Suggestions for cheap gaming build

[jizzles]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: April-May


SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, converting and burning videos


PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Speakers, Monitor, Mouse


PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: prefer newegg to have everything shipped at once but open to everything for deals


PARTS PREFERENCES: doesn't matter but would like to be able to upgrade easily if needed in the future.


OVERCLOCKING: more than likely


MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1440 x 900


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I haven't build a computer since 2003. I just got out of the navy and decided I wanted to make a new build. I already have a monitor from emachines...dunno if its any good but I've been using it and it does its job. I have an e-GeForce 8800GT superclocked edition that I got from my brother. Games in particular I'd play are games like WoW, D3, SC2 and all those future games. I'm thinking I'll need a 64-bit OS too....but I'm not too sure I haven't kept myself updated with today's computers. Thanks for the suggestions

 

[aevm]

Not sure what you mean by monitor resolution N/A. I'll assume it's 1680x1050, i.e. a 20" or 22" widescreen.

You could try getting a 750i motherboard so you can do SLI later, but I think that's pointless with an 8800GT. That is, by the time you want the upgrade you may not even find a second 8800GT for sale anywhere, and there will be cheap cards available that can beat 8800GT SLI.

So, I'd say your best choices for motherboard are P45 (with an Intel LGA775 CPU) or 790X (with an AMD AM2+ or AM3 CPU). The P45 won't allow upgrading since Intel has already moved on to LGA1366. Is that a problem?

I'd suggest something like Antec 300, Corsair 550VX, WD6401AALS, Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM. That will set you back about $300 in total.

 

[jizzles]

Not sure what you mean by monitor resolution N/A. I'll assume it's 1680x1050, i.e. a 20" or 22" widescreen.

You could try getting a 750i motherboard so you can do SLI later, but I think that's pointless with an 8800GT. That is, by the time you want the upgrade you may not even find a second 8800GT for sale anywhere, and there will be cheap cards available that can beat 8800GT SLI.

So, I'd say your best choices for motherboard are P45 (with an Intel LGA775 CPU) or 790X (with an AMD AM2+ or AM3 CPU). The P45 won't allow upgrading since Intel has already moved on to LGA1366. Is that a problem?

I'd suggest something like Antec 300, Corsair 550VX, WD6401AALS, Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM. That will set you back about $300 in total.

sorry was too sure about the monitor's resolution...looked it up and its 1440x900.

i'm assuming the 8800gt is pretty much outdated or at least on its way out for the better performance graphics cards? if that's the case what's a decent recommended card?

from doing some reading the lga1366 is what the i7 fits? i don't think i'll need to upgrade to this seeing that i'm not a hardcore gamer anymore plus i don't do anything on the computer that relies on that much power.

The case is definitely a budget case lol. My friend was telling me to look into some lian li cases. How are those cases compared to the antec? If needed I'll spend more money on a quality case with better air flow.

The PSU you suggested...I like the price especially after rebates. I'm assuming this is a reliable psu and won't die out? I've had some bad ones before go out and that just was a waste of money for me.

How's this for cpu/mb combo?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.181190

Current Recommendations

Case: $54.95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042&Tpk=Antec 300

PSU: $89.99 - $30.00MIR = $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004&Tpk=Corsair 550VX

Hard Drive: $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319&Tpk=WD6401AALS

OS: $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488

Total: $319.92


Is that the correct OS? I can set up to dual boot vista and xp right? I'm curious if I bump my limit to $600 will it help me get a better system for an extra $200? Or is that not enough money? Thanks again.

 

[xthekidx]

The CPU/MB combo you found is very good. I agree with all aevm's recommendations. What exactly is your budget? $600?

Here are some other things you will need:
ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231219
DVD Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136152
Graphics card (this will probably be sufficient for your games and resolution): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102822

 

[jizzles]

The CPU/MB combo you found is very good. I agree with all aevm's recommendations. What exactly is your budget? $600?

Here are some other things you will need:
ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231219
DVD Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136152
Graphics card (this will probably be sufficient for your games and resolution): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102822

oh ya forgot about the ram and dvd drive lol. Is it recommended I just update my graphics card now or would the 8800gt be fine for now?

 

[xthekidx]

8800GT would probably be fine, its still a good GPU.

 

[aevm]

I like that GA-EP45-UD3R/E8400 combo too.

The HD 4830 is an excellent choice for people with your kind of budget who don't have a graphics card yet. For you, however, it won't bring a major improvement over the 8800GT. I'd say use that 8800GT for now. Later, when you have more money, think about a HD 4890 or GTX 275 or whatever will rule the $250 range at that time.

 

[Why_Me]

What's the your budget for this build ?

 

[jizzles]

What's the your budget for this build ?

I would like to stay within the $400 range but if there's a big improvement in performance then I can spend up to $600.

 

[xthekidx]

On that budget you are looking at something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.181196
or for a bit more:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.181198

With those other ram/psu/HDD/Case/Optical/OS suggestions above, then get a decent cooler and OC the E5200 to get E8400-like performance:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118003
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029&Tpk=s1283v