$1500 Budget, Need Help Building Gaming Rig

[EWBatOVAclockin]

BUILD IT YOURSELF OR YOU WILL BE SACRIFICING YOUR COMPUTERS PARTS!!

 

[fultz]

Here's mine, for reference:

--64 3500 Newcastle
--XP-90 (don't have 'proper' fan yet but bf is loaning me a 70mm screamer for temporary use)
--Asus A8V Deluxe (non-PCIe although PCIe board prices should be coming down later this year)
--1GB Mushkin (2x512)
--ATi Radeon 9550
--Fortron BlueStorm 500W
--Plextor optical drive (CDRW/DVD)
--Samsung 160GB SATA
--Tt (I know ) SViking (it has the cooling I wanted and was within my case budget at the time).

Total: $1200 (give or take; my math may be slightly off).

Speedguide.net has a tutorial on building PCs (don't have the URL handy); the General PC section of any major bookstore should have computer building books.

EDIT: Here you go, not the speedguide link but it's a start http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=90594&page=1

I need a DVD Burner, I need at least 250gb storage and the ATI Radeon 9550 won't cut it for me probably, I need to be able to run all games @ 1024x768 max settings without lag for the next 3 years (SLI should help me with this). Can't run ATI Radeon 9550 in SLI mode, your mobo is awesome, probably the same one I would buy... your power supply is massive, I also want the winchester chip because I heard the new castle chips don't overclock very well... I also can't build it myself so it's going to cost more

I already pretty much know how to build PC's but im afraid to try if I mess up I CAN'T afford the loss. If some freak accident happened that had nothing to do with my skills then I still couldn't afford the loss.

I tried alienware, the system is almost $1900 without SLI. :|

Also, Guys, I CAN'T BUILD IT MYSELF! I just don't know how, I can't apply paste to the CPU, what if I do it wrong? What if I install the cooling system wrong. This is already going to break me to buy this, isn't there some place that can do it?! I could probably do it so easy but when it's my $1500 worth of CPU pieces it's different... I have no experience, I can't just take $1500 worth of pc parts and experiment and hope I install them correctly.

 

[aeiou]

its really true. There aren't many companies that will alow you to choose every component. Even when the ydo, it is a limited list and they charge a premium for this. Try to build it yourself. Buy a good book on building and/or ask questions here. Even the cooling part is really easy if you're careful and I'm sure we can walk you right through it. You be happier that way. Believe me.

 

[aeiou]

btw, even if you install the cooling wrong, modern computers have protection against overheating, so it will just shut down if that happens. YOu allways have to start somewhere. We all had a first computer builds. Also, with the individual components there are usually quiet good instructions to help you along.

 

[fultz]

its really true. There aren't many companies that will alow you to choose every component. Even when the ydo, it is a limited list and they charge a premium for this. Try to build it yourself. Buy a good book on building and/or ask questions here. Even the cooling part is really easy if you're careful and I'm sure we can walk you right through it. You be happier that way. Believe me.

So if you are careful, but don't know what you are doing, it's IMPOSSIBLE to destroy a computer component? If I did destroy a component, would the manufacturer or store refund or replace it? That's all that's holding me back is the fact that im afraid of messing something up.

BTW IBuyPower.com looks perfect for me except I can't tell what motherboard they have, I NEED SLI, its an nforce4 but i don't know if it has SLI or not, is there anyway I can tell?

 

[aeiou]

Here's a nice system I put together at newegg. I don't know if you need a copy of windows, but I threw that in, too. You should be able to get the price down even more by shopping around.

Chenming Beige Entry level server case, Model "CMUI-601AE-U" -RETAIL
Specifications:
Case Type: Entry level server
Color: Beige
Material: 1.0mm SECC
Drive Bays: 5.25" x 4/0, 3.5" x 2/4 (external/internal)
Expansion Slots: 3 SHORT, 4 FULL LENGTH
Front Ports: 2 x USB2.0, IEEE1394
Cooling System: 2 x 80mm fans rear
Motherboard Compatibility: ATX - UP TO 12"W x 13"L
Dimensions: 8.1" x 20.6" x 18.6" (WxHxD) more info-> N82E16811125434
$55.00

