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| Acmlm's Board - I3 Archive - Hardware / Software - thinking about getting a gaming PC... |
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spiroth10 Paratroopa                 Since: 01-28-06 From: USA Last post: 6319 days Last view: 6319 days |
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| Im sick of all the new consoles every 5 years -- so Im doing something about it. I want to go 100% PC Gamer instead.
Im trying to build a PC around Oblivion (yes, laugh all you want) and then just upgrade from there when I need a new graphics card/processor/etc. I looked at alienware, and I can get what I need for $733 after rebate and before $130 shipping (<- WOW) I *think* dell offers free shipping, and from them for about $730-$760(I forgot which, maybe a bit more or less) on a Dimension E510 with ATI X600 (enough ram in it to run oblivion, and I know its not the newest card) a gig of normal DDR ram. 3GHz intel dual core processor, 17" HD monitor, decent sound card, and pretty much all I need + a $150 rebate which brings it down into the $600s which is definitely nice. my question is is this ATI card integrated to the mother board? I didnt look at the lower end because it said it was integrated. I went to best buy, and they had a decent custom machine for $999 for only the PC itself (no monitor, etc... mines an old CTR, and I dont know if newer PCs support it...) there was also an Emachines with a 3.2 GHz AMD processor and an (integrated) nvidia card for $4?? (5-600 in a bundle) would it be cheaper to buy that and have the graphics card and power source installed (my parents REFUSE to let me do the upgrades myself -- even though they ARE SIMPLE)? games I plan to get are: oblivion (Im an RPG fanatic -- lots of PC RPGs will be played in the future) quake 4 Empire at war Wal-Mart bargains (yes, I'll be quite poor after this, and these will make up a majority of my games... jk lol) Im trying to make this UNDER $1000. I dont have much money, and I *REALLY* dont want my parents to get into a TON of debt (high interest rates+little $$$ = bad) if there is anything meeting my criteria online (and good price) I'll look into that too -- but all I find on amazon is barebones PCs with no warranty (another pain, my parents are forcing me to have a warranty -- they dont understand that no $$$ = no choice) Id really hate to get rid of my slackware box, but would it still be cheaper to get a mother board, new HD, graphics card+power source, RAM, Windows XP, etc -- basically a new PC without any drives or a monitor? I know nothing about the PC gaming world -- Id always thought it would be out of my price range (and it is, really), but looking at the price of the PS3 ($500), I think Id rather get a new graphics card next year for $689 than buy an XBox 3, PS4, Or nintendo whatever for $7-800. I say we dont even need new consoles for another 10 years -- there is so much untapped potential in the old ones (usb ports, other ports) that could update the consoles power -- they only make new ones for more cash. any ideas? |
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HyperHacker Star Mario Finally being paid to code in VB! If only I still enjoyed that. <_< Wii #7182 6487 4198 1828    Since: 11-18-05 From: Canada, w00t! My computer's specs, if anyone gives a damn. STOP TRUNCATING THIS >8^( Last post: 6320 days Last view: 6320 days |
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Integrated graphics cards in a gaming system is like paddles on a yacht.  I doubt you'll get a good gaming system for under $1000 that will last more than 5 years before needing to be almost completely replaced. |
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Zidane Koopa  Since: 07-14-06 From: Melbourne, FL Last post: 6324 days Last view: 6326 days |
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You wouldn't even get past the installer of Oblivion with an X600. :p To play Oblivion the way it was meant to be played (this game is shit without the graphics maxed, or smooth frame rates), you'll need at least an ATI Radeon X850XT or an Nvidia 7800GS (yes, higher than what they recommend is needed if you're going to play with DVI - especially if you want to max the screen resolution like I did  ).
