Gaming PC recommendation

[CSurf]

Hey Guys

I want to purchase a new mid-performance system. I want it to run new generation games with 1024 resolution and mid detail and last for several years.

I?ve done some research on hardware and games review (Doom 3/HL-2), but would like your input before I purchase my system.

This is what my system looks like so far:
CPU: P4 2.8GHz Northwood 800MHz FSB
MOBO: Microstar 865PE Neo2-PFS Platinum motherboard (No RAID)
RAM: x1 512Mb Kingmax/A-Data PC3200 DDR400 Memory
HDD.: x1 Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 120GB SATA-150 8MB 7200rpm
VGA: GeCube 9800 Pro 128MB 256bit

I don?t want to go for the absolute cheap stuff. I?m a little flexible, but I want to stick to my budget.
I tried to find reviews and benchmark on the GeCube 9800 Pro everywhere, but haven?t found anything. I?m not sure if it?s reliable and performs the same as other 9800 Pro.

How much fps required for new generation games? E.g. is 99fps in CS the same as 60fps in say Doom 3?

Also, do I need Arctic Silver or is the standard thermal compound stuff that comes with fan sufficient?

Note: I definitely will not overclock.

Anyone with similar specs please let me know how you are running Doom 3. e.g. FPS, resolution, any drop in fps during heavy action etc.

Thanks

Siamac

 

[jpeyton]

How much are you paying for all that stuff?

I think 90 out of 100 people here would recommend you get at minimum an Athlon 64 2800+ and a K8T800Pro motherboard instead of the Intel combo.

Memory and HD looks good (although Hitachi makes a faster SATA drive for less money).

MSI has a 9800 PRO for $200. How much is the GeCube one? If you have an extra $100, get a Nvidia 6800 card instead.

 

[ponyo]

If you're going P4, use dual channel memory.

 

[IQJUMPuw]

You did the right thing going with Northwood instead of Prescott. However, I think Northwood is a bit outdated in today's standard. I would recommend going with the AMD64 setup but I think your current setup will suit you just fine.

 

[CSurf]

Ok, I'm thinking about getting a ColorSit case with a standard 400watts PSU.
http://www.langear.co.nz/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=15_200&products_id=1447

Is this PSU sufficient because I won?t be over clocking?

Looking at Anandtech and Tomshardware benchmarks for Doom 3, it looks like my CPU and VGA is pretty borderline if I wanted to play it at 1024 res with mid detail (40 - 45fps).

What do you guys reckon? Do you think it?s worth buying now or wait?

If the system I am getting will play DirectX 9 games well at 1024 res and say mid detail then Ill definitely take the dive and purchase the system immediately. I definitely don?t want a lemon and say, "opps, need another upgrade" a few months down the track.

How much fps is required for Doom 3 for best playability? 40fps, 45fps, or 50fps on average? Of course higher is better, but my pockets isn?t that deep . Also, any ideas on fps for 9800 Pro 128MB for HL-2? I read an old benchmark with the 9800 Pro at 63fps.

I'm looking into AMD Athlon 64 3000+. Anyone have an AMD Athlon 64 3000+ with a 9800 Pro 128MB and running Doom 3? How does it perform? Here in New Zealand, Athlon 64 3000+ is cheaper then P4 2.8 by $30. Is the AMD 64 3000+ faster on DirectX 9 games then the P4 2.8? I think its faster on DirectX 8 games, but I'm keen on AMD 64 if it's alot faster on DirectX 9.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Antec Sonata is a better case with a solid power supply. You don't want to kill your system with a cheap power supply, so if you can afford the price difference, do it.

A64 3000+ is roughly equal to a P4 3.2C in gaming, so if you can get it cheaper than a 2.8C, do it.