13 replies to this topic

[zeshil]

Hey guys I'm looking to get a new gaming pc buil(World of Warcraft and other FPS related games) But I'm not sure where and what to have put into it Perhaps you guys can give me some suggestions on getting a nice gaming rig built I'd prefer AMD as well as ATI but I am open to suggestion on nvida dont worry about budget also could you guys include cooling hardware also my last gaming rig was lacking in that

Edited by leet_alex, 08 September 2008 - 03:09 PM.

[Digerati]

You said,

gaming pc

But then you said,

I'd prefer AMD

There is certainly nothing wrong with AMD CPUs, but since Intel regained the lead a couple years ago, Intel still offers the best CPU in virtually every category. So, that, and in light of your next comment,

dont worry about budget

I recommend the Vigor Colossus. It comes with everything you need, except a good monitor or two, and speakers. Sadly, no Blu-Ray burner, but they are under $200 now.

I use a multimonitor setup with two 22" WS Samsungs which I like. But for gaming, one big monitor is fine - the Sony KLH-W32 32" is very nice.

Don't forget an UPS. I would recommend at least 1200VA, 1400VA would be better.

[zeshil]

Hey Digerati I know i said budget wasnt a concer but 6k is a bit steep and could never see a pc worth that i guess i could say umm around 2.5k if you say Intel is better then thats cool, i havent followed pc hardware since 2000 when i got my last rig built

[tonka001]

The system that Digerati post is one very nice system. One suggestion I would make is do a little research (which you already are by posting here with questions ) But another good source if you haven't already checked there are the WoW tech support forums. I noticed that the system linked above has the radeon 4850, From what I read earilier today the radeon 4800 actually performs better with WoW. Believe it or not WoW doesn't really require a smoking systems to run. If your looking to run at max settings then it can get hard on the video card, ram is also an important feature of any computer. Internet connection will also play a big part of the gaming experence. Were you planning on building the system yourself or have it built? I As for specifics, if I was going to build a system I would do the research on which components are the ones that are most important and figure which and what makes I want and start building from there. As for about $2500, You could purchase a premade gaming rig for right around there, or build a really good system for that. If your having it built then confer with whoevers building it see what they suggest and if your in doubt about any information post back with any questions at all. Tonka aka brightblade : skywall(server)

[zeshil]

I was having it built from a family friend he was going to give me a quote, it always helps if I can show him something along the same specs to give him a chance to charge me at cost and no labor type deal let me try and come up with something and could you possible give me the pros and cons?

Edited by leet_alex, 12 September 2008 - 04:19 PM.

[zeshil]

hey man i'm having no luck think you could give me some recos as to whats good it is all too confusing i want to mainly play wow and cod4

[Digerati]

Sorry, I never got a reply to this thread.

So, a $6,600+ PC (less monitor and speakers) was a little too high, huh? Sorry about that! Whenever somebody says budget does not matter, I just have to toss in a jab.

What will be included in this $2500 budget? Monitor? Keyboard/Mouse? What about Windows?

For beginners (and experienced too) I recommend you check out MWave's "Motherboard Bundles" Wizard. This is a great research tool as it allows you to pick a motherboard, then the Wizard will offer a big list of CPUs and RAM that MWave has already determined are compatible with that motherboard. Or, you can start with a CPU and the wizard will list a bunch of motherboards and RAM options that will support that CPU. This is a great research tool you can use even if you buy elsewhere (although their prices are fairly competitive once you factor in shipping - if you live in the US). However, for only $9 more, MWave will mount the CPU and RAM on the motherboard AND test them. So not only do you know from the Wizard that your components work together, you know your specific parts will not be DOA - a nice warm fuzzy for only $9.

Use the eXtreme PSU Calculator Lite to determine your power supply unit (PSU) requirements. Plug in all the hardware you think you might have in 2 or 3 years (extra drives, bigger or 2nd video card, more RAM, etc.). Be sure to read and heed the notes at the bottom. I recommend you set Capacitor Aging to 30%, and if you participate in distributive computing projects (e.g. BOINC or Folding@Home), I recommend setting TDP to 100%. Research your video card and pay particular attention to the power supply requirements for your card listed on your video card maker's website. Then look for power supply brands listed under the "Good" column of PC Mechanic's PSU Reference List. Ensure the supplied amperage on the +12V rails of your chosen PSU meets the requirements of your video card. Don't try to save a few dollars by getting a cheap supply. Digital electronics, including CPUs, RAM, and today's advanced graphics cards, need clean, stable power. A good, well chosen supply will provide years of service and upgrade wiggle room. I strongly recommend you pick a supply with an efficiency rating equal to, or greater than 80%. Look for the 80 Plus - EnergyStar Compliant label. And don't forget to budget for a good UPS with AVR (automatic voltage regulation).

