$4000 Budget Gaming Rig - Need Help

neoxblu1 · Nov 18, 2007

Hello,

Ok, you guys have convinced me that I should go cheaper. Could someone like customize a rig and post it here so I could see how I should change some components. Yes I would like my comp to be future proof for at least 3 years and still run games very smooth.

Someone posted how more powerful components will be coming out in 6 WEEKs, could someone tell me like whats coming out?

Thank You

I have done many research, deciding which components would best fit my needs. What I look into my gaming rig is extreme performance, fast, durable, high tech, long lasting. I have configured 2 systems that I cant decide which to choose; If you guys could help me out here I would appreciate it. I will mainly be using my system for Gaming, I will also be watching movies, online activities, and school work. Games that I will be playing: Battlefield 2, Call of Duty 4, Counter Strike Source, Return To Castle Wolfenstien: ET, Command & Conquer Generals and Tiberium Wars. Here are my two configured gaming rigs:

GAMING RIG A

Video Card $730 [www.tigerdirect.com]
BFG GeForce 8800 Ultra OC / 768MB GDDR3 / SLI Ready / PCI Express / Dual Link Dual DVI / HDTV / Video Card

Sound Card $180 [www.tiger direct.com]
Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Fatality Platinum

Power Supply $390 [www.newegg.com]
Thermaltake Toughpower W0133RU ATX12V / EPS12V 1200W Power Supply 115/230 V CE, CB, TUV, FCC, UL, CUL, and BSMI certified

Processors $1150 [www.tigerdirect.com]
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 Processor EU80569XJ080NL - 45nm, 3.0GHz, 12MB Cache, 1333MHz FSB, Yorkfield XE, Quad-Core, OEM, Socket 775, Processor

Case $200 [www.newegg.com]
Thermaltake Armor Series VA8003SWA Silver ATX Full Tower Computer Case w/ 25CM Fan - Retail

Hard Drive $185 ($370) [www.newegg.com]
2x Western Digital Raptor X WD1500AHFD 150GB 10,000 RPM 16MB Cache Serial ATA150 Hard Drive

Motherboard $300 [www.newegg.com]
GIGABYTE GA-X38T-DQ6 LGA 775 Intel X38 ATX Intel Motherboard

Memory/ Ram $490 ($980) [www.newegg.com]
2x CORSAIR XMS3 DHX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

Optical Drive $35 [www.tigerdirect.com]
Lite-On LH-20A1P SuperAllwrite DVD Burner - 20x DVD±R Burn, 16x DVD±R Read, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 8x DVD±R DL, 12x DVD-RAM, 48x32x CD-R/RW, Black

Operating System $140 [www.directron.com]
Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition 64-Bit Operation System Software, Model: ZAT-00094. 1 Pack. OEM

Network Card $40 [www.directron.com]
D-Link DGE-560T PCI-Express Gigabit Network Adapter, up to 2Gbps, VLAN, Flow
Control, High-Speed, ds-dh

GAMING RIG B

Memory $295 ($590) [www.newegg.com]
2x CORSAIR Dominator 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

Hard Drive $185 ($370) [www.newegg.com]
2x Western Digital Raptor X WD1500AHFD 150GB 10,000 RPM 16MB Cache Serial ATA150 Hard Drive

Video Card $580 ($1160) [www.newegg.com]
2x BFG Tech BFGR88768GTXOC2E GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

Processor $1050 [www.directon.com]
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor BX80562QX6850, 3.0 GHz, 1333MHz FSB, 8 MB L2 Cache, 65 nm

Case $200 [www.newegg.com]
Thermaltake Armor Series VA8003SWA Silver ATX Full Tower Computer Case w/ 25CM Fan

Motherboard $350
Gigabyte GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Socket 775 ATX Main board, nForce 680i SLI Chipset

Power Supply $390 [www.newegg.com]
Thermaltake Toughpower W0133RU ATX12V / EPS12V 1200W Power Supply 115/230 V CE, CB, TUV, FCC, UL, CUL, and BSMI certified

Sound Card $180 [www.tigerdirect.com]
Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Fatality Platinum

