Custom Build - Budget Gaming Desktop

[aadamszc]

Hello,

As the title implies, I am trying to build a Gaming Desktop on the budget of ~$1000 including os and monitor. I was wondering if you would be able to help me figure out if all of the components work with each other.

I would also appreciate additional advice. Is the system lacking in one area? Is a component too good(and thus will not be used to it's full ability)? Do you see anywhere I could cut some corners to reach my budget goal?

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard $99.99
Cpu: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor $199.99
Memory: GeIL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channelx2 @ $54.99 ea = 109.99
Videocard: EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card $259.99 -- While the 640mb vram seems nice, I'm wanting to downgrade if I do anything.
Os: Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Basic for System Builders Single Pack CD 111.99
Case: COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Shipped 49.99
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX ATX12V V2.2 450W Power Supply 90 - 264 V UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TUV, CCC, C-tick 69.99 -- You guys recommended it.
Optical Drive: ASUS Black 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 18X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 14X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 40X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner with LightScribe 32.99
Monitor: SCEPTRE X9WG-NagaV Black 19" 8ms DVI Widescreen HD Ready LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 700:1 Built in Speakers 149.99
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

Q1) Is the Above Intel good? Should I get a cheaper mobo/processor? More expensive one?

Q2) Regarding the 4gigs of memory - should I settle for just 2gigs now? ~$50.00 cheaper

Q3) Is the videocard too good for the system? As you can see..my monitor will only do 1440X900 Resolution. Either way, I don't really plan on playing to high resolution. For a card, I'm not really interested in having the highest settings and eyecandy, but I would like to atleast be able to play games a year or two from now.

Q4) Any of these brands/components have a bad reputation, etc?

Thank you very much,
-Adam

 

[Solariscs]

Hey that looks good, but I would spend a little more on your PSU. The purepower isn't that good. Look into the FSP SAGA AX500-PN 450W PSU if you want something a little cheaper.

 

[lunyone]

Okay here's what I'd do: CPU/mobo looks good. If you want to save your could drop the CPU down to e2140 (Allendale) for $76 (saves ~$125) and get:

8800gts 640mb GPU (which would be better for vram intesive games) $340 ($80 more than 320mb)
Leadtek WinFast PX8800 GTS TDH GeForce 8800GTS 640MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814122018

OS: $112 if your going to get Vista (not my choice) than at least get the 64bit version. It can address the 4 gigs of DDR2 that you might want. (add $7 more)
Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116204

PSU: $78 Minimal PSU needed (will support 1 8800gtx). Add $38
CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX ATX12V V2.2 450W Power Supply 90 - 264 V UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TUV, CCC, C-tick - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003

Case: $50 shipped!! Save $6
COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UB Black /Blue Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811119047

Total (using your LCD/memory/DVD Burner and including the MIR's plus the shipping = $1,013.88!!! Now that's streaching the budget!!!

Here is a link to explain why you might use the e2140 CPU. The 6750 is much better, but for gaming I think the 640mb 8800gts will help you on select games to get all of the eye candy you can get (about a 5-6 fps on CoH, you check it out for yourself).
http://www.legionhardware.com/document.php?id=672&p=5
If you don't want to get the e2140 than I would drop the GPU down to the 320mb version and get the 6750 like you said. You would just add ~$45 to my build suggestions.

My 2cp's

 

[lunyone]

Previous link for comparison was meant to explain the difference the CPU's can/cannot make with a given GPU card. If you look at the other pages on that link you can see some interesting details. Some games can show the CPU dependecies, but others like FEAR, doesn't. Just thought I would clarify that.

 

[aadamszc]

Wow, thank you very much for your quick and informed responses. Especially you lunyone

I've haven't had time to check out the link about the e2410, yet..but I will surely look at it tomorrow. <---

Some other notes: I don't know how to overclock(yes, I am quite uniformed).

 

[wxt38]

OS: i am uncertain on the os, for me i'll go back to xp, vista is such a hazzle for now and don't know how it would perform with the server pack 1.

video card: i'll say get the 8600gts since he said a budget comp and the 8800 is like the mid-top and cost more, dont' get me wrong i'll get that 8800 if i were in his situation but 80 bucks might not seem alot but a little here and there to get better components would add up a ton. besides 8600 is not weak.

cpu: i'll drop it down to e6550 and do a mild overclock so you don't have to get extra cooling although a good fan would be nice so that it would cool the inside too. i like the thermaltake si 120.

