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New gaming computer

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pdehn

Registered
Joined
Nov 24, 2005
I've compiled the following list of things: http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=5107608
I will be reusing a couple hard drives for mass storage, my x-fi soundcard, and my 20.1" LCD.

My current rig has an AMD 4800+ x2 @ 2.7GHz, 2Gb ram @ DDR450, and a 7800GT @ stock, with other parts suitably matched. I'm currently living in dorms that get new people straight from basic training (AF) weekly, many of whom are looking to buy a computer - and should have no trouble selling this machine (I can afford both, but have no need/space for 2 right now, and might as well lower the cost of the new one) for around $800.


So, now I'm looking for two things - Is the new computer's final cost (minus ~$800 from selling my old) worth the upgrade I'll get, and if so, does anyone have suggestions on parts? My thoughts are as follows:

CPU
I picked the cheapest model with the 4MB cache, the next step up seems like it costs too much for what it improves, and I plan on overclocking anyway.

RAM
My current selection is based on the fact that I haven't kept up with what's good for DDR2 ram, so I just picked about the only thing I know I should be able to trust as good. If anything, I'd like to spend less, and I'm up for suggestions regarding cheaper but still decent choices.

Video card
Decided to go with the 8800GTX due to it being fast - it'll last longer than any other card I can buy, and I've been thinking about getting a 30" lcd for once I move and have a bit more space (and I hate running at non-native). I chose evga due to good experience with them in the past - and possibly the step-up program.

Motherboard
I have no clue who makes the best boards. I'm open to suggestions for other boards in that price range.

PSU
I understand the importance of this component, so if there's a better choice, please tell me.

Case
I like big cases, this one looked good to me...

HDD
It's a raptor, I have other drives to stick in for mass storage, can't really do anything better without buying more, or moving to SCSI.

Other
I don't need anything fancy in a DVD drive/burner, and the input devices are just other things I was getting anyway.
 
Case, I like regular shape atx case. Btx is not so great as the one you picked. I prefer coolermaster stacker 01 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119039

If your are not going with sli setup then you don't need sli motherboard. There are other choices like p5b dlx which doesn't support sli but is overall good board. There is also gigabyte ds3. Find the one that suites you best without breaking bank for features that you won't use.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131045

CPu, I would not go above e6600. It can simply be overclocked higher with out any problem without extra cost.

Consider getting additional cpu heatsink, Sunbeam tuniq, theralright ultra, Scythe infinity are some choices.
 
To be honest theres nothing wrong with sticking with your current comp and just putting a 8800GTX in it.
 
grayg said:
To be honest theres nothing wrong with sticking with your current comp and just putting a 8800GTX in it.

That was in fact my original plan. After looking at things though, I realized I would also need a new power supply and case (the case this computer is in won't fit the 8800GTX as it is, and I don't trust my 500W to keep up with the 8800GTX + everything else). The raptor is another thing I would have been buying eventually anyway, and I just figured that as long as I'm doing this much, I may as well switch to a new MB/CPU/Ram as well (I was going to do this sometime anyway - nothing is coming for skt393, and Intel seems to have the better processor lineup right now). It's also easier for me to get more money for this computer selling it all together now than through parting it out (which I would do initially to the parts I replace now, and eventually once I replace the rest - which would be worth less then)


As for the motherboard/case suggestions - thanks, I've changed them around (I don't plan on going SLI, and the CM stackers were a case I've always liked)
 
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