First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig)

Jaegan · 09-19-2008, 09:08 PM

I don't know a whole lot about building computers, but I have a buddy that can help me get it together once I get the parts. I am aiming for around a thousand dollars total in cost, but willing to go as high 1,200. After some asking around, I had this setup recommended to me.

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/9709/clp1hb3.jpg

(Going to pass on Vista, however.)

So my questions are...

1. How does it look overall?

2. What would you change? (Primary purpose is gaming.)

3. What are some decently priced cases you would recommend?

4. What other items am I missing? I know I need some fans, but I am unsure how many and what type/brand.

5. And if you don't care for the suggested rig... what would you recommend for around 1,000, with 1,200 being the post tax maximum?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

videogamephreak · 09-20-2008, 03:06 AM

If your computer is primarily for gaming then go with the E8400 or E8500 dual core processor. Dual core is better for gaming at this point in time.

Also you could get the Corsair 750TX for $100 at newegg. That is a good PSU to have.

A good case is the Antec 900. It comes with 4 fans and you can install a fifth. I like this case a lot.

And finally I don't know if you really need to spend that much money on a motherboard? You can get a decent one for around $180 or so? Someone correct me if I'm wrong here.

**wrench97** · 09-20-2008, 05:19 AM

You do not want a Nvidia chipset motherboard and a ATI video card the driver don't play nice with each other, and the 7xx series are too buggy.

**Pauldo** · 09-20-2008, 12:41 PM

Yeah, I have to second both videogamephreak and wrench97. Drop the price on your motherboard and cpu and go for the gusto on your video card. The 4870 will last you much longer into the future than the 4850 will (or GTX 260, 280 if you can stomach the price, if you want to stick with nVidia). And as wrench97 said, don't mix and match your motherboard and graphics card. Keep the nVidia graphics cards with the nVidia motherboards and keep ATI cards with Intel motherboards.

Pauldo

Jaegan · 09-20-2008, 01:28 PM

Thanks for the help guys. Also been posting on the Overclocked forums and got some additional help. Here is what I'm looking at now for my build.

Case: Antec 900
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021
$104.99
Questions/Concerns: None

Hard Drive 1: WD 640GB 7200RPM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136218
$84.99
Questions/Concerns: None

Hard Drive 2: WD 150GB 10000RPM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136296
$179.99
Questions/Concerns: Price, mostly. You are paying twice as much for 1/4 the space. I understand that having a dedicated HD for the OS at a higher RPM is advantageous, but I would really just like to know if it really worth the price tag.

CD Drive: Lite-on something or other
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106228
$20.99
Questions/Concerns: None

PSU: PC Power and cooling S75CF
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341011
$149.99 ($124.99 Post rebate)
Questions/Concerns: Not sure if this goes over what I'll need for my system. Not going to be running SLI anytime soon. Then again, the price it is going at isn't half bad.

RAM: GSkill 4GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231145
$72.99
Questions/Concerns: Didn't find anything suggesting conflicts with the system, but if you are aware of any please let me know!

MOBO: P5Q-EM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131336
$134.99
Questions/Concerns: Didn't seem to find any real compelling reason to pick the P5Q-E or P5q-deluxe in my case.

CPU: Dual Core Duo E8400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037
$169.99
Questions/Concerns: Thanks for the link on the quad vs. duo

HSF: Tuniq Tower 120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835154002
$49.99
Questions/Concerns: Is this really going to be necessary for the system I have going?

Video Card: Radeon HD 4850 512MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121253
$169.99 ($139.99 post rebate)
Questions/Concerns: Only if you know some higher level options that are still a good value.

Total Cost After Tax Shipping: $1,234.83
Rebate!: -$ 55.00
__________________
Total: $1,179.83

Whew!