[zeshil]

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Processor 3.20GHz Asus M2N-SLI Deluxe GR Motherboard Corsair XMS2 DHX 2048MB Dual Channel PC6400 DDR2 = 4GB 80GB 7,200 RPM SATA2 Hard Drive Basic CD Rom Drive 22X DVD±RW Burner Dual Layer Drive Dual nVidia GeForce 9800GTX 512MB DDR3 PCI Express Video Cards in SLI Configuration OR Dual Radeon HD 4870 Video Card - 512MB GDDR5 OR 1 Radeon HD 3870 X2 Video Card - 1GB GDDR3 Corsair CMPSU-1000HX 1000-Watt Power Supply Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition I dont know what to look for interms of cooling / fans help me with that and tell me what you think of this

[Digerati]

I usually plug the brand, model number, then the word "review" into Google and see what comes up. As I said, I would go with Intel - but again, there is nothing wrong with AMD. As for fans, you need to complete the foundation of your computer. You have selected a good PSU, but you need to house it and all the other components in a good case. A good case will provide, and determine your cooling options. I like Antecs, but there are many others.

[zeshil]

aside from personal beliefs what are the pros and cons to amd vs intel

[Tokamak]

Well, the Intel will give you great framerates in the latest titels on large monitors

AMD cpus won't.

[url="http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-232-IN&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=793&name=Intel%20Core%202%20Duo%20E8600%20LGA775%20'Wolfdale'%20"Overclocking%20E0%20Stepping"%203.33GHz%20(1333FSB)%20-%20Retail"]cpu[/url] Or get a quad core
mobo
gpu
memory
psu
hdd x 2
screen
backup
cooling
more cooling
another 120mm rad to cool the gpu, overclockers only does 240 and up

[Tokamak]

This is all with the caveat that Nehalem is just round the corner, so these prices are only going to go down.

[Digerati]

Pros and Cons are rather simple until you start choosing specific models. But for the most part, with the introduction of the Core 2 Duo a couple years ago, Intel regained the lead and now, Intel CPUs perform better, consume less power, and generate less heat. The AMD still cost a little less, but the gap in costs is not as wide as it used to be.

[shane_vt87]

Hey,
Spending 2.5K is good enough for your new rig. Buy all the parts you want yourself from online factory outlets, you will save huge amount $$$ and then just pay some1 $50 to put it together for you. You will save ALOT of money and you will be able to purchase better parts and all the gear still has the general warranty etc.
Im guessing you want to build yourself a rig that will stay in date for a while. In that case get yourself a quadcore, 2.5K will get you some decent parts and a new monitor.
If your going quadcore my suggestion is Intel, just google the latest "3D Benchmarks" for Intel VS Amd Quads. Intel is ahead by leaps and bounds,.. literally they are. Go for a Intel core 2 quad Q9550 they have a good 12mb cache, runs at 2.83GHz and has 1333FSB. If thats a bit too pricey go for a Q9450, the only difference is the CPU clock speed which is 2.66 GHz. Very good value for a significant price drop.

For motherboard, check out Gigabyte, they have a lot of good value for money boards that really pack a punch! Just remember that the board you buy has to support the FSB of your chosen cpu. If you go with the Core 2 Quad, check this board out "Gigabyte GA-X48-DS4", its very good for its price and if you decide in the future you want to OC or upgrade to an Intel Core 2 Extreme, it supports it. Supports upto 1200Mhz DDR2 ram.

For your ram, anything Corsaire or Kingston will do just fine, go for PC6400 (800Mhz) or above. Recommend 4GB if your running Vista, 2Gb XP. Dont waste your money on DDR3, its way too expensive at the moment. Personally the Price/Performance ratio dont match up.

Video cards... the new ATI 4870's are great for their price/performance. If you really wanna go all out, get a ATI 4870X2, its blows away Nvidea's GTX280.

Case, Antec 900 are nice cases and relatively inexpensive, if you want go for an Antec1200-you could cool anthing with the amount of fans in that case,

PSU, if your going for a mid range Video card a 500W will do you, However if your going to go up-market on your VC you'll need a good PSU thats atleast 750W, especially if you intend to buy the 4870x2 or the nvideo GTX280, they use alot of power. In this case more is definately better! A PSU thats not big enough or is poor quality can damage your gear! Recommend a Antec TruePower Quattro 850W. But anything Corsaire/Coolermaster etc is good. Just remember to make sure your motherboard/Video card have the required outlets available on your PSU