Comp for around $800

[bolton1202]

Hey all,

I'm thinking of building a gaming computer sometime in the near future for around $800. I was looking on newegg for parts, and there are so many different components/companies, that I figured maybe someone could help me narrow it down.

I am personally an AMD/ATI man, but I'm asking you: if you had $800, what would you get and why?

Heres what I came up with. Anyone have a similar setup or care to comment?

CASE
Antec Performance One P180B Black 0.8mm
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129017
$114.99/$15.99
_
CPU
AMD Athlon 64 4000+ San Diego 2.4GHz 1MB L2 Cache Socket 939 Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103037
$79.99/free
_
MOTHERBOARD
DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 SLI-DR Expert Socket 939
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136166
$149.99/$6.41
_
VIDEO CARD
eVGA 256-P2-N624-AR GeForce 7900GS 256MB 256-bit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130056
$175.99/$5.64
_
CPU COOLING
ZALMAN CNPS9500 AT 2 Ball CPU Cooling Fan/Heatsink
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118003
$46.99/$4.99
_
MEMORY
CORSAIR XMS 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145450
$135/free
_

TOTAL
$735.98

 

[azmtbkr81]

Not bad, if you are going the AMD path though I would say buy an AM2 motherboard with maybe a Sempron or low end X2 CPU, that would give a better upgrade path for the future since 939 is on its way out.

I've always been a fan of Epox boards and this one is a decent price, not packed with features but it would let you put a little more $ into the CPU since it is essentially a mid-range PC

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813123016

Of course you'll also have to change the memory out to DDR2 if you end up going with a socket AM2 setup.

Also I did not notice a hard drive, CD/DVD burner or OS factored into your pricing. Are you going to reuse those?

 

[drummerdude]

if you dont plan on upgrading then your fine, the only thing i would change is the cpu, go dual core, and if you dont plan on sli, then the dfi ultra-d is an excellent board. if you like ati gpu's the 1950pro is a great competitor to the 7900gs
if you interested in intel heres a small list:
gigabyte s3
c2d duo e4300
corsair xms2 ddr2 2x512
arctic cooling freezer 7 pro
FSP 450W psu
x1950pro

you could save some by getting a cheaper case

edit: couldnt find the ultra-d anywhere, but heres a link for the cpu s939 AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+

 

[BaldEagle]

Nice processor deal, Not bad choices for the remainder, however unless you are using drives and power supply from another system you are not going to hit the 800 mark. I wouldn't recommend using an old power supply as it probably isn't going to have enough amps.

 

[bolton1202]

Thanks for all the replies. Looks like I have some stuff to think about.

I should have stated earlier that this computer will primarily be used for gaming.

I'm going to use my old cd/hard drive, to be honest I forgot about a power supply 8O . I'll admit I'm pretty much a newbie when it comes to the hardware side of things. I'll think about that later.

Someone told me that if I'm going to spend money on good cpu/video card, I would need to buy a motherboard that was just as good. Thats the only reason I chose the DFI lanparty, as well as the fact that the ram is far enough away from the cpu that a large heatsink would fit, and that it has a chipset cooler. I'm not going to be using SLI (mainly because I have only a minimal understanding of what it is), and I don't have enough for two quality video cards.

Also will I be needing anything besides the Zalman fan to overclock? I'm not going to be doing anything substancial (or anything until needed), I'd just like to have the option in the future. If anyone has one of these I'd be interested to hear what they think.

The reason I didn't go with dual core is because one of my friends told me that while it is advertised as 2.4 * 2 or whatever, its actually (2.4 / 2) * 2. Also I read that since games aren't written for dual core, speed stays the same or even decreases. Again, I'm new at this, so someone please feel free to correct me if im wrong.

The case I liked because it had alot of room, and i heard people having problems with bulky aftermarket heatsinks regarding space. Also I liked the fact it has 3 or 4 fans (can't remember which).

Any comments, or constructive criticizm would be greatly appreciated.