I'm about perfectly on budget, but if you think forgoing some of the stuff (like the 10000RPM hard drive) is wise, I might have some wiggle room to bump up stuff elsewhere. I would also consider going slightly over budget if there is a very compelling reason to take the PQ5-E or deluxe. However, it looks pretty good to me at the moment! Let me know what you think.

shotgn · 09-20-2008, 02:32 PM

that 10000rpm hd is not worth it, i have the 650 gig that you posted and it works great. btw your links dont work, but from what i read it looks very good. i also have the hd4850 and its awesome.

edit
put the money you save from the 10000rpm hd and put it to an hd 4870
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125225

**wrench97** · 09-20-2008, 03:09 PM

Think about the E8500 for an extra $20, If you aren't overclocking the stock fan/heat sink work fine.

Jaegan · 09-20-2008, 04:13 PM

Thanks again for the help (sorry about the links!) Made the following tweaks...

1. Bumped the e8400 to e8500
2. Switched from the Tuniq to the Xigmatek + bolt kit.
3. Axed the raptor HD. (Just have the 650GB 7200RPM one for right now.)
4. Switched from the PC Power and cooling S75CF to the Corsair 650TX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005
5. Upgraded to the PQ5 pro.

Total Post tax and Rebate Cost: $947.50

Which leaves us with the questions of...

1. What video card to bump up to.
2. Possible 2nd hard drive. From what I have looked up on RAID 0, it looks like the benefits are marginal. I also don't anticipate filling up my 650 GB HD in the next few years, so I think I'll just stick with what the one for now.
3. Any monitor recommendations. I'm thinking of picking up a 20 inch and running at 1600x1200. If you have a recommended monitor, or a suggestion for a different one, I'd love to hear em.
4. Any other upgrades/tweaks you think worth making. The 1,200 mark is still my self imposed limit, though there is some flex for great values etc.

Toucan Sam · 09-20-2008, 04:24 PM

Corsair 750w for cheaper here: http://www.provantage.com/corsair-cm...x~7CSMC05E.htm
I personally would choose the 9800gtx+. It is a great card for not much more money. You could also go for the 4870, which is an excellent card as well.
Good rig, though.

**wrench97** · 09-20-2008, 04:26 PM

If your considering going to a HD4870 or 9800GTX+ use a 750w PSU for the price difference now it's worth it. > http://www.provantage.com/corsair-cm...x~7CSMC05E.htm

**grimx133** · 09-20-2008, 04:59 PM

Good decision on the raptor, mine is in my spare machine, way too loud, expensive, and small. I'd consider the Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 drives as well, they have a 32MB cache and a 5 year warranty. The 500GB is 75 bucks and the 750 is a hundred.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148288 The WD is fine too, I've got the 500GB Seagate and it's been excellent.

Good luck finding a 20 inch monitor and running it at 1600 x 1200. Looked through 4 pages of monitors at Newegg and the highest resolution for a 20" was 1680 x 1050. Which is also the standard res for 22 inchers. To get 1920 x 1200 you're looking at 24" or better. Might be able to find a smaller one with higher resolution, but you'd be paying large for it.

If you're not overclocking, the only reason for an aftermarket HSF is noise. If that's the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 then it's big. Of course, it'll fit in your case, but I'm not sure if the side fan bracket will get in the way at all. Hope someone with that cooler and case chimes in on that. I've got a Kingwin RVT-12025 which is a rebranded S1283, different case though, Antec 1200 here. It worked fine, but I just don't like the gaps in the base between the heat pipes and spacers, too bad they didn't fill those with copper or something. Oh well, at least it does a good job on the temps. Haven't been using mine, picked up a Scythe Ninja 2 for about 1/2 price the other month and it has been excellent. The fan clips were a bit of a pain at first, gets much easier with practice.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835185074

Since you're a gamer, you should get the most video card you can. Should you be able to find a 4870 at a deal where it isn't much more than the 4850, it would probably be worth your while. Haven't tried them myself, though I'm thinking of a 4850 too. Difference is that I'm not much of a gamer, golf (Links 2003) and Spore are the only ones I'm playing right now, and they run on pretty much anything but onboard.

**Pauldo** · 09-20-2008, 06:19 PM

Just remember that your motherboard is a CrossFire motherboard. For best compatibility you should stick with ATI/AMD line of graphics cards. Also, if gaming is the main purpose of this machine, do what it takes to get the 4870 in there. It will take you farther with the next generation of games.

Not that I'm against nVidia, if you like that 9800 GTX+ just pair it with an nVidia motherboard.

