Possible $700 gaming computer

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M

mejis

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I'm trying to put together a decent gaming pc for around $700. I was hoping to get some feedback before I make any purchases. Thanks.


Antec SUPER LANBOY Silver anodized aluminum ATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #: SUPER LANBOY
Item #: N82E16811129145
$79.99

GIGABYTE GA-M61P-S3 AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #: GA-M61P-S3
Item#: N82E16813128034
$79.99 -$5.00 Instant $74.99

XFX PVT84JUDD3 GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #: PVT84JUDD3
Item #: N82E16814150229
$129.99

OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI ATX12V 600W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: OCZ600GXSSLI
Item #: N82E16817341001
$129.99 -$20.00 Instant $109.99

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Brisbane 2.5GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADO4800DDBOX - Retail
Model #: ADO4800DDBOX
Item #: N82E16819103778
$102.99

OCZ Platinum Revision 2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2P800R22GK - Retail
Model #: OCZ2P800R22GK
Item #: N82E16820227139
$96.99 -$10.00 Instant $86.99

SAMSUNG SpinPoint T Series HD501LJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: HD501LJ
Item #: N82E16822152052
$109.99

SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S203B - OEM
Model #: SH-S203B
Item #: N82E16827151153
$30.99

Subtotal: $725.92
 
emp

emp

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You need to invest more (a lot more) in the graphics section to make it a decent gaming computer, remember that graphics cards are the most important factor in gaming, not CPUs. If you have to play with that budget, then I'd drop the HDD and go for a $60 160-200GB HDD, also use a Corsair VX 450 unit will save you about $20-30, drop the Antec case and go for a cheap $30 case with decent ventilation. That's about $120 saved, with that much you can opt for a HD 2900 Pro or 8800GTS and then you'd have a PC worth using for gaming.
 
P

physx7

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I'm trying to put together a decent gaming pc for around $700. I was hoping to get some feedback before I make any purchases. Thanks.
Click to expand...

What OS are you planning on using? XP, or Vista, other.................
 
T

tik

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Agree with Emp to drop the case but Hard disk drive is fine, also go for a better GPU. Drop AMD and go for $94 E2180 and decent P35 mobo for around $100. Overclock it to 3.6 GHz, so get after market HSF for a bit more money. This will way outperform your proposed system. Look for the same quality power supply with rebate offered. Good luck.

Edit:

Article http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/09/12/pentium_dual_core/
CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116052&Tpk=E2180
Memory http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227139
Some others including PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=DailyDeals
 
justinmcg67

justinmcg67

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I would personally stick with an AM2 solution. With Phenom just around the corner that's sure to be a great build. I'd get that 5000+ Black Edition CPU and drop that horrible 8600GT graphics card, and instead pick up a X1950XT. Also, ditch that case...get something cheaper.
 
Evilonigiri

Evilonigiri

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Agreed with everyone else. But another thing, If you use XP, go for the X1950PRO. If you use Vista, go for 2900PRO or 8800GTS 320mb. If you don't overclock, stick with your config of AMD (Get the 5200+ instead though). If you do, Intel has way better overclocking potential.
 
emp

emp

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I would go with the HD 2900 Pro/8800GTS either way (XP or Vista), you need a high performing video card for games regardless of the OS.
 
S

San Pedro

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I'd go with different RAM, I think OCZ has a quality control problem with the RAM (I got a bad stick in my pair and there seems to be a substantial percentage of newegg reviews that list the same problem).
 
johnbilicki

johnbilicki

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$800 is the entry-level comfort zone. On Newegg it should score you a minimal dual-core AM2, 2GB of RAM, a SATA-II Seagate drive sporting 16MB cache, and a 256-bit memory interface PCI-E card. I think that would include a cheap though decent quality 8-bit 19 inch LCD.

