Gaming Computer Help

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ssg10587

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jul 3, 2008
Messages
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Hi ive heard these forums are great for helping on building computers so I was looking to get some help on how to improve my current configuration of the computer i plan on building for gaming.

Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 LGA775 2.40 GHz 8MB 65nm 95W Quad Core Processor
Motherboard: Heard Giga-byte 3dsl or something is a good model. Need some help here.
Video card: wondering whether I should go geforce 8800 GT or the 9600 GT Any help would be amazing.
Memory: Looking for a 4gb cheap set. If anyone knows any good cheap ones id really appreciate it.
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar GP WD5000AACS 500GB - 7200rpm - Serial ATA/300 - Internal Hard Drive - OEM/Bare
Cooling: OCZ Vendetta CPU Cooler
Power supply: Corsair 520W SLI Certified Modular ATX Power Supply
Case: Antec Nine Hundred Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
DVD: no clue, cheap but effective is what im looking for. Dont need anything crazy.

Looking to spend around $850 for the system. Dont need a monitor or anything. This comes to around 925 but with mail in rebates its down to about 850. Any improvements or missing components, please let me know, thanks. If I seem to not know something im new at building computers so that is probably why. Thanks for the time and help.
 
i believe the motherboard is ds3. you must be going windows vista 64 bit if gonna use 4 gig of memory. i would look into an ati 4850 video card they seem to be best bang for buck at this current time. im sure others will chime in just need to clarify which operating system your planning on using ....which well tell us how much ram you actually need.
 
First and foremost: Don't count the cost of the after rebate check until you have that rebate check in your hands. Rebates can be rejected, lost, or ignored. So they are not guaranteed.

Ok, answer these questions or we cannot help you further:
- What are you planing to do with this PC?
- Will you be overclocking?
- What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Large number of SATA ports? etc.
- Do you already have a legit OS license for either Vista or XP?
- What size monitor do you have?
- If gaming, what games will you playing on this new rig?

Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3L Intel P43 Motherboard - $96
MSI P45 Neo3-FR Intel P45 Motherboard - $114
Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3R Intel P45 Motherboard - $146
Asus P5Q Pro Intel P45 Motherboard - $150
DFI Lanparty DK X38-T2R Intel X38 Motherboard - $185
Gigabyte GA-X48-DS4 Intel X48 Motherboard - $225

Just to help you out: If you don't need RAID, more than 6 SATA ports and only need semi-decent overclocking, check out the DS3L. If you need 8 SATA ports, RAID, 4 PCI slots, and legacy ports, then get the Neo3-Fr. If you don't need more than 6 SATA ports but want RAID, firewire, a second PCI-E x16 port, a second gigabit port, support for 16GB of RAM, optional eSATA, and high overclocks, then get the DS3R. If you like the DS3R but need 8 SATA ports, want an onboard pre-installed fast booting Linux setup or don't need a second gigabit port, get the Asus P5Q Pro. If you want Crossfire with full x16/x16 bandwidth, get the Lanparty DK X38.
 
Danny Bui said:
First and foremost: Don't count the cost of the after rebate check until you have that rebate check in your hands. Rebates can be rejected, lost, or ignored. So they are not guaranteed.

Ok, answer these questions or we cannot help you further:
- What are you planing to do with this PC?
- Will you be overclocking?
- What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Large number of SATA ports? etc.
- Do you already have a legit OS license for either Vista or XP?
- What size monitor do you have?
- If gaming, what games will you playing on this new rig?

Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3L Intel P43 Motherboard - $96
MSI P45 Neo3-FR Intel P45 Motherboard - $114
Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3R Intel P45 Motherboard - $146
Asus P5Q Pro Intel P45 Motherboard - $150
DFI Lanparty DK X38-T2R Intel X38 Motherboard - $185
Gigabyte GA-X48-DS4 Intel X48 Motherboard - $225

Just to help you out: If you don't need RAID, more than 6 SATA ports and only need semi-decent overclocking, check out the DS3L. If you need 8 SATA ports, RAID, 4 PCI slots, and legacy ports, then get the Neo3-Fr. If you don't need more than 6 SATA ports but want RAID, firewire, a second PCI-E x16 port, a second gigabit port, support for 16GB of RAM, optional eSATA, and high overclocks, then get the DS3R. If you like the DS3R but need 8 SATA ports, want an onboard pre-installed fast booting Linux setup or don't need a second gigabit port, get the Asus P5Q Pro. If you want Crossfire with full x16/x16 bandwidth, get the Lanparty DK X38.
Click to expand...

