Gaming Rig on a Budget

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brown_out

n00b
Joined
Aug 27, 2008
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Building a new gaming rig in NJ, USA. I've listed my thoughts thus far, but I'm open to comments and suggestions as long as the suggested components don't push me too far past the current pricepoint...

Random Notes: I'm trying to avoid newegg on high dollar items unless they have a really great deal mostly because I get charged the additional 8% sales tax :/

Also, in terms of RAM, i made a selection, but it's definitely not final... there's so many options out there, I was hoping someone could make a better recommendation.

I'm going to be going for Vista x64 and probably won't be overclocking too much initially so I'm not too worried about dropping anything extra on an aftermarket hsf unless you think the stock e8500 cooler is that bad...

MONITOR:
Acer X223Wbd 22" Widescreen LCD Monitor - 2500:1, 1680 x 1050 (WSXGA+), VGA, DVI (HDCP), Black (13.9 lbs)
$216.24 SHIPPED tigerdirect.com

MOBO:
ASUS P5Q PRO Intel P45 Core 2 Quad/Core 2 Extreme/Core 2 Duo/Dual-Core Celeron Socket 775 1600 MHz PC2-9600 (DDR2-1200) ATX Motherboard Retail
$149.79 shipped/taxed newegg.com -- Same mobo available cheaper at zipzoomfly.com but it's out of stock

PROC:
INTEL Core 2 Duo E8500 3.16 GHz 1333 MHz 775 6MB Desktop Processor Retail ***Free Shipping***
$188.50 shipped zipzoomfly.com

VIDEO CARD:
VISIONTEK 900244 Radeon HD 4870 512MB GDDR5 PCI Express x16 (2.0v) Video Card Retail
$270 SHIPPED zipzoomfly.com + $30 MiR not included

HARD DRIVE:
WESTERN DIGITAL Caviar?SE16 SATA WD6400AAKS SATA 7200 RPM 16MB Buffer Hard Drive Bulk ***Free Shipping***
$84.50 zipzoomfly.com

POWER SUPPLY:
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX TX 750W Power Supply Retail ***Free Shipping***
$112.90 shipped zipzoomfly.com + $20 MiR not included

BURNER:
SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223F - OEM
$28.88 shipped and taxed newegg.com

RAM:
OCZ OCZ2RPR10664GK 4GB PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066) DDR2 Memory Retail ***Free Shipping***
$126.80 shipped zipzoomfly.com + $30 MiR not included

CASE:
I'm kind of lost on the case... haven't ever ordered one of these online and I've been using the same massive beige antec-knock off case for the last 10 years. Make me a recommendation that fits the bill for this midrange gaming comp :p




TOTAL SO FAR: ~$1177 shipped and taxed
~1097 after rebates

Thanks in advance for your help!
 
Krycek1 said:
If you want a cramped by quite case, look here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129025
Click to expand...

I really don't like the idea of having a door on the front of my case. I access the dvd drive pretty often so it always becomes a hassle.

Krycek1 said:
If you want a bigger case with room to expand, this is one I've been eyeing.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119138
Click to expand...

Now that's a pretty sweet case, but it's a little bit out of my budget. I'd say im looking to spend ~$115 max on a case with $80-100 being my goal after shipping/MiR


I kind of like the Cooler Master RC-690. If only it was in stock at zipzoomfly.com -- only $85 after shipping/rebate
 
Rydawg5143 said:
Antec 900 = one the best cooling cases
Click to expand...

The Nine Hundred is not bad, I'm definitely looking into that one.

Speaking of cooling though, what do you think about the decision to opt for stock cooling on the processor? I figure stock would be good enough if I'm not planning on overclocking. I hear the core 2 duos run pretty cool....
 
Another problem with the Antec P182 is that the power button is also under the door! WTF! The door on that case is always the killer for me, or a door on any case... wtf do manufactures do that?

Other then that, the build looks decent, not sure that $1000 would be budget in my mind - I guess that does include a new monitor, but oh well :p
 
stock cooling is fien for non OCers. But after you build your system give it about 3 months and you will be back asking how to OC hehe :) free preformance ftw
 
For memory you can get by with this kit from g.skill at $80 with no MIR hazzle, it can also facilitate a 20% OC before you exceed its rated speed.

Get the E8400 instead of the E8500, it'll save you $20 and you can easily OC the E8400 to match or exceed the E8500 speeds.

Use the savings to get a good HFS for the CPU, for example the Zerotherm Nirvana which is $50 ($40 after MIR). This will also allow you to OC in the future (or right away) if you feel the need.

Before MIR this will save you a little ($25 or so), after MIR you should be at about the same $-wise.

As for a case, the Antec 900 at $100 is a good choice, but aesthetics may not be your cup of tea (or any other hot beverage for that matter). :)
 
Darth Bobo said:
For memory you can get by with this kit from g.skill at $80 with no MIR hazzle, it can also facilitate a 20% OC before you exceed its rated speed.
Click to expand...

Do you think the G.Skill kit will run @ 1066 at 4-4-4-12 or will I need to lay off on the timing? I do like the idea of not having to deal with the MiR, but I don't want to sacrifice stability. As long as the G.Skill runs 1000/1066 @ 5-5-5-15 or better, I'd be happy with it.
 
yeah it was clearance and no longer around. zero dunno what he talking about
 
colinstu said:
Another problem with the Antec P182 is that the power button is also under the door! WTF! The door on that case is always the killer for me, or a door on any case... wtf do manufactures do that?
Click to expand...
Because people, myself included, like it. :)

brown_out said:
Do you think the G.Skill kit will run @ 1066 at 4-4-4-12 or will I need to lay off on the timing? I do like the idea of not having to deal with the MiR, but I don't want to sacrifice stability. As long as the G.Skill runs 1000/1066 @ 5-5-5-15 or better, I'd be happy with it.
Click to expand...

Since you want DDR2 1000 RAM, why not just buy them:
G.Skill F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 1000 RAM - $80
 
if the 182se on sale right now wast mirror finish, i would trade my 900 for it :p
 
brown_out said:
....what?
Click to expand...

There's a P182SE on sale now for $100. However since it has a mirror finish to it, Rydawg5143 won't get it. If it didn't have a mirror finish, he would be all over that case.
 
Danny Bui said:
There's a P182SE on sale now for $100. However since it has a mirror finish to it, Rydawg5143 won't get it. If it didn't have a mirror finish, he would be all over that case.
Click to expand...

Awesome interpreting skills, thank you :p... but where is the p182se on sale for $100... the mirror finish is beautiful, i'd buy that in a snap. The cheapest i see it online is at directron.com for like $140 before shipping!

how come you guys dont like the mirror finish?
 
brown_out said:
Awesome interpreting skills, thank you :p... but where is the p182se on sale for $100... the mirror finish is beautiful, i'd buy that in a snap. The cheapest i see it online is at directron.com for like $140 before shipping!

how come you guys dont like the mirror finish?
Click to expand...

Unfortunately OOS now:
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1338327

I happen to like the Mirror finish. I just don't need to buy it since I already have a P180 case. :)
 
Cases are personal preference. IMO, the Antec 900 is not worth more than $60. It feels so thin and flimsy that I wouldn't spend much on it, and cable management is challenging in that case.

The RC-690 was a steal when it could be found for $20AR... great cooling, ok cable management routes, and a simple look at a great price.
 
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