$55.00

ASUS "A8N-SLI Deluxe" nForce4 SLI Chipset Motherboard For AMD Socket 939 CPU -RETAIL
Specifications:
Supported CPU: Socket 939 AMD Athlon 64FX/64
Chipset: NVIDIA nForce4 SLI
FSB: 2000 MT/s, 1600MT/s
RAM: 4x DIMM DualChannel DDR 333/400 Max 4GB
Slots: 2x PCI-E X16(SLI mode: x8,x8), 2x PCI-E X1, 3x PCI
Ports: 2x PS/2, 1x LPT, 10x USB2.0(Rear 4), 2x RJ45, 2x SPDIF out, 1x IEEE1394, Audio Ports
IDE: 2x ATA 133 with NV Raid 0/1/0+1
SATA: 4x SATA2 3.0Gb/s with NV Raid 0/1/0+1, 4x SATA with Raid 0/1/0+1/5 by SI3114R
Onboard Audio: Realtek ALC850 8-Ch
Onboard LAN: nForce4 built-in Gbit MAC, MARVELL GbitLAN

sre
more info-> N82E16813131517
$199.00

$199.00

Leadtek nVIDIA GeForce 6800 Video Card, 256MB DDR, 256-Bit, HDTV-Out/ DVI, PCI-Express, Model "PX6800TDH-256MB" -RETAIL(SLI support)
Specifications:
Chipset/Core Speed: nVIDIA GeForce 6800/325MHz
Memory/Effective Speed: 256MB DDR/600MHz
BUS: PCI-Express x16, support SLI (Scalable Link Interface)
Support SLI(Scalable Link Interface): Yes
Ports: VGA Out(15 Pin D-Sub) + HDTV-Out + DVI
Support 3D API: DirectX 9, OpenGL 1.5
Max Resolution@32bit Color: 2048X1536@85Hz
RAMDACs: 400MHz
Retail Box (See pics for details) more info-> N82E16814122207
$339.00

$339.00

Antec 550W Power Supply, Model "TRUE550" - Retail
Specifications:
Type: ATX
Maximum Power: 550W
PFC: No
Power Good Signal: 100-500ms
Hold-up Time: >= 17ms at Full Load
Efficiency: >= 68%
Over Voltage Protection: +5V trip point<+6.5V; +3.3V trip point<+4.1V; +12V trip point<+14.4V
Overload Protection: Latching Protection+5V @<47A;+3.3V @ <48A;+12V @ <18A
Input Voltage: 115/230 VAC
Input Frequency Range: 47-63 Hz
Input Current: 10.0A for 115VAC; 6.0A for 230VAC
Output: +3.3V@32A; +5V@40A; [email protected]; +12V@24A; -12V@1A; +5VSB@2A
MTBF: 80,000 hrs. @ 25ºC
Approvals: UL, TUV, CB, VDE, FCC CLASS B, DEMKO, NEMKO, SEMKO, more info-> N82E16817103910
$99.00

$99.00

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ 2.0GHz, 512KB L2 Cache 939-Pin 64-bit Processor - OEM
Specifications:
Model: AMD Athlon 64 3200+
Core: Winchester
Operating Frequency: 2.0GHz
FSB: Integrated into Chip
Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/ 512KB
Voltage: 1.5V
Process: 90nm
Socket: Socket 939
Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, SSE2, 3DNOW!, 3DNOW!+
Packaging: OEM(Processor Only) more info-> N82E16819103500
$180.00

$180.00

CORSAIR XMS Xtreme Memory Speed Series, Xtra-Low Latency 184-Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 w/ Heat Spreader, Model TWINX1024-3200XL - Retail
Specifications:
Manufacturer: CORSAIR
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184-Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2-2-2-5
Support Voltage: 2.75V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: two 64M x 64-Bit
Special Features: Plug-n-FragTM Auto-Configuration - Boots automatically using the Xtra-Low latency values of 2-2-2-5
Warranty: Lifetime more info-> N82E16820145522
$247.25

$247.25

Western Digital 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model WD2500JD, OEM Drive Only
Specifications:
Capacity: 250GB
Average Seek Time: 8.9 ms
Buffer: 8MB
Rotational Speed: 7200 RPM
Interface: Serial ATA
Features: Data Lifeguard Tools, Backplane compatibility
Manufacturer Warranty: 3 years
Packaging: OEM Drive Only more info-> N82E16822144154
$140.00

$140.00

Optorite 16X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive with Beige and Black Bezels, Model DD1603, Retail
Specifications:
Write Speed: 16X DVD+R, 8X DVD-R, 4X DVD+RW, 4X DVD+R9, 4X DVD-RW, 40X CD-R, 24X CD-RW
Read Speed: 40X CD-ROM, 16X DVD-ROM
Interface: Internal IDE/ATAPI
Buffer: 2MB
OS Support: Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP
Packaging: Retail Box (see pictures for details) more info-> N82E16827182031
$56.99

