1 Topic by ShiB

  • ShiB
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Topic: Help building a computer

So i'd like to build a new computer, spending as little as possible, <$600 is the sweet spot. This thing is just for gaming, hopefully to run d3/sc2, but to also provide room for upgrading if they need a bit more oomf to get extra mileage. First off Vista or no vista? I was thinking vista this time around, I was also thinking it would be nice to go 64bit? Why, i have no idea just seems better? Then my other dilemma really is 4gb or 2gb of ram, I think it would be nice to get 4gb especially if Im trying to go 64bit vista. Thus far I have come up with two builds, ideally I like my first build$(670), but the second one is much much cheaper $(470)

Heres the first one: http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=7033565&WishListTitle=BuildOne

Here is the second: http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=7033625&WishListTitle=BuildTwo

Mainly I think I need to know the pluses and minuses of 2gb vs 4gb ( 4gb is so cheap why not?) and whats the difference between 64bit vista and 32bit. And how all of this effects me playing diablo 3 for the cheapest amount of money, and what would be most upgradeable. I'm thinking throwing the mobo from build1 into build 2, and upping build 2 to 4gb would be a solid move or maybe just sticking with the 2gb and bumping it to 4gb ram at a higher speed when it gets cheap later?. Any recommendations would be great thanks.

  • From: NJ
  • Registered: 2002-08-01
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Re: Help building a computer

Both are not the best value.

I think we need to get a sticky for the best bang for the buck system.

HERE are the components you want to buy. You are not tied to newegg. Other places can and do have better prices. If you price hunt, you'll be able to get all this stuff for around $600-650. You want Vista, and you want Vista 64. Only 64 can properly use over 3GB of RAM. With new hardware, there is no reason not to use it.

Also, you didn't request an optical drive so I didn't include one, but expect to add another $30-40 for a SATA optical drive and a multimedia card reader (both of which are somewhat essential).

3 Reply by ShiB

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Re: Help building a computer

Will that processor and video card provide a big enough boost to be worth the extra money? The 3870 is only $100 after rebate and comes with a free game. Also what other places do you suggest to buy from? Ive always had good service with newegg. And yea i had forgot about the optical drive, I do have an IDE dvd one, not sure if it would be worth getting a SATA one or not, that mobo in your link does have an IDE connector

  • From: NJ
  • Registered: 2002-08-01
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Re: Help building a computer

That is the best value for the money video card right now. The 3000 series is old generation, and is half as fast. As for the 3.0 GHz E8400, people have overclocked its 0.16 MHz faster cousin past 4.5 Ghz with proper cooling. It will last.

Try buy.com, zipzoomfly.com, clubit.com, etc. Look around on slickdeals.net. Again, shoot for $600-650 with these components.

For reference in case that cart expