1st time builder seeking advices for building a 1500ish game PC.

mAXiums · 09-20-2008, 11:52 PM

Before I post anything, I gained some ideas about build a 1000~ game pc from all the friendly pro-pc builders in this forum, thank you. But if I still asking some noobish questions, since I am new to pc building and some advance terminology.

Here is what I am looking for on a new game pc

1. Budget: I plan to spend 1000ish to 1500.

2. Brands: If good brands gives better performance and stability, then I like to have brand parts under my budget.

3. Multitasking: When I am gaming, I may open few web pages, or doing some video recording and editing.

4. Gaming: I love to able to play some newer games. but I only have a 19" LCD ( may get a 21"). I also plays Wow, now Warhammer online, if it is possible, I like to have to paly under middle to high setting.

5. Calculations: No.

6. Overclocking: This is a new term for me. (I only know CPU/GPU/Motherboard can be overclocked to increase it's performance. As result, the temperature will increase by a lot, and more/better cooling is requried.) But I don't know how it is done, nor how much I want to overclock them? Also is there any damage to the parts that is overclocked?

7. Storage: From the information I gathered from few people building a 1000+ game pc. I think I will go for a 500G hard drive.

8. Legacy Support: I am lost here. If this pc is going to build this new parts, do I have to worried about legacy or whatever Legacy Support is? And, if I really need it or not.

9. Operating System: I am using XP now. I heard there is Vista 32bits and 64bits, is 32bits using 4g RAM and 64bits using 8g RAM? I need more help or I will go find more info on it.

10. Case: I think Antec Nine Hundred, everyone here says this case is superb.

13. Monitor: 19 LCD is what I have now, may get a 21 later.

14. Stores: I prefer using online shipping combo,discounts,ect.

15. Location: I am in Canada, and local store costs too much to build with them.

mAXiums · 09-21-2008, 12:48 AM

This what I have come up with: (gathered info from few threads in here)

Case: Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ($104.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021

Mobo: ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard ($139.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131299
OR
ASUS P5K PRO LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard ($102.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131275

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor ($189.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036
OR
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 ($169.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ($119.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006

GPU: EVGA 512-P3-N975-AR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card ($114.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130380
OR
EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card ($114.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130318
OR
Radeon HD 4850 R4850-512M?
-But ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard is 8-Phase Power Optimize Stable Overclocking CrossFireX, is much btter to have a Radeon card? So it is able to upgrade with crossfire to 1G .

Memory: CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory ($54)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB ($69.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136073

OS: XP or Vista 32bits or Vista 64bits (~100)

Sound Card and Cooling fan, which I don't have any info on them.

Total now is 893.94 USD.

If I missed something or get a wrong combination, please tell me.

**grimx133** · 09-21-2008, 01:35 AM

Looks like newegg is coming here, when is the question eh.
http://www.newegg.ca/

I order all my stuff from NCIX ( http://www.ncix.com/ ) it's about the
best in Canada. Some also like www.tigerdirect.ca , but I find ncix to have a
much better and informative website. Some real good sales too.

Depending on where you are, shipping may take a bit. For me it's about a week, sometimes less, to northern ontario. There isn't much for local alternatives, and what there is usually sucks, high priced and poor quality brands. Looked for a power supply the other week and all around here was junk, ended up getting a 400 watt SeaSonic from ncix for 50 bucks.

Anyway, I'll do some legwork and put up some ncix links for you. BTW, they have pricematching, so if you find stuff cheaper they'll match it. And if you live outside of BC you don't pay PST, just the GST.

The components you listed are all fine picks. They work well together.

**grimx133** · 09-21-2008, 02:23 AM

ok, www.ncix.com here we come.

Antec 900 $114.98
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...ufacture=ANTEC

Asus P5Q Pro $151.42
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...nufacture=ASUS

Intel E8500 cpu $230.28
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...ufacture=Intel
the E8400 is $15. less, might as well go for the 8500

Corsair TX750 psu $94.99 after rebates
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...acture=CORSAIR

Palit Radeon HD 4850 $189.99 afer rebate
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...media%20Inc%2E or
Palit Radeon HD 4870 $279.99 after rebate
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...media%20Inc%2E

Corsair XS2 4GB $84.99 after rebate
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...acture=CORSAIR

500GB WD HDD $83.68
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...20Digital%20WD

So, that's 7 components, and it's getting up there.

