Need help with building budgeted gaming desktop (amateur)

Kenny536 · Dec 13, 2008

Hello - I created this thread because I need guidance on building a gaming desktop. I don't have much experience with this - so far all my experience is replacing a video card and putting in some thermal paste.

My goal is to make a great GAMING PC for my little brother for about 600-800$ - i want to try to not go over 700 but i also want to get the most out of my money. I am using websites such as google, newegg( especially the reviews!), toms hardware, pricewatch, and tigerdirect. I won't get state of the art technology with that budget, but I still want it to last a good number of years with the latest games. I live in and will be buying from the USA.

Keep in mind that since i have never built a computer so I'm not really sure too sure what I'm doing. I figured that i would order all the parts and then just try to put it together.

So far, the parts that I think I need are:

Motherboard
Processor
Video Card
RAM
Monitor
Computer Case
Hard Drive
Keyboard
Mouse
Speakers
CD/DVD Burner

Please let me know if there is anything else I need. The fan comes with the motherboard right? Will I need some sort of external cooling also?

I have researched the priciest components so far (CPU, motherboard, video card). Please let me know what you think of my decisions and if you have recommendations. Is everything compatible with eachother? I'm trying to get the biggest bang for my buck. Based on my research, I have come to the conclusion that Intel > AMD at this current moment.

I haven't decided if I am going to overclock this (partly because I'm not sure how to). But let's just assume I will.

Processor - this is what I have researched the most so far and I am fairly confident in my choice - but let me know if you disagree.

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0Ghz 1333FSB 6MB L2

http://www.futurepowerpc.com/s...E=CPIN-RE8400&REFID=PW

Motherboard - I'm not very knowledgeable with the specs for motherboards, I have narrowed it down to the eight motherboards you see below (based on the reviews at newegg).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813188026
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131295
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128347
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131232
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131299
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131344
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128359
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813128358

Keep in mind that I have not checked these motherboards on Pricewatch - so there may be a 5-10$ cheaper elsewhere.

As for CPU/Motherboard combos, I've looked for a good deal on one of those but what I am finding is that they offer a really great processor and a very crappy non-gaming motherboard.

Video Card - I have already purchased this one for 20$ (after rebate) and based on the reviews its pretty good for gaming - my reasoning was that since it is only 20$, worst case scenario is I will just get a better one later on incase this one isn't good enough.

EVGA 256-P2-N761-TR GeForce 8600 GTS 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130394

RAM - Haven't researched this much yet - is there a certain minimum amount of RAM I need to make it compatible with my motherboard and processor? I don't want the minimum amount though - I want a good amount to ensure it is a great gaming desktop. What is the typical amount of RAM to accomplish this?

Hard Drive - Haven't researched this much yet - is there a certain minimum amount of hard drive space I need to make it compatible with my motherboard and processor? I don't want the minimum amount though - I want a good amount to ensure it is a great gaming desktop. What is the typical amount of HD space to accomplish this?

Monitor - Haven't researched this much yet.

The rest of things like the keyboard and speakers I don't think is that big of a deal, that I can do on my own but the main components is what I need help with.

Also - here a couple of combos from some users on Newegg. Haven't looked at these very carefully yet.

-EVGA 512-P3-N980-AR GeForce 9800 GT Hybrid
-GIGABYTE GA-EP43-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel
-Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB
-G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
-LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model
-Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
-Rosewill RCX-Z300 92mm Ball CPU Cooler
-RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WBP Black 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case With 500W Power **this box was not the best choice**
-Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit

1.This mobo Gigabyte EP45
2.Intel E8500 C2D...OCed@3.9Ghz/1644mhz FSB
3.GTX260(MSI)Oced 702/2406/1467 GPU(just 1)
4.DDR2 1000@822mhz 5-4-4-12 1:1 (gskill)2x2=4gb
5.X-Fi gamer's edition audio
6.(optional) Asus PhysiX card-takes load off GPU
7. 750watt 4x12v rail PS(Zalman)or better
8. Antec 300 or 900 (depending on your budget)case
9. 22"lcd or bigger with 2ms 10000:1 (LG)or samsung
10. any of the THX Logitec speakers are good! Z series

Let me know if I forgot to mention anything. I would appreciate it if you would please let me know what you think, thanks a lot.

yh125d · Dec 14, 2008

Denithor · Dec 14, 2008

e8400 + P5Q Pro combo $275 - $15MIR
G.Skill 2x2GB DDR2-800 $40
Galaxy 9800GTX+ $175 - $40MIR
WD6400AAKS $75
LG DVDRW $23
OCZ 500W PSU $55 - $25MIR
Antec Three Hundred $50

Total computer cost: $693 - $80MIR = $613

Acer 22" LCD $170
Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 ($22) or Microsoft Laser Desktop 4000 ($32)

If you're really needing to keep the price lower, drop the CPU/MOBO combo and get these instead (shave $75/$60AR off the price above):
e7300 (2.66GHz) $120
EP43-DS3L $80

DSF · Dec 14, 2008

I think building computers is a great hobby and I encourage you to get into it.

