Need advice on a build: $1300 budget

Yoyi · 09-18-2008, 01:19 PM

I am trying to build a gaming PC. But still can't decide on a few parts. I really need some advice.

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core $189.99

ZALMAN 9500A 92mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler $53.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready $129.99

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s $79.99

ZXT LEXA BlackLine Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower $99.99x2 (Fiance Wanted Pretty Case too.....)

SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe $27.99

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - $5.99

So far these are the parts that I can't decide on. I have no experience with ATI but I have been looking around and it seem that they outperform NVidea for gaming.

EVGA 896-P3-1260-AR GeForce GTX 260 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 279.99
HIS Hightech H487F512P Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card 279.99
VisionTek 900244 Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card 279.99

For ram I am trying to decide between these 2
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) $66.99
OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) $82.99

And for the motherboard I don't know what plays better with ATI cards
I was looking at this one here:
EVGA 132-CK-NF78-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI ATX Intel $239.99

Thanks so much in advance.

**wrench97** · 09-18-2008, 01:58 PM

Lets start with the motherboard you never want use a ATI card on a Nvidia motherboard or a Nvidia card on a ATI/AMD board the drivers just don't play nice with each other.
I think the the Nvidia 7XX series is way too buggy and picky about memory.

Right now the Intel P35/P45 chipsets are the cost/performance ratio winners Asus, Gigabyte being top tier boards.

Don't pick the memory before the MB and after use a configurer on the memory manufacturers wen site to select the recommended ram.

Good choice on the PSU, this will save you a couple of bucks> http://www.provantage.com/corsair-cm...x~7CSMC05E.htm

If your not going to OC the stock cooler that comes with the E8500 will work just clean off the OEM thermal paste and use the ArcticSilver.

How large of a monitor are you going to use?
If less than 24" the 9800GTX+ will work fine, the Nvidia/ATI performance is pretty close this weeks price for a single card puts the GTX+ in front, for dual the HD4850 in crossfire scale better and perform better than SLI cards.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130385

Yoyi · 09-18-2008, 02:36 PM

Thanks for that link for the PSU.

Which of these do you think might be best? Or any specific one you can recommend?

ASUS P5Q LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard $130
ASUS P5Q Deluxe LGA 775 Intel P45 Intel Motherboard $195
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard

I should wait until I pick a motherboard then check which memory works best with it? Where would I be able to find this info??
I've had issues before on my previous pc with Corssair mem and Asus board

The cooler I'm just getting to shave off as much heat as possible. I live in miami and it gets pretty hot in the room even with the A/C, windows+sun n such.

I use 1x 22" monitor and 1x 17" But the second one is for work purposes.
Do you think I should go with that vid card you linked or go ahead and try the 4870?

**tosh9i** · 09-18-2008, 02:41 PM

http://shop4.frys.com/product/5611731

Yoyi · 09-18-2008, 02:51 PM

I'm trying to avoid corsair as I've had a ton of problems with them in the past

**tosh9i** · 09-18-2008, 02:55 PM

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showpos...34&postcount=2

**grimx133** · 09-18-2008, 03:03 PM

If you go to the memory manufacturer's site, they usually have a configurator where you put in the motherboard model and they will tell you which of their memory will work in that particular board.

ocz - http://conf.ocztechnology.com/index.php?c=1
crucial memory tool - http://www.crucial.com/
and of course, corsair, they do make good memory - http://www.corsair.com/configurator/default.aspx

Like those, other brands have the same sort of thing.

**manic** · 09-18-2008, 03:08 PM

I must concur with wrench on the nvidia 7xxx boards being buggy.
I would not wish one on anyone. Not for the faint of heart.

**wrench97** · 09-18-2008, 03:09 PM

Take a loo at the P5Q Pro it's a very good board> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131299

How about Crucial > http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartsp...8059B1A5CA7304
Same Memory at Egg> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2KIT25664AA80A

The DS3R is also good I've used a few of the DS3L same board w/out Raid the latest Bios revision has made it a lot easier.

I would probably go with the 9800GTX+ right now the 4870 will out preform it some games but with heat being an issue the 4870 runs hotter and uses more power which makes the PSU warmer, you get the idea

Yoyi · 09-18-2008, 03:13 PM

So this one is a good fit you guys think?

