Have $1,500... please build me a rig

[bennyprofane]

Will be using it primarily for gaming. Secondary use: Photoshop CS2 (doesn't utilize quad core, and I won't be upgrading to CS3 or 4 in the next few years -- CS2 has more than enough features for what I do). In short, I'm building it with gaming in mind. (Currently leaning toward an SLI setup.)

I'm also planning to overclock, so cooling should also be taken into consideration.


My initial thoughts:

CPU: E8500 or E8400 OC'd
Mobo: ?
RAM: ? (is DDR3 worth the price?)
GPU: 8800GT (x2) (is this the best way to go?)
PSU: ?
Cooling: ?
Harddrives: N/A (have 2 Raptors)
Case: N/A (have full tower)


So yeah, basically need to buy a CPU, Mobo, RAM, GPU(s), PSU and Cooling. Have $1500 to spend.


Not looking to future proof it (upgrading in a year to a year and a half), which is why I'm not jumping on the Q6600 bandwagon. If there's another compelling reason to pick it over the E8XX series, given what I'll be using it for (FPS, RPG, MMORPG and Starcraft II (which is the only RTS I'll be playing this year, if, of course, it actually comes out in the next twelve months)) I'm all ears.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Cpt Deadboots]

I would not buy DDR3 if I were you.

For a PSU, the Corsair 620HX.

 

[bennyprofane]

Cool, thanks.

 

[Shadow703793]

I would not buy DDR3 if I were you.

For a PSU, the Corsair 620HX.

Agreed. No need for SLI. I recommend you get these:

Corsair 520HX/620HX or PP&C 610
P35-DS3x or P5K-x
2GB+ DDR2 800 (I recommend Crucial Ballastix)
320GB+ 7200.11 HDD (only ~1ms slower than the Raptors, but much quieter)
ZALMAN CNPS7700- 120mm or smiler or Arctic Freezer 7
8800GT 512/8800GTX or 9800xx (again no need to SLI)

 

[mihirkula]

If you're going to upgrade in a year why are you spending $1500 just for CPU mobo RAM GPU?

You can get a good enough gaming rig for much much cheaper....

 

[bennyprofane]

"Good enough" is a relative term. I'd still like to run the newest games on high/very high settings without worrying about hiccups.

But if it can be done for less, I'm all about saving $$. What would you suggest?

 

[mihirkula]

CPU: Intel E8400: ~$190 -->You'l have to wait a while for this, its in rather short supply.
You can get the E6750 meanwhile. $179. I ALWAYS recommend this. Its faster in almost all games and applications than the q6600. And anyways you're going to upgrade next year so the concept of futureproof goes out the window.

RAM: Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800: $64.99

GPU: MSI 8800GT 512mb GPU: $219.99. (Agree with Shadow: no SLI)

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L: $89.99

PSU: Corsair 550VX . $64.99.

Total = $620.

I have a similar build(in fact a slower clocked 8800GT) and I play Crysis with HIGH settings VERY SMOOTHLY. So yeah, there you go.

 

[bennyprofane]

Muchas gracias!

That's why I posted here first. No need to spend another $900 if it truly isn't needed.

 

[mihirkula]

Ur welcome .. happy shopping

Cheers!

 

[medjohnson77]

forget the 8800gt and go with a BFG 8800GTS 512MB (G92) its only $269.00 on new egg right now with a $30 dollar mail in rebate. It beats the GTX in many bench marks. I have had this card for about two months now and I love it! I did a lot of research and at the time I bought it, best bang for buck!

 

[Cpt Deadboots]

forget the 8800gt and go with a BFG 8800GTS 512MB (G92) its only $269.00 on new egg right now with a $30 dollar mail in rebate. It beats the GTX in many bench marks. I have had this card for about two months now and I love it! I did a lot of research and at the time I bought it, best bang for buck!

He is right. The GTS is worth your money.

Actually, you could get the EVGA model and just step-up to a 9800 when they come out.