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Now I know there's a 100 of these topics. And i know you guys must be tired of contributing, but I'm seriously a newb in this department. Always bought computers so I finally want to build a really sexy one.
Budget = around $700-$800
Mostly used for internet, games, shows. Super good graphics card not really a priority, but would be nice to at least be able to easily play games like sc2.
If exact parts is too much, please give me some ways to compare and choose which parts are best and priority and which parts I can sort of skimp on to get the most of my moneys worth. Or feel free to just help me pick specific parts =]
edit: do not need a monitor, or speakers =], and i'll probably obtain windows xp somehow as im not too into the new operating systems
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www.tomshardware.com
You wouldnt need much more than a Geforce 250, if even that, to play SC2, but noone really knows.
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With the help of the knowledgeable ghermination I JUST recently budgeted out a system that totaled to around $750.
Specs are as follows (this is a primary gaming computer, so not sure if it fits a more general role for you):
CPU: i5-750 2.66ghz (quad core) = $195
GPU: Radeon 4870HD (this is probably too high end a graphics card for you) = $155
RAM: Crucial 4GB (2x2) DDR3-1333 SDRAM = $95
MoBo: Foxconn Micro Mobo = $90 (1156 socket, like the CPU)
Case: Azza Orion = $35
Hard drive: Samsung spinpoint F3 250GB @ 7200RPM with a 16MB cache = $55
PSU: Diablotek 650w = $50 (on sale at newegg right now I think)
ROM: Sony Optiarc DVD burner (has decent speeds) = $30
Cooler: Noctua 92mm cpu cooler = $55
Total: $760
This is a powerful system too. I'm going to order it soon but I can't decide if I should say fuck it and just get 8gigs of ram
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One factor that will determine what to build more than anything is if you need a monitor, and/or any other peripherals.
If $800 is just for the box, than you're stretching into some pretty nice territory
I would recommend Intel core i5 + Radeon 5770 at that price point.
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This is a very capable gaming machine within your budget.
Lose the cooler if you're not going to overclock. You can also save money by going with a smaller hard drive than the one I suggested.
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Romance has got it. Go with that.
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Might want to specify what you want more
As we don't know if you already have the OS monitor etc. hopefully you don't need any of that as teh 800 buck range is a good range to spend on for performance.
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On January 06 2010 08:55 xmShake wrote:This is a very capable gaming machine within your budget. Lose the cooler if you're not going to overclock. You can also save money by going with a smaller hard drive than the one I suggested.
Ok.
I think you are the first person i have ever seen IN MY LIFE who picked too small of a power supply. 450w wtf? That's for like a HTPC build.
Edit: nvm, i just realized that it's just marked wrong on the site.
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450w is fine for that build 5770 doesn't take much to run and that cpu is a 95w tdp it's well with in range.
75w+75w for gpu
95w for cpu
that's only 245w that's 200w of room for everything else in the system.
People mis judge how much psu they really need.
Most times 400-500w is most appropriate. for a 1 gpu solution, 600w is really a bad psu range unless you plan on extensive overclocking.
But there is an issue with that build for the am2+ cpu etc. As that cpu onboard memory control does not support DDR3 which is the obvious issue there.
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On January 06 2010 11:34 Virtue wrote:
But there is an issue with that build for the am2+ cpu etc. As that cpu onboard memory control does not support DDR3 which is the obvious issue there.
It says AM3 right in the name. Don't know what you're talking about.
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is romance's computer really that great? which website can i order from?
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On January 06 2010 08:27 Romance_us wrote:
GPU: Radeon 4870HD (this is probably too high end a graphics card for you) = $155
MoBo: Foxconn Micro Mobo = $90 (1156 socket, like the CPU)
Hard drive: Samsung spinpoint F3 250GB @ 7200RPM with a 16MB cache = $55
Cooler: Noctua 92mm cpu cooler = $55
LOL
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LOL 250 GB DRIVE FOR $55
WHAT IS THIS INSANITY
also lol @ above
romance's (or ghermination's) build is totally wrong.
150 for 4870? LOL
virtue probably has the BEST build. Though a i5 750 with 5770 wouldn't be too far off either.
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Foxconn is not a reputable brand anymore.
samsungs spin points F3 are only good at the tb+ levels. Also for 55 bucks that's way to high 55 is more like a 500gb 40 is more like a 250 320 hdd.
