daddy's getting his own computer

[captdan]

hi guys i dont know alot about computers i want to play AH also flight sim x and edit some home movies i found these computers on ebay is it what i need ? thanks
http://cgi.ebay.com/Silver-Alienware-gaming-Computer-6000-3gb-250hd-9500gt_W0QQitemZ280305319963QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDesktop_PCs?hash=item280305319963&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50

[Getback]

Build your own and we'll help. I'd stay away from laptops for gaming. That is just me. Laptops are more for convenience than gaming. Your needs may be different than mine though.

[captdan]

getback other than a case i would not have any idea where to start

[BaldEagl]

Here's what to look for:

2 Ghz or larger dual core processor with a 1333 FSB (Front Side Bus) and at least 2 mb L2 cache.  Intel's are generally better than AMD.

2 Ghz or more of DDR2 RAM.  Minimum of DDR2 667 or greater.

A dedicated video card (not on-board) with at least 512 mb of memory.

Everything else is optional.  If you can meet the above you will be able to play the game flawlessly at full graphic settings.

[captdan]

DDR2?

[BaldEagl]

DDR2?

Yes.  Dual channel memory (Double Data Rate).  It will be listed like DDR2 800 DDRAM or something similar.

[captdan]

thanks

[Denholm]

Hey dan.

Here is what you need to build the system:

1. Computer Case (Make sure it has plenty of room for air-flow.)

2. PSU (Power Supply Unit. Only if the case doesn't already have one, which I highly suggest you buy the PSU separate!)

3. Motherboard (Make sure it fits the case, your two main motherboard types are ATX and Micro-ATX. The Case technical specifications will list what type of motherboard(s) fit.)

4. Processor (Make sure it fits the motherboard's CPU socket-type. The motherboard will list what type of socket it has for a Processor, just make sure the processor you pick uses the same socket-type. Example: An Intel E8400 uses the LGA-775 socket type, the ASUS Striker II has an LGA-775 CPU Socket.)

5. Memory, otherwise known as RAM (This is the DDR2 mentioned above.)

6. Video Card (Make sure your motherboard has a slot for the card.)

7. Sound Card (While this is optional, it takes a marginal load off your processor allowing it to do other things keeping your system running smoothly.)

8. Hard Drive (If your motherboard choice supports SATA-otherwise known as Serial ATA-you should get a SATA hard-drive.)

9. CD-ROM/DVD-ROM reader/burner (This is required to install your Operating System (Windows) on to your computer. Once again, if your motherboard supports SATA, get a SATA version.)

10. Operating System Installer Disk (This is required to install your Operating System of choice. For instance, Windows.)


If you don't want to put the computer together yourself, I'm sure one of us will do it for you. (For an extra charge, of course.) This will also eliminate the need to buy your own Operating System Installer Disk reducing the overall price of your build.

[captdan]

I am thinking about it you guys make it sound so easy thanks

[Denholm]

It is rather simple, really. It's just the nerve of knowing you're holding a LOT of money in your hands, and you don't want to break it.

[captdan]

how much to build a good system? under 800?

[drdeathx]

Everyone is getting excited. The best advise is get in touch with TILDEATH. he has built a few rigs for AH memebers and has his own shop. I do have to say his prices are great and he can build you a nice system between $700-$800. The prices from Intel have just dropped 20-40%, PSU's and especially Video cards are dirt cheap now. he willl build it, post and test it before UPS. I have seen guys thank him up and down. Besides he will get the best tchnology for the $'s you want to spend. TILDEATH owns his own computer shop and seems to be an avid overclocker. Everyone elses advise is great but when you self build you have a few things to remember. Goffing up, and RMA's in case thing s do not work. For about the same as a self build, TILDEATH will do ya up for sure. LOVE YA TILDEATH..... LOL

 


Capt Dan, He can build you a stellar system for $800. Definitely not top of the line but better than 90% of the guys who play aces high.

[Simaril]

You can build it yourself, too.

I'd never considered it till these guys got me thinking about it, and it was pretty much a breeze. I've built several now...and while there were issues to work through the guys on this board were there to help out too. Learned a lot along the way too.

[BaldEagl]

how much to build a good system? under 800?

Yes.  You can build a very nice system for that price and building it isn't much harder than playing with legos or an erector set.  Everything pretty much just plugs together.  Will you need peripherals like a keyboard, mouse, monitor and speakers or just the box?

Expect to spend about 3 hours assembling it, another couple hours installing the operating system and any applications you're going to run and a couple more hours if you have data that you're transferring from another machine.

[Denholm]

Here's an estimate I just slapped together:

Computer Case: COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-WW
Price: $69.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119077

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P
Price: $134.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358

PSU: PC Power & Cooling S75CF
Price: $109.99 (Before rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341011

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale
Price: $164.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

Memory (RAM): OCZ Platinum
Price: $59.99 (Before Rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227298

Video Card: PNY VCG88512GXPB GeForce 8800GT
Price: $114.99 (Before Rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133205

Sound Card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS
Price: $74.00 (Buying Used)
URL: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0000CG4DI/ref=dp_olp_2

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda ES.2 ST3250310NS
Price: $74.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148309

CD/DVD-ROM Reader/Burner: SAMSUNG Black
Price: $27.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173

Subtotal (Before Rebates): 831.92

Yes, it's above your limit of $800. I can probably reduce the price on the sound card by picking a different one. Let me know if that's what you want.