Need help building a budget gaming sytem

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Johnbear007

Diamond Member
Jul 1, 2002
4,570
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I have 750$ SHIPPED and do NOT need a monitor.

I havent build since my 2500+ so I need to know the best value in MB/CPU/RAM/VIDEO right now

Athlon 64?
P4?

PCI express?
AGP?
 
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DaveSimmons

Elite Member
Aug 12, 2001
40,730
670
126
There are 1,000 other system threads, you might read a few for ideas.

Are there any parts you might re-use? You don't list your current RAM speed, how much, or your video, though you imply your CPU is an XP 2500+ (stock or OC?).

If you need a complete system less monitor you need to say so, since it's not clear whether you want that or just a video/CPU upgrade.
 
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Trey22

Diamond Member
Oct 31, 2003
5,540
0
76
Are you looking to build an entire system, or just upgrade the core components (mobo/cpu/ram)?

The upgrade itch bit due to what? Money burning a hole in your pocket, want more eye candy, faster encoding?
 
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Johnbear007

Diamond Member
Jul 1, 2002
4,570
0
0
Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
There are 1,000 other system threads, you might read a few for ideas.

Are there any parts you might re-use? You don't list your current RAM speed, how much, or your video, though you imply your CPU is an XP 2500+ (stock or OC?).

If you need a complete system less monitor you need to say so, since it's not clear whether you want that or just a video/CPU upgrade.
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The build is a new build for a friend, no re-usables.

I see that nothing has really changed all that much since my last build, and that most of the guides are still pretty crappy.
 
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Mik3y

Banned
Mar 2, 2004
7,089
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from the looks of his sig, it seems as if he's oced his 2500+ to 3200+, so i dont think he should upgrade the cpu and mobo and maybe ram. john, the only thing i think you should upgrade now is perhaps a vid card and maybe memory. i think you should keep ur cpu a bit longer til pci express and new things come out. ur not in dire straights to upgrade yet IMO.
 
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DaveSimmons

Elite Member
Aug 12, 2001
40,730
670
126
Originally posted by: Johnbear007
The build is a new build for a friend, no re-usables.

I see that nothing has really changed all that much since my last build, and that most of the guides are still pretty crappy.
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Then for $750, a 9800 Pro (careful not to get the Sapphire with crippled 128-bit memory path), maybe an XP 2500+ / nforce2 / 512 MB - 1 GB, and try Hot Deals for the hard drive and optical drive. Antec SLK3700 or Sonata since they have good power supplies.

You can try for an A64 2800+, the budget might stretch that far if you pirate Windows instead of buying a legal OEM license from newegg.
 
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Johnbear007

Diamond Member
Jul 1, 2002
4,570
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Originally posted by: Mik3y
from the looks of his sig, it seems as if he's oced his 2500+ to 3200+, so i dont think he should upgrade the cpu and mobo and maybe ram. john, the only thing i think you should upgrade now is perhaps a vid card and maybe memory. i think you should keep ur cpu a bit longer til pci express and new things come out. ur not in dire straights to upgrade yet IMO.
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I/m not upgrading my system, sorry for the confusion, nothing offers a compelling upgrade for me yet.

I am doing a new system build for a friend.

IT looks like Atacom has a 9600 pro for 109 and a 9800 pro for 199 .... is there a better deal than a 9600 pro for 109$? another budget card I should look at? it's the video card that is giving me fits, there are so many.
 
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DaveSimmons

Elite Member
Aug 12, 2001
40,730
670
126
9800 Pro, if you have to make your friend sell blood to get the extra $100 :)

Read a few benchmarks, it's by far the best card under $300, and tremendously faster than that 9600 pro.

For gaming:
- You're better off getting the 9800 Pro and 512 MB RAM vs. 9600 Pro and 1 GB
- You're better off getting the 9800 Pro and a 40 GB hard drive than 9600 Pro and 160 GB drive.
- You're better off getting the 9800 Pro and XP 2500+ than 9600 Pro and XP 3200+ (though 9800 Pro and A64 2800+ would be an ideal pair)
 
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Johnbear007

Diamond Member
Jul 1, 2002
4,570
0
0
I'm thinking that the cost of the A64 may be prohibitive, however I will keep it in mind. I'll have to look for a good case/psu deal as well

Thanks

I will most likely go with the 9800 pro. I have one myself and love it, I was just wondering with the slew of Nvidia cards out there if there was anything worth considering againts the 9800 pro at 199$

Guess not

Thanks!
 
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Johnbear007

Diamond Member
Jul 1, 2002
4,570
0
0
Originally posted by: Mik3y
from the looks of his sig, it seems as if he's oced his 2500+ to 3200+, so i dont think he should upgrade the cpu and mobo and maybe ram. john, the only thing i think you should upgrade now is perhaps a vid card and maybe memory. i think you should keep ur cpu a bit longer til pci express and new things come out. ur not in dire straights to upgrade yet IMO.
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Even though this thread isn't about my system, how could a ram upgrade from CAS 2 hyperX possibly benefit me? What exactly would I upgrade too that would offer anything approaching a significant performance gain?
 
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duragezic

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
11,234
4
81
It wouldn't benefit you. The poster prolly didn't know that you meant it was a new system for a friend, not your own upgrade, it was kind of unclear...

Anyway, I remember when you were building that Soltek 2500+ system. As you now can see, not much has changed at all. Basically you go with the standard NF2/Barton system if you're on a budget, or up to a A64 system if you can afford it, and if price isn't an issue you can go all out with a P4. :)
 
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Johnbear007

Diamond Member
Jul 1, 2002
4,570
0
0
Originally posted by: duragezic
It wouldn't benefit you. The poster prolly didn't know that you meant it was a new system for a friend, not your own upgrade, it was kind of unclear...

Anyway, I remember when you were building that Soltek 2500+ system. As you now can see, not much has changed at all. Basically you go with the standard NF2/Barton system if you're on a budget, or up to a A64 system if you can afford it, and if price isn't an issue you can go all out with a P4. :)
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Yep, I guess I just expected things to change more since my last build, and was looking for a headsup on anything major. As you said, not much has changed, I will most likely build him a system like mine, perhaps with a different motherboard. I read the entry level system guide, and while I ussually think anadtech articles are great, I thought this one was pretty worthless. It was pretty much a slew of the worst parts you can buy, within a price range of a decent Dell which would come with software. Overall a pretty worthless build.

At this point I don't really find the performance of the A64 or P4 compelling enough to justify the price.

I was scared that PCI Express and a newer processor technology would be coming along soon, but honestly things seem to be moving a bit more slowly, with processor gains being pretty minimal.

I'd think i'll stick with something more budget oriented.

I would appreciate a recommendation on RAM however, whats everyones cheap favorite right now?
 
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dennisjai215

Banned
Apr 16, 2004
1,261
0
0
yeah by a bit but 5900xt can oc really well and isnt as hot as ati 9800pro.. and i thought ur friend was on a tight budget.. well 15$ isnt much when your spending 750$ for the whole thing so yeah excuse that and go for the 9800pro
 
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