Time to build a PC methinks..

[MonkMachine]

Re: Time to build a PC methinks..

Get a AMD 64 x2 rather than the FX-55, don't waste your money on a single core CPU when the x2 are so cheap.

[knghtwhosaysni]

Re: Time to build a PC methinks..

Wll here's a nice deal on a 1900xt if want to take advantage of it...

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=321985

copied from xtremesystems, with a couple of my own changes
INTEL Mainstream Gamer

Processor:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 - $340 ~ When Available
Motherboard:
Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail - $150
CPU Heatsink:
Scythe SCMN-1000 100mm Sleeve CPU Cooling Fan/Heatsink - Retail - $35
Memory:
CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail - $180 after MIR
Storage:
2 X Western Digital Caviar RE WD1600YD 160GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $134
Sound:
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic Sound Card Retail - $70 after MIR
Graphics:
MSI RX1900XT-VT2D512E Radeon X1900 XT PCI Express 512MB DDR3 Video Card w/TV-Out, Dual DVI, & Video-In Retail - $290 after MIR
Case:
Antec Performance I P-160W Silver Computer Case With Side Panel Window - Retail - $94
Power Supply:
OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI ATX12V 700W Power Supply 100 - 240V - Retail - $140 after MIR
CD/DVD Rom Drives
Pioneer 16X DVD±R DVD Burner With 5X DVD-RAM Read Black ATAPI Model DVR-111D - OEM - $36

Comes out to about $1429 after the Mail-in Rebates

[megawhompertoo]

Re: Time to build a PC methinks..

Wll here's a nice deal on a 1900xt if want to take advantage of it...

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=321985

Like where you went with that build. I'd go with an antec Sonata II for half the price, and only 50 fewer watts, with 2x120mm fans built in. Plus, the case is great (after you take out the darn CPU/GPU exhaust--nice idea, but the implementation was lacking).

http://www.techonweb.com/products/productdetail.aspx?id=B88848&src=FG

Newegg has it for $109 + $18 shipping, the only reason I went to froogle.

I'd also wait until the mid-end Conroes come out. No reason to pay for being an "enthusiast" unless you want to go to "enthusiast" partays. Either that, or buy an AMD dual-core since the prices have come down.

Then again, the OP already said he's allergic to Intel and ATI.

[knghtwhosaysni]

Re: Time to build a PC methinks..

Like where you went with that build. I'd go with an antec Sonata II for half the price, and only 50 fewer watts, with 2x120mm fans built in. Plus, the case is great (after you take out the darn CPU/GPU exhaust--nice idea, but the implementation was lacking).

http://www.techonweb.com/products/productdetail.aspx?id=B88848&src=FG

Newegg has it for $109 + $18 shipping, the only reason I went to froogle.

I'd also wait until the mid-end Conroes come out. No reason to pay for being an "enthusiast" unless you want to go to "enthusiast" partays. Either that, or buy an AMD dual-core since the prices have come down.

Then again, the OP already said he's allergic to Intel and ATI.

As far as the case goes, I just left it at what xtremesystems has... kind of a $100 placeholder. I think the buyer really has to decide on a case with a style that suits him, and we ought to just check to make sure the one he chooses is from a good brand. Personally, I don't like the style of the P-160W

As for the processor, I think a 6400 would fit just fine with this system, and would save quite a bit of money. I included a nice CPU cooler and some decent ram, so I think overclocking the 6400 might be a better choice than paying $100 more for the 6600.

And I think he's just gonna have to get over his preference towards nvidia and AMD, because right now I think Intel and ATI have the better parts and prices for the high-end

[The-Overlord-ehT]

Re: Time to build a PC methinks..

-Tomcat- where do you live? US? UK? because if you live in the UK theres a great site for computers parts and anything to do with them. its www.novatech.co.uk
I'm actually building a computer myself and thats where I'm getting all my parts as there at least half high street retail price (I got a 7300GS for £70 at PC world it was £180ish.
btw, they may have a US counterpart (I dunno)

[iNvAzN]

Re: Time to build a PC methinks..

btw, they may have a US counterpart (I dunno)

newegg.com :rock: :yay:

[squizz]

Re: Time to build a PC methinks..

