*Need Advice* on a Multimedia/gaming PC

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE:
Now - Next year?

BUDGET RANGE:
$500 - 2500

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: (example: Folding@Home, gaming, surfing the internet, watching movies)
1)Movies
2)Gaming
3)Music

*most important first*

PARTS NOT REQUIRED:
-

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS:
Well I live in The Netherlands (Europe) sooo not sure where to buy but some guidelines for what I should get would be nice =)

PARTS PREFERENCES:
- Intel CPU
- 20-24' screen

OVERCLOCKING:
Maybe I will, but not sure.. I would love to have SLI or Crossfire well atleast the capability to place 2-videocards! based on your comments I will decide whether I will go for 2 cards or stick to one.

MONITOR RESOLUTION:
1440x900 or higher

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
The thing is I am not exactly sure what to buy due to the following reasons:
- There will be new things coming out this summer and the rest of the year
- There will not be many interesting games coming out as far as I know and If I have a monitor that has HDMI and the capability to plug-in a PS3/Xbox360 or watch TV I won't need a "uber"-gaming-pc.

I would like to have a nice 2.1 speakerset that is very good in handling my kind of music (rock/metal) =)
I want a HD-screen so I can plug-in a xbox360/PS3 and being able to play full-hd movies without difficulties.

I hope you can give me some good advice and also give me detailed information on the parts you chose for me such as the monitor because I really want a good monitor! xD

Thanks for reading and replying =)

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$2500 US?

wait for the hexacore i7's and a nice 30" monitor should take about $1000 off of your budget or a 28" LCD for $340.

Reply to Helloworld_98

Yes US.

Hexacore i7?

Tell me what monitors those are and are they good for gaming and movies?

Reply to Miyasashi

1) hexacore i7, 6 cores, 12 threads, comes out in Q1 2010

2) well 30" of 16:9 goodness with a 2560x1600 4MP screen, No TV in your price range is going to beat it but you'll need a couple of good graphics cards so two 4890's or the 58xx series if you build next year.

Reply to Helloworld_98

What about the screen, what brand and any reviews available ?

Thanks

Reply to Miyasashi

I am not sure if I should go for a Intel Core 2 Quad or the Intel-i7 (9.20), I am looking for a system that will at least be useful for 1-2 years before I have to upgrade again.

Reply to Miyasashi

If u want a screen go for Samsung 2343BW, it's 249€ and has DVI and VGA connectivity. It's excellent for watching movies and working with documents and 3D modeling since it has a 2048 x 1152 Pixel Resolution.
Other then that, at your budget you can choose whatever parts u want. I personally wouldn't mix i7 with an Nvidia graphics card since they have a performance hit together but other then that...

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Reply to SpadeM

CPU: i7 920

Motherboard: X58-UD3R (budget),ASUS P6T (mid), X5-UD5 (high end, 3-SLI)
Note: X58-UD3R can do both SLI/CrossFire with a BIOS update.

RAM: Any good brand (OCZ, GSkill, Corsair,etc) DDR3 1333 3*2GB (6GB total)

Case: Antec 900, CM HAF 932, Antec 1200, or any other case you like that has enough space

HDD: 2*640GB in RAID for data
300GB WD Velociraptor for OS

GPU: ATI 4890

Total of that should be about $900-1200 USD or so. With your budget you could spend the rest on a very nice LCD (30" ($800+)or 22-24"($250+) if you don't have space/money).

You may also want to consider a nice water cooling system for the CPU and/or GPU if your interested in that.

edit:
Also get a x64 OS. You can ger the free Win 7 RC and upgrade the OS later this year. Also if you don't have an external back up system spend money on that too.

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by Shadow703793 on 05-19-2009 at 03:00:46 PM

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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3815217176_0a5be7955d_o.gif

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3818083596_1a772f7162_o.gif

Reply to Shadow703793

SpadeM wrote :

If u want a screen go for Samsung 2343BW, it's 249€ and has DVI and VGA connectivity. It's excellent for watching movies and working with documents and 3D modeling since it has a 2048 x 1152 Pixel Resolution.
Other then that, at your budget you can choose whatever parts u want. I personally wouldn't mix i7 with an Nvidia graphics card since they have a performance hit together but other then that...

