Trying to make a decent PC that is real cheap as well since I will need to buy two of them (one for me and my wife).
Building this computer to play some upcoming games in something higher than low and with crossfire support, I should be able to throw in another 3870 when I need that extra push.
Heh, I know that I should generally stay away from any open box merchandise (The motherboard), but it's the best reviewed motherboard on Newegg and I'm trying to cut corners as much as possible and hope for the best that they aren't flops.
I will, however, listen to what some more pc savvy people have to say and change things that would be more viable to what I need.
I don't wish to OC either seeing that the system I am building is subpar... and I would hate to break it (since I'm not experienced at it). =p
I would spend the extra $10 to get the retail version of the mobo. I know you want to shave off some of the cost, but that open box is likely to cause more trouble than it's worth. Open box items could be missing cables or the rear i/o panel which would be a pain in the ass to replace... and who knows what the board has been through before getting into your hands.
I would be wary of getting the Rosewill case/psu combo. Rosewill isn't exactly the most trusted name when it comes to buying computer components. You don't want to get a bad psu and end up frying your new system. For low budget systems, I usually recommend the Antec Sonata III case/psu combo. However, I highly doubt either psu would suffice if you decided to Crossfire a second 3870 in the future.
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Subtotal: $696.92 - $105 in mail in rebates= $591 and you need to choose a case I hate picking cases for others. With case its approximately $60-70 higher then you build and "HELLA FASTER" if you overclock the e2160 to 3.0-3.2 which can be done real easy. You could probably get a cheaper power supply and a cheaper motherboard, I just like to get a little more then I need on the PSU and I love Asus boards. There are chaper boards but this was the P35 chipset which makes overclocking easier.
How ever you decide Intel will blow AMD out of the water no matter what as long as you use a e2140 or higher CPU.
You will also need a OS if you dont have one.
Will your wife be highend gaming as well or will she just use hers for average things? If she dont game I have the perfect solution for you, and would allow you to build your computer better.
Message edited by roadrunner197069 on 03-30-2008 at 08:48:20 AM
Ok, I read over what all of you had to say and I made some changes. Also, yes, the wife is as much as a gamer as I am... so we want both of them he same. =p
My original intentions was to get a crossfire compatible motherboard and to buy another 3870 for both of us when we had the spare cash -- But what I have read up on, it seems I should just go intel/nvidia...
These are the changes I made.
COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UB Black /Blue Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail $49.99
OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI ATX12V 600W Power Supply - Retail $99.99
I went ahead and grabbed a tier 2 PSU. I grabbed a lesser OCZ GameXstream and read that is was also a Tier 2 PSU. (That mail-in rebate is nice, but I need two! =\) I switched the motherboard to a cheaper one, it had a lot of comments about this same processor I was recommended being OC easily to 3ghz with just stock cooling.
I was hoping to stay with the cheap RAM, unless there is some problems with Gskill.
I just went ahead and grabbed a 8800GT that a lot of people in the Nvidia forums here recommended.
Any changes needed? I will not be able to order this until a week or two out, so I know I am missing out on a lot of good rebates that I have seen (Which expire tomorrow). =\
Your newest list looks good. The G.skill ram should be good... I just placed an order for it yesterday just incase the price goes back up at the turn of the month.
One thing about the PSU though. From what you've listed, you can save some money by going for a lower psu. I just bought the Corsair 550VX for my future system, which is very similar to yours in power consumption. Even without the rebate, you'll save yourself ~$25 per psu. At the price of that OCZ, a better choice would be to get the better quality PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610W for only $1 more after considering shipping.
However, if you're on a really strict budget I would still go with the Antec Sonata III. Even without rebates, it still has a great price with the free shipping. It's uncommon for cases to have free shipping and can cost $15+ easily (which the Centurion you picked has). Case selection is very subjective, though, so it all really comes down to what you want.
I would stick with ATI personally. But if you do go Nvidia, I would get one from EVGA so I could trade it in for a better card in 90 days and only pay the difference.
You probably already know this but your board doesnt support dual graphics cards like you mentioned you wanted in the first setup.
What oushi said, if your going seperate case and power supply, get this PSU. Not sure if you can get the rebate on 2 and the Google Checkout is for $10, you won't get $20 off with 2 of them.
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