Need new gaming computer suggestions.

[imported_nirv]

It's been a long time since I've bought hardware and I'm so out of the loop and so I'd appreciate any help.

1) I'm not an overclocker. Stock is fine by me; keep in mind.

2) I am using some parts from my old computer such as monitor, kb, mouse, and hard drives unless the dual Raptor 10,000 rpm in Raid0 mode makes a big difference in load times in games. If yes, please link to models less than 100GB each.

3) VIDEO CARD - I am hearing the newest ATI models out perform the newest NVIDIA models . I do not want to SLI it, so keep that in mind. I worry of ATI's future drivers even on their newest hardware. I want the newest and best or second best model of either card, whichever is better. I am coming from a 7800GS or something really weak like that.

4) I have the CPU selected. The dual core Duo E8400. http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819115037

5) I don't need the absolute best motherboard, but I hope it has at least 2 ethernet ports Gigabit or not. I will not ever use SLI mode.

That's about all. Now fill in the blanks!

CPU: E8400 http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819115037
Video Card: ???
Motherboard: ???
RAM: 4GB of something!
PSU: ???
DVDRW: Pioneer 512D (already have)
Hard Drives 600GB between 2 drives. No raid right now but will consider raid0 raptors or something fast.
Case: I seen some nice ones, but haven't decided yet. Remember, not an overclocker but like quiet fans.
Monitor: 24" Dell (already have)

I don't want a quad core cpu. A good friend recommended the E8400 and I trust his opinion being a more serious gamer than me but he's still undecided about the video cards as am I.

 

[akhilles]

3) Not quite. Until we see the real benchmarks after RV770 releases. It's being pushed back. Right now GTX200's are faster in some games. RV770 is cheaper, though. The sweetspot is 9800GX2. Keep in mind not all games support SLI/CF. A single GPU is always the best bet.

E8400
GA-P35-DS3L
2X2GB DDR2 800MHZ
~500W CORSAIR/EARTHWATTS

 

[jgigz]

Whats your budget?

 

[imported_nirv]

Originally posted by: jgigz
Whats your budget?

Probably $1200 or so.

 

[imported_nirv]

This just in: Antec 650W PSU for $59 free shipping. Worth it?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...A&Item=N82E16817371001

 

[akhilles]

For $59 yes.

 

[DaveSimmons]

If you prefer nvidia, the 9800GTX is going to drop to $199 very shortly.

Next month the GTX+ will be out for $220, it's a die shrink (= lower power use) and slight overclock of the GTX. There are a couple of review links in the Video forum but no power / heat / noise reports yet.

Those and the amd 4850 are the best deals for a midrange card. Above that the 9800GX2 was beating the GTX cards in many but not all games.

The E8400 is a very good choice, 3 GHz dual core should be more than enough for games for another 2-3 years, and even then will likely just prevent using the highest settings.

 

[BlueAcolyte]

meh, I would get a new hard drive since your old one is likely to be slower by design.