Need 2 Potential Builds

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jman888

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Jun 12, 2007
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I need 2 , one for 1000$ Full Pc (mouse+kb+monitor+os) And one at 1200.
This i mostly need because of my strong desire to play TF2 and The rest of the orange box..

How much power is needed for tf2 at 1680 x 1050 maxed?

also because im skeptical about building if you could show me any online (BB CC etc) pc's that would do it it would be helpful.
 
Cheap Build:

Antec 300
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L
Intel C2D E7300
XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler
PNY GeForce 9800GT
Antec earthwatts EA500
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1066
WD 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
LG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner

Total $672, which leaves you $328 for you choice of M/KB, OS, and monitor. Should be plenty if you stick to a 22" or smaller monitor.

With an extra $200 I'd swap the 9800GT for an HD4850 (+ $40), the E7200 for a Q6600 (+$50), and put the rest into stepping up to a 24" monitor.

As for the TF2 issue, that game isn't really demanding at all. Anything with a Core 2 Duo and an 8800 or better GPU should be fine.
 
Itchyeyes said:
Cheap Build:

Antec 300
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L
Intel C2D E7300
XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler
PNY GeForce 9800GT
Antec earthwatts EA500
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 1066
WD 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
LG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner

Total $672, which leaves you $328 for you choice of M/KB, OS, and monitor. Should be plenty if you stick to a 22" or smaller monitor.

With an extra $200 I'd swap the 9800GT for an HD4850 (+ $40), the E7200 for a Q6600 (+$50), and put the rest into stepping up to a 24" monitor.

As for the TF2 issue, that game isn't really demanding at all. Anything with a Core 2 Duo and an 8800 or better GPU should be fine.
Click to expand...

I am kinda thinking.

DS3R 124/(Crossfire in future)
4850 Cheapest one and seems to be best bang/buck
KB
4gb ddr2 800 4-4-4 (how much faster is the 1066 with 5-5-5?
600w oczCould it handle 4850 Crossfire?
500gb 7200.11
Card Reader
PC-61
acer 22
home premium 644gb needs this right? how bad is 64?
DVD
2.66 Core2

1061
 
jman888, your build isn't good for a few reasons:
- Low quality PSU
- There is no real world difference between DDR2 800 with CAS4 timings and DDR2 800 RAM with CAS5 timings.
- Poor choice of case that sitll uses 80mm fans
- Older, slower drive
- Also you do NOT need Crossfire for TF2 at 1680x1050.


Here's what I recommend (Working from Itchyeyes' build):
Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 CPU - $120
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R Intel P45 Motherboard - $120
G.Skill F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - $60
Sapphire 100245L Radeon HD 4850 512MB PCI-E Video Card - $160
Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $75
Samsung SH-222F 22X DVD±R SATA DVD Burner - $25
Antec Earthwatts 650W PSU - $65
Cooler Master RC-690-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $78
Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit SP1 OEM - $80
Acer X223Wbd Black 22" DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor - $180
----
Total: $963 plus tax and shipping (Choose your own mouse and k/b)

Better case, faster hard drive, better quality PSU, as well as very very overclocking friendly motherboard. HOwever if you want that second PCI-E x16 slot, then get the DS3R for the same price. Check the General hardware FAQ that's stickied for a ton of links about how to build a PC.

Oh and for that $1200 build, is that a full build as well?
 
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For what you're looking for, it would be cheaper for you to build it yourself. There are guides available in the GenHard FAQ/sticky for first-time builders.

Danny has already explained all of the major point (that I would have said), so here's a different approach for the $1000 tower (the OS, keyboard, and monitor remained the same):

$97 - Antec Three Hundred & EA650 bundle (free shipping on both)
$7 - Two Yate Loon D12SL-12 case fans (for Three Hundred)
$87 - Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3L
$118 - Intel E7200 (free shipping)
$27 - Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro (free shipping)
$55 - G.Skill 2x2GB DDR2 800 kit (free shipping)
$75 - Western Digital 640GB SATA300 HDD (free shipping)
$26 - Asus DRW-2014S1T SATA DVD burner (free shipping)
$165 - HIS HD4850 (free shipping & $30 mail-in rebate)
$100 - Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM (free shipping)
$180 - Acer Acer X223Wbd 22 inch monitor (free shipping)
$15 - Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000
$37 - Logitech MX518 mouse (free shipping)
=====
$989 - Subtotal (not including shipping, taxes, or rebates)

For the $1200 build, you would only have to make a few changes to this build. The "best" option, performance-wise, would be to swap out the HD4850 for either the GTX 260 or the HD4870.
 
Danny Bui said:
jman888, your build isn't good for a few reasons:
- Low quality PSU
- There is no real world difference between DDR2 800 with CAS4 timings and DDR2 800 RAM with CAS5 timings.
- Poor choice of case that sitll uses 80mm fans
- Older, slower drive
- Also you do NOT need Crossfire for TF2 at 1680x1050.