 

[rockyjohn]

You really have a nice, tight package and it is hard to downgrade something without a decrease in performance.
If you go with Windows XP, then it would be no problem cutting back memory to 2GB at the start. That should put you at about $1,000 - maybe a little more with a PSU upgrade.
Can you just delay getting the monitor and use an old one for awhile?

 

[sanjiwatsuki]

Hello,

As the title implies, I am trying to build a Gaming Desktop on the budget of ~$1000 including os and monitor. I was wondering if you would be able to help me figure out if all of the components work with each other.

I would also appreciate additional advice. Is the system lacking in one area? Is a component too good(and thus will not be used to it's full ability)? Do you see anywhere I could cut some corners to reach my budget goal?

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard $99.99
Cpu: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor $199.99
Memory: GeIL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channelx2 @ $54.99 ea = 109.99
Videocard: EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card $259.99
Os: Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Basic for System Builders Single Pack CD 94.99
Case: COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 49.99
PSU: Thermaltake Purepower W0100RU ATX 12V 2.0 500W Power Supply 115/230 V UL, CUL, TUV, FCC, and CB certification 39.99
Optical Drive: ASUS Black 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 18X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 14X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 40X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner with LightScribe 32.99
Monitor: SCEPTRE X9WG-NagaV Black 19" 8ms DVI Widescreen HD Ready LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 700:1 Built in Speakers 149.99

Q1) Is the Above Intel good? Should I get a cheaper mobo/processor? More expensive one?
or
Some MOBO/CPU from amd for ~$60.00 cheaper?

AM2 Gigabyte Mobo - $60 GIGABYTE GA-MA69VM-S2 AM2 AMD 690V Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

X2 6000+ - $170
AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor - Retail

Q2) Regarding the 4gigs of memory - should I settle for just 2gigs now? ~$50.00 cheaper

Q3) Is the videocard too good for the system? As you can see..my monitor will only do 1440X900 Resolution. Either way, I don't really plan on playing to high resolution. For a card, I'm not really interested in having the highest settings and eyecandy, but I would like to atleast be able to play games a year or two from now.

Q4) Any of these brands/components have a bad reputation, etc?

Thank you very much,
-Adam

Q1: Eh, the 6000+ is slower than the E6750. I'll leave it up to you.

Q2: I personally would go with the 2GB, right now. You might feel the need for 4GB in the future. Currently, only multimedia buffs that use video editting and excessive photoshop would need it.

Q3: The 8800GTS is fine. If you feel the need for better textures, then use the more expensive 640MB edition. Be sure to check that out.

Q4: I don't believe they have any big problems.

Okay here's what I'd do: CPU/mobo looks good. If you want to save your could drop the CPU down to e2140 (Allendale) for $76 (saves ~$125) and get:

8800gts 640mb GPU (which would be better for vram intesive games) $340 ($80 more than 320mb)
Leadtek WinFast PX8800 GTS TDH GeForce 8800GTS 640MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814122018

OS: $112 if your going to get Vista (not my choice) than at least get the 64bit version. It can address the 4 gigs of DDR2 that you might want. (add $7 more)
Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116204

PSU: $78 Minimal PSU needed (will support 1 8800gtx). Add $38
CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX ATX12V V2.2 450W Power Supply 90 - 264 V UL, CUL, CE, CB, FCC Class B, TUV, CCC, C-tick - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003

Case: $50 shipped!! Save $6
COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UB Black /Blue Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811119047

Total (using your LCD/memory/DVD Burner and including the MIR's plus the shipping = $1,013.88!!! Now that's streaching the budget!!!

Here is a link to explain why you might use the e2140 CPU. The 6750 is much better, but for gaming I think the 640mb 8800gts will help you on select games to get all of the eye candy you can get (about a 5-6 fps on CoH, you check it out for yourself).
http://www.legionhardware.com/document.php?id=672&p=5
If you don't want to get the e2140 than I would drop the GPU down to the 320mb version and get the 6750 like you said. You would just add ~$45 to my build suggestions.

My 2cp's

E2140? No. Ew. No.

Between even the E6420, not the E6750, you'll lose up to 32% of gaming FPS performance. This will outdo the gains by adding 320MB of RAM.

Corsair, the SeaSonic OEM, is overpriced, personally. I'd go with the 430W EarthWatts. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006
It has more amps on the 12v and is a more efficient power supply (lower electric bills).
Remember, pure wattage isn't everything. It also has active PFC, which makes it a much better PSU.
It's $10 more.

I'd go 64-bit if you have ANY intention of 4GB of RAM in the future.

I'd say...
Go 64-bit
Go Earthwatts
Go 8800GTS 320MB
Go E6750.