ASUS P5Q LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard

Also I'm still trying to decide on Video Card between the 4870 and the 9800GTX

I want to try to order the parts by tonight. But I don't want to buy anything until I know the parts I am getting work well together

**tosh9i** · 09-18-2008, 03:24 PM

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthr...40053&t=926230

Yoyi · 09-18-2008, 04:33 PM

Thanks Tosh9i

But is it worth getting the E8400 over the 8500 For a few extra bucks?

**tosh9i** · 09-18-2008, 04:43 PM

It's not a "few extra bucks", it's $64 (after cashback). And instead of getting 3.16ghz, you'll only be getting 3.00ghz, a difference of 0.16ghz.

I doubt that you'll even notice a differnce in the speeds.

Yoyi · 09-18-2008, 04:47 PM

That sounds good.

Is there much of a difference between the P5Q Pro and the P5Q Deluxe

Yoyi · 09-18-2008, 05:17 PM

Ok so heres what I have so far:

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Processor & ASUS P5Q Pro Motherboard Combo - $265 ( Thanks tosh9i)

ZALMAN 9500A 92mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler $53.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready
$97.61 (Thanks wrench97)

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s $79.99

ZXT LEXA BlackLine Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower $99.99X2=$199.99

SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe $27.99

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - $5.99

Memory I am leaning towards the Crucial

Crucial Ballistix 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
vs.
CORSAIR XMS2 DHX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

Also with good airflow on the case would the 9800GTX be recommendable over the 4870

With that I am about 250 under budget. Is there anything up there that I can upgrade with the extra cash?

Toucan Sam · 09-18-2008, 05:21 PM

The e8500 is 189 at newegg. The e8400 is 169. THAT's a few bucks. The price per ghz is cheaper for the e8500. It'll last longer. Get it.

EDIT: I was writing this at the same time you were (look at posting times). If your heart's set on it the e8400 is just fine.

And I recommend the 9800GTX+ over the 4870. Though both are great values, the 9800 is cheaper.

**wrench97** · 09-18-2008, 05:57 PM

I agree with Toucan Go for the E8500 For $20 it's worth it also agree with the GTX+.
If your set on spending the extra cash look at the E8600.

**tosh9i** · 09-18-2008, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toucan Sam

The e8500 is 189 at newegg. The e8400 is 169. THAT's a few bucks. The price per ghz is cheaper for the e8500. It'll last longer. Get it.

EDIT: I was writing this at the same time you were (look at posting times). If your heart's set on it the e8400 is just fine.

And I recommend the 9800GTX+ over the 4870. Though both are great values, the 9800 is cheaper.

when you purchase the CPU (e8400) and motherboard together, you'll also get a "combo discount" ($35), but it doesn't apply to the e8500. So, overall, it's a saving of $64 (after cashback).

Yoyi · 09-18-2008, 06:03 PM

How's this

ASUS P5Q Deluxe LGA 775 Intel P45 Intel Motherboard - $194
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W - $190
ZALMAN 9500A 92mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler - $60
CORSAIR XMS2 DHX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) - $108
EVGA 512-P3-N873-AR GeForce 9800 GTX+ - $200
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA - $80
SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe - $28
NZXT LEXA BlackLine Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower - $200
Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - $6
Rosewill RTK-002 Anti-Static Wrist Strap - $4
Scythe S-FLEX SFF21D 120mm Case Fan - 3x $13 = $40

Budget: $1300
Total: $1110

Extra: $190

Any Ideas where to put the extra cash?

**tosh9i** · 09-18-2008, 06:08 PM

If you want to save about $40 more, go to live.com > click on Cash back > create an account > then from there click on the newegg link > it'll save you about 3% off of your purchase price.