If you're going to make a gaming computer, make it SCREAM! Here, I designed one for you: Motherboard: ECS RX480-A (1.0) Socket 939 ATI XPRESS 200P ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813135009 $56.99 Ship: $6.67 Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3800+ Venice 2000MHz HT 512KB L2 Cache Socket 939 Processor - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103531 $142.99 Ship: Free RAM: pqi TURBO 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 400 (PC 3200) System Memory - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820141227 $166.99 Ship: $4.99 Video Card: SAPPHIRE 100106SR-RD Radeon X850XT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI exp http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102505 $169.00 Ship: $5.46 Sound Card: Diamond XtremeSound XS71DDL 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829111002 $53.99 Ship: $4.99 Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 ST3120827AS 120GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148039 $56.99 Ship: $5.46 Case: ASPIRE MX-PLEASURE-BK Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case ATX 500W dual fan w/ automatic fan speed control. Connector 20 + 4 pin Power Supply - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144133 $109.99 Ship: $22.87 Monitor: SCEPTRE X9WG-NagaV Black 19" 8ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 700:1 Built in Speakers 0.285mm Pixel Pitch - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824112002 $219.99 (179.99 ater $40.00 Mail-In Rebate) Ship: Free I included the shipping for the totals. Total Price: $1027.37 Total Price after monitor mail-in rebate: $987.37 It'll totally own Oblivion, both in sound and graphics. The computer is slightly not as good as mine, but I do have the same monitor (it can't be beat). It's within your price range, but only after the mail-in rebate. Could you manage going $27.37 over your cutoff just for a moment? You could even not get the sound card if you wanted, as the motherboard comes with an integrated one. Getting a sound card is so very worth it, though.
Later on, you can upgrade the graphics card to something even better if you really wanted to, but the one I suggested should be fine for any games that are out right now. If you upgrade the graphics much later, this system could last you over five years. It's just a guess, though, as PCs seem to be advancig more and more rapidly in the 2000's. The only con to buying all these parts is that you'll have to put it together yourself or take them to a shop and pay a bit to have them put together for you. Putting together a PC is rather easy, so if you opted to do that, you shouldn't have very many problems. Besides, if you do hit a snag, there's always us. :p Anyway, good luck with designing your ultimate gaming machine. (edited by Zidane on 07-20-06 04:58 PM) |
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spiroth10 Paratroopa Since: 01-28-06 From: USA Last post: 6319 days Last view: 6319 days |
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| how will this perform (it's $977 shipped)
[1] Area-51® 3500 Processor: Intel® Pentium® D Processor 805 w/ Dual Core Technology 2.66GHz 533MHz FSB Operating System (Office software not included): Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 with Service Pack 2 Chassis: Alienware® Mid-Tower Chassis - Black Chassis Upgrades: Standard Cooling for Mid-Tower Chassis Power Supply: Alienware® 485 Watt Power Supply Motherboard: Alienware® PCI exp Memory: 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz - 2 x 512MB System Drive: 80GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7,200 RPM w/ NCQ & 8MB Cache Optical Drive: 16x DVD-ROM Drive with Software DVD Decoder Video/Graphics Card: 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce? 7600 GT - DVI Dual Link Supported Monitor: No Monitor Sound Card: Intel® Integrated High-Definition Audio Network Connection: Integrated Dual High Performance Gigabit Ethernet Modem: 56K V.92 PCI Modem Keyboard: Alienware® USB Full-Size Keyboard Mouse: Alienware® Optical 3-Button Mouse with Scroll Wheel Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Toll-Free 24/7 Phone Support w/ Onsite Service AlienRespawn: Alienware® Respawn Recovery Kit Productivity Software: Microsoft® Works 8 Productivity Suite Alienware Extras: Exclusive AlienGUIse Theme Manager Alienware Extras: AlienInspection - Exclusive Integration and Inspection - $99.99 Value - FREE! Alienware Extras: AlienWiring - Exclusive Internal Wire Management - $99.99 Value - FREE! for now, I can use my old CRT monitor (never really cared about high-def), and my old speakers (fine, seeing as it's integrated audio anyway) my goal right now is to *get games running well* not perfect, though thats the max graphics card alienware offers on the area-51's, so if it *DOSENT* run games well, I'll piss myself.] but it's cheaper than what you find in stores, and packs more of a punch for graphics (the card is *well above* most games *reccommended stats*) |
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Zidane Koopa Since: 07-14-06 From: Melbourne, FL Last post: 6324 days Last view: 6326 days |
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| AMD beats Intel when it comes to gaming (http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1860218,00.asp and http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1860218,00.asp)
The only good things I can see about that is that they assemble it for you, provide a little faster RAM, and a faster hard drive. And it's cheaper by like $10. For $10 less, your system gets crushed by my suggestion, with its 19" HD LCD widescreen monitor (a full system minus the mouse and keyboard). You're likely always to get ripped off if you're going to buy a system that's already made for you. If you can't handle putting together parts yourself, have some friends do it for you.  |
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Sukasa Birdo Not quite as active as before. Xkeeper supporter Xk > ||bass I IP Banned myself! Twice!  Since: 11-17-05 From: Somewhere over there Last post: 6320 days Last view: 6319 days |
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| WEll.. the new conro chip from intel that's coming out this summer is supposed to blow away AMD this summer, and It's supposed to be compatible with 975x Mobos... *Re-checks maximumPC magazine* | |||
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Zidane Koopa Since: 07-14-06 From: Melbourne, FL Last post: 6324 days Last view: 6326 days |
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Originally posted by Sukasa + Oh, kind of like the things that people say Intel will be doing to beat AMD, but it never happens? ^.~ |
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Sukasa Birdo Not quite as active as before. Xkeeper supporter Xk > ||bass I IP Banned myself! Twice! Since: 11-17-05 From: Somewhere over there Last post: 6320 days Last view: 6319 days |
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| Maybe. I don't worry too much about latest stuff really... my Pentium 200Mhz and Win98SE are all I need.
