drkknght145

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Hi all, been reading on here for awhile now just never posted. Im looking at building a new computer, it will be basically only for gaming. I was looking in to getting the Intel Q9400 as I have always had Intel, but are there better AMD processors or Intel processors for that matter that are around the same price? Recommended mother boards would also be a big help as well, i would like to be able to run SLI but not worried to much about OC as i want this computer to last as long as possible
 

waynec121

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lol i see that you edited that last post. ; ) if you can give me a budget to work with i can suggest you a great gaming build.

and to answer a few of your ?'s currently AMD/ATI is the best bang for your buck in terms of performance. The x3 720 cpu is the sweet spot for a budget build. But again if you can give me a budget to work with and also the parts that you don't need (e.g. monitor, keyboard, mouse...)
 

drkknght145

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i have nothing picked out, and i have no real budget, i just want to know some stuff that works together so i can start looking with an idea. The only thing i have really set so far is i didnt want to go over 250 for a processor. Like i said, i want it to last awhile.
 

waynec121

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That is a nice processor, but the only question that I have left is what resolution are you going to be playing games at? After that I will suggest a build for you
 

drkknght145

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how would that effect what i build? I am unsure, i play eq2 and wow, generally i just run everything on recommended.
 

waynec121

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The lower the resolution the easier it is to max out games with the same gpu. And it is very hard to suggest a build with no budget. Take a few minutes and fill out this. If you have no budget, at least give us an approximate amount you are willing to spend. And if you do not know your resolution what size is your monitor or do you plan on buying a new one?

To help you with some brand preference and parts and all generally with AMD/ATI you are getting more for your money. Proximon has a great guide on parts, take a look at this: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/257075-31-guide-choosing-parts

Anyway please fill this out: Just copy and paste it into your reply and fill it in.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: (example: tomorrow -- the closer the better) BUDGET RANGE: (example: US$500-750)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: (example: Folding@Home, gaming, surfing the internet, watching movies)

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: (examples: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS) **Include Power Supply Make & Model If Re-using**

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: (examples: newegg.com, ncix.com, ebuyer.com -- this is to help others see available options and prices)

PARTS PREFERENCES: by brand or type (example: I would like to use an AMD CPU & Biostar mobo with a 24" LCD and full tower case)

OVERCLOCKING: Yes / No / Maybe SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes / No / Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: (examples: 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: (examples: Need to have a window and lots of bling, I would like a quiet PC)
 

drkknght145

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APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Next 2 weeks
BUDGET RANGE:

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: only used for gaming, browsing net

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, 19" LG monitor, speakers, windows XP

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS:newegg.com

PARTS PREFERENCES: none

OVERCLOCKING:No SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Would like a cool running computer, pentium d i currently own frequently experiences heat issues.
 

Helloworld_98

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give us a budget otherwise we can't determine what's best for you.

for instance, if it's $2,500 we can build you a Top-end PC with monitor and dual gfx cards, but if it's only $1,000 then you'll lose an awful lot of performance.

also for $280 you can get an i7 920 processor which is currently one of the most powerful processors on the market, but motherboards are a bit more costly than AM3 and LGA775 one's.
 

waynec121

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AMD/ATI build

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor - Retail $189.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103471
MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-MA790GP-UD4H AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard $119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128384
GPU: XFX 4890 1GB - $199.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150359
RAM: G.Skill 4GB (2X2GB) $46.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122
HDD: WD Caviar Black 640gb - $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319
PSU: Corsair 750tx - $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006
DVD Drive: LG 22X - $24.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136152
CASE: Coolermaster Storm Scout - $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119196
CPU COOLER: ZEROtherm BTF90 92mm Silent UFO CPU Cooler - $44.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835887002
THERMAL COMPOUND: Tuniq TX-2 - $4.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154003

This is an extremely solid build for the price and will allow you to max every game currently out. I am guessing your monitor resolution is 1680x1050 or 1440x900. This build totals $916.89 before shipping and also w/out rebates. Let me know what you think.

 

drkknght145

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like i said before, i have no real budget. i dont need a super computer, just one to game on, and id like it to last probably about 3 years. I want to pick a good processor for under 250, then kind of decide around that what with compatible motherboard choices and stuff what i want to get.
 

waynec121

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nope i chose a good cpu cooler. i have the same mobo and it is very nice and that cpu cooler is confirmed to fit on it without blocking any slots. I originally purchased a different cpu cooler called the xigmatek dark knight but it blocks the first 2 ram slots. You should be able to get a pretty nasty overclock with that cooler too.

Also the case is a very good case for cooling. All your temps should be good with all of the parts I selected. I am sure some other regulars on here will comment on it, but IMO that is a very solid build and I think you will be quite happy with it!