I'll be using this for some gaming (Oblivion, Half Life 2, and Bioshock in particular), using GIMP, and to also store music to stream to my Xbox 360. I already have Vista, a keyboard, and a mouse so this is just the computer's hardware. I don't expect to need SLI or to be doing any overclocking with this computer and about $540-$550 is basically my budget's limit so if anyone has suggestions, let me know.
Oblivion is a bit of a hog. even with a x2 5600+ and a 8800GTS, it can still give the system a workout with full details and shadows. I have to back the settings down a little bit.
With some of the new games coming out, having a dual or even tri or quad pci-e x16 slots would be recommended.
With a budget of only around 500, not so easy making a good system, even my "upgrade" cost more then that....
Comes to $538 so far, and the 8600GTS might let you down a little with those games, however, you've made a good choice for a card in the $100-$200 range.
A 8800GT512 would increases the build by $145, but would have to find some savings elsewhere, as follows.
If so, that's $35.00 less than the other, so the build is now $105.00 more (ie $643.00). Maybe a case with PSU might save up to another $25.00, but it may not be one you like the look of. Still, my "budget" build comes in at $618.00, which is at least $68.00 more than you wanted to spend.
I'd say your list is good for a budget build. Ideally, if you'e played those games on a similar system and you know what to expect, then build away.
[quotemsg=1768887,3,302447] you've made a good choice for a card in the $100-$200 range.
no that is not a good choice in this price range, you should check out the hd3850 256mb, almost double 8600gts performance for only $150. im surprised no one has suggested it already.
Message edited by nattydreds on 12-28-2007 at 05:38:02 AM
asside from the obligatory "go intel" the build is ok. a few things...
look at the centurian 534. space for larger 120 fans.
psu is crap. get an antec earthwatts or fsp. both can be had at $50 and are much higher quality.
the 8600 gts is ok, but the cost is a little high. you're approaching the $150 I just paid for my 3850, which is obviously better. step up to the 3850 if you can.
( a p35 mb and an e21xx cpu can be had for the price of that amd setup... sorry, just couldn't help myself.)
@ nattydreds, yes, I keep forgetting this is a North American forum, and products and prices are generally in line with those of the USA and Canada (unless expressed otherwise).
Locally, I can buy a 3850 256MB for $265.00 and a 512MB for $320.00. It never occurred to me that such a card was priced under $200.00 because I am used to working in my local currency and with local retail prices. Hence, I would not recommend it due to blowing the budget. The 8800GT256 sells here for $160.00, and so I believed at $125.00 it was a good buy in the $100-$200 price range.
I'll see if I can keep my wits about me in future.