09-18-2008, 01:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
Yoyi Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 23 OS: XP	Need advice on a build: $1300 budget I am trying to build a gaming PC. But still can't decide on a few parts. I really need some advice. Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core $189.99 ZALMAN 9500A 92mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler $53.99 CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready $129.99 Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s $79.99 ZXT LEXA BlackLine Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower $99.99x2 (Fiance Wanted Pretty Case too.....) SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe $27.99 Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - $5.99 So far these are the parts that I can't decide on. I have no experience with ATI but I have been looking around and it seem that they outperform NVidea for gaming. EVGA 896-P3-1260-AR GeForce GTX 260 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 279.99 HIS Hightech H487F512P Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card 279.99 VisionTek 900244 Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card 279.99 For ram I am trying to decide between these 2 G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) $66.99 OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) $82.99 And for the motherboard I don't know what plays better with ATI cards I was looking at this one here: EVGA 132-CK-NF78-A1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI ATX Intel $239.99 Thanks so much in advance.

09-18-2008, 01:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,527 OS: Win7	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget Lets start with the motherboard you never want use a ATI card on a Nvidia motherboard or a Nvidia card on a ATI/AMD board the drivers just don't play nice with each other. I think the the Nvidia 7XX series is way too buggy and picky about memory. Right now the Intel P35/P45 chipsets are the cost/performance ratio winners Asus, Gigabyte being top tier boards. Don't pick the memory before the MB and after use a configurer on the memory manufacturers wen site to select the recommended ram. Good choice on the PSU, this will save you a couple of bucks> http://www.provantage.com/corsair-cm...x~7CSMC05E.htm If your not going to OC the stock cooler that comes with the E8500 will work just clean off the OEM thermal paste and use the ArcticSilver. How large of a monitor are you going to use? If less than 24" the 9800GTX+ will work fine, the Nvidia/ATI performance is pretty close this weeks price for a single card puts the GTX+ in front, for dual the HD4850 in crossfire scale better and perform better than SLI cards. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130385 __________________ Power Supply and Selection

09-18-2008, 02:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
Yoyi Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 23 OS: XP	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget Thanks for that link for the PSU. Which of these do you think might be best? Or any specific one you can recommend? ASUS P5Q LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard $130 ASUS P5Q Deluxe LGA 775 Intel P45 Intel Motherboard $195 GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard I should wait until I pick a motherboard then check which memory works best with it? Where would I be able to find this info?? I've had issues before on my previous pc with Corssair mem and Asus board The cooler I'm just getting to shave off as much heat as possible. I live in miami and it gets pretty hot in the room even with the A/C, windows+sun n such. I use 1x 22" monitor and 1x 17" But the second one is for work purposes. Do you think I should go with that vid card you linked or go ahead and try the 4870?

09-18-2008, 02:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
tosh9i TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 3,835 OS: Windows XP	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget http://shop4.frys.com/product/5611731 __________________ Tosh

09-18-2008, 02:51 PM	#5 (permalink)
Yoyi Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 23 OS: XP	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget I'm trying to avoid corsair as I've had a ton of problems with them in the past

09-18-2008, 02:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
tosh9i TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 3,835 OS: Windows XP	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget http://forums.slickdeals.net/showpos...34&postcount=2 __________________ Tosh

09-18-2008, 03:03 PM	#7 (permalink)
grimx133 Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada eh Posts: 3,142 OS: xp mce sp2, xp pro sp2, windows 7 beta My System	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget If you go to the memory manufacturer's site, they usually have a configurator where you put in the motherboard model and they will tell you which of their memory will work in that particular board. ocz - http://conf.ocztechnology.com/index.php?c=1 crucial memory tool - http://www.crucial.com/ and of course, corsair, they do make good memory - http://www.corsair.com/configurator/default.aspx Like those, other brands have the same sort of thing.

09-18-2008, 03:08 PM	#8 (permalink)
manic Mod Hardware Team Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 5,241 OS: xp	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget I must concur with wrench on the nvidia 7xxx boards being buggy. I would not wish one on anyone. Not for the faint of heart. __________________

09-18-2008, 03:09 PM	#9 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,527 OS: Win7	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget Take a loo at the P5Q Pro it's a very good board> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131299 How about Crucial > http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartsp...8059B1A5CA7304 Same Memory at Egg> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2KIT25664AA80A The DS3R is also good I've used a few of the DS3L same board w/out Raid the latest Bios revision has made it a lot easier. I would probably go with the 9800GTX+ right now the 4870 will out preform it some games but with heat being an issue the 4870 runs hotter and uses more power which makes the PSU warmer, you get the idea __________________ Power Supply and Selection

09-18-2008, 03:13 PM	#10 (permalink)
Yoyi Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 23 OS: XP	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget So this one is a good fit you guys think? ASUS P5Q LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard Also I'm still trying to decide on Video Card between the 4870 and the 9800GTX I want to try to order the parts by tonight. But I don't want to buy anything until I know the parts I am getting work well together Last edited by Yoyi; 09-18-2008 at 03:16 PM.

