So first off, let me give you guys some background here...
My name is Ryan; I'm 17, and I'm looking to build a computer with my father. Me and my dad are video game junkies, however we have little if any knowledge about computers (not sure how that works out). Our current computer is outdated, and we're looking to put together a descent gaming pc within a 1000$-1500$ budget (kinda aiming for the middle). So this is probably a horrible idea, since we don't know what we're looking to buy or how to put it together, but from what I understand putting together a pc isn't too difficult. I already have a friend who knows slightly more than I do about computers and has already assembled 3 or so. I believe if me and my dad can decide what we need to buy, assembling the pc with my friend will be the easy part. (do you guys agree? maybe you guys could give us a few pointers)
So now that you guys know what my problem is you can probably guess why I'm here. (if you haven't already figured it out from the topic.) I'm not a tgforumz regular, I actually accidentally came across this Marothon Day 2 article while searching google for tips on building a gaming pc. It just so happens that the pc that was wrote about in the article falls exactly in our price range. So now the questions I have for you guys are, is the pc in the article pretty much the most optimal pc I can buy for 1250$? Are there any slight modifications that can be made without going over the budget? Since I'm looking to build a gaming pc, is the processor and video card the best for a mid-ranged pc or are there better options? Should dx10 video cards be of any concern? (I read an article posted a little after the marathon one about how dx10 games are right around the corner).
Basically what I'm asking is, if you guys were building a gaming pc today with a 1000$-1500$ budget (the middle being the goal) would it look exactly like the pc in the Marathon Day 2 article or what would it look like and why? keeping in mind we kinda want it to last awhile. I hope I'm not being rude by making this an essay prompt lol.. but I kinda need help.
Thanks for your time, Ryan
Oh and if any of you do reply with a list of parts and explanations could you try to make the explanations relatively simple to understand, considering I don't know much about computers? I've also read articles about how overclocking is really beneficial, maybe you could give me a few tips there. Thanks and more thanks.
Don't get too intimidated by building your own. The parts can only fit together in one way generally, so it's hard to screw up. The ONLY thing you need to be very careful is that you don't short out the motherboard when installing/powering on. Be sure to install the brass standoffs and you'll be fine. And always feel free to post here for more help on specifics when you do move ahead, we have lots of experience and are more than happy to help out.
That being said, onto the specs. You said the Article in Day2 is what you were looking at. There are some very good parts there overall, but some are a bit subjective....like the case for example....that largely depends on personal preference and budget. All things considered, it is a good list.....and people can debate it, but I doubt anyone would completely disagree.
All the parts on the list are good. There are only 2 things I would DEFINITELY change:
1) Motherboard. Go with a Gigabyte 965P-DS3. Very good, very stable, good features, an quite inexpensive. ALOT of people around here have it (including me) and swear by it. It is simply a champ of a motherboard. Get it instead of the MSI, no question
2) Power supply. Definitely ditch the one they used and get something better. It may cost you $20 more or so, but you will be very pleased with the stability and won't cry if a garbage power supply takes your system with it when it craps out. Consider an Antec Trio, OCZ GameXstream, or an FSP Blue Storm II....all are better choices than the one in the article and they won't break the bank either.
Other than that, if you want to save some money, then you can go with a cheaper CPU. A 6300 or a 4300 are still VERY fast chips and will save you some decent money there. And if you're not overclocking, then you can get cheaper RAM as well. Any cheap DDR2-667 will easily do the trick, if you're looking to save some money there too.
DX10 games are in fact right around the corner, and this setup is simply kickA$$ and will keep you happy for quite some time. Be sure to get at least a 19" LCD though You'll be happy you did.
Good luck, feel free to post back with any more questions.
Ok, so I see alot of these 8800 GTX cards being used and they look pretty BA so I think I wanna get one of them.. I just don't know which brand of the 8800 GTX cards is better than the other.
So so far I have:
CPU Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 (good or do I need something better?)
Graphics Some brand of a 8800 GTX card... (not sure what brand is better)
Motherboard Gigabyte 965P-DS3 (do I need a better one to support the better video card? I'm not sure how that works)
Hard Drive Western Digital Caviar RE2 WD5000YS (no one really talks about hard drives.. kinda wondering if there is really a difference between brands or something)
Still not sure what PSU I should get.. or what I need...
Some case, again not sure which.. does the case actually matter? does the case play a role in the performance?
Do I need a cooling system if I want to overclock? if so, which cooling systems are prefered? and is a liquid cooled case necessary lol? I'm still not sure how to overclock, or if what I'm buying is any good at overclocking, but I'd like to try to overclock.
Some DVD-RW drive, again does it matter which one I get? is there like a standard here?
So ya that's it for now. Again, I have no idea what I'm doing I'm just reading threads about "building gaming pc's" and I see alot of the Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 cpu and 8800gtx cards.
oh ya, and does it matter what type of ram i'm getting aslong as there's 2 1GB sticks? or is there a specific type that works well with what I'm trying to accomplish?
1) The DS3 mobo will handle what you need no problem. It's a great mobo and will work no question.
2) GTX brand. Generally speaking, they all perform about the same at stock speeds. Most people around here (including myself) often recommend EVGA because of their Step Up program, and also more importantly because of their double-lifetime guarantee. EVGA's service is also very good, I personally recommend them.
