Build me a system, $1200 to spend.

[Koreninja]

I have built my own systems before but that was ages ago, I'm out of the loop on current hardware. I'm looking to spend about $1200 on a new system, and pretty much need everything. Right now I just use my school/work laptop so I don't have a monitor.

So, I will need a monitor, operating system, mouse+keyboard and the rig. Sound isn't a big deal for me, so onboard should be fine. The cheaper the better, but around 1200 is what I would want to spend at the most.

I don't want to seem lazy, but just have a ton of stuff going on at the moment and am wanting to jump into warhammer in my spare time, and whatever else comes around.

Thanks for your time,
KN

 

[scurvy]

Go to Falcon Northwest. Order up one of their MachVs.


Just kidding mate.

go to newbiiz.com. Get the following from there.
1200 should be enough, if not trying cutting.

Antec 300 case

COre 2 duo E8500 w
Artic Cooling Freezer 7 pro

Gigabyte GA-EP45T-DS3R

2GB DDR3 1600 SuperTalent

1TB Samsung HD103UJ HDD

BFG Nvidia GTX 280

Thermaltake Toughpower 650

Samsung DVD burner

Samsung 245T LCD monitor

monitor size depends on You!!!

 

[particleman]

Well lets see I guess it depends on what you want to do as far as CPU. Intel or AMD?

Graphics? Nvidia or ATI (Crossfire or SLI?)

What do you intend to use this for? Gaming? Office? Media?

Do you want lots of HDD space with performance?


Let us know so we can really fine tune and get you the most for your money


-PM

 

[Koreninja]

Ah, sorry wasn't specific, mostly for gaming.

On the graphics part, no idea what is what, whatever is best for gaming. I will be doing a little graphics/programming/web developing on it, but I mostly use my laptop for that.

What is the difference between sli and crossfire, I'll read up more on it a bit later. Whatever would give me more juice. I'm wayyy out of the loop on current hardware.

And yeah, hdd space, I really don't care for it to be too fast, 7200rpm is ok with me. I think something faster is out now but of course it cost more and means less space. I'm good with about 500 gigs.

Monitor size, 18-22'' would be fine. I can always upgrade that later so it isn't a huge issue.

Thanks for your time!

 

[particleman]

SLI and Crossfire link 2 Graphics cards together and shares the processing capabilities. This leads to better gameplay and the ability for maximum settings.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATI_CrossFire (the 4850/70 are now available through ATI)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scalable_Link_Interface

For this you will either need a higher performance Dual Core, or a Quad.
With intel changing socket type, I suggest looking at AMD offerings, but thats just me.

Let me know if you want a specific brand of processor.

-PM

 

[Koreninja]

Whatever brand you think would be best, seems like AMD then, eh? :>

 

[particleman]

Well I will be fair to all the Intel fans on here and give you options for Mobo adn Processor in both companies, but I highly recommend ATI chipset and Graphics.

Intel Set Up:

Mother Board: ASUS P5Q SE LGA 775 Intel P45 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131333

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache


AMD Set Up:

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-DS4 AM2+/AM2 AMD 790X
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128075

Processor: AMD Phenom 9950 BLACK EDITION 2.6GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103273



The rest of the stuff:

Monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009094

Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

Cooling: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118019

HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136150

Power supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004

Vid Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102759


Again, these parts are changeable, but I kept it under budget. Total is about $1000 (US), and I did not yet choose a case, OS or keyboard and mouse. Those are usually more specific to the person's taste. I recommend Vista 64-bit Home Premium, but again, it is all up to the end user.