Hey all. I have spent the last few days browsing Newegg for parts for my build. I want to build a solid gaming computer for around $800. Unfortunately, that price must also include a WinXP OEM (unless someone has a cheaper suggestion for an OS) and a 22" 1680x1050 LCD monitor to replace my behemoth Samsung Syncmaster. I've been in school for the last 3 years, so the last time I built a computer was in 2004/2005.
Ok, here is what my searching has uncovered as possibilities:
1. CPU/MOBO: Probably an AMD chip, they were good when I last built, but in your guide they were not viewed favorably. I was looking for a chip in the $60-$90 range, and a MOBO in the $70-$80 range. I would imagine that ATX is preferable so that I can be sure to have enough room for a good vid card?
Graphics: I wanted to spend around $180 on this. Based on the April review, Tom's recommends either the HD 4870 1GB or the GTX 260(core216) I want to be sure to get good frames on HL2 based games and Fallout 3, etc.
Monitor: the Acer X223WBD 22" 1680x1050 had high reviews and a $160 price on Newegg, so I was looking at that. I can't imagine really needing more resolution then that after playing CS:Source at 800x600 for the last month.
RAM: How much and how fast I guess will depend on the rest of the build.
PSU and Case: This is tricky. I hate spending a lot on a case, but I gather that a good PSU is critical. Recommendations here would be great.
Ok thanks, I'll wait for some replies.
Ok, here is what my searching has uncovered as possibilities:
1. CPU/MOBO: Probably an AMD chip, they were good when I last built, but in your guide they were not viewed favorably. I was looking for a chip in the $60-$90 range, and a MOBO in the $70-$80 range. I would imagine that ATX is preferable so that I can be sure to have enough room for a good vid card?
Graphics: I wanted to spend around $180 on this. Based on the April review, Tom's recommends either the HD 4870 1GB or the GTX 260(core216) I want to be sure to get good frames on HL2 based games and Fallout 3, etc.
Monitor: the Acer X223WBD 22" 1680x1050 had high reviews and a $160 price on Newegg, so I was looking at that. I can't imagine really needing more resolution then that after playing CS:Source at 800x600 for the last month.
RAM: How much and how fast I guess will depend on the rest of the build.
PSU and Case: This is tricky. I hate spending a lot on a case, but I gather that a good PSU is critical. Recommendations here would be great.
Ok thanks, I'll wait for some replies.
Their customer support is EXCELLENT, and they're awesome with their warranties. It's well worth a few extra bucks to get a card from them. There's an XFX Core 216 on Newegg for $180 right now, or you could go with the ATI card macabre recommended.
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