With the HD 4850 total = $950.33
and with the HD4870 $1040.33

And then there's your operating system, keyboard, mouse, cpu fan, monitor (if you're getting a larger one) Of course, if not overclocking the stock fan on the cpu is fine. May want to use your existing keyboard and mouse too. They have decent sales there, might be able to shave some costs that way. Normally their sales start on Wednesday night (I think) and they have some huge deals, but only a limited amount sold, so if something you are looking for comes up and you jump on it fast, you can save quite a bit here and there.
Also the shipping and taxes.

mAXiums · 09-21-2008, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grimx133

... And if you live outside of BC you don't pay PST, just the GST...

Really? I am in Vancouver, BC, and I hate paying taxes...
And NCIX is just 20ish mins drive. Thanks for the great info, you just saved me few weeks of waiting.

Back to question,

When the video card made by different group, is there difference, if there is, are the difference noticeable?

On cooling systems, does Antec 900 case provide enough cooling or. Because I the CPU must have a cool by it's own, is ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler, a good choose?

**wrench97** · 09-21-2008, 04:42 AM

The Antec case is a good case and comes with plenty of fans.
The stock heat sink/fan that comes with the CPU works fine unless you plan to OC then move up the the freezer pro or a Zalman cooler.
What do you mean by a different group the card manufacturer IEPowercolor, Asus, or the chipset maker Nvidia or ATI?

**grimx133** · 09-21-2008, 06:45 AM

Checking on Corsair's site, they list the TWIN2X4096-C4DHX for the P5Q Pro. Which is a good thing, slightly better memory and it has a $35. instant rebate and a $30. mail in manufacturer's rebate, which brings it down to $79.99. Ends on Sept 30th though.
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...acture=CORSAIR

Must be nice to live so close. That'll trim the cost some with no shipping. And you can just whip over anytime for parts. Takes me 40 minutes just to get to work :-(

Personally, I think it's best to stay with the ATI video card. Not that long ago nVidia was the best, up until June (I think) when the 4850 and 4870 came out. Now those two ATI cards are considered by most to have the best price/performance ratio, and nVidia had to drop it's prices to try and match them. If you found a dire need for it, you could crossfire a couple of ATI cards, but the performance gains are not as large as you might think, and in many games it can even slow your performance as they are not optimized for multiple gpu configurations. It's one of those "sounds good in theory" type things.

It's probably not worthwhile to put in a soundcard, unless you already have one. The onboard sound isn't too bad, unless you're some sort of audiophile. I can't tell the difference, could be my ears though, it all sounds good unless there's some obvious problem with the hardware.

Before considering a cpu cooling fan (HSF - Heat Sink Fan) see how your temperatures are with the stock HSF that comes with a retail cpu. Asus includes PC Probe II in their software that comes with the motherboard, it gives you temperatures and fan speeds for the fans that are connected to the motherboard. If your temps are ok with the stock, then you don't need an aftermarket fan. If you do need one, the Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro is a good choice, it's very popular and I've heard nothing but good things about it.

How about dvd drive(s)? If you don't already have one, a dvd/cd burner can usually be picked up on sale for 25-30 dollars. Was just looking at the sale on right now which ends on the 23rd, they have 11 burners on sale, cheapest is 25 bucks. And I checked the motherboard section and the P5Q Pro is $139.99, if you go there through the sale link. Not sure how it works if you're going to pick up, might want to phone them and find out. Here's a link to the board, but from the sale page instead of just the regular motherboard section. http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...S&promoid=1008
Also, here's the link to all the sale items which start on Wednesday and end the following Tuesday. http://www.ncix.com/promo/promosale.php?webid=cas2008-1
The start of the page is the limited quantity items, anything that's a super deal gets snapped up right away, I've tried and been too late at times, other times I was able to get the item, probably depends on how good a deal and how popular the item is.

Oh yah, before I wander off, how about speakers? Already have some, or do you need to get those too? That can cost anywhere between next to nothing and a ton of cash, depends on what you're looking for.