Optical Drive $35 [www.tigerdirect.com]
Lite-On LH-20A1P SuperAllwrite DVD Burner - 20x DVD±R Burn, 16x DVD±R Read, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 8x DVD±R DL, 12x DVD-RAM, 48x32x CD-R/RW, Black

Operating System $140 [www.directron.com]
Microsoft Windows XP PRO x64 Edition Operation System Software ZAT-00124, SP2c 64-bit on CD for OEM Computers Only, 1 Pack. OEM

Network Card $40 [www.directron.com]
D-Link DGE-560T PCI-Express Gigabit Network Adapter, up to 2Gbps, VLAN, Flow Control, High-Speed, ds-dh

Do I have a good optical drive that will support my games, and dvds, and can I burn on it? Did I choose a good network card that will increase my cable modem spee? (Charter High-Spped)

Please tell me your review of the two Gaming Rig's, which one is powerfuler than the other? Any changes you would make? Which Gaming Rig would you choose?

Thanks For Your Help.

neoxblu1 · Nov 18, 2007

any thoughts?

akhilles · Nov 18, 2007

Some members around here reported the GA-X38T-DQ6 can't run 4 sticks of ddr2 at speed higher than 800mhz.

neoxblu1 · Nov 18, 2007

Oh,I think you got that confused with the GIGABYTE GA-X38-DQ6

The GIGABYTE GA-X38T-DQ6 can support DDR3 at 1600mhz.

Check the specs:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128068

nhobo · Nov 18, 2007

Anyone who is going to spend $4000 on a "gaming rig" needs help in a big way.

Guest · Nov 18, 2007

Why do you need a $400 1200W PSU? That's just an arrogant waste of money. As is 4GB of DDR3 memory for $1000. Also $500 for DDR2 memory that you can get for $100? It appears you are just trying to waste money or are trying to flaunt that you have so much that you could care less if you waste $1000.

My 2 cents.

San Pedro · Nov 18, 2007

Yeah, you are putting a lot of money into little performance. Drop the DDR3 ram, maybe go with PC8500, you should be able to get 2gig for around $150. If you're spending over a grand on a CPU you might as well go with the 45nm chip. Drop the 8800 Ultra/GTX and get 2 8800GT or Hd 3870s. Send me some money since you have so much!

skittle · Nov 18, 2007

My advice: pick parts that are just a small step down and save your self like $2k... and spend that money on other things... like beer.. or a woman... or both if your lucky!

lets just let him waste his money... then in a few months he can come back crying when his machine is out dated.

skittle · Nov 18, 2007

Also about the optical drives:

The samsung is a much better burner, and obviously it will support your games (why wouldnt it...). However the samsung isnt all that great when it comes to ripping dvds... The liteon should kick its ass in that department.

ibleet · Nov 18, 2007

I can build 2 very nice gaming rigs for $4000. Sometimes more is not more, as in this case, you are just wasting money.

Rhynn · Nov 18, 2007

Hrm, $4000 worth of "gaming" computer and not a word on a monitor?

paq7512 · Nov 18, 2007

I would get DDR2 ram, PC Power and Cooling 800W PSU, 8800GTX or GT, a Q6600. Board is a little overkill too. You really don't need to spend that kind of money if you need help. You are paying for items that you may not take advantage of.

chookman · Nov 18, 2007

rodney_ws · Nov 18, 2007

If you have $4k to blow on a PC I'm not sure that "budget" is the right word to use. I'd rather buy a bad-ass $2k rig right now and then another $2k rig 2 years from now that'll absolutely smoke your $4k rig when it's two years old, but that's just me.

San Pedro · Nov 18, 2007

Rodney makes one hell of a point.

monsterrocks · Nov 19, 2007

Q6600 and 2x8800gt or 4xHD 3870 in SLI/CF respectively. Don't get any of that "8800 Ultra" crap when you could SLI or CF for much cheaperand get better performance. Might consider a highend cooling solution like danger-den. Highend air cooling is great, but liquid will be nearly silent. Get a 24" samsung, don't drop $1200+ on a 30" dell. Get a 620w Corsair HX or a 700w PCP&C PSU - something that is on tier 1 of the official tiered PSU list. Don't get the OCZ ram; insted check out this stuff:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231065
OCs up to 1200Mhz, it will go nicely with that q6600 when you get past 3.0Ghz. Get ONE raptor for you OS and drop a little more money on a good, quiet 7200rpm 500Gb-1Tb disk. I agreed with these guys, don't blow $4,000 on a gaming rig.

neoxblu1 · Nov 19, 2007

Whats to consider is this mobo only supports DDR3, I can get the X38(which supports DDR2) instead of the X38T. Or do you know if this mobo (X38T) supports DDR2?

