Gaming Rig

[xodos]

It seems as if the only time I keep up with the 'cutting edge'/current technology is when I build a new system, so it has been a little while since I have priced and compared parts.

I am looking for a gaming system that won't need upgrading for quite some time. Here is my current rig:

CPU: AMD 3200+ XP 64 (running on Win XP 32)
Mobo: Gigabyte K8NS-939
RAM: 2x512GB PC3200 RAM (running SDR =/)
HDD: 80GB WD 7200RPM 8MB cache (getting full lol)
GPU: Geforce 7600GS 256MB
PSU: Thermaltake 500w PSU
Cooling/etc.: - A 'nothing special' HS/Fan
- 2 internal 80mm fans
- Antec mid-tower case

My price range is negotiable, but between $1000 - $1500. I plan on playing DX10 games when they become available and want to be ready to dive right in. This will probably be my first and last time going for an "all-out" system, so I want it to scream.

What I am interested in:

[li]CPU: I've run AMD since P3 was big, but slowly feel myself gravitating away from AMD. Once upon a time, they were more gamer friendly...but it seems as of late that they are less and less so. A dual+-core system would rock.
Mobo: MUST run stable, but no brand preference. Looking for great stability, speed and performance, with the option to overclock if I desire later.
RAM: 2+GB - Corsair is preferred if it is still top name. Again, stability, speed and performance.
HDD: Big but very fast. Definatly would consider running 2 for RAID.
GPU: My wallet-buster. I want to run SLI, and more or less prefer Geforce over ATI...but I'm willing to change. Dual 8800's would rule, but certainly would be too costly and perhaps just gaudy.
PSU: Big, strong, could power a house lol.
Cooling/etc: Ok, since I have the money for once, I am seriously considering a water-cooled system. Loud fans aren't fun lol. I'm not sure if water-cooling is as imperfect as it once was, but I would imagine it has come a good way.
- Case - light, good looking, roomy, easy to install on.[/li]

I know that I haven't given much on specifics, but I am very flexible. I don't want to regret my choices as I have in the past, which is why I am keeping an open mind. I will still be running Windows XP because I just don't see a point in Vista (Win ME flashbacks). Obviously I don't want to over pay for power...but I would like something that is, perhaps, pricey...but worth every dime.


Also, if anyone know any good hardware review sites (other than what is here of course ), feel free to let me know.

Thanks for the help!

 

[zdenton]

I realize that this is over your budget, but it's about as low as you can get without cutting corners.

CPU-E6550 http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819115030

MOBO-EVGA 680i
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813188013

RAM-Cruc ial Ballistix DDR2-800
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820146565

HDD- Seagate 7200.10 320GB
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148140

GPU-2x EVGA 8800GTS 320MB SUPERCLOCKED
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814130038

PSU-PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610W
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817703005

Cooling- Gigabyte 3D Galaxy II Liquid Cooling System
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835128015

Case-G igabyte 3D Aurora 570
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811233013


This would be a great liquid cooled system. consider investing in 2 8800 gts waterblocks.

 

[Maziar]

CPU: E6850 or Q6600 , depends on what u do : http://anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/intel/showdoc.aspx?i=3038&p=8

VGA : Dont get SLI unless u play @ resolution higher than 1920x1200 ,
get a single 8800GTX imo

RAM : 4GB or 2GB depends on your needs and your operating system , 32Bit recognizes 3.2gb(for xp) and 2.8(for vista) , and 64bit recognizes full 4gb

Motherboard : ASUS P5K , P5K-E, P5KC

 

[xodos]

Thanks for the feedback so far!

I'm moving on from the dreaming stage of a new gaming rig and looking at it becoming a reality. As time gets closer and closer to me making a move, I begin to worry more about the apocalyptic decisions of my new rig .

I still don't know for sure on a lot of stuff, but have an idea. Here is what I am very seriously considering and could use some more professional advice (Sorry for the frequent bolding, but I added it to make for quick reading .):

CPU: Core 2 Duo E6850 - pretty much 100% sold...unless I am missing something.

Mobo: Not sure - so far, various opinions

Video Card: Won't do SLI. Probably will go for a BFG 8800 (definatly DX10, and no other card seems to benchmark close), but don't know about GTS/GTX/Ultra. Looking for best bang for the buck.

RAM: At least 2GB, preferably more if the price is good. No clue other than that lol...

