choice)
CPU - AMD 64 3700+ San Diego
RAM - ?
MOBO - ?
DRIVES - ?
AUDIO - ?
PSU - ?

Compatible - Unknown

Couple more things I need people to agree on. I am still looking through the posts that were posted and seeing if people agreed on any of the ?

 

[daftpunkit]

my post above with all the links and prices was taking into consideration you are new to that hobby, so I assumed you didn't really want to fiddle with modding and overclocking as much. I was getting the impression you want to piece something together and have it run great. What I listed does all that but gives you the option in the future to push it a little further if you wanted to.

You really dont need the eVGA 7800 GTX KO I listed tho. That is $50 more than the eVGA 7800 GTX which can be overclocked to the KO speeds, but if you dont want to mess with overclocking but want the like 5 more frames per sec (FPS) for $50 more, the KO is your choice. As far as the CPU I listed, it is single core, but the AMD 64 3700+ San Diego model can overclock extremely well. If you want to spend more and wanted a dual core get a AMD 64 X2 3800+ Manchester, or want to spend a lot more get the AMD 64 X2 4400+ Toledo, which can overclock to the speeds of the 4800+ model. As far as HDs, PSUs, RAM, everyone has their own personal favorites, but generally anyone of the ones we suggest are rather good.

 

[coomar]

daftpunkit, the patriots use the same ics as the ocz's you listed

people are agreeing on the 7800gtx, they're just arguing over the brand

 

[daftpunkit]

Originally posted by: Arye
Newegg items-

Case - Cooler Master Praetorian
GPU - Leadtek 7800 GTX 256MB (Editor's Choice)
CPU - AMD 64 3700+ San Diego
RAM - ?
MOBO - ?
DRIVES - ?
AUDIO - ?
PSU - ?

Compatible - Unknown

Couple more things I need people to agree on. I am still looking through the posts that were posted and seeing if people agreed on any of the ?

The CPU you chose is socket 939, so you need a socket 939 mobo. The thing about AMD vs Intel is that AMD socket 939 can take single OR dual core, whereas Intel mobos, cannot.The GPU is decent, but the reason why many people recommend eVGA is because of their outstanding lifetime warranty. Audio, you might want to wait a few weeks, creative is launching their X-FI which is outstanding compared to anything out right now.

 

[Arye]

Well for the what do you suggest for a mobo that is compatible with the parts i have so far? and as you said i want top of the line mobo but everything else in between.

also for the cpus u were naming. i can spend more money to get something that takes out the amd 3700+ SD.....so for example....if i spend $100 more for a CPU that will double the one i have right now then i will do that.

can u help me fill in the ?s on my list

 

[KoolDrew]

Arye with the budget you have it is best to go with a dual-core CPU. Like the X2 3800+. Also the 7800 GTX is not worth it. Just get the 7800GT and overclock it. I like the eVGA bunclde just because it comes with a free game (Bf2) and eVVGA is a very reliable manufacturer. Also since you wanted quiet the Antec P180 is a great choice.

Just look at the suggestions we gave you and decide for yourself one part at a time that you need. Then post what you have come up with for us to look at.

 

[yourdeardaniel]

CD/DVD Burners (RW Drives)
Update NEC Black IDE DVD Burner Model ND-3540A - OEM
Model #: ND-3540A Black
$44.99 $44.99

ATX Computer Cases
Update Lian Li PC-V2000B Black Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #: PC-V2000B
$250.00 $250.00

Floppy Drives
Update MITSUMI Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive - OEM
Model #: D359M3D/D359M3B
$11.00 $11.00

Internal Hard Drives
Update Western Digital Raptor WD740GD 74GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: WD740GD
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate
$186.00 -$5.00 Instant
$362.00

Monitors - LCD
Update SAMSUNG 915N-Black 19" 8ms LCD Monitor - Retail
Model #: 915N
**This item is warranted through the product manufacturer only. what's this?
**Dead Pixels Policy: Replacement or Refund for 8 or more dead pixels only.
$40.00 Mail-in Rebate
$329.95 $329.95

AMD-compatible Motherboards
Update DFI LANPARTY nF4 SLI-DR Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #: LANPARTY nF4 SLI-DR
$198.00 $198.00

Video Cards & Related Devices
Update eVGA 256-P2-N528-AX Geforce 7800GTX 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
Model #: 256-P2-N528-AX
$549.00 $1,098.00