Thanks for your reply!
I don't really have a preference for ATI/NVIDIA doesn't really matter as long as it does it job
Seems like a good screen but it does not have a HDMI connectivity though but I will reconsider maybe

Shadow703793 wrote :

CPU: i7 920

Motherboard: X58-UD3R (budget),ASUS P6T (mid), X5-UD5 (high end, 3-SLI)
Note: X58-UD3R can do both SLI/CrossFire with a BIOS update.

RAM: Any good brand (OCZ, GSkill, Corsair,etc) DDR3 1333 3*2GB (6GB total)

Case: Antec 900, CM HAF 932, Antec 1200, or any other case you like that has enough space

HDD: 2*640GB in RAID for data
300GB WD Velociraptor for OS

GPU: ATI 4890

Total of that should be about $900-1200 USD or so. With your budget you could spend the rest on a very nice LCD (30" ($800+)or 22-24"($250+) if you don't have space/money).

You may also want to consider a nice water cooling system for the CPU and/or GPU if your interested in that.

edit:
Also get a x64 OS. You can ger the free Win 7 RC and upgrade the OS later this year. Also if you don't have an external back up system spend money on that too.

How does ATI 4890 fare compared to 4870x2 and Nvidia GTX 295?
I think 22-27' will be enough for me, think 30 will be a bit too big XD then I really would need to put on my glasses hehe.

I never had water-cooling and only read a little on it and I ponder if it's really required if I play a game once in a while and if I'm not overclocking anything.
Isn't air-cooling sufficient with this build? Some cases keep it cool perfectly right? and I don't know how expensive water-cooling is or how to build it in.

Thanks for your replies

Reply to Miyasashi

^Water cooling is not required at all, but the option is there considering your budget. A good air cooler (like TRUE 120, S1283,V8) will be fine for you

Message quoted 1 times

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Reply to Shadow703793

Shadow703793 wrote :

^Water cooling is not required at all, but the option is there considering your budget. A good air cooler (like TRUE 120, S1283,V8) will be fine for you

For some reason Air-cooling seems safer and easier to adjust/replace fans.

and since I'm not really into overclocking I don't think I will need water-cooling.

a good case + extra fans maybe would be sufficient.

Reply to Miyasashi

^Right. For good fans (in terms of CFM vs. noise) take a look at Yate Loon(best) or Scythe (good).

As for the GPU, it really depends on the resolution and the game. Some games run better on the X2 cards and/or some games don't change much in terms of performance. Take a look at some game benchmarks for CoD4,Crysis,FarCry,etc and see.

Imo, I would personally wait till July as the new i5 CPUs should be out.

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Reply to Shadow703793

This is what I have put together:

Case: Antec Twelve Hundred
PSU: Antec TruePower Quattro
Mainboard: GigaByte GA-EX58-EXTREME
CPU: Intel Core i7-920
RAM: Corsair 6 GB DDR3-1600 Tri-Kit
GPU:Sapphire Radeon 4870x2
HDD: Western Digital WD10EADS (1TB)
Dvd Writer: Samsung SH-S223Q

Others:
Scythe Floppydrive + Cardreader
D-Link DWA-140 (Wireless USB stick)
Logitech Z-2300 2.1
Logitech Illuminated Keyboard

This will cost me €1892 (€2606 US dollar).

What do you think of this setup? More expensive than my topic title says but still in my budget (A)

I have my own mouse and still have to look for a screen... thinking of Samsung 26" LCD SyncMaster T260HD

Reply to Miyasashi

I am looking for a monitor with a low input-lag for gaming but very good picture quality when viewing (HD-)movies

Reply to Miyasashi

Quote :

Case: Antec Twelve Hundred
PSU: Antec TruePower Quattro
Mainboard: GigaByte GA-EX58-EXTREME
CPU: Intel Core i7-920
RAM: Corsair 6 GB DDR3-1600 Tri-Kit
GPU:Sapphire Radeon 4870x2
HDD: Western Digital WD10EADS (1TB)
Dvd Writer: Samsung SH-S223Q

Others:
Scythe Floppydrive + Cardreader
D-Link DWA-140 (Wireless USB stick)
Logitech Z-2300 2.1
Logitech Illuminated Keyboard

Looks good. Imo, unless you game quite a lot you could reduce costs with a single 4850/4870 OR 4770 in CrossFire which is better than a single 4890. Providing that the 4890 is only a little less performance than 4870X2 you are better off (more bang for buck) with the 4770.
See: http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] ,2296.html

Message quoted 1 times

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Reply to Shadow703793

wooah... what price range exaclty? 500usd or 2500usd?

and are you going to OC? and to what amount?