But I've heard that there are advantages to both and disadvantagtes to both... although intel is supposed to not be as good. |
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HyperHacker Star Mario Finally being paid to code in VB! If only I still enjoyed that. <_< Wii #7182 6487 4198 1828 Since: 11-18-05 From: Canada, w00t! My computer's specs, if anyone gives a damn. STOP TRUNCATING THIS >8^( Last post: 6320 days Last view: 6320 days |
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| That chip will go great with my 300000GB holographic hard drive, when the two come out in |
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Sukasa Birdo Not quite as active as before. Xkeeper supporter Xk > ||bass I IP Banned myself! Twice! Since: 11-17-05 From: Somewhere over there Last post: 6320 days Last view: 6319 days |
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| yay for 300TB drives.
but... the Conroe is coming out this summer, not next year. |
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HyperHacker Star Mario Finally being paid to code in VB! If only I still enjoyed that. <_< Wii #7182 6487 4198 1828 Since: 11-18-05 From: Canada, w00t! My computer's specs, if anyone gives a damn. STOP TRUNCATING THIS >8^( Last post: 6320 days Last view: 6320 days |
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| Sure it is. |
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Gavin Cheep-cheep Vandalism is not tolerated Since: 11-17-05 From: IL, USA Last post: 6396 days Last view: 6339 days |
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| I thought I read somewhere that as of July 24th the AMD chip prices will be drastically cut...
..and some quick searching finds this:  |
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Deleted User Banned    Since: 05-08-06 Last post: None Last view: 6320 days |
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Have you kept up with computer hardware recently? Conroe is stomping on AMD's shit. (for now, at least.) at anyrate, $150 for a 3800+ X2 is sexy (edited by CrimsonGX on 07-22-06 02:47 AM) |
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spiroth10 Paratroopa Since: 01-28-06 From: USA Last post: 6319 days Last view: 6319 days |
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| Ok, I ended up buying a system with this:
AMD 3800+ Processor GeForce 7900 GT OC (Single card) (256MB ram) 1 GB ram 250GB HD 17" Flat panel monitor I figure you guys dont need the other specs, but it does a pretty good job for gaming -- runs oblivion at the highest res. (1280x1024) with anti-aliasing at 4 samples. ATI cards can rin aa with HDR, I know, but I bought the card at best buy, and the only ATI card I saw there was more expensive. Bloom with AA looks good enough any way. Quake also looks nice, though I can't go to ultra high gfx because my card < 512MB, but they can be customized a bit above high and run full speed. I figure (should I ever need it) a new card, 1GB Ram and a new processor (though the 3800+ is pretty good) can't go above $600... and eventually I'll build a better system anyway. (In about 3-4 years) |
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Scatterheart Paratroopa Since: 11-18-05 From: Sydney, Australia Last post: 6343 days Last view: 6319 days |
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I'm building my own gaming PC, too!
I don't know a lot when it comes to graphics card specifications, but I don't want something overly cheap. I want something that OWNS current games, and like...I'd like to play UT2007 when it comes.