$56.99

Scythe Heatlane 80mm CPU Cooler For Socket 370/478/A/754/939/940, Fan Speed Adjustable, Model "FCS-50" -RETAIL
Specifications:
Compatibility: Celeron, PentiumIII(socket 370), Celeron, Pentium 4(socket 478); Duron, Athlon, Athlon XP(Socket A), Athlon 64, Athlon 64FX(Socket 754), Opteron(Socket 939/940)
Dimensions: Fan: 80 x 80 x 25mm, Heatsink: 69 x 74 x 105mm
Nominal Speed(RPM): 1300~4600(with rheostat)
Connector: 3 + 4 Pin
Noise(dBA): 15.1 @ 1300rpm (lowest); 46.1 @ 4600rpm (highest)
Features: Top Rated Performance Heatlane CPU Cooler, Patented Heatlane Technology, Cold AirCirculation Fin more info-> N82E16835185107
$43.49

$43.49

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack SP1a - OEM
Specifications:
Designed exclusively for home computing. From digital photos, music, and video to building a home network, Windows XP Home Edition brings you into the digital age with ease. Built on the solid foundation of Windows 2000, Windows XP Home Edition also sets the new standard in efficient and dependable computing.
*Must be Purchased with Hardware!!* more info-> N82E16837102141
$94.95

$94.95

Subtotal »

$1,454.68

 

[fultz]

How much would that system be if that was a 6800GT PCIex16 instead?

 

[aeiou]

So if you are careful, but don't know what you are doing, it's IMPOSSIBLE to destroy a computer component? If I did destroy a component, would the manufacturer or store refund or replace it? That's all that's holding me back is the fact that im afraid of messing something up.

Not really impossible, but its immprobable, as long as you are careful, ask questions, follow instructions, look at the manuals, ect. The company may or may not replace it. I guess it depends on the retailer. I think it would genreally be considered disshonest, though, to do so in such a manner.

 

[EWBatOVAclockin]

Damn this website I've posted 2 things and it deleted so I will say this in short...........do it yourself



PEACE

 

[Dreamstalker]

I need a DVD Burner... your power supply is massive, I also want the winchester chip because I heard the new castle chips don't overclock very well.

The main reason I got a Newcastle was because I wasn't sure what revision my mobo is, the earlier one has issues with Winchesters IIRC. Also Winnies were out of stock at the store at the time (this initial build is an academic credit project, so I wanted to get all the parts as quickly as possible). Some OEM's do use Fortron PSUs; my dad has a RadioShack compy with one.

I tried alienware, the system is almost $1900 without SLI. :|

Eep...that's why I went without. IMO, by the time there's software that takes full advantage of PCIe/SLI it'll be time to upgrade anyway I'm building from scratch though, so YMMV of course.

There may be some DIY comp stores that will assemble parts for you...not sure how one would go about finding that out though. I think MicroCenter used to, but I could be wrong.

 

[aeiou]

How much would that system be if that was a 6800GT PCIex16 instead?

I think it was ~$100 more. But you can often flash normal 6800's to run at GT or even ultra speeds. That would be the route I would probably go. But for ~$100 more you are guarateed the speed. One thing that should be said is that by flshing it IS possble to make a $300 paper weight out of it, so it is a bit more risky, but then again, so is overclocking in general, which you are talking about doing.

 

[EWBatOVAclockin]

All those "We will build your computer" stores will all charge to much. It would probably be cheaper to your all of your parts to one of us and we build it for you


PEACE

 

[aeiou]

Yeah, that would be a good idea, but if at all possbibl, with our help, I think you would really get a lot out of just building it yourself.

 

[fultz]

RaidMax Scorpio-868 ATX Mid-Tower Case w/420W Power Supply Silver
Enermax EG565P 535 Watt Power Supply [SLI-Ready]
AMD Athlon 3500+ CPU w/HT
Certified CPU Fan and Heatsink + 2 Extra Case Fans
Gigabyte GA-K8N Ultra-SLI nVidia nForce4-SLI Chipset w/LAN, Wi-Fi-g, Audio, IEEE-1394, USB 2.0, Dual PCI-Ex16
1024MB [512MB x2] PC-3200 Ram @ 400MHz [Giel or Major Brand]
LeadTek NVIDIA GeForce 6800GT 256mb w/DVI+TV Out PCIex16
Western Digital 250GB 7200RPM SATA 8MB Cache HDD
NEC ND-3520A Dual Layer, Dual Format, 16x DVD+R/+RW +CD-R/RW Drive
3D Surround Premium High Definition 7.1 Sound Onboard
Mitsumi 1.44MB 3.5" Floppy Drive
Multi-Media Keyboard Silver
Optical Mouse Silver
LCD Temperature Display
Standard 3-Year Limited Warranty