09-18-2008, 03:24 PM	#11 (permalink)
tosh9i TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 3,835 OS: Windows XP	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthr...40053&t=926230 __________________ Tosh

09-18-2008, 04:33 PM	#12 (permalink)
Yoyi Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 23 OS: XP	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget Thanks Tosh9i But is it worth getting the E8400 over the 8500 For a few extra bucks?

09-18-2008, 04:43 PM	#13 (permalink)
tosh9i TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 3,835 OS: Windows XP	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget It's not a "few extra bucks", it's $64 (after cashback). And instead of getting 3.16ghz, you'll only be getting 3.00ghz, a difference of 0.16ghz. I doubt that you'll even notice a differnce in the speeds. __________________ Tosh

09-18-2008, 04:47 PM	#14 (permalink)
Yoyi Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 23 OS: XP	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget That sounds good. Is there much of a difference between the P5Q Pro and the P5Q Deluxe

09-18-2008, 05:17 PM	#15 (permalink)
Yoyi Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 23 OS: XP	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget Ok so heres what I have so far: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Processor & ASUS P5Q Pro Motherboard Combo - $265 ( Thanks tosh9i) ZALMAN 9500A 92mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler $53.99 CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready $97.61 (Thanks wrench97) Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s $79.99 ZXT LEXA BlackLine Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower $99.99X2=$199.99 SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe $27.99 Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - $5.99 Memory I am leaning towards the Crucial Crucial Ballistix 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) vs. CORSAIR XMS2 DHX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Also with good airflow on the case would the 9800GTX be recommendable over the 4870 With that I am about 250 under budget. Is there anything up there that I can upgrade with the extra cash? Last edited by Yoyi; 09-18-2008 at 05:20 PM.

09-18-2008, 05:21 PM	#16 (permalink)
Toucan Sam Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: charlotte, nc Posts: 153 OS: vista 64-bit SP1 My System	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget The e8500 is 189 at newegg. The e8400 is 169. THAT's a few bucks. The price per ghz is cheaper for the e8500. It'll last longer. Get it. EDIT: I was writing this at the same time you were (look at posting times). If your heart's set on it the e8400 is just fine. And I recommend the 9800GTX+ over the 4870. Though both are great values, the 9800 is cheaper. Last edited by Toucan Sam; 09-18-2008 at 05:24 PM.

09-18-2008, 05:57 PM	#17 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,527 OS: Win7	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget I agree with Toucan Go for the E8500 For $20 it's worth it also agree with the GTX+. If your set on spending the extra cash look at the E8600. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

09-18-2008, 06:03 PM	#19 (permalink)
Yoyi Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 23 OS: XP	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget How's this ASUS P5Q Deluxe LGA 775 Intel P45 Intel Motherboard - $194 Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W - $190 ZALMAN 9500A 92mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler - $60 CORSAIR XMS2 DHX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) - $108 EVGA 512-P3-N873-AR GeForce 9800 GTX+ - $200 Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA - $80 SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe - $28 NZXT LEXA BlackLine Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower - $200 Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - $6 Rosewill RTK-002 Anti-Static Wrist Strap - $4 Scythe S-FLEX SFF21D 120mm Case Fan - 3x $13 = $40 Budget: $1300 Total: $1110 Extra: $190 Any Ideas where to put the extra cash? Last edited by Yoyi; 09-18-2008 at 06:09 PM.

09-18-2008, 06:08 PM	#20 (permalink)
tosh9i TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 3,835 OS: Windows XP	Re: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget If you want to save about $40 more, go to live.com > click on Cash back > create an account > then from there click on the newegg link > it'll save you about 3% off of your purchase price. __________________ Tosh