Gaming Rig Help

[AcidSnow]

I hate to do this as I've seen numerous threads like this, but i need major help building a new gaming rig. First, lets "pretend" i know nothing about computers. I know how to install and remove things like graphics cards, sounds cards and the like, and thats about it.

I would like this rig to be able to run Crysis, Diablo III and games like that, but most importantly Warhammer: Age of Reckoning.

My budget is about $500. I know this is asking a lot since i know very little about computer components, but what would help most is a list of what the best items would be for my budget and to run those games maxed out if possible.

I do have my old Dell monitor which i will still use to save money, also have the mouse, keyboard and speakers so i wont be needing those.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated, so thanks in advance.

 

[mark $]

Well apart from the running cryis maxed out on a $500 system I'll see what I can do. Will edit this post on recommended parts. Maybe something like this
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=7016765
Switch the case to the coolermaster 690 and get an ati radeon 4850 graphics card.

 

[calinkula]

I like Mark $'s build except for 2 things:

1.) $100 for a case? WTF!
2.) Save money on the case and spend more on a video card. 8800GT or ATI 4850

 

[teh_boxzor]

i can't see marks build =[


but whats the res of your monitor?

 

[mark $]

Hehe Calinkula, read my last line. Someone else made that wishlist, thought it was ok except for those two things also.

 

[calinkula]

Exactly, why spend money on flashy stuff when you can use it for more performance.

 

[AcidSnow]

Thank you so much for the help guy's, you have no idea how long I've been looking for help with building a system.

Also, as I've been reading these forums like mad, is it better to go quad core with the q6600 instead of the AMD, there seems to be mixed responses about those 2 (Intel vs. AMD)

 

[calinkula]

Right now Intel is top dog. Depending on what you like to do makes the quad/dual choice. If you are a gamer go with a dual core because games are not multi-threaded very well yet. If you do 3D modeling or more video/audio encoding go with the quad.

 

[AcidSnow]

Well after reading these forums intel seems the way to go, i made this wishlist based off these responses and other threads ive read.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/TemporaryWishList.aspx?ChangeQty=0

any thoughts on that would be great. and as ive said i mainly want this for gaming, with Warhammer being the main game.

 

[3lvis]

Cant read secure wishlists....you have to make a public wishlist if you want people to see it.

 

[mark $]

To make it public, check it and press share.

 

[AcidSnow]

well for some reason it wont let me make a public one, its basically the same as the one you listed, with the new case and graphics card, but with an intel core 2 duo e8400 and An ASUS P5Q pro motherboard.

 

[mark $]

Godd then, might want to check out the P5Q pro and seagate 500gb combo deal. (500 gb hdd for $40 since you get 40 off).

 

[ohiou_grad_06]

Well, on a budget AMD can be a better choice. If you don't want to overclock. Compare their prices for a mid range/lower end chip to an intel. I actually like the build mark put together, but if you have a 500 dollar budget, for the money you would be spending, maybe just grab the Antec Sonata combo with the 500watt Earthwatts supply that comes with it if they've still got it for 100 bucks, which would give you an extra 50 bucks or so, then grab a 4850 instead of the 8800gs.