09-20-2008, 11:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
mAXiums Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 8 OS: XP SP2/	1st time builder seeking advices for building a 1500ish game PC. Before I post anything, I gained some ideas about build a 1000~ game pc from all the friendly pro-pc builders in this forum, thank you. But if I still asking some noobish questions, since I am new to pc building and some advance terminology. Here is what I am looking for on a new game pc 1. Budget: I plan to spend 1000ish to 1500. 2. Brands: If good brands gives better performance and stability, then I like to have brand parts under my budget. 3. Multitasking: When I am gaming, I may open few web pages, or doing some video recording and editing. 4. Gaming: I love to able to play some newer games. but I only have a 19" LCD ( may get a 21"). I also plays Wow, now Warhammer online, if it is possible, I like to have to paly under middle to high setting. 5. Calculations: No. 6. Overclocking: This is a new term for me. (I only know CPU/GPU/Motherboard can be overclocked to increase it's performance. As result, the temperature will increase by a lot, and more/better cooling is requried.) But I don't know how it is done, nor how much I want to overclock them? Also is there any damage to the parts that is overclocked? 7. Storage: From the information I gathered from few people building a 1000+ game pc. I think I will go for a 500G hard drive. 8. Legacy Support: I am lost here. If this pc is going to build this new parts, do I have to worried about legacy or whatever Legacy Support is? And, if I really need it or not. 9. Operating System: I am using XP now. I heard there is Vista 32bits and 64bits, is 32bits using 4g RAM and 64bits using 8g RAM? I need more help or I will go find more info on it. 10. Case: I think Antec Nine Hundred, everyone here says this case is superb. 13. Monitor: 19 LCD is what I have now, may get a 21 later. 14. Stores: I prefer using online shipping combo,discounts,ect. 15. Location: I am in Canada, and local store costs too much to build with them.

09-21-2008, 12:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
mAXiums Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 8 OS: XP SP2/	Re: 1st time builder seeking advices for building a 1500ish game PC. This what I have come up with: (gathered info from few threads in here) Case: Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ($104.99) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021 Mobo: ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard ($139.99) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131299 OR ASUS P5K PRO LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard ($102.99) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131275 CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor ($189.99) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036 OR Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 ($169.99) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037 PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ($119.99) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006 GPU: EVGA 512-P3-N975-AR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card ($114.99) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130380 OR EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card ($114.99) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130318 OR Radeon HD 4850 R4850-512M? -But ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard is 8-Phase Power Optimize Stable Overclocking CrossFireX, is much btter to have a Radeon card? So it is able to upgrade with crossfire to 1G . Memory: CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory ($54) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184 Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB ($69.99) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136073 OS: XP or Vista 32bits or Vista 64bits (~100) Sound Card and Cooling fan, which I don't have any info on them. Total now is 893.94 USD. If I missed something or get a wrong combination, please tell me. Last edited by mAXiums; 09-21-2008 at 12:56 AM.

09-21-2008, 01:35 AM	#3 (permalink)
grimx133 Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada eh Posts: 3,144 OS: xp mce sp2, xp pro sp2, windows 7 beta My System	Re: 1st time builder seeking advices for building a 1500ish game PC. Looks like newegg is coming here, when is the question eh. http://www.newegg.ca/ I order all my stuff from NCIX ( http://www.ncix.com/ ) it's about the best in Canada. Some also like www.tigerdirect.ca , but I find ncix to have a much better and informative website. Some real good sales too. Depending on where you are, shipping may take a bit. For me it's about a week, sometimes less, to northern ontario. There isn't much for local alternatives, and what there is usually sucks, high priced and poor quality brands. Looked for a power supply the other week and all around here was junk, ended up getting a 400 watt SeaSonic from ncix for 50 bucks. Anyway, I'll do some legwork and put up some ncix links for you. BTW, they have pricematching, so if you find stuff cheaper they'll match it. And if you live outside of BC you don't pay PST, just the GST. The components you listed are all fine picks. They work well together.

