Looking to build a system for around $1200

c0rpse · 09-21-2008, 01:50 AM

I was wondering what kind of system you guys could put together for me, I would prefer newegg since I have had good experiences with them across the board. What I am looking for:

Preferably AMD and ATI products, the reason for this is because my last build which was back in 2005 used those brands and is still running smoothly, so I guess I want to stick with what works. I'm thinking 4GB of Ram, a Phenom Processor, Crossfire or a good 4000 model, good enough power supply ect.

Performance level would be to play most of the new games at high settings if possible. I am anticipating Left 4 Dead coming out so whatever specs are recommended for that I would like to have and then some.

I want to be able to have this for a couple years with it still being able to play newer games.

I'm sure most of you know what goes good together so, just as long as everything is compatible I'll be happy. Last time I built a computer, the power supply connector had a different amount of pins then the motherboard and fried some of the stuff so I don't want that to happen again lol.

Thanks in Advance.

**bruiser** · 09-21-2008, 09:51 AM

If you want to future proof a little, drop the AMD. Intel is ahead at this time.

c0rpse · 09-21-2008, 11:01 AM

If that's the case then I suppose it has to be done. It might help if I post in the format mentioned in the stickied post.

1. Budget: How much money are you willing to spend on the new build? $1200, Give or take

2. Brands: Are there any brands of components you want or don't want? Anything that will make a nice computer is good enough for me.

3. Multitasking: Will you be multitasking with this computer and if so, how much? AIM, Firefox, Music, High Graphic Gaming at the same time.

4. Gaming: Will you be gaming and if so, how much and how new are the games? Main purpose is gaming, Warhammer, and Left 4 Dead whenever it comes out, and other shooters that come out.

5. Calculations: Will you be doing any intense calculations or media encoding? Not particularly

6. Overclocking: Do you plan on overclocking and if so, how much? When I figure out the ins and outs of doing so then I might.

7. Storage: How much storage will you need and what will you be storing? I have an external 300GB hard drive that has tons of room left, so I don't really need too much.

8. Legacy Support: Will you need support for older hardware like parallel, serial, or PS/2 devices? Nope

9. Operating System: Do you want Windows XP or Vista, or Linux compatibility? I have only used XP, but if Vista is worth it then Vista it is.

10. Case: Do you want help selecting a case and if so, how big do you want it? I kind of want a slick looking case, standard size I would assume.

11. Accessories: Do you want a keyboard, mouse, or other items included? Already have a MX-518 and a keyboard.

12. Recycled Components: Will you be reusing any components you already have? Have Mouse, Keyboard, External Hard drive, and 19" monitor and printer.

13. Monitor: If you want a monitor, what size do you want and should it be widescreen? Already have one at the moment.

14. Stores: Do you have any online stores that you prefer to purchase from? Newegg.

15. Location: What country do you live in? United States.

Hope this makes things easier, links would be appreciated.

ypkx · 09-21-2008, 11:15 AM

ive just built a computer.. i went for the more trustworthy Gigabyte motherboard... gosh they look so good with the blue lights shining on it.

**wrench97** · 09-21-2008, 11:36 AM

C2D E8500- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036
Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3R or Asus P5Q Pro
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128344
Ram DDR2 800 4-4-4-12 > http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145194
Video Cards HD4850 or HD 4870 or 9800GTX+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...d&Order=PRICED
Pick the Video card for the higher end you'll need a 750w + for the 4850 a 650w
http://www.provantage.com/corsair-cm...x~7CSMC05F.htm
http://www.provantage.com/corsair-cm...x~7CSMC05E.htm

Case Antec 900, Coolermaster kind of a style choice

Look over this list and post back questions/concerns.

c0rpse · 09-21-2008, 01:00 PM

So far it would be:

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail $104.99

VisionTek 900244 Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail $279.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail $119.99

ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $139.99

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500 - Retail $189.99

Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $59.99

SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q - OEM $27.99

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD - OEM $99.99

CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5DHX - Retail

Total w/ Shipping $1134.93

Does everything look ok? Everything compatible? Also I could probably add in another $100, anything I should change? If I want to have some mid grade speakers with good bass would I need a nice sound card or is onboard good enough? Can anyone suggest Speakers or Speakers/Sound card within the $100 I have left to spend?

**wrench97** · 09-21-2008, 02:34 PM

For the $2 I would go with the faster timings, other then that looks good.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145194

**wrench97** · 09-21-2008, 02:36 PM

For the Sound Try the onboard with a good set of speakers if your not satisfied it;s easy enough to add a XFI gamer card.

Got Sum Bullz · 09-22-2008, 11:56 AM

Looks good, more or less the same as my system except I have the TX 650w model and the E8400 @ 3.8ghz.

Havn't got a internet connection on it yet though, the adapters being a pain so I've ordered a new one. I've mainly been playing Far Cry and BF2 singleplayer for a while... Old games but the fps on max settings is insane.

c0rpse · 09-22-2008, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got Sum Bullz

Looks good, more or less the same as my system except I have the TX 650w model and the E8400 @ 3.8ghz.

Havn't got a internet connection on it yet though, the adapters being a pain so I've ordered a new one. I've mainly been playing Far Cry and BF2 singleplayer for a while... Old games but the fps on max settings is insane.

Good to hear, I should be buying the parts soon, I can't stand my laptop anymore, think it's processor should have been upgraded when i bought it, but either way, I'm getting excited!