Pauldo

Jaegan · 09-20-2008, 10:46 PM

Just to ensure I have it right, am I to understand that choosing a display setting higher than 1024 X 768 (in game or out) will have no appreciable effect on visuals if my monitor does not have a higher resolution setting that that? My buddy runs 1600 x 1200 in games on his SyncMaster 2040 for example- the graphics then are no different than if he was running at 1024 X 768?

As for the video cards, I could really use any opinions anyone has on which you feel offers the best performance. Right now I am debating between the following options...

GTX 260 w/ 216 processing cores: 330 bucks, a lot to it, but again it is NVidia. I'll have to consider a different MOBO if I go with this one, and from what I have seen the PQ5 I have now is not going to be easily bested.

Radeon 4870: Obviously a step up, but it doesn't seem a dramatic one.

Radeon 4850 X2 Crossfire: This would seem to be the smartest option. It only costs 10 bucks more than the single radeon 4870, and it seems it would have a lot more umph in it. Seems it would match even GTx 260 in overall performance and cost less, which is a combo you can't easily beat.

Let me know what ya think!

**grimx133** · 09-20-2008, 11:48 PM

Now that I think of it, you can get 1600 x 1200 in that size, I'm so used to widescreen now I forgot about 4 x 3 res. As far as I know, you can't choose a resolution higher than your monitor supports, the option shouldn't be available. Went through Newegg's 4 pages of LCD monitors again, only 3 aren't widescreen. A 17" Viewsonic and 19 inchers by Acer and Samsung. The 17" was 160 and the two 19's were 190 and 230 respectively. Didn't realize the scarcity of non-widescreen, going to be extinct soon enough, I'd guess.
All 3 of the monitors had a resolution of 1280 x 1024. I used to have a 1600 X 1200 almost 5 years ago, so I know they exist.
You can get a 22" widescreen for about the same price as the Samsung at 230 bucks. That's about what I paid for a Samsung 2253BW on sale.

**wrench97** · 09-21-2008, 03:28 AM

You can use a single Nvidia card on a Intel board without problems you just can't SLI two cards.
The GTX260 doesn't offer a lot over the 9800GTX+.

**Pauldo** · 09-21-2008, 04:31 PM

The single 4870 keeps pace with the GTX 260 and it produces less heat and uses less power than the 4850 x2.

Pauldo

**tosh9i** · 09-21-2008, 05:17 PM

Corsair 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-800 Dekstop Memory $45 after $25MIR, OCZ Platinum 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-1000 $48 after $30MIR, OCZ Fata1ty 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-800 $45 After $35MIR
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=925346

Corsair 750 W PS $79.99 after $20 rebate free shipping
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=927472

**tosh9i** · 09-21-2008, 05:19 PM

Visiontek Radeon 512MB PCI-Express Video Card w/ $10 Best Buy Gift Card HD 4850 $150, HD 4870 $250
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=924522

**tosh9i** · 09-21-2008, 05:28 PM

You should also check out this other guy's thread, with all the suggestions everyone has given you, you're practically building the same thing he is:

Need advice on a build: $1300 budget

Jaegan · 09-23-2008, 06:24 PM

Thanks a ton for all the help guys, sent in my orders and am awaiting the parts. With your help I saved quite a few bucks, and a lot of headaches later.

Thanks again to all who helped. You guys are truly remarkable in how helpful you are.

09-19-2008, 09:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jaegan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 20 OS: XP SP2	First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) I don't know a whole lot about building computers, but I have a buddy that can help me get it together once I get the parts. I am aiming for around a thousand dollars total in cost, but willing to go as high 1,200. After some asking around, I had this setup recommended to me. http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/9709/clp1hb3.jpg (Going to pass on Vista, however.) So my questions are... 1. How does it look overall? 2. What would you change? (Primary purpose is gaming.) 3. What are some decently priced cases you would recommend? 4. What other items am I missing? I know I need some fans, but I am unsure how many and what type/brand. 5. And if you don't care for the suggested rig... what would you recommend for around 1,000, with 1,200 being the post tax maximum? Thanks in advance for all your help. Last edited by Jaegan; 09-19-2008 at 09:16 PM.

09-20-2008, 03:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
videogamephreak Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 37 OS: XP Pro SP 2	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) If your computer is primarily for gaming then go with the E8400 or E8500 dual core processor. Dual core is better for gaming at this point in time. Also you could get the Corsair 750TX for $100 at newegg. That is a good PSU to have. A good case is the Antec 900. It comes with 4 fans and you can install a fifth. I like this case a lot. And finally I don't know if you really need to spend that much money on a motherboard? You can get a decent one for around $180 or so? Someone correct me if I'm wrong here.

09-20-2008, 05:19 AM	#3 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,469 OS: Win7	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) You do not want a Nvidia chipset motherboard and a ATI video card the driver don't play nice with each other, and the 7xx series are too buggy. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

09-20-2008, 12:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
Pauldo Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Seattle, Washington Posts: 1,444 OS: winXP Pro sp3 My System	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) Yeah, I have to second both videogamephreak and wrench97. Drop the price on your motherboard and cpu and go for the gusto on your video card. The 4870 will last you much longer into the future than the 4850 will (or GTX 260, 280 if you can stomach the price, if you want to stick with nVidia). And as wrench97 said, don't mix and match your motherboard and graphics card. Keep the nVidia graphics cards with the nVidia motherboards and keep ATI cards with Intel motherboards. Pauldo

09-20-2008, 01:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
Jaegan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 20 OS: XP SP2	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) Thanks for the help guys. Also been posting on the Overclocked forums and got some additional help. Here is what I'm looking at now for my build. Case: Antec 900 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021 $104.99 Questions/Concerns: None Hard Drive 1: WD 640GB 7200RPM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136218 $84.99 Questions/Concerns: None Hard Drive 2: WD 150GB 10000RPM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136296 $179.99 Questions/Concerns: Price, mostly. You are paying twice as much for 1/4 the space. I understand that having a dedicated HD for the OS at a higher RPM is advantageous, but I would really just like to know if it really worth the price tag. CD Drive: Lite-on something or other http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106228 $20.99 Questions/Concerns: None PSU: PC Power and cooling S75CF http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341011 $149.99 ($124.99 Post rebate) Questions/Concerns: Not sure if this goes over what I'll need for my system. Not going to be running SLI anytime soon. Then again, the price it is going at isn't half bad. RAM: GSkill 4GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231145 $72.99 Questions/Concerns: Didn't find anything suggesting conflicts with the system, but if you are aware of any please let me know! MOBO: P5Q-EM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131336 $134.99 Questions/Concerns: Didn't seem to find any real compelling reason to pick the P5Q-E or P5q-deluxe in my case. CPU: Dual Core Duo E8400 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037 $169.99 Questions/Concerns: Thanks for the link on the quad vs. duo HSF: Tuniq Tower 120 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835154002 $49.99 Questions/Concerns: Is this really going to be necessary for the system I have going? Video Card: Radeon HD 4850 512MB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121253 $169.99 ($139.99 post rebate) Questions/Concerns: Only if you know some higher level options that are still a good value. Total Cost After Tax Shipping: $1,234.83 Rebate!: -$ 55.00 __________________ Total: $1,179.83 Whew! I'm about perfectly on budget, but if you think forgoing some of the stuff (like the 10000RPM hard drive) is wise, I might have some wiggle room to bump up stuff elsewhere. I would also consider going slightly over budget if there is a very compelling reason to take the PQ5-E or deluxe. However, it looks pretty good to me at the moment! Let me know what you think.

09-20-2008, 02:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
shotgn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 196 OS: xp My System	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) that 10000rpm hd is not worth it, i have the 650 gig that you posted and it works great. btw your links dont work, but from what i read it looks very good. i also have the hd4850 and its awesome. edit put the money you save from the 10000rpm hd and put it to an hd 4870 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125225 __________________ Do or do not, there is no try -yoda- Last edited by shotgn; 09-20-2008 at 02:35 PM.