However, I'm not sure I'd make my first build a $600-800 gift for someone else. As long as you're careful everything should work just fine. On the off chance that it doesn't though, are you confident enough to figure out what the problem is and fix it?

Edit: By the way, just ordering all the parts and then trying to put it together is a good way to give yourself a headache, invent some new curse words, and possibly break something. There are a lot of good step-by-step guides on the internet, so read them.

This video would also probably be useful to you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFEOd7nQbuQ

ther00kie16 · Dec 14, 2008

If you also have to purchase an operating system, I'd suggest getting the $419 Dell deal (search hot deals), downgrade ram because you'll add a 2x2gb kit, switch out power supply for something more powerful and add a video card. Should come out to $600-$650ish but includes Windows and a 20" Ultrasharp.

DSF · Dec 14, 2008

Originally posted by: ther00kie16
If you also have to purchase an operating system, I'd suggest getting the $419 Dell deal (search hot deals), downgrade ram because you'll add a 2x2gb kit, switch out power supply for something more powerful and add a video card. Should come out to $600-$650ish but includes Windows and a 20" Ultrasharp.

The Dell $419 deal is for a Vostro 220. Since it's a mini-tower I would do some homework to make sure a full size video card and PSU will even fit inside.

Zap · Dec 14, 2008

Welcome to the forums, Kenny536.

Originally posted by: DSF
I think building computers is a great hobby and I encourage you to get into it.

However, I'm not sure I'd make my first build a $600-800 gift for someone else.

My sentiments exactly.

Originally posted by: ther00kie16
If you also have to purchase an operating system, I'd suggest getting the $419 Dell deal (search hot deals)

Here is the deal for a Dell Vostro 220, $219 plus shipping and tax. You get:

20" widescreen Dell Ultrasharp (even better than their basic model)
2GB DDR2-800
DVD burner
250GB hard drive
Core 2 Duo E7300
gigabit ethernet
onboard sound
onboard video
Windows Vista Home Basic
1 year on-site warranty

Upgrade to Windows Vista Home Premium for $29 more (to get Aero and Media Center). Add a 19-in-1 card reader for $30 if your brother has a digital camera, MP3 player or anything else that uses flash memory cards. Upgrade keyboard to the Dell USB Multimedia Keyboard for $30 if your brother uses headphones without volume control, because the keyboard has a volume knob right on it, and is otherwise a nice keyboard.

Separately (as in don't purchase from Dell) buy a GOOD quality but cheap power supply. You can find various Antec, Corsair or BFG units in the $50 to $70 range (sometimes with rebate). What you want besides quality is at least 430W and at least one PCIe power plug, and two if you go for a higher end video card.

Then, you can buy whatever video card you want. You can get cheap 9800 GT for around $100-130, better ones for around $150 but by then you can just about get a 9800 GTX. You can also get a Radeon 4850 for around that price.

base system $420
upgrades $90
Free shipping if base+upgrades is more than $500
tax ~$30 (depending on where you live)
power supply $50
video card $150

~$740

Within your budget and you don't have to put it together.

Kenny536 · Dec 14, 2008

I appreciate the responses guys.

DSF - it's not really a gift - he's my little brother and he's 11 lol - plus I'm also doing it for myself because I am MIS major so it's good for me to learn. Also, I'm sure I'll game the days I come home from college. I'm sure with all the tutorial and things online that I will be able to figure it out eventually.

Being new at this, deciding between all these components is pretty overwhelming. So I'm going to do it one step at a time.

Processor - e8400 - this is baically set, I'm confident that this is a good choice.

Motherboard - based on a guide I read, I should be getting a P45. Nevertheless, I will look at all the motherboards you guys posted and then get back to you guys.