If you're building this soon just wait until November, the 8800GT will ****FINALLY**** get the DirectX 10 midrange and you can cross off a 7900GS and get that instead. What's the motherboard's chipset? No point in getting a crappy chipset to do SLI if both cards run at the equivalent speed of an "out-of-date" AGP spec.

Also you can easily get a hold of an FX dual-core processor for about $260 now I think which would make overclocking a enjoyable occasion. :)
 
zenmaster

zenmaster

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Save $40 on your PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104037
(Or Thermaltake 500w but a large MIR - Thermaltake likely a little better)

Save $35 and get a smaller HDD (You can add 2nd easily later)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148141

Save $25 on the CPU (GPU more Important)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103741

Save $20 more on RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098

Upgrade GPU to 2900Pro or 8800GTS.
The $$$ save will more than allow for the upgrade.

This will be much much more powerful for gaming and you still have lots of quality parts.
 
P

pous

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I agree with those that said you could go with intel 2180 and OC nicely... but that's only if you're comfortable with OC'ing.

Other than that stick with AMD and go with zenmaster's advice.

Either way good luck, 700 is a very doable price range I think for a gaming computer you just have to know where to save money so you can spend more in important areas.
 
reconviperone1

reconviperone1

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the mobo is iffy, but it's gigabyte so i guess it's cool, i would go with a 570 ultra myself, the video card should be replaced with a 1950gt or 7900gs, and I would go with a x2-5600 , which runs pretty cool with a arctic freezing pro 64(it's like 19.95), but the rest sounds kick ass
 
M

mejis

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Thanks everyone for the responses. I read everything and made some changes. Let me know if you think it looks better or worse. Its a little more expensive, so hopefully I'll find some more discounts. Also I plan on using Windows XP and was not planning on doing any overclocking. Also the graphics cards are giving me trouble. I'd like to get one that supports DX10, which means I can't get the 1950pro, and everone seems to think that the 8600 isn't high-end enough. That leaves me with the 8800 which is a price jump, but I guess I might just have to bite the bullett if its really that important. Thanks again.
Mejis

COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 RC-534-KKN2-GP Black Aluminum & Mesh bezel / SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #: RC-534-KKN2-GP
Item #: N82E16811119106
$49.99

GIGABYTE GA-M61P-S3 AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #: GA-M61P-S3
Item #: N82E16813128034
$79.99

EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #: 320-P2-N811-AR
Item #: N82E16814130082
$289.99

OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI ATX12V 600W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: OCZ600GXSSLI
Item #: N82E16817341001
$129.99 -$20.00 Instant $109.99

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Windsor 2.6GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADA5200CSBOX - Retail
Model #: ADA5200CSBOX
Item #: N82E16819103759
$123.99

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ - Retail
Model #: F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ
Item #: N82E16820231098
$105.99 -$40.00 Instant $65.99

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: WD3200AAKS
Item #: N82E16822136074
$79.99

SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S203B - OEM
Model #: SH-S203B
Item #: N82E16827151153
$30.99

Subtotal: $830.92
 
M

mejis

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Oct 7, 2007
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Several bad choices??? Wasting your time??? I didn't post this for your entertainment. Thanks for your input though, It was real helpful. I don't see why there such bad choices and I have looked around for prices. I'm sort of limited to newegg right now, becuase I have some credit there. Anyways If you have anything a little more productive I would love to hear it, since I really am just looking for help.
 
lunyone

lunyone

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Just a few links to consider. I would stick with the AMD, if your not OC'ing, but you can get a cheaper CPU and not limit your gaming too much.