To answer your questions. This PC will be for gaming. I am going to overclock. I have no clue on your third question. I dont mind going for the ds3r if it means a higher overclock since it is only $50 more. I have XP discs so im going to be using windows xp. I have a 19'' monitor and may go up to a 22'' or 24''. The games i plan on playing are eve online, diablo 3 when it comes out, supreme commander.

edit: I looked around and so Im at a crossroads on the video cards.
8800GT: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130319
ATI4850l: http://www.buy.com/prod/asus-radeon-hd-4850-512mb-ddr3-256-bit-pci-e-2-0-crossfirex-supported/q/loc/101/208287820.html

They are about the same price so you guys think i should go for the ati 4850?
If i change graphics card do i need to get a different motherboard? I looked around and couldnt find any answer to this. Is there a sticky somewhere on the forums for building computers and the general concepts?

For memory I found: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184
For cd/dvd burner I found: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151171

Would I be better off getting 4 sticks of 1gb or 2 sticks of 2gb since the latter is bit more expensive?

Also do I need a heatsink? Im kinda clueless on desktops as I havent had one in a while and was just wondering if fans are enough.

On the processor what is the difference between these two. One says OEM and one says retail but the OEM one is like $20 cheaper.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115018

For power supplies:
http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-vx-550w-atx-power-supply/q/loc/101/205852646.html
or http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-tx-650w-atx12v-power-supply/q/loc/101/206178324.html

The price difference is minimal so which would be the best? Trying to see if I can shave some money off.

Looked at the DS3Rs you were talking about and cant decide between
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128086
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128082

The price differences are minimal and I cant see much difference between them.

Also changing my hard drive to Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM. Seems to be a little bit more for 120gb and people on this forum praise it alot.
 
ssg10587 said:
Is there a sticky somewhere on the forums for building computers and the general concepts?
Click to expand...

Yeah, it's the sticky at the top of General Hardware labeled: "Gen[H]ard FAQ... n00bs start here" Since you're a noob, you might want to start there. That Sticky was made for people like you.

Get the HD4850. It's one of the best bang for your buck card out now. And no you do not need to get a different motherboard when you change graphics card. PCI-E will still be around for the forseeable future.

The memory and CD burner you chose are good choices. You're better off getting 2 x 2GB sticks. It'll make overclocking a bit easier.

The OEM version of the Q6600 means that it only comes with a 90 day warranty and does not come with a heatsink fan (HSF). Th retail version has a 3 year warranty and a HSF. If you're planning on overclocking, then yes get a 3rd party HSF. I recommend these:
Xigmatek HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle HSF - $37 & Retention Bracket - $7
ZEROtherm Nirvana NV120 120mm HSF - $50
Thermalright Ultima-90 HSF - $46 & Panaflo FBA09A12M 92mm Fan - $3

Those aren't the DS3R motherboards I was talking about. Did you look at the link I provided? That's the DS3R I was talking about.

With your budget, you may need to get this Case/PSU combo:
Antec Sonata III ATX Case with Antec Earthwatts 500W PSU - $106
 
Alright thanks alot for all the help.

Right now Im leaning towards:

Processor: So should i go for the retail version of the chip to get the fan as well or stick with the thrid party fan alone?

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3R Intel P45 Core 2 Quad/Core 2 Extreme/Core 2 Duo/Pentium/Pentium Extreme Socket 775 1600 MHz PC2-9600 (DDR2-1200) ATX Motherboard Retail

Power Supply: Corsair TX 650W ATX12V Power Supply

Video card: ASUS EAH4850/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

CD/DVD: SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223F - OEM

Case: That one you suggested has no fans it seems. Is that fine to go with? The other one I had had about 3 of them so I figured that would help with overclocking.

memory: OCZ SLI-Ready Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2N800SR4GK - Retail

Fans:Xigmatek HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle HSF - $37 & Retention Bracket - $7

My last question is do I have enough cooling to overheat this chip? The only fan seems to be the xigmatek one. Will that be enough?
 
Are the XP discs retail or OEM? If they are OEM, have they been used on another system before?

As an FYI, retail copies of XP can be transferred from computer to computer, but the license can only be used on one computer at a time. OEM licenses can only be used once, last for the lifespan of the system they are on, and are non-transferable.

If you need a new copy of Windows, an OEM copy of Vista Home Premium is available for around $100 shipped.
 
I get it free with school so I dont need a copy of xp. The Operating system isnt a problem. It will definitely be xp. I cant stand vista anyways.
 
ssg10587 said:
My last question is do I have enough cooling to overheat this chip? The only fan seems to be the xigmatek one. Will that be enough?
Click to expand...

