Can I get some opinions on this $600 system?

[markiemark]

Hi everyone,

So I decided to build a new computer after some helpful forum goers and I was wondering if you can help me out. I would say I'm in between a softcore and hardcore gamer. Just the usual WoW, Steam, etc. and sometimes doodling with my tablet. But I wouldn't mind trying out COD4 or some newer ones at decent settings. Also, I would say this is sorta on a budget? I just want some solid items that aren't just the newest ones out. This is an upgrade from an Athlon 64, 6800GT system so everything will be better. Here is the list.

- Apevia X-QPACK2 Portable 3
(http://www.xoxide.com/apevia-xqpack2-window-silver.html)

- GIGABYTE AM2 AMD 690G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128056)

- AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2 125W Dual-Core Processor
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103773)

- G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122)

- XFX GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150252)

- Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262)

I will be using the PSU that comes with the case. Reviews have said it will be enough for an 8800GT. Also, I will be using Windows XP Professional. Some things I would like to know though:

1. Will all of the parts be happy together? lol You know, nothing too powerful for the other or any compatibility issues.

2. I am a little hesitant about the processor. I chose this one because it had the best rating, not because it was the best for its price. Do you think this is ok?

3. I chose the 8800GT because after reading through forums, people say the price is insanely good right now. And that I might as well buy this one rather than the 8800GS or 9600GT.

Hmm, I can't think of anymore questions. But yeah, I'm willing to downgrade the GPU or CPU if you think it's a little excessive. Umm, when I calculated it, it was around $600. But if it's not, please don't tear me a new one. Thanks alot.

EDIT: I wanted a smiley next to the post.

 

[doomturkey]

I don't think you should have much in the way of bottlenecks, an AMD 6000+ and 8800GT should go well together.
Especially since you don't run the most demanding games (Hell my A64 + X800pro easily maxes out WoW and CSS @ 1280x1024). But the 8800GT is a quality card, some might advise you to upgrade to an 8800GTS 512mb for some extra dough. Should be fine though.

One more piece of advice, wait a couple weeks for AMD to launch the 48xx gfx cards, it will make prices drop significantly so you can afford an even better card than the 8800GT.

 

[zloginet]

^^^^^
He says twice the video card is good then at the very last part of his weird reply he states, wait, get a better card. An 8800GT would do your system wonders. (the only reason to upgrade to a 8800GTS in your computer would simply be the fan quality and noise)

My question is this, Why are you buying a motherboard with onboard video when you are buying a video card?

Here are my opinions.

Everything is well worth it but the motherboard.
Here is how ya do it. Get 2gb's of ram instead of 4gb's and put the money towards a better board.


Do not listen to people that are gonna tell you to buy a CPU that is of lesser speed just to overclock it. Overclocking is a big waste now... Why, they are already fast enough. Its also getting sick to point of people are always saying wait this amount time for that. Just buy this **** already, it will work just fine.

 

[doomturkey]

Why are you buying a motherboard with onboard video when you are buying a video card.

Everything is well worth it but the motherboard.

Here is how ya do it. Get 2gb's of ram instead of 4gb's and put the money towards a better board.

You have much to learn my friend... Just because the motherboard has onboard video and he's buying a video card doesn't mean he should ditch the board. He is getting a micro atx case, which means he needs a micro atx board, and many micro atx boards have onboard video chipsets. Its really not a big deal, keep the 4gb RAM. Who cares if the onboard video is not being used?

EDIT: zlog, don't be an ass. Learn to read, I said SOME people might advise an 8800GTS. Yes the 8800GT would be good, but we are at the point where prices are about to drop if he waits so he has the option of A) buying the 8800GT for cheaper or B) spending the same amount of cash for something better. And btw, we are on a forum of a website that is largely about PC parts and overclocking... There is NOTHING wrong with wanting to make a $200 processor perform like a $1k processor. Its called getting more bang for your buck. Again, zlog, don't be an ass.

 

[markiemark]

Hey everyone.

I chose this mobo because I wanted a microATX. Not really cause it was the cheapest one out there. Is there a problem with getting a mobo with onboard video? I searched for a microATX without onboard video and the only one they had didn't have PCIe.

Will I notice a difference if I get 2GB and not 4GB? I'm running windows xp pro 32-bit I think.

And good idea on the wait. I'll give it a couple weeks and see how things roll out.

EDIT: Oops, you were quicker with the response.

 

[doomturkey]

Hey everyone.

I chose this mobo because I wanted a microATX. Not really cause it was the cheapest one out there. Is there a problem with getting a mobo with onboard video? I searched for a microATX without onboard video and the only one they had didn't have PCIe.

Will I notice a difference if I get 2GB and not 4GB? I'm running windows xp pro 32-bit I think.

And good idea on the wait. I'll give it a couple weeks and see how things roll out.

EDIT: Oops, you were quicker with the response.

Ya dude you will be fine owning a board that has an IGP, it won't affect performance much at all. Like I said, most micro ATX boards have IGPs on them.

 

[markiemark]

Alrighty then! Thanks for all the help. Have a good one.

 

[apache_lives]

Hi everyone,

So I decided to build a new computer after some helpful forum goers and I was wondering if you can help me out. I would say I'm in between a softcore and hardcore gamer. Just the usual WoW, Steam, etc. and sometimes doodling with my tablet. But I wouldn't mind trying out COD4 or some newer ones at decent settings. Also, I would say this is sorta on a budget? I just want some solid items that aren't just the newest ones out. This is an upgrade from an Athlon 64, 6800GT system so everything will be better. Here is the list.

- Apevia X-QPACK2 Portable 3
(http://www.xoxide.com/apevia-xqpack2-window-silver.html)

- GIGABYTE AM2 AMD 690G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128056)

- AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2 125W Dual-Core Processor
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103773)

- G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122)

- XFX GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150252)

- Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262)

I will be using the PSU that comes with the case. Reviews have said it will be enough for an 8800GT. Also, I will be using Windows XP Professional. Some things I would like to know though:

1. Will all of the parts be happy together? lol You know, nothing too powerful for the other or any compatibility issues.

2. I am a little hesitant about the processor. I chose this one because it had the best rating, not because it was the best for its price. Do you think this is ok?

3. I chose the 8800GT because after reading through forums, people say the price is insanely good right now. And that I might as well buy this one rather than the 8800GS or 9600GT.

Hmm, I can't think of anymore questions. But yeah, I'm willing to downgrade the GPU or CPU if you think it's a little excessive. Umm, when I calculated it, it was around $600. But if it's not, please don't tear me a new one. Thanks alot.

EDIT: I wanted a smiley next to the post.

Dont skimp on the PSU, get something decent.

Better off with an Intel platform - pay that bit extra for a Q6600.

 

[apache_lives]

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/413/5