09-20-2008, 03:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,469 OS: Win7	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) Think about the E8500 for an extra $20, If you aren't overclocking the stock fan/heat sink work fine. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

09-20-2008, 04:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
Jaegan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 20 OS: XP SP2	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) Thanks again for the help (sorry about the links!) Made the following tweaks... 1. Bumped the e8400 to e8500 2. Switched from the Tuniq to the Xigmatek + bolt kit. 3. Axed the raptor HD. (Just have the 650GB 7200RPM one for right now.) 4. Switched from the PC Power and cooling S75CF to the Corsair 650TX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005 5. Upgraded to the PQ5 pro. Total Post tax and Rebate Cost: $947.50 Which leaves us with the questions of... 1. What video card to bump up to. 2. Possible 2nd hard drive. From what I have looked up on RAID 0, it looks like the benefits are marginal. I also don't anticipate filling up my 650 GB HD in the next few years, so I think I'll just stick with what the one for now. 3. Any monitor recommendations. I'm thinking of picking up a 20 inch and running at 1600x1200. If you have a recommended monitor, or a suggestion for a different one, I'd love to hear em. 4. Any other upgrades/tweaks you think worth making. The 1,200 mark is still my self imposed limit, though there is some flex for great values etc. Last edited by Jaegan; 09-20-2008 at 04:14 PM.

09-20-2008, 04:24 PM	#9 (permalink)
Toucan Sam Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: charlotte, nc Posts: 153 OS: vista 64-bit SP1 My System	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) Corsair 750w for cheaper here: http://www.provantage.com/corsair-cm...x~7CSMC05E.htm I personally would choose the 9800gtx+. It is a great card for not much more money. You could also go for the 4870, which is an excellent card as well. Good rig, though.

09-20-2008, 04:26 PM	#10 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,469 OS: Win7	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) If your considering going to a HD4870 or 9800GTX+ use a 750w PSU for the price difference now it's worth it. > http://www.provantage.com/corsair-cm...x~7CSMC05E.htm __________________ Power Supply and Selection

09-20-2008, 04:59 PM	#11 (permalink)
grimx133 Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada eh Posts: 3,137 OS: xp mce sp2, xp pro sp2, windows 7 beta My System	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) Good decision on the raptor, mine is in my spare machine, way too loud, expensive, and small. I'd consider the Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 drives as well, they have a 32MB cache and a 5 year warranty. The 500GB is 75 bucks and the 750 is a hundred. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148288 The WD is fine too, I've got the 500GB Seagate and it's been excellent. Good luck finding a 20 inch monitor and running it at 1600 x 1200. Looked through 4 pages of monitors at Newegg and the highest resolution for a 20" was 1680 x 1050. Which is also the standard res for 22 inchers. To get 1920 x 1200 you're looking at 24" or better. Might be able to find a smaller one with higher resolution, but you'd be paying large for it. If you're not overclocking, the only reason for an aftermarket HSF is noise. If that's the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 then it's big. Of course, it'll fit in your case, but I'm not sure if the side fan bracket will get in the way at all. Hope someone with that cooler and case chimes in on that. I've got a Kingwin RVT-12025 which is a rebranded S1283, different case though, Antec 1200 here. It worked fine, but I just don't like the gaps in the base between the heat pipes and spacers, too bad they didn't fill those with copper or something. Oh well, at least it does a good job on the temps. Haven't been using mine, picked up a Scythe Ninja 2 for about 1/2 price the other month and it has been excellent. The fan clips were a bit of a pain at first, gets much easier with practice. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835185074 Since you're a gamer, you should get the most video card you can. Should you be able to find a 4870 at a deal where it isn't much more than the 4850, it would probably be worth your while. Haven't tried them myself, though I'm thinking of a 4850 too. Difference is that I'm not much of a gamer, golf (Links 2003) and Spore are the only ones I'm playing right now, and they run on pretty much anything but onboard.

