700 to 800 Gaming system

bamabreeze

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APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: tomorrow BUDGET RANGE: (example: US$500-800)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: gaming

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com

PARTS PREFERENCES: by brand or type : Intel or AMD you decide

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Not now but would like ability to do later

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I want to build a quad core system with 4GB memory. The quiter the better. I have read alot of post on here. I want build a good middle of the road (BALANCED) system. I am not the frame rate junkie I use to be. I want to play modern games as a decent level of performance. I have a 19 inch HANNS G monitor now so I will probally be in 1440x900 resolution. I do know i want a power supply that will support SLI Crossfire and have pleanty of SATA connections.
 
You can just barely fit a very nice build around the new i5 chip in your budget. This build would be VERY powerful and is ready to add another 4870 in crossfire later when needed.

Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115215

GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD4P LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128400

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.246586 $364.98 (CPU + motherboard combo)

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBRH - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231279

SAPPHIRE 279L Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102850

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.256324 $204.98 (RAM + GPU combo)

Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042 $54.95

Antec EarthWatts EA750 750W Continuous Power ATX12V version 2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371026&Tpk=antec%20ea750 $94.99

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181&Tpk=samsung%20f3%20500gb $49.99

SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151187 $30.99

Total - $800.88

$.88 overbudget, but well worth it! :)
 

Transmaniacon

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^ Excellent build, at your resolution, the 512MB of vRAM is plenty, and adding crossfire later on will give you continued performance in tomorrow's games. This will be one fast machine =)
 

AMDThunder

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Good build by shortstuff. Looks like that i5 is gonna push AMD a bit in the budget range. That said, here's and AMD build. I went with the 4850 512 because of his current resolution. If the OP does upgrade the monitor, another 4850 will still keep him covered.

Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P AM3 DDR3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128378

SAPPHIRE 100245HDMI Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102824

Antec EarthWatts EA750 750W Continuous Power ATX12V version 2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC "compatible with Core i7" Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371026

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231276

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103674

$725.88 shipped with a $15 MIR. Leaves room for CD\DVD if you need one. You could also go with the 945 and almost squeeze in both vid cards now, but its really not needed at your current resolution.
 

Gulli

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Sep 26, 2008
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Maybe allocate some of the budget from the PSU towards the graphics card, get a PSU in the 500-550W range and a HD 4870 with 1GB or a HD 4890/Geforce 260 16 cores and you don't seriously mean you don't have an old DVD-RW lying around somewhere?

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016

Something tells me Newegg isn't exactly the cheapest website out there, go and look for better deals elsewhere and don't forget about shipping costs.
 

AMDThunder

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This is typically true. Every now and then I've found better deals at mwave, tigerdirect or zipzoomfly. Neweggs combos have been kinda suckish lately though.
 

Gulli

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All I can say is that things are way cheaper on this side of the pond, maybe, for once, we're not being screwed over and manufacturers aren't just replacing the dollarsign with the eurosign, but actually respecting the exchange rate. :wahoo:
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042 $54.95 Free Shipping*
Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10006382 $104.99 Free Shipping
PC Power and Cooling SILENCER 750W QUAD S75CF Power Supply Retail

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=I5-750BOX Combo Price: $314.99 $15 off with P55 combo purchase w/code OMGi5COMBO $299.99 Free Shipping
Part#:MB-P55M-D2 | GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD2 Socket 1156/ Intel P55/ DDR3/ CrossFireX/ A&GbE/ MATX Motherboard
Part#:I5-750BOX | Intel Core i5 Processor i5-750 2.66GHz 8MB LGA1156 CPU, Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065 $29.99
COOLER MASTER Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-GP 120mm "heatpipe direct contact" Long life sleeve CPU Cooler - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.256320 Combo Discount: -$15.00 Combo Price: $229.98 Free Shipping*
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL8D-4GBRM - Retail
SAPPHIRE 100279-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319 $74.99 Free Shipping*
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10010832 $31.99 Free Shipping
SAMSUNG SH-S223B 22X SATA DVD Burner Black Drive Bulk

Total: $826.88
 

Gulli

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Just replace that PSU with something a bit less humungus (750W is way, way overkill), get DDR3 1333 memory instead of DDR3 1600 and you'll stay under 800.
 

bamabreeze

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Sep 8, 2009
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Okay guys. I have taken everyones comments and came up with this as my parts list. Let me know what you think.

quantity of item 1
Rosewill 18" Serial ATA II cable Model RC-18"-SA-90-BK, Black - Retail
Item #: N82E16812119229
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $1.99
select item 2 quantity of item 2
Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B - OEM
Item #: N82E16827118030
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options27-118-030|hide options27-118-030)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info27-118-030.0.18)

1 year: $6.99
2 year: $11.99
$32.99
select item 3 quantity of item 3
Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811129042
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy -$15.00 Instant
$69.95
$54.95
select item 4 quantity of item 4
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16822152181
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options22-152-181|hide options22-152-181)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info22-152-181.0.18)

