Pure gaming rig up to $2000

[Matthias99]

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

You're suggesting he get a more expensive CPU, dual raptors, and super-expensive RAM for an A64 gaming system instead of SLI? WTF? In terms of maximizing gaming performance in demanding situations, your money would be much better spent on an SLI setup.

There's also a DFI Lanparty SLI board, if you really like them...

 

[Penth]

If I were you, I'd stick with the Raptor as well. I imagine most of the people who recommend against them don't have one. I just got one and things are much much more responsive. If you're going to spend that much on a gaming computer, you might as well have a fast hard drive. Like you said, 70GB is a lot of space for just games.

 

[Amokachi]

Ok, I've done some research on SLI, and supported by some of the recommendations here, I've decided I don't want it. It affects too many things (PSU, mobo, gfx cards, cooling...), plus I think the gain is not worth it. I agree with Chosonman that a monitor is a much better investment. So I'll stay with my current mobo and I also plan to keep the BFG card, unless I find something better while browsing.

For the RAM, I realize I should get value RAM, but I'm a little weary of getting it from a small brand like G.skill, so I'm considering CORSAIR 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail. It seems some people are having cooling problems with G.skill chips, so I'd rather pay a little more and be safe.

About the San Diego CPU, are those out yet? And isn't it mostly useful for overclocking (which I won't be doing)? If you think the San Diego will be better at stock than the 3800+ Winchester I listed, then I'd go for it.

 

[Amokachi]

I looked up some cases. I wasn't particularly impressed with anything, but the following two seem to be rated high. They're both mid-tower, I expect all my stuff will fit fine in there (no SLI)?

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

OR

($105.50) THERMALTAKE Tsunami VA3000BNA Black Computer Case - Retail

The Lian Li looks drab and boring, but that's ok as long as it does the job. I'm a little worried about the Thermaltake's blue light in the front, but otherwise it looks cooler. I'll probably shove it somewhere out of sight anyway, so looks aren't that important.

 

[pinion9]

Do NOT get a socket 754. It lacks a true dual channel DDR memory controller. Get a socket 939 athlon as it supports 128-bit dual channel ram.

 

[SGtheArtist]

Amokachi,

I suggested AGP because the DFI mobo that i suggested only supports an APG.

You will not loose performance as most video cards to not even come close to utilizing the full bandwidth of the AGP 8x so going with PCIe is no a clear advantage other than for future upgrade potental.

This is also true for the socket 754 vs socket 939. While you can go with an Athlon64 3800+ (2.4GHz) it is no faster than the 3400+ (2.4GHz) just different socket. So the socket 939 will only be worth it if you plan to upgrade.

Also the DFI mobo I suggested does not support dual channel RAM and I do not believe you would see a difference between a single channel RAM & dual channel RAM although the benchs can. (Note I have no experience with the difference between single & dual memory)

Finally I would not waste money on SLI (even though I did suggest it earlier) because you need special drivers, it only works with certain games, it adds heat, and it not worth the hassel to get working correctly. If you want the best go with GF 6800Ultra or ATI 850xtpe.

Also I do own an X15 (15k rpm) Seagate SCSI HDD and while the response time is impressive I do not believe it is worth the expense for the fraction of a second difference in performance 'even tho it may feel faster' which it does. The 300GB would be much more valuable because the 80GB will run out quick with all those games.

 

[Amokachi]

Yeah, I've given up on SLI. Though now I'm wondering, as long as I'm looking at a $460 6800GT, why not upgrade to ($520) BFG GeForce 6800 Ultra OC 256MB DDR3/PCI-E/TV-Out/Dual-DVI (Retail Box)?

$520 sounds like a LOT for a video card, but since this is a pure gaming rig, maybe it's worth it. I really don't want to save $60 bucks and miss out on some significant performance gain. Or maybe I can find a cheaper Ultra that's not OCed by BFG? From what I see, the difference is $20, which is basically nothing at that price. Would anyone recommend the Ultra over the GT?

 

[Ben88]

Why not get a sapphire x850xt pci-e for $460 from monarch computer?

 

[imported_mba]

You could get a 6800 GT for a cheap price and overclock it to Ultra speeds. All that you have to do for it is install a registry patch and move 2 sliders. You're done.

The extra money you would have saved from buying a 6800 Ultra... you could spend it on something else

 

[Amokachi]

Originally posted by: Ben88
Why not get a sapphire x850xt pci-e for $460 from monarch computer?

