Recheck for a Sub-$800 Budget PC

[larfonsorn]

First off, here's everything I've got picked out from a previous topic and other suggestions on the board:

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=13139828

The goal was a sub-$800 gaming PC, so I could fit in a new monitor and an HP Mini netbook I'll be buying separately. Any last suggestions before I order everything? I think everything is compatible, but I just wanted to be sure.

 

[hampster]

I would swap the hdd for the 32MB cache WD Black.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320
or for $5 more,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

 

[Guest]

two things, i'd get this ram instead, it's not really worth the 10 bucks for pc 8500
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

also, do you have a 64 bit os?

 

[xthekidx]

What games are you planning on playing?

I would go for a crossfire setup using 4770's if i were you. They will be faster than that 4870 1gb and use less power.

Change the MB to this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128387

Then get these GPU's:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161279
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102835

The net cost increase of these changes is like $40 or so, and definitely worth it.

 

[larfonsorn]

Thanks for all the quick replies.

Yes, I'm going to be using Windows 7 RC for the year, and I'll buy the full OS when the RC gets close to expiring, so it'll definitely be on 64-bit.

I play a ton of games, usually the newer, graphics intense ones. Off the top of my head for ones I'd want to play with this computer:

- Empire: Total War
- The Sims 3
- Far Cry 2
- Crysis at some point
-Left 4 Dead
- Team Fortress 2

Any a bunch of other upcoming graphics-heavy titles.

So two 4770's crossfired would be more effective? Sounds good to me.

 

[xthekidx]

yes 4770's crossfired should have you covered for any game at that resolution.

 

[binwhui]

it's good enough.. with the cf of 4770..

 

[larfonsorn]

Alright, I'm feeling good about this, but my only question is...am I going to have problems with the fact there's still no effective drivers for these cards? I've been reading horror stories over the lack of support from ATI yet.

 

[batuchka]

Err must be outdated hardware me thinks as one cannot have half past six drivers when a HD4770CF is in the vicinity of the GTX 285

 

[xthekidx]

I don't think you should have a problem, and if you do actually encounter a problem it shouldn't be too hard of a fix, just delete all the old graphics drivers and reinstall them. I think batuchka is right on most peoples isssues with those GPU's.