Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > New System Build > Sub -1K Gaming Rig

Sub -1K Gaming Rig

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - Sub -1K Gaming Rig

Tom's Hardware: Over 1.4 million members in 6 different countries available to answer all your high-tech questions. Sign up now! Its free!

Related content

See all topics related to "gaming"

Ask the community Add a reply

Bottom Search this thread

Alright, I'm new to system building and I have a few questions.

First off, I'm aiming to build a computer around the following Video Card / CPU

-a 8800 GT video card (I have the EVGA Superclocked one in mind that costs around $300.)

-and a Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 2.66 GHz for $190 or the Intel Core 2 Duo E6650 2.33 GHz for around $170

My goal is to use these components while still keeping the total cost of the computer down, my major concern is that if I go too cheap on other stuff that I will run into problems. Would anyone be kind enough to either list why I shouldn't do this and or give me some suggestions on what else to do. Honestly I don't play any games competitively I just need a new system that can run my games and future games well; am I over doing it with the $300 Video Card on a 16 year olds minimum wage salary?

I could use some help . thanks!

Add a reply

Hoping for less than $1,000. Already have monitor/ keyboard/mouse/internet.

Reply to factorydirect

------------------------------ "This thread made me strap on my lolerskates and head for my roflcopter."
Reply to chookman

Thanks, does my power supply need to be that heavy duty with this set up or can I pick up an $80-90 one.

Reply to factorydirect

Both, you do want a decent PS, never skimp, but you should be able to get a good one for $90.
I recommend the Patriot extreme LLK ram from Newegg (a little cheaper & slightly better performer)
I would also recommend going for a amd AM2 chip and motherboard as well. I am guessing you would like to update this to a quad some time, and getting AMD would keep you from needing a new board. (heck, w/ intel you will need a new x48 Mobo here in 3 weeks) AMD is going to keep your entry price down and allow you to put the newest and greatest chip in the same motherboard for at least the next 2 years. Just a bios flash occasionally needed.

Reply to nirvana4all

The above post is ok, a touch overkill on the case IMO. Personally, I'd drop the Antec 900 and go with a Coolermaster Centurion 5 or for even better cooling, their RC-690. I'm running two of the Centurions and find they run wonderfully cool. As for the CPU, You WILL probably get more longevity out of the AMD board due to their stated dedication to the AM2 socket. However, Intel is (currently) at the forefront and you'll be more likely to upgrade the video card and ram before you do the CPU and/or mbd. I'd also add a second optical drive, preferably a dvd-cd r/w dual drive to complement the dvd r/w so you could "backup" your friends' movies for them. Brand is up to you, the price is typically $20-30

$50 Centurion 5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119068

$80 RC-690
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119137

Next up is the OS, what are you looking to go with? Remember, DX10 is only with/for Vista but XP is less of a resource hog unless you're looking to get into the trenches and dig a bit. You probably won't need anything beyond Vista Home Premium should you go that route, just remember that you won't get as much out of your hardware without a bit of tweaking on your part.

$140 XP Pro
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116400

$105 Vista Home Prem
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116202

Reply to ouroboros

Just a comment on the PSU: don't buy it from newegg. Sorry to have to say this but some components are cheaper at other sites.
Here's the big brother of the 520HX that chookman suggested: http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] ode=373110
for the same price as the 520HX is at newegg, plus a $20 MIR.
Here's the 520HX: http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] ode=373100
And a cheaper model by Corsair: http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] e=10006757
This last one, the 550VX, does not have modular cabling, and has "only" 80% efficiency (vs. the HX's 85%).

Reply to Avenger_K

Well, I was planning on going
with Vista Home Premium unless I can get s good reason not to. Also I'm most likely going to find some cheaper ram, probably will end up going with the Patriot Extreme the above poster mentioned. And will most likely go ahead and buy a $90 PSU against some of your better judgement, also my case doesn't need to be expensive and will be under $50.

Reply to factorydirect

Ask the community Add a reply

Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > New System Build > Sub -1K Gaming Rig

Go to:

Help |
Forum rules

There are 1084 identified and unidentified users. To see the list of identified users, Click here.

Related content

See all topics related to "gaming"

Page generated in 0.185 seconds

Please mind

You are about to answer a thread that has been inactive for more than 6 months.
If you still wish to proceed, please ensure that your posting is original and does not duplicate or overlap any prior responses to this thread.

Add a reply Cancel

Focus On

Sub -1K Gaming Rig

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - Sub -1K Gaming Rig

Please mind