55 bucks is such a bad deal on a cpu cooler esp on a 800 dollar system. don't get me wrong Noctua makes a few decent cpu coolers but 120mm is where the cooling and silence is at. for a 800 buck system i would rather spend 50 bucks on a better cpu then overclocking one.
Also 8 gigs of ram is only useful to someone like an uncompressed sound editor, hd video editing, high rez photoshoping, big CAD programs you get the picture as most games don't even have a x64 edition to use more then the 3.2 gigs already mapped out for them max.
Also if you want cheap cases for free shipping i just buy refurbished coolermaster cases most of the time i do a build off their cooler master site.
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that cooler is really nice for that price. Please please replace the HDD with the caviar blue ;___;
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damn wasn't expecting this many replies!
thanks a lot teamliquid =]
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That's the same video card and the same CPU cooler i was planning on buying. Wow O-o
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450w is enough for that build especially from a corsair brand psu. if you go for the crappier no-name brands with small amps on the 12v line then it might not work. above all your other parts, don't ever skimp on the psu or you might regret it
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Baltimore, USA22251 Posts
Incredibly ironic... I'm actually looking to build my first rig too, for probably around the same price range. I've been reaaaaaally out of touch with what to expect performance-wise from the various pieces of equipment nowadays.
If anyone wants to help me out, I'd be incredibly appreciative. I'm looking to spend $600-$800 for a high end (if possible) gaming rig - something that can play say MW2 smoothly with the graphics options turned up high. No peripherals are necessary, just the box itself, I'm going to keep the same speakers/monitor/mouse/keyboard.
I'm going to peck around newegg to see what I can find, but if anyone has tips on exactly what to look for (what specs should I pay close attention to, what to avoid, etc.), and keep in mind that this will be the first one I've built - any tips in that department will be greatly appreciated (although I'll revisit the hackintosh guide every day I'm sure ^_^)
Thanks! Sorry to hijack Yogurt, but I think we're looking for exactly the same thing. I'm probably looking for mine to be more a gaming rig than yours though. 
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On January 06 2010 19:06 EvilTeletubby wrote:Incredibly ironic... I'm actually looking to build my first rig too, for probably around the same price range. I've been reaaaaaally out of touch with what to expect performance-wise from the various pieces of equipment nowadays. If anyone wants to help me out, I'd be incredibly appreciative. I'm looking to spend $600-$800 for a high end (if possible) gaming rig - something that can play say MW2 smoothly with the graphics options turned up high. No peripherals are necessary, just the box itself, I'm going to keep the same speakers/monitor/mouse/keyboard. I'm going to peck around newegg to see what I can find, but if anyone has tips on exactly what to look for (what specs should I pay close attention to, what to avoid, etc.), and keep in mind that this will be the first one I've built - any tips in that department will be greatly appreciated (although I'll revisit the hackintosh guide every day I'm sure ^_^) Thanks! Sorry to hijack Yogurt, but I think we're looking for exactly the same thing. I'm probably looking for mine to be more a gaming rig than yours though.
I've been looking for one too. Including rebates, I've been able to get either
AMD:
Phenom II X4 955
MSI 750-G55
4GB DDR3
1TB HDD
Radeon 5770
700W PSU
Xigmatek HDT-S1283
or
INTEL:
Intel i5
EVGA Intel P55
4GB DDR3
500GB HDD
Radeon 5770
700W PSU
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus
The PSU may be a bit high, but from my last computer where I kind of skimped on the PSU, it didn't end up great so I'm just going higher this time (:
Both come up to be around $800 after rebates.
Virtue's build looks pretty nice though.
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Why 700W PSU lol.
550W Corsair is more than enough lol. Just don't buy a shitty brand.
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MW2 isn't that demanding of a game but if he just wants raw fps in a game i'd suggest a cheaper quad core something from AMD unless you can wait till people can get a grasp of the i3 lower $100 cpu's range. Then just throw all the money at getting a 5850 for the most fps well at least over 60 on any game for most monitor resolutions i'm sure.
on another note the more rounded pc of a 955 or i5 750 with 5770 should run mw2 maxed out just fine in most cases, mw2 isn't DX11 and DX11 wont be necessity for at least another 2 years 5770 performs less then a 260 and a 4870 but with more mature drivers it should get up there in performance, in other words you can shift that 170 for a 5770 for just 200 dollars for a 4890 for better performance if DX11 is low on your list of things to have.