3) GTX itself. What resolution will you be gaming at? Generally speaking, the GTX is used for 1600 resolution or higher. Otherwise, it may be a bit of a waste of money. The 8800GTS 320 is a very, very good card and is also ALOT cheaper. So it also depends on your budget. You might find the GTX will break the budget and is overkill. It certainly is a beast of a card though. Also, it is longer than any other card, so you HAVE to make sure it'll fit into the case you'd be getting.
4) Case. Give a budget and style you like (window or not, bling or not) and we can help give you options
5) PSU. Get a OCZ GameXstream 600w and you'll be fine. Very good, lots of power, lots of amperage, and won't break the bank.
6) Hard drive. Get the 320 gb Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 w/16 mb cache. Better than the Western Digital, and also has a much better warranty, and it's basically the same price anyways. So get the Seagate w/16 mb cache.
7) Cooling. You don't need liquid cooling. Get a decent air cooler. Thermaltake Big Typhoon, Zalman 9700, Noctua NH-U12F are all good and will suit you just fine.
8 ) DVD drive. Get a Samsung SH-S182 for IDE, or the 183 for SATA connection. They're good, cheap, solid, and generally quieter than other drives. I prefer the 182 myself.
9) CPU. The 6600 is FINE. You don't need more than that.
10) RAM. Get some DDR2-800, something inexpensive. Even if you plan on overclocking, with the 6600's 9x multiplier it won't push your RAM too hard. So cheaper stuff will work. Get the 2x1 gig G.Skill DDR2-800...the ones with the red heat spreaders (5-5-5-15 timings). Good stuff, cheap.
Last suggestion:
Make your changes, and post a complete list for us to look at, along with the total price and see if it's within your budget. Also, remember about what resolution you'll be gaming at, and whether the GTX is really needed. My guess is you'll need to trim some money and go with the GTS 320 instead.
i don't even know what you guys are talking about and its funny
but, BlinX, welcome to the game. computer building isn't as tough as it seems, and is really quite fun at the same time. the main thing to remember is just to keep your cool... especially when you're actually putting all the components together. your build is looking great, and i think you'll really be pleased. you're in good hands with skyguy. just be sure to ask if you have any questions, someone is bound to have an answer on here
This is what I’m looking at right now.. Let me know if I linked the right stuff that you were recommending… I went with the Zalman for cooling since more people got that then the other 2, and they had 2 different Gigabyte 965P-DS3 for sale so I got the 130$ one. A lot more people also bought the sata Samsung drive not the IDE one.. I’m not sure which is better or why they’re better. All the stuff is priced off of Newegg.com
I can vouch for the thermaltake shark being able to house at least one GTX and looks like it will handle SLI to.
Good luck with your build and cool dad you got there 8)
LOL, ya Proof has something like 4 Raptors, 2 Cheetahs, dual 8800 Ultras, 830 Stacker, DFI 680i, Coolit Freezone and SLI coolers, blah blah.....he's rich and has no concept of a budget, so don't listen to him LMAO
Your build looks very, VERY good. But DO NOT GET THAT CASE. It's too small, don't even go there. It won't fit your stuff and will end up being a heatbox.
The Coolermaster Centurion 5 is nice, but look at the list that Morerevs posted, it'll show what fits a GTX. Also, for a bit more money, look at the Thermaltake Soprano:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811133145
They're a bit more money, but have great features and will last a long time. I personally recommend the Armor Jr., I've used it in 2 builds for friends and it's very nice.
I know that'll put you over your budget a bit slightly, but it'll be worth it overall. You have a great build so far, so just a bit more to finish it off and you'll have a kickA$$ rig, the envy of most of your friends And your dad will be able to get pwned in all the graphics and glorious eye candy LOL
Cool cases, but I'm not sure I like the fins on the armor case... My dad likes the cases that are black with a clear side window and some led junk.. but he likes them relatively simple too. The Coolermaster Centurion 5 comes black with a clear window, and seems to be a respected cheap case. Apparently it can fit the GTX too. Do you think it's quiet and well ventilated though? It only has 2 fans, but most of the recommended cases I see come with a front 80mm and a rear 120mm.
yes fishboi i know
i consider p35 for my future build
but this will be around september cuz new chipset ..imature bios and drivers so wainting is a option but not waiting forever...
i don't even know what you guys are talking about and its funny
but, BlinX, welcome to the game. computer building isn't as tough as it seems, and is really quite fun at the same time. the main thing to remember is just to keep your cool... especially when you're actually putting all the components together. your build is looking great, and i think you'll really be pleased. you're in good hands with skyguy. just be sure to ask if you have any questions, someone is bound to have an answer on here
good luck
He is talking about my:
X6800
DFI LANParty UT 680i LT
FireStix 2GB PC2-9600 (Yes, 9600)
8800GTX SLi
Raptor X (x5)
Aqua Computer Cuplex XT
Custom chilled processor water look
FreeZone G80 SLi Cooler (unreleased baby)
Stacker 832
Turbo Cool 1kW
PA120.3 Rad
And a bunch of other expensive stuff
arghhhh!@#$%^ why i'm posting in reply to myself?
something is fishy about these forums is the second time ..does anyone noticed some problems recently cuz i did.
lordaardvark2 
lordaardvark2 
It's double post night i guess