Desperate for help 650~850 mostly-gaming

[elliotth]

Hi, I'm a noob.
I'm looking to build a gaming desktop. I enjoy playing first person shooters online. I would enjoy being able to use game-recording software while still running the game smoothly at a decent resolution. Games like counter strike 1.6/source.. I have looked for a few builds which people have written articles on.

Western digital 500gb 7200rpm 3gb per sec HD
arctic cooler pro 7 cooler
2x2 gb ram 1066 ocz gold edition 240 pin ddr2 pc2 8500
HIS HD radeon 5770 1gb 128bit gddr5
ocz stealthxstream 500w psu
asus p5q pro turbo lga 775 intel p45 atx motherboard
nzxt Apollo black SECC atx mid tower
intel core 2 duo e8400 wolfdale processor 3ghz 65w dual core processor
Sony optiarc 24x DVD/cd rewritable drive

I'd be very appreciative if someone could tell me if all of the above parts are compatible. Also, if there is anything I should upgrade or switch to save money. Any tips would greatly appreciated!

 

[cmcghee358]

Hi, I'm a noob.
I'm looking to build a gaming desktop. I enjoy playing first person shooters online. I would enjoy being able to use game-recording software while still running the game smoothly at a decent resolution. Games like counter strike 1.6/source.. I have looked for a few builds which people have written articles on.

Western digital 500gb 7200rpm 3gb per sec HD
arctic cooler pro 7 cooler
2x2 gb ram 1066 ocz gold edition 240 pin ddr2 pc2 8500
HIS HD radeon 5770 1gb 128bit gddr5
ocz stealthxstream 500w psu
asus p5q pro turbo lga 775 intel p45 atx motherboard
nzxt Apollo black SECC atx mid tower
intel core 2 duo e8400 wolfdale processor 3ghz 65w dual core processor
Sony optiarc 24x DVD/cd rewritable drive

I'd be very appreciative if someone could tell me if all of the above parts are compatible. Also, if there is anything I should upgrade or switch to save money. Any tips would greatly appreciated!

What resolution are you going to run at?

Also the Arctic Cooler Freezer Pro 7 was terrible for my 955 BE, performed worse than my stock cooler. Maybe look into that 212 Cooler everyone seems to be raving about. Costs the same as the Freezer Pro 7.

Also what games do you specifically want to play? The 5770 may be too weak for some of the newer games out.

 

[mosox]

Use this form

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/261222-13-build-advice

 

[elliotth]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: next month or two... quite possibly sooner though BUDGET RANGE: 700-800 (preferably 750 for the system and 100-150 for the monitor, budget may be expanded to 900)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, basic college computing (emphasis on gaming, mostly mid level games i'd like to use recording software like fraps and still get north of 60 fps)

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, OS, speakers (budget may be expanded for a monitor)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: (e.g.: newegg.com, ncix.com -- to show us selection & pricing) COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: (e.g.: Grand Fenwick)

PARTS PREFERENCES: I've heard AMD is better for budget.. just something efficient i may be able to expand upon. i would prefer not to have to upgrade in six months.

OVERCLOCKING: I would love to learn to overclock so a system that has a nice overclock range would be nice but not required. Since i am on a budget i would not like to SLI or crossfire as i have heard the price/dollar ratio is nothing spectacular

MONITOR RESOLUTION: Whatever monitor you guys decide is best for me..

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Just something for midlevel games that can crank out big frames a second http://crossfire.z8games.com/downloads2.aspx <---- I've been playing that game a lot... on my crappy radeon x600 mobility.. i'd like to see some big improvements

Please feel free to be creative. hopefully my budget allows for reliability, efficiency and longevity.. to a point.

much love \o/

 

[jming1084]

Here's what I came up with. If I were you though I would wait as the new hexa-core AMD chips are coming out and prices are likely to change. The 440 Rama is a good overclocker and will do fine in games. The MB is more future proof allowing for the new 6 core AMD chips, 6gb SATA transfer, and Crossfire for another 5770.

CPU/MB Combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.376880

GPU/Memory Combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.361570

Case/PSU Combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.359961

CPU/Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

DVD RW
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

 

[elliotth]

Here's what I came up with. If I were you though I would wait as the new hexa-core AMD chips are coming out and prices are likely to change. The 440 Rama is a good overclocker and will do fine in games. The MB is more future proof allowing for the new 6 core AMD chips, 6gb SATA transfer, and Crossfire for another 5770.

CPU/MB Combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.376880

GPU/Memory Combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.361570

Case/PSU Combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.359961

CPU/Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

DVD RW
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

That looks like a very practical build, thanks!

a few questions-
Is there a release date for the hexa cores? a ball park area?

Would i be able to scale back on the PSU and case cost and put that towards a better CPU or GPU?

How do crossfired hd 5770's perform?

Thanks in advance

 

[mosox]

You can also get this with a better video card and a quad:

Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128431
CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103704
RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211410
HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181
DVDRW
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136144
GPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102884
Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065
PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151094
Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119152

$851.92

http://i.imgur.com/BRXzN.jpg

 

[batuchka]

 

[elliotth]

These builds are getting better and better!

Any monitor suggestions?

I'm assuming a 300$ radeon hd 5850 will be able to handle any mid level games, correct?

Thanks so much for taking the time to help me.

 

[fastx21]

Yes 5850 can handle mid to high level graphics settings. Honestly for $800 I don't see you getting any further then the above recommendation. Esepcially with a 5850 and amd 955.
BUT you really should get a Cooler Master Hyper 212 as well.

