Need guidance with a Gaming Rig...$1700 budget approx.

[Tool]

hello...
i have been doing tons of research as i haven't built a new computer in 4 years. i'm working with about $1700...although i'll probably bend a little either way. I haven't been able to play a game decently in a while so i wanna spoil myself a little. I plan on OC and quite possibly water cooling now or in the near future. i would just like a little guidance with power/cost effectiveness/upgradibility potential/hardware choices. Feel free to offer any suggestions.
thank you all for any help. I"m so overwhelmed with choices!!!

Case: CM Stacker/Wavemaster
PSU: Enermax Noisetaker 485/OCZ Powerstream 420/520
MoBo: DFI Lanparty NF4
CPU: AMD a64 3500 or better?
HD: 2x160gb SATA....raid0 probably
VidCard: undecided....nothing over $400 though
Ram: Clueless with all the choices

Good Fans?...i'll need quite a few in that case

 

[amol]

RAM: good OC ram if you're OC'ing . . . or you can get cheap ram and use dividers

CPU: you will do fine with a 3000+ or 3200+ winchester (use the $$ you save to get a better video card)

VidCard: ATi x800XLs compete with the 6800GT (except from Doom3)

they are about $390 now, but they will go down

edit: HDD: you dont need raid0

get a raptor for OS and games and get a 160GB storage disk

 

[Chinoman]

Get

CPU: Athlon 64 3000+
Video Card: X800 XL ( When prices come down )
RAM: 1024 ( 2x 512 ) Corsair Value Select

 

[amol]

Originally posted by: Chinoman
Get

CPU: Athlon 64 3000+
Video Card: X800 XL ( When prices come down )
RAM: 1024 ( 2x 512 ) Corsair Value Select

i disagree with you on the CPU and RAM

he said that he's OC'ing, it would be better to get a 3200+ because that OCs better than the 3000+

performance RAM is better when it comes to OC'ing

 

[Chosonman]

Consider a 754 System for better value.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=27&threadid=1510123&enterthread=y

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=27&threadid=1511459&enterthread=y

 

[overst33r]

go for OCZ rev2 for ram you will be much happier when trying to OC as these will cause less problems, i read good things on the OCZ powerstream also i would suggest waiting for the x800xl to come down to its 299 suggested retail price or go with the 6800 gt now so you can get SLI later on. As for the cpu i would go with the 3200 just so you have a little more headroom.

 

[amol]

Originally posted by: Chosonman
Consider a 754 System for better value.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=27&threadid=1510123&enterthread=y

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=27&threadid=1511459&enterthread=y

this guy is building a $1700 rig, not $700

My rig:
TT Tsunami w/ Window
Antec Neopower
MSI Neo4 Ultra
3000+ Winchester
250GB SATA
1x1024 PC3200 RAM
NEC ND-3520A
ATi x800XL (will be getting soon)
XP Pro

without monitor, that is $1600

edit: all i have to say is that if you upgrade every 4 years, NO POINT in going SLi

 

[Chosonman]

I'm just saying...

The system looks good. For Graphics under $400 the 6800GT looks like a winner. If you can find a 6800 Ultra or X800 Pro or XT for that go for it too.

Value RAM will work fine. If you insist on being picky I hear OCZ Rev2 is good. But I have no experience there.

 

[Machine350]

Originally posted by: Tool

Case: CM Stacker/Wavemaster
PSU: Enermax Noisetaker 485/OCZ Powerstream 420/520
MoBo: DFI Lanparty NF4
CPU: AMD a64 3500
HD: 2x160gb SATA....raid0 probably
VidCard: Geforce 6800GT
Ram: Corsair Value Select or Kingston ValueRam (you can always run dividers when you overclock).

Thats what I'd go with. IMHO, if you're a gamer, overclocking doesn't make as much of a difference as going with a good video card. That's why I would stick with the 3500 and value ram and go with a 6800GT. It'll perform better than overclocking the crap out of your system while running a mid range video card.

 

[Pr0d1gy]

CPU- AMD 3500+

Memory- valueRAM for non overclock, this for overclocking, or some Xper memory if you want the cool stuff

Vid card-you can find Xtasy x800xt's for around $400, but if you wanna buy new retail the 6800gt or x800xl are both very good.

Total = $800 to 1000 depending on RAM, leaving room for nice case, psu, hard drive (Raptor 74gb), DVD burner, etc.

 

[Tool]

thank you for the feedback....i'll go with the HD and Video card advice...

im still curious about which fans to use in the case (Brands/Models) ...and any other cooling methods for CPU...GPU etc etc

also..should i just go with the Lanparty Ultra-D? i do want the option for overall upgrading...just not sure...

 

[Tool]

sorry for the bump...just wanted to finalize everything....see above post. if i missed anything...please help me out...thank you for all of your help.

 

[drifter106]

I have a windchester 3500 with the OCZ ram and havent't o'c ye (its very fast and effecient as it is)...but i come from a k62 platform...spring break when i have time I will play with the o/c.

points of emphasis:
buy something that you will be happy with and not let yourself get in a situation where you wish you would of made a "more productive" choice on a particular piece of hardware. I could of saved some bucks on the ram and processor but I have headroom to play with. Many people here have found the 3000 and 3200 great to o/c with. 3200 has an additional mulitplier that helps in that regard. Don't skimp on the card, you will love the case, I have one and its a dream...cpu temp runs around 32 to 35 and mid 40's when gaming. Case runs 9 or 10 and has plenty of room. Do your homework, read different aritcles about performance and cost...it will pay off.

good luck!!