Sound Cards
Update CREATIVE Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS GAMER Limited Edition 70SB035000013 8 (7.1) Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail
Model #: 70SB035000013
$50.00 Mail-in Rebate
$121.00 $121.00

Power Supplies
Update ENERMAX All in One Noisetaker Series EG701AX-VE SFMA(24P) ATX12V 600W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: EG701AX-VE SFMA(24P)
$179.99 -$30.00 Instant
$149.99

Fans, Heatsinks (Case, CPU, Chipset)
Update THERMALRIGHT XP-90 Heatsink - Retail
Model #: XP-90
$42.99 $42.99

Update Panasonic Panaflo FBA09A12M1A 92mm Hydro Wave Case Cooling Fan - Retail
Model #: FBA09A12M1A
$14.99 $14.99

Memory - System
Update OCZ Gold Gamer eXtreme Edition 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 433 (PC 3500) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model OCZ4331024ELDCGEGX-K - Retail
Model #: OCZ4331024ELDCGEGX-K
$183.95 $183.95

Processors
Update AMD Athlon 64 4000+ San Diego 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor Model ADA4000BNBOX - Retail
Model #: ADA4000BNBOX
$375.99 $375.99

Subtotal: $3,182.85

 

[ElTorrente]

Just buy a system like mine, it plays games o.k., and does other stuff pretty decent, too.

 

[Arye]

The AMD 64 X2 3800+ Manchester is 2.0GHz is that good enough for gaming or should i get better?

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Originally posted by: Arye
Daftpunkit, thanks for explaining to me in baby words. I have a good LCD so the monitor is already taken care of. Everyone is suggesting different things and not really agreeing too much with each other. So I guess I will need to try things out I suppose. I just want a quiet machine that won't overheat and can give me great performance and is reliable. Something that will overclock ( if necessary ) to give me great Frames Per Second. All I know is AMD > Intel from what everyone is saying.

What is your LCD monitor? Everyone is recommending the 7800GT or GTX because its the latest and greatest, but it is only necessary if you have a monitor that can do 1600x1200 resolution or better. If you have a 17" or 19" monitor that tops out at 1280x1024 you can save money by getting a 6800GT and see no less performance at those resolutions than with the 7800's

I agree with the recommendations of the SD3700+ when properly overclocked it is a wicked fast CPU and top of the line for gaming. You really don't need a dual core unless you know you will be doing multiple CPU intense tasks at once, like gaming while encoding videos.

For ram definately get 2x1024, any of the top value brands will do OCZ,Corsair,Patriot,etc..

For mobo, any of the top S939 NF4 boards will do nicely. I prefer the Asus A8N-E or the Epox ultra. The DFI ultra D for extreme overclocking, but its a bit more complicated to set up properly

For power supply get at least 500w with a strong 12v rail if you plan on overclocking. Overkill is a good thing when it comes to PS, you always want plenty of headroom as far as power is concerned. And stay with the top makers Antec,Fortron,Seasonic, PC P&C, etc..

 

[ElTorrente]

Originally posted by: nick1985
That case you have selected is outrageous, $400 is a waste. You would be better off spending that money on something that would give you performance...

PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING

Case - Cooler Master Praetorian $124.50

DVD-RW NEC $45

CPU - Athlon 64 3800 X2 $399

Hard Drive - WD 320Gb $125 AR

RAM - 2 gigs of OCZ Value RAM $206

Motherboard - Asus A8N-E Nforce4 Ultra $125 (some may argue for the DFI board, both are good though)

PSU - 430watt Seasonic $106

Video Card - Leadtek 7800GTX $504

Grand Total: $1634.50


That fits your budget, and will smash the rig you proposed.

This is a nice rig right here - it gets my vote. I'd change the psu to a neopower 480 maybe, but this really is a very nice system for not too much money.

