Pure gaming rig up to $2000

[Amokachi]

Hello all you helpful people,

I am trying to build a new gaming PC for myself. Here are the requirements I'm working with:

• * Pure gaming. I mean seriously, I won't be doing anything else on this machine.

• * Don't care much for "future-proofing" or upgradeability. I guess I could stick some more RAM in if I really need it, but I am assuming that in 3-4 years I'll throw it away and build another.

• * Should stay below $2000. I don't mind getting expensive components, as long as I can see a significant improvement. I'm not a fan of diminishing returns if they aren't matched by diminishing prices.

• * Don't care much for overclocking at the moment and will probably end up not doing any.

• * I hope that I can still use this PC to play some medium-requirements games 3 years from now. I expect to replace it when it's about 4 years old.

• * This is my first custom-built system, so ease-of-use is a plus, though not a must.

I've read these forums and have come up with the following parts list. All of these are listed from Newegg, but I will look for better deals once the configuration gets finalized.

Mobo: ($139.99) DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 ULTRA-D nForce4 Ultra
Updated From: ($82.50) "CHAINTECH VNF4/Ultra Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail"

Graphics: ($359) eVGA 256-P2-N376-AX Video Card - Retail
Updated From: ($459) "BFG Tech Geforce 6800GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI-Express x16 Video Card - Retail"

PSU: ($75) ENERMAX Whisper II EG465P-VE FMA(24) ATX12V 460W Power Supply - Retail

CPU: ($367.99) AMD Athlon 64 3800+ 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor - Retail
Updated From: ($272) AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Venice 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor Model ADA3500DAA4BP - OEM

RAM: (#131.00) CORSAIR 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail
Updated From: ($258.71) OCZ 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 500 (PC 4000) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model OCZ5001024ELDCGEVX-K - Retail

HDD: ($183) Western Digital Raptor WD740GD 73GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM

Sound: ($103.99) CREATIVE Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS GAMER Limited Edition 70SB035000013 8 (7.1) Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail

Case: ($105) Lian Li PC-61 USB Black Computer Case - Retail

Cooling: Huh?

Monitor: ($437) REFURBISHED: NEC/MITSUBISHI FE2111SB-BK Black 22" CRT Monitor - OEM

Total: $1,901.97


I will be scavenging the following parts from my old Dell: keyboard, mouse, speakers/headphones, monitor, 160GB HDD (additional HD for storage), CDRW, DVD, floppy, cables, surge-protector and stuff.

I have a million questions, but for the purposes of this post, I have eliminated nine hundred ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred ninety-one of them, leaving me with the nine below.

1. 1. Is that graphics card good enough? Should I go for a 6800Ultra for 100 bucks more? Will there be a notable difference?

1. 2. Is 460W enough power? I guess if I go with the Ultra I'd have to up it to 500W?

1. 3. I'm not totally up to date on CPU developments so I picked the one above because I saw it mentioned on this forum several times. First, I wonder if I need a Venice core if I'm not overclocking. Second, I wonder if I should get a 3800+ or 4000+ for a little more kick? I don't want to get a CPU that outmatches my RAM though, otherwise it would be a waste.

1. 4. Speaking of RAM, the one I picked is kinda pricy. Again, I don't plan to overclock, but I need good RAM to keep up with my CPU, so... My question is - is this RAM well matched for my selected CPU? If I go with a 3800+ or 4000+, would you recommend different RAM?

1. 5. I've seen posts from people having problems with the Audigy2 ZS, specifically - they get popping sounds or something. Is this THE gamer card out there? I won't be using it for any music...

1. 6. I need to pick a case and I'm at a loss. I need something that can hold all the components I've selected and I also need it to be quiet and cool. Nothing too fancy, no neon lights and preferably black.

1. 7. I don't know much about cooling. I guess I shouldn't need separate cooling for the video card, but I probably need it for the CPU, since it's OEM. Should I just get a boxed version instead? Also, cooling fans for the case would depend on what case I get. I've heard 120mm are quietest.

1. 8. Monitor. I already have an old monitor, but it's a sad 15" Dell job, so for a gamer rig I'm gonna have to get a new one eventually. I don't have to get it right this instant, but suggestions are welcome. I'm looking for a CRT, no LCD.

1. 9. Should I just get a new CDRW-DVD combo? They can't be that expensive. Mine is a 48x CDR and a 16x DVD I believe.