$1530.00

Free Half Life 2 Download Coupon
Free Napster Download Coupon

Is This Good? Is The Power Supply, Mobo good? Would the raidmax 420 Watt Power Supply do, Should I not get the 533 Watt Power Supply? It is a lot of money for that but I configured it in just in case. Also, will the cooler do? I don't want to overheat and I do plan on overclocking. If there are any crap/cheap components in there please tell me, thanks!

 

[PLOBBY]

To cut down the price a bit loose the 3500+...Get a 3200+ and there easily clockable to a 3500+ most of the time. The psu should be fine i guess for now. Not positive though. But if you were to get a second vid card later on i think it could handle it cause cid cards use a decent amount of power.

 

[NO LIFE]

Well that 420watt psu that comes with the case is probably cheap. And I dont think enermax would be the best alternative.

The hs/f sound stock to me. which will get you nowhere with overclocking

Does it give the timings on the ram? If you want to overclock you will need good ram.

edit: does it come with an OS?

 

[fultz]

No OS which is not a problem, I have XP, the ram timing doesn't say, there doesn't seem to be any other alternatives for power supplies which are in reasonable price range...

Are the power supplies on any of these cases good enough?

Raidmax 268 ATX Mid-Tower Case w/350W Power Supply Silver More Options [- $69]
Silver
Black [+ $0]
Blue [+ $0]
Green [+ $0]
Yellow [+ $0]
Raidmax Scorpio-868 ATX Mid-Tower Case w/420W Power Supply Silver More Options [- $58]
Silver [+ $11]
Black [+ $11]
Blue [+ $11]
Green [+ $11]
Yellow [+ $11]
Raidmax Scorpio-668 Aluminum Tower Case w/420W Power Supply Silver More Options [- $14]
Silver [+ $55]
Black [+ $55]
Blue [+ $55]
Green [+ $55]
Yellow [+ $55]
Raidmax A8 Aluminum 8-Bays Super Light Weight Case w/420W Power Supply Silver More Options [+ $30]
Silver [+ $99]
Black [+ $99]
Blue [+ $99]
Green [+ $99]
Yellow [+ $99]
Nzxt Guardian ATX Mid-Tower Case w/420W Power Supply Silver More Options [- $49]
Silver [+ $20]
Black [+ $20]
Blue [+ $20]
Green [+ $20]
Yellow [+ $20]
Orange [+ $20]
Standard ATX Mid-Tower Case w/350W Power Supply [no side window] Beige More Options [- $74]
Beige [- $5]
Black [- $5]
Coolermaster WaveMaster Case w/420W Power Supply Silver More Options [+ $30]
Silver [+ $99]
Black [+ $99]
[New !!!] Raidmax Samurai-908 Gaming Case w/420W Power Supply Titanium More Options
Titanium
Silver [+ $0]
Blue [+ $0]
Yellow [+ $0]
[New !!!] Viper ATX Mid-Tower Gaming Case w/420W Power Supply Blue More Options [- $20]
Blue
Red [+ $0]
[New !!!] Cotytech ATX Mid-Tower Case w/420W Power Supply Silver More Options [- $39]

 

[aeiou]

Who knows what that cpu cooller is. Get somthing that a little more beefy , like the one I have in my setup mentioned. I would get as much power supply as you can afford, but realize that not all power supplies are created =. I would either get a antec or fortron psu, at least 450-500 watts if you are planning on sli in the future. Don't waist money on a case that includes a power supply if you are getting another one anyways. I would not recommend a Gygabyte mobo, as I have heard too many horror stries, one of them being from my brother. (his Gygabyte board's capacitors decided to blow up on him, yes, they literally blew up) I would get either abit or asus for the motherboard, such as the one I mentioned earlier. If you don't want to spend $200 on just the mobo, there is a non-dlx version for $25 less. Don't skimp on the memory, either. Get good branded memory such as carsair xms. These have better latency and higher reliablilty, especially when overclocking.

 

[NO LIFE]

unless they give a brand you can assume the powersupplies that come with those cases are ****, to be frank.

Did ya get my PM?

 

[fultz]

unless they give a brand you can assume the powersupplies that come with those cases are ****, to be frank.

Did ya get my PM?

Replied to PM !