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  Tom's Hardware Forums » Homebuilt Systems » New System Build » "Mid-range" gameing PC build, oppinions needed!
 

"Mid-range" gameing PC build, oppinions needed!




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 Thread : "Mid-range" gameing PC build, oppinions needed!
 
Profile: stranger
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To start this off this is my first PC build. I was looking for high performance now, and the ability to last for several years with minimal (and cheaper) upgrades. Since i am new at this and not very knowledgeable, my friend(he knows quite a bit) helped me pick out some parts as a rough idea. My budget was around 900$. In general I'm looking for suggestions on how i can make this build better with out spending much more.

CPU Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4 GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115017 $194.99

Mobo GA-EP45-DS3R
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128344 $134.99

Gfx card EVGA GeForce 8800GTS SSC 640MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130317 $159.99

Case X-Plorer ATX Mid-Tower (note: i chose this case because of the built in power supply and 4 fan slots. I will be buying a 120mm to switch out with the stock 80mm in the back. I will also be purchasing an additional 80mm fan(4 total))
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] =TC3J-2341 $134 (with fans)


Total so far(with tax): $660.36

Ok now i need some real help. I have no clue on what RAM i should get(planning on getting 4 gigs of DDR2), or what hard drive to get. Also i am planning on getting vista 62 bit (i have an extra copy of xp laying around so i only need the upgrade). Remember my budget is 900$ but i don't mind going slightly over that. Also i get 30$ worth of in mail rebates, but we all know how reliable those are :P.

overclocking?

Do you guys suggest over clocking? If so what parts and to what degree? Will i need better cooling for this?


Message edited by Anonymous on 08-12-2008 at 05:49:26 AM
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Profile: stranger
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srry for double post


Message edited by adrianmk2 on 08-12-2008 at 06:16:11 AM
Profile: stranger
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ok get a diffrent video card such as
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130319
155.99
8800 GT much better than that card for the same price
its allmost 8800GTX in proformance wise
or
the 4850 for like 10 bucks more and closer to the Proformace of a 9800 GTX sometimes beats a 9800 GTX+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102747

 

A E8400 would be better than that Quad Core and OC better
also better for gamming as well
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115037
169.99
and its cheaper = )
Ocing is worth it to some and better cooling would be needed
idk whats the best out there anymore but most ppl i know get Tuniq Tower
For Ram i would get http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820220314
4gigs of Partiot Extreme Ram for 108.99


Message edited by adrianmk2 on 08-12-2008 at 06:22:09 AM
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Profile: newbie
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- the E8400 will be faster now, but if he wants to overclock the Q6600 and make it last 2-3 years then the quad core might come out the better choice. have a look into the Q9450 instead if you can afford it. it should overclock better:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115043

- if you are going to overclock then i would suggest the noctua nh-u12p heatsink/fan. ive got it running on my rig and ive got a QX9650 from 3ghz up to 4ghz no probs. here's the review from anandtech:
http://www.anandtech.com/casecooli [...] spx?i=3268
otherwise the thermalright ultra 120 extreme or ultima 90 heatsinks are pretty much as good.
http://www.anandtech.com/casecooli [...] i=3068&p=1

- if you plan to overclock it would be helpful to get a motherboard with better cooling for north/southbridge like:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128346
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131297

- as far as video card goes, I wouldnt go with the 8800gt because the 4850 beats it hands down and is only a little more price wise. it will also be a better buy :
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814125224

Profile: stranger
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While over clocking might be nice(tbh i don't know where to start), it is the least of my concerns. Also would OC affect warranty's?

Profile: stranger
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i would go for the 4850 as well

Profile: Eternal Poster
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d [...] RK:MESE:IT

Factory overclocked. Full warranty available!


Message edited by roadrunner197069 on 08-12-2008 at 07:07:22 AM
Profile: stranger
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..............


Message edited by Abu Som3a on 08-12-2008 at 08:03:41 AM
BOOM... HEADSHOT
Profile: newbie
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yeh it would affect your warranty's, so if you aren't confident then don't OC. i would still recommend getting the Q9450, just for the extra speed/lastability. and go the 4850 for gfx card. ohh yeh, and the 4gb of RAM is a good choice as well. have phun!

Profile: stranger
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Thank you curry i think i will take your suggestions on the gfx card and CPU. Do you have any suggestions on the ram i should get and any other parts to upgrade with the money I've saved.

Profile: newbie
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definitely get the HD4850
you'll get much better performance for the same price

Profile: stranger
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Profile: member
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4850>8800>9600.


  Tom's Hardware Forums » Homebuilt Systems » New System Build » "Mid-range" gameing PC build, oppinions needed!

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