First time Build

[DarkS1d3]

Alright, well I've got two computers here, and one of them's getting to be practically useless, so I've decided to replace it using the build-your-own method.. first time though. I'm trying to build a computer that'll be good for gaming (CSS, HL2 level +), and fast for multitasking.. also will be networked with the Gateway that's still working well.

So far these are the specs I've come up with:

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133145

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136152

Proc: http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustRatingReview.asp?Item=N82E16819103586
(will be trying to OC this at least a little.. to get as much speed as I can for the least $)

Vid Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130283

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231021

HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822136003

Opti Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152055

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103932


Keyboard and monitor I already have from an old computer.

$1140.94 USD right now.. I'd like to know if it's possible to get something like the performance of this system for closer to $1k. Any help or modifications to this list is greatly appreciated.. thanks

 

[john3]

Try this ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231021

seeing as how this is ur first build, and im guessing ur first OC, this ram since its DDR500 will give u more headroom to ram, and G.SKill is a great company.

For mobo get the DFI Lanparty UT Ultra-D, best mobo for OCing
NEC 3550A for Opti Drive. For Processor get the AMD Opteron 165, its one of the best OCing processors. some people here got theres to 2.8GHz on air cooling (psst, that really good). and from the money you save on the ram and processor, get a 7900GT, and as for PSU get the Antec TruePowerII 550Watt.

 

[DarkS1d3]

Thank you for the suggestions, I have changed the above post to what you said, I think it'll work much better. How does the 7600Gt stand up though? Is it a decent card? It seems ok to me for the money

 

[aliasaid]

7600gt is a great mid-range card. seems sufficient to me. 7900gt is in the high end realm.. you're talkin maxin out details and stuff.. and it'll last longer than the 7600gt... so its up to you if you want to take john's suggestion..

decrease cpu increase gpu, or keep it the way it is... either way, can't go wrong. (if i were in your shoes.. i'd probably get the 7900gt..)

 

[infiltrator7]

7600gt is a great mid-range card. seems sufficient to me. 7900gt is in the high end realm.. you're talkin maxin out details and stuff.. and it'll last longer than the 7600gt... so its up to you if you want to take john's suggestion..

decrease cpu increase gpu, or keep it the way it is... either way, can't go wrong. (if i were in your shoes.. i'd probably get the 7900gt..)

IMO i would stay where you are because you have a good processor now, and you can OC it. the 7600gt should last you for a while, and then if you have enough money you can buy the new g80s when they come out.

 

[DarkS1d3]

thank you everyone for your suggestions, I think I'm going to stick with the specs the way they are now, unless someone can show me how to get it done cheaper.

I'm not 100% firm on the case though, what would you guys say a good case for a beginning builder would be? Looking for lots of airflow, side window, maybe leds, and around $100?

thanks

 

[infiltrator7]

yeah, i'd say somewhere around $80-100, my case was the antec sonata II, i'd reccommend it but its a little small, and it doesn't have a side window.

 

[DarkS1d3]

something roomy would be nice.. any other suggestions anyone?

 

[infiltrator7]

i've heard that lian-li cases are very good quality, but i'm not sure about the room in them. i'd check them out anyways.

 

[john3]

how bout a Thermaltake Silver or Black Kandalf, or Silver or Black Armor. or a Coolermaster Stacker.

AS for processor and GPU, i suggest getting a Opteron 165, it is a great CPU, People OC it to minimum of 2.3-4 GHz, and u can go really high, especially on Water cooling, some guys on this forum got theirs to 2.8Ghz on Air Cooling. Drop down to an Opteron 165 and go up to a 7900GT.