$1250 Gaming Build

waynec121 · Feb 17, 2009

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: March 1st

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Gaming, Some more gaming, Surfing internet, Music, Movies

BUDGET: $1250

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Monitor already have a 24" 1920 x 1080, mouse and keyboard
I do need Vista though, I was thinking Home Premium 64-bit for system builders $99

WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com

BRAND PREFERENCES: no preference, but reliable and well known

OVERCLOCKING: edit: Yes, still nervous doing it though

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080 24"

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I have posted before on an i7 build and a AM3 build, but the more and more I look at builds on here I get more and more lost. Basically a $1250 gaming pc is what I want. Not a fanboy towards anything so open to all suggestions! Thanks!

fullmetall · Feb 17, 2009

Not a Mabye, you gonna build a good quality computer 99% of people will oc there components,

i have many threads of builds below $1200, just have to find em

waynec121 · Feb 17, 2009

fullmetall :

Thanks for the fast reply. I am a little intimidated by overclocking and all that being as this will be my first build. I am just paranoid I will change a setting and the computer will just crash haha. And I am not gonna lie I have probably read most of the builds on here. I am still confused on the cpu I should go with and the chipset. It will be for gaming, so is dual core, say E8400, a good choice? I am just nervous that with the release of Windows 7 coming and that one day games will utilize more cores. I just want to make a good investment because $1250 is a pretty good chunk of money especially when your 19 and in college!!

fullmetall · Feb 17, 2009

Im 19 aswell, doing computer science for 4 years, but, before that i learned computer maintenance at school and from my uncle since i was younger. E8400 is probably the best Dual core out there, Windows 7 wont come out till 2010 for selling in stores as of hearing. So getting a dual now, keeping it for a year, and then upgrading, don't see a problem unless by that time you want to upgrade to a i7, then things change. E8400 is a money saver for gaming, stocking in at 333mhz at x9 multiplier, you could easily oc it to 400mhz for over 3.4ghz, getting this should save you an extra $250 since you have your monitor already, lucky you

fullmetall · Feb 17, 2009

sapphire 1gb 4870 + this cpu is an awesome gaming computer waiting to hatch, then comes i7 during the double digit years.

waynec121 · Feb 17, 2009

Fullmetal thanks for such fast replies haha. Yea being 19 is tough haha but its definitely worth it.

So the E8400 is sounding like a good option.

As for the gpu, with my resolution should I shell out some extra cash and get the 4870x2, or get the 1gb 4870 and possibly crossfire later down the road?? I would love to run all games on max settings if possible.

Outlander_04 · Feb 17, 2009

Toms has a january system build for $1250

They used a C2Q and a 4870 x2

You could also use a Pll 940 and a 790 series chipset mobo and maybe save a bit .

aevm · Feb 17, 2009

Considering that monitor, I suggest you get a system with a single but good video card and with the ability to add a second one later. Try it with one card, and then decide if you need more GPU power.

The best way to do that these days IMO is with something like GA-EP45-UD3P.
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3508
That's $115.

Since that is a Crossfire board, you need a decent Crossfire card. I suggest the HD 4870 1GB. That's around $215.

You need a PSU with 4 PCI-E connectors and at least 650W. Here's an excellent one:
PC Power & Cooling 750W $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341011

You also need a largish case with good cooling. Preferably no lights to interfere when watching movies.
RC-690 $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

So far it's $510.

You also need at least one fast HDD, a burner and RAM.
WD6401AALS $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319
SH-S223F $25
G.Skill 4GB DDR2-800 $55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231209

Add Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM. $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488

$770 so far. Now pick the best LGA775 CPU you can afford. If you can get a quad like Q9650 ($340) or Q9550 ($280), go for it. If you can only get a dual-core E8500, it will be just as good in most games. These days there are only two games that really require a quad CPU (Flight Simulator X and GTA 4).

If you want an i7 build, get an i7 920 and an Asus P6T and 6GB of DDR3. That's a faster solution, but it won't really make a difference in games. It also costs more, so I don't recommend it often.

If you prefer an AMD build, try a Phenom II 940 ($229) and a GA-MA790X-UD4 ($115), for example.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128381

waynec121 · Feb 17, 2009

Thanks for the reply Outlander. Yea I saw that but see this is where it gets confusing. Was that build mainly for gaming or just an all around $1250 build? Because I would try to utilize my cash to make it the best gamer, not really for editing, encoding and all that.

aevm · Feb 17, 2009

LOL, so many new replies while I was typing the stuff above. I thought I was the first to answer

waynec121 · Feb 17, 2009

aevm :

Wow haha aevm that is extremely informative!!! Thanks for that. Yea, so based on that I am definitely considering going the 775 route. Props to that post. With that build I could still go with a pretty sick quad core cpu! I still might go dual-core e8400 and save some dough. As for the case, I have just been confused with that, the one you suggested is really good, along with the antec 900 two (already painted black on the inside), CM HAF. I could go on, but yea from previous threads and this one I have a pretty good basis on a few cases just have to figure out which one looks best to me! Thanks again everyone

Outlander_04 · Feb 17, 2009

waynec121 :

they build them primarily for gaming .
The month before they used a core i7 and a 4850 X2 gfx card , but ditched it in january because the C2Q and 4870 X2 gave better frame rates .