Also I will only go with Corsair dominator or XMS Ram's (1066mhz) nty to 800mhz.

I either want Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 or QX8650.

Also this board (X38) does not support SLI so either I buy the best video card I can get, or change mobo to get SLI. (Which I dont want to do because I really want the 45nm processor).

Also Iam not interested in a PSU under 1000W.

I will be getting a 22" Hp W2207.

And I like GIGABYTE boards more than ASUS.

Also I want my hard drive to be 10kRPM.

Also I only want BFG company video cards.

And I love my current Case.

Not interested in Vista; now how can you help me out?

neoxblu1 · Nov 19, 2007

I would pay $500 for 4GB of DDR2 ram because it has a lower latency of 3-4-3-9; which I think will overall be worth it. And I'm not interested in a PSU under 1000W (thats just the way Iam) I am looking into technology of the future, even if it increases my systems performance by 5% thats still a boost, I want new/ high tech components.

neoxblu1 · Nov 19, 2007

Yes monster energy drinks rocks,

But If I put dual 8800 Ultra in sli it will be unbeatable, and I dont care if its $1400; the overall out perforamce will be better than anyother video card thats out right now. (IDK what the future of video cards holds; but I cant wait, I've ben planning for this since August, took me a long time to decide wat I want, but now I am here making my final chooce before I purchase, planning on purchasing in december, If a new Video card comes out that can beat dual 8800 ultras than I'll get those but only if they come before Jan.

monsterrocks · Nov 19, 2007

Umm...I am pretty sure that 4xHD 3870 could beat 2 SLI'd Ultras...

joewho · Nov 19, 2007

Well, here are some of my recomendations.

Case CoolerMaster 830 Evo $155.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119122

FSP Group Everest 1010 ATX12V V2.2/EPS V2.91 1000W Power Supply $230.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104041

G.SKILL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) $150.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231145

GIGABYTE GA-X38-DQ6 LGA 775 Intel X38 $270.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128066

Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 Yorkfield 3.0GHz $1100.00

Scythe S-FLEX SFF21F 120mm Case Fan 11EA $125.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185006

Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme CPU Cooler $65.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835109140

2EA Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB $250.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148288

2ea Radeon HD 3870 512MB 256-bit GDDR4 PCI Express 2.0 $440.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102713

APC BE750BB 750 VA 450 Watts 10 Outlets UPS $90.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842101002

SAMSUNG 245BW Black High Glossy 24" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD $450
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001234

AuzenTech Auzen X-Fi Prelude 7.1 7.1 Channels 24-bit 192KHz $200.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829156005

Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Max Burst Power: 200 watts $160.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836119008

2ea PLEXTOR Black 18X DVD+R $150.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827249020

SIIG JU-91RW12-S4 9-in-1 USB 2.0 Card Reader/Write + Floppy $40.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815150058

Both the Motherboards you picked are for AMD GPU's, unless you go single card. If you want SLI then the only pick is a good 680i board, like EVGA.

starcraftfanatic · Nov 19, 2007

The ultra isn't so high and mighty anymore
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/246300-33-make-8800gt-runs-ultra

runswindows95 · Nov 19, 2007

Okay, the HP w2207 is not a gaming monitor to begin with, and you don't need SLI anything with that monitor. A single 8800GT will run almost all the games you listed at 1680*1050 easily. The ONLY reason you'll need to SLI 8800Ultra's is for 2560*1600 resolution.

randomizer · Nov 19, 2007

Where do people get all this money?

skittle · Nov 19, 2007

neoxblu1 :

Well it obviously seems that you already know what you want... so what was the point of this thread?

$4000 Budget Gaming Rig - Need Help

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