Thank you in advance for your help! I'm currently under my budget, so suggestions for upgrading some of the above parts are welcome, as long as they play nice with the rest of the system.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Welcome to ATOT.
1. No. The 6800GT is fine.
2. Yes, and no you won't need 500W.
3. No, 3500+ is fine.
4. It's great ram if you're overclocking.
5. The Audigy2 is one of the best sound cards.
6. Whatever you like. I like Lian-Li cases.
7. Maybe an XP-90 w/ medium Panaflo.
8. Dunno.
9. Nah. That should do fine.

 

[SonicIce]

these threads are always fun . anyways if this is pure gaming and $2000, you could prolly squeeze in some SLI action.

 

[SGtheArtist]

Hello,

You can do it for less.

AMD Athlon64 3400+ (2.4GHz socket 754) - (if you dont plan to upgrade CPU & I think the 3500+ runs at 2.2GHz?)
DFI LanParty nForce3 250GB
GF 6800GT AGP (most can O/C to Ultra)
1GB DDR400 (PC3200) RAM (Value RAM should be good enough)
Audigy2 ZS (if you want Surround Sound Gaming)
460w PSU (should be plenty)
7200rpm HDD (I dont think the Rapor is necessary)
DVD-ROM (if this is JUST for playing games)

Probably under $1K. Use pricewatch.com but if you can find everything at newegg you will save with shipping.

Just my 3 cents. (inflation )


P.S. If you REALY want to spend $2K on this I would definately suggest SLI but then your looking at a low end SLI system.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I don't know if that board is going to be a really good overclockers board to use the ram you got to the fullest extent.

Oh, you say in #3 that you're not overclocking. Don't spend to much on ram then.

I'm running my 3200+ at stock and got a gig of corsair value select for $90.

$460 for a 6800gt sounds really expensive to me. I think you could get one for about $100 cheaper in PCI-e.

For a nice CRT monitor, I really like my NEC/Mitsubishi.

I'd get the boxed processor because it comes with a 3 year warranty vs the 30 days for OEM (or is it 90?)... If you're not overclocking, the stock cooler will be just fine. It's not loud in my opinion.

(sorry I didn't really go through neatly like Kensai did )

 

[SlitheryDee]

The radeon x800xl is also a great deal, especially and it outperforms the 6800GT on most DX games. If you plan on playing a lot of openGL games the 6800GT is probably the better choice though.

 

[Chosonman]

You're burning money by spending $250 on RAM and $180 on a fast Hard Drive.

You won't notice a thing buy getting the expensive RAM and the Raptor. Get RAM from around $80-$130 and you'll be just as good as spending $250. And you'll be much more satisfied with a 300 Gig Hard Drive than a 74 Gig Raptor.

Use the rest of your money of a kick ars MONITOR. That will be well worth it. Even if you spend another $1000 on the current configuration you won't notice as big a difference compared to if you bought the best Monitor you could buy.

I recommend the Dell 2405FPW for just under $1000 on sale

 

[mwmorph]

mobo: if you want sli, get a dfi nforce 4 sli board they are very good ocers.
If not, go ATIxpress 200 board. VERY fast, VERY cheap VERY good OCER.

Gfx Card, go sli 6800gt or a single x850xtpe since you dont plan to upgrade for a while, you need a very good gfx card.(use money saved from cpu and ram)

cpu: get a 3200+ venice and oc the crap out of it.

RAM IS CRAP seriously, the difference between the $250 a gig ram and $85 a gig ram is 1% literally for 939 amd64s.
get this for $100
http://www2.newegg.com/OldVersion/app/V...Desc.asp?description=20-231-012&depa=1

HDD: forget the raptor. games take up more and more space. steam takes 10gigs on my pc. ut2004 woth mods takes 14gigs. get a 250-300gig seagate 7200rpm drive. the difference in speed isnt really too big and framerates will not increase if you have a raptor so it is realyl worthless for games unless you need 1-2seconds shaved off a load.

sound: use your money and use onboard unless you have good speakers. onboard is pretty good unless you aboslutely need EAX.

case:
this
http://www2.newegg.com/OldVersion/app/V...Desc.asp?description=11-146-016&depa=1
or this
http://www2.newegg.com/OldVersion/app/v...desc.asp?description=11-146-015&DEPA=1
is a good looking case

power supply: if you buy a better sound card and wil oc, a better powersupply is needed. get the best PC&P power supply you can afford.

speakrs: not a expert on those.

 

[SGtheArtist]

Speakers > Logitech Z-5500 or Logitech Z-680. You will feel like you are in the game, beware!

