Need suggestions/ideas on building a great game PC.

[IsOs]

I haven't build a game pc before. Most of the office pc I've built use Windows 2000 and dual cpus.

I need help in putting together a great game pc for a friend. I don't know where to start. I'm guessing that Windows 98SE is a better choice for OS. Should I go Intel cpu or AMD? Which video card and motherboard should I use?

 

[TunaBoo]

Look around for other threads here. But a few things.

Use win2k

Use epox8k7a

Use crucial pc2100 DDR

Use a kyro2/radeon/geforce3 depending on needs/pricerange

use a 350 watt or better PSU

use a t-bird 1.33 GHz or so.

 

[Jex]

Win 2k or 98SE should work fine.

I mostly agree with TunaBoo except you don't NEED a 350 PSU. 300 is more than fine for most systems. Although the 350+ you'll be sure you won't need more power.

AMD vs. Intel: Whatever. I suggest AMD, but P4's run games great too.

Check out the PC buying guides on the AT main page. Good guides for lots of different configurations, including high end and value gaming pc's.

 

[compucaineaddict]

IMHO, this is the optimal setup for gaming:
MC462-0A Heatsink + Arctic Silver II or Watercooler setup(risky)
1.4ghz Thunderbird AHHJA Unlocked (Atacom.com)
256MB Corsair PC2400 + Thermaltake Ramsinks
Gainward Geforce3
SX1040
ECS Sis735 Board (out soon)
Blue orb for Northbridge
Several case fans
Sound Blaster X-Gamer
Klipsch Promedia 4.1
Sony 21" Monitor
Windows 2000
Tekram DC390U3W
Seagate X15 Hard Drive
Pioneer 305s DVD-ROM
Plextor 16X 10X 40X CD-RW Drive or SCSI 12x CD-RW Drive
Microsoft Natural Pro USB Keyboard
Logitech Optical Mouse

Total
~$4,000

 

[DieHardware]

There's an interesting gaming pc build in the latest issue(sept2k1) of "PC Upgrade" magazine.

 

[Xesh]

Where did you get the info about the ECS board? I only saw a SiS 730S motherboard there, not a 735

 

[MrHelpful]

Um, I believe he doesn't have $4000 to spend.