Help - Building PC

[Reactor Worker]

Yes, because he's definitely going to need a 1000w power supply.

Dude, you would probably only need around 600-700watts at most for that.

Believe it or not, I do know what I am talking about. I included the 1000 watt PSU to allow for future upgrades (i7 or an additional GPU for instance).

My decision not to recommend the I7 and x58 platform was based on the price point of the budget. Just the processor, motherboard and RAM alone would cost $900-$1000 and wouldn't offer any noticeable increase in performance over the E8400 or even a low-mid range Quad core processor. Currently, I7 and the x58 platform is only worth the money if you are planning to SLI or Crossfire 2 powerful cards (like the 4870x2 or GTX 280).

I recommended the ATI 4870x2 because it fit well within your budget and is the single most powerful GPU on the market. It should easily last you 3-5 years if you keep the rest of the system up to date. Adding another 4870x2 a few years down the road will prolong the life of the system; hence the crossfire compatible motherboard and 1000 watt powersupply.

If you wish to lower the price of the build, downgrade to a 22" monitor, ATI 4870 and an 750-900 watt PSU from one of the quality brands.

[Ad Bot]

[Otis Da HousKat]

Just use the stuff that RW told you. But probably change the monitor.

All these other handicaps don't know what they're talking about.

I'm glad there was at least one person to prevent people from making bad computer decisions.

Umm, k :o
Anyway, I plan to go with the Graphics card and Monitor posted on the bottom of the previous page

Why are you getting a lowered power card and smaller monitor when you have a pretty high budget?

You should also get a 10,000 RPM HDD if it fits inside your budget. The Western Digital Raptor series is quite nice.

Why not go for the E8500 instead of the 8400? Correct me if I'm wrong, but it the 8500 is the higher quality version of the Wolfdale chip and not much more expensive than the 8400.

I've worked with modular cable PSUs, and I'm never buying a non-modular PSU again.

The case, MB, RAM, and DVD drive are good.



*edit*

Oh, RW parts actually put you really close to your budget. The last few PC topics he has always picked good parts that still fall a good bit under the budget.

In that case, OCZ offers cheaper RAM of the same type. G Skill, Corsair, and OCZ are all good makers of RAM so you won't get forgeted over by switching from one brand to another.

Look at this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010170147%2050001550%204027%201052108080%201052315794%201052420643&name=OCZ%20Technology%2c%20Inc.

Only $50 after rebate(which you should do as soon as you can). I bought the platinum when I bought my new video card last month. I haven't had any problems.

*double mega edit*

The price of the G Skill RAM is wrong in the picture on the first page, it's only $60 with no rebate so go with that to save the hassle of doing a rebate.

[Reactor Worker]

Otis made some good points. To me, $2000 is where you start trying to fill the budget, rather than trying to minimize it but that is a matter of opinion.

I would keep the 24" monitor and GPU as they are both choices that will last you a long time.

I considering putting in a Raptor or even an SDD, but the high cost of entry wasn't worth it to shave a few seconds on Boot up and load times.

If you can fit the E8500 into the budget then go for it. I'd also recommend adding in an aftermarket CPU cooler too. The Ultra 120 is the best I believe.

Memory prices fluctuate quite a bit. I chose that RAM over the slightly cheaper memory because it has lower timings but any will work.

Main thing is to stick to the good brands.

If you are getting the GTX 260 then you may as well ditch the X48 motherboard. It can only do Crossfire. A cheaper P45 motherboard or even a 790i motherboard would be a better choice with an Nvidia card.

[Otis Da HousKat]

790i motherboard would be a better choice with an Nvidia card.

790i is a bit expensive and you're forced to use DDR3 RAM. Of course the GTX 260 is cheaper than the 4870 X2

[Reactor Worker]

790i is a bit expensive and you're forced to use DDR3 RAM. Of course the GTX 260 is cheaper than the 4870 X2

750i would work too. I've heard the 780i has stability issues.

[Otis Da HousKat]

750i would work too. I've heard the 780i has stability issues.

I have a 750i and it works fine.

[Reactor Worker]

I have a 750i and it works fine.

I realize that. HardOCP even stated that the 750i was one of the most stable boards they have ever tested. But the 780i seemed to have a couple of issues.

[Otis Da HousKat]

I didn't say you said 750i was bad ;o

[Reactor Worker]

I didn't say you said 750i was bad ;o

Oh ok. I thought that was what you were implying. In reality you were just offering testimony.

EDIT: Oh...here is a review of the 750i if anyone cared....  http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQ5NCw2LCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==

[FrAgGEr]

Uh, combo breaker between you two?

Just thought i'd stop in and say hi.

[Otis Da HousKat]

*faps to computers*

[Colten]

Im confused

[Otis Da HousKat]

Im confused

Oh come on, I picked up a fair bit of knowledge on computer parts in a month. It's not that hard to keep up with if you read review sites and a tech blog or two.

[Chabo]

For you it might be worth going for a cheap quad core cpu and overclocking it if your going for the 4870X2 to prevent cpu bottlenecks. Although im going for the same set with the E8400 and 4870X2.

[FrAgGEr]

Oh come on, I picked up a fair bit of knowledge on computer parts in a month. It's not that hard to keep up with if you read review sites and a tech blog or two.

Yeah, while i was looking for a computer to buy i did tons of research and learned alot.