Computer Specs - Need Advice

[NovusThi]

Hey everyone,

I'm helping my cousin build a gaming computer and I've come up with 2 different specs. (The setup I'm looking at is composed of CPU, Mobo, GPU, HDD, Mem Ram - The rest I'll look into afterwards) His budget is limited to 1000 canadian dollars, thus why I'm referencing tigerdirect.ca.

I'm trying to figure out wheter everything will run just fine without any compatibility issues and if there's any gaps that could be improved within the budget limit. I appreciate all of your help.

Setup 1 - ATI GPU, etc.

CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 Processor BX80580Q8200 ($200) [link]

Mobo - Asus P5Q-E Green Motherboard ($208) [link]

GPU - HIS Radeon HD 4850 IceQ4 1GB PCIe w/DL DVI ($240) [link]

Mem RAM - 2 x Corsair Dual Channel TWINX 4096MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz Memory (2 x 2048MB) ($150) [link]

HD - Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB Hard Drive ST31500341AS ($150) [link]


Setup 2 - Nvidia GPU, etc.

CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 Processor BX80580Q8200 ($200) [link]

Mobo - Asus P5N-D Motherboard ($159) [link]

GPU - XFX GeForce 9800 GTX + Video Card ($220) [link]

Mem RAM (8GB) - OCZ SLI-Ready Dual Channel 4096MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz Memory ($120) [link]

HD - Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB Hard Drive ST31500341AS ($150) [link]

Thanks,
Thi

 

[evongugg]

Welcome to the forums!

Case and PSU are very important also. Especially PSU.
You could save a lot going to newegg.ca.
Those are solid builds.

 

[NovusThi]

Yeah, I know, although that's easier for me to handle on my own, I've been out of the hardware market for a while so I'm less comfortable with all the new CPUs, GPU technologies, mobos, etc. So I'm just trying to make sure I'm not screwing up on the setup by bundling together things that don't really work well together or aren't compatible.

 

[mirob93]

i don't think you should worry about compatibility. most parts are as long as you stay with the same manufacturer. what kind of games do you want to play?

 

[NovusThi]

Mostly high-end games and have a decent gig that will last for the upcoming years supporting new games (Crysis, Gears of War, CoD, etc.)

 

[mirob93]

ok well as far as compatibility ure fine.... i would get the nvidia if i were you,, but you are gunna have to upgrade soon.... if you're budget was higher you could do better but this rig is O.K..... not great but its fine.

 

[NovusThi]

I heard some people complaining about the SLI technology and the problems with it, so I was more or so leaning towards the ATI one.