09-21-2008, 01:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
c0rpse Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Glen Ellyn, Illinois Posts: 5 OS: XP S3	Looking to build a system for around $1200 I was wondering what kind of system you guys could put together for me, I would prefer newegg since I have had good experiences with them across the board. What I am looking for: Preferably AMD and ATI products, the reason for this is because my last build which was back in 2005 used those brands and is still running smoothly, so I guess I want to stick with what works. I'm thinking 4GB of Ram, a Phenom Processor, Crossfire or a good 4000 model, good enough power supply ect. Performance level would be to play most of the new games at high settings if possible. I am anticipating Left 4 Dead coming out so whatever specs are recommended for that I would like to have and then some. I want to be able to have this for a couple years with it still being able to play newer games. I'm sure most of you know what goes good together so, just as long as everything is compatible I'll be happy. Last time I built a computer, the power supply connector had a different amount of pins then the motherboard and fried some of the stuff so I don't want that to happen again lol. Thanks in Advance.

09-21-2008, 09:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
bruiser TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,976 OS: xp	Re: Looking to build a system for around $1200 If you want to future proof a little, drop the AMD. Intel is ahead at this time.

09-21-2008, 11:01 AM	#3 (permalink)
c0rpse Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Glen Ellyn, Illinois Posts: 5 OS: XP S3	Re: Looking to build a system for around $1200 If that's the case then I suppose it has to be done. It might help if I post in the format mentioned in the stickied post. 1. Budget: How much money are you willing to spend on the new build? $1200, Give or take 2. Brands: Are there any brands of components you want or don't want? Anything that will make a nice computer is good enough for me. 3. Multitasking: Will you be multitasking with this computer and if so, how much? AIM, Firefox, Music, High Graphic Gaming at the same time. 4. Gaming: Will you be gaming and if so, how much and how new are the games? Main purpose is gaming, Warhammer, and Left 4 Dead whenever it comes out, and other shooters that come out. 5. Calculations: Will you be doing any intense calculations or media encoding? Not particularly 6. Overclocking: Do you plan on overclocking and if so, how much? When I figure out the ins and outs of doing so then I might. 7. Storage: How much storage will you need and what will you be storing? I have an external 300GB hard drive that has tons of room left, so I don't really need too much. 8. Legacy Support: Will you need support for older hardware like parallel, serial, or PS/2 devices? Nope 9. Operating System: Do you want Windows XP or Vista, or Linux compatibility? I have only used XP, but if Vista is worth it then Vista it is. 10. Case: Do you want help selecting a case and if so, how big do you want it? I kind of want a slick looking case, standard size I would assume. 11. Accessories: Do you want a keyboard, mouse, or other items included? Already have a MX-518 and a keyboard. 12. Recycled Components: Will you be reusing any components you already have? Have Mouse, Keyboard, External Hard drive, and 19" monitor and printer. 13. Monitor: If you want a monitor, what size do you want and should it be widescreen? Already have one at the moment. 14. Stores: Do you have any online stores that you prefer to purchase from? Newegg. 15. Location: What country do you live in? United States. Hope this makes things easier, links would be appreciated.

09-21-2008, 11:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
ypkx Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 51 OS: vista home premium 64bit	Re: Looking to build a system for around $1200 ive just built a computer.. i went for the more trustworthy Gigabyte motherboard... gosh they look so good with the blue lights shining on it.

09-21-2008, 11:36 AM	#5 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,661 OS: Win7	Re: Looking to build a system for around $1200 C2D E8500- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036 Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3R or Asus P5Q Pro http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128344 Ram DDR2 800 4-4-4-12 > http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145194 Video Cards HD4850 or HD 4870 or 9800GTX+ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...d&Order=PRICED Pick the Video card for the higher end you'll need a 750w + for the 4850 a 650w http://www.provantage.com/corsair-cm...x~7CSMC05F.htm http://www.provantage.com/corsair-cm...x~7CSMC05E.htm Case Antec 900, Coolermaster kind of a style choice Look over this list and post back questions/concerns. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

09-21-2008, 01:00 PM	#6 (permalink)
c0rpse Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Glen Ellyn, Illinois Posts: 5 OS: XP S3	Re: Looking to build a system for around $1200 So far it would be: Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail $104.99 VisionTek 900244 Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail $279.99 CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail $119.99 ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $139.99 Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500 - Retail $189.99 Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $59.99 SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q - OEM $27.99 Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD - OEM $99.99 CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5DHX - Retail Total w/ Shipping $1134.93 Does everything look ok? Everything compatible? Also I could probably add in another $100, anything I should change? If I want to have some mid grade speakers with good bass would I need a nice sound card or is onboard good enough? Can anyone suggest Speakers or Speakers/Sound card within the $100 I have left to spend?

09-21-2008, 02:34 PM	#7 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,661 OS: Win7	Re: Looking to build a system for around $1200 For the $2 I would go with the faster timings, other then that looks good. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145194 __________________ Power Supply and Selection

09-21-2008, 02:36 PM	#8 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,661 OS: Win7	Re: Looking to build a system for around $1200 For the Sound Try the onboard with a good set of speakers if your not satisfied it;s easy enough to add a XFI gamer card. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

09-22-2008, 11:56 AM	#9 (permalink)
Got Sum Bullz Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: London Posts: 133 OS: Windows XP My System	Re: Looking to build a system for around $1200 Looks good, more or less the same as my system except I have the TX 650w model and the E8400 @ 3.8ghz. Havn't got a internet connection on it yet though, the adapters being a pain so I've ordered a new one. I've mainly been playing Far Cry and BF2 singleplayer for a while... Old games but the fps on max settings is insane. Last edited by Got Sum Bullz; 09-22-2008 at 12:01 PM.