I'm looking at getting a new PC - my budget is about AUD$2500-3000 (USD $1500?) including a monitor. However, I have a few questions:
As the PC will be used largely for gaming with some web browsing on the side I'll get an AMD. However, should I go for a single or dual core CPU? I want the PC to be fairly future proof so dual core seems a good option, but someone told me AMD dual cores crash/reset your PC in many games which aren't optimised for dual core (ie most). Is this true? If I was going for dual core, as far as prices go, I'd probably go as high as the AMD Athlon64 X2 4200+, Dual-Core 2.2Ghz 1MB Cache S939. Single core, willing to get the AMD Athlon64 4000+, E4 San Diego Core, 1MB, Socket939 which is a similar price.
Should I go for an SLi or non SLi mobo? Personally I'd prefer to go non SLi and just concentrate on one good video card rather than buy two lesser cards, even if I was to get the second down the track, but would I be left in the dark in the future if I was to go without it?
Based on what I have in mind - one of the above CPU's, 2GB RAM, good Nvidia video card (7800GT?), ASUS Nforce4 mobo, what kind of PSU should I be looking at in terms of wattage and brand? I won't be using a huge amount of drives and such, just the basics, for now anyway - 200GB HDD and DVD ROM drive, maybe a fan or two as well and of course a sound card.
Is their a particular brand and type of RAM that is recommended?
Will a 17" monitor be sufficient or should I be going for 19"+? Any other details to take into consideration, eg. response time? I could look into a 19" monitor or larger, but it's extra cash that I think would be better off going into the hardware - I can easily upgrade the monitor later on. I will be getting an LCD monitor due to the saved space, and I also find them easier on the eyes after using them for long periods which is a plus.
Any help and setup suggestions are appreciated!
As the PC will be used largely for gaming with some web browsing on the side I'll get an AMD. However, should I go for a single or dual core CPU? I want the PC to be fairly future proof so dual core seems a good option, but someone told me AMD dual cores crash/reset your PC in many games which aren't optimised for dual core (ie most). Is this true? If I was going for dual core, as far as prices go, I'd probably go as high as the AMD Athlon64 X2 4200+, Dual-Core 2.2Ghz 1MB Cache S939. Single core, willing to get the AMD Athlon64 4000+, E4 San Diego Core, 1MB, Socket939 which is a similar price.
Should I go for an SLi or non SLi mobo? Personally I'd prefer to go non SLi and just concentrate on one good video card rather than buy two lesser cards, even if I was to get the second down the track, but would I be left in the dark in the future if I was to go without it?
Based on what I have in mind - one of the above CPU's, 2GB RAM, good Nvidia video card (7800GT?), ASUS Nforce4 mobo, what kind of PSU should I be looking at in terms of wattage and brand? I won't be using a huge amount of drives and such, just the basics, for now anyway - 200GB HDD and DVD ROM drive, maybe a fan or two as well and of course a sound card.
Is their a particular brand and type of RAM that is recommended?
Will a 17" monitor be sufficient or should I be going for 19"+? Any other details to take into consideration, eg. response time? I could look into a 19" monitor or larger, but it's extra cash that I think would be better off going into the hardware - I can easily upgrade the monitor later on. I will be getting an LCD monitor due to the saved space, and I also find them easier on the eyes after using them for long periods which is a plus.
Any help and setup suggestions are appreciated!