Gaming Computer Setup

[Malphonic]

Hi, I just recently decided to get a new gaming computer, and my budget is 3k. I had a buddy assemble this list, which is what I intend to get. If you see any compatibillity problems, or just reccomend somthing else, please tell me! (Newegg.com links only please!)

CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Toledo

R.A.M:
CORSAIR XMS 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM

Video Card:
SAPPHIRE 100150 Radeon X1900XTX 512MB

Motherboard:
MSI K8N Diamond Plus Socket 939

Hardrive:
Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM

Power Supply:
PC Power & Cooling 510 SLI-PFC ATX12V 510W

Soundcard:
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 7.1

Cooling Fan/Heatsink:
Thermaltake Big Typhoon CL-P0114

Case:
Thermaltake Tsunami VA3400BWA

 

[a1ien]

Hi, I just recently decided to get a new gaming computer, and my budget is 3k. I had a buddy assemble this list, which is what I intend to get. If you see any compatibillity problems, or just reccomend somthing else, please tell me!

CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Toledo

R.A.M:
CORSAIR XMS 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM

Video Card:
SAPPHIRE 100150 Radeon X1900XTX 512MB

Motherboard:
MSI K8N Diamond Plus Socket 939

Hardrive:
Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM

Power Supply:
PC Power & Cooling 510 SLI-PFC ATX12V 510W

Soundcard:
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 7.1

Cooling Fan/Heatsink:
Thermaltake Big Typhoon CL-P0114

Case:
Thermaltake Tsunami VA3400BWA

Pretty good selection, I have a few tweaks that you might want to consider.

New RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227210
OCZ Platinum, it's cheaper and even tighter timings with 2-3-2-5 than the Corsair.

New CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103586
An AMD Opteron 170. It's cheaper than the 4400+ Toledo and sure it's .2Ghz slower, but you should overclock past that in your sleep.

New PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103931
Save over 100 dollars and get a really really good PSU with 40W more power.

That's all I have to say for the moment. Good luck. 8)

 

[Malphonic]

There is so many bad reviews on that RAM, I'm afraid to get it... Keep the suggestions coming. That CPU is sick looking; whats the difference between that and the other one?

 

[Ian]

Get a X1900XT instead of the XTX. Personally I would get an asus A8N-E and drop the sound card.

 

[Arucard]

The opty is a server processor, so it runs a lot cooler. It's possible to overclock Opties to FX-60 speeds.

 

[Malphonic]

Uhm, why that Mobo, it gets pretty bad reveiws, plus why not the XTX, seems better that the XT

 

[Ian]

I'm Asus biased heh (just had really good luck with them). But as I look at the MSI board more it looks really nice. Did you know it has an onboard creative sound processor.

As for the XTX vs XT, yes, the XTX is better, however it is not $100 better. 25 mhz clock speed increase, and a simple bios flash can make the X1900XT into a X1900XTX. For the performance difference, it really isn't worth $100.

 

[Malphonic]

Thanks so much. So that sound card should be sufficient?

 

[Dade_0182]

Aint nothing wrong with that rig man. That really would be a nice setup. Personally i would stick to the Corsair RAM. I have had some for a long time now and I love it.

I'd also go for the 170 opty seeing as you are going to put the Big typhoon on there(I just love Thermaltake stuff). You'd be able to have a sick OC on that thing.

Other than that, Maybe an extra hdd if you have some spare cash coz 150GB sure don't last long and the games just keep getting bigger. I installed Toca 3 yesterday and the thing was over 7GB. Just think about it...

Good luck

 

[Ian]

Malphonic wrote:

Thanks so much. So that sound card should be sufficient?

Yeah, in the newest high end motherboards, and even within the last few years, on board sound quality and performance has really changed. ie Dedicated sound processors, 7.1 audio, EAX etc. I really that the onboard sound will make you happy, and the good thing about computers is, that if it doesnt, you can always get a card later!

 

[MacD91]

well nice set up. i would change the MOB to this http://www.asus.com.tw/products4.aspx?l1=3&l2=15&l3=268&model=1042&modelmenu=1

up the power to at least 600w.

and keep the xtx if you can get more out the xt by doing this and that to make it better you can always do the same with the xtx and get it even better. if you what the better card get the xtx .if you want to save money and wear a little hat on your head get the xt.

Every one talks about the 4400 too the 170 but i don,t know whats best . but i,m sure you won,t go wrong with both.

o yeah and get this case http://www.thermaltake.com/xasercase/kandalf/bws/va9000bws.htm

 

[mdd1963]

"plus why not the XTX, seems better that the XT"

The XT is only clocked about 25 MHz slower on core, and perhaps 50 Mhz slower on memory, and is easily the better deal at about $100 less...

The Raptor is quite nice, but I personally would not pay that much for one to shave about 2 seconds off boot times/game level load times....; many decent SATA drives available for $100-$150...

With the $300 you save, you are 1/2 ready for your next video card upgrade in 18 months!

 

[a1ien]

There is so many bad reviews on that RAM, I'm afraid to get it... Keep the suggestions coming. That CPU is sick looking; whats the difference between that and the other one?

80% out of 400 reviewers... I wouldn't call that bad RAM. Where have you seen bad reviews on this RAM anyways?

I purchased this a while back and have it running DDR450 with 2.5-3-2-5 timings with stock voltage at 2.6v with no problem at all, and I haven't even begun to test the overclocking really, I've just been messing around with it a bit.

 

[clue69less]

Hi, I just recently decided to get a new gaming computer, and my budget is 3k.

Nice budget! You'll have a blast.

I agree with the OCZ recommendation. Not sure if you plan to OC but overclockers love Opty CPUs, OCZ RAM and DFI mobos. I also agree that with your budget, going up in PS wattage makes sense. Personally, I'd do something like this CPU:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103584

and this mobo:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136152

and either this RAM:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227225

or:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227056

plus this GFA:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130279

and this PS:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817194004

I'd also be tossing on another HD (at least) along with that sexy Raptor you have planned. You can get a WD 250GB for $90 at Newegg. I am leaning towards the eVGA card over the Radeon because it's quieter, runs cooler and uses less PS gas. But folks love the X1900XT and I probably would too.

 

[kais]

if ur an idiot get the xtx. 25Mhz for100 more. get the opty. never get corsair. either balistix or ocz i stick with ballistix cuz im a heavy oc'er. the mobo i s@it on it. either dfi or asus i reccomend dfi. now for the psu get the seasonic 600