09-20-2008, 06:19 PM	#12 (permalink)
Pauldo Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Seattle, Washington Posts: 1,444 OS: winXP Pro sp3 My System	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) Just remember that your motherboard is a CrossFire motherboard. For best compatibility you should stick with ATI/AMD line of graphics cards. Also, if gaming is the main purpose of this machine, do what it takes to get the 4870 in there. It will take you farther with the next generation of games. Not that I'm against nVidia, if you like that 9800 GTX+ just pair it with an nVidia motherboard. Pauldo

09-20-2008, 10:46 PM	#13 (permalink)
Jaegan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 20 OS: XP SP2	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) Just to ensure I have it right, am I to understand that choosing a display setting higher than 1024 X 768 (in game or out) will have no appreciable effect on visuals if my monitor does not have a higher resolution setting that that? My buddy runs 1600 x 1200 in games on his SyncMaster 2040 for example- the graphics then are no different than if he was running at 1024 X 768? As for the video cards, I could really use any opinions anyone has on which you feel offers the best performance. Right now I am debating between the following options... GTX 260 w/ 216 processing cores: 330 bucks, a lot to it, but again it is NVidia. I'll have to consider a different MOBO if I go with this one, and from what I have seen the PQ5 I have now is not going to be easily bested. Radeon 4870: Obviously a step up, but it doesn't seem a dramatic one. Radeon 4850 X2 Crossfire: This would seem to be the smartest option. It only costs 10 bucks more than the single radeon 4870, and it seems it would have a lot more umph in it. Seems it would match even GTx 260 in overall performance and cost less, which is a combo you can't easily beat. Let me know what ya think!

09-20-2008, 11:48 PM	#14 (permalink)
grimx133 Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada eh Posts: 3,137 OS: xp mce sp2, xp pro sp2, windows 7 beta My System	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) Now that I think of it, you can get 1600 x 1200 in that size, I'm so used to widescreen now I forgot about 4 x 3 res. As far as I know, you can't choose a resolution higher than your monitor supports, the option shouldn't be available. Went through Newegg's 4 pages of LCD monitors again, only 3 aren't widescreen. A 17" Viewsonic and 19 inchers by Acer and Samsung. The 17" was 160 and the two 19's were 190 and 230 respectively. Didn't realize the scarcity of non-widescreen, going to be extinct soon enough, I'd guess. All 3 of the monitors had a resolution of 1280 x 1024. I used to have a 1600 X 1200 almost 5 years ago, so I know they exist. You can get a 22" widescreen for about the same price as the Samsung at 230 bucks. That's about what I paid for a Samsung 2253BW on sale.

09-21-2008, 03:28 AM	#15 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,469 OS: Win7	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) You can use a single Nvidia card on a Intel board without problems you just can't SLI two cards. The GTX260 doesn't offer a lot over the 9800GTX+. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

09-21-2008, 04:31 PM	#16 (permalink)
Pauldo Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Seattle, Washington Posts: 1,444 OS: winXP Pro sp3 My System	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) The single 4870 keeps pace with the GTX 260 and it produces less heat and uses less power than the 4850 x2. Pauldo

09-21-2008, 05:17 PM	#17 (permalink)
tosh9i TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 3,827 OS: Windows XP	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) Corsair 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-800 Dekstop Memory $45 after $25MIR, OCZ Platinum 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-1000 $48 after $30MIR, OCZ Fata1ty 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-800 $45 After $35MIR http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=925346 Corsair 750 W PS $79.99 after $20 rebate free shipping http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=927472 __________________ Tosh

09-21-2008, 05:19 PM	#18 (permalink)
tosh9i TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 3,827 OS: Windows XP	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) Visiontek Radeon 512MB PCI-Express Video Card w/ $10 Best Buy Gift Card HD 4850 $150, HD 4870 $250 http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=924522 __________________ Tosh

09-21-2008, 05:28 PM	#19 (permalink)
tosh9i TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 3,827 OS: Windows XP	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) You should also check out this other guy's thread, with all the suggestions everyone has given you, you're practically building the same thing he is: Need advice on a build: $1300 budget __________________ Tosh

09-23-2008, 06:24 PM	#20 (permalink)
Jaegan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 20 OS: XP SP2	Re: First time builder looking for feedback and info (sub 1.2k rig) Thanks a ton for all the help guys, sent in my orders and am awaiting the parts. With your help I saved quite a few bucks, and a lot of headaches later. Thanks again to all who helped. You guys are truly remarkable in how helpful you are.