Dont discount the Phenom option either . Pll 940 is very competitive with C2Q and might save you a few dollars .

Aevm's suggestions are all good IMO

waynec121 · Feb 17, 2009

Outlander_04 :

Hmm yea that is alot to think about. I have heard good things about the PII 940. I think I know what I will do! I will build an amd PII system and a intel 775 system on newegg and post them on here. Whenever I have alot on my mind I either write down my thoughts or type it out (haha alot more efficient). Helps out alot!

Thanks guys it seems like right after I am done replying to one person, a new post pops right up! haha
You are all very informative and accurate with what you post! Thanks again

aevm · Feb 17, 2009

waynec121 :

It really depends on where games are going. Or rather, where do YOU think they're going. If you think they will be smart enough to use 4 cores while you still use this PC, get a quad (i7 920, Q9550, Phenom II 940, whatever). If you think they won't, get an E8500.

It's very hard to predict this. Game developers are trying, that's for sure, but it's a difficult area and some simply don't have developers competent enough for it.

Look at the charts in here too:
http://www.legionhardware.com/document.php?id=770&p=5

The article is a bit old, but it gives you an idea. Where they say Q9650 think Q9550 at the same clock. The default clock for the Q9550 is 2.83GHz, btw. The Phenom II 940 will be right at the top of the AMD quad charts, not quite as fast as the Q9550 but close. The i7 920 should be right at the top of the charts. Keep in mind that a lot of those numbers are for overclocked CPUs too. If you don't overclock, Intel's advantage is smaller.

waynec121 · Feb 17, 2009

aevm :

Thanks again for the reply. I am on newegg rite now putting together the build. I will post it in a few minutes based on everyones input! After I post it feel free to comment about changes. Oh and is there an easier way to post the newegg cart rather than typing it out?

Random0808 · Feb 17, 2009

Im gna pay close attention to this thread.....this guy is in exactly the same boat as me, except I dont really want to go dual core

waynec121 · Feb 17, 2009

Random0808 :

Haha yea man I am about to post my build in the newegg cart. I am gonna have to say that I am very impressed with what is in my cart at the moment. It is pretty much spot on the price!! Just give me like 2 min because I am trying to decide on a case and a cooler.

That brings me to my last ?, what cpu cooler should I get for the socket 775?

waynec121 · Feb 17, 2009

http://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/ShoppingCart.aspx?Submit=view

I am not sure if this link will work. If it does not I will type it out.

Random0808 · Feb 17, 2009

hey dude the shopping cart doesnt work....and im not all that up with parts today, but i think the Xigmatek Dark Knight is a good cooler...or if you have money a coolermaster V8 (i want one of those!!)

Dark Knight >> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029

CM V8 >> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103055&Tpk=coolermaster%20v8

The V8 is pretty big, so if you choose it, make sure you will be able to fit it in your case

waynec121 · Feb 17, 2009

Random0808 :

Yea I figured that the link would not work haha. I will type it out, oh and I found a good cooler on newegg. I just made sure it supported 775 then I just looked for the one with the best rating.
Thanks for the suggestion tho!

K so everyone get excited! I am typing it out rite after I post this!

Random0808 · Feb 17, 2009

Oh ok....nice one

no problem btw

looking forward to what you have

brendano257 · Feb 17, 2009

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003&Tpk=HDT-S1283

One of the best 775 coolers will fit in something like and Antec 900, but I would suggest something like the CM HAF. I have an Antec 900, and it's acutally a little too loud for being in my room/on while sleeping, not to mention the blue LED's, the HAF has one red led, and 230mm fans which will be much quieter and most likely better airflow aswell. I also find the Antec 9-- somewhat cramped with a 11" card like the GTX260 or cramped with dual 8800GT's still kinda cramped.

waynec121 · Feb 18, 2009

shortstuff_mt · Feb 18, 2009

The build looks great! The only thing I'd change is the cooler. The Freezer 7 Pro isn't that great for overclocking quad cores. I'd spend an extra $3 and get this:

XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029 $39.99

It even includes the backplate for that price.

This is nit-picking, but I'd also swap the thermal paste for MX-2. MX-2 cools just as well, isn't conductive, and doesn't require a cure time.

ARCTIC COOLING MX-2 Thermal Compound - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186020 $6.99

waynec121 · Feb 18, 2009

shortstuff_mt :

Thanks for the suggestion, I changed the post above you as it is easier!

$1250 Gaming Build

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