Lastly, I'm a little confused on this Vostro deal. Is this an assembled computer that they send me? The 250GB harddrive looks good, processor looks fine, but don't I need 4 GB RAM? Also, do they not include a motherboard? I do not see it in the list you posted.

novice · Dec 14, 2008

Here is the website that shows the Vostro deal and some photos of the mini tower. I just ordered one from them. I also ordered an MSI Radeon 4670 video card, 4 gb of ram, and a usb wireless network adapter from newegg to upgrade it with. My total for everything will be just under $650. I sure hope the video card fits in the case! Oh well, if it doesn't I can always upgrade the Nvidia 7900GS in my son's box. They don't list any specs on the physical size of the card on newegg's site.
I still think that $419 for a Core 2 Duo E7300, 2 gb ram, windows vista, and 20" digital LCD monitor is a pretty nice deal.

DSF · Dec 14, 2008

Yes, the Vostro is a fully functioning computer. You don't technically need 4GB of RAM, but that would be an easy swap to do anyway.

Kenny536 · Dec 15, 2008

I have narrowed the motherboard down to three (although feel free to suggest something else).

The ASUS p5q Pro 115$

The ASUS p5q-e 145$

GIGABYTE UD3P 117$

(Keep in the mind that I will receive a 20$ combo discount for the Pro and a 10$ discount for the UD3P when coupled with the 8400)

I chose the UD3P over the UD3R and UD3 because of this chart: http://img384.imageshack.us/my...?image=gigabyteof2.png]

[/URL]

Although that chart does confuse me. I know I need CrossFire for overclocking so I figured I'd go with the UD3P.

Can you guys give me feedback on which is the best from the three motherboards? Please let me know what your reason is for recommending also.

Is the p5q-e worth it for the 30$ price jump?

Is there any difference in the expansion slots? I see a difference in the p5qe.
I also see a difference in the max memory supported - p5q pro only supports 8GB while the other two support 16GB. But I only need 4GB of RAM right? Then this would be irrelevant.

Are there any other differences?

zerocool84 · Dec 15, 2008

Originally posted by: Kenny536
I have narrowed the motherboard down to three (although feel free to suggest something else).

The ASUS p5q Pro 115$

The ASUS p5q-e 145$

GIGABYTE UD3P 117$

(Keep in the mind that I will receive a 20$ combo discount for the Pro and a 10$ discount for the UD3P when coupled with the 8400)

I chose the UD3P over the UD3R and UD3 because of this chart: http://img384.imageshack.us/my...?image=gigabyteof2.png]

[/URL]

Although that chart does confuse me. I know I need CrossFire for overclocking so I figured I'd go with the UD3P.

Can you guys give me feedback on which is the best from the three motherboards? Please let me know what your reason is for recommending also.

Is the p5q-e worth it for the 30$ price jump?

Is there any difference in the expansion slots? I see a difference in the p5qe.
I also see a difference in the max memory supported - p5q pro only supports 8GB while the other two support 16GB. But I only need 4GB of RAM right? Then this would be irrelevant.

Are there any other differences?

You do not need Crossfire for overclocking. It has nothing to do with the processor. It has to do with having 2 video cards working together. One card goes in one slot and another goes in the other and you connect them together. It is the same thing as SLI which is Nvidia's version of Crossfire. If you do not need that go with the cheapest as they are all good boards.

Kenny536 · Dec 15, 2008

Okay. Well - do you think that I will have to two video cards in the future? If not, then I'll probably get the UD3R and save 17$. If I do need crossfire then I'll likely get the UD3P.

DSF · Dec 15, 2008

I can't tell you whether you'll have two video cards or not.

I can tell you that I don't plan to any time soon, because it generally isn't worth the money. It doesn't double your video power.

Kenny536 · Dec 15, 2008

Okay. I have decided to to get the UD3R for 99$. The money I save will allow me to get a better video card - now I'm going to start researching video cards - thanks for your help so far!

Kenny536 · Dec 16, 2008

Here is where I am at so far:

CPU - e8400 WolfDale

Motherboard - GIGABYTE UD3R

Video Card - researching

I was going to shop for desktop components one at a time and although the video card is still my main priority, I am reading these NewEgg emails and there are promotional discounts that expire on the 18th, and some on the 21st. Based on what I have bought so far (CPU and motherboard) and what I am trying to accomplish, please let me know what you think of these discounts and if you recommend any product.

