dkelber

Hello,

I am looking to build a nice gaming computer, able to handle graphics intensive games. Currently I am into playing WOW, and with my current 6 year old Dell Dimension 8250 I've basically given up. So here is what I'm looking for:

In order for us to better help you select components for your new build, please include the answers to these questions in your post.

__________

1. Budget: I would like to spend around $2500, but if it means significant performance enhancement and extended use, I can go up to $3000 or so

2. Brands: Whatever is recommended.

3. Multitasking: At the very least I want to be able to use my browser while playing a graphics intensive game. I also want to be able to have two user accounts with one logged on and idle while using the other account.

4. Gaming: I'm currently playing (or trying to play) WOW. I've basically given up on that because it won't run on my current rig. If I know my system can handle it, I'd be interested in all sorts of 3D gaming.

5. Calculations: Not sure what this means (which probably means I won't be doing any calculations)

6. Overclocking: I would like to over clock my CPU and GPU to get the most bang for my buck.

7. Storage: I currently have a 120 GB HD and use about 80. Aside from loading programs onto it, I use it for storing Office files, music, pictures. At some point I'm sure I'll be storing video, though I don't do that currently.

8. Legacy Support: No legacy support needed. I have two peripherals: and HP All In One printer/scanner and a Buffalo external backup drive. If I have to (and I don't think I will) I can replace these.

9. Operating System: I'll be looking to upgrade to Windows 7 when it is released. Until then, I suppose I'll use Vista (unless there is a recommendation to stick with XP).

10. Case: I'd love help selecting a case. I'm not too concerned about size, I want to make sure I have room for aftermarket coolers (for overclocking), and something quiet would be nice. I'm not too concerned about style either.

11. Accessories: I definitely want a new keyboard, and would love a recommendation. I currently have a Logitech MX Laser mouse that I'm pretty happy with, but again, am open to suggestions if something out there is better.

12. Recycled Components: I do not plan on using any recycled components.

13. Monitor: I currently have a new Acer P191w (19" widescreen. I think I'm alright with it, though I have no idea how if will work with a new system.

14. Stores: Any store recommendations are welcome. It seems most people get from Newegg.com and tigerdirect.com.

15. Location: I live in the US.

Thank you very much in advanced for your advice!

Daniel

wrench97

Have a look over this it is not the latest and greatest but a good solid system that will play anything out there. Pick a mouse and keyboard you like and maybe add a 22" monitor and second DVD drive.

Link .........................................................................................Disc ...Price Rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119138 case $189.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128343 GA-EP45-DQ6 $189.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115130 Q9650 $324.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145197 TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF $79.99 $20.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835202007 ZAL 9700 $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139007 1000HX $239.99 $20.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130446 GTX285 $359.99 $25.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148335 640Gig $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815150058 Card reader $54.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135186 DVD Burner $28.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116488 Vista HP64 $99.99


$1,708.89 $65.00

$1,643.89

linderman

Thats a very solid build WRENCH has put together there ................ alot of muscle with very little fluff !

Phædrus2401

Why do you say it's a Zalman 9700, but it links to an OCZ cooler instead? Just a tad confusing.

wrench97

I guess I'm not perfect after all
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118020

linderman

@Phaedrus
youll have to go a long time to catch the Wrench like that again ......... cheerish it !

wrench97

My Paste skills are waning...............

linderman

just when I was beginning to think your were infallible

Phædrus2401

Bwahaha, only been here a week and I already caught a staff member making a mistake. There are gonna be some changes around here...

Of course there's nothing wrong with the OCZ cooler, but the Zalman is far superior. I'm getting a Zalman 9500A myself, since the 9700 is a tad large for my case.

dkelber

Thank you very much. I was expecting to have to pay a lot more. Just a couple questions:

Is there a reason not to go for DDR3 SDRAM?

Sorry for the newbie question, but what is a card reader?

Would I get better performance with a 10K RMP HDD?

Finally, how much overclocking can I do with the CPU, GPU, and SDRAM?

Again, thanks a lot!

linderman

with the system Wrench linked above; you should be able to overclock to 3.6ghz very easy ........... 3,8 with some patient tweaking ......... quads dont overclock quite as far as dual cores

DDR2 is faster because of the smaller latencies .............


you wont see any difference in working on similar based machines ..............

linderman

dont waste your money on the 10 and 15K raptors ............. you will barely see any performance increase at all; not worth what it will cost you and alot noiser and more heat too

dkelber

Oh, one more question: What's the difference between Vista OEM and Retail versions?

wrench97

DDR3 isn't that much faster then DDR2 because the limiting factor is the FSB at 1333 the data travels from the CPU to the northbridge in a single pipe (so to speak) at 1333 then from the northbridge to the ram in 2 pipes(Dual Chanel Mode) at 800. The CPU will clock to 3.8 no problem 4.0 with a push, a few more tweaks and good cooling. To hit the higher speed then I would use 1066 but I like 800 because it's stable out of box without having to tweak timings and voltages, DDR3 just isn't as stable or reliable as DDR2 is yet.
A card reader is for memory cards like you have in digital cameras.
Raptor drives performance/cost/failure rate isn't good ratio the Sata II perpendicular drives are almost as fast and a lot more reliable. Plus cheaper.

dkelber

OK, I lied, one more question. Any thoughts on Newegg extended warranties?

dkelber

Well, I just couldn't wait to have my last two questions answered, so I ordered. I can't wait to get started putting it together.

Thank you wrench97 and linderman, I really appreciate your input!

-Daniel

linderman

keep us posted once you get your parts

dkelber

Finally got the parts today. I'll start building tomorrow, but probably won't finish until Friday or Saturday.

My wife told me over the weekend that she wants me to keep the old (current) computer running. She's afraid once I transfer all the data to the new build something will go wrong, and she uses it for business. She's got a lot of faith in me!

So, I'll need to get another monitor (I just bought an Acer p191w a few months ago because my old monitor burned out). Any suggestions? Is there any reason to get an HD monitor? I don't want to blow the bank on the monitor, but if I'm going to get a new one for this new build, I might as well get something nice.

I's been about ten years since I built my last computer. Should I just follow the guide on this site, or is it better for me to pick up a book or use some other guide?

All the help is greatly appreciated, and I'll keep you informed on the progress.


One other thing:

Is there a major difference between these two mother boards?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128343
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128364

I bought the first one, but I saw another post where the poster bought the second. They seem very similar, but the one I bought is $70 more.

wrench97

The links aren't working:)

I build them on the bench first to make sure it posts and runs, then install it in the case.
How to Bench Test Your System

How about something like this for a monitor> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824236050

wrench97

Looks like these 2?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128359
The DQ6 has better chipset cooling, a second PCIe slot, more Caps and overclocks better, it's all around a better board.