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Question on Building a Computer

X

Xee

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Nov 18, 2004
Messages
2,020
Well, I recently tried out the beta version of World of Warcraft and because of it, have decided that's it's high time to get a new computer. I currently share Dell Dimension 4100 with my brothers and this thing is at least 3 years old. 1ghz, 512mb ram, 32mb GeForce2 MX . . . not quite cutting it anymore.

Now, I have "average" experience with comptuers; added a hard-drive, DVD burner, RAM, nothing advanced. Because of that, I decided to leave the actual building of the new computer to my friend who used to do it for a living since I want it done right (charges about $200 labor for everything; lights, fans, watercooling should I decide to go with them ). My only requirements for it are that it be a decent gaming computer, be upgradeable so that I won't have to get another computer for a while and that it comes in around $1,500.

I priced together a system and it comes at almost $1,700 shipped before labor. Just wondering if anyone could give me some opinions on it; eg, what needs to be changed if anything. The only two things I can think of off the top of my head are the PSU and RAM. From reading on here, I heard that the X-Connect is not the best choice; also, I have no idea what the power requirements for this system are. The Raidmax case comes with a 420w supply but I have no idea if that is adequate/reliable. As to the RAM, I heard that Crucial Ballistix is the best for AMD's; not sure how much that is going to cost though.

ComputerSpecs.jpg


Here's a link to the Excel file with links to all of the above included:

Excel File
 
hmmm, those new 6600GT's are looking pretty good for cheaper than that 9800Pro
 
if you want my honest advice I would say stick to a lesser system and dont worry about going with that flash. its easier to build your own system then you think. I will even walk you through it over IM if you want, and talk you through getting exactly what you want to buy and everything. you dont need to spend near that much to get a good system, heck you don't even need a new monitor. Im going to PM you with my email address. if you want to contact me, you can go ahead, and we can talk from there.
 
A) build your own

B) a 9800 Pro for 269? what is that vendor smoking?

For smokin' performance at $299.00, get a BFG6800OC at zipzoomfly.com or Newegg.com

Or, get a 9800 Pro for approx 200 bucks at Newegg.

BB
 
If you're going all out like that and spending $269 on a 9800 pro, then get the ATI 9800 pro "all in wonder" for $259 (actually, check out the newegg.com add that's probably up at the top of the screen. It says you can get the all in wonder for $239 with the purchase of HL2). look at newegg or zipzoomfly for that price. I also don't know much of anything about the Ultra X PSU brand, but I think an Antec True (True Blue if you want them perdy lights that come with it) 480 can be had for about $90. I would also suggest putting it together yourself, I'm myself in the process of putting one together. It's turned out to be alot easier than I thought, and it feels more "me" this way.
 
jaqie said:
if you want my honest advice I would say stick to a lesser system and dont worry about going with that flash. its easier to build your own system then you think. I will even walk you through it over IM if you want, and talk you through getting exactly what you want to buy and everything. you dont need to spend near that much to get a good system, heck you don't even need a new monitor. Im going to PM you with my email address. if you want to contact me, you can go ahead, and we can talk from there.
Click to expand...

I just want a computer that will allow me to get the most out of games and not have to upgrade it for a while. That's why I'm trying to get the "best of the best." Thanks for the offer, btw. I just might take you up on that.


BB Gun said:
A) build your own

B) a 9800 Pro for 269? what is that vendor smoking?

For smokin' performance at $299.00, get a BFG6800OC at zipzoomfly.com or Newegg.com

Or, get a 9800 Pro for approx 200 bucks at Newegg.

BB
Click to expand...

I'm guessing you're refering to 128mb cards. My choice up there is 256mb and $269 is actually $27 cheaper than what newegg wants for the same card. Thanks for pointing out the BFG though . . . I hadn't heard of them till now. The fact that it's a company made up of gamers, along with with the lifetime warranty and 24/7 support will probably sway me over to that side.


kubalaTF said:
If you're going all out like that and spending $269 on a 9800 pro, then get the ATI 9800 pro "all in wonder" for $259 (actually, check out the newegg.com add that's probably up at the top of the screen. It says you can get the all in wonder for $239 with the purchase of HL2). look at newegg or zipzoomfly for that price. I also don't know much of anything about the Ultra X PSU brand, but I think an Antec True (True Blue if you want them perdy lights that come with it) 480 can be had for about $90. I would also suggest putting it together yourself, I'm myself in the process of putting one together. It's turned out to be alot easier than I thought, and it feels more "me" this way.
Click to expand...

Hmm . . . I'm beginning to see a pattern here. I take it a 9800 pro at 256mb is still not comparable to a BFG 6800 OC at 128mb? I just thought the RAM was what would get you the best graphics. Guess I'm going to have to do some more research. And thanks for the tip on the PSU; I'll probably go with an Antec or Ermax since they're supposed to be the most trustworthy.
 
Ah - missed the 256 MB part. I'm still not convinced of the need for 256 MB yet, in general. If the choice is 9800Pro with 256 MB or a BFG6800OC with 128 MB - I go for the BFG card, hands down.