 

[Chosonman]

Originally posted by: SGtheArtist
Speakers > Logitech Z-5500 or Logitech Z-680. You will feel like you are in the game, beware!

You're a good salesman. I want one!

 

[Promethply]

1) Your graphics card should be fast enough.

2) That PSU has plenty of amps on the 12V rail, so you don't need the 500W.

3) If you're not OCing at all, and wants a bit more performance, go with the 3800+ but otherwise, you can OC the 3500+ to at least reach the 3800+ performance, if not more.

4) Again, if you won't OC, then the Corsair Value Select RAMs will serve admirably, even with mild OCing.

5) If you're not an extreme audiophile, the onboard sound is great for gaming.

6) The Cooler Master Wavemaster has good airflow and is pretty quiet.

7) If you're not into OCing or only planning for a mild OC, just get the retail CPU, which comes with its own heatsink and fan.

8) The 19 inch diamontron tubed Mitsubishi is a fantastic CRT monitor.

9) If you don't burn many CD or DVD, then a CDRW-DVD combo is a good choice, otherwise, you need either two DVD burners, or one DVD player, and on DVDRW.

 

[Amokachi]

Wow, you guys are fast. I'm still taking it all in, but here are some responses:

Kensai: Thanks for the welcome and the nice replies. I'll take a look at Lian-Li.

SonicIce: Glad you're enjoying the thread I wasn't planning on SLI to start with, but perhaps I could invest in a better mobo so I can have the upgrade possibility...

SGtheArtist: You's suggesting an AGP setup vs. PCIe? Wouldn't that be less performant? Value RAM suggestions noted.

YOyoYOhowsDAjello: No I didn't type you name, I used copy+paste I won't OC, so I'm looking for the best stock setup. Sounds so far like I should go with value RAM and maybe a faster CPU. No Venice core then? The 6800GT is expensive because I picked a BFG one that is already overclocked (closer to Ultra?). I'm not sure if that's a good decision. Boxed CPU suggestion noted, I'm thinking the same thing.

SlitheryDee: I conciously went with NVIDIA on this because of SM3 and better support for newer standards in general. I play a lot of different games, not just FPS, so I don't know if OpenGL superiority would be a big plus for me.

Chosonman: I'll be looking at value RAM I'm not sure if I want to give up the Raptor, since I'd rather lose a few seconds in load times now and then. Space is not an issue as I would be hard-pressed to have more than 70GB of games installed at the same time.

mwmorph: I won't be overclocking, so I don't need a good mobo for that, but I am considering getting one with SLI support in case I want to stick another 6800gt in later. There is an agreement that my RAM is overpriced, so I'll be looking for value RAM as soon as I post this For the HDD, I'll think about it. I have a 160GB drive from my old machine that I'll reuse, so maybe I'll skip on the HD for the moment and see how I like the performance at 7200rpm. For sound, I'd rather have the best I can get, since I have very nice speakers and good heaphones and I need EAX in some games. Thanks for the links, I'll check out those cases.

 

[Chosonman]

One DVD player and one DVD burner is the best choice. It's hard to burn 2 DVD's simultaneously.

 

[Amokachi]

OK, I considered some of the feedback and it looks like my RAM is too expensive and my CPU is too cheap.

Should I upgrade my CPU to this then:

($367.99) AMD Athlon 64 3800+ 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor - Retail


As for the RAM, I am considering either
($93) CORSAIR 1GB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM System Memory - Retail
OR
($86) CORSAIR 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail

The only difference is that the first one is a single 1GB stick, while the second is a pair of 512MB. My mobo description says it supports dual-channel, so I should go with the 2x512, right? Or should I get 2x1GB?

As for the SLI question, I can't figure out if my mobo supports SLI or not. I think I should get an SLI mobo and a 6800GT and maybe put another in when they're cheap.

About the 6800GT, do you suggest I keep the overclocked BFG one or go for a cheaper one? I don't mind paying a bit more if it's going to perform better!

Thanks Promethply, after a couple of suggestions on the onboard sound, I'm thinking of losing the sound card to start with and only getting one if I'm not happy with onboard. Seems like a good solution.

 

[Amokachi]

Originally posted by: SGtheArtist
Speakers > Logitech Z-5500 or Logitech Z-680. You will feel like you are in the game, beware!

I already have some sweet speakers, Herman Kardon or something, but I can't use them in the night cuz the subwoofer causes my neighbor's floor to vibrate I use Grado headphones mostly.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Yeah, if you're going to run at stock, I'd get ram for about $100 and then take the $150 saved and either don't spend it or use it on another part of the system.