Basiclly you can go
AMD Althlon x4 620+5850
AMD Phenom x4 955+4890/5770
Intel i5 570+5770/4890
the down side to the 5850+620 build it it's less rounded so doing stuff outside of games wont be as great if you do things like encoding or w.e that requires more cpu such as heavy multi tasking as the other 2 builds but will give more fps on avg personally i don't like lopsided builds as i do alot of multi media stuff on my pcs that require some more cpu.
ramble ramble ramble
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Well the best and most future proof solution is the i5 750 + the 5770, but depending on the time when you purchase the parts, it may be out of your price range. I strongly recommend against Athlon II processors if you are going to go with an AM3 board because of their lack of L3 cache. They might perform ok now, but later one when games can truly utilize their extra cores, they will lag behind severely. The AMD P2 955 is a decent choice and will allow you to add some extra money to your graphics card.
As for other components, if you plan to overclock anything, you must pay attention to the motherboard you are buying. Simply running to the cheapest motherboard in an attempt to save money for CPU/GPU will end up ruining you in the future. Invest in a good, solid mobo, a 550W to 600W PSU with decent output on the 12V rail, and a decent case (because you will be able to reuse it!). For HDDs, mahnini likes the Caviar Blue 640GB which is very cost effective right now, but you may also want to consider Caviar Black models and Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 models.
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I also think that the i5 has a small edge over the 955.
The Athlon II x4 620 +5850 is definitly not a good choice imo you will get quickly CPU limited in many games.
If you just want to play get a x3 425 ( same performances in games ) and a 5770/4870/4890 max. The 5850 is too powerful and expensive for this proc.
Btw i read that you can unlock cores and L3 memory with the athlons ( if you get lucky ).
A guy on another forum got his X3 425 to x4, 3.6 Ghz and he has the L3.
A phenom II 975 for 85$ lol
I need to try this when i will have some time lol. I guess you need to be lucky though.
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On January 07 2010 10:54 Boblion wrote:
I also think that the i5 has a small edge over the 955.
The Athlon II x4 620 +5850 is definitly not a good choice imo you will get quickly CPU limited in many games.
If you just want to play get a x3 425 ( same performances in games ) and a 5770/4870/4890 max. The 5850 is too powerful and expensive for this proc.
Btw i read that you can unlock cores and L3 memory with the athlons ( if you get lucky ).
A guy on another forum got his X3 425 to x4, 3.6 Ghz and he has the L3.
A phenom II 975 for 85$ lol
I need to try this when i will have some time lol. I guess you need to be lucky though.
i5 vs 955 doesnt realy matter for gaming. other than gaming the i5 holds a pretty significant lead. also, the cache on MOST athlons cannot be unlocked because they are not locked phenom iis. there are a few (very few) phenom based athlons out
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On January 07 2010 10:54 Boblion wrote:
I also think that the i5 has a small edge over the 955.
The Athlon II x4 620 +5850 is definitly not a good choice imo you will get quickly CPU limited in many games.
If you just want to play get a x3 425 ( same performances in games ) and a 5770/4870/4890 max. The 5850 is too powerful and expensive for this proc.
Btw i read that you can unlock cores and L3 memory with the athlons ( if you get lucky ).
A guy on another forum got his X3 425 to x4, 3.6 Ghz and he has the L3.
A phenom II 975 for 85$ lol
I need to try this when i will have some time lol. I guess you need to be lucky though.
...
In the other thread you say overclocking is overrated and you come here spouting nonsense about unlocking a 4th core and L3 cache -_-.
The i5 has a fairly large edge over the 955 when it comes to future games.
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On January 07 2010 11:29 FragKrag wrote:Show nested quote +On January 07 2010 10:54 Boblion wrote:
I also think that the i5 has a small edge over the 955.
The Athlon II x4 620 +5850 is definitly not a good choice imo you will get quickly CPU limited in many games.
If you just want to play get a x3 425 ( same performances in games ) and a 5770/4870/4890 max. The 5850 is too powerful and expensive for this proc.
Btw i read that you can unlock cores and L3 memory with the athlons ( if you get lucky ).
A guy on another forum got his X3 425 to x4, 3.6 Ghz and he has the L3.
A phenom II 975 for 85$ lol
I need to try this when i will have some time lol. I guess you need to be lucky though.
... In the other thread you say overclocking is overrated and you come here spouting nonsense about unlocking a 4th core and L3 cache -_-.
