Suggestions for new computer

[imported_dmac]

I am searching for the parts for a new computer. I would like it to be able to handle games nimbly, but I'm not looking for a hardcore gaming machine. I will play games(BattleField2, C & C) only occasionly, and want a responsive system at reasonable resolutions. I want to try to keep the total cost of the computer(minus case power supply, tax, shipping) below $500. I will not overclock. The parts i've currently selected would cost

EPoX EP-9NPA+Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard $103
GIGABYTE Geforce 6600GT 128MB GDDR3 $165
OCZ Performance 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM $53
Western Digital Caviar SE 80GB 3.5"
Serial ATA150 Hard Drive OEM $54
AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 1GHz FSB
Socket 939 Processor - Retail $146
Total Cost $521

Any Suggestions on how to improve performance/dollar ratio? In addition, is 64-bit Windows unreliable? Is it it fast? What advantages does it offer?

Thanks for your input.

 

[KoolDrew]

If this is a gaming machine 1GB is basically a must. Just get some cheap Corsair VS.

 

[nick1985]

you are going to want at least a vanilla 6800. the 6600GT just doesnt hack it with the newer games.

1) get a gig of corsair value instead of that "performance" stuff that really doesnt offer any performance increases

2) get a 6800 or better card

 

[imported_dmac]

thank for the input. I will look for 1 GB and the video card. Offhand, do the prices on the HD/MB/Processor look reasonable?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: dmac
do the prices on the HD/MB/Processor look reasonable?

:thumbsup:

 

[AmberClad]

You might need a CD or DVD drive or two . Unless you're salvaging one from an older system. That's fine. I don't think you'll be able to play BF2 on that system though.

Also, I personally don't use XP64 with my proc, but I have a friend who's using it with his dual core Athlon, and he's been unable to play several games. Might want to hold off until it's more stable.

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Stick with Windows XP 32-bit version for now. The driver support on X64 sucks, and there's no performanc benefit. Also, a 6600GT is okay if you're not a hardcore gamer. But don't get the Gigabye. I have it in my computer, and cooling on the card is pretty crappy. I'm getting like 65C idling -_-; I would recommend overclocking though, as it's a good way to get some better performance out of your machine for free

 

[nick1985]

nm

 

[w00t]

Originally posted by: dmac
I am searching for the parts for a new computer. I would like it to be able to handle games nimbly, but I'm not looking for a hardcore gaming machine. I will play games(BattleField2, C & C) only occasionly, and want a responsive system at reasonable resolutions. I want to try to keep the total cost of the computer(minus case power supply, tax, shipping) below $500. I will not overclock. The parts i've currently selected would cost

EPoX EP-9NPA+Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard $103
GIGABYTE Geforce 6600GT 128MB GDDR3 $165
OCZ Performance 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM $53
Western Digital Caviar SE 80GB 3.5"
Serial ATA150 Hard Drive OEM $54
AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 1GHz FSB
Socket 939 Processor - Retail $146
Total Cost $521

Any Suggestions on how to improve performance/dollar ratio? In addition, is 64-bit Windows unreliable? Is it it fast? What advantages does it offer?

Thanks for your input.

ok this is what you need to change.
video card get 6800gt or x800xl for bf2.
you need about 1.5gigs of ram for bf2 with good settings if you dont have money than just get one gig stick.
WD < Seagate < Hitachi
no, 64bit isnt reliable yet. the only thing you would need this os for is if you ran 64bit apps.

 

[suicidalpigeon]

6800nu pci-e is pointless when the x800xl isnt that far off from the price differences. i like seagate. you need at least 1gig. what psu are you getting? i jsut sneezed. they have very few commands for 64-bit processings so you're idle at 32 for the mean time.

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Yeah, and you cant unlock the pipes in the 6800nu PCIe card.