$800 budget build

[aalkema]

Hi guys, it's me again.

A few weeks ago I posted I was looking for an under $1000 gaming PC. I got a lot of good suggestions, but as usual I got carried away. I need the build to stay under $800, so I can't afford to 'add $30' here and there.

I live near a TigerDirect store, so I'll be buying from there to save on shipping, and the guys there are always willing to help me out/give me some deals. This means I'll be using prices/pieces from TigerDirect.ca (I live in Canada).

Right now I'm pretty open to ideas, you guys know what you're doing. I was thinking of getting

E5200 dual core processor
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4138168&CatId=3426

HIS Radeon 4850
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4252466&CatId=3670

Ultra LSP 750 PSU (recommended by the guys there, customers never have problems with it)
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=3276567&sku=ULT-LSP750&srkey=lsp%20750

The rest is kind of up in the air, for the case I was thinking of a Centurion 5 (They don't have Antec's).

Any comments or suggestions would be welcome!

Thank you in advance!

 

[wcarthurii]

Is this a build you want to keep for a while and upgrade as you go?

 

[aalkema]

Yes, I forgot to mention that. I'd like a motherboard that can support crossfire.

 

[xthekidx]

You need this mobo then:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4410102&CatId=3790

Case:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4177153&CatId=1842

PSU:
I would really encourage you to spend more on the PSU, this one will be much higher quality and last longer.
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3247721&Sku=P227-1003

 

[aalkema]

Thanks xthekidx

That mobo is perfect, and fits in the price range. The case looks good too.

That PSU was recommended by the guys there, but I asked if there was something cheaper. Maybe I will go with that one, it is on sale now too. (well rebate)

I remember you recommended the G. Skill PI Black, but they don't sell that here. What RAM would you recommend?

 

[stevensl2]

pretty much any OCZ or Corsair branded ones are pretty good. make sure they are 800mhz though if your planning on getting 4 sticks

 

[xthekidx]

I'd go for these:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3228139&csid=ITD&body=MAIN#detailspecs

Or these are cheaper, but require higher voltages
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3404049&csid=_21

 

[theAnimal]

Tigerdirect has poor selection and prices. It would be cheaper to buy from ncix.com. They will price match (use pricecanada.com to find lower prices), you pay no PST unless in BC (which more than makes up for shipping charges), and they have good customer service.

 

[xthekidx]

+1 I would go with ncix.com too, you will get a wider selection and better deals. It may take 2 more days or so to get your items, but worth it I think.

 

[Why_Me]

That case isn't set up to run crossfire...but one decent vid card is fine. I'm not so sure about that PSU they recommended to you...if they are anything like the employees at Bestbuy, then they are probably tards for the most part..... Anyways that case you picked is a decent one, and it's set up to run another 120mm fan on the side vent....which I would get if I were you...better cooling/airflow. Here's a few parts to get you started. If mounting that heatsink is a hassle, NCIX has a bolt through kit for the "Thermalright LGA775 BOLT-THRU Kit for Ultra 90/120 & HR-01 Retail Box"...makes a world of difference.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1028568&CatId=32 $66.99
Cooler Master Centurion 5 - Silver ATX Mid-Tower Case with Front USB, Firewire and Audio Ports

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1862464&CatId=802 $13.99
Masscool 120mm Sleeve Bearing Case Fan

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3876197&CatId=106 $93.99
PC Power PPCS500 Silencer 500-Watt Power Supply - PCI-Ex-Ready, SATA-Ready, 80PLUS

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4138168&CatId=3426 $99.99
Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 Processor BX80571E5200 - 2.50GHz, 2MB Cache, 800MHz FSB, Wolfdale, Dual Core, Retail, Socket 775, Processor with Fan

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3322958&CatId=493 $39.99
OCZ Vanquisher CPU Cooler - Socket 775, 754, 939, AM2

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3228139&CatId=2264 $49.99
Corsair Dual Channel TWINX 4096MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz Memory (2 x 2048MB)

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4410104&CatId=1533 $119.99
Gigabyte EP43-UD3L Motherboard - Intel P43, Socket 775, ATX, Audio, PCI Express 2.0, Gigabit LAN, S/PDIF, USB 2.0

 

[theAnimal]

2 different HD4870 for ~$200
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=35521&promoid=1130
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=31175&promoid=1130

or HD4850 for $150
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=36245&promoid=1130

Freezer 7 Pro for $24
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=17225&vpn=FREEZER%2D7%2DPRO&manufacture=Arctic%20Cooling&promoid=1130

Antec 300 for $65
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=29812&vpn=THREE%20HUNDRED&manufacture=ANTEC&promoid=1130

Corsair XMS2 2x2GB DDR2 800 for $39AR
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=25228&vpn=TWIN2X4096%2D6400C5&manufacture=CORSAIR&promoid=1130

WD Caviar Black 640GB for $90
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=34286&vpn=WD6401AALS&manufacture=Western%20Digital%20WD&promoid=1130

ASUS P5Q Pro for $138AR *** this item gives you free ground shipping for the whole order ***
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=30418&vpn=P5Q%20Pro&manufacture=ASUS&promoid=1130

Corsair TX650 for $96AR
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26414&vpn=CMPSU%2D650TX&manufacture=CORSAIR&promoid=1130

E5200 for $88
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=33181&vpn=BX80571E5200&manufacture=Intel&promoid=1130

You may still be able to find lower prices using pricecanada.com or shopbot.ca.

 

[Akebono 98]

To save money, I'd go with the P5Q Pro since it's quite a bit less. That's the cheapest Crossfire mobo worth recommending.

E5200 for sure.

Here is the best RAM deal on in Canada right now: Buffalo Firestix DDR2-1066. It's not well known in these forums, but excellent memory and you will be able to OC high and run a high RAM divider as well given the E5200's OC characteristics of low FSB/high multiplier. If you want them, you'd have to jump on them right away. These would be excellent when paired with the P5Q Pro.

Try to fit the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 and backplate into your budget if possible, because the highest possible OC gives you the best value for your money.

If you need to save on the HDD, the WD Caviar SE16 320GB drive is excellent value.

Try to get the 4850 512MB video card if possible, but on a tight budget, look at the 4830.

+1 to NCIX.com. The have a new sale that starts every Wednesday, and that includes surprise items that are ridiculously cheap (like my RAM recommendation above). Check out the sale that has just started tonight and also next Wednesday's sale too.

 

[captaincharisma]

I too would recommend NICIX but just because they have more brands than tiger direct.i got a good deal on a Q6600 there back in 07'. there is newegg.ca but there too pricey for me but they offer free shipping on everything

 

[aalkema]

Thanks everyone for your input!

I didn't realize NCIX was so cheap! I've only really looked at newegg.ca and Tigerdirect.ca. I really like that free shipping deal on the mobo.

I think I'll consider buying from NCIX.

I'll post pics of the new build in thanks!