Because I thought the nvidia cards had better support for various graphics standards like SM2 or whatever that was called. I plan to use this card for 2-3 years at least, so I wanted it to be as current as possible. Ifthe x850xt outperforms the Ultra, why is it cheaper? Am I missing something?

 

[SGtheArtist]

I agree with mba,

I bet the video card would only be good for about 2 maybe 3 yrs then it would be best to upgrade.

And this would be true no matter how big & bad a video card you get now.

I think the 6800GT is the best option as you can find it for $300 on newegg and as mba stated oc it to Ultra speeds.

 

[Amokachi]

Originally posted by: mba
You could get a 6800 GT for a cheap price and overclock it to Ultra speeds. All that you have to do for it is install a registry patch and move 2 sliders. You're done.

The extra money you would have saved from buying a 6800 Ultra... you could spend it on something else

That doesn't sound like a bad idea. I didn't realize overclocking it would be that easy. I'd still be a little weary, but I think that if I'm not getting an ultra, I might as well get a GT for $360, instead of the one I have now...

 

[Amokachi]

I thought it's time to make some decisions, so I updated the initial post. Went for a cheaper graphics card, better CPU, value RAM and also settled on a case.

I actually don't plan on buying the Raptor at first, since I have a HDD here that I can use to get started. I'll buy it later if I decide I need it.

I'm not sure if I still need cooling, because I think the case comes with 4 fans and I switched from OEM CPU to boxed.

Still looking at monitors. Considering this one, unless I find something better:

($219.99) ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" CRT Monitor - Retail

I mostly play at 1024x768, so that should be sufficient.

 

[ShadowBlade]

Originally posted by: 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.

i agree except for 8
i didnt feel like adding up your current price, but if you can afford it, get a dell 2005FPW (20" LCD) $561.75
link

EDIT: this is important!!!! DO NOT get that motherboard
i have that and an a64 3000+, board wont let me past 2GHz, plus (this wont matter for you) it forces you to use PCI-e

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Amokachi
I thought it's time to make some decisions, so I updated the initial post. Went for a cheaper graphics card, better CPU, value RAM and also settled on a case.

I actually don't plan on buying the Raptor at first, since I have a HDD here that I can use to get started. I'll buy it later if I decide I need it.

I'm not sure if I still need cooling, because I think the case comes with 4 fans and I switched from OEM CPU to boxed.

Still looking at monitors. Considering this one, unless I find something better:

($219.99) ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" CRT Monitor - Retail

I mostly play at 1024x768, so that should be sufficient.

If you're going to be playing at 1024x768, don't get a $500 videocard.

With a $2000 budget, I'd be getting a 22" NEC CRT.

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: Amokachi
I thought it's time to make some decisions, so I updated the initial post. Went for a cheaper graphics card, better CPU, value RAM and also settled on a case.

I actually don't plan on buying the Raptor at first, since I have a HDD here that I can use to get started. I'll buy it later if I decide I need it.

I'm not sure if I still need cooling, because I think the case comes with 4 fans and I switched from OEM CPU to boxed.

Still looking at monitors. Considering this one, unless I find something better:

($219.99) ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" CRT Monitor - Retail

I mostly play at 1024x768, so that should be sufficient.

10x7?
$200 should buy you a 16x12 high detail current game rig. go 20-21" at least. there are som cheap trinitron/diamondtron(best monitors by far) refurbs nowadays.

as for the gfx card, :thumbsup:for the evga. it wil;l get to 6800u speeds no sweat for $100 less than the bfg 6800gt.

 

[SGtheArtist]

I agree that if your spending on a high end gfx card you should also run with a high res monitor (LCD or CRT).

 

[Amokachi]

Ok, I admit I kinda skimped on the monitor there Considering I'll be staring at it all the time, it is probably one of the few parts that will get 100% utilization. So I did some more research and taking into consideration the suggestions here, I came up with this ($437) REFURBISHED: NEC/MITSUBISHI FE2111SB-BK Black 22" CRT Monitor - OEM. Note this is refurbished. The retail version goes for $559, over a 100 bucks more! I haven't had problems with refurbished stuff, though I've never had a refurbished monitor. Looks like both versions have the same warranty, so I should be ok I think.