Here's what I recommend (Working from Itchyeyes' build):
Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 CPU - $120
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R Intel P45 Motherboard - $120
G.Skill F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - $60
Sapphire 100245L Radeon HD 4850 512MB PCI-E Video Card - $160
Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $75
Samsung SH-222F 22X DVD±R SATA DVD Burner - $25
Antec Earthwatts 650W PSU - $65
Cooler Master RC-690-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $78
Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit SP1 OEM - $80
Acer X223Wbd Black 22" DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor - $180
----
Total: $963 plus tax and shipping (Choose your own mouse and k/b)

Better case, faster hard drive, better quality PSU, as well as very very overclocking friendly motherboard. HOwever if you want that second PCI-E x16 slot, then get the DS3R for the same price. Check the General hardware FAQ that's stickied for a ton of links about how to build a PC.

Oh and for that $1200 build, is that a full build as well?
Click to expand...
ok then... i really do like the lian li though but you know more than me. i dont even know what 80mm is
 
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jman888 said:
ok then... i really do like the lian li though but you know more than me. i dont even know what 80mm is
Click to expand...

80mm is a common size for case fans. A 120mm case fan can push more air, and produce less noise, at the same speed as a comparative 80mm fan.

It's not that the Lian Li is a bad case, but with what you're asking us for -- an entire system, including a monitor, keyboard, and a mouse, for under/around $1000 - there are other cases available for less.
 
Ok then. but does anybody else use removable motherboard trays? That seems like it would simplify things a lot but its not that major.
 
jman888 said:
ok then... i really do like the lian li though but you know more than me. i dont even know what 80mm is
Click to expand...

Have you done any research whatsoever? People usually seem to come in here with about a month of research under their belt before they ask for help.
 
ok, im just going to keep obsessing (I upgrade RARELY my current pc is a 7 year old 1.2ghz Pentium 3 (Tres three you know that one) and 256megs of SDRAM. i do plan on upgrading more now (getting a job as i recently turned 16 and my parents are now buying me a new pc.) If you only upgraded this often you'd obsess too more than likely. I plan to get it near x-mas.

i cant wait to have more speed then my dads thinkpad (Core2) or my sisters emachines (athalon 64)
 
jman888 said:
Ok then. but does anybody else use removable motherboard trays? That seems like it would simplify things a lot but its not that major.
Click to expand...
While removable motherboard trays are a great feature to have, they shouldn't be a deal-breaker.

To answer your question, though, few of the better-known case manufacturers, outside of Lian Li, offer removable trays in their sub-$100 cases.
 
Alai said:
Have you done any research whatsoever? People usually seem to come in here with about a month of research under their belt before they ask for help.
Click to expand...
Actually i have, done a lot but things like Fans and things like that i have no clue on. I know the processors and when the new stuff is coming out and most stuff but why one case is better than another, and stuff like that i have no clue. (I've been researching a few weeks.)
 
jman888 said:
Actually i have, done a lot but things like Fans and things like that i have no clue on. I know the processors and when the new stuff is coming out and most stuff but why one case is better than another, and stuff like that i have no clue. (I've been researching a few weeks.)
Click to expand...

Ah, ok. Well for fans, there are a few things to look at. One is size (measured in mm). Next is noise (measured in dBa). Next is air pushing ability (measured in cfm). Lastly, check for 3-pin or 4-pin connectors so that you can see what is compatible where... for example, fan controller or mobo or just straight to PSU.

For cases, it's hard to tell from specs how good a case is. Honestly, it's mostly personal and largely experimental. There are certain things that many people agree upon like the low noise of the Antec P18X series cases, but mostly you have to decide yourself what noise level, looks, air flow outlet and inlet format, and overall structure and form you like.

EDIT: If you're going to buy near Christmas... wait till then to come up with a list. Why think of one now when price landscape for these things will have altered by then?
 
Alai said:
Ah, ok. Well for fans, there are a few things to look at. One is size (measured in mm). Next is noise (measured in dBa). Next is air pushing ability (measured in cfm). Lastly, check for 3-pin or 4-pin connectors so that you can see what is compatible where... for example, fan controller or mobo or just straight to PSU.

For cases, it's hard to tell from specs how good a case is. Honestly, it's mostly personal and largely experimental. There are certain things that many people agree upon like the low noise of the Antec P18X series cases, but mostly you have to decide yourself what noise level, looks, air flow outlet and inlet format, and overall structure and form you like.

