Khronophor
Beta member
- Messages
- 5
I'd like to build my wife a modest gaming machine. She primarily plays MMORPGs and Sims 3 on her non-gaming laptop, which tends to be an exercise in frustration. She does not need to run cutting age games at max detail, however it would be good to build with an eye toward being able to run, or easily upgrading to run, future MMOs and whatever else catches her eye. She surprises me with her gaming requests sometimes, but I don't see her ever, for example, being interested in the latest system taxing FPS.
Budget: As little as possible, without gimping anything or using dead-end series that wouldn't be upgradable.
Needed: Everything except GPU; I'll be reusing an 8800 GS for now, with the intention of upgrading in the future. Or, if you think onboard video would be superior, we can go that route too.
HDD is not required; just a SSD 120GB+.
Current thoughts:
PSU: Something reliable that will allow for future upgrades, but overkill not necessary. This will never be a multi-GPU machine. No overclocking!
Case: Function over form, just something well built to get the job done.
CPU: I'm out of the game here and eager for your recommendations. This machine is for gaming only; no CPU-intensive applications. No overclocking.
Mobo: As all parts excepting GPU are new, we have free reign. Again, overkill not required, and no overclocking. Ever.
GPU: The 8800 GS or whatever onboard video you recommend.
RAM: So cheap these days; 4GB should be enough, but if we go with a mobo with only two RAM slots, might as well go for 2x4GB to future proof it.
SSD: Should be at least 120GB, other than that I just want be cost effective. I've heard about random crashes on Sandforce SSDs. Should they be avoided?
DVD-ROM: Cheap functional DVD-ROM or burner if cost difference is minimal.
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium; a new license.
Mouse/keyboard: Already have.
Monitor: Already have; 1680x1050 20.1" if taking into account when considering GPU.
Thankful for your advice and opinions.
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CANADIAN. Your Newegg etc. links are welcome and helpful, but I'll be unable to order from them directly. Will likely use NCIX.com or Newegg's Canadian affiliate.
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CANADIAN. Your Newegg etc. links are welcome and helpful, but I'll be unable to order from them directly. Will likely use NCIX.com or Newegg's Canadian affiliate.
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Budget: As little as possible, without gimping anything or using dead-end series that wouldn't be upgradable.
Needed: Everything except GPU; I'll be reusing an 8800 GS for now, with the intention of upgrading in the future. Or, if you think onboard video would be superior, we can go that route too.
HDD is not required; just a SSD 120GB+.
Current thoughts:
PSU: Something reliable that will allow for future upgrades, but overkill not necessary. This will never be a multi-GPU machine. No overclocking!
Case: Function over form, just something well built to get the job done.
CPU: I'm out of the game here and eager for your recommendations. This machine is for gaming only; no CPU-intensive applications. No overclocking.
Mobo: As all parts excepting GPU are new, we have free reign. Again, overkill not required, and no overclocking. Ever.
GPU: The 8800 GS or whatever onboard video you recommend.
RAM: So cheap these days; 4GB should be enough, but if we go with a mobo with only two RAM slots, might as well go for 2x4GB to future proof it.
SSD: Should be at least 120GB, other than that I just want be cost effective. I've heard about random crashes on Sandforce SSDs. Should they be avoided?
DVD-ROM: Cheap functional DVD-ROM or burner if cost difference is minimal.
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium; a new license.
Mouse/keyboard: Already have.
Monitor: Already have; 1680x1050 20.1" if taking into account when considering GPU.
Thankful for your advice and opinions.