ShadowBlade, interesting note on the motherboard! I'll have to look around for another one, probably Asus. Oh, and I'm not looking to get an LCD display - CRT only. Also, I re-added up the total price when I updated the items

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Amokachi
Ok, I admit I kinda skimped on the monitor there Considering I'll be staring at it all the time, it is probably one of the few parts that will get 100% utilization. So I did some more research and taking into consideration the suggestions here, I came up with this ($437) REFURBISHED: NEC/MITSUBISHI FE2111SB-BK Black 22" CRT Monitor - OEM. Note this is refurbished. The retail version goes for $559, over a 100 bucks more! I haven't had problems with refurbished stuff, though I've never had a refurbished monitor. Looks like both versions have the same warranty, so I should be ok I think.

ShadowBlade, interesting note on the motherboard! I'll have to look around for another one, probably Asus. Oh, and I'm not looking to get an LCD display - CRT only. Also, I re-added up the total price when I updated the items

If you're looking at refurb NECs, check out this bad boy

$250 shipped for that one. I almost got one myself to replace my 19" 950+. Several people on AT have ordered monitors from azatek and have been happy with them.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Pretty nice reseller rating on azatek too.

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: Amokachi
Ok, I admit I kinda skimped on the monitor there Considering I'll be staring at it all the time, it is probably one of the few parts that will get 100% utilization. So I did some more research and taking into consideration the suggestions here, I came up with this ($437) REFURBISHED: NEC/MITSUBISHI FE2111SB-BK Black 22" CRT Monitor - OEM. Note this is refurbished. The retail version goes for $559, over a 100 bucks more! I haven't had problems with refurbished stuff, though I've never had a refurbished monitor. Looks like both versions have the same warranty, so I should be ok I think.

ShadowBlade, interesting note on the motherboard! I'll have to look around for another one, probably Asus. Oh, and I'm not looking to get an LCD display - CRT only. Also, I re-added up the total price when I updated the items

If you're looking at refurb NECs, check out this bad boy

$250 shipped for that one. I almost got one myself to replace my 19" 950+. Several people on AT have ordered monitors from azatek and have been happy with them.

The nec is very good, but Ilove your Diamondtron choice.get whichever yuo can afford, but the diamondtrons are really the best out there if you are serious about your visuals. Just dont get a LCD because you will always have to be gaming at a fixed resolution and im not sure a 680gt will be able to handle 12x10 or 16x12 on future games 3 years from now.

 

[charlietee]

Opt for the Lian-Li PC-7B Plus from Cooler Guys...Much better than the PC-61

2 120m/m fans...80m/m blow hole provision (fan not included)

 

[Amokachi]

Thanks YOyoYOhowsDAjello, that looks like a pretty sweet deal on that monitor. I've heard several recommendation of the Diamondtron though, and since this is a gaming rig, I'll stick with it unless I go over budget. Thanks for the nice deal though.

mwmorph, yep I'm firmly set against any type of LCD, for the same reasons you mentioned.

charlietee, that looks like a nice case. I've heard the 120mm fans are quieter than the 80mm. It doesn't have a slide-out MB tray though, not that I'll be using that a lot. The bigger problem is that it's out of stock If they get it back within a few days, I'll go for it, otherwise I'll have to take a PC-61. Hanks for the nice suggestion.

 

[Amokachi]

After a tip from ShadowBlade, I've looked into some other motherboards and came up with this ($126) DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 ULTRA-D nForce4 Ultra. Looks like it got some Anandtech love in the review as well, so all the better

 

[S Random]

Qty. Product Description Unit Price Savings Total Price

Update DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 SLI-DR Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #: LP UT nF4 SLI-DR
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$179.00 $179.00
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Update Lian Li PC-60BPlus Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #: PC-60BPlus
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$120.50 $120.50
Gifts
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1 Newegg/AMD USB Flash Drive USB2.0 128MB - OEM
Model #: U2MQ2-0128NX-CA $50.00 -$50.00 Sale $0.00
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Update Maxtor DiamondMax 10 6B200R0 200GB 7200 RPM IDE Ultra ATA133 Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: 6B200R0
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Update OCZ 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 500 (PC 4000) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model OCZ5001024ELDCGEVX-K - Retail
Model #: OCZ5001024ELDCGEVX-K
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$258.71 $517.42
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Update Antec TRUEPOWERII TPII-550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply - Retail
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Update AMD Athlon 64 3800+ Newcastle 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor Model ADA3800AWBOX - Retail
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$367.99 $367.99
Video Cards & Related Devices
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Update eVGA 256-P2-N376-AX Geforce 6800GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI-Express x16 Video Card - Retail
Model #: 256-P2-N376-AX
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$359.00 $359.00
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use 2nd GT vid card for SLi, eventually upgrade to water cooling, case will be a very easy install, but you dont really need to upgrade your CPU either to have a high end gaming machine