I think the 3500+ is a good pricepoint before you get very diminished returns for spending more.

I also think the 6800gt for under $400 is a good price/performance ratio. I'm not sure how the OC BFG card compares.

If you have the money for it and already have a decent sized storage drive, I don't think the raptor is a terrible idea, but I personally wouldn't do it. Again, like the ram, I think the money would normally be spent better elsewhere.

If you don't have a really nice speaker set, it might be a good idea to look into getting some Promedia Ultras to go with the Audigy 2 ZS.
I'm also a fan of hooking up an entry level hometheater sound system to computers.
Investing in a nice soundsystem is something you'll surely notice and spending $500 or $600 on sound is going to hold its value a whole lot better than buying a $500 videocard that's going to be obsolete in 2 years.
Let me know if you think you might want some suggestions about some audio advice if you think it's something you'd be interested in (I know it's not for everyone )

EDIT: nm on the speakers I guess ... oh, and it's harman kardon. (I have an HK AVR-325 receiver)

 

[Cheesetogo]

The ram you chose is for overclocking, and since you will not be doing any, it's a complete waste, as it's designed to go up to 500mhz while you well be using it at 400. Get some 100 dollar value ram. The 6800gt sounds really expensive to me. You can get the leadtek brand one for 400 dollars in pci express. The psu you chose is plenty for you. For your hard drive, don't get a raptor. You'll see about a 5% difference. I'd recomend getting a 250gb seagate. Your going to want a nice monitor, I'd reccomend the dell 2005fpw, wide-screen 20". It got down to 380 during the last sale dell had (regular price 750). For cooling, you'll be good with the stock cooling, so get a retail proccesor, oem does not come with one. If noise bothers you though, look at the zalman hsfs. If you want to spend 2k, not including anything but the actual computer, you could probably get a dual 6800 ultra rig if you skimmed on everything else. I'd reccomend 2 6800gts. However, you can get a really good rig for 1200-1500.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Amokachi
OK, I considered some of the feedback and it looks like my RAM is too expensive and my CPU is too cheap.

Should I upgrade my CPU to this then:

($367.99) AMD Athlon 64 3800+ 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor - Retail


As for the RAM, I am considering either
($93) CORSAIR 1GB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM System Memory - Retail
OR
($86) CORSAIR 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail

The only difference is that the first one is a single 1GB stick, while the second is a pair of 512MB. My mobo description says it supports dual-channel, so I should go with the 2x512, right? Or should I get 2x1GB?

As for the SLI question, I can't figure out if my mobo supports SLI or not. I think I should get an SLI mobo and a 6800GT and maybe put another in when they're cheap.

About the 6800GT, do you suggest I keep the overclocked BFG one or go for a cheaper one? I don't mind paying a bit more if it's going to perform better!

Thanks Promethply, after a couple of suggestions on the onboard sound, I'm thinking of losing the sound card to start with and only getting one if I'm not happy with onboard. Seems like a good solution.

If you can fit it into your budget, you might want to get two 6800gts in SLI right away. I'd rather have a system based off a 3200+ with 6800gts in SLI than a single 6800gt with a 3800+ CPU.

On newegg you can find the SLI motherboards by selecting NF4 SLI as the chipset.

For most users, a single gig of ram should be plenty.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

If you haven't seen the benefits of SLI yet, check out this article to see how it compares to other options.

If you get a display with fairly high resolution and like to turn settings up high, then SLI could be a good option for you.

 

[Amokachi]

Ok for an SLI motherboard, how about this:

($175) ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

OR this

($141.50) GIGABYTE GA-K8NU-SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

They both seem pretty much the same, with the Asus having better reviews on Newegg.

About the RAM, mwmorph suggested G.skill Dual Channel Kit 184-Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC3200, Model F1-3200PHU2-1GBZX -Retail, which looks better than my Corsair (cas 2 vs 3), but I've never heard of the manufacturer G.skill... Anyone?

I checked out the article on SLI, but I'm not totally convinced I need SLI to start with. Seems like a good upgrade once the 6800GT costs 200 bucks less Everyone seems to think my 6800GT is overpriced and I didn't hear any praise for the BFG overclocked version, so I'll try to find a cheaper one now. Will also look into the couple of monitors that were suggested, thanks YOyoYOhowsDAjello, Cheesetogo, Promethply and Chosonman.

Thanks for the suggestions all, keep them coming!

