Lemonfresh
Solid State Member
- Messages
- 9
Hi everyone,
I have been a PC gamer for many years (love the consoles but PCs are so much better). Upgrades don't come often for me, but with Fallout 3 and Red Alert 3 out and Star Craft 2 coming and hints of a new Diablo, its time to put together a new system. I haven't put a new computer together for over 5 years now and I feel a little bit out of the loop so to say.
I have been researching and racking my brain for the last week trying to figure out a good system for a decent price around $1000. Only I seem to keep coming up with more questions than answers.
I plan on using this system as a gaming rig so I am going to go for stable performance. I don't plan on doing any over-clocking now but that may change down the road and I would like to keep my options open. Any answers and feed back on what I have planned would really be appreciated.
I already have a keyboard, mouse, speakers and monitor and will be running XP.
CPU
I have decided to go with a Core 2 duo. From what I have found they are better at gaming and when the quad oriented programs do come the mobo will allow the upgrade. So I have just a few questions about what CPU to get. I have heard the E8400 is a great performing CPU and can be over clocked well if you get the EO stepping.
How can you can you tell if the processor has the EO or the CO stepping?
Would it be better to go with an E8500 instead?
Motherboard
This has been the hardest choice. I have been looking at the DFI Lan Party X48 and the Asus P5Q Deluxe. Both support the 1333 FSB, DDR2 1200, and dual channel 16x. I am not really partial to any make/model so long as it is reliable and will allow some over-clocking.
What are the real differences between the 2?
Is if the DFI is really worth the extra $50?
Video Card
Hands down gonna get one of these Asus EAH4870 1gig. Then when the price drops, I will pick up another one.
RAM
I am going to go with 2 gigs of DDR2 1200. Gonna be running XP. The brand I am not sure of. I know crucial is good.
Is Kingston still making good stuff? I have always used it in the past and had no problems.
I have heard a lot about G. Skill but is it really as good as everyone says?
Case
Not looking to spend a bundle here, just need something that works. I have been looking at these two, Coolermaster Centurion and Cooler master RC-690.
Power Supply
This area I am really lost in. I know the video card requires 2 6 pin connects. So I know I will need at least 4 6 pin connectors if I plan on running 2 of these cards. Other than that I have no clue and need some help picking one that will work well for me.
Suggestions?
Hard Drive
Western Digital
Extras
Also gonna find a decent DVD burner and a floppy drive. Probably pick up a creative laps sound card. That stuff I really don't have any questions about.
Will the stock CPU cooler be ok if I am not going to over-clock or should I spring for a decent cooler?
Thanks everyone, I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
I have been a PC gamer for many years (love the consoles but PCs are so much better). Upgrades don't come often for me, but with Fallout 3 and Red Alert 3 out and Star Craft 2 coming and hints of a new Diablo, its time to put together a new system. I haven't put a new computer together for over 5 years now and I feel a little bit out of the loop so to say.
I have been researching and racking my brain for the last week trying to figure out a good system for a decent price around $1000. Only I seem to keep coming up with more questions than answers.
I plan on using this system as a gaming rig so I am going to go for stable performance. I don't plan on doing any over-clocking now but that may change down the road and I would like to keep my options open. Any answers and feed back on what I have planned would really be appreciated.
I already have a keyboard, mouse, speakers and monitor and will be running XP.
CPU
I have decided to go with a Core 2 duo. From what I have found they are better at gaming and when the quad oriented programs do come the mobo will allow the upgrade. So I have just a few questions about what CPU to get. I have heard the E8400 is a great performing CPU and can be over clocked well if you get the EO stepping.
How can you can you tell if the processor has the EO or the CO stepping?
Would it be better to go with an E8500 instead?
Motherboard
This has been the hardest choice. I have been looking at the DFI Lan Party X48 and the Asus P5Q Deluxe. Both support the 1333 FSB, DDR2 1200, and dual channel 16x. I am not really partial to any make/model so long as it is reliable and will allow some over-clocking.
What are the real differences between the 2?
Is if the DFI is really worth the extra $50?
Video Card
Hands down gonna get one of these Asus EAH4870 1gig. Then when the price drops, I will pick up another one.
RAM
I am going to go with 2 gigs of DDR2 1200. Gonna be running XP. The brand I am not sure of. I know crucial is good.
Is Kingston still making good stuff? I have always used it in the past and had no problems.
I have heard a lot about G. Skill but is it really as good as everyone says?
Case
Not looking to spend a bundle here, just need something that works. I have been looking at these two, Coolermaster Centurion and Cooler master RC-690.
Power Supply
This area I am really lost in. I know the video card requires 2 6 pin connects. So I know I will need at least 4 6 pin connectors if I plan on running 2 of these cards. Other than that I have no clue and need some help picking one that will work well for me.
Suggestions?
Hard Drive
Western Digital
Extras
Also gonna find a decent DVD burner and a floppy drive. Probably pick up a creative laps sound card. That stuff I really don't have any questions about.
Will the stock CPU cooler be ok if I am not going to over-clock or should I spring for a decent cooler?
Thanks everyone, I look forward to hearing your thoughts.