I5 Dual Monitor Gaming Build with an $800-$900 Budget

[sparky1248]

I'm trying to build a new I5 system capable of driving 2 monitors (for a flight simulator). I already have the monitors.


APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: ASAP (within a few days)
BUDGET RANGE: $800 - $900 After Rebates
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, flight simulators, internet
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitors, speakers, case
PREFERRED WEBSITE FOR PARTS: newegg.com
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
PARTS PREFERENCES: No brand preference, but I dont want to go cheap.
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe
OS NEEDED: YES
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1600x1200
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I would like to try to run this on one Video card, but have the ability to Crossfire or SLI in the event that it was neccesary (or in case I wanted to add a third monitor someday)

Thanks for your help!!!

 

[MadAdmiral]

An i5 is probably not happening on that budget with needing the OS. Here's what I would build:

OS: Windows 7 $105
CPU/Mobo: X4 925 and Gigabyte GA-790XTA-UD4 Combo for $260
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws 2x2 GB 1600 mhz CAS Latency 7 $115
HDD/PSU: Seagate 7200.12 500 GB and OCZ StealthXStream 700W Combo for $90 after rebate
Optical: Cheapest SATA DVD burner $20
GPU: HD 5850 $290

Total: $880.

Better CPU: X4 945 and same board for $271. Put Brings the total to $891.

 

[ares1214]

what mad admiral suggested is good and all, but that budget isnt exactly do-able...as far as i know, flight simulator is a very demanding game in general, but a lot for the cpu. so if you go and get an i5 (also pretty impossible for that budget), then you would have to settle for a 5770 (at best), which can somewhat have dificulties playing games on one monitor, let alone 2, therefore making the 5770 not enough (maybe a 5850 wouldnt be enough either) so you have to get a 5870...after you get the necessary parts, it will cost about 1100 at best...but heres a build anyway:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.335119

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.328815

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.335175

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

final price is unfortunately 1026.91$, obviously a little out of your buget, but i believe it is worth saving up for it...hope this helped, even though it wasnt quite within your budget

 

[MadAdmiral]

[strike]That's not a very good build. You paid an extra $100 (not counting the case, as it's not needed) for a CPU that is $11 more, with worse RAM, and an equivalent PSU. I'm confused...[/strike] Nevermind that. I didn't fix a tag on a link and though the GPU was the same, which it isn't...

BTW, I just saw this combo: X4 945 and same board for $271. Put that in my build and the total is $891.

To compare the two builds, switch the GPU in my build to this HD 5870, making the total $996.

 

[ares1214]

haha i was really confused too! i thought i did something wrong! o well, now after you take away the case in mine and put the 5870 in yours, they are both about the same, but nonetheless, both very good and worth contemplating, even though they are out of your stated budget...