8800gtx on a QUALITY 380w PSU!
http://www.overclockers.com/articles1452/

PSU - $49 shipped! Can power 8800gtx and an OC’d e6600! See link above for proof!
Antec Earthwatt 380W P/Satx 12V v.2.2 80MM P/S2 Fan 80-Plus Certified - EA380
http://www.buy.com/prod/antec-earthwatt-380w-p-satx-12v-v-2-2-80mm-p-s2-fan-80-plus-certified/q/loc/101/203477214.html

Case to consider, especially since the one you quoted has $16 shipping making the purchase $66 w/shipping.
Case - $70 shipped - $20 MIR = $50! Can hold 2 8800gtx’s!! What a deal
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Mid Tower Case Retail ***Free Shipping***
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10006342

Quick review done on the case above.
cluboverclocker.com:September 2007
This is one nice mid-tower. While the case has a ton going for it, it could be a little better. There is no removable motherboard tray and the case is made of heavy steel. Those are very small complaints when you look at the case as a whole. A big plus for this case is it will fit 2 8800GTX's in SLI. I have an 8800GTS installed and you can see all of the extra room available. This case is also designed for nice airflow while keeping the noise down. The HDD trays have rubber grommets to eliminate noise causing vibration and the power supply opening is lined with a rubber gasket to do the same. The large 120mm fans will move more air at less RPMs than a 80mm fan. This will also cut your noise level down. Even the large rubber feet will help keep the noise level down. Overall this is a very nice case loaded with features that you'd find on much more expensive cases. Club Overclocker Recommended!

Other links for PSU's that you may want to consider:
PSU - $48 shipped Best budget PSU w/good amps on 12V rails and 1 PCI-e connector
FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX400-PN ATX12V 400W Power Supply 120/220 - 240v NEMKO, TUV, CSA, IEC, UL, CE – Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817104953

PSU - $60 shipped Hard to beat at this price
Antec earthwatts EA430 ATX12V v2.0 430W Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, FCC, TUV, CE, CB, C-tick, CCC – Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006

PSU - $100 shipped , hard to beat for this price.
Antec NeoPower NeoHE 550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, TUV, CE, FCC, CCC, CB, C-tick – Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817103941

PSU - $130 shipped Nice a quiet and cheaper from OEM, not from newegg.
ULTRA-QUIET PSU: SILENCER® 610 EPS12V
http://www.pcpower.com/products/viewproduct.php?show=S61EPS

PSU - $75 shipped - $20 MIR = $55! Can run a single 8800gtx system easily.
CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W Active Power Supply Retail ***Free Shipping***
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10006428

PSU - $100 shipped - $10 MIR = $90! Good solid PSU for the $, hard to beat.
Corsair 520W SLI Certified Modular ATX Power Supply - CMPSU-520HX
http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-520w-sli-certified-modular-atx-power-supply/q/loc/101/203270716.html

PSU - ~$125 shipped Good solid PSU, straight from OEM and cheaper than Newegg
ULTRA-QUIET PSU: SILENCER® 610 EPS12V
http://www.pcpower.com/products/viewproduct.php?show=S61EPS

Here are a couple of different AMD Mobo's to consider. Just check out all of the features that you want and get the cheapest one with that features.
Mobo - $61 shipped Good Asus board w/2 IDE and 4 SATA (2 @ 1.5gb and 2 @ 3.0gb)
ASUS M2V-MX AM2 VIA K8M890 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131143

Mobo - $65 shipped Asus 690G chipset w/DVI output
ASUS M2A-VM AM2 AMD 690G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131172

Mobo - $86 shipped - $10 MIR = $76 Has HDMI port!
BIOSTAR TForce TF7050-M2 AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 7050PV HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard – Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138061

Alternative CPU if your trying to lower the budget down a little more.
CPU - $70 shipped Cheapest x2 processor now.
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ Brisbane 2.1GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103774

I'm not trying to confuse your decision, but just trying to show you some alternative options available for you. Hopefully these links will help you to narrrow down your price better.

