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RoninSixshooter   09-22-2008 at 02:01:40 AM

Hi everyone. I'm trying to build my own PC with around $700. I'm comfortable with changing and upgrading PC parts. I have upgraded video cards, RAM, and hard drives before. But I'm not confident with my ability to build a machine from the ground up. I do not know which parts are compatible with each other and which ones are overkill.

Here is what I need to use the computer for:
-Gaming(Nothing too heavy)
-3D Rendering (Blender)
-Music(FL Studio) (The integrated audio is fine, right?)
I mainly do these things as a hobby so its not too important to get the best of the best parts. I'm on a serious budget.

Questions:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] CatId=2328
Is it true that dual core is better if I'm not multitasking as much?
[example: 3.1GHz X2 vs 2.4GHz X4?]

-Which type of GeForce 8800 GT 512MB is the best for the cost. I noticed this card was the best for the money for around $150. I didn't know there would be so many versions of the same card.

-Are any of the pre-selected parts overkill?

My PC




Please help me fill in the blanks. I need help badly so I will really appreciate every bit of help.

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johnyeah   09-22-2008 at 02:09:26 AM
- 0 +

To start things up, I'd recommend you buy things off newegg than tigerdirect (tigerdirect prices are generally higher) and newegg has great service.

For around $700, do you also need an OS? Any other peripherals? Monitor?

------------------------------ "If you don't plan on listening, why ask?"
 Reply to johnyeah
johnyeah   09-22-2008 at 02:10:05 AM
- 0 +

I'd love to help, but first off I need to know what you need.

------------------------------ "If you don't plan on listening, why ask?"
 Reply to johnyeah
roadrunner197069   09-22-2008 at 02:22:21 AM
- 0 +

When I first started out, I was a Tigerdirect guy. They suck, and I found Newegg, and they are generally cheaper, and the service is second to none.

I would go with a Asus P5Q mobo and a 4850 video card, and a e5200, or e7200 CPU.

Reply to roadrunner197069
RoninSixshooter   09-22-2008 at 02:42:09 AM
- 0 +

Sorry, I should of been more specific. Thank you for the quick replies.

I need a mid range gaming/graphics pc for around $700.
I dont need a monitor.
I have access to a student version of XP, I'll buy my own version of XP later.

Heres a layout of my PC so far.
CPU: AMD Dual Core
Motherboard: Something that can support the AMD Dual Core(Socket AM2?), can support 4 GB RAM, PCI Express, Integrated Audio
Graphics Card: GeForce 8800 GT 512MB
RAM: 2 - 4 GB depending on what I can afford

I'll also check out Newegg

I cant tell you how much a appreciate the quick answers, I know I'm asking for a lot of information. Thanks.

Reply to RoninSixshooter
harrycat88   09-22-2008 at 03:22:53 AM
- 0 +

Any 2.6GHz or faster AMD X2 will work just fine. For best result's get one with 2x 1MB of cache.
All AM2 motherboards these days have dual core support and also they can support 4 to 8GB or more main memory. If your running a 32bit OS, then you only need 2GB. If your into 64bit OS's, then you need at least 4GB.
Avoid Nvidia Nforce 6 and 7 chipsets, they're buggy. Don't get me wrong. Nvidia chipset are good chipsets for gaming but when it comes to very important work, it's best to get something else. All my chipsets are ULi, VIA and AMD. Never tried a SIS chipset before.
Stay away from BIOSTAR motherboards if your doing important work.
Best 2GB dual channel kit: Wintec for $40
Best 4GB dual channel kit: Gskill for around $90.
Best Video card: Powercolor 3850 512MB for less then $100 get the 1GB version for $15 more.
You can get everything a lot cheaper at newegg.com


Message edited by harrycat88 on 09-22-2008 at 03:43:25 AM
Reply to harrycat88
RoninSixshooter   09-22-2008 at 03:37:52 AM
- 0 +

Are you sure I shouldn't get a GeForce 8800GT? In the best for the money article for this month GeForce 8800GT won for cards at $150.

I found this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130347

Message quoted 1 times
Reply to RoninSixshooter
RoninSixshooter   09-22-2008 at 03:40:53 AM
- 0 +

Thanks Dozer63. Its a big help. Im going to look at what you put together an d then make a configuration. I'll post it here so everyone else can check it.

Thanks again.

Reply to RoninSixshooter
harrycat88   09-22-2008 at 03:49:55 AM
- 0 +

RoninSixshooter wrote :

Are you sure I shouldn't get a GeForce 8800GT? In the best for the money article for this month GeForce 8800GT won for cards at $150.

I found this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130347



Please read the title again.....
It says "BEST GAMING CARD FOR THE MONEY" not "the best card for the money".
If you want the best card for the money for workstation use, get a MATROX. If you want the best card for the money for light gaming and most usual tasks, get a 3850.

Reply to harrycat88
zenmaster   09-22-2008 at 03:57:32 AM
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You can save about $25 on this PSU.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371007

It's just below the PCP&C in quality, but still a highly recommendable PSU.
I like the case.

Similar Mobo, but gets you a PCIE 2.0 Slot for the same price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128347

If you don't think you need a Quad, the E5200 will save you a bundle and will seriously OC. (4.0Ghz should not bee too hard)

I really like the Antec 300 case.

------------------------------ If its good in theory but not in practice,
its not good theory.
 Reply to zenmaster
megamanx00   09-22-2008 at 04:14:02 AM
- 0 +

If you're not going to overclock, aren't going to use dual graphics cards, and want a very dependable AMD board you can get this one

GIGABYTE GA-MA770-DS3 $78.99 + 8.97 shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128081

This thing supports up to 16GB of RAM :o . Personally I won't be able to afford that much RAM for a long time.

As for the CPU you can get the 5200 X2 for $66
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103210

As far as the video card goes the 8800GT (also known as the 9800GT) is a pretty good value card, but the 4850 offers better performance. Both the following ASUS and PALit are 169.99 with a 30 mail in rebate

ASUS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814121253

PALit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814261027

------------------------------ Playing X-Men Origins: Wolverine Athlon 64 X2 5000+ @3.24 Brisbane | GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-DS4 | 4GB Mushkin DDR2 1066 | Plextor 760A| 2x 3850 512M CF| WD 1TB Black| Fortron Blue Storm II 500W | APEVIA X-Dreamer Black | Win XP Pro & Vista Buisness 32bit
 Reply to megamanx00
megamanx00   09-22-2008 at 04:15:48 AM
- 0 +

You know, with all the new egg links we post on this site I wonder of Toms gets like a 5c commission everytime someone buys something after they click on a link from here :D

------------------------------ Playing X-Men Origins: Wolverine Athlon 64 X2 5000+ @3.24 Brisbane | GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-DS4 | 4GB Mushkin DDR2 1066 | Plextor 760A| 2x 3850 512M CF| WD 1TB Black| Fortron Blue Storm II 500W | APEVIA X-Dreamer Black | Win XP Pro & Vista Buisness 32bit
 Reply to megamanx00
RoninSixshooter   09-22-2008 at 04:19:14 AM
- 0 +

Wow. This is alot of information. Thanks everyone. I'll look at all this and make a configuration. Then I'll post it and see what you think.

Reply to RoninSixshooter
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