Message quoted 1 times

------------------------------ MICK
Reply to micky_lund

Shadow703793 wrote :

Quote :

Case: Antec Twelve Hundred
PSU: Antec TruePower Quattro
Mainboard: GigaByte GA-EX58-EXTREME
CPU: Intel Core i7-920
RAM: Corsair 6 GB DDR3-1600 Tri-Kit
GPU:Sapphire Radeon 4870x2
HDD: Western Digital WD10EADS (1TB)
Dvd Writer: Samsung SH-S223Q

Others:
Scythe Floppydrive + Cardreader
D-Link DWA-140 (Wireless USB stick)
Logitech Z-2300 2.1
Logitech Illuminated Keyboard

Looks good. Imo, unless you game quite a lot you could reduce costs with a single 4850/4870 OR 4770 in CrossFire which is better than a single 4890. Providing that the 4890 is only a little less performance than 4870X2 you are better off (more bang for buck) with the 4770.
See: http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] ,2296.html

Could be but x2 is the "future" well, x3 is actually but if I have x2 I can definitely use this for a few years xD
I've bought the ASUS VK266H 26' screen according to reviews it's a very good screen to watch movies on and do desktop-stuff on.... I am not certain about the input lag but since my eyes aren't that super anymore (I need glasses) I won't be very good anymore in fast-paced FPS ... I play RPG's like World of Warcraft so and inputlag is reduced when lowering resolution right? (or am I completely mistaken?).

Thanks again.

Reply to Miyasashi

micky_lund wrote :

wooah... what price range exaclty? 500usd or 2500usd?

and are you going to OC? and to what amount?

I am going to see if I need to overclock (don't think it's necessary) but if I do overclock this system I would be able to use it for years and years

Reply to Miyasashi

case and PSU: antec 1200 + 1000W antec quattro $319.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.193731

GPU: Sapphire HD 4770 512mb x 2 = $104.99 x2 = $209.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102835

CPU and cooler: intel i7 920 + Noctua nH-u12P $344.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.186397

HDMI cable and thermal paste: gold plated hdmi-hdmi + AS5 thermal compund $13.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.177066

HDD: WD Caviar Black 750gb $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136283

RAM + motherboard: ddr3 3 x2gb OCZ platinum 1600mhz cl7 + asus p6t X58= $322.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.192557

LCD: 24" LG FULL HDMI 1920x1080 p $299.99 (u can get bigger & less quality for cheaper if u want)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824005126

TOTAL (excluding post/rebates): $1591.88 USD

NB: you could cut down on PSU and monitor, and u could up the GPU and mobo if u wanted

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------------------------------ MICK
Reply to micky_lund

^Realize that the OP said he lives in Europe so Newegg prices and their prices are not even close. The European prices are almost always .7-1.5x higher. I realized this after checking some of the European specific stores.

@OP: Are you talking about CrossFire 4870 or the dual GPU 4870(aka 4870X2). I am thinking you are talking about the dual GPU 4870. Also input lag won't be too much of an issue unless you are playing pro imo. Even with a 6-7ms response rate I can usually place in the top 4 for COD4 and Halo CE. Resolution detail (higher = better sniping etc) plays a much better role in your performance in a game assuming there won't be network/GPU lag. Also a good mouse plays a very important role in fps. I use a G5 (2nd one btw, first G5's middle button(scroll) started to lag from abuse lol)

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by Shadow703793 on 05-21-2009 at 03:14:20 PM

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Reply to Shadow703793

micky_lund wrote :

case and PSU: antec 1200 + 1000W antec quattro $319.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.193731

GPU: Sapphire HD 4770 512mb x 2 = $104.99 x2 = $209.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102835

CPU and cooler: intel i7 920 + Noctua nH-u12P $344.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.186397

HDMI cable and thermal paste: gold plated hdmi-hdmi + AS5 thermal compund $13.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.177066

