Gaming PC for gf - around $800

[coreyb]

Hi,

I am looking to build a gaming pc for my gf. We are looking to spend around $800, not including monitor. She doesn't need a lot of HD space or is she looking to run vista.

Any suggestions welcome!

 

[coreyb]

and don't quote newegg prices because I don't live in the U.S. 🙁

 

[Roguestar]

So fill in the sticky.

 

[j0j081]

what kind of games will your gf want to play? $800 is quite a lot I built a friend a semi decent gaming computer for $550 w/out a monitor. If she isn't into the hardcore fps games most of us like no need to spend that much.

 

[crimson117]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
So fill in the sticky.

Linkified.

 

[jterrell]

see my sig

then find those parts where you live.

might wanna go 8800 GT over the 9600 GT if prices are about the same. depends on the deals you can get.

 

[coreyb]

Sorry guys. I hate being that guy that doesn't read manuals,stickies,etc.

It will be used for gaming, music, web browsing.
My budget is $800 or under.
I will be buying it in Canada.
I am definately an Intel fanboy.
I won't be using any of my current parts.
I plan on overclocking as that's what I've done with my computer and I'm all for it!

 

[chinaman1472]

E2160, 2GB memory, P35 mobo, 250-320GB hard drive, 8800GS or 9600GT video card, 400-500w PSU, choice of case and dvd burner. This would be a decent start.

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: coreyb
Sorry guys. I hate being that guy that doesn't read manuals,stickies,etc.

It will be used for gaming, music, web browsing.
My budget is $800 or under.
I will be buying it in Canada.
I am definately an Intel fanboy.
I won't be using any of my current parts.
I plan on overclocking as that's what I've done with my computer and I'm all for it!

No worries.

Anyway:
Chinaman is pretty much bang on the money. Maybe an E2180 or E2200 if you can afford it. The graphics card will make the most difference, don't bargain down to below an 8800GS (or 9600GT). The Abit IP35-E is pretty good for overclocking and nice and cheap at the moment. 2GB of DDR2-800 should be fine.

Which site will you be ordering from?

 

[tuteja1986]

http://www.canadacomputers.com...016015&cid=RAM.346.307 $40.99 ( 2GB will do but 3GB+ is recommened)

http://www.canadacomputers.com...&pid=016106&cid=CPU.84 $133 (you can oc @ 3.2Ghz easy )

or http://www.canadacomputers.com...&pid=018118&cid=CPU.84 $214.99

http://www.canadacomputers.com...&pid=015018&cid=MB.157 $100 ( extremly good motherboard reliable)

http://www.canadacomputers.com...&pid=015941&cid=PS.808 $90 ( a powersupply that will last)

http://www.canadacomputers.com...016635&cid=999.243.272 $169 (a good card that will play all the games on high setting 9600GT is $190 on that site and is not worth at that price. As 3850 512MB can be easily oc to 3870. )


Use your old HDD , DVD rom and your case if they are decent :!

If you want to spend a little , the buy new speakers

Also i highly recommend you don't OC :! it wouldn't increase the games FPS as todays game aren't CPU intensive unless your gf plays game at 800x600 res but then you don't need a good GPU.

check arround for cheaper ca website.

 

[coreyb]

I will be using either:

Candacomputers
NCIX
Directcanada

I'm going to have to disagree with the overclocking as I've noticed a huge increase in fps after overclocking my Q6600.

 

[tuteja1986]

Originally posted by: coreyb
I will be using either:

Candacomputers
NCIX
Directcanada

I'm going to have to disagree with the overclocking as I've noticed a huge increase in fps after overclocking my Q6600.

I have done alot of testing in past and all i have seen is one or more fps gain.

I only gain in lower resoultion , but i ain't playing anything lower than 1920x1200.

 

[coreyb]

I tested overclocking to stock in cs:source. I gained about 50 fps after overclocking. This was at 1680x1050. All settings maxed. Made the difference between playable and unplayable on a few maps.

 

[j0j081]

Originally posted by: coreyb
I tested overclocking to stock in cs:source. I gained about 50 fps after overclocking. This was at 1680x1050. All settings maxed. Made the difference between playable and unplayable on a few maps.

is that with your current video card? An 8800GTX an any semi decent cpu from the past couple years should be able to easily run CS:S at 1680x1050 maxed out. Hell my old AGP 7800GS and an Athlon 64 3400+ used to run fine at those settings. Something is wrong with your system if overclocking is really making a difference between it being playable and not.