Lost

[cklops]

Hey guys,

So I am looking to build a new computer (for gaming) and its been about six years since my last build so I feel completely out of the loop on whats good now. Ive been doing some research but still having problems. I was wondering in terms of processor if the Intel core 2 duo E8400 is still a good processor and if the GeForce 8800GT is still one of the better video cards. I could also use some recommendations for Memory and a Motherboard. I'm looking to spend around 1k-1200 dollars. Also for CPU's I was wondering whether or not I should even bother with Quad Core. I have had a few people tell me that it is completely unnecessary. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[cklops]

I already have the monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers. So the $1200 is all for important stuff.

I had some stuff picked out but I am at work at the moment. When I will get home I'll post what I have so it can be critiqued

 

[adreen]

that's going to get your quite a bit...especially since you're prob in the US, newegg prices rock.
are u looking for crossfire?
this is what my rig i just ordered looks like, seems like a bargain too...
Palit Radeon HD 4870 Sonic Dual Edition 775MHZ 512MB GDDR5 2XDVI Display Port PCI-E Video Card
32991 1 $258.88 with a $20 mir = 238.88

Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB SATA2 7200RPM 16MB Hard Drive OEM 3YR MFR Warranty
30004 1 $72.99

Antec Nine Hundred Mid Tower ATX Gaming Case & Antec Truepower Trio 650W Power Supply Bundle
33351 1 $149.99
1 x Antec Nine Hundred Mid Tower Gamer Case 900 ATX 9 Drive Bay No PS Top USB2.0 1394 Audio
1 x Antec Truepower Trio 650W Power Supply ATX12V V2.0 Active PFC SLI Certified 120MM Fan

Samsung SH-S223Q/BEBN TruDirect 22X DVD+R/-R Lightscribe DVD Writer Black SATA OEM
33180 1 $31.98

Arctic Cooling MX-2 Thermal Compound Paste NON-ELECTRICAL Conductive 4 Gram
Note: This item is warranted by the product manufacturer only.
26895 1 $3.99

ASUS P5Q Pro ATX LGA775 P45 DDR2 2PCI-E16 CrossFire 3PCI-E1 2PCI SATA2 Sound GBLAN eSATA Motherboard
FREE GROUND SHIPPING FOR THIS ORDER!
30418 1 $139.99

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Dual Core Processor LGA775 3.0GHZ Wolfdale 1333FSB 6MB Retail
27784 1 $179.99

OCZ Vendetta 2 Triple Heatpipe CPU Heatsink AM2 LGA775 S939 S940 S754 120MM Fan 800-1500RP *IR-$10*
29311 1 $39.99 with a $10 mir = 29.99

OCZ X-750 Equalizer Laser Gaming Mouse 2500DPI USB Dual Laser Engine
22874 1 $29.99

Logitech G15 2ND Gen Gaming Keyboard USB Black Silver Amber LCD Panel Programmable Backlit Keys
26151 1 $48.88

Noctua NF-P12-1300 120MM Ultra Quiet Cooling Fan 1100-1300RPM 63-92M3/H 12.6-19.8DBA Molex
27129 2 $39.98

SUBTOTAL: $996.65
No PST - Outside BC residents: $0.00
GST(5%): $49.83
YOUR TOTAL:
All quoted prices are in CANADIAN DOLLARS $1,046.48 - $30 mir = 1016.48

+$150 for 8gb of Mushkin DDR800 Dual Channel RAM 5-4-4-12@1.8v

newegg prices will prob be even better...but that'll pretty much play anything at 1920x1200 at max/near max settings.
some extra goodies too!

if you're going to go crossfire, or want that option open, u might want to invest in a x38/x48 mobo for x16/x16 pcie slots. what resolution u gaming at? those boards don't really make a huge impact until 1920x1200 atleast, but not significant until 2560x1something res.
one of the most bang for buck setups u can get, and a nice P45 motherboard+4870x2..it'll be running at x16 which is key, but u don't have to pay the premium for a x38/x48 mobo.

 

[cklops]

nah im not looking to go for SLI or crossfire

 

[cklops]

OK, so here is what I have so far....

Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131299

CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021

PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Memory - Here I am uncertain, I thought either of these 2 but if anyone thinks otherwise please feel free to make a suggestion...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

Video Card

This is by far where I need the biggest help. Two people recommend the ATI 4850 or 4870, however I noticed on most of the regular game test charts the Nvidia cards are stomping the ATI cards. My friend recommended the 8800 Ultra but I am very open to suggestions here....

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=3094314&sku=P450-8800&SRCCODE=TOMSHWVC2&cm_mmc_o=aBFltzypczywCjC-KeCjCe2%20nCjCaB5%20e2%20n

HDD

I already have one but I plan on getting another 500g HD.

I think my biggest concerns are the video card and hard drive. Please let me know what you guys think

 

[adreen]

between the corsair and mushkin ram, the mushkin absolutely destroys it...if u look at the specs, mushkin running 5-4-4-12 800mhz at 1.8v...corsair is running 5-5-5-18 800mhz at 1.9v, not even close to the mushkin.
mushkin will overclock and perform better no doubt about it

 

[cklops]

thanks, any advice on the video card situation anyone?

 

[frozenlead]

what is your monitor resolution?

 

[adreen]

1680x1050 = single GPU like a 4870/4850/gtx 260/9800gtx/8800gt
1920x1200/1920x1080 = 4870/gtx260/gtx280/cf4850/cf4870/4870x2
really depends how much u wanna spend.
u can get very good performance out of a single 4850 at 1920x1200

 

[cklops]

1680x1050 is my monitor resolution. a 22" widescreen.

Final build tell me if you guys think i need anything else!

Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131299

CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115037

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129021

PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139006

Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146731


Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129113

HDD

I already have one but I plan on getting another 500g HD.

I think its good to go. If anyone else has any other suggestions please feel free or I am gonna order this bad boy right now

 

[adreen]

you links don't work haha.
or newegg is down

 

[cklops]

ahhh Damnit, well ill just write it out...

Mobo
ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
8-Phase Power Optimize Stable Overclocking CrossFireX

CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail

Case
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

PSU
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

Memory
mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

Video Card
VisionTek 900244 Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

HDD
Already have one..

Let me know if you guys see any problems with this build!

 

[frozenlead]

1680x1050 = single GPU like a 4870/4850/gtx 260/9800gtx/8800gt
1920x1200/1920x1080 = 4870/gtx260/gtx280/cf4850/cf4870/4870x2
really depends how much u wanna spend.
u can get very good performance out of a single 4850 at 1920x1200

I disagree. My 8800mGTX can play games fine at 1920x1200 - COD4, UT3 (not crysis, but that's a different story). I think the 8800gt is the cap on 1680x1050.

The best card for your money for you at 1680x1050 is the 4850.

 

[frozenlead]

I disagree. My 8800mGTX (comparable to a g92 8800GTS) can play games fine at 1920x1200 - COD4, UT3 (not crysis, but that's a different story). I think the 8800gt is the cap on 1680x1050.

The best card for your money for you at 1680x1050 is the 4850.

oops...hit quote, not edit.