EDIT: If you're going to buy near Christmas... wait till then to come up with a list. Why think of one now when price landscape for these things will have altered by then?
Click to expand...
I might post a new thread aroung christmas. But one thing about this is prices will drop so if i figure it out and bury my head till christmas i still will have a good pc and not know that if i would have only waited till Q2 2009 i could have had the HD 5860 GTX PRo Uber XXX edition after a 50% off coupon and used the new nuclear cpu that runs cold and makes electricity... (Not real but when i first began looking at a newer pc i was thinking e6400 and 7950GT and 2gigs but saw the 8800's coming out so waited for the midrange of that. but dx10 speed was low so waited.. im tired of waiting for the next big thing.
 
Well, the next big thing -- Intel Core i7 processors and motherboards -- will be here come Christmas. If you're going to wait until then to order everything, I suggest you take the time to do more research. (The GenHard FAQ sticky can help you in that regards.)

Revisit this thread a week or two before you're ready to order everything.
 
tiraides said:
Well, the next big thing -- Intel Core i7 processors and motherboards -- will be here come Christmas. If you're going to wait until then to order everything, I suggest you take the time to do more research. (The GenHard FAQ sticky can help you in that regards.)

Revisit this thread a week or two before you're ready to order everything.
Click to expand...
But when core i7 comes it will be too high (Im guessing like 300 for 2.6ghz and the motherboards and ram will be too high.

Im thinking of just buying a laptop like a asus F8 With a HD 3650 and just wait a few months to build a PC (Slowly accumulating parts as i wait,buying them on sale. Buying the Ram,VideoCard,Mobo,and CPU at the last moment)

I think i might just do this because it seems the Corei7 will be the future and i think core2 will still be great but games will come that want that extra speed. And also future upgrades with the same motherboard ETC. Also i've heard the next gen from nvidia and ati is soon.

Could a HD 3650 Mobility Play The orange Box on High at 1440 x 900?
 
Honestly, I think current gen computer tech won't be obsolete for another three years minimum. I'm going to bet five years, myself.

As for the 3650 being able to play OJB at 1440x900... I think it's possible but don't expect much eye candy.
 
Alai said:
Honestly, I think current gen computer tech won't be obsolete for another three years minimum. I'm going to bet five years, myself.

As for the 3650 being able to play OJB at 1440x900... I think it's possible but don't expect much eye candy.
Click to expand...
i think so too, but still would rather have more speed

What about a 9800GS in a G50vt? (9800GS = 9800GTS Downclock, 9800GTS = 9600GT Desktop)

Assuming the Newegg Model Has 1680 x 1050 do you think it could handle that?
 
You should go look at the Mobile Computing forums, but how much are you spending on the laptop?
 
Then you're not gonna have anything that's gonna be super great at 17".

The 9800GS might be ok at less than 17"
 
For gaming, you're better off with a desktop. Any of the builds mentioned here would outperform a similarly price laptop. And no, you don't have to wait for Nehalem to get a good deal on some quality parts.

Why do you want a laptop again?
 
tiraides said:
For gaming, you're better off with a desktop. Any of the builds mentioned here would outperform a similarly price laptop. And no, you don't have to wait for Nehalem to get a good deal on some quality parts.

Why do you want a laptop again?
Click to expand...
Because i want both, but if i got a laptop that could function as well enough for desktop style jobs i could hold off on the desktop.
 
Please define "desktop style jobs." If one of those "jobs" is gaming, expect to pay at least 50% more (compared to the price of a similarly configured desktop) for meager gaming performance.
 
Most people I know (myself included) that desired an all-in-one laptop usually compromised with either
1) absurdly high cost
2) lackluster gaming performance
3) heat, noise, weight issues
Why do you want a laptop? Portability? Space (no room for monitor, case, etc)? Bling?
 
Wait, I just found if i buy a outlet 630 from dell i could get dual 9800GT and a quad 2.4 for around 950 (Including coupons).

thats about what it would cost to build,yes it is refurb but its also prebuilt (im a little skeptical about building because if something goes wrong im screwed. Yes everything could go right but if not..
 
jman888 said:
Wait, I just found if i buy a outlet 630 from dell i could get dual 9800GT and a quad 2.4 for around 950 (Including coupons).

thats about what it would cost to build,yes it is refurb but its also prebuilt (im a little skeptical about building because if something goes wrong im screwed. Yes everything could go right but if not..
Click to expand...

That's solid. Do it. Hopefully it comes with 4GB RAM minimum.
 
though still a laptop may still work, seriously
all i want to play is the orange box and WoW.
Dual 9800GT is probally overkill, and i could always get a
pc later post i7, and it be more unnesesarily fast.
i also like laptops because i can take my whole pc with me
when going places and still have it all
and i used to have a laptop and loved it for its convinence
Plus the G50Vm with a 9800GS (Around 8800GT to 9600GT level
as it is a 9800GTS rebrand.) Could surely play
the orange box and WoW flawlessly and let me hold off.