 

[bigslickak]

The reason I didn't go with dual core is because one of my friends told me that while it is advertised as 2.4 * 2 or whatever, its actually (2.4 / 2) * 2. Also I read that since games aren't written for dual core, speed stays the same or even decreases. Again, I'm new at this, so someone please feel free to correct me if im wrong.

Don't listen to your friends :roll:

It's not totally all about chip speed anymore. It's about a dual core's ability for more efficient thread processing, etc. Here's the wikipedia article on multi-core processing for background: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-core

They do have somewhat of a point regarding the ability for current games to utilize the multi-core advantages. They are not written to take advantage, though I imagine that is changing.

 

[bolton1202]

Thanks for the article, definetly have a better understanding now.

I looked online, and it said somewhere that games do not yet take full advantage of dual core processors, like you said, but does this mean that a dual core 4600+ or so is better or worse than a single core operating at the same frequency for gaming?

I'm going to assume for now that the case is it's faster. That being said, I think I might go with a dual core AMD. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good AM2 motherboard with decent overclocking capability, onboard audio, and most importantly reliability?

 

[BaldEagle]

Most games (I am not aware of any but FPS isn't my thing) are not multi threaded so they don't take advantage of the dual core architecture YET, however the advantage lies in the other applications that are running can utilize that second core ie multi threading. Your friend is and isn't correct though bothe cores operate at 2.4, however, what you get is not equivalent to 2*2.4 =4.8 for gaming. What you will get for your game will only be faster to the point that your other applications can be off loaded to the second core.

 

[bolton1202]

Will the game will run off the first core, as if it was a single core 2.4 ghz processor?

 

[BaldEagle]

Well sort of in a typical machine there are anumber of system applications, anti-virus, firewalls, spyware, etc running. All of those applications can now use the second core instead of swapping with your game for CPU time. Your game gets more time with the CPU and runs faster than on a single core of the same speed. As far as I know cores are allocated dynamically so your game would run on both cores just not at the same time. JumpingJack is more of a hardware expert than I am an could detail the details of multi-treading processors sorry to say my engineering degree is mostly used for military magnetics.

 

[bolton1202]

Good to know, thanks for the information. I have decided that I will probably be going with a single core processor simply because I'll have more money to spend on ram and a video card. Anything else that needs to be done can wait till im done gaming. I will also be configuring my system so that there is a minimal amount of background programs running, so that wont be an issue.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a nice AM2 board with onboard sound, reliability, and overclockability?

 

[quantumsheep]

Does anyone have any suggestions for a nice AM2 board with onboard sound, reliability, and overclockability?

Don't go the AM2 route.

Get a C2D E4300, 1GB DDR2 667, nVidia 650i motherboard and something similar to an x1950pro/7900GS. Should come in less than $800.

 

[bolton1202]

I'm AMD all the way, any suggestions?

 

[manoch]

Part Item Description Price
CPU CORE 2 DUO E4300-1.80G $179.00
RAM CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) (PC2 6400)-$40 MIR $256.00
GPU1 BFG Tech GeForce 7600GT-$50 MIR $145.00
HD Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB 7200 RPM $81.00
MB BIOSTAR TForce965PT $111.12
CASE COOLER MASTER Centurion ATX Mid Tower-$10 MIR $65.00
PS APEVIA ATX-AS520W-BK ATX 520W - $15 MIR $68.00
Sub Total $905.12
Rebates $115.00
Total $790.12

 

[bolton1202]

I am really not inclined to buy intel products. AMD is a company I have used since my first computer and I will definetly be sticking with them.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a good AMD AM2 Motherboard with reliability, overclockability, and onboard audio?

 

[pottymonster]

I'm AMD all the way, any suggestions?

i love how even after you point that out, you get a reply with an intel systems specs listed.

if you're content to go socket 939, then definitely dont listen to anybody suggesting a core 2 or other intel chip. if however, you plan on going with AM2, id also consider a core 2 as an alternative.

