1st post - I have been reading/lurking here for a few weeks.
My current Dimension 8400 (P4 w/ HT, Nvidia 8400GS, 3 GB RAM), is running, but it gets balky with multiple open pages, and new games have it outmatched (Crysis is 'hitchy', if you come out of D2, and then back in, all the video 'catches up' for a few seconds, etc.). I have not tried SC2, or even purchased D3, as I do not believe that they will be satisfying on this machine.
A friend has suggested that building my own rig is 'easy', and I have been skeptical. After quite a bit of reading here, and with your help, maybe it will not be so bad The physical installation does not bother me too much, but the bios/drivers/configuration stuff makes me very nervous.
Approximate Purchase Date: Next Few Weeks
Budget Range: ~$3000 After Rebates
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Surfing, Movies
Parts Not Required: None - keeping the 8400 for light use & backup
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg & Amazon
Country: USA
Parts Preferences: by brand or type Mid-Tower case (depth limitations), NVidia preferred, due to SLI potential
Overclocking: Yes, eventually, although I plan to start w/o.
SLI or Crossfire: Yes, preferred, although willing to go single GPE for now and SLI later, if it makes more sense.
Monitor Resolution: 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200
Additional Comments: Combatibility, Stability, and Longevity are the keys to this build for me. I want a rig that will work flawlessly without constant tweaks, and play games at very high resolutions for maximum satisfaction.
Here is my Newegg wishlist:
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=17171811
A few notes about my wishlist:
I am looking to have USB 3.0, USB 2.0, & e-SATA ports on the front.
The case has the USB 2.0's, 1 USB 3.0, and the other USB 3.0 is in card reader. Also, the depth is just about maximum of what my desk can handle.
Looked heavily at the ASUS PA 246Q 24" p-IPS monitor, but very spendy.
I could be talked into it if it really is that much better...
My friend insists that the i7-3770k is not necessary - your thoughts?
I have never done this before, and know just enough to be dangerous!
Let me know if any of my choices are incompatible, complete crap, or just plain stupid. I am sure that you have suggestions!
I appreciate your responses!
My current Dimension 8400 (P4 w/ HT, Nvidia 8400GS, 3 GB RAM), is running, but it gets balky with multiple open pages, and new games have it outmatched (Crysis is 'hitchy', if you come out of D2, and then back in, all the video 'catches up' for a few seconds, etc.). I have not tried SC2, or even purchased D3, as I do not believe that they will be satisfying on this machine.
A friend has suggested that building my own rig is 'easy', and I have been skeptical. After quite a bit of reading here, and with your help, maybe it will not be so bad The physical installation does not bother me too much, but the bios/drivers/configuration stuff makes me very nervous.
Approximate Purchase Date: Next Few Weeks
Budget Range: ~$3000 After Rebates
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Surfing, Movies
Parts Not Required: None - keeping the 8400 for light use & backup
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg & Amazon
Country: USA
Parts Preferences: by brand or type Mid-Tower case (depth limitations), NVidia preferred, due to SLI potential
Overclocking: Yes, eventually, although I plan to start w/o.
SLI or Crossfire: Yes, preferred, although willing to go single GPE for now and SLI later, if it makes more sense.
Monitor Resolution: 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200
Additional Comments: Combatibility, Stability, and Longevity are the keys to this build for me. I want a rig that will work flawlessly without constant tweaks, and play games at very high resolutions for maximum satisfaction.
Here is my Newegg wishlist:
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=17171811
A few notes about my wishlist:
I am looking to have USB 3.0, USB 2.0, & e-SATA ports on the front.
The case has the USB 2.0's, 1 USB 3.0, and the other USB 3.0 is in card reader. Also, the depth is just about maximum of what my desk can handle.
Looked heavily at the ASUS PA 246Q 24" p-IPS monitor, but very spendy.
I could be talked into it if it really is that much better...
My friend insists that the i7-3770k is not necessary - your thoughts?
I have never done this before, and know just enough to be dangerous!
Let me know if any of my choices are incompatible, complete crap, or just plain stupid. I am sure that you have suggestions!
I appreciate your responses!