$1000 Gaming Rig Revised

[Sunburn]

Posted a few days ago with my intial feelings about my next DIY budget gaming rig. Response was great, and after a few days of researching your answers, I've overhauled the build: Allendale instead of Conroe or D805, Radeon X1900XT 256MB instead of GeForce 7900GS. Read up on overclocking the Allendale, made a few changes accordingly: Gigabyte DS3, Thermaltake Big Typhoon. She's just about 1000 USD without a new monitor, and only a few more big concerns on my end. I know she's light on the multimedia functions (80GB HDD, CD-RW/DVD-ROM ODD), but I've got a TiVo already. Besides, this is a sick gaming rig not a Walmart one hour photo.

Tell me what you think of the revision!

Moboard: Gigabyte DS3 ($150)
CPU: C2D E6400 ($224)
GPU: Sapphire x1900xt 256MB ($250)
RAM: 2x1GB 240-pin Patriot DDR2 SDRAM DDR2-667 ($182)
HSF: Thermaltake Big Typhoon + Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Paste ($41+$5)
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 80GB 3.0GB/s SATA ($45)
ODD: LITEON CD-RW/DVD-ROM ($25)
PSU + Case: JustPC GAZelle MidATX w/ 450W PSU ($70)
Input: Logitech Cordless Desktop S510 ($58)
Output: Have Monitor
OS: Have XP

Total: $1050

Concern #1: I chose 2GB of cheaper ram (DDR2-667) over 1GB of better-for-overclocking ram (DDR2-800 4-4-4-xx). Should I trade 2GB of ram for 1GB with better overclock? Or just shell out another bill for 2GB of the more expensive DDR2-800? We're talking an overclock ceiling of 3.2 GHz vs 4.0 GHz.

Concern #2: I'm not sure about that case. It looks cool, but its 450W PSU could be meatier, and I'm not sure if the gigantic HSF will fit. It's supposed to be big enough (mid ATX), but some reviewers complained about cramped space. The other option is unlovely but has a 600W PSU and ginormous side fan.

Concern #3: Monitor. Anyone have a recommendation? I can just hook this beast up to the monitor/TV but that's what my wife uses to watch TV and movies. Another $200 wouldn't be so bad. Probably have to wait another week to get it but eh. The Burning Crusade isn't coming out any time soon. "Logoff so I can watch a movie" is unappealing.

 

[qwazzy]

I do not like the DS3. I had it, then went ASUS with P5B Deluxe. NO HICCUPS. Also, I got that keyboard/mouse for $19.99 at Radioshack. DO NOT GET IT OFF OF THE EGG. THERE ARE BETTER DEALS THAN THAT!

 

[3lfk1ng]

That Pc case sucks
Get this and just remove the airduct to fit the TT Typhoon
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811147041
$34.99
-or-
This for a tad bit more
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811147040
$43.99

Then get a nice psu that has at least TWO 12v rails...instead of the
P.O.S. that your suggested case comes with. Because your trying to get a nice gfx card with the shitty psu, I know psu won't put out enough amps to even power the gfx card you chose because it only supplies 20amps.

So get this with one of the cases. It has over 30amps of power through the 2 12v rails.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817182015

OR FOR A REALLY KILLER DEAL

LOGISYS black atx tower W/ removable motherboard tray 75% OFF
http://www.svc.com/cs901bk.html $19.99

get this and the above mentioned PSU and then you can upgrade the memory or the graphics card.

 

[ALANMAN]

IMO it looks good mostly.

#1, Personally I would rather have the space over the speed, especially if you're gonna play games like BF2 that hog memory. If not then 1 GB should do it. Also, keep in mind you will probably need 2 Gb if you plan to game on Vista.

#2, 450W should be plenty of power for a single GPU setup. Case looks a little cramped, I'd go a little wider, but thats me.

#3, - no comment, sorry

One more thing, for 10 bucks more you can get twice the Hard drive capacity Here
Or, you can throw down a Benjamin and Quadruple that Here
I understand this is to be a gaming machine, but games are gradually taking up more space, you can never have too much. That, and it's a great deal on those drives 8)

 

[3lfk1ng]

To the guy above me, you can even beat that 320 you supplied from WD with a 320 from seagate for $5 cheaper ($94.99)....and it has perpendicular recording technology as well as it being tied with the raptor neck in neck in most benchmarks. Did i mention 5 year Guarentee?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148140

#3 And for the OP'S monitor....heres the best monitor price/performance wise
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824116014

especially with the widescreen, if you don't like widescreen then get this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824116011

I do however recommend purchasing monitors at the store nearby, shipping alone can kill a few pixels.
If you get a monitor from a store and it has even 1 dead pixel you can return it over and over until you get one with no dead pixels.

Thats what I did, I have the vx922 and I have gotta say it is the most beautiful monitor I have ever seen. The best picture and clarity. Plus the 2ms response time, makes it the fastest LCD available on the market.

VX922 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824116375

 

[rwaritsdario]

Since youre planning on overclocking, the E6300 would be a wiser choice. After all the E6400 is just its overclocked version.