BB
 
BB Gun said:
Ah - missed the 256 MB part. I'm still not convinced of the need for 256 MB yet, in general. If the choice is 9800Pro with 256 MB or a BFG6800OC with 128 MB - I go for the BFG card, hands down.

BB
Click to expand...


Yeah, I'll mainly be playing World of Warcraft and since it's a MMORPG I figure I'd need all the RAM I could get. I've re-done my list, dropped some stuff, upgraded some others and came out $100 more in the end then the first list:

ComputerSpecsv2.jpg


I'd love to get it down to $1,500 as originally budgeted but I don't really want to give up any of these things. Maybe I can take a hit on the RAM and get the higher latency 512MB stick's from Outpost.com ( 2-3-2-6-1) for $89 each, saving me $100. I don't know how much of a performance difference there will be though.
 
The power supply you are considering is not well thought of by the quys over in the power supply forum and I tend to agree. lot of flash not much meat. There are great recommendations at the top of this tread, link below, but the link takes you to the last page where the x-whateverthehellitisIneverheardofbeforewhothefarkreallymakesit is mentioned.

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=792566&page=8

.
 
note: I read something wrong, sorry, took out some stuff about raidmax. so nevermind.

I hmmm thinnk I will look at that case.
 
check out a refurbed d link wired router... try googling for one.

also try running the case I had suggested, it will save you the whole cost of the power supply...

go for a lesser brand of motherboard, asus is very overpriced for their boards. check out gigabyte and chaintech for two.
 
Well I looked at the purple x-dreamer 11 cause it was on the first page after clicking atx cases.

it only has 12A on the 12V rail and only one 12 rail (output).

you are not overclocking nothing with that P.O.S. its the older atx type made for cpu's and mbs that powered most stuff from the 3.3 and 5.v rails (where it is actually ok on those specs) but your mb and vid card are going to be mostly powered by the 12V rail now and that power supply is not going to cut it, not even close. I fear for even normal stable operation.
 
Doh!!! now I see the thermatake. bah on me. Gonna go game some, really should check that list of recommened power supplys they have them broken down by price range, Ice did a nice job .
 
Friends don't charge friends $200 dollars for building them a computer. Do it yourself. Read up and learn. Buy Quality components and you shouldn't have problems. It's not [H]ard!
 
That RAM is a bit pricey. Get 1GB of Corsair Value Select for $150. OR just stay with 512mb of it and it would be $90
 
I agree with switching out the X800 XT for a 6800GT. The GT's can be had for around $399.
 
*whew*

Alright, I think I'm finally done. Honestly, this was a lot harder than I thought it'd be. It seems like there's a million factors you have to take into account when picking out the various parts. I spent a whole day alone picking out the case (literally gave me a headache) and probably 5 hours on the monitor.

Anyway, I think it's safe to say that without downgrading components majorily, there's no way to get this for $1,500. Oh well, $1,876 will have to do. :)

*btw* I know the speakers are crap.


ComputerSpecsv3.jpg
 
Ha, I just put the most of mine together yesterday, and I was aiming for $1500 too. And it's coming out for about $1900. I'm not even done yet, it's so sad. Need about 100-150 for various lights and rounded cables. It's like I can't control myself. . .and I don't really want to try.
 
BB Gun said:
wow - thats an expensive glass monitor.

But if you're sure, then you're sure.

I have no idea who patriot is.

Get in on this deal for Memory - http://shop1.outpost.com/product/3645865

Kingston HyperX PC3200 for 90 bucks, 80 bucks after rebate.

BB
Click to expand...

Patriot is relatively new to the memory game but they have gotten pretty good reviews. Very comparable to the OCZ Rev2 sticks.

As for the monitor, the general consensus of this forum is that it's the best CRT monitor for your money so I'm going to take their word for it.
 
You can get WinXP for alot better than 129. Have yo been to pricegrabber.com yet? Be careful there when getting windows, because alot of them places sell it for 50 bucks, but it can only be used on a Dell computer, or motherboard (can someone tell me what's the point?). But I do beleive I got mine for about $80.
 
kubalaTF said:
Ha, I just put the most of mine together yesterday, and I was aiming for $1500 too. And it's coming out for about $1900. I'm not even done yet, it's so sad. Need about 100-150 for various lights and rounded cables. It's like I can't control myself. . .and I don't really want to try.
Click to expand...

$100-$150 for lights and rounded cables? Are you insane? lol

You'll have a Christmas tree if you spend that much on lights.

Try www.svc.com.
 
Yes, Yes I am insane. Thanks for the link man, maybe now I can put my moolah to better use.
 
Xee said:
As for the monitor, the general consensus of this forum is that it's the best CRT monitor for your money so I'm going to take their word for it.
Click to expand...
See if you can find it in a store, so you can look at it. I prefer the Viewsonic P95F+, but YMMV.

And the $130~$140 range is about right for a WinXP Pro OEM set.

Look into the Creative T3000 speakers, they have excellent sound for a basic 2.1 stereo/sub set. (2-way satellites are normally a luxury for cheapspeakers.)

If you want to save a bit of case, consider an Antec PLUS1080 rather than getting a P160 and then a separate power supply. 50W less of rating, but you won't miss it.
 
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