[SOLVED] $600 32" LCD TV build

[airjaw]

Hi all, could use some advice on a value build. That means, best value GFX card, processor, etc.
I'm willing to spend $600 but if it could be less that'd be dandy.
Help is appreciated! thanks.


Approximate Purchase Date: either now or when Sandy Bridge mobos come out

Budget Range: Unsure. Lets start at $600 and go down from there. The less the better.

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Internet

Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS)

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com


Country of Origin: USA


Parts Preferences: by brand or type: need a SMALL case. I will be bringing this overseas in a suitcase.


Overclocking: Sure, but i don't know how


SLI or Crossfire: Don't know what this is


Monitor Resolution: I want to use a 32" 1080p LCD TV, so I guess 1920x1080?


Additional Comments:

-should last 4 years and be able to play the games at a decent level during.

-Looking most for bang-for-the-buck.

-Should I wait for intel 2500 + Sandy bridge mobo to come out? or will an AMD processor be fine for my needs?

-Plan to use 32" LCDTV http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889005138. Does that affect graphics card choice?

-Should I go with 4GB or 8GB? If I get 2x2GB, can I add more 2x2GB sticks later even if they're different?

 

[aznshinobi]

The resolution will affect your GPU decision alot. The GPU is where your money should mostly be drawn to. I think, though, since you need to fit it in a suitcase. Your looking at something like an HTPC build. I think you need to check out some low profile cards.

Check out my HTPC 350$ build in my siggy.
Switch out the CPU for a 955. Then put this GTS 450 into the build.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814261078

It's not the best GPU, but it'll play decently at your resolution. Plus it's low profile so it'll fit in your HTPC case.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gts-450-gf106-radeon-hd-5750,2734-7.html

As you can see it's playable at higher resolutions.

 

[batuchka]

Me usual sub $600 mATX 1920 x 1080 gamer hehe

$561AR

 

[aznshinobi]

Batchuka, read op? He wants his build SMALL so he can carry it in a suitcase.

 

[batuchka]

Hmm could swap out to a shoebox/cube but that would depend on how small TS deems good to go i guess ^^

 

[airjaw]

thanks for the suggestions.

a micro ATX case is fine. i can fit that in a suitcase and frankly don't want to go any smaller than that.

right now my biggest debate is whether I should just go with AMD now or wait for the sandy bridge intels to come out.

will that AMD build last 4 years? I guess 3 years is fine if I can save some money.

 

[batuchka]

Yep one of my fav mATX casings is tat Elite 341 due to commnedable cooling options (up to 4 x 120mm fans) and huge GPU clearance ^^

Given budget and the majority of games not even quadcore optimised for the $$ it would serve u fine ^^


The Game Rundown: Finding CPU/GPU Bottlenecks, Part 2
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/game-performance-bottleneck,2738-16.html

Conclusion: A Trend Toward 3+ Cores

The average optimal number of CPU cores suggested by the test results is 2.75, showing a clear trend towards at least three CPU cores.The question of whether the CPU or GPU is most important is easily answered. If you don't have a multi-core CPU, then upgrade it. If you have a dual-core CPU at around 3 GHz, then invest your money into a graphics card, as most games are GPU-limited. This is not something that will change with new DirectX 11 games.

 

[aznshinobi]

Wow that's a pretty big suitcase. IF you can fit an mATX in there.

 

[airjaw]

Thanks for the help guys.
Just bought the 6870 off amazon for a good price

thinking about these:

case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119193

motherboard: trying to choose the best out of these 3:
1. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131406&cm_re=micro_atx_amd-_-13-131-406-_-Product
2. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138283&cm_re=micro_atx_amd-_-13-138-283-_-Product
3. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=13-128-445&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2#scrollFullInfo

question: what power supply do I need? Also, will all power supplies fit in a mini-ATX case such as mine?
how about this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171046

 

[aznshinobi]

Case wise, that looks nice.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157218

That's a pretty good mobo, great company and USB 3 support.

As for PSU's that's not going to cut it for a 6870. You should look at dimensions.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371030
That PSU maybe to close for comfort, but that should fit just fine.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371044&Tpk=green%20650
That'd give you head room and work, plus its cheap.

 

[airjaw]

Thanks! do you think a cooler is necessary?

 

[aznshinobi]

Umm if you go with the 955 I don't think it is necessary. The stock cooler is pretty good. Not the best, but it's better than the older intel ones. Those just sucked.

 

[batuchka]

If u want to OC down the road then hit an after market else stock is fine ^^

 

[airjaw]

about to buy the cooler master from amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Elite-m-ATX-Tower/dp/B001KUV2BK
batuchka you wanna give me an affiliate link to use?

aznshinobi, i'll use your affil link for the mobo once i choose one

thanks guys

 

[airjaw]

anyone know if this will fit in micro atx case?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=17-339-025&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2#scrollFullInfo

 

[batuchka]

anyone know if this will fit in micro atx case?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=17-339-025&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2#scrollFullInfo

With this PSU at current price for a single GPU/mATX gamer config it's a steal so i'd hit this asap before price goes up :lol:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371030

 

[aznshinobi]

^ WTFFFFFFF I POSTED THAT PSU WTH!

 

[batuchka]

Haha yep checked the link so good advice

 

[aznshinobi]

Oh BTW, Airjaw, Amazon doesn't always have best price for components. Cases and PSUs are Alllright, on Amazon I guess. Mostly cases because they are cheaper since you get Free shipping. Most of the time at least. It's ok if you don't get it off my affil. XD

 

[airjaw]

well the case on amazon has free shipping. its $10 on newegg.
i'm about to buy the case! post an affil link please batucha.

shinobi, post an affil link for the PSU. i'm gonna buy it now

 

[aznshinobi]

Haha there is no Newegg Affiliate program. Since they are wholesale, they'd earn very little if they gave affiliate. It's fine. The PSU is more expensive on Amazon, fact they don't even offer it on Amazon. Just get it off Newegg. Cheaper that way.

 

[airjaw]

shinobi, gonna buy the case now
donno where batchua went off to
if you have an amazon affil link, plz link the case
thanks

 

[aznshinobi]

I don't see case on Amazon actually =P

 

[airjaw]

isn't this the same case?
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Elite-m-ATX-Tower/dp/B001KUV2BK

 

[aznshinobi]

Oh yupppp that's the case.