Gaming Rig using 23" Apple HD Cinematic Display

[Killraine]

Hey all,

I posted here before about building a rig to go with this display, but some financial things came up. Now, I've made a decent amount of money and I'm ready to give the computer the budget it needs. I decided to post again since I'm sure things have changed in terms of what is available and also, my budget is larger now.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: I'd like to start buying parts ASAP
BUDGET RANGE: $900-$1200 (ideallly)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, although I would like to use it for CAD programs as well (ie Solidworks, engineering programs). I figure a powerful gaming rig should have the graphics to handle 3D modeling

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Monitor ( You can find the specs for my monitor here)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: only ever heard of newegg, but I'm open

PARTS PREFERENCES: I would prefer an oversized case to allow for options in the future.

OVERCLOCKING😛robably not

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I'm really hoping for a good quality rig that will last me for a decent amount of time. I apologize for my relative lack of knowledge on the subject, but I would really like some experienced advice on how to spend my money

Thanks a lot for any help.

 

[batuchka]

Ok about $930 less 24" LCD including shipping and MIR

 

[Helloworld_98]

go with batchuka's build but with an intel Q9550 and ddr2 motherboard with ddr2 ram since they are better at multi-threaded apps.

 

[aevm]

He's already got a monitor. Also, he should get Vista 64, not 32. Apart from that, yeah, I like that setup.

 

[Kill@dor]

Try to look at the Asus 22" 1920x1080 2ms screens. I have one and you might like it. It runs @ 60Hz

 

[aevm]

go with batchuka's build but with an intel Q9550 and ddr2 motherboard with ddr2 ram since they are better at multi-threaded apps.

@OP: if you prefer the Q9550, I'd recommend a GA-EP45-UD3P motherboard. It will work well with the two HD 4770 cards.
RAM for it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231209
If you're the kind of guy who just uses a PC for 7 years and then throws it out, then by all means do this.

Batuchka's setup is easier to upgrade. Let's say in 2011 both AMD and Intel come up with a $300 CPU that is WAY faster than the Q9550 or the Phenom II 955. That's very likely IMO. With batuchka's idea, you'll be able to spend $300 and get the new CPU and keep the MB and RAM you already have. With the Q9550, the upgrade will cost about $500 and a bit more effort because you'd need to replace the MB and RAM too.

 

[Helloworld_98]

Try to look at the Asus 22" 1920x1080 2ms screens. I have one and you might like it. It runs @ 60Hz

You say that as if the 60hz matters, even 120hz and some 240hz displays are actually 60hz too because of the black frames or prediction technology and it makes little difference because most of our eyes only see to 40hz with some people's going upto 200hz.

 

[Kill@dor]

Yea, it actually does matter...for 2ms it does ^_^

 

[aevm]

That Apple Cinema has a response time of 16 ms, according to specs. Are you guys saying it's not usable for gaming and he needs a new monitor? I've never had one with 16 ms. I had one with 8 ms and it was OK.

 

[Kill@dor]

We are talking about Apple here $$$$. You can pay big bills for that monitor or get one for $169-179 that offers the same resolution/performance. Its really up to you...

 

[aevm]

Agreed, but I think he already has the Apple monitor.

It is a good monitor for somebody who has other interests than gaming, you know. I like those 170-degree viewing angles for example.

 

[Kill@dor]

Yea...you're right.