Sadly enough, the overpriced DDR 800 with 4-4-4-12 timings works the best for overclocking with the E6300. Get the cheapest with these rated timings and youll be on the safe side.

The Artic Silver Ceramique has detroned the AS5, benchmarks dont lie.

Games are definetly consuming more and more space. Definetly 160GB would be the least. Dont worry about HDD speed if you cant afford it. Get Western Digital or Seagate and youll be fine.

I think for ~$5 more you can get a DVD burner.. you never know when itll come in handy.

I agree, awful case. Get a cheap case and an Antec NeoHE PSU, triple 12v rails and modular, very fairly priced. The Antec Sonata II case with psu is a good deal too. 450W will be enough.

The SAMSUNG 204B-BK Black 20.1" 5ms is simply the nirvana for monitor. 1600x1200 resolution, FAST responsiveness (great for gaming), reliable brand, good warranty and it also happends to be the cheapest of its class.

 

[enforcerfx]

Posted a few days ago with my intial feelings about my next DIY budget gaming rig. Response was great, and after a few days of researching your answers, I've overhauled the build: Allendale instead of Conroe or D805, Radeon X1900XT 256MB instead of GeForce 7900GS. Read up on overclocking the Allendale, made a few changes accordingly: Gigabyte DS3, Thermaltake Big Typhoon. She's just about 1000 USD without a new monitor, and only a few more big concerns on my end. I know she's light on the multimedia functions (80GB HDD, CD-RW/DVD-ROM ODD), but I've got a TiVo already. Besides, this is a sick gaming rig not a Walmart one hour photo.

Tell me what you think of the revision!

Moboard: Gigabyte DS3 ($150)
CPU: C2D E6400 ($224)
GPU: Sapphire x1900xt 256MB ($250)
RAM: 2x1GB 240-pin Patriot DDR2 SDRAM DDR2-667 ($182)
HSF: Thermaltake Big Typhoon + Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Paste ($41+$5)
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 80GB 3.0GB/s SATA ($45)
ODD: LITEON CD-RW/DVD-ROM ($25)
PSU + Case: JustPC GAZelle MidATX w/ 450W PSU ($70)
Input: Logitech Cordless Desktop S510 ($58)
Output: Have Monitor
OS: Have XP

Total: $1050

Concern #1: I chose 2GB of cheaper ram (DDR2-667) over 1GB of better-for-overclocking ram (DDR2-800 4-4-4-xx). Should I trade 2GB of ram for 1GB with better overclock? Or just shell out another bill for 2GB of the more expensive DDR2-800? We're talking an overclock ceiling of 3.2 GHz vs 4.0 GHz.

Concern #2: I'm not sure about that case. It looks cool, but its 450W PSU could be meatier, and I'm not sure if the gigantic HSF will fit. It's supposed to be big enough (mid ATX), but some reviewers complained about cramped space. The other option is unlovely but has a 600W PSU and ginormous side fan.

Concern #3: Monitor. Anyone have a recommendation? I can just hook this beast up to the monitor/TV but that's what my wife uses to watch TV and movies. Another $200 wouldn't be so bad. Probably have to wait another week to get it but eh. The Burning Crusade isn't coming out any time soon. "Logoff so I can watch a movie" is unappealing.

Some revisions:

1st off, that case is crap, the logisys case 3lfking pointed out looks like a nice bargain, I'd go for it.
2nd: Never EVER skimp out on a Power Supply. If you in demand for some cash, heres a PSU thats up to the test:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817128005

3rd. Drop to the E6300, and overclock it. You can get to E6400 speeds and a little more with the stock cooler alone.

That patriot ram is fine. 2GB is just perfect for a good gaming system.

Good Luck

 

[3lfk1ng]

I like this drive, its the best from Price/performance
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827151118
$35.99 and it'll not only burn DVD's but it will also burn Dual Layers.

Also Ill edit my post here to point out that getting the e6300 would be a much wiser choice than the e6400, because you can easily oc the e6300 easily to match e6600 speeds.

 

[3lfk1ng]

Time for me to make a list for you:

Moboard: Gigabyte DS3 ($150)
CPU: C2D E6300 ($180) http://tinyurl.com/nrboe
GPU: Sapphire x1900xt 256MB ($250)
RAM: 2x1GB 240-pin Patriot DDR2 SDRAM DDR2-667 ($182)
HSF: Thermaltake Big Typhoon + Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Paste ($41+$5)ceramique isn't necessary for and e6300
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 80GB 3.0GB/s SATA ($45) This should be adequate enough for what your doing.
ODD: Samsung everything drive ($35) http://tinyurl.com/gb5yy
CASE: Logisys FULL TOWER ($19) http://tinyurl.com/en3fo
PSU: Hiper 480 ($55) http://tinyurl.com/zkj8e
Input: Logitech Cordless Desktop S510 from radio shack ($20)
Output: Have Monitor
OS: Have XP

Total: $982 and then shipping...

And because we saved you $70 you have the option to upgrade one of your components as you see fit. I would consider upgrading you memory to PC-6400 800mhz.
http://tinyurl.com/hbsl2

Or get better quality pc 5400 667mhz
http://tinyurl.com/elgry

Stay under $250 for the memory to keep within your original $1050 price.