HDD: WD Caviar Black 750gb $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136283

RAM + motherboard: ddr3 3 x2gb OCZ platinum 1600mhz cl7 + asus p6t X58= $322.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.192557

LCD: 24" LG FULL HDMI 1920x1080 p $299.99 (u can get bigger & less quality for cheaper if u want)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824005126

TOTAL (excluding post/rebates): $1591.88 USD

NB: you could cut down on PSU and monitor, and u could up the GPU and mobo if u wanted

My pick is 4870x2 at the moment and I think that is one of the best card(s) you can get at this time, I've also picked the 1000watt PSU for a bit overhead =) for when I am going to overclock.

By the way you can change the CAS latency in bios right?
Also is it neccesary to buy a different cpu cooler or do you think Antec 1200 case cools it down just right?

Shadow703793 wrote :

^Realize that the OP said he lives in Europe so Newegg prices and their prices are not even close. The European prices are almost always .7-1.5x higher. I realized this after checking some of the European specific stores.

@OP: Are you talking about CrossFire 4870 or the dual GPU 4870(aka 4870X2). I am thinking you are talking about the dual GPU 4870. Also input lag won't be too much of an issue unless you are playing pro imo. Even with a 6-7ms response rate I can usually place in the top 4 for COD4 and Halo CE. Resolution detail (higher = better sniping etc) plays a much better role in your performance in a game assuming there won't be network/GPU lag. Also a good mouse plays a very important role in fps. I use a G5 (2nd one btw, first G5's middle button(scroll) started to lag from abuse lol)

4870x2, it's also your own capability to see things before they happen
I have a Logitech G9 mouse =) and am happy with it

Reply to Miyasashi

Quote :

it's also your own capability to see things before they happen

True that.

As for the GPU mind linking me to it?

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Reply to Shadow703793

if ur gonna OC it, then u probably will want to get one like a said... unless its only 3.3ghz or less... otherwise ur temps will go WAY up...

with that case + the CPU cooler, ur sure to get good temps

------------------------------ MICK
Reply to micky_lund

http://www.alternate.nl/html/produ [...] -1072380/?

Reply to Miyasashi

^Yup, looks good. I was worried cause I didn't know if the brand you chose was reputable. Build looks good! Go for it!

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Reply to Shadow703793

I ordered the computer + screen.. got the screen but have to wait for the computer

I need to know ways to keep my computer as dust-free as possible..

I saw this at my work... I don't know if it's handy for cooling/keeping dust out or just handy for locking your computer away XD

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/534/p3005091622.jpg
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199 [...] 162201.jpg
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/163/p3005091623.jpg
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132 [...] 162301.jpg

if it is useful I will take it home and clean it properly XD

might be able to tear some parts away and put fans in them or something (A)

Reply to Miyasashi

^Just grab some dust filters. Imo, it's not a good idea to put a PC inside a fully enclosed cabinet.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to Shadow703793

Shadow703793 wrote :

^Just grab some dust filters. Imo, it's not a good idea to put a PC inside a fully enclosed cabinet.

Aren't dust filters already there with the Antec 1200?

For my brothers/sisters the case is good because they can't touch it XD unless they kick it

Reply to Miyasashi

^Yes, the 1200 comes with filters

Reply to Shadow703793

the thing is .. my room is very dusty -_- (old stupid house)

how can I keep my room/computer as dustfree as possible?

except for cleaning my room every 2 days

Reply to Miyasashi

Hmm, if I were to built in a water-cooling system... what brand should I take and what stuff should I buy?

Do you have a guide on how to build one in the Antec 1200?

I never have done that before so any guidelines would be nice (A)

My room is very dusty so I'm afraid the fans won't last that long even if I clean my room all the time XD

Thanks for reading

Reply to Miyasashi

Have you thought about a air filter for the room? Worked for me in my basement. Just have to get good quality one and it should work very well.

Reply to Shadow703793

air filter; a machine you mean?

don't those add an electric current to dust etc. ? If so, won't that be more dangerous for your computer than dust itself?

Reply to Miyasashi

Quote :

air filter; a machine you mean?

don't those add an electric current to dust etc. ? If so, won't that be more dangerous for your computer than dust itself?