Overclocking is overated when the price of the fanrad + the price of the proc ~ the price of a way better proc ( read i3 vs i5 ).
If you can get a phenom x4 975 for 85$+ fanrad well i think it is sweet.
You save almost 100$.
Anyway it is a lottery ticket but i think it is funny.
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yeah I'd take a 1% chance to get a better core and 99% chance to get a useless core over a 100% chance to get a better core with $20 extra any day.
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On January 07 2010 11:35 FragKrag wrote:
yeah I'd take a 1% chance to get a better core and 99% chance to get a useless core over a 100% chance to get a better core with $20 extra any day.
eh i just said it was funny not that it can be done for every proc lol. Never said to buy an athlon because you wil get a phenom.
You seem angry man.
People buy II x3 because they are cheap, the L3 and extra core are just a lottery ticket. But when that happens it is hilarious.
Anyway i think i'm done we will see the real prices of the i3s soon then we will know if it is good idea to buy an i3 and OC.
edit: Oh and btw i would have made a post too if i have read today about an i3 -> i7 "transformation" ( yea i know it is not possible but that's just to say that i'm not an Intel hater but someone who enjoys weird stuff like that even if that is possible only for 1% of the procs ).
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On January 06 2010 19:06 EvilTeletubby wrote:Incredibly ironic... I'm actually looking to build my first rig too, for probably around the same price range. I've been reaaaaaally out of touch with what to expect performance-wise from the various pieces of equipment nowadays. If anyone wants to help me out, I'd be incredibly appreciative. I'm looking to spend $600-$800 for a high end (if possible) gaming rig - something that can play say MW2 smoothly with the graphics options turned up high. No peripherals are necessary, just the box itself, I'm going to keep the same speakers/monitor/mouse/keyboard. I'm going to peck around newegg to see what I can find, but if anyone has tips on exactly what to look for (what specs should I pay close attention to, what to avoid, etc.), and keep in mind that this will be the first one I've built - any tips in that department will be greatly appreciated (although I'll revisit the hackintosh guide every day I'm sure ^_^) Thanks! Sorry to hijack Yogurt, but I think we're looking for exactly the same thing. I'm probably looking for mine to be more a gaming rig than yours though.
haha not hijacking pretty much looking for same exact thing
this is all a lot of help but im confused on what the best direction would be haha, seems like everyone has their own preference
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On January 07 2010 15:32 Yogurt wrote:Show nested quote +On January 06 2010 19:06 EvilTeletubby wrote:Incredibly ironic... I'm actually looking to build my first rig too, for probably around the same price range. I've been reaaaaaally out of touch with what to expect performance-wise from the various pieces of equipment nowadays. If anyone wants to help me out, I'd be incredibly appreciative. I'm looking to spend $600-$800 for a high end (if possible) gaming rig - something that can play say MW2 smoothly with the graphics options turned up high. No peripherals are necessary, just the box itself, I'm going to keep the same speakers/monitor/mouse/keyboard. I'm going to peck around newegg to see what I can find, but if anyone has tips on exactly what to look for (what specs should I pay close attention to, what to avoid, etc.), and keep in mind that this will be the first one I've built - any tips in that department will be greatly appreciated (although I'll revisit the hackintosh guide every day I'm sure ^_^) Thanks! Sorry to hijack Yogurt, but I think we're looking for exactly the same thing. I'm probably looking for mine to be more a gaming rig than yours though. haha not hijacking pretty much looking for same exact thing this is all a lot of help but im confused on what the best direction would be haha, seems like everyone has their own preference
Not really if you take a close look we are pretty much all saying the same thing  ( except for the i3 + OC but since we don't really know the exact prices it is still speculation xD )
Get a 5770 ( the price gap with the 4870 isn't really important now ). Then you can chose an i5-750 or a 955 they are quite close even if the i5 is overall better. Don't really know which one i would buy in your situation. If i wasn't always rooting for the underdog and if i knew more about what Intel plans to do with their sockets in the future i would say the i5 but eh... that's close.
Athlon II x3 + 4870/5770 is a less expensive solution but the CPU is not on the same level. I would recommand it for lower budgets though.
Btw sry Ghermination, Virtue and Frag i think i was a bit pissed last night. Hardware arguments are sometimes more heated than political ones.
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I would probably go with AMD but swap the 955 for a cheaper CPU. Either way the different is no more than 40 bucks.
Intel keep changing their damn sockets which is a turn off.
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