09-21-2008, 02:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
grimx133 Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada eh Posts: 3,144 OS: xp mce sp2, xp pro sp2, windows 7 beta My System	Re: 1st time builder seeking advices for building a 1500ish game PC. ok, www.ncix.com here we come. Antec 900 $114.98 http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...ufacture=ANTEC Asus P5Q Pro $151.42 http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...nufacture=ASUS Intel E8500 cpu $230.28 http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...ufacture=Intel the E8400 is $15. less, might as well go for the 8500 Corsair TX750 psu $94.99 after rebates http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...acture=CORSAIR Palit Radeon HD 4850 $189.99 afer rebate http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...media%20Inc%2E or Palit Radeon HD 4870 $279.99 after rebate http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...media%20Inc%2E Corsair XS2 4GB $84.99 after rebate http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...acture=CORSAIR 500GB WD HDD $83.68 http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...20Digital%20WD So, that's 7 components, and it's getting up there. With the HD 4850 total = $950.33 and with the HD4870 $1040.33 And then there's your operating system, keyboard, mouse, cpu fan, monitor (if you're getting a larger one) Of course, if not overclocking the stock fan on the cpu is fine. May want to use your existing keyboard and mouse too. They have decent sales there, might be able to shave some costs that way. Normally their sales start on Wednesday night (I think) and they have some huge deals, but only a limited amount sold, so if something you are looking for comes up and you jump on it fast, you can save quite a bit here and there. Also the shipping and taxes. Last edited by grimx133; 09-21-2008 at 02:26 AM. Reason: forgot one link

09-21-2008, 04:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,597 OS: Win7	Re: 1st time builder seeking advices for building a 1500ish game PC. The Antec case is a good case and comes with plenty of fans. The stock heat sink/fan that comes with the CPU works fine unless you plan to OC then move up the the freezer pro or a Zalman cooler. What do you mean by a different group the card manufacturer IEPowercolor, Asus, or the chipset maker Nvidia or ATI? __________________ Power Supply and Selection

09-21-2008, 06:45 AM	#7 (permalink)
grimx133 Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada eh Posts: 3,144 OS: xp mce sp2, xp pro sp2, windows 7 beta My System	Re: 1st time builder seeking advices for building a 1500ish game PC. Checking on Corsair's site, they list the TWIN2X4096-C4DHX for the P5Q Pro. Which is a good thing, slightly better memory and it has a $35. instant rebate and a $30. mail in manufacturer's rebate, which brings it down to $79.99. Ends on Sept 30th though. http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...acture=CORSAIR Must be nice to live so close. That'll trim the cost some with no shipping. And you can just whip over anytime for parts. Takes me 40 minutes just to get to work :-( Personally, I think it's best to stay with the ATI video card. Not that long ago nVidia was the best, up until June (I think) when the 4850 and 4870 came out. Now those two ATI cards are considered by most to have the best price/performance ratio, and nVidia had to drop it's prices to try and match them. If you found a dire need for it, you could crossfire a couple of ATI cards, but the performance gains are not as large as you might think, and in many games it can even slow your performance as they are not optimized for multiple gpu configurations. It's one of those "sounds good in theory" type things. It's probably not worthwhile to put in a soundcard, unless you already have one. The onboard sound isn't too bad, unless you're some sort of audiophile. I can't tell the difference, could be my ears though, it all sounds good unless there's some obvious problem with the hardware. Before considering a cpu cooling fan (HSF - Heat Sink Fan) see how your temperatures are with the stock HSF that comes with a retail cpu. Asus includes PC Probe II in their software that comes with the motherboard, it gives you temperatures and fan speeds for the fans that are connected to the motherboard. If your temps are ok with the stock, then you don't need an aftermarket fan. If you do need one, the Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro is a good choice, it's very popular and I've heard nothing but good things about it. How about dvd drive(s)? If you don't already have one, a dvd/cd burner can usually be picked up on sale for 25-30 dollars. Was just looking at the sale on right now which ends on the 23rd, they have 11 burners on sale, cheapest is 25 bucks. And I checked the motherboard section and the P5Q Pro is $139.99, if you go there through the sale link. Not sure how it works if you're going to pick up, might want to phone them and find out. Here's a link to the board, but from the sale page instead of just the regular motherboard section. http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...S&promoid=1008 Also, here's the link to all the sale items which start on Wednesday and end the following Tuesday. http://www.ncix.com/promo/promosale.php?webid=cas2008-1 The start of the page is the limited quantity items, anything that's a super deal gets snapped up right away, I've tried and been too late at times, other times I was able to get the item, probably depends on how good a deal and how popular the item is. Oh yah, before I wander off, how about speakers? Already have some, or do you need to get those too? That can cost anywhere between next to nothing and a ton of cash, depends on what you're looking for.