new mid budget gaming computer

[jeff1304]

well i know i posted a while back but i have continued to play with prices and i was wondering how this build looks im thinking i might need a slightly bigger power supply but thats just me. i would like it to be somwhere in the $1300-1400 range after mail in rebates and before shipping.


https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=7824532&WishListTitle=new+intel+build

 

[joelg88]

Without OS and Monitor you can get yourself a very nice system for 1200-1400.
Case:Antec 900 $80 after rebate
Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L $110
CPU: Zalman 9500 92mm $45 and some Artic silver 5 $5
RAM: 4gb PC2 6400 $100
HDD:Seagate Barracuda 500gb 7200RPM 32mb cache $100
GPU: Depending on what you play you could get a 8800GT, GTS or maybe up to a stock 9800GTX which is $300.
PSU:CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W $120

All that will come out to $900-$1100. With what I picked out it depends on the GPU. If you get a 8800 GT it will be like $900 If you go up to a 9800GTX it will be $1100. Just get the GPU that fits your gaming needs.

 

[jeff1304]

did you look at my wishlist that i have posted ?

 

[shadowduck]

I think joel missed your list

I really don't like the SLI on the 9600s. But it is hard at the same time to tell you to move to the 9800GX2 which is $100+ more.

Good choice on the CPU and RAM, but you can get by with 2GB easily. There is not any big reason to go DDR2-1066 really.

Some examples:
In 2GB: G.Skill 2GB 4-4-4-12
In 4GB:
G.Skill 4GB 4-4-4-12

I have gotten this RAM up to 1000 or so with tight timings. Just a suggestion , and it is hard to beat the prices.

Take it you don't need an OS?

Monitor:
Acer 22"- the one I use. 2" bigger than you one you picked and it only costs $30 more. Since Newegg offers free shipping on it- the net extra cost is $14- and you get a 2" bigger screen. Easy upgrade choice.

 

[jeff1304]

i have another source for my OS as for the ram i now added that instead. and where can you find a gx2 for only a $100 more ? my 2 9600 gts come to $280 after rebates.

 

[shadowduck]

Well, ok $150 more. The cheapest GX2 is $499.

Might want to read the fine print on that rebate. Limit ONE rebate per household, so you won't get a rebate on both video cards.

 

[dagger]

Well, ok $150 more. The cheapest GX2 is $499.

Might want to read the fine print on that rebate. Limit ONE rebate per household, so you won't get a rebate on both video cards.

Benchmark:
http://en.expreview.com/2008/04/02/g80-vs-g92-hi-end-geforce-gfx-cards-round-up/?page=8

 

[jeff1304]

well hmmmm as much as i would like to get a gx2 its a bit beyong my pricepoint lol unless we can figure out how to cut back some stuff. also there is still $170 diffrence between gx2 and 2 9600gt's. well look at my new wish list this is the best i can do for price cuts that i can find :S

 

[shadowduck]

I would say cut back on the PSU, but it is hard to beat $95 for that.

How far over budget is that wishlist? I will see what I can do from there.

Going with 2GB of RAM over 4GB will save you almost $100. You can always add 2GB later.