APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Probably within a month or two
BUDGET RANGE: Around $1000 CAD, so around $850 USD.
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Programming, and Surfing the Net.
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, OS, monitor
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.ca, or NCIX.com
PARTS PREFERENCES: No preference
OVERCLOCKING: Most likely, I've never done it but I hear its not too complicated
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe in the future
MONITOR RESOLUTION: Currently 1280x1024, most likely getting a new monitor (Probably 1680x1050)
Hi there, I'm planning on building my first computer as my current futureshop box is starting to show its age. I've been following along on other treads on the forum that meet my price range, and have some ideas for builds floating around in my head but would like some helping picking the system that is the best fit.
The computer is mostly a preemptive buy before starcraft II and diablo 3 come out, as I recently tried playing Dawn of War 2 with horrific results on my current desktop. So essentially what I am looking for is a computer that if purchased now will hopefully have the firepower to play SC2 and D3 when they come out. In addition to being able to play current games, particularly strategy games (like Empire Total War, Dawn of War 2 and have the system not grind to a halt when playing Civilization 4 into the late game).
I'll be reusing the keyboard, mouse, OS, and monitor from my older PC. I have Windows XP 32-bit, and will probably just wait it out until Windows 7 comes out unless you think there is a good enough reason to switch to Vista now (in which case it would have to come out of the budget). The monitor I'm currently using is a 17" with a 1280x1024 resolution, and I have been throwing around the idea of getting something bigger and will most likely get a 22" wide screen in the near future.
As so far I've looked at a number of builds that are based on the E8500/E8400 and Phenom II X3 720 that are in my price range. From what I've so far understood is that the two are pretty close in performance in terms of gaming, and that the 720 also benefits from the extra core which is a gain in terms of other applications and multi-tasking. I've been leaning towards the 720 due to its smaller price tag, which would help better fit other components into the build. I was curious if any of you knew if Visual Studio makes use of additional cores, and if all 3 of the 720's would be utilized.
If I go with the 720, I was also wondering what the difference was between AM2(+) and AM3 platforms besides DD3 memory. Also, if it is worth going AM3 for future upgradability or if it makes the most sense to stick to the AM2(+). Also, why is it that amd builds make use of memory DDR2 800 memory, where as 720 builds on AM2 make use of DDR2 1066 or higher.
I'm also not decided on adding another graphics card in the future for SLI/Crossfire, are there significant gains to be made for making use of two graphics cards? Adding a second card also increases the power requirements of the system, so it would be best if I could decide on this now and make a single PSU purchase and not have to buy a new one later.
The majority of builds I have seen either recommend using the CM690 or Antec 300. Are these the two cases that would be best considered, or are there others in the running for this price range? When I was looking into the two cases having the audio, USB, ect on the top of the CM690 looked odd, has anyone found this to be an inconvenience?
When I finally decide on a build I will be purchasing the parts through Newegg.ca or NCIX.com, I hear that NCIX does price matching which sounds like it could be a great way to save some cash. I live in Ontario, and Newegg.ca indicates that in the final price that sales tax (GST and PST) will be payed on my behalf at the border (included in the handling). Whereas on NCIX they only charge GST, does that mean I don't pay PST at all? Or would I somehow pay it here in Ontario when it arrives? Any info on this would be great, since PST is 8%.
Thank you all in advance for your assistance, and if you want to post any builds into the thread newegg.com is fine.
BUDGET RANGE: Around $1000 CAD, so around $850 USD.
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Programming, and Surfing the Net.
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, OS, monitor
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.ca, or NCIX.com
PARTS PREFERENCES: No preference
OVERCLOCKING: Most likely, I've never done it but I hear its not too complicated
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe in the future
MONITOR RESOLUTION: Currently 1280x1024, most likely getting a new monitor (Probably 1680x1050)
Hi there, I'm planning on building my first computer as my current futureshop box is starting to show its age. I've been following along on other treads on the forum that meet my price range, and have some ideas for builds floating around in my head but would like some helping picking the system that is the best fit.
The computer is mostly a preemptive buy before starcraft II and diablo 3 come out, as I recently tried playing Dawn of War 2 with horrific results on my current desktop. So essentially what I am looking for is a computer that if purchased now will hopefully have the firepower to play SC2 and D3 when they come out. In addition to being able to play current games, particularly strategy games (like Empire Total War, Dawn of War 2 and have the system not grind to a halt when playing Civilization 4 into the late game).
I'll be reusing the keyboard, mouse, OS, and monitor from my older PC. I have Windows XP 32-bit, and will probably just wait it out until Windows 7 comes out unless you think there is a good enough reason to switch to Vista now (in which case it would have to come out of the budget). The monitor I'm currently using is a 17" with a 1280x1024 resolution, and I have been throwing around the idea of getting something bigger and will most likely get a 22" wide screen in the near future.
As so far I've looked at a number of builds that are based on the E8500/E8400 and Phenom II X3 720 that are in my price range. From what I've so far understood is that the two are pretty close in performance in terms of gaming, and that the 720 also benefits from the extra core which is a gain in terms of other applications and multi-tasking. I've been leaning towards the 720 due to its smaller price tag, which would help better fit other components into the build. I was curious if any of you knew if Visual Studio makes use of additional cores, and if all 3 of the 720's would be utilized.
If I go with the 720, I was also wondering what the difference was between AM2(+) and AM3 platforms besides DD3 memory. Also, if it is worth going AM3 for future upgradability or if it makes the most sense to stick to the AM2(+). Also, why is it that amd builds make use of memory DDR2 800 memory, where as 720 builds on AM2 make use of DDR2 1066 or higher.
I'm also not decided on adding another graphics card in the future for SLI/Crossfire, are there significant gains to be made for making use of two graphics cards? Adding a second card also increases the power requirements of the system, so it would be best if I could decide on this now and make a single PSU purchase and not have to buy a new one later.
The majority of builds I have seen either recommend using the CM690 or Antec 300. Are these the two cases that would be best considered, or are there others in the running for this price range? When I was looking into the two cases having the audio, USB, ect on the top of the CM690 looked odd, has anyone found this to be an inconvenience?
When I finally decide on a build I will be purchasing the parts through Newegg.ca or NCIX.com, I hear that NCIX does price matching which sounds like it could be a great way to save some cash. I live in Ontario, and Newegg.ca indicates that in the final price that sales tax (GST and PST) will be payed on my behalf at the border (included in the handling). Whereas on NCIX they only charge GST, does that mean I don't pay PST at all? Or would I somehow pay it here in Ontario when it arrives? Any info on this would be great, since PST is 8%.
Thank you all in advance for your assistance, and if you want to post any builds into the thread newegg.com is fine.
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