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Gaming Box AMD processor

I

InTheMoment

Junior Member
Hey All,

I have acquired some extra hardware as result of bad luck on a VOODOO box. To get it up to snuff I have some left over hardware that I would like to use to make a new gaming computer. I have not built a computer before, but I am not afraid! I'm more concerned about wasting a lot of time on unnecessary details and want to get this done.

This is what I have to start with.

GenForce 6800U 256MB PCIe Vid card
A8N SLI Premium (Socket 939 AMD)

I would like suggestions on:

Processor - duo-core and single.
RAM
CASE
Power Supply
Cooling
Hard Drive
Monitor

I am NOT a nerd - so I need a configuration that will allow for a frustration free operating system load - including drivers. So, I am willing to sacrifice the lastest/WoW/Cool stuff.

I don't wanna blow my top and end up with more un-used hardware!

Thanks for your time!
 
Are you planning to run at stock speed or overclock?

Why would you want dual core, what would you use it for?

Are you planning to replace the video card any time soon?

1 GB of RAM or 2?

We need more information on what you want in a monitor -- 19" 1280x1024 LCD, square or widescreen 20", CRT dinosaur?
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820141308
Kingston PC3200 2 gigs of ram- $197

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148140
Seagate SATA 320GB SATA 3.0Gb/s hard drive -$100

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129152
Antec Solution SLK3000B Case- $50

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103547
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Dual Core CPU- $183

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817194003
Enermax Liberty 500W PSU- $105

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811999344
Silverstone FM121 120mm Case cooling fan- $16

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824002245
NECAS700-BK 17" CRT Monitor with Max resolution of 1280*1024- $120

Total: $771 + shipping.

 
^ a good list, but for 17" CRT's you can get them free or <$10 from people who have upgraded to LCD.

Also an A64 single core 3700+-3800+ for under $100 will be faster in games if dual isn't needed for something else.
 
I was thinking 2 processors was better then one for any application. IS this not so for gaming as well?

The monitor I was thinking of is:

Monitor

You don't like my Video card!? It was on top of its "game" about a year ago. I play mostly online games - CoV, Silkroad and the like. I would use this more for business - the games are a distraction vacation.
 
For me - money is not so much the issue. It is more the ease of install on all these parts. Do you feel that the Case is a big issue for this? If so, please recommend a case that will easily accommodate the power supply, fans, hard drive ....

Looks - Im not too concerned with that. If its ugly, ill drop it downtown for a graffiti makeover.
 
The 6800 is decent but is 2 generations behind a 7900GT. For 3D shooters it's now just an OK card.

Single vs. dual core:

The second core helps for running 2 programs at once, but only helps games a tiny bit. So a fast single core will be faster and cheaper for games than a slow dual-core.

The extra $90 for the X2 4200+ is worth it _if_ you like to run 2 programs at once that both keep the processor busy.
 
Originally posted by: InTheMoment
I was thinking 2 processors was better then one for any application. IS this not so for gaming as well?

The monitor I was thinking of is:

Monitor

You don't like my Video card!? It was on top of its "game" about a year ago. I play mostly online games - CoV, Silkroad and the like. I would use this more for business - the games are a distraction vacation.
Click to expand...

Unless the game was written to take advantage of dual-core, it won't get any benefit from it. Stick with a higher-clocked single-core and keep the case around for a better LCD. 🙂

- M4H
 
Don't waste money on a 500W PSU, a 400W or 430W would be enough. Usual suspects on which to get, check any PSU thread and someone will have listed the better brands.
 
Regarding the harddrive - does anyone think that I will have to add some IQ points to get it installed with drivers? As I have never ever built a box from scratch.

Any thoughts on what to watch out for when loading up the operating system? That is my biggest dread.
 
Originally posted by: InTheMoment
Amazing - a billion dollar video card a year old is now a bargin bin item. Oh well, it will do.

Anyone have opinions on the case that LW07 mentioned?Antec Solution SLK3000-B Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

The hard drive LW07 mentioned looks plenty big Seagate SATA 320GB SATA 3.0Gb/s hard drive -$100

I forgot to ask about cdr dvd burners - any obvious choices?
Click to expand...

the NEC 3550A DVDRW. one of the best burners out there. you can find it on newegg for less than 40 bucks.
 
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