newegg.com :rock: :yay:

this guy speaks newegg :salute:

build around an x2 3800 am2 if your goin for budget those things are dirt cheap right now and it's now the mainstream socket of amd. however an e6300 blows a majority of amd's x2's out of the water . I say this and I just bought an x2 3800 :P

check out how Intel's e6600 ($340) Core 2 Duo compares to amd's FX-62 ($800+)

http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/08/02/thg_tuning_test/page8.html

[iNvAzN]

Re: Time to build a PC methinks..

this guy speaks newegg :salute:

newegg = teh sh1t

I say this and I just bought an x2 3800 :P

haha, good one

and where can I find an e6300/e6400/e6600 for a good price, you mentioned an e6300 for $180, I'm ordering a whole new comp from teh sh1t:rock: :yay: within 5 days and I'm trying to find a conroe cheap. So far my only hope is an e6300 from zipzoomfly for $219, and eBay is out of the question....

[knghtwhosaysni]

Re: Time to build a PC methinks..

Conroe is expected to be out on the egg on August 7th
But with how many people want them, you may have to watch it very closely for newegg to put em up

I think the retailers that sold their first shipment July 27th should be getting a new shipment soon...

edit: and just for some more commentary on getting Core 2 Duo. You really should overclock them, as they get huge overclocks and performance is just insane. So get some good ram, a good overclocking board, and a nice air cooler. The guys at xtremesystems can help you out if you get stuck.

Just a few of the overclocks:

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=106321

And the whole lively forum on Intel:

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=59

[iNvAzN]

Re: Time to build a PC methinks..

Yeah I heard a couple of weeks ago that newegg is releasing them on aug. 7th which is the release date for retailers and july 27th was the release date for OEM (dell/gateway/etc.). But tigerdirect and zipzoomfly let 'em out early and caught me off guard. By 12 pm that day the all the chips that were released on those two sites, were sold out:hmm: ...

I plan on getting and OC'ing with..
Asus P5W DH Deluxe
with..
Corsair 240-pin DDR800 2x1 gb ram 5-5-5-12 timing

Sometimes I think I should just pick up a PD 940 until the conroe rave stops and the dust settles..

[squizz]

Re: Time to build a PC methinks..

ya right now because qty is limited core 2 duo's are being overpriced. In a couple of days after retail and e-tail stores have them on the shelf expect the prices to come back down a little.

an e6300 at $180 oops typo $185-$200 would be more realistic in a couple of weeks maybe.

[disfigured]

Re: Time to build a PC methinks..

I wouldn't spend the money on a second 7800GT.

I'm runnning a similar system to your proposed build (mobo/ram volume so far).

I get good frame rates at 1600x1200 with high setting except effects (medium) and I keep my sounds on high instead of ultrahigh (didn't notice a difference). With 2xAA.

Even a second 7800 with my monitor wouldn't get me much but more performance that would I want. I've toned things back and played @ 1920x1536 and the tags are so small you can't read flag distances or people's names. So if your not running a big monitor I'd save the money on the second card. Until something comes out where you need the extra "umph".

[-Tomcat-]

Re: Time to build a PC methinks..

woah!

sorry I havent been replying guys - I was at alton towers all weekend - good stuff!

Yeah I do live in uk.

I am also pretty adamant about nVidia and AMD - family & friends I know have had problems with Intel, and my last graphics card was ATi and it was a nightmare - spesh the drivers.

I do like the look of Disfigured's rig (poster above this post) - like he said it is a similar setup to the one I want - same mobo, RAM volume.

As for processor - am still confused about it - what i have read about the FX-55 is really good and is designed specifically for gaming, however, someone said that dual processors are just as good and a lot cheaper? - help!

As for budget - I really dont know, I want a kickass rig and am willing to earn/pay the money for it. I suppose i would like to keep it down to around £1000 though, probably go up to £1,500. I want to buy a new monitor (BIG....flat screen) but that can come later as i already have a monitor/keyboard etc. So i can recycle parts.

I already have a 120Gb harddrive, but i know that is considered small by todays standards.

Sound im not overly bothered about as i usually use a headset, although i suppose in time i will want a decent sound card (when i can afford some decent speakers lol )

Basically I am looking to spend around £1000 on what goes in the case.

Thanks for all the help - i am truly shocked how helpful everyone has been

-Tomcat-

Edit: oh yeah Disfigured - what kind of fps do you get BF2?

Sorry for double post!

I have been reading around - socket 939 is "dead" technology according to many of you and that AM2 is the way to go - any good AM2 mobo recomendations out there?

-Tomcat-