3000$ desktop - which parts to choose?

Tech-Noob · 07-10-2009, 03:48 PM

Hello, I'm considering buying (or bulding) a PC with a big budget (3000 USD). I want the best hardware possible for that price today. Suggestions?

However I know that Windows 7 and DirectX11 aren't too far away in time... Should I wait?

Apologize if this is in the wrong section.

Phædrus2401 · 07-10-2009, 04:23 PM

Well, you can build a pretty sweet computer for around $2000, everything past that is frills mostly. I'm assuming you plan on gaming? For your budget you could get a nice Core i7 or Core 2 Quad/AMD Phenom build with a GTX295 or Radeon 4870x2 graphics card, nice case, large hard drive, 4-8GB of RAM, and any goodies you could possibly want. Does the budget include monitors and other peripherals? Also, any brand preferences?

If you were to buy a pre-built computer you could probably expect a mid-high end Core 2 Quad/AMD Phenom build with a graphics card in the range of a 4850x2/GTX270 to a 4870x2/GTX285, large hard drive, 4-8GB RAM, and an eh case and power supply.

Tech-Noob · 07-10-2009, 04:34 PM

It's for gaming yes, I have monitor/keyboard etc. already so this is just the desktop itself.

Would you please put up a list of recommended hardware?

Phædrus2401 · 07-10-2009, 04:37 PM

Uhm, $4000? Not really any worthwhile changes. Unless you're shooting for building the next Cray or something. :P

Let me throw something together for you. You really don't need to spend more than about $2500, to be honest.

**Tyree** · 07-10-2009, 04:43 PM

Intel or AMD?
For gaming, you'll want a Dual Core. For an Intel 775 chip build, 4Gb of RAM is more than enough. For a desktop PC w/no peripherals, $1500 should get you all you'll need, including an OS.
Have a look at this list to get some ideas.
Want to Build A New Intel or AMD Computer? Here are 6 suggested models with Spec

Phædrus2401 · 07-10-2009, 04:57 PM

As Tyree said, and I mentioned earlier, you really don't need to spend that much. Here's a build for $2800 that is more than you will *ever* need, up in the territory where you're getting very little extra bang per buck. One of the best CPUs on the market, the best graphics card on the market, 6GB DDR3 RAM, 1TB hard drive, nice full tower case... And still $200 under your *initial* budget.

Case:
CoolerMaster Cosmos S
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119150
$189.99

Motherboard:
Asus P6T Deluxe V2 Intel X58
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131365
$289.99

CPU:
Intel Core i7 975 3.33GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115212
$999.99

CPU Heatsink:
Zalman CNPS9900 120mm
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...man%209900
$59.98

RAM:
Corsair XMS3 6GB (3x2GB) DDR3 1600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145222
$109.99

Power Supply:
PC Power and Cooling Silencer PPCS910 910W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ing%20silencer
$189.99

Graphics Card:
EVGA CO-OP Hydro Copper GTX295 1792MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130505
$709.99

Hard Drive:
Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 7200RPM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136284
$99.99

DVD Drive:
LG Black Super Multi Blu-ray/HD DVD/DVD+-RW/CD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136137
$179.99

Other:
Arctic Silver 5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835100007
$8.95

TOTAL PRICE:
$2838.85

If you're really just looking to spend money to get the most expensive hardware out there without being *completely* insane, that's your build. Sure, you could add a second GTX295, get a 1200 watt PSU, 12GB of DDR3 2000 RAM, two or three more hard drives, a sound card, and a few other things... but your improvement in actual performance would be negligible.

Tech-Noob · 07-10-2009, 05:15 PM

Thanks Phædrus, how many years into the future do you think that PC will be modern? Like when Xbox 720 / PS4 arrives, will this PC be able to play games on medium / low? (of course it's hard to predict)

Phædrus2401 · 07-10-2009, 05:19 PM

It should be able to play everything on maximum settings on decent monitor resolutions for, oh, maybe two years. At least one year. It should be able to play games on medium-low for up to five years, at least three or four.

You'll get similar results for a lot cheaper, but if you're dead-set...