 

[axilon]

If we can convince you to head to ATI cards.. then..

something like this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813123022

If not..

then Nvidia
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131013

Sorry about all the Intel screaming...

 

[bolton1202]

I'm not sure if it was on this post or one I have going on another board, but someone suggested AM2 because 939 is fading out, and AM2 will give me room to upgrade in the future if I decide to do so.

I think I'm going with an AMD Athlon 64 3800+.

If anyone has a suggestion for a mobo to go with that thats reliable, overclockable, and has onboard audio, I would Love to hear it.

 

[quantumsheep]

I am really not inclined to buy intel products. AMD is a company I have used since my first computer and I will definetly be sticking with them.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a good AMD AM2 Motherboard with reliability, overclockability, and onboard audio?

There is no real reason to stick with AMD, you're being completely illogical here. With the price you're spending you're best off going the Intel route. I am not a fanboy of a company, i'm a fanboy of price/performance and so should you be.

 

[axilon]

I would still suggest going for an X2 processor, and since the forum lagged out.. i put some MBs up for you to look at.

 

[Torment30]

Hi,

Did not notice if anyone else mentioned this but if your not going for an Intel Core system dont buy a Zalman 9500-AT, its for LGA775 only. For need the AM2 version (all current Desktop AMD Sockets) or a 9700.

Have you consider the scythe ones (ninja or a mine)?

BIOSTAR TForce590SLI Deluxe Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - OEM ($124.99):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813138033R

Seems a good deal to me but I'm not sure about open box stuff.

 

[liquidaim]

Since you insist on AMD:

at newegg:

DFI INFINITY NF ULTRAII-M2 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Special savings with AMD combo deal, ends 1/31

You'll be able to get a dual core K8L later this year if you feel like plunking another couple hundred.

 

[rwpritchett]

Does anyone have a suggestion for a good AMD AM2 Motherboard with reliability, overclockability, and onboard audio?

How about this:

ASUS M2N-E Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 Ultra MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $93

 

[zenmaster]

Being a "Fanboy" of one company or another is not logical.

AMD could still be recommended in many scenarios.
One of these is when you will be running the CPUs are stock speeds.

AMD has attempted to keep the price/performance of their CPUs in line with Intels as best as they can at stock speeds.

The problem AMD has here is that all INTEL chips are now highly over-clockable. As much as 80+ percent. The AMD chips tend to over-clock very little due to the fact AMD has had to increase their speeds to keep up with Intel while not really releasing a next generation product.

AMD will hopefully have this product out in June.

In your case, you say you want to OC. AMDs simply no longer do this well. If you can an AMD now, dont waste a lot of money on high performance RAM or high-end MBs. Just get a good system designed to run at the listed speeds and it will be just fine.

If you want to OC, then go with Intel. Dont try it now AMDs. The gain will be minimal.

With Intel you can OC the 4300 great with both a low-end MB and low-end RAM.

The major stock holders in both companies are far richer than you or me.
Neithe is truly evil or a catholic saint. Do what is right for you and you alone. If you really really want AMD, I would strongly suggest waiting until sometime in Q2 when AMD will have better chips out and you will even be able to get some really nice new GPUs as some of the ones we are looking at now are retired for the more powerful DX10 models.

 

[sillywabbit]

I'll let others chime in on the motherboard offered in this combo but AMD currenty has an offer on a chip/processor combo for about $170 total. x3600 chip + mb--check out newegg.
-COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel, SECC $49.99
-Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 (Perpendicular Recording) ST3250620AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $79.99
-BFG Tech BFGR76256GTOCE GeForce 7600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI
$50.00 Mail-in Rebate $139.99
-FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX450-PN, 12cm FAN, version 2.2, 2 SATA, $53.99
-CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2
40.00 Mail-in Rebate $246.00
-AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ Brisbane 1.9GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model
BIOSTAR TFORCE 550 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 550 MCP ATX AMD
$168.99
Subtotal: $738.95

About $650 after mail in rebates---gives you $150 play room to upgrade video card, psu, different case or whatever changes others come up with.