Best case scenario would be:

CPU x2 5200 (Black Edition, unlocked multiplier)
Memory 2x1 gig's of DDR2 800mHz, needed for AMD systems to get maximum processing power.
GPU 8800gts/2900 pro, either will be fine.
HDD I'd get minimum of 160g - 320g depending on how much you can spend
PSU As my previous links state, you can use the Antec 380W PSU to power an OC'd e6600 and a 8800gtx. I wouldn't probably push it that much, so I would go with a QUALITY PSU from the ones I linked above (FSP 400w/Corsair 450w/Antec 430 or 550).
Case I'd get the cheapest and cooliest case you can afford. The CM ones are pretty good and are pretty affordable.

My 2cp's
 
zenmaster

zenmaster

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Feb 21, 2006
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You can still save money on the PSU.
600w is easily more than you would need.

Checkout some of the reviews at http://www.jonnyguru.com on the 450w Corsair and some of the other PSUs in that range or a little higher.

You will note that they can power any single GPU system.
So you can save about $40-$50 there.

You can also get an XFX 8800GTS for $10 less before rebate and $30 after rebate. These is also a top notch maker of cards.

For a budget system, I think you should go for a lower end AMD CPU.
You could easily save about $40 there.

That would get you back into the $700 ball park.

If you are really worried about CPU performance, you should get something lik the GIGABYTE GA-P35 DS3L and the E2160. This combo will cost a little less and you this CPU will easily clock to 3.0ghz or higher on stock cooling and outrun anything you can do with the AMD CPU. The whole reason for sticking with AMD is stick within a tight budget.
 
lunyone

lunyone

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Feb 22, 2006
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Only thing is if you compare the 2 builds together price wise.
Intel
CPU - $85 e2160 OC's like mad to 3.0gig (which you can get on Stock HSF) Blows AMD out of the water for the $.
Mobo - $100 Gigabyte's DS3L Good OC'ing Mobo (no RAID support though). If you want RAID support go with DS3R for $30 more
Total ~$185-215 with DS3R

AMD - $125 x2 5200+ Good solid CPU, nothing wrong here, but for budget builds should go under $100 for the CPU
Mobo - $80 or so for the one you selected. You can go cheaper, but might not have all of the options that you want.
Total ~$205

So you can see that your proposed build is about the same as the Intel one. The Intel one can OC like mad, with little effort and perform alot better than the AMD, if it's OC'd. At stock speeds, it would be close in performance. Not sure if the Phenom path is what your looking for, but the Intel right now is a better build at the moment. If your going to stick with AMD (which there is nothing wrong with this) try to stay under the $100 price range, so you can still fit within the $700 budget limit.

My 2cp's
 
S

sweetpants

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I agree with Zen here, however

I don't know what the big issue is about the 8600GTS, I have one and I love it to death. I've since switched from ATI to nVidia because the my X1900XTX crapped out on me :(. Nothing really that pertains to this issue, I'm just stating that in my opinion the 8600GTS is a nice buy at ~150 bucks. To me that seems like a sweetspot for building a budget system. *shrugs*

Actually after I re-read a post someone did suggest a GTS and the OP I think had a GT.
 
zenmaster

zenmaster

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Well, you could live with the 8600GTS.
That would save about $125-$150.

However, he said he had about $700 to spend and I was able to get the 8800GTS or 2900pro into his $700 budget. With that change it could likely fit into the $550 range.

Maybe the poster would feel more comfortable in that price range than the $700. It all depends on his finances and his priorities. If money is really tight, then the 8600GTS could play a number of games decently reasonable resolutions. I don't have the charts memorized so :>>

It definitely uses more power - but at $90 this card is slotted one spot higher than even the 8600GTS. It would be an outstanding budget card.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102705

 
lunyone

lunyone

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Feb 22, 2006
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Yes I think the x1900gt would be a good budget card to have. 8600gts wouldn't be bad either, since he wanted to have a dx10 compliant GPU. For the $ right now, the 8600gts would be the best buy in the $150 price range for a dx10 GPU. I would probably get a x1950pro/xt, but that is me. Next month will probably change that, but don't know enough right now to make that decision.
 
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