**linderman** · 07-10-2009, 05:21 PM

I dont care how much you spend ........... it will be "sagging" in 3 years

budgets of $1500.00 / $2000.00 are much smarter ............then build another in 2-1/2 - 3 years

**Tyree** · 07-10-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linderman

I dont care how much you spend ........... it will be "sagging" in 3 years

budgets of $1500.00 / $2000.00 are much smarter ............then build another in 2-1/2 - 3 years

Ditto, PC's are not future friendly. Build it today and it's old technology tomorrow.

BoT · 07-10-2009, 08:47 PM

i agree, there is no future proof in computer technology and moore's law say so.
even thou the system listed is the latest and best and something i dream of, round about the end of this year it will be just about outdate when the p55 and i5 come out. ok, a bit harsh, not outdate but there is really no point in playing the waiting game is what i am trying to say.

btw, the video card recommended is for water cooling. you could spend another grand easy on that to get the whole system water cooled, otherwise i would go with this card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130504

**wrench97** · 07-11-2009, 03:38 AM

Future proof is a myth.

And the video card listed above is for a water cooling system, but I don't see any other water cooling components> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130505

Unless your gaming on a 42" or above monitor the GTX295 is way over the top, you won't see any difference from a GTX275/GTX285 on a smaller screen size.

**linderman** · 07-11-2009, 06:06 AM

spending big bucks doesnt get you a better longer lasting system; it just puts in in the latest and greatest world of hyped over priced stuff

you would be hard pressed to sit at a $1500.00 then $3000.00 and notice the diff

07-10-2009, 03:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
Tech-Noob Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 3 OS: Vista	3000$ desktop - which parts to choose? Hello, I'm considering buying (or bulding) a PC with a big budget (3000 USD). I want the best hardware possible for that price today. Suggestions? However I know that Windows 7 and DirectX11 aren't too far away in time... Should I wait? Apologize if this is in the wrong section.

07-10-2009, 04:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,844 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: 3000$ desktop - which parts to choose? Well, you can build a pretty sweet computer for around $2000, everything past that is frills mostly. I'm assuming you plan on gaming? For your budget you could get a nice Core i7 or Core 2 Quad/AMD Phenom build with a GTX295 or Radeon 4870x2 graphics card, nice case, large hard drive, 4-8GB of RAM, and any goodies you could possibly want. Does the budget include monitors and other peripherals? Also, any brand preferences? If you were to buy a pre-built computer you could probably expect a mid-high end Core 2 Quad/AMD Phenom build with a graphics card in the range of a 4850x2/GTX270 to a 4870x2/GTX285, large hard drive, 4-8GB RAM, and an eh case and power supply. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

07-10-2009, 04:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
Tech-Noob Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 3 OS: Vista	Re: 3000$ desktop - which parts to choose? It's for gaming yes, I have monitor/keyboard etc. already so this is just the desktop itself. Would you please put up a list of recommended hardware? Last edited by Tech-Noob; 07-10-2009 at 04:36 PM.

07-10-2009, 04:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,844 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: 3000$ desktop - which parts to choose? Uhm, $4000? Not really any worthwhile changes. Unless you're shooting for building the next Cray or something. :P Let me throw something together for you. You really don't need to spend more than about $2500, to be honest. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

07-10-2009, 04:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,746 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: 3000$ desktop - which parts to choose? Intel or AMD? For gaming, you'll want a Dual Core. For an Intel 775 chip build, 4Gb of RAM is more than enough. For a desktop PC w/no peripherals, $1500 should get you all you'll need, including an OS. Have a look at this list to get some ideas. Want to Build A New Intel or AMD Computer? Here are 6 suggested models with Spec __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

