Good gaming system for $1500??

[rener]

I'm looking to replace my current system (2.5 year old P4). The new system will be used primarily for gaming. From what I've read it seems like AMD is preferred for gaming systems over Intel.

So I'm looking for processor recommendations. Would a 3800+ processor suffice or should I go with a 3800+ X2?

Also, I'm looking for a site I can order a system from. What do people think of sites like ibuypower and cyberpowerinc?

 

[mOeeOm]

Before the X2 v.s single-core flaming starts, I'm gonna throw in my recommendation.

If hard-core gamer and only a gamer, a 3700+ SD or FX series will be good if not overclocking.
If just a gamer then a dual-core like 3800+ X2 will be good. 4400+ if not overclocking.

 

[johnnqq]

^ good recommendation.

 

[kleinwl]

I expect that you are tossing the whole system and need a monitor.
Viewsonic-191b (~$400)

OCer
3800 X2 (~$375)
2x1GB OCZ Value ($200)
Hitachi 250GB HD ($80)
X800pro (refurb) ($180)
Epox 9NPA+ Ultra ($110)
DW1640 (DVD-RW) ($40)
Antec Sonata II ($100)

Spend the rest on speakers/soundcard/kb/mouse/etc

Ibuy is fine... but build yer own.. you don't save a dime... but you get the best!

 

[Azndude2190]

Originally posted by: rener

I'm looking to replace my current system (2.5 year old P4). The new system will be used primarily for gaming. From what I've read it seems like AMD is preferred for gaming systems over Intel.

So I'm looking for processor recommendations. Would a 3800+ processor suffice or should I go with a 3800+ X2?

Also, I'm looking for a site I can order a system from. What do people think of sites like ibuypower and cyberpowerinc?

These are some sites you can look at(although some I dont reccomend):
chiefvalue
newegg
zipzoomfly
tigerdirect
monarchcomputers

 

[Bona Fide]

Originally posted by: kleinwl
I expect that you are tossing the whole system and need a monitor.
Viewsonic-191b (~$400)

OCer
3800 X2 (~$375)
2x1GB OCZ Value ($200)
Hitachi 250GB HD ($80)
X800pro (refurb) ($180)
Epox 9NPA+ Ultra ($110)
DW1640 (DVD-RW) ($40)
Antec Sonata II ($100)

Spend the rest on speakers/soundcard/kb/mouse/etc

Ibuy is fine... but build yer own.. you don't save a dime... but you get the best!

No need to get such a nice monitor on such a tight budget IMO.

Viewsonic VP171B - $300

And put that extra $100 towards a better graphics card, like a 6800GT.

 

[DavidoFoo]

Originally posted by: kleinwl
I expect that you are tossing the whole system and need a monitor.
Viewsonic-191b (~$400)
or equivalent Samsung

OCer
3800 X2 (~$375)
2x1GB OCZ Value ($200) or Corsair VS
Hitachi 250GB HD ($80) or Seagate 7200.8
X800pro (refurb) ($180)
Epox 9NPA+ Ultra ($110)
DW1640 (DVD-RW) ($40)
Antec Sonata II ($100)

Spend the rest on speakers/soundcard/kb/mouse/etc

Ibuy is fine... but build yer own.. you don't save a dime... but you get the best!

You save money DIY

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Originally posted by: DavidoFoo

Originally posted by: kleinwl
I expect that you are tossing the whole system and need a monitor.
Viewsonic-191b (~$400)
or equivalent Samsung

OCer
3800 X2 (~$375)
2x1GB OCZ Value ($200) or Corsair VS
Hitachi 250GB HD ($80) or Seagate 7200.8
X800pro (refurb) ($180)
Epox 9NPA+ Ultra ($110)
DW1640 (DVD-RW) ($40)
Antec Sonata II ($100)

Spend the rest on speakers/soundcard/kb/mouse/etc

Ibuy is fine... but build yer own.. you don't save a dime... but you get the best!

You save money DIY

Not really... Sites like iBuyPowerinc or something will get you a better bang for your buck in terms of performance, but the quality is greatly reduced. They use cheap crappy cases with like 300W Aspire PSU's. Doing it yourself just provides a much greater sense of security. You don't even really know which motherboard they're sticking in it, and it could be a crappy one that doesn't overclock well at all. DIY >>> retail.