LOL!! The last thing you want to do is "overheat" a CPU. LOL! :D You want to "cool" the CPU, not overheat it.

The case I recommended had one rear fan if you look at it again. Also large number of fans does not always mean better cooling. The airflow inside the case matters as well. And no note that you will be over budget if you go with that case you chose. Is that fine? Also the case I chose came with a PSU so no need for the Corsair PSU. Though if you're fine with going past your $850 budget, I recommend these other cases rather than that Antec 900:

Cooler Master RC-590-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $60
Cooler Master RC-690-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $70
Cooler Master Mystique RC-632S-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $75
Antec Solo - $78
Lian Li PC-7B Plus II Silver ATX Case - $80
Lian Li Lancool PC-K7B ATX Case - $80

Go for the retail CPU for the 3-year warranty and get the 3rd party HSF as well. Though if you don't care for a 3 year warranty, then get the OEM model and 3rd party HSF.

Ditch the RAM. A bit too much. I recommend this RAM instead:
G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - $84
 
Lol well thats how much of a noob I am at this stuff. I meant to say overclock. But im learning and will eventually get it....i hope. Alright thanks Ill change the ram. No im fine with being cheap. Will that case with the fans from the processor and 3rd party one be enough? Ill go over in order to overclock but if I dont have to I dont mind.
 
You mean fans from the case. The CPU doesn't have a fan. The 3rd party HSF does though.

It should be enough.
 
I thought you said the retail for the processor comes with a HSF? Heatsink fan right? Also You happen to know a good wireless adapter. I saw this one and it got decent reviews.
ASUS WL-167g USB 2.0 WLAN Adapter (pen-type) - Retail
 
The Sonata III case comes with one rear 120mm TriCool fan and the Earthwatts 500W PSU. It has a slot in the front for a 120mm fan as well... but it's in front of the HDD cage.

If you want additional/better fans, buy a couple of Yate Loon low-speed or medium-speed case fans.

The retail version of the processor does come with its own stock HSF. However, the CPU coolers that Danny recommended earlier cool much better and run quieter than the stock HSF.

Unless you live in a very hot and/or humid environment, the CPU cooler, PSU, and two 120mm case fans will be enough to keep everything cool inside your case.
 
Thanks for the info Tiraides. Just need some info on the wireless adapter and I think I am ready to go.
 
May I ask why you're looking at a USB wireless adapter instead of an expansion (PCI/PCIe) card?
 
I was just looking for a cheap one that works. Any is fine as long as it is under $30 if possible. What is wrong with a usb. Not possible on a desktop?
 
It can used on a desktop, but IIRC, an expansion card give you more available bandwidth. (But I could be wrong.)

I don't see anything wrong with the adapter you're looking at, but I haven't seen many reviews (outside of NewEgg's) available on it.
 
Alright thanks alot Tiraides and Danny Bui for all the help. I really could have never gotten this far without the help. I appreciate it alot. If you guys have a minute you mind looking over what Im at now and letting me know if it looks ok?

Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
Item #: N82E16819115017

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3R Intel P45 Core 2 Quad/Core 2 Extreme/Core 2 Duo/Pentium/Pentium Extreme Socket 775 1600 MHz PC2-9600 (DDR2-1200) ATX Motherboard Retail

Video card: ASUS EAH4850/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

CD/DVD: SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223F - OEM

Case: Antec Sonata III Quiet Super Mini Tower 9 Bays PSU eSATA Port (Black)

memory: OCZ SLI-Ready Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2N800SR4GK - Retail

Fans: ZEROtherm Nirvana NV120 120mm 2-ball UFO Bearing / Transparent CPU Cooler - Retail

Im looking to overclock to about 3.0 ghz. Would I need more fans or would the three be adequate? (HSF, 3rd party and case one)
 
ssg10587 said:
Im looking to overclock to about 3.0 ghz. Would I need more fans or would the three be adequate? (HSF, 3rd party and case one)
Click to expand...

Ok dude, the HSF is the 3rd party. You're being redundant there. And yes those two fans will be enough.
 
Get the G.Skill 4GB kit that Danny recommended earlier, and get the Sonata III case from either Provantage or Buy.com. Additionally, pick up a couple of Yate Loon fans and use those instead of the fan(s) included in the Sonata III.

You won't need the retail HSF that comes with the Q6600 if your using the Nirvana, but the retail CPU also comes with a three-year limited warranty. That's the real appeal of the processor (aside from its overclocking capabilities).
 
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