Yes, I was talking about the machine. It will not damage the PC in any way (unless you physically put it INSIDE the PC case). If you just leave it in a corner a few feet away from the PC you'll be fine. I have been using one for about 2 years now and it works well.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to Shadow703793

Shadow703793 wrote :

Quote :

air filter; a machine you mean?

don't those add an electric current to dust etc. ? If so, won't that be more dangerous for your computer than dust itself?

Yes, I was talking about the machine. It will not damage the PC in any way (unless you physically put it INSIDE the PC case). If you just leave it in a corner a few feet away from the PC you'll be fine. I have been using one for about 2 years now and it works well.

So from your experience it removes most of the dust from your room or make dust almost non-existant in your room, am I right?

Reply to Miyasashi

^Yes. Btw, the basement room that I work in (have PCs in) is only about 225 sq feet. And I use this one: http://www.consumersearch.com/air- [...] re-50250-n

Managed to get it for $110 during a sale.

Reply to Shadow703793

The computer has been installed and after having some difficulties getting everything properly installed because of the upgrade from 32bit to 64bit it's working properly now!

I am really glad I bought this computer, the only thing I am missing is a bluetooth adaptor but I guess I'll just buy a dongle :lol:

The only thing I would like to read about is on how to overclock my videocard / processor or atleast the i7-920 processor for "extra performance" =)

Thanks for helping me out with building my computer! I will not refrain from sending people here if they need advice

Reply to Miyasashi

OCing:
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/c [...] e-i7-920/1

Best one I found that's specific to your board:
http://images.tweaktown.com/imageb [...] _(ENG).pdf
lol, it's by Gigabyte itself!

Only change I would make: Use Prime95 Small FFT insted of the program they used. Also stress test for 6+hrs. And OC in the BIOS only. DO NOT use EasyTune to OC. Also if you installed DES (Dynamic Energy Saver) software provided with the board un install it.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to Shadow703793

Shadow703793 wrote :

OCing:
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/c [...] e-i7-920/1

Best one I found that's specific to your board:
http://images.tweaktown.com/imageb [...] _(ENG).pdf
lol, it's by Gigabyte itself!

Only change I would make: Use Prime95 Small FFT insted of the program they used. Also stress test for 6+hrs. And OC in the BIOS only. DO NOT use EasyTune to OC. Also if you installed DES (Dynamic Energy Saver) software provided with the board un install it.

Thanks for the help so far mate, I will try to see what I can do with this guide in the future

I don't think I need the air-filter-machinery yet, it seems it's keeping the dust out pretty good at the moment atleast when it's running...

By the way you have those cans of air and such but can you use a pump for bicycle-tires?

One like this:
http://www.tts-group.co.uk/Content [...] /BPUMP.jpg

Thanks!

Reply to Miyasashi

^The pumps don't provide enough air, as in the air flow is quite slow for a pump. Here is the US I can get a 3 pack for ~$10 and each can can last for 2-3 full cleanings of an Antec 900.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to Shadow703793

Shadow703793 wrote :

^The pumps don't provide enough air, as in the air flow is quite slow for a pump. Here is the US I can get a 3 pack for ~$10 and each can can last for 2-3 full cleanings of an Antec 900.

are you sure? My arm-strength is okay I can pump extremely fast if I want XD

Reply to Miyasashi

^ Good luck then. :lol:

Reply to Shadow703793

Shadow703793 wrote :

^ Good luck then. :lol:

lol stop mocking me XD

anyways I am scared of using the canned air after hearing stuff like frozen hardware :whistle:

Reply to Miyasashi

by the way, I can still build in 2 optional fans ... anybody got information on how to do that maybe with a video (Antec 1200 case).

and what coolers I should pick.

Reply to Miyasashi

by the way, I can still build in 2 optional fans ... anybody got information on how to do that maybe with a video (Antec 1200 case).

and what coolers I should pick.

Reply to Miyasashi

HSF: XIGMATEK S1283 with i7 bolt in kit.

Reply to Shadow703793

Need Advice on a Multimedia/gaming PC

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - Need Advice on a Multimedia/gaming PC

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Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - *Need Advice* on a Multimedia/gaming PC

Need Advice on a Multimedia/gaming PC

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - Need Advice on a Multimedia/gaming PC