Building first gaming computer. Need some help.

[tegdf]

I want to spend between $500-$800. This is what I have come up with so far. I'm definitely open to any suggestions to make it better. I plan on using my monitor, keyboard and speakers from my old computer. I also have an old 9600XT but I will upgrade that probably at Christmas.

Hard Drive - Western Digital Caviar Blue 320GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136098

Motherboard - GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128387

CPU - AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition Callisto 3.1GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Processor

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103680

Memory - CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145195

Power Supply - Antec EarthWatts EA650 650W Continuous Power ATX 12V Ver.2.2 / EPS12V version 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC "compatible with Core i7/Core i5"

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015

 

[shortstuff_mt]

The WD3200AAJS is an older model drive that is considerably slower than the current single platter 500GB drives.

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive $54.99

That RAM is severely overpriced. You can get nice CAS 7 DDR3 1333 RAM for the same price. You can also get a nice AM3 motherboard in a combo with your CPU to save you some money. These suggestions get you a better build for less money. You've got to love a "win-win" situation.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.273358 $196.99 - $10 MIR (AMD Phenom II X2 550 + ASUS M4A79XTD EVO combo)

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH - Retail $89.99

 

[dndhatcher]

Caviar Blue is not a performance drive like Caviar Black. It wouldnt cost much more to get a Samsung F3 500GB performance drive.

For the same price as that old motherboard and DDR2 RAM you should be able to find a newer AM3/DDR3 motherboard and RAM.

I didnt see a case listed. Antec 300 illusion is my favorite less expensive case. Coolermaster CM 690 is a good option also.

*edit - and shortstuff posted before me...

 

[tegdf]

Ill change and get what shortstuff suggested. Would that be a good gaming computer when I add in a graphics card? Also what CPU is better for gaming Intel or AMD?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Also what CPU is better for gaming Intel or AMD?

There is no clear-cut answer to that question. It will just bring the fanboys out of the woodwork. Your CPU does just fine in games.

 

[tegdf]

What kind of video card do you recommend? I haven't been keeping up with that lately. Looking for medium to high end graphics card.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

That depends on the resolution you are planning on gaming at. What resolution does your monitor run at?

 

[tegdf]

I usually game at 1024x768 but I can go up to 1600x1200. Its a 20 inch monitor.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

I would have a look at the new ATI HD 5770 cards.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=40000048&Description=5770&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&Order=PRICE

 

[dndhatcher]

I would have a look at the new ATI HD 5770 cards.

+1

I have one and it will play at max (ultra high at avg 60FPS or better with AA) or almost max the MMORPGs I play at 1380x1050 resolution.

 

[tegdf]

Would the HD 5770 along with the rest on my specs be able to play games like Crysis, the Stalker games and others at high? And is my power supply enough? Would my computer last a good while?

 

[dndhatcher]

Crysis is the most demanding game.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-5770,2446-7.html
There are crysis benchmarks for a 5770 on a good quad core CPU. You shouldnt get numbers quite that high. Still it can play at 1920x1200 at high settings so at a lower resolution it should be quit playable.

Stalker benchmarks are on the page before the crysis ones.

 

[tegdf]

Thanks. Once I finalize my computer Ill post it on here to make sure everything is good.