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Amokachi
Ok for an SLI motherboard, how about this:

($175) ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

OR this

($141.50) GIGABYTE GA-K8NU-SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

They both seem pretty much the same, with the Asus having better reviews on Newegg.

About the RAM, mwmorph suggested G.skill Dual Channel Kit 184-Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC3200, Model F1-3200PHU2-1GBZX -Retail, which looks better than my Corsair (cas 2 vs 3), but I've never heard of the manufacturer G.skill... Anyone?

I checked out the article on SLI, but I'm not totally convinced I need SLI to start with. Seems like a good upgrade once the 6800GT costs 200 bucks less Everyone seems to think my 6800GT is overpriced and I didn't hear any praise for the BFG overclocked version, so I'll try to find a cheaper one now. Will also look into the couple of monitors that were suggested, thanks YOyoYOhowsDAjello, Cheesetogo, Promethply and Chosonman.

Thanks for the suggestions all, keep them coming!

g.skill and twinMOS are both good options that are pretty unknown.

I haven't looked into SLI motherboards much. I hear a lot of praise for the MSI one in particular.

Oh, and if you go SLI you're probably going to want to get a beefier powersupply for the future drain of two videocards adding to the cost of the SLI option.

Also, from what I've read, you need to get cards that are very similar for SLI to work... as in same manufacturer at least... and possibly same core revision etc.
I don't know if it's true, but you might run into trouble a couple years from now trying to find a card that will run SLI with your current one.

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: Amokachi
Ok for an SLI motherboard, how about this:

($175) ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

OR this

($141.50) GIGABYTE GA-K8NU-SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

They both seem pretty much the same, with the Asus having better reviews on Newegg.

About the RAM, mwmorph suggested G.skill Dual Channel Kit 184-Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC3200, Model F1-3200PHU2-1GBZX -Retail, which looks better than my Corsair (cas 2 vs 3), but I've never heard of the manufacturer G.skill... Anyone?

I checked out the article on SLI, but I'm not totally convinced I need SLI to start with. Seems like a good upgrade once the 6800GT costs 200 bucks less Everyone seems to think my 6800GT is overpriced and I didn't hear any praise for the BFG overclocked version, so I'll try to find a cheaper one now. Will also look into the couple of monitors that were suggested, thanks YOyoYOhowsDAjello, Cheesetogo, Promethply and Chosonman.

Thanks for the suggestions all, keep them coming!

g.skill has a very dedicated following. it is a fairly small company but it makes farily good products. people have reported hitting 2-2-2-5 at 218-224mhz so at that price, it really is a steal!

the asus board is good. they have a lot of exprience behind them and so far, i still have an asus board from 1994 running a 486DX 33mhz in overdrive that still works without problems so i use exclusively ASUS boards now. i have had no problems with any of the 6 asus motherboards and 2 asus gfx cards i've owned(well the fan on my geforce2 ultra is dying but it is almost 5 years old..)

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Hey, forget SLI. Get the DFI board. There's no board that comes close. It's the #1 thing out there.

2) Get OCZ VX. 2-2-2 @ 533? Har?
3) I say get an X800XL
4) Get a 3700+ San Diego. It b eats a 3800+ Venice in 90% of the tests
5) get dual raptors =P

 

[Chosonman]

Forget the SLI and get a monitor. When your SLI system is obsolete you'll be glad you still had an nice monitor.

Beside, you'll hardly notice the extra FPS on an SLI vs. your current configuration.

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: DLeRium
Hey, forget SLI. Get the DFI board. There's no board that comes close. It's the #1 thing out there.

2) Get OCZ VX. 2-2-2 @ 533? Har?
3) I say get an X800XL
4) Get a 3700+ San Diego. It b eats a 3800+ Venice in 90% of the tests
5) get dual raptors =P
5) ignore all of above except for the san deigo thing if you can afford it-

seriously.
1)get sli board if you plan to upgrade sli route. just remember you wont have the new features the 8xxx serise cards will have (WGF1.0 and SM4)
2) DON NOT BUY PREMIUM RAM! It is a TOTAL waste of money! In games, the difference between 266mhz LL ram and 400mhz LL ram is 6-7% max! Search Memory Matrix 939 in cpu forums to get it.
3)raptors will not increase your fps. WORTHLESS!
4.)Venice should be a little faster and a better overclocker but it's not really needed if you dont oc.
5)the x800xl will be grossly underpowered in the timespan you plan to keep it(at least 2007/2008)


SLI will increase frmaerates, but realisticlly, it is better to buy a a 6800now and a 8800 2 years later. it'll probably be faster and support more features.