Help on a first time build

[exentrick]

I'm currently using a four year old P4 2Ghz computer with a Geforce 3. Needless to say, I need to upgrade. I'm trying to build a computer that will be used primarily for gaming. I had been doing quite a bit of research towards this, but had been focusing on retailers, such as dell, alienware, abs, etc, but not so much on specific hardware. I have about $2000 - 2500 to spend and from what limited knowledge I have, I'd like to get the intel core 2 duo e6700, as I think its a good value for its performance, and the geforce 7950, so I can use its high definition out. I'm willing to use different hardware, though, if you can provide compelling arguments for not using the e6700 or the 7950. Also, all I'm looking for in a sound card(or integrated sound) is 5.1 capabilities. So, I would greatly appreciate any advice with regards to good gaming builds that I can afford.

Thanks

 

[shadowduck]

I'm currently using a four year old P4 2Ghz computer with a Geforce 3. Needless to say, I need to upgrade. I'm trying to build a computer that will be used primarily for gaming. I had been doing quite a bit of research towards this, but had been focusing on retailers, such as dell, alienware, abs, etc, but not so much on specific hardware. I have about $2000 - 2500 to spend and from what limited knowledge I have, I'd like to get the intel core 2 duo e6700, as I think its a good value for its performance, and the geforce 7950, so I can use its high definition out. I'm willing to use different hardware, though, if you can provide compelling arguments for not using the e6700 or the 7950. Also, all I'm looking for in a sound card(or integrated sound) is 5.1 capabilities. So, I would greatly appreciate any advice with regards to good gaming builds that I can afford.

Thanks

Well I guess you are asking for build advice as in doing it yourself?

The 6700 is a horrible value. The sweet spot is the E6600. Post a sample build and let us criquite it for you.

 

[exentrick]

Alright, here's my attempt at putting some stuff together. I dont really have a clue about motherboards, power supplies or cases. I guessed on a motherboard since I know that Asus is a good company, but thats all I know. I dont know how large of a power supply I need. I'd like to get a case that looks halfway decent, has good cooling, and is fairly quiet, but I dont know how large it needs to be. Comments and help are greatly appreciated.

Thanks

RAM: Corsair 2GB 800 Mhz http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145034 $334
I dont really know what the timing means (4-4-4-12)

Hard Drive: 320 GB Seagate http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148139 $95

Processor: e6600 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115003 $339

Video Card: Geforce 7950 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125035 $530

CD/DVD: Lite-on CD/DVD Burner http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106015 $35

Motherboard: Asus http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131031 ??? $240

Power Supply: ???

Case: ???

 

[WR2]

The list is looking pretty good. Your budget should cover a kick-ass system.
:?: What monitor and screen resolution will you be using for gaming?
Also list the games you play now or are looking to play in the future.
That makes a big difference as to suitability of the video card.

Here is a good case to look at: Antec P-160W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129173 $94

Any of these PSUs will more than met your requirements.
Antec True Power Trio 650W $150
OCZ GameXStream 700W $135 after $20 rebate
Antec NeoPower NeoHE 550 ATX12V 550W $119

 

[exentrick]

I plan on getting a 21-24 inch HDTV .... but i'll be getting that in the next couple of months. As for what sort of games I play, everything from halflife to oblivion to world of warcraft.

Could someone please comment on the motherboard I selected? I have no idea how good or bad it is or what its capabilities are. Motherboards are a big blindspot for me with regards to hardware.

Thanks

 

[lunyone]

Well I'm not an expert by any means, but I've built a few computers in the last year or so (about 10). Your motherboard to me looks like a nice one. I've always had good luck with ASUS and pretty much buy them exclusively, if I can afford them.

The motherboard has 8 channel sound, but by your previous comments about using 5.1 surround sound, I would bet that you would want to possibly get a dedicated sound card. Someone else should suggest that for you, since I use the onboard sound myself and don't spend extra on dedicated sound cards.

The motherboard also has 2 1gig LAN, 4 USB's + 6 more onboard!!, 2 Firewire ports, 5 SATA 3.0 ports (1 external, which I believe would be for hot swapping capability), 4 slots for up to 8gig of DDR2 800 memory, and 2 PCI express slots for video card SLI capability.

The motherboard looks like it has everything except maybe the kitchen sink!!!! I don't know if you need the SLI portion of the motherboard, but it won't hurt to have it.
I personally would feel secure in buying the motherboard for your build. Like I stated before, I like the build quality of the ASUS motherboards. And if you look at all of the cables and accessories that you get with the motherboard, you should feel that they have every situation or setup covered.
I would just make sure that the power supply that you get has a 24 pin output on it, since all of the newer motherboards require this. The older style had only 20 pins on them, so just make sure that you get the right one. If you get a 20 pin power supply you can get a converter cable to convert it to 24 pins, but I wouldn't recommend it for your system.

Just my 2cp!

 

[exentrick]

Thank you for the input, lunyone, wr2, and shadowduck, I greatly appreciate it. I guess my last question is: assuming I already have speakers, keyboard/mouse, and a monitor, is there anything else I need to get for my computer (other than an OS)?

Thanks