Need help with a Build

B

Bluntablo

Weaksauce
Joined
Aug 4, 2004
Messages
113
Hi, Im looking for some advice to build a new gaming rig.

The main thing I want to do is run WoW with everything turned on as well as be ready to jump into Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3. I realize these games are not out, but I would imagine Blizz kept older PC users in mind when making them.

1) I will be using this primarily for gaming and some photoshop work
2) I have $1200-$1400 budget
3) I live in Houston Texas
4) I will need the everything minus the optical drives.
5) I have a DVD/CD burner and a CD reader plus a sata HD that will be used as storage.
6) No overclocking
7) I currently have a 19" monitor, but would like to upgrade to a 22" WS in the near future.
8) looking to purchase in the next month.
9) I need a SATA connection for my storage HD.
10) Already have Win XP

I have built PCs in the past, but I have not been keeping up with current tech for the past few yrs, so Im a little outdated and could use some guidance and direction.

Thanks in advance
B
 
Will you be wanting another hard drive in addition to the one you already have?
 
Please answer kevinzak's HDD question. Also what HDD do you have?

Also, what EXACT parts do you need? Your "everything" answer is very very ambiguous because everything also means motherboard, LCD monitor, OS, HDD, keyboard, mouse, etc. So please be very very specific as to what parts you need.
 
ok, I will be wanting a new HD, doesnt have to be huge, thats why I have the Storage HD.

For clarification, every thing means

Motherboard
Ram
Processor
Power Supply
Vid card
sound card(if not onboard)
Case
OS HD

I have a DVD/CD burner and a CD player I can reuse if they still connect with IDE cables...If not, then I need a decent DVD/CD burner.

I think that is everything...I have Keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

Thanks
B
 
Intel Core i7 920 CPU[ and Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD4 Intel X58 ATX Motherboard Combo - $535 FS
G.Skill F3-10666CL9T-6GBNQ 3 x 2GB DDR3 1333 RAM - $135 FS
XFX GX260NADFF GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 896MB PCI-E Video Card - $245 FS
Western Digital WD6401AALS 640GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $80 FS
Corsair 750TX 750W PSU - $120 FS
----
Total: $1115 plus tax

Try out the onboard sound first and then decide whether or not you need a sound card. The GTX260 is a little overkill for a 19" monitor but will be perfect for a 22" monitor or even a 24" monitor if you lower the settings a little.

You can go ahead and choose your own case. Some case recommendations (Prices are a little outdated):
Cooler Master RC-590-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $70
NZXT Alpha ATX Case - $70
Antec Solo ATX Case - $70
Cooler Master Mystique RC-632S-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $58
Lian Li PC-7B Plus II Silver ATX Case - $80
Lian Li Lancool PC-K7B ATX Case - $90
Cooler Master RC-690-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $90
AeroCool Masstige ATX Case - $100
Cooler Master Stacker 810 RC-810-KWN1-GP Full Tower ATX Case - $130
Antec P182 ATX Case - $145
Thermaltake Armor VA8000BWS Full Tower ATX Case - $130
Lian Li PC-A16A ATX Case - $140
Lian-Li PC-V1100A PLUS II ATX Case - $140
Cooler Master HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $160
Cooler Master Cosmos S 1000 RC-1100-KSN1-GP Full Tower ATX Case - $230
Lian Li PC-V1200 ATX Case (Silver) - 180
Lian Li PC-V1200 ATX Case (Black) - $214
Lian Li PC-V1200B Plus II ATX Case - $215
Lian Li PC-A71B ATX Case - $225
 
word.

so my old optical drives will still work and I can still use the old sata Hd for storage?

What about windows, I still have xp. should I upgrade to Vista or stay with XP? Im not a power gamer. Like I said earlier, I will mainly be playing wow and SC 2 and Diablo 3. Ill check other games out, but top of the line isnt necessary

thanks
B
 
If you have an OEM version of XP, you'll need a new Windows license -- in other words, you might as well go with Vista. Vista Home Premium is really all that you need, and an OEM copy is available at NewEgg for around $100. (Get the 64-bit version so you have full access to your RAM. All of your 32-bit programs should have no problems within the 64-bit environment.)

Most of today's motherboards come with one ATA/IDE port, which would support both of your optical drives. But unless you perform some heavy/frequent disc-to-disc copying, I recommend reusing only your DVD burner. (Yes, you'll also be able to use your old SATA HDD for storage.)
 
I have one more question, I need a Wireless N network adapter. My apartment only has one cable outlet and the router and modem are in a different room than the desktop will be.

will any decent brand work, or are they built into motherboards nowadays?
 
Bluntablo said:
I have one more question, I need a Wireless N network adapter. My apartment only has one cable outlet and the router and modem are in a different room than the desktop will be.

will any decent brand work, or are they built into motherboards nowadays?
Click to expand...

Most motherboards with integrated wifi are Wireless B/G. However those integrated wifi mobos aren't really that great. So definitely get an adapter.

Adapter wise, try to get N card or adapter that is made by the same company as your router and is certified or capable of working with that router. What router do you have anyway?
 
It is nice to be able to get reasonably current by popping in and reading these threads. Thanks, DB and Co.

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