HDD: I'm considering running RAID (never ran a RAID system before), but don't want Raptors because I need a good amount of disk space (~300GB). No idea on what would work best here and if I would need extra stuff.

PSU: Assuming it will be enough power for later on, I will probably go with the Silencer 610W.

Cooling: The Galaxy II looks pretty solid, but can't find a whole lot of info on it.

Case: At this point, case is by far the least of my concern lol. I'll gladly take more suggestions though.

I am also considering going from my beloved CRT monitor to a nice LCD, so, again...something I have no idea what so ever on and would greatly appreciate input.



Finally, while on the new PC topic...I am pricing laptops as well (don't want a Mac! lol). As I don't think a home build would work too well, I was hoping someone could toss out some good feedback. I mainly want it for multitasking (web design, photoshop, web stuff, school) but probably would want to be able to do some everyday gaming . I see prices have fallen on laptops a great deal and I will need one for school eventually, but I don't know which brands to steer clear of and don't know much at all about laptop components in relevance to PC parts.

Sorry for the lengthy post, but since this might be my last gaming system for a long while (and is my first laptop), I want to make sure things are streamlined. Thanks again!

 

[xodos]

Sorry to bump, but would anyone be willing to lend me their opinion?

 

[systemlord]

Thanks for the feedback so far!

I'm moving on from the dreaming stage of a new gaming rig and looking at it becoming a reality. As time gets closer and closer to me making a move, I begin to worry more about the apocalyptic decisions of my new rig .

I still don't know for sure on a lot of stuff, but have an idea. Here is what I am very seriously considering and could use some more professional advice (Sorry for the frequent bolding, but I added it to make for quick reading .):

CPU: Core 2 Duo E6850 - pretty much 100% sold...unless I am missing something.

Mobo: Not sure - so far, various opinions

Video Card: Won't do SLI. Probably will go for a BFG 8800 (definatly DX10, and no other card seems to benchmark close), but don't know about GTS/GTX/Ultra. Looking for best bang for the buck.

RAM: At least 2GB, preferably more if the price is good. No clue other than that lol...

HDD: I'm considering running RAID (never ran a RAID system before), but don't want Raptors because I need a good amount of disk space (~300GB). No idea on what would work best here and if I would need extra stuff.

PSU: Assuming it will be enough power for later on, I will probably go with the Silencer 610W.

Cooling: The Galaxy II looks pretty solid, but can't find a whole lot of info on it.

Case: At this point, case is by far the least of my concern lol. I'll gladly take more suggestions though.

I am also considering going from my beloved CRT monitor to a nice LCD, so, again...something I have no idea what so ever on and would greatly appreciate input.



Finally, while on the new PC topic...I am pricing laptops as well (don't want a Mac! lol). As I don't think a home build would work too well, I was hoping someone could toss out some good feedback. I mainly want it for multitasking (web design, photoshop, web stuff, school) but probably would want to be able to do some everyday gaming . I see prices have fallen on laptops a great deal and I will need one for school eventually, but I don't know which brands to steer clear of and don't know much at all about laptop components in relevance to PC parts.

Sorry for the lengthy post, but since this might be my last gaming system for a long while (and is my first laptop), I want to make sure things are streamlined. Thanks again!

Mobo: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P for $159.99 save money there. All at NewEgg.

PSU: Silencer 610W It will do the job just fine.

PC case: Antec 900 for around $100

RAM: Crucial Ballistix DDR2 800 for $109.99 - Some of the best overclocking RAM. Just look in my sig.

CPU cooler: Tuniq Tower 120 for $64.99 at NewEgg.

All you other parts are great!

 

[xodos]

Thanks for the input zdenton, Maziar, and systemlord!

The only thing I fear now is this PC either freezing my room or taking off in flight with all the fans/cooling :lol: . Hopefully it won't be too terribly loud, but if it is...that is why I have headphones

 

[Maziar]

aobut 8800GTS/GTX/ULTRA, well if u have the money go for GTX definitely , the difference between GTX and GTS is noticeable but the differenec between GTX and ULTRA isnt noticeable because 8800ULTRA is an OverCLocked 8800GTX

 

[xodos]

I will probably end up going for the GTS. I may even consider an 8600 so I can add a few more nice things. Thanks again for the reply though.

 

[Maziar]

if u r goign to concern 8600 , then dont waste your money on it ,get a x1950pro it destroys it