some help building out a new PC, any recommendations?

[martybauer31]

So it's been a while since I have built out a PC so I am admittedly not up on the latest and greatest stuff...

I am hoping someone can assist with a buildup of a PC with an AMD CPU, and an Nvidia video card, (not against ATI, the Radeon I had just had crappy drivers and wasn't so great so I am a bit leary) and recommend a 19" LCD as well if possible for around $1250 or so. If I am high, just tell me so.

I'm looking to play FPS and some RTS, not really into the MMORPG's just to let you know what I like to play. I am definitely a NewEgg guy so if you have links as well that would be awesome.

Last question, am I buying too soon, what the heck happens to all the video cards out there when DX10 rears it's head?

Thanks a ton for any help anyone can provide!

 

[Blain]

What do you have against Intel?
The newest Intel CPU's are bloodying AMD's nose.

 

[martybauer31]

Heh, nothing against Intel either, I just know for awhile the AMD's seemed to cost less. But if people have Intel suggestions as well, I am fine it. I certainly don't want a bloody nose over it. =)

 

[akshayt]

Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 223$

Gigabyte 965 S3

2 X 1GB DDR2 667/800

512MB Radeon X1900XT

Seagate SATA II NCQ 300/320GB

Cabinet in around 50$

500 watts quality PSU around 100$

Creative Audigy 2 Value Sound Card

DVD RW + Combo + FDD

Logitech MX518

MS Keyboard Internet/Multimedia

5.1Ch speakers

17" TFT monitor

 

[martybauer31]

Great start, thanks! I have a keyboard and mosue ready to go. Could I get someone to recommend a good case, PSU, and 19" monitor to go with what akshayt has come up with? Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Bobthelost]

Originally posted by: akshayt
Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 $180

Gigabyte 965 DS3 $147

2 X 1GB DDR2 667/800 $200 / $230

512MB Radeon X1900XT $350

Seagate SATA II NCQ 300/320GB $95

Antec P150 with Neo HE 430W $150

DVD RW $30

That's already $1180 or so. I'd be thinking about a cheaper graphics card myself, say a 7900GT or 7950GT or maybe a 256mb X1900XT

 

[martybauer31]

$150 for a PSU seems high, any recommendation for something decent and cheaper? Recommendations on RAM as well would be awesome. Thanks for all the suggestions so far guys!

 

[Bobthelost]

That's a case and a PSU . You could get a $50 case and $50 PSU if you do need to save some money but i like the P150 (i've got one here).

RAM is RAM, you can't go wrong with XMS but it's not cheap, if you're overclocking (i'm assuming you do) then you want to get 800 if at all possible, latencies are irrelevant for the most part. If you're not overclocking then 533 is the best stuff. I'd check in the DS3 thread in motherboards before you buy though, make sure it's compatible.

 

[Operandi]

Your getting fairly good recommendations so I'll only make remarks on what I would change or where information is lacking.

The Gigabyte 965 DS3 is good Core2 board. It also has good HD-Audio on-board making a sound card a needless purchase.

For the PSU the 380 watt Seasonic S12 would be a good choice. The S12 is one of the best PSUs around, and 380 watts is more then enough; quality is more important then quantity here.

The Lian Li PC-7B is a great case and currently on sale @ Newegg so I would jump on that.

 

[martybauer31]

DOH, I told you it's been a little while. As for overclocking, I may become tempted to crank it up so I will take your advice on the RAM. Thanks for the help!

 

[martybauer31]

One more question, what about sound card guys? I am not an audiophile or anything, just something that sounds decent is ok with me.

 

[SparkyJJO]

I noticed the difference going from my onboard HD audio to an audigy 2 ZS (and I only have the logitech Z-2200 speakers). However to start off the onboard wasn't bad at all, I used it for almost 6 months before I got a killer deal on my ZS.

 

[Operandi]

The Lian Li and Seasonic are better then the Antec in their respective categories by far.

As far as audio goes I consider myself a bit of an audiophile and I wouldn't hesitate to use the HD-Audio on the Gigabyte.

 

[martybauer31]

Good to know, I'll just stick with the onboard sound for the moment then. I have had some in the past that have been terrible, that's why I asked.

Thanks!