 

[yourdeardaniel]

get a athlon 64 4000+ if you're doing games only, $380
or x2 4800+ for games and everything. but that cost alot, $888

 

[kirby01]

i love my computer, even though SOMEONE forgot to apply thermal compund to the new heatsink and fan so its overheating right now... >.<

AMD Athlon 64 Socket 939 3500+
Asus nForce4 SLI motherboard
SLI supports 2 PCI Express (16x) graphics cards working simultaneously
4x RAM DIMMS for up to 4GB (1GBx4) of DDR RAM
8 Channel Audio from Realtek
Gigabit Ethernet
4x SATA2 for SATA hard drives
RAID 0/1/0+1/JBOD supported
Corsair Value Select 1GB (512MBx2 for Dual Channel mode) DDR400 CS Latency 2.5
MSI nVidia Geforce 6600GT 128MB DDR3 Graphics Card
Acer 17? Black Flat Panel LCD
Lite-On Black DVD R/RW +/- Dual Layer 16x drive
Logitech Z-3 Premium 2.1 speakers
Athena 450W Power Supply Unit
Raidmax Black Steel Case
Components: $1145
very nice system :-D (btw i think the parts are cheaper now) its SLi so you could use 2x GeForce 6600GTs together to get even better graphix performance :-D this will run battlefield (well) on high settings, i havnt tried far cry i dont think i will either...
-- that doesnt include the harddrive or operating system so...

 

[KoolDrew]

Originally posted by: Arye
The AMD 64 X2 3800+ Manchester is 2.0GHz is that good enough for gaming or should i get better?

2.0GHz for an AMD is not low at all. You are comparing it to Intel, yet AMD CPU's do more intructions per clock.

The X2 3800 is a dual-core CPU. This means the CPU has two different cores that work like having two seperate processors. You will greatly benefit from a dual-core CPU in mulitasking since you can run two single-threaded applications simultaneously with little to no performance loss. You will also benefit in current and future multi-threaded applications.

With your budget instead of buying a high-end single-core I th9ink it would be much wiser to buy a lower-end dual-core and overclock it.

 

[yourdeardaniel]

the cpu depends on what he wants his computer to do. games or multitasking. or both.

 

[daftpunkit]

the cpu depends on what he wants his computer to do. games or multitasking. or both.

or play multiple games at once!



"I R THE CS:S & BF:2 Simultaneous CHAMP!"

 

[Arye]

Originally posted by: yourdeardaniel
the cpu depends on what he wants his computer to do. games or multitasking. or both.

both.

ummm for RAM does it have to be compatible or does it work no matter what so far im getting S939 items so any ideas for RAM? also when i get the RAM items i will post a list of my items i have so far and ill need to know what PSU to buy and cooling systems.

SO RAM ANYONE?

 

[Arye]

I heard RAID is good but i dont know what it is and what parts are raid supported or have raid or w.e........

-=PARTS ON MY LIST=-

MOBO - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136152

CPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103546

GPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi...ry=0&minPrice=&maxPrice=&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

DVD Drive - (How many do I need? I have 4 external 5.25s) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152047





PSU - (what do i need to power all of this)

COOLING SYSTEM - (what do i need to cool all of this)

 

[daftpunkit]

ram has to be 184-Pin DDR, dual channel is up to you.
ECC: no
Registered/unbuffered: unbuffered

ECC: yes and Registered ram is more for server type computers i believe

 

[Arye]

whats a good brand to get OCZ? and should i get a certain speed? ECC? Cas Latency? register or unregistered?

page im lookin at for ram? which one if any? http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi...Price=&SubCategory=147&Submit=Property

 

[KoolDrew]

If you are doing multi-tasking along with gaming you definitely want an X2 then. Also for RAM you want 184-Pin. I like this crucial RAm since it overclocks well for a reasonable price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146545

Get two sticks for a total of 2GB. As for your choices I would definitely change the mobo. The board may take a little tweaking to get it to work properly. I suggest the Epox NF4 Ultra. Even the first review at newegg says that

"It took me the better part of two days to get this thing running right. Make sure you plug in all 4 power connectors to the motherboard, or else things will not work right. Once I got it going though it works great. The Bios is amazing."

Just save yourself the frustration you may encounter and get the Epox.

As for the CPU, it is not a bad choice at all. However it may be better to buy a cheaper one to make room in your budget for a better video card or something else. You can decide that after you have decided on other parts.

Just get the 7800GT. The 7800 GTX is not worth it. I like the eVGA combo that comes with BF2.

The DVD-Rw is a perfect choice :thumbsup:

For the PSu i would suggest something like the Seasonic S12 since it is really quiet.

As for the CPU cooling I would suggest the Xp-120 with a quiet 120mm fan such as the Yate Loon i linked to above.

 

[daftpunkit]

PC 3200 to 4000 should be fine for you.
lower the latency, the better.
OCZ, Corsair, Crucial, Patriot, Mushkin; all decent brands
Registered and ECC is not needed, so ECC: no is good, and Unbuffered is fine.