High End gaming rig... How much do I need????

[bkieft]

Hey guys I've been building computers since I was 13 now 26 and I've always just built systems that were average for the time. I'm looking into building a top of the line gaming machine or at least close to it. Currently I'm running a P4 3.2 ghz hyper threading single core CPU, 2 gb of Kingston HyperX memory, Audigy 2 ZS, Nvidia 7800 256 GTS, dvd rom, Asus P4C800-E deluxe MOBO (AGP). I know my system isn't bad but I would really like to sell it and start from scratch and build a monster machine. I think I could probably end up getting about 500 for my box now if I sold it. I'm thinking of saving up like 2000 bucks, but I'm looking for advice as to how much I would need if I go total max.

Or do you think it's a total waste to spend that much and could get the same performance and spend 1500? I just don't want my system to be junk after a year or 2... I'm aiming at having this system last like 5 years. If I have to just upgrade the video card in that time so be it but I really don't want to have to do anything else. Currently I do have a Retail Full version of Windows Vista Ultimate which comes with the 32bit and 64 bit versions so I only need the hardware.

Thanks,

-Brian

 

[darkwire]

I have a similar story as yours. I have been building computers for a long time but always just middle an average machine for the time. This time I wanted something a little closer to top of the line I didn't go all out crazy with quad core,ect but I was able to get just about everything I wanted for $2000US, not including monitor,keyboard,mouse,or speakers which I already had.

I would think for 2-2.5k you could get come out with a pretty top of the line gaming rig.

My $2k rig:

E6600 cpu
eVGA 680i MB
eVGA 8800GTS 640mb Vid Card
2gb G.Skill DDR6400c4 RAM
150gb Raptor(10k rpm) OS Drive
320gb Seagate storage drive
Corsair 620watt PSU
Thermaltake VA8000BWS full tower case
Samsung 18X DVD burner w/lightscribe
Scythe Infinity CPU cooler
Windows XP

 

[skyguy]

$1500 would be the bottom end of a budget for a higher-end gaming rig (assuming no monitor, etc.....just the box). $2000 would be nice, $2500 will get you very good but probably not necessary. Beyond that and it's for bragging rights or you got money to burn.

 

[bkieft]

Well let me clarify what I already have. I do have a keyboard, mouse, monitor and speakers so all I would need is the case and the guts minus the OS cause I got Vista already waiting.

Ok so you think 2000 should get me a pretty top of the line?

 

[Jodym2]

I have updated my recommendations for a new Rig I think you can also get an Idea of the best values in the Market.

Mother Board DFI Infinity 975G/X at only $150 this board is a steel. This may not be the BEST Mother Board on the Market but it's got DFI Club where you can get help easily from the manufacturer even about overclocking.

C.P.U. Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Get all the amenities of the $1000 Chip then Over Clock it way past it's Extreme Brother at $316 How can you beat it. Mine runs well @ 3.5 GHz. Well now they gave the cheaper C.P.U.'s the 4 MB L2 Cache like the $213 E4320.

Hard Drive Seagate 7200.10 Perpendicular Drive With 16 MB Cache almost as fast as a Raptor and 320 GB all for only $95

Memory really any 800 MHz DDR II RAM Will Do as the processor only needs 533 Mhz to Run at 1:1 there is a lot of head room in DDR2-800. I think the actual Integrated Circuits on the DIMMs are more important than the speed of the DIMMS. Micron Rules and I've head pep's bragging about PROMOS. Two 1 GB Sticks are recommended. G.Skill HZ's $175

Power Supply Seasonic M12 it's like my 600 Watt S12 but modular.$150

Graphics Card EVGA 8800 GTS ya I like mine and have a hard time recommending a $600 Card.$400

I really Like Zalman for CPU and GPU Coolers My 9500 is running 63C at full Duel Load so I'd appreciate the double in surface area of the 9700. $59

I Like 20X Lite-On Light Scribe DVD/RW Drives I reccommend the Retail box from Newegg as it give you Nero and Power DVD 6 for $37

Case Antec 900 $125

Windows Vista Home Premium OEM $130

So it around $1550.00

 

[darkwire]

The E6600 isn't $316 anymore. Newegg has it for $230 now. Also if I am not mistaken the 975 chip set is older than the 965, doesn't mean that DFI isn't a good board, just that the chip set is older.

eVGA 8800GTS 640mb = $379
G.Skill PC6400 C4 2x1gb = $154

 

[Jodym2]

DFI Just came out with their 965 Chipset Board it's a few dollars cheaper. The 975 is older but as the name implies it's the High End Intel Chipset. The 965 is the Main Stream Chip set although I've herd of people getting higher Front Side Buss Speeds with the 965. I am just so happy with my config it's hard to recommend spending more.

 

[skyguy]

DFI's new 965 board looks NIIIIIICE. Very nice. Would be in my Top 5 list for sure.

Jody's build is good, seriously consider that list.

$2000 will get a very nice system.

And for heatsinks, definitely skip the Zalman 9500. Go with the 9700, or else a Thermalright Ultra 120 (needs a 120mm fan), Thermaltake Big Typhoon, or Noctua NH-U12F.

 

[darkwire]

"Thermalright Ultra 120" or the Tuniq tower are just hard to find in stock.

 

[Jodym2]

Just then someone pointed me to this place they got the stuff!

http://www.svc.com/

 

[wilcoxon]

If you really want "total max", you're going to spend around $4000 (X6800, 8800GTX Ultra (when it comes out later this month)) but that's pure lunacy.

As others have said, $2k-2.5k will get you a nice system. I originally planned mine at $2500 but creep (extra Raptor, extra OS, extra 2GB RAM, office) pushed it a little over $3000.

 

[dj_taboo]

Just then someone pointed me to this place they got the stuff!

http://www.svc.com/

Wow...that site is kinda cool. Just picked up some doo-dads for my next build that were pretty cheap there. (green thumb screws $.75, green sataII cables $3.50) I like that you can choose your shippping method. I really don't need 3day shipping that costs more than the order itself.
Thanks

 

[Mati87]

Hey there I'm in the same boat as you, always had mid-range pcs that had to last 4-5 years but now I want a little more. I'm want to spend around 2500 in december but if I'd get it now it would be something like this:

Silverstone TJ09 - BW Case (Heard some really good reviews about this case all aluminum)

WD1600AAJS x 2 Raid 0 hard drives for OS and Seagate 7200.10 320g for storage.

BFG 8800 GTX OC2 (Factory overclocked and lifetime warranty)

Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Fatality

Enermax Infinity 720 watt power supply

G.Skill 2gig (The HZ model since they use Micron chips)

ASUS Commando (Really good overclocking and I doubt I will use sli)

Intel Core 2 Duo 6600

Tuniq Tower or Thermalright 120 ultra.

Sony NEC 18x DVD Burner SATA

All of this goes for around 2180 with shipping. Note that its w/o OS or monitor.

 

[skyguy]

Very nice there. But go with the Samsung SATA drive instead.....much quieter than the jet engine NEC