 

[TSIMonster]

I disagree completely with the Earthwatts. Stick to the Corsiar, it is a good PSU that won't give you any trouble. Also, go with a cheaper CPU. Later, if you feel it is lacking in performance, give the clock a little bump. I would get the e6550 instead. Keep the 320MB 8800 GTS, if you want to go higher, the 2900XT is a solid card.

In Short:

e6550
Corsair 450 or 520 PSU
The rest of your choices are fine. I have a Sceptre LCD, and I love it... but Sceptre, as a company, is terrible. They will NOT return emails, phone calls, or even support their products in the slightest. (My company has dealt with them and will never do so again.)

 

[lunyone]

I disagree completely with the Earthwatts. Stick to the Corsiar, it is a good PSU that won't give you any trouble. Also, go with a cheaper CPU. Later, if you feel it is lacking in performance, give the clock a little bump. I would get the e6550 instead. Keep the 320MB 8800 GTS, if you want to go higher, the 2900XT is a solid card.

In Short:

e6550
Corsair 450 or 520 PSU
The rest of your choices are fine. I have a Sceptre LCD, and I love it... but Sceptre, as a company, is terrible. They will NOT return emails, phone calls, or even support their products in the slightest. (My company has dealt with them and will never do so again.)

Looks like maybe a better all around suggestion. I was just trying to get you a better GPU (if possible, I'd probably get the 2900xt myself, but alot of people like the 640mb 8800gts, so it's your a preference). Also have the GPU not cost you any more, was my decision to get the e2140. You could always upgrade just the CPU later if you felt you needed to. WOW! Didn't notice the 6550 had 1333mHz before I still like the Corsair PSU, but I'm sure the 430w Antec would work as Sanji suggested.

 

[Solariscs]

Regarding Vista, if you have mostly newer programs and hardware, it will not be a problem. If you have older hardware or software, you should check if it has vista updates. I've been using vista since beta and have had no problems at all. Now I'm using Vista 64 bit and I love it. Most of the programs and hardware have new drivers starting to come out and everything works just fine without any problems at all.

Then again, maybe I'm lucky lol. However, everyone that I have installed vista for have not had any problems either.

 

[lunyone]

Regarding Vista, if you have mostly newer programs and hardware, it will not be a problem. If you have older hardware or software, you should check if it has vista updates. I've been using vista since beta and have had no problems at all. Now I'm using Vista 64 bit and I love it. Most of the programs and hardware have new drivers starting to come out and everything works just fine without any problems at all.

Then again, maybe I'm lucky lol. However, everyone that I have installed vista for have not had any problems either.

Been think that too I might get Vista for the next build, especially after SP1 comes out.

 

[Solariscs]

SP1 should have a lot of small fixes like printer and some older hardware support, increased transfer speeds, as well as improved networking. I'm actually running part of the update now lol. It was leaked a while back and many people downloaded it. Seems to be working just fine. Files transfer a little faster now.

 

[lunyone]

SP1 should have a lot of small fixes like printer and some older hardware support, increased transfer speeds, as well as improved networking. I'm actually running part of the update now lol. It was leaked a while back and many people downloaded it. Seems to be working just fine. Files transfer a little faster now.

Thank for the updates. Haven't heard too many positive Vista stories, so always good to hear a positive one.

 

[aadamszc]

Wow -- So many good replies.

I have changed:
The PSU: to Corsair(+$38)
The Os: to Vista 64Bit(+$7)
Case: CoolMaster - Shipped(-$6)

Note: I wish I had another monitor to use >.<
Also note: I, also, think it would probably be better to get xp right now, but I don't want to have to spend another $111 when vista sp1 comes out.
Also note: I decided to stay away, intel seems more future proof.
Also note: If I stay with vista, I'll probably stay with 4gb of ram.

Things I am considering changing(because I am not even more over)
CPU: to E5500(-$24)
GPU: to 8600GTS 512mb(-$70)
RAM: to 2gig(-54.99)

Again, Thanks a lot. without your help, I would be stick with an overpriced p.o.s

-Adam

 

[sharp910sh]

errm, you havent included a hdd? what will you doabout that

 

[aadamszc]

well, damn. I have it bookmarked, but I apparently didn't put it down...more price cuts then >.<

 

[Solariscs]

if you get vista you wont have to spend anything on vista SP1, that's just an update through MS update. I unless you meant you don't think its good to get XP now and sent that money later . I say go for vista since its an all new system. You shouldn't have problems. If you have really old software, check if they support vista or have patches for it.