New Gaming Build < $1200

[RGFox29]

I will be ordering all of the parts this month. I want the computer to be somewhat future proof even though that is mostly impossible.

I have a monitor, keyboard, speakers and a mouse already. My monitor is over 24 inches and I would use 1900x1200 with HDMI or DVI. I would like to hear some recommendations on cards for that resolution. I have heard that many people with 24inch + use SLI or Crossfire and I was thinking about doing that.

I was interested in maybe 2 4850s or 2 8800 GT Ultra 768 MB which are on TD for about only $199. I will be using the E8500 and either the Asus X48 Deluxe or a EVGA 780i.

I also was just going to use a GTX 260 or 280.I will be using 4GB of RAM (probably G SKILL DDR2 1066) and will upgrade to 6GB in the NEAR future.

I was looking at PC Power and Cooling 750 or a Corsair 750 TX PSU but am not sure if that is enough if I crossfire or SLI and I need some help on this the most. Is 950 recommended? Basically I just need some recommendations for a computer that I would like to only upgrade 1 or 2 times within 4-5 years.

Just need to know Motherboard, best GPU solution for my monitor and resolution, and the cooling method for the computer. I will be buying one Scythe slipstream for an extra case fan and I am probably using a Antec Three Hundred. Oh and If the E8500 isn't really future proof enough then please advise a sufficient processor (No extremes please). And finally I will be using Vista Home Premium 64 Bit.

Thanks!

 

[huron]

Ok...you have good options on the table. For a 24" and above, I believe that you will need a dual GPU solution. I would suggest X48 and crossfire for the power and value. I would suggest a 4870x2 if you can swing it.

You haven't listed a budget yet.

Also, do you think you might want to type it so it's not so difficult to read. One large paragraph is a bit tough to get through like that.

You won't need DDR2 1066 unless you are really pushing that CPU. DDR2 800 will be plenty.

 

[RGFox29]

Fixed, I am posting from a phone didn't seem like much. I probably will get a 4870x2 and X48. Thanks for your input. I would love to hear more suggestions and recommendations. My budget is 1200 but wouldn't mind going to 1300 if it shows a very great increase in performance, but only if it does. Basically my budget is $1200 or less, just like the topic title says and did say when I first posted it.

 

[huron]

Well, an X48 will run you about $200, maybe a little more.

The 4870x2 will go for $550 or above, I think.

The E8400/E8500 is a good dual core processor for gaming. Quads will probably get you more longevity if things start to get into using 4 threads, but I have an E8400 and am very happy with it.

E8400/E8500 - $170/$190

HDD - 640 GB for $85 or less

Memory - 2x2GB kit of DDR2 800 for $50-$100

Case - your decision - $80-$150 for a pretty nice case

PSU - $80-$150, probably. Both of your choices seemed like good ones. Check out the specs on that card - if you want to add another in the future (though I don't think you'll need to), check the power consumption.

DVD Write - $25-$30.

I think that puts you into the $1200-$1300 range you were looking. Check out the parts at newegg and make some choices and come back and we'll help you revise/critique your list.

 

[aevm]

The 4870X2 is your best choice indeed. You don't need an X48 for it. Even a cheap motherboard with a single PCI-E X16 slot would do. I'd get a P5Q Pro for it. It even has a second PCI-E x16 slot, which can be handy if you want to add a cheap card (HD 3450, HD 3650, etc.) to serve additional monitors.

I like huron's list. Something like RC-690, SH-S223F, WD6400AAKS, 750TX for example.

 

[RGFox29]

Here's what I have so far.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=9434466

I want to save some money not too much though. I also want a better processor since it isn't really future proof and its pretty old, not saying its bad though.

Also shouldn't I get a OEM processor since I'm buying the arctic cpu fan/heatsink? And I was thinking on getting a cheaper case, for example the Antec 300 is only 70 instead of 140 and getting an OEM processor would make it cheaper also.

I like the 900 a lot though and I am pretty sure I am sticking with it but if any one has any better suggestions I might change it.

I think I want quad core but not sure which one, definitley not the most expensive and whichever one I get I will want to OC it not like crazy but a good amount like a 2.4 to a 3.0? Would that be a good idea?

 

[huron]

You could save some money by going with a P45 (which will give you 1 x16 slot (2.0) and usually another x8 slot). That should be more than enough if you are getting the 4870x2.

Thanks aevm. I think with that $1200 build, you will be very happy.

 

[huron]

I like the 900 as well (it's my case too). If you want a full tower like the 900, check out the Antec 1200. It's got 3 front fans, 2 exhaust out back, and a big one one top. It's got fan filters and better cable management.

I still like the 900.

If you are planning on overclocking like a beast, check out the Xigmatek coolers. They get great reviews, and are not all that expensive. Get a retention bracket if you get one as well.

The list looks good. I have an E8400 and it performs great.

If you plan on using it for just gaming, go with the dual-core processor. If you want to do some editing/transcoding, etc, get a quad.

 

[RGFox29]

Alright. Thanks huron and aevm.
I am done but just have
One more question.

There is that Biostar P45 MB with
Overclocking options that's only
$99 which is cheaper then the P5Q
Pro. It has the record with the E8400
Of OCing to 6.0ghz so I figure I Would be able to achieve 4.0 - 4.5 without worrying and it should work smoothly.

Only thing is I notice
That the biostar boards are
Commonly DOA, atleast a lot of reviewers
Say that.

Another option I had is just replacing
My selected processor with a Q9550
2.83 quad. And keeping the P5Q Pro.

I will be mostly gaming but I just have
The quad in mind for the future I
Know some games are supporting
It soon.

And finally my third option is, leave
Everything alone and just hurry up
And order already. Please help decide
Which combination is the best.

Thanks!

 

[Proximon]

There are other board options, but the feature set is pretty nice on the P5Q Pro for the price.

Sure some games support quad, and more will, but you really have everything covered for now with a dual. Just look for quads when you really feel like you need one, say next year after faster ones are out and prices drop.

Socket 775 is not magically disappearing in 3 months, I imagine we'll see new processors for these boards for at least 6-9 months.

 

[RGFox29]

Thanks for the reassuring post
Proximon. Sounds good then, ill just upgrade the processor in a year or so since Socket 775 isn't magically disappearing, haha.