And mayby buy a desktop in summer when i have more than 2hrs/day to play games. And it would be faster and would play whatever games i would want in the summer.
 
That refurb doesn't sound too bad actually. When you get a better desktop you could always use the old one for folding :)
 
I think i still want the refurb xps. What does 9800GT SLi Compare To?

Do you think it could max TOB and WoW at 1680 x 1050?
God it seems so overkill but its about the price of a laptop so..

Edit: How would a 8800GT (Least card you can get it with) Play those 2?

i hope they would get me the 9800GT sli one but if not and they just got me the cheapest with the 8800GT i could just upgrade to 9800 sli later or if i wait long enough gtx 260(GS?) sli?

When will midrange G200 come out? What will it be called?
 
Tell me again what's stopping you from getting this desktop...?

If you like it so much, get it now. (You can find some of your answers via a Google search.)
 
Ok in a few days my parents will give me about 550$ and say i should buy a laptop and hope for a dekstop for chistmas. Im wondering, buy refurb Studio 15 (For about that) Or for a little more Refurb M1530 (About 125 More) (But with 8600GT that may fail..) or just save it..
 
The Studio 15 laptop in my sig is a refurbished model that I picked up for around $700 shipped. (Yes, it came with all of that.) Though mine has a dedicated GPU, it's not a true gaming machine. (I actually bought the Studio 15, in part, because of NVIDIA's issues with its low-end mobile GPUs. I thought that it wasn't worth the risk.)

If you really want a gaming system, you could get a decent desktop (not including monitor, peripherals, or operating system) for around $550:

$85 - Antec Three Hundred & Antec NeoPower 550 bundle (free shipping on the case)
$7 - Two Yate Loon D12SL-12 120mm case fans (for Three Hundred)
$118 - Intel E7200 (free shipping)
$87 - Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3L
$166 - Sapphire HD4850 & OCZ Vista Upgrade 2x1GB DDR2 800 bundle
$50 - Seagate 7200.10 400GB HDD (free shipping)
$25 - Samsung SH-S223F DVD burner (free shipping)
======
$538 - Subtotal (not including shippng, taxes, or rebates)
Click to expand...

While shipping & taxes would push the total over the $550 limit, you have a good base for overclocking (just add an aftermarket CPU cooler) and future upgrades (via its PCI-E 2.0 support and six SATA ports). If you have a spare optical drive, you could use that instead (and would probably have enough left over to cover shipping).
 
tiraides said:
The Studio 15 laptop in my sig is a refurbished model that I picked up for around $700 shipped. (Yes, it came with all of that.) Though mine has a dedicated GPU, it's not a true gaming machine. (I actually bought the Studio 15, in part, because of NVIDIA's issues with its low-end mobile GPUs. I thought that it wasn't worth the risk.)

If you really want a gaming system, you could get a decent desktop (not including monitor, peripherals, or operating system) for around $550:



While shipping & taxes would push the total over the $550 limit, you have a good base for overclocking (just add an aftermarket CPU cooler) and future upgrades (via its PCI-E 2.0 support and six SATA ports). If you have a spare optical drive, you could use that instead (and would probably have enough left over to cover shipping).
Click to expand...
Wow, Im definately waiting to spend my money, if they still get me a desktop i'll buy a Studio 15 , If not i'll probally build that.
 
9800gt SLI would have absolutely no problem with WoW or Orange Box, I play them maxed out with a single 8800gt at 1600x1200 which is more demanding than 1680x1050.

jman888 said:
I think i still want the refurb xps. What does 9800GT SLi Compare To?

Do you think it could max TOB and WoW at 1680 x 1050?
God it seems so overkill but its about the price of a laptop so..

Edit: How would a 8800GT (Least card you can get it with) Play those 2?

i hope they would get me the 9800GT sli one but if not and they just got me the cheapest with the 8800GT i could just upgrade to 9800 sli later or if i wait long enough gtx 260(GS?) sli?

When will midrange G200 come out? What will it be called?
Click to expand...

But I would wait a couple months (you have waited long enough whats a few more months?) and build a nice desktop with whatever parts are best bang for buck at the time. Make another post then and ask for input because the market will change enough that suggestions from today will be outdated for most of the components.
 
Gonna do that probally, Ah more waiting. Well at least i might move over to a free Dimention Desktop with AGP port (I have a all in one now and it sucks)
Its a workstation with i think 4/8 (It has plenty) Ram Slots. and a AGP port and 2.xx Pentium 4. Way better than my current P3 + 256 Ram (That i cant figure out how to upgrade..)
If i can manage at least 1GB of ram and something like a 1650Pro i will surely stall longer, Lol i may never spend my money and upgrade if i keep this up.

May go to used pc parts store to get gfx card.
 
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