Affordable Gaming PC

[sardarbalu]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: ASAP, when i can get the parts and pick which ones properly

BUDGET RANGE: US $1100 or less, I just want a capable system for my needs

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming(COD4, Empire: Total War, and others), Adobe CS4 usage, Movies, Internet

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: I don't need OS but would like input for best one to get, I have access to many of the Microsoft OS. I also will not need a keyboard or a mouse, or speakers.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg.com, Tigerdirect, but am open to other websites if given a good enough reason.

PARTS PREFERENCES: Just a good comp that is reliable and does a good job.

OVERCLOCKING: Yes / No / Maybe : Not sure how this would affect my comp
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes / No / Maybe : Not sure how this would affect my comp

MONITOR RESOLUTION: Good resolution that will give a good display and is affordable. Not sure too much about impact about this either sorry.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Once again just a good reliable computer that is affordable.

 

[hunter315]

Asus 21.5" 1920x1080 monitor $170-20MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236051

Antec 900/TP-750 $185
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.232529

Samsung DVD burner $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151187

Sapphire 4890/amd 945 $345-10MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.236385

1TB Caviar black $95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

4GB patriot DDR3 ram CL7 $84
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220333

Asus 790GX AM3 board $135-15MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131366

Comes to 1044 before 45 in mail in rebates

 

[sardarbalu]

Ok I respect your advice a lot because I am very new at this, but I have a couple of questions.

1. Is 8GB worth getting, or is 4GB good enough?
2. I know this will be a great computer, but i want to know it won't be overkill like I want a good gaming computer, times are hard and am willing to pay this much, but paying less but getting good enough is fine for me.
3. Also are cases and Power supplies always that expensive, or is this really needed.
4. What is the preferred resolution for most gamers, just would like to know for price purposes

I don't want to seem rude, because I really appreciate your help, but I hope you understand

 

[hunter315]

For games 4GB is plenty, if you are using 64 bit CS4 you might be able to use 8GB so depending on the amount of work you do with it you may want to upgrade to 8GB, however if you have 32 bit CS4 you wont get each program to use more than 2GB of ram so it wont affect it too much.

I figured since you had the budget i would use it, however if you want to cut down a bit and still get good performance that is doable. You dont save too much by dropping down to an antec 300(only $15), i would still suggest sticking with the 750 watt PSU, it will save you money in the long run if you need to crossfire in the future to get more graphics horsepower.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

You can swap down to this combo, it will save you 92, you will still get pretty good gaming at 1920x1080 and the 720 will still do rather well with CS4
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.237068

There is no 'preferred resolution', higher resolutions like 1920x1200 look better than 1280x1024 but need a 4890 to get max detail rather than a 4850. The larger monitor will help you with photoshop though as i definitely prefer working on my desktop over my laptop.

 

[camgren]

CPU:
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail US$167
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

or
Intel Core2 Quad Q9400 2.66GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail US$189
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115131

MOBO:

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail US$179-60
https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=7605989


Just my two cents, and I'd stick with 4mb at first, the mobo I'm not too sure with.

 

[sardarbalu]

Ahh I understand I think your first build is good then I can make it work.

So, about the OS what would you guys reccomend I pick.

Also thank you for explaining your reasons about the resolutions and the monitor.

 

[hunter315]

Definitely vista 64, but make sure you get one with the upgrade coupon to 7. Or if you have access to the MSDN windows 7 is already up.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116677

if you have any questions as to why i picked what i picked feel free to ask, you cant learn without asking and you arent going to offend me. Also dont get that build just yet, im pretty sure its as good as you can get but its always good to get a second opinion.

 

[sardarbalu]

Yes my friend has access to the MSDN and said he will help me in that area. I just wasn't sure if Windows 7 is reliable enough for compadibility than Vista 64. I will see.

Also like Hunter said please give a 2nd opinion, and I appreciate all the help I can get.