There are three settups in this here right thread. Which one's best (for price)? Spiroth's 7900GT Zidane's Spiroth's 7600 GT 
Is there much of a difference between 16 PixelPipelines and 24? Does that, plus the 70Mhz RAMDAC (I think that's the same a core clock) justify the $130 increase? Will I get significantly longer life before needing to upgrade if I get the more expensive card? Sorry 4teh lack of noledge *EDIT* Oh! And more lack of knowledge right here! Uhmm... I heard that you can allocate 256MB of your main system RAM, and stick it ontop of your graphics card's. Planning on doing this if possible. Is 1GB RAM enough? Or should I really go for 2GB Tankies. (edited by Scatterheart on 08-25-06 12:27 AM) |
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MathOnNapkins  1100  In SPC700 HELL Since: 11-18-05 Last post: 6319 days Last view: 6319 days |
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Originally posted by Sukasa + Are you serious? I had a setup just like that and at a near minimum install it barely would emulate NES games, let alone SNES, and I know you do that. If it was a Pentium II at 200Mhz it would be slightly more believeable but Pentium I? |
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Zidane Koopa Since: 07-14-06 From: Melbourne, FL Last post: 6324 days Last view: 6326 days |
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Originally posted by Scatterheart If you want to own current games and play future games decently (maybe even own), then go with 2GBs of RAM. Besides, the standard will eventually raise. It always does... -.- As for a graphics card, the one I put down is a budget one. If you want to go all out and be sure that you'll be able to run something like UT2007 at or near max settings, I'd recommend (an affordable card) a Nvidia Geforce 7900GT or if you want to go overkill, the 512MB version. I've always preferred Nvidia over ATI. (edited by Zidane on 08-25-06 03:22 PM) |
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Scatterheart Paratroopa Since: 11-18-05 From: Sydney, Australia Last post: 6343 days Last view: 6319 days |
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| I knew I should've used "pwn" instead.
Thanks for your help, man. 
I think I'll get that 256MB nVidia 7900GT. Onto processors: I'm thinking about the Athlon X2 4200+ Saving a bit of money there, but is it good enough? Encouraging comments on the site.
It's a bit better than your budget reccomendation, but it's still pretty darn affordable. I'll get the 4600+ if I'm under my budget. ...Don't really have one, but y'know... I think I'll hold off on the extra 1GB of RAM for a while. Need moneys!! Sound Card: I have a Creative SoundBlaster Live! 5.1 in my computer at the moment. Have on board sound cards advanced so much that I should scrap this thing? I <3 this sound card! 
I have the Logitech X-5500 speaker system, so everything sounds good.
Just about sorted everything out! 
My main worry was the graphics card though. Scary things... 
This is going to be the first time I've played a relatively new game on max settings!
Thanks alot for ur helpz! (edited by Scatterheart on 08-25-06 09:51 PM) |
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Zidane Koopa Since: 07-14-06 From: Melbourne, FL Last post: 6324 days Last view: 6326 days |
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| There is a slight, though noticeable difference. I'd pay eighty more dollars for your choice, though I'd probably clock it up to 2.4GGz - 2.8GHz. Then it's an even more noticeable difference. ^.^ It would help with future games.
Onboard sound is okay, but getting a good sound card will produce much better sound. No point in upgrading to a 7.1 sound card if you have a 5.1 system and don't plan to upgrade that. Make sure that you get (or have) a motherboard that has a PCI-E slot, a few PCI slots, DDR 400 RAM slots (I'm not sure what your RAM is, though) and a 939 CPU Socket Type. And also be sure that you have an adequate power supply (I recommend about 450 watts for high end PCs) and cooling system (lots of fans in your case). Not that I don't think you would never think of this, but that a lot of people I know don't even bother to check these things and cry when they get their parts. I have friends that don't even know their computer, so they assume they have the proper Socket Type or RAM slot. |
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Scatterheart Paratroopa Since: 11-18-05 From: Sydney, Australia Last post: 6343 days Last view: 6319 days |
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| You've been a great help!
I should have my computer within the week.
It's gonna be hella-expensive though! Australian prices are a bit...uhh...alot higher than you guys's's. I keep forgetting to ask, but what's the difference between Socket 939 and Socket AM2? And I should definately go with 939? This thing's going to cost me about $1,000US, and that's just the box. Got everything else.
Zidane: Tell all of us your compy's specs.! |
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