1 year: $6.99
2 year: $11.99
-$5.00 Instant
$54.99
$49.99
select item 5 quantity of item 5
GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P AM3 DDR3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813128378
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options13-128-378|hide options13-128-378)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info13-128-378.0.18)

1 year: $16.99
2 year: $25.99
$15.00 Mail-in Rebate Card13-128-378 $139.99
select item 6 quantity of item 6
SAPPHIRE 100296HDMI Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814102855
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options14-102-855|hide options14-102-855)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info14-102-855.0.18)

1 year: $10.99
2 year: $16.99
-$5.00 Instant
$74.99
$69.99
select item 7 quantity of item 7
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC ... - Retail
Item #: N82E16817341016
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options17-341-016|hide options17-341-016)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge(more info17-341-016.0.18)

1 year: $10.99
2 year: $16.99
-$30.00 Instant

$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card17-341-016 $89.99
$59.99
select item 8 quantity of item 8
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ - Retail
Item #: N82E16820231193
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy $82.99
select item 9 quantity of item 9
AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDZ955FBGIBOX - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103674
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy -$6.99 Instant
$195.99
$189.00
Subtotal: $681.88
 

AMDThunder

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I think you forgot the CPU. You don't need the 1600 RAM. If you want AMD, look at my post. The PSU you've selected is good, but won't work if you Crossfire later. Unless I'm blind and can't read your last post, you'll be over budget after adding the CPU. Where are those parts from? Links would be nice. You shouldn't need to buy any SATA cables. The mobo will have those.

My build has you under budget.
 

bamabreeze

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Sep 8, 2009
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AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDZ955FBGIBOX - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103674

Last item in the post. All the parts were NewEgg.

 
The i5 build I posted above would send that build packing. I thought you wanted to leave the option of crossfire open. The 4670 can hardly be considered a "gaming" GPU.

Overnight AMD does't make any sense until they slash prices. The i5 offers much more bang for the buck.

Was my build too expensive? Let me know if it is. It would be much better to tweak it a little to save some money than switch to an AMD build.
 


I don't want to come off as too blunt, but like the poster "short stuff" pointed out...your build blows in regards to a gaming rig. That card isn't a gaming card, and the i5 stomps anything AMD.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.245596 Combo Discount: -$20.00 Combo Price: $124.90 Free Shipping*
Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Antec TruePower New TP-550 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.246589 Combo Discount: -$15.00 Combo Price: $304.98 Free Shipping*
GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD2 LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I5750 - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.256275 Combo Discount: -$15.00 Combo Price: $219.98 Free Shipping*
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL - Retail
SAPPHIRE 100279-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181 $49.99 Free Shipping*
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289 $28.99
LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW SATA CD/DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM

Total: $728.84
 

bb-tx

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Sep 3, 2009
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The only problem with that build above (it is really good though) is that he wants CrossFire future capability. So he will need a bigger PSU and that mobo does not have 8v to both slots.
 

AMDThunder

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I've yet to see anything that says the new i5s spank anything. The i5 750 has compareable gaming performance to the 965BE, but at a bit of a lower price point which makes it a good recommended buy. For someone on a strict budget, AMD is still a very valid option. Unless you're gaming at 2560x1600 and have $400 to spend on a GPU, it won't likely matter. I'm not aware of anyone who can notice the difference between 60 fps and 100+.
 

Have you been under a rock for the past couple days? Have you read any of the reviews of the new i5 & i7 chips?

Where do you get that the 965 BE is cheaper than the i5? The i5 is currently $209.99 on Newegg while the 965 BE is $245. AMD is NOT competitive any more until they adjust their prices.

Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail $209.99

AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 140W Quad-Core Processor - Retail $245
 

bamabreeze

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I had decided to not do CrossFire on the system. That is why I went with the one 4870.

I am now confused as to the comment thats not a gaming rig as your built it around this same card.

I do like you giving me your honest answer here.

I want to build the best system I can so please let me know what you think.

Is the 4850 a better card for gaming than the 4870 just using one?????????
 

bamabreeze

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Sep 8, 2009
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DDD, my bad.

So in your opinion "shortstuff_mt" the Intel system your built here with the 4870 would out perfrom the AMD based system using the same card, the 4870.
 

AMDThunder

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You misunderstood. I meant the i5 is cheaper, and therefor the recommended by. Please reread my sentence. I suppose I could have worded it differently, but it reads correctly to me. Basically, I'm agreeing with you. BUT, saying that AMD is still a valid build for someone on a strict budget.
 

bamabreeze

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Sep 8, 2009
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Cool , okay you sold me shortstuff. I will build an Intel based system. I appreciate all you guys help. I have not build a system in several years. The last system I built had a 3dfx Obsiddian card and a Celeron 333 overclocked running on a homeaid peltier water cooled case.