... I was looking for that combo deal, it came with a free usb internal card reader but I can't find it at the moment.

 

[elliotth]

Well this does push the limit of my budget..

Ideally, i'd want the system for 900$ including a monitor.

Should i scale down on the graphics graphics, cpu or something? i mean if this is a really good build i will open my budget up a little. I trust what guys say

 

[FUN_YUN]

people seem to recommend x3 rana over phenom ii when it comes to gaming and you could probably shave off a few bucks by getting a cheaper mobo and psu.

 

[mosox]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128431
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103724
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211410
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136144
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131351
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.359966
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254045

$931.87

For gaming the video card is much more important than the CPU.

 

[fastx21]

It's up to you if you wanted a generally good computer with a very good video then Rana + 5850 is the way to go.

If you wanted a very good computer in general in addition to something that can play the latest games then you're better off getting a 955 and 5850.

Either way go with what fits your budget, that's the most important part.

 

[elliotth]

My only questions would be-

is there anyway to cut that to below 900? I'm sorry to be so picky.

If not, will this system last, and meet my average uses and mid-level gaming requirements?

Perhaps a crossfire motherboard and a 5770 and then later pick up a second 5770?

 

[fastx21]

You can certainly run a 5770 and save yourself $150 right away. And even save the $35 and use the stock HSF for the time being. That video card will run most/all games in medium settings without any problems but keep in mind new games come out all the time and video cards get out dated faster then a mac computer.

For example I went with the AMD 955 and an XFX black series 5850. Although it is good the video still does lag set on high with AA/4x when alot of action is going on. Such as on crysis when I invade a town.

So as long as you dont do like 190x1080 and high settings then the 5770 should be fine.

You should really research neweggs combo deals, you can easily save $20 here and $30 there.

Such as below. Slightly better Rana proc and an Asus mobo. That's a savings of $15 over the other board and proc choice above. But keep in mind it's a slightly faster processor so worth it in my opinion.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.375961


Or the same Rana 3.0 ghz and a biostar TA790GX board. Saves about $20 off the total.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.359497

 

[elliotth]

Thank you so much. I will definitely creep on newegg for a few days. What about getting a 19" monitor and saving fifty bucks or should I stay with 20" and above? Yes, I may run a 5770.. It seems more economic but, of course, less power. I only play games like counter strike and crossfire. This may be overkill for them but I would like an economic work horse. Well, a "game" horse

 

[elliotth]

This is the build i just selected. it totals $600 with no rebates/shipping factored in. BUT. I am missing a gpu.. So if someone would be kind enough to critique this build i would be very grateful.

also, if someone could tell me the best single gpu for 200$.. MAYBE 250$ but the dollar-performance ratio must really be worth it. or just a 150$ card and maybe some aftermarket cooling for overclocking? you tell me.

all-in-all: tell me if this looks good. suggest a gpu and anything that i may have left out or need in the future- thanks ^^

LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model GH22NP20 - 23$

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive - 55$

Hanns·G HH-231HPB Black 23" 5ms HDMI Widescreen Full HD LCD Monitor - $170

A-DATA Gaming Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333G (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model AX3U1333GB2G8-2G - 105$

Antec EarthWatts EA-500D Green 500W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply -
Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - 105$ (case+psu combo)

AMD Athlon II X3 440 Rana 3.0GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor
BIOSTAR TA790GXB3 AM3 AMD 790GX ATX AMD Motherboard - 143$ (motherboard+CPU combo)

does that look good ?

EDIT- I'd PREFER the PC to run quietly and cooly and just an overall smooth machine.. but that's just a preference. Mainly just gaming on a budget.. if i can get a beast machine under 800$ or 850$ i will be very happy.. You would be a god if you could make quality suggestions for a fun rig under 800$..

 

[batuchka]

1. Swap out to a SATA interface DVDRW
2. Slap on a HD 5850 and u fine
3. You are welcomed ^^

 

[elliotth]

I'd love to pick up a 5850 but it's budget killer for me :s.

Should I make cuts in the build to make a 5850 fit?

would a 5770 be able to run 23" monitor at 1920-1080?

Also, I'm concerned about the motherboard I have selected is it compatible with the chosen ram?

Any magical gpu between 150-200$ that can run 1920-1080 res? Or do I cut 50 from the monitor and spread it around to the gpu or CPU?

 

[mosox]

You can get this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131344

http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Hardware/Reviews/powercolor_hd_5830/16.html

If there's some $$ left, change the mobo with a Gigabyte.

 

[elliotth]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254045

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131366

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161317

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211410

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.359966

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.374231

This is what i plan on purchasing.. I can't bring myself to buy a 58xx because of the 5770's great value and reviews. I think it will be potent enough, as i will not be playing crysis on high settings.. I only plan on playing mid-level games at a larger res and viewing HD movies perhaps.

If anyone has any patients left... I was hoping someone could-

*take a cursory glance at this build and tell me if everything is compatible and if i would be able to add a second 5770 sometime in the summer and do some overclocking over the summer (just tinkering not a massive OC)

*suggest any parts i could find that do the same thing but cheaper (specifically motherboard)

Thanks so much for your time!!

 

[jming1084]

If you can wait I would still try to wait a bit longer. I believe the Hex cores are coming out around april 26th so if you can wait till May you can probably get some better deals. Also the Fermi cards will be more avaliable which may drive down the 5800's prices. It always sucks waiting but I think it's the best thing to do.