Looking for $1000-$1500 Gaming System Build

[jknight]

I am looking for to build a system to handle 64-bit OS (Win 7) used for mostly gaming and a little video editings. I would like to be able to run these games with full resolution, everything graphic option turned up and not have to deal with lag as well.

APPROXIMATE PRICE: $1000-1500

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: 1-2 months out. Just depends on when I get tax credit from buying a new home.

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming (World of Warcraft, Champions Online, RTS style games (ie: Starcraft II), Guild Wars), making Anime Music Videos's using Adobe Preimiere, surfing the internet, work, watching movies.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS (Win 7 Professional 64-bit)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: I would like to use Intel based CPU since I get a better performance video production wise from it than I do with AMD. I also prefer using Western Digital hard drives. I am not too picky on video cards, although experience has shown Nvidia getting better results with the MMO's that I play and tend to work better with Intel based CPUs. Needs to also have a DVD-R.

OVERCLOCKING: No SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe SLI

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 2 Monitors 1680x1050, 1920x1080

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: The case doesn't necessarily need to be included in price, unless you think its a really good case. I prefer to buy cases locally because some look good on the net but when you get them are flimsly and crappy. I haven't decided if I want to SLI yet or not.


Currently I am running this system:
Pentium 4 2.8 Mhz
4 GB RAM (3.25 GB)
512 MB GeForce GTX6600
250 GB Western Digital Hard Drive
Win 7

 

[tecmo34]

Here is a good build for you... I keep you with an Nvidia GPU but I would recommend an ATI's 5850 for the $50 more to get DX11 support and better graphics.

Cost: $1,170.85
■CPU: Intel Intel Core i7-860 Lynnfield 2.8GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I7860 - Retail
■MOBO: ASUS P7P55D EVO LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
■RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBRH - Retail
■HSF: COOLER MASTER Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-GP 120mm "heatpipe direct contact" Long life sleeve CPU ... - Retail
■HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
■PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power ... - Retail
■GPU: EVGA 896-P3-1170-AR GeForce GTX 275 896MB 448-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
■Case: Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
■DVD: SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223B - OEM
■Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM

 

[build]

+1 for most of tecmo's build and also agree with him on the 5850, but there's some more changes that could be made.

Mobo: Aside from the lack of an eSATA port and other minor differences, the cheaper "Pro" version is practically the same as the Evo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131405

Case: Since there is a chance you could go Crossfire/SLI, I'd recommed a bigger case with better cooling i.e. the HAF 922 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197

Also, you have stated that you don't want to overclock so the stock CPU cooler will suffice, hence you won't need an aftermarket HSF and Thermal Compound.

 

[jknight]

Here is a good build for you... I keep you with an Nvidia GPU but I would recommend an ATI's 5850 for the $50 more to get DX11 support and better graphics.

So the Nvidia doesn't support DX11? Is ATI's 5850 the only one with DX11 support at this time or are there no Nvidia equivalents?

 

[obsidian86]

no nvidia dx 11 till december or jan

 

[tecmo34]

ATI has four cards that support DX11... 5870, 5850, 5770 and 5750 (Ranged from top dog to low end)

Nvidia has not released their DX11 cards. They will be the 300 series expected to be released late this year or first part of next... (From the last I've seen... no firm dates)

 

[jknight]

Nvidia has not released their DX11 cards. They will be the 300 series expected to be released late this year or first part of next... (From the last I've seen... no firm dates)

Hhmmm well I probably won't be building it until at least a month or two from now anyways.

How does everyone feel about GeForce GTX 260 x 2 in SLI vs DX11 5850 (non-crossfired) vs high end DX11 Nvidia that would come out. Price point wise I have to guess any DX11 Nvidia cards that come out will be around 200-500. So I'd probably only be able to pick up One ATI 5850 or Nvidia DX11 vs 2 DX10 GeForce in SLI.

Would the performance be better with the SLI to warrant staying DX10 or better with DX11? Which do you think would give the performance for the buck?