07-10-2009, 04:57 PM	#6 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,844 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: 3000$ desktop - which parts to choose? As Tyree said, and I mentioned earlier, you really don't need to spend that much. Here's a build for $2800 that is more than you will ever need, up in the territory where you're getting very little extra bang per buck. One of the best CPUs on the market, the best graphics card on the market, 6GB DDR3 RAM, 1TB hard drive, nice full tower case... And still $200 under your initial budget. Case: CoolerMaster Cosmos S http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119150 $189.99 Motherboard: Asus P6T Deluxe V2 Intel X58 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131365 $289.99 CPU: Intel Core i7 975 3.33GHz http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115212 $999.99 CPU Heatsink: Zalman CNPS9900 120mm http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...man%209900 $59.98 RAM: Corsair XMS3 6GB (3x2GB) DDR3 1600 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145222 $109.99 Power Supply: PC Power and Cooling Silencer PPCS910 910W http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ing%20silencer $189.99 Graphics Card: EVGA CO-OP Hydro Copper GTX295 1792MB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130505 $709.99 Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 7200RPM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136284 $99.99 DVD Drive: LG Black Super Multi Blu-ray/HD DVD/DVD+-RW/CD Burner http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136137 $179.99 Other: Arctic Silver 5 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835100007 $8.95 TOTAL PRICE: $2838.85 If you're really just looking to spend money to get the most expensive hardware out there without being completely insane, that's your build. Sure, you could add a second GTX295, get a 1200 watt PSU, 12GB of DDR3 2000 RAM, two or three more hard drives, a sound card, and a few other things... but your improvement in actual performance would be negligible. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

07-10-2009, 05:15 PM	#7 (permalink)
Tech-Noob Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 3 OS: Vista	Re: 3000$ desktop - which parts to choose? Thanks Phædrus, how many years into the future do you think that PC will be modern? Like when Xbox 720 / PS4 arrives, will this PC be able to play games on medium / low? (of course it's hard to predict)

07-10-2009, 05:19 PM	#8 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,844 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: 3000$ desktop - which parts to choose? It should be able to play everything on maximum settings on decent monitor resolutions for, oh, maybe two years. At least one year. It should be able to play games on medium-low for up to five years, at least three or four. You'll get similar results for a lot cheaper, but if you're dead-set... __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

07-10-2009, 05:21 PM	#9 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,441 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: 3000$ desktop - which parts to choose? I dont care how much you spend ........... it will be "sagging" in 3 years budgets of $1500.00 / $2000.00 are much smarter ............then build another in 2-1/2 - 3 years __________________ I still know nothing and I respect that fact, striving to improve and, along the way, help anyone that comes from the place that I used to be! Power Supply Selection LEARN TO BACK-UP YOUR DATA FREE & EASY YouTube - Runtime Software DriveImage XML tutorial

07-10-2009, 08:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
BoT Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: earth Posts: 447 OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate x64 My System	Re: 3000$ desktop - which parts to choose? i agree, there is no future proof in computer technology and moore's law say so. even thou the system listed is the latest and best and something i dream of, round about the end of this year it will be just about outdate when the p55 and i5 come out. ok, a bit harsh, not outdate but there is really no point in playing the waiting game is what i am trying to say. btw, the video card recommended is for water cooling. you could spend another grand easy on that to get the whole system water cooled, otherwise i would go with this card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130504 __________________ MainStation: Q9450@3.6 \| ASUS P5Q-E \| OCZ Platinum 4x2Gb PC8500 \| eVGA GTX260 \| WD VRaptor

07-11-2009, 03:38 AM	#12 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,712 OS: Win7	Re: 3000$ desktop - which parts to choose? Future proof is a myth. And the video card listed above is for a water cooling system, but I don't see any other water cooling components> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130505 Unless your gaming on a 42" or above monitor the GTX295 is way over the top, you won't see any difference from a GTX275/GTX285 on a smaller screen size. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

07-11-2009, 06:06 AM	#13 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,441 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: 3000$ desktop - which parts to choose? spending big bucks doesnt get you a better longer lasting system; it just puts in in the latest and greatest world of hyped over priced stuff you would be hard pressed to sit at a $1500.00 then $3000.00 and notice the diff __________________ I still know nothing and I respect that fact, striving to improve and, along the way, help anyone that comes from the place that I used to be! Power Supply Selection LEARN TO BACK-UP YOUR DATA FREE & EASY YouTube - Runtime Software DriveImage XML tutorial