Need a new computer

[Flipperk]

hey guys flip here,


I need a helping hand in getting a new computer, my old one has gone to crap and is showing its age quite well...


I want to build my own computer, a very decent computer. (I dont need the top of the line $2,500 computer)

I have helped build my friends computer before, and i have taken several electronics classes in college so im pretty confident i will be able to build one on my own.


Anyways, never really built one myself before so finding compatibility between the parts is an issue.



I just want to be able to run AHII with 50+ FR with full screen res, and graphics. (A good gaming computer basically, there are some other games i like to play)


Willing to fork out up to around 1000$ But of course i would love to spend less than that 



Anyways a small help with parts will really help me out alot, just to get me started.


Thanks in advance!!


Your pal,


Flip


#302

[cattb]

look up tomshardware on the net there will be some reviews, articles and bechmarks to help you out on what ever you decide.
If you go nvidia on your video card I would go with the 9800 series or the next step up260(216), ATI is coming out with some good cards though also I have read.

[Dragon]

Every one of these "I need a new computer" threads always has the same #2 or #3 post:


What, if any, parts are you removing from your old box and using for the new one.  And, are you keeping your existing monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc...?

[Flipperk]

Every one of these "I need a new computer" threads always has the same #2 or #3 post:


What, if any, parts are you removing from your old box and using for the new one.  And, are you keeping your existing monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc...?

Not taking anything from the old box, the only thing im using is the monitor.


Everything else will be new

[Dragon]

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Processor BX80570E8400 - 3.0GHz, 6MB Cache, 1333MHz FSB, Wolfdale, Dual-Core, Retail, Socket 775, Processor with Fan  180.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3574211&CatId=2396

OCZ ModXStream Pro Power Supply - 700-Watt, Modular, Dual +12V Rails, SATA, 80Plus  75.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4362115&CatId=4294

Gigabyte EP45-UD3P Motherboard - Intel P45, Socket 775, ATX, PCI-E 2.0, CrossFireX, 2 Gigabit, S/PDIF, Firewire, USB 2.0, eSATA, RAID  140.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4410102&CatId=1533

Kingston HyperX Dual Channel 4096MB PC8500 DDR2 1066MHz Memory (2x2048MB)  116.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4242488&CatId=2531

Thermaltake / TMG i1 / Socket 775 / Copper Base / CPU Cooler  35.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2932376&CatId=1588

Samsung SH-S223C_BE DVDRW Drive - 22X DVD+/-R, 12X DVD-RAM, 16X DVD+R DL, 12X DVD-R DL, 8X DVD+RW, 6X DVD-RW, 48X CD-R, 32X CDRW, SATA  30.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5344784&sku=S203-8576%20OEM

Western Digital WD5001AALS Caviar Black Hard Drive - 500GB, 7200 rpm, 32MB, SATA-3G  65.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4914330&CatId=2459

NZXT Tempest ATX Mid-Tower Case - Clear Sides, Front USB, eSATA Ports 100.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3911521&CatId=1509

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64BIT Operating System Software - OEM DVD 150.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5213934&CatId=306

EVGA GeForce 9800 GTX+ Video Card - 512MB GDDR3, PCI Express 2.0, SLI Ready, (Dual Link) Dual DVI, HDTV  124.00
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3738445&CatId=3585




I must have forgotten something, total is 891.00 after rebates.  Plenty left to pick up mouse, keyboard or even add a 2nd hard drive.


Added VC total 1015.00.  A wee bit over budget, but worth it.

[gyrene81]

I must have forgotten something, total is 891.00 after rebates. 

Video card. And the best 2 places to get one (price wise)...Newegg or Amazon.

Evga 9800XT 512MB or GTS250 512MB...of course if you cut back on some of the other costs, you could go to a GT260.

[Flipperk]

OOOO!!


Nice find there!! 


Looking at some of the components on newegg and other sites....could probably get all of this down to the low 900s





#308

[Spikes]

Just had to send back my GA-EP45-UD3P for an RMA today, maybe it's one of those one in 1000 things, Gigabyte's are pretty well known and trusted.

[guncrasher]

i got the same mobo, i love it no problems with it whatsoever  only thing is I cant install 2 9800 gtx+ video cards on it due to they cover the power/reset inputs on the lower pcie slot.  but then again one card is more than enough to run the game.

semp

[MrRiplEy[H]]

Just had to send back my GA-EP45-UD3P for an RMA today, maybe it's one of those one in 1000 things, Gigabyte's are pretty well known and trusted.

Funny, I hear the same thing but my personal experience with Gigabyte has been bad. Of course I've had only 2 boards from them so might be statistic freak.

[Fulmar]

Funny, I hear the same thing but my personal experience with Gigabyte has been bad. Of course I've had only 2 boards from them so might be statistic freak.

Last 4 boards I've had were Asus boards and never had any issues.  However I ordered a Asus DVD-RW drive in January and it was DOA, had to RMA it.  But for me I've been pretty luckly I think.  I still have my first home built motherboard that still works fine (FIC was the brand).  I've built computers for my wife before back in college using the ECS brand and had 2 DOA and eventually just bought an Asus board instead.  Built my brother-in-law an MSI board which has had no issues.

[Dragon]

I currently have 1-MSI, 1-ASUS, and 1 Gigabyte machine and have not had a problem with any of them. 

[Getback]

I have an Abit board and an MSI board. Both work great. I especially love the abit board. An IT guy liked it as well. Unfortunately they no longer make them. My mom's computer, that I built, uses a gigabyte board and it's been solid as well. I had an issue with an asus board but I'm not so sure that wasn't my fault.