Looking to build mid range gaming computer

[claytonian]

Hi i want to build a computer that is good, but not great, and I have about 450 bucks to spend on it. I like to play games like WOW, Supcom, and COD4. I havd the hd, cddvd, case, and all peripherals. id ont care about brand or company, i just want a good computer.
I have a rough draft of parts with some openings that im not sure about, paease make any changes or suggestions that you deem improving

AMD 5000+ BE

Gigabyte mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128045

2gb Crucial ballistix ddr 800

8800gs or hd3850(512mb) or 8800gts(320mb) not sure which

i also need a power supply and a cpu cooler, what do you guys think, and what else can i do to make this computer better?


BTW: I only play at 1024x768, or 12x968( I think, its on a 26 in lcd tv)

Any help would be amazing and i want to buy soon, THANKS!!!!

 

[amd_fanboi]

1024x768 / 1280x768

don't get the 320mb GTS...either go for the HD 3850, or wait for like 2 weeks; the price of the 3870 is dropping.

everything looks good, though, though be advised, if you want to go intel, you could do this instead...

mobo :http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059 (p35 DS3L)

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116036 (E2160)

though if budget permits, spend that extra $10 on the E2180

 

[claytonian]

bump, anything else?

 

[skywalker9952]

Concur with AMD Fanbio. Stay clear of the 8800 GTS 320MB, see if you can wait and get a good deal on the 3870. His intel option is a good choice if you want to OC for cheap.
For PSUs: According to the Power supply calculator you need ~300W PSU. With you system specs just pick at least a tier 3 PSU from the following list:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=108088

 

[scottoliver]

I would go with the E2180 cpu they are nicely reviewed. I would probable disagree with the VGA and go for the 9600GT personally, they are a nice, easy, simple and quick card. WHICH IS CHEAP! However if you go that way get a SLI mobo for further upgrade. PSU you are looking around 500 - 700 Watts, I recommend from personal experience Corsair or Antec NeoPower. They are nice.

 

[rockbyter]

at low resolutions you'll still want the fastest card so you can either turn up the resolution later OR turn up all the fun features to make it look cool. go 512 mb.

 

[claytonian]

HEy thanks a lot, i think im going with the e2180, you think that i should get an aftermarket cooler? and amd, DONT MAKE FUN OF MY RES!!!!!!!!!!

 

[oushi]

For $450... I would go with something like this:

Mobo Gigabyte P35-DS3L ($90)
CPU: Intel E2180 ($80)
Memory: 2GB of any decent DDR2 800 ($40)
GPU: 8800GT ($170 after rebate)
PSU: Corsair 450vx ($60 after rebate @ buy.com, $50 after GCO)

Total: ~$440 before taxes and shipping

If your budget is really tight, I would wait on the aftermarket cooler. You should supposedly be able to OC the 2180 to 2.8-3.0GHz with the stock cooler. You can always get one later on when you have more funds available. Not sure if you needed a PSU or not... if you already have a decent one, you can spend that extra money on getting a 8800GTS or putting it towards tax and shipping.

 

[scottoliver]

MOBO - Gigayte P35-DS3L (like above. good reviews in X38 thread on the actual tomshardware website)

CPU - Maybe look for something with more juice actually, look at the price range of the E4500

Memory - 2 - 4 GB depends on the price

GPU - 8800GT or 3870 Take your pick

PSU - Corsair 450 or 550 Look at prices

If your OCing new cooler. The thermaltake something or another has really good reviews, cant be bothered to look which one, but hit up tiger direct tv blog on youtube and go to the logan inbox's i think its the one thats called Rattlesnake.... Its got great price/performance ratio

Thats all the advice you need. Good Luck

Have a good one.

 

[jerseygamer]

Make sure you go with an AM2+ MB. Your cpu choice is great. An Antec case with a 550 should do you fine for a good price. The 3850 and 3870 offer dx10.1 that Nvidia does not and much better OCing if you choose. 512vram is key for current gaming. All in all you will be set to plan a nice cpu upgrade in a year or 2 and you will have a VERY solid mid ranged graphics solution.

 

[jerseygamer]

HEy thanks a lot, i think im going with the e2180, you think that i should get an aftermarket cooler? and amd, DONT MAKE FUN OF MY RES!!!!!!!!!!

Only go with that cpu if you plan on OCing the second you have the system up and running. Stock that cpu is a POS for gaming all around. Also keep in mind that next year and the year after you will be looking at a new cpu and MB if you want to upgrade where if you go with AM2+ you will still have options. Ocing that chip WILL lower the life of your system a great deal as well. AM2+ would grant you good chipset performance, highest upgradability, and solid performance per $