Please don't get the idea that I am not researching or that I am being lazy - I am simply doing this because the promotions will expire before I get to researching the products. I realize this is a lot to ask all at once but if you could even just give feedback on one of the components I'll appreciate it. Also, feel free to suggest something that is not a promotion, I am not simply going to buy it because there is a discount, I still want to get the biggest bang for my buck.

I cannot link to the deal page because it's in my e-mail.

All the prices below are after promocode and rebate:

Video Cards:

EVGA GeForce 9800 GT PCI Express 2.0 x16 512MB GDDR3 Video Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...Cards-_-L5C-_-14130397

89.99

------------------

EVGA GeForce 9500 GT PCI Express 2.0 x16 512MB GDDR3 Video Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...Cards-_-L4C-_-14130383

44.99

-------------

ASUS EAH4830/HTDP/512MD3 Radeon HD 4830 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
640 Stream Processors ready

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...Cards-_-L2C-_-14121289

94.99

------------

MSI GeForce 8800 GTS PCI Express x16 320MB GDDR3 Video Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...Cards-_-L8B-_-14127328

79.99

------------------------------

Power Supply - I need at least 600W right? How much of a performance increase will I saw if I do more than 600W?

Thermaltake Purepower W0121RU 600W ATX12V V2.0 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Power Supply - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...plies-_-L1B-_-17153077

44.99

-----------------

Corsair 750 Watt ATX12V/ EPS12V Active PFC Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...plies-_-L6C-_-17139006

89.99

------------------

OCZ StealthXStream OCZ600SXS 600W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...plies-_-L1C-_-17341010

39.99

-----------------

Rosewill 630 Watt ATX12V v2.2 & EPS12V v2.91 Active PFC Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...plies-_-L4A-_-17182149

59.99

----------------

I definitely want to buy a power supply in the next couple days because there is a 20% sale right now for all PSUs in the following link: http://www.newegg.com/Store/Ca...08-_-MECH-_-EB1A-_-PSU

Let me know which one you think is the best deal for me.

----------------------------

Monitors :

ASUS VW224U Black 22" 2ms(GTG) Widescreen LCD Monitor w/ HDCP Support 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 5000:1) Built in Speakers - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...itors-_-L0A-_-24236050

159.99

-----------------

Acer X193W+BD Black 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 2000:1 (ACM) - Retail
High resolution 19? monitor

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...itors-_-L5B-_-24009127

129.99

------------------

SAMSUNG 2233bw High Glossy Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 DC 20000:1(1000:1) - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...tors-_-L10C-_-24001306

179.99

Basically each monitor is 10$ off with the promo code. I haven't researched monitors heavily yet but I just wanted to know if these were good deals since they will expire soon.

--------------------------

RAM

- for memory I need the 4GB RAM correct? Most of the promotions are only for 2GB RAM so I will not bother posting them.

G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...emory-_-L3B-_-20231209

44.99

-----------------

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...emory-_-L0D-_-20231166

49.99

---------------

Hard-Drives - I have no idea why the prices vary so much when the memory space is the same. The 1TB and 400 GB HDs are the same price - why is that?

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...rives-_-L0B-_-22148288

59.99

--------------

Seagate Momentus 5400.6 500GB SATA 3.0Gb/s Notebook Hard Drive OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...rives-_-L1D-_-22148371

99.99

--------------

Western Digital Elements Portable 400GB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...rives-_-L8D-_-22136340

99.99

------------------

Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EACS 1TB SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...rives-_-L5D-_-22136151

99.99

--------------------

DVD Burners - I assume this includes CD drives inside them - right?

Lite-On IDE 22X DVD+/-R DVD Burner with LightScribe

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...rners-_-L1B-_-27106269

24.99

----------

Sony NEC Optiarc IDE 20X DVD+/-R DVD Burner OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...rners-_-L2D-_-27118011

19.99

-------------------

Cases

http://promotions.newegg.com/r...MECH-_-EB3A-_-Rosewill

There's a lot of cases there. The one on top looks cool.. I like the blue lights - but is it good for airflow?

Also, there are some case combo deals with CPUs here:

http://promotions.newegg.com/a...CH-_-EB3C-_-IntelAntec

The first two on that link are the ones that apply to me since I am buying the e8400 CPU.

-------------------------

Thanks a lot.

zerocool84 · Dec 16, 2008

I'll help you norrow it down a little but still have more choices to make.

PSU:
Corsair TX650w $79.99AR
This is a great psu that's quiet and it's a Seasonic made unit so it's great quality. Very silent.
PC Power & Cooling 610W $69.99AR
Another great psu that is guaranteed to provide solid power like the one above.

