2 Gaming Builds - Help Me Argue for Either - Build

June 6, 2008 1:19:28 AM

I'm working on two mid-range builds based on price. I'm hoping some dialog and time will help me make up my mind. So tell me which you would build and why... or if you would change one. These are obviously machines built for gaming.

The first build is more forward looking; a motherboard with 1600FSB capabilities, DDR3 memory and PCIe 2.0 support. It also includes the as yet unreleased GTX280 and thus a robust power supply. Finally an additional aftermarket heatsink to OC the 6600 to 3.0GHz.

The second build is more conservative scooping up yesterday's components (but still competative) for a cost savings. It includes a P35 motherboard with DDR2 memory; the soon to be slightly dated 8800 GTS; and will only overclock to what is capable with stock air cooling.

One is almost twice as much as the other. I started the first build but then saw how cheap I could pick up the second. Now I'm in a real quandry... I have the money for either build but like any good consumer I want to spend it wisely.

Quote:

Build One - Higher End
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $129.99 -> $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

ASUS P5E3 Deluxe/WiFi-AP LGA 775 Intel X38 ATX Intel Motherboard - $299.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz - $209.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Tuniq Tower 120 P4 & K8 CPU Cooler - $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Patriot Extreme Performance 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 - $194.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s - $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Thermaltake Toughpower W0172RU 850W - $179.99 -> $149.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

SAMSUNG Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW - $26.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium - $94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

GTX280 - estimated $600

Total $1,776.91 after rebates

Quote:

Build Two - Lower End
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $129.99 -> $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

ASUS P5K DELUXE/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - $179.99 -> $159.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz - $209.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 - $102.00 -> $82.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s - $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX 520W ATX12V - $124.99 -> $104.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

SAMSUNG Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW - $26.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium - $94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

BFG Tech BFGE88512GTSE GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB - $254.99 -> $224.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Total $1,053.92 after rebates

More about : gaming builds argue

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ilovebarny

June 6, 2008 1:32:56 AM

dude get two MSI 8800gts 512 cards that will last you a good long while. a 600 doller graphics card is not worth it. save some money and if its a big deal get a physicsX card as well. your second build is what i would go for. just add the tunic. and i would ditch the mobo and get a 680i for 150$ and its a lot better than the one you have. also i would look at a different psu. you can get the pc power and cooling 610w for 109$.

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ibuypower

June 6, 2008 2:03:14 AM

Yeah I agree with ilovebarny in that you should go with the second build. You would save quite a bit of money and DDR3 has NOT come far enough yet. Its too expensive.

With the second build, like ilovebarny says, you should get the two 8800gts's or if you really want to save money, get two 8800gt's and maybe a Physics X card.

Also you should not get the PC Power and cooling 610 watt when you could get this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
for 125 plus a rebate.

You should also get a different motherboard. Here are some ideas:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

One more thing. Get a performance cpu cooler. Ideas:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...\

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

And good luck!!!

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modode

June 6, 2008 2:04:31 AM

Go with the lower priced system: will still play all current and near-future games at mid-high to max settings, and will leave you some cash to upgrade to GTX280 and the near future, and to a Nehalem CPU and a new motherboard to accomodate it next year sometime.

You'll curse having blown 299$ on a MB when Nehalem comes out and you have to buy a new one with the next gen socket to accomodate it.

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dirtmountain

June 6, 2008 2:08:14 AM

You didn't mention what resoulition you'd be gaming at, but for 1680x1050 I'd go with the second build since no matter what you build it will be outdated in a years time. Alternate suggestions from me would be
mobo- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
CPU- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
keep the tuniq and OC the e8400
Put the extra cash together and start saving for next system

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joelg88

June 6, 2008 2:28:55 AM

ilovebarny said:

dude get two MSI 8800gts 512 cards that will last you a good long while. a 600 doller graphics card is not worth it. save some money and if its a big deal get a physicsX card as well. your second build is what i would go for. just add the tunic. and i would ditch the mobo and get a 680i for 150$ and its a lot better than the one you have. also i would look at a different psu. you can get the pc power and cooling 610w for 109$.

The Physics cards are a waste. There's no need for them right now. There are only a couple that support them. And then in the future if he decides to upgrade to a better Nvidia card then the Physics will be built in. But no need for it as of now.

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