Gaming build, need 2nd opinions

[metroplex]

Hi everyone

I just wanted to get some 2nd opinions from others and to throw ideas around.
I'm looking at building a new gaming PC (Vista 64-bit environment). My budget is about $1300 MAX, and my strategy is not to skimp on the case or PSU so I can upgrade the Mobo/CPU/GPU if needed in the future. It looks like ATX has been the king for over a decade, and I'm not sure if anyone can dethrone that standard.

The Case and PSU: Antec Nine Hundred w/ Corsair 850W
GPU: GTX 260 Core 216
HD: 500GB Seagate 'Cuda
DVD: Samsung SH-S223

From High-end to low-end w/ the above parts included in cost
Core i7 920, 6GB DDR3, MSI Eclipse SLI ($1224 total)
Core i7 920, 3GB DDR3, Asus P6T ($1110 total)
Core 2 Duo E8500, 4GB DDR2, Gigabyte mobo, ($905 total)
AMD Phenom II X4 940 BE, 4GB DDR2, Giga FTW mobo ($869 total)

It seems that the only items I would vary are the mobo and CPU. The less expensive video cards may not offer the performance I want, but that is why I am here so I can get some ideas. I am also not fond of DOAs, sending stuff back for replacement under warranty, or messing w/ BSOD's - so I don't want to overclock stuff or use really exotic components. It just has to play the latest 3D games fairly smoothly at 1024-1280 resolution.

Thanks in advance and I hope this isn't too boring.

 

[Alienwho]

First you need to decide if an i7 is worth $400 more to you. If not, throw that out of the equation.

Then lets just drop the E8500 because it's still more expensive and will get outperformed generally by the AMD competitors.

That leaves the X4 940 BE. But lets introduce a new contender. For probably $100 less total you could get the X3 720 and get virtually identical performance in all real world situations. I was in a similar situation and debating between the X3 720 and the X4 940 for a bit, but settled on the X3 because it is significantly cheaper, has a chance to unlock a 4th core and has great performance and overclocking ability.

I was set on getting a 4770 vid card as well, but I had to buy now and couldn't find it in stock so I went with the 4870.

I ended up going with the following:

SAPPHIRE 100259L Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814102810

$164.99


AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor Model HDZ720WFGIBOX - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103649

$139.00

ASRock A790GXH/128M AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813157156

$91.99

 

[z1ggy]

I know yo uhave a $1300 budget, but hwy no thave some money if you can right? If you want an i7 core setup..fine. Get the 920 with a good x58 mobo of your choice. Search newegg for the highest rated ones. For a gpu, I suggets getting 2 hd 4890's in CF. For your psu, I dont think you need an 850.. and 750 should be enough unless you plan on getting a 3 PCIe mobo and using all the slots. The case, HD and optical devices wil be fine. With the money you save or have left over, I really suggest you get a better monitor. Something with a higher res. like my 1900 by 1200 is awesome to view games with great graphics. It made a really big dif from my old 1024 by 1280.

 

[metroplex]

The 750 and 850 PSU's differ in price by like $15. I won't need a 850, but it seemed like a small price to pay for extra power capacity if I need it.

Interesting thought on the Tri-Core Phenom. I read that most games only take advantage of up to 2 cores.

The 4870 seemed to perform about the same as the GTX 260 Core 216, but the 260 is roughly $170-$180 right now. I'll look at the 4870s again but the Tom's Hardware guide seemed to give inconsistent scores for the 4870. There were reports for 512MB, 1GB, and 2GB 4870s and the performance varied a lot.

I've got a 19" LCD but my desk doesn't have much room for a larger monitor. The prices on LCDs keep dropping so I am not in a rush to buy now since it works fine. I understand about the resolution though and may upgrade in the future.

 

[Denithor]

With a 19" LCD and no intent to upgrade soon - GTX 260 or 4870 is utter overkill.

Grab a 4770 instead.

Go with the Corsair 650TX - that cranks enough power to handle a pair of GTX 280s in SLI if you ever decide to upgrade your monitor.

The X3 is a great gaming CPU - plenty of power, cheap, higly overclockable.

Or wait a few months until the new i5 launches.

EDIT: Also - get a Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB drive instead of that Seagate.

 

[metroplex]

How is the 19" LCD going to slow down the video card? The problem I've experienced in the past is that the video card is never powerful enough to display full details and give me 30-60 fps when there's a lot of action going on.

 

[brblx]

he thinks that 1280x1024 or 1440x960 doesn't require a stronger card. i would disagree, if you want to turn the details up and continue to play newer games at max details, i would certainly go for the 4870 or 260.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Originally posted by: z1ggy
Search newegg for the highest rated ones.

Take new egg ratings like a grain of salt...

 

[Ichigo]

Spending that much money on a computer and then cutting corners on the most important output device seems awkward to me. I'd buy Core 2 or Phenom II and buy a better monitor.