GFX:
EVGA 9800GT $94.99AR
I'm an Nvidia fanboy so I would recommend this. It's cheap and can handle most games fine.
Asus 4830 $99.99AR
Another great card that will perform just as well as the 9800GT. You choose which you like better.

If you can spring more $$$ for gfx, there are many other, better choices.

HD:
Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB $84.99
Great fast drive with good amount of storage. One of the fastest non-raptor drives around.

DVD Drive:
Samsung SH-S223F $24.99
These run of Samsungs are great. I have this one and it does what it's supposed to do well.

Case/CPU:
Antec 900 & E8400 Combo $244.98
The combo deal with the Antec 900 and E8400 is the one I would get. The 900 cools great and you're already going to get an E8400. A little savings with the combo is great.

RAM:
G.SKill 2x2GB $39.99
Corsair 2x2GB $24.99AR
Which ever you like. I'd go with the Corsair since they are known to overclock better.

DSF · Dec 16, 2008

You can safely ignore any drive that says "notebook" or "external". You're looking for internal 3.5" drives.

betasub · Dec 17, 2008

Had to comment on the graphics card in OP: 8600GTS was weak sauce when it came out many moons ago - regardless of whatever reviews pushed you towards it, it hardly qualifies as a "gaming" card for 2008/9.

Zerocool lists some good options in the "mid-range" for graphics (9800GT, 4830). The others listed by Kenny can be easily ruled out: 9500GT (low-end = too weak), 8800GTS-320 (too old, mid-range but limited by old G80 and small frame buffer).

Kenny536 · Dec 17, 2008

Okay - thanks.

I am about to purchase a video card. I will likely go with the 9800 GT over the 4830, even though they're basically the same.

However, can you give me some feedback on this comment from another forum:

i suggest the 4830, but if you plan to sli/crossfire(this means putting in another of the same card into your comp to double the power, usually the cheapest way to upgrade later on) in the future then get the 9800 however getting the 9800 means you'd have to change your motherboard IF want to sli/crossfire. However i REALLY suggest you get a Radeon 4850 or GTX 260 which is $50 more than the cards you chose but much better for todays games especially with a 22 inch screen.

Thanks.

Kenny536 · Dec 17, 2008

I am most likely going to go with the OCZ StealthXStream OCZ600SXS 600W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail.

This is only 35$ after MIR and promo discount.

However - since I am buying the e8400 - I can get the OCZ OCZ700MXSP 700W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail for 35$ also after MIR.

I believe that I should save my combo discount with the e8400 for when I buy the CPU case, or the RAM... rather than to use it on the PSU - because 600W is all I need, right? 700W won't make a difference.

What do you think?

TidusZ · Dec 17, 2008

you definitely dont need even 600 watts, get 400 or better and you'll be golden. As for the quote before, it was referring to how if you are using 2 videocards together in one computer, with nvidia's cards you need a special nforce motherboard which are overpriced, but if you use 2 ati cards together it will work with pretty much any motherboard with 2 of the appropriate pci-e slots. He says the geforce 260 and ati 4850 are good when using a 22" monitor because as your monitor size and resolution increase so does the graphical demand.

The full builds that a few people have listed have been pretty good imo, with the budget your on you can't get the best stuff and I think they made pretty good choices for that price range. Also you might be better off going with a 600w over a 700w of the same make, it will use less electricity likely with this computer (more efficient).

Kenny536 · Dec 17, 2008

I see.
Okay, thanks - I will go with the 600w and use the 8400 combo for the case or RAM.

However, it bothers me that you guys say that the 4850 is better for 22". I wanted to get a 22" but now I am not so sure because you guys are saying that the 9800GT nor the 4830 is suitable for it. Maybe I'm just nitpicking.

DSF · Dec 17, 2008

20 and 22" monitors are generally 1680x1050 resolution. The 9800GT or 4830 would handle that screen fine depending on how high you like to turn up detail settings. Will those cards play new games at the highest settings on a 22" monitor? Not necessarily, depending on the game. Will they run the game smoothly if you turn settings down to medium or so? Absolutely.

Only you can decide how important that is to you.

Kenny536 · Dec 17, 2008

Wait so the monitor size actually affects the video card output depending on the game? Are you sure? I was really looking forward to a 22". I think I will just settle for a 20" if that is the case.

Need help with building budgeted gaming desktop (amateur)

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