Ideas for a new PC.

Carey7090 · 09-27-2008, 07:21 PM

I'm looking to build my own system. A gaming system with a budget of about 1200. I'd like to have some solid components. I'm not looking for the absolute latest and greatest. Dual core 2.8-3.0GHz,Geforce 8800 GT or GTX, 3GB RAM, 400-500GB HD and I've already got XP Pro. that I think I'll put on instead of Vista. I've got a power supply picked out. A 750w Corsair with 60A on the +12v rail, 80 Plus cert. from Newegg.

wayliff · 09-27-2008, 07:57 PM

Looks like you already have a good idea of what you want... even though an AMD user, I would say go for a Core 2 Duo processor the E8400 or E8500 are great.
You might also want to consider an ATI 4850 as a video card.

If you are willing to change OS, go for Vista 64-bit and get 4GB of RAM.
I dont see a reason why you cannot use Vista, however XP Pro is fine too though limited to the 3.xxGB of RAM.

Good choice on the PSU...never want to gamble with that one.

As for mobos, wrench97 always makes a good suggestion I dont recall what he usually suggests...but dig and you will find it.

Carey7090 · 09-27-2008, 08:03 PM

The reason why I said XP Pro. is because I already have a copy of it from when I bought it about a year ago. So that'll keep the budget a little less. And XP is compatible with my older games, as far as 64 bit goes, I'm not a huge fan. It tends to have compatibility issues with 32 bit programs (from what I've heard). I myself am also an AMD user, but it does appear Core 2 Duo is the way to go now. But what's the main differince from the Radeon 4850 and Geforce 8800GTX?

Quote:

Originally Posted by wayliff

Looks like you already have a good idea of what you want... even though an AMD user, I would say go for a Core 2 Duo processor the E8400 or E8500 are great.
You might also want to consider an ATI 4850 as a video card.

If you are willing to change OS, go for Vista 64-bit and get 4GB of RAM.
I dont see a reason why you cannot use Vista, however XP Pro is fine too though limited to the 3.xxGB of RAM.

Good choice on the PSU...never want to gamble with that one.

As for mobos, wrench97 always makes a good suggestion I dont recall what he usually suggests...but dig and you will find it.

wayliff · 09-27-2008, 09:27 PM

Check this article out - about the video cards.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...rd,2011-3.html

Quote from article:
"The Radeon HD 4850 is the new people’s champion, instantly bringing yesterday’s $300 performance level down to the mainstream $170 price point. The Radeon HD 4850 will usually best the GeForce 9800 GTX, and even the more expensive 9800 GTX+. This card has a lot of potential when used on its own, and becomes a devastating force when paired with a second 4850 in a CrossFire configuration."

I respect your preference for 32-bit and having XP Pro already.

Carey7090 · 09-27-2008, 10:08 PM

I'll consider the 4850 for sure after having read that. However, I'm not planning on doing Crossfire or SLI. Honestly I think dual cards can be a bit overkill, plus they take up more space in the case. I welcome better cooling over better performance any day. I don't feel like having components fry. But I'm having second thoughts on building. The only reason I decided to build a gaming rig is because our basement flooded twice now and we're getting about 5000 from the company that maintains the storm sewers. I've still gotta replace drywall, insulation and paint walls down there...not sure how much exactly it'll cost just yet, but it won't be anywhere near 5000. And with times being how they are, concerning food, gas and utility bills...I might just save the money I would have spent on a new machine. And the only game I'll play on it this year will be Fallout 3, which I can get for 60 bucks on 360. Versus spending 1200-1500 than another 50 for the game lol. I've already bought a Velocity Micro, it had some issues with faulty memory so I'm sending it back. Apparently Velocity doesn't honor warranties on machines from Best Buy or Circuit City outlet stores, so there goes getting it repaired by them. Circuit City doesn't have any of the same systems in stock. It cost $937. I'm just going to get a refund on that one. I still have my old machine which is definately not a gaming rig. It's got a AMD Athlon 64 3500+ 2.2GHz, 2GB RAM, Geforce 8500 GT, ASUS mobo (not sure exactly which one). Ultra 600w PSU. Like I said, nothing special...but it plays what I want it to play. No problems either.

wayliff · 09-28-2008, 05:43 AM

Yeah - one does not have to crossfire. The 4850 by itself appears to be terrific value.

**wrench97** · 09-28-2008, 08:52 AM

Try these charts> http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/g...v1-21,749.html

Carey7090 · 09-28-2008, 09:50 AM

Wow the HD4870 did pretty damn good on that chart, even in Crysis...I'm kinda surprised by that

wayliff · 09-28-2008, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrench97

Try these charts> http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/g...v1-21,749.html

goodie! that is a good one.

**wrench97** · 09-28-2008, 11:01 AM

I would like the card a lot better if they came with a longer warranty then 1 year, and if the temp levels were a little lower.

Carey7090 · 09-28-2008, 11:14 AM

I'll probably go with the 9800GTX though. Decently priced, solid, and will certainly get the job done.

09-27-2008, 07:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
Carey7090 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: St. Louis, MO USA Posts: 213 OS: XP Pro.	Ideas for a new PC. I'm looking to build my own system. A gaming system with a budget of about 1200. I'd like to have some solid components. I'm not looking for the absolute latest and greatest. Dual core 2.8-3.0GHz,Geforce 8800 GT or GTX, 3GB RAM, 400-500GB HD and I've already got XP Pro. that I think I'll put on instead of Vista. I've got a power supply picked out. A 750w Corsair with 60A on the +12v rail, 80 Plus cert. from Newegg. Last edited by Carey7090; 09-27-2008 at 07:42 PM.

09-27-2008, 07:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
wayliff Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 125 OS: Win7 Ultimate x64	Re: Ideas for a new PC. Looks like you already have a good idea of what you want... even though an AMD user, I would say go for a Core 2 Duo processor the E8400 or E8500 are great. You might also want to consider an ATI 4850 as a video card. If you are willing to change OS, go for Vista 64-bit and get 4GB of RAM. I dont see a reason why you cannot use Vista, however XP Pro is fine too though limited to the 3.xxGB of RAM. Good choice on the PSU...never want to gamble with that one. As for mobos, wrench97 always makes a good suggestion I dont recall what he usually suggests...but dig and you will find it.

09-27-2008, 09:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
wayliff Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 125 OS: Win7 Ultimate x64	Re: Ideas for a new PC. Check this article out - about the video cards. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...rd,2011-3.html Quote from article: "The Radeon HD 4850 is the new people’s champion, instantly bringing yesterday’s $300 performance level down to the mainstream $170 price point. The Radeon HD 4850 will usually best the GeForce 9800 GTX, and even the more expensive 9800 GTX+. This card has a lot of potential when used on its own, and becomes a devastating force when paired with a second 4850 in a CrossFire configuration." I respect your preference for 32-bit and having XP Pro already.

09-27-2008, 10:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
Carey7090 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: St. Louis, MO USA Posts: 213 OS: XP Pro.	Re: Ideas for a new PC. I'll consider the 4850 for sure after having read that. However, I'm not planning on doing Crossfire or SLI. Honestly I think dual cards can be a bit overkill, plus they take up more space in the case. I welcome better cooling over better performance any day. I don't feel like having components fry. But I'm having second thoughts on building. The only reason I decided to build a gaming rig is because our basement flooded twice now and we're getting about 5000 from the company that maintains the storm sewers. I've still gotta replace drywall, insulation and paint walls down there...not sure how much exactly it'll cost just yet, but it won't be anywhere near 5000. And with times being how they are, concerning food, gas and utility bills...I might just save the money I would have spent on a new machine. And the only game I'll play on it this year will be Fallout 3, which I can get for 60 bucks on 360. Versus spending 1200-1500 than another 50 for the game lol. I've already bought a Velocity Micro, it had some issues with faulty memory so I'm sending it back. Apparently Velocity doesn't honor warranties on machines from Best Buy or Circuit City outlet stores, so there goes getting it repaired by them. Circuit City doesn't have any of the same systems in stock. It cost $937. I'm just going to get a refund on that one. I still have my old machine which is definately not a gaming rig. It's got a AMD Athlon 64 3500+ 2.2GHz, 2GB RAM, Geforce 8500 GT, ASUS mobo (not sure exactly which one). Ultra 600w PSU. Like I said, nothing special...but it plays what I want it to play. No problems either.

09-28-2008, 05:43 AM	#6 (permalink)
wayliff Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 125 OS: Win7 Ultimate x64	Re: Ideas for a new PC. Yeah - one does not have to crossfire. The 4850 by itself appears to be terrific value.

09-28-2008, 08:52 AM	#7 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,597 OS: Win7	Re: Ideas for a new PC. Try these charts> http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/g...v1-21,749.html __________________ Power Supply and Selection

09-28-2008, 09:50 AM	#8 (permalink)
Carey7090 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: St. Louis, MO USA Posts: 213 OS: XP Pro.	Re: Ideas for a new PC. Wow the HD4870 did pretty damn good on that chart, even in Crysis...I'm kinda surprised by that

09-28-2008, 11:01 AM	#10 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,597 OS: Win7	Re: Ideas for a new PC. I would like the card a lot better if they came with a longer warranty then 1 year, and if the temp levels were a little lower. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

09-28-2008, 11:14 AM	#11 (permalink)
Carey7090 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: St. Louis, MO USA Posts: 213 OS: XP Pro.	Re: Ideas for a new PC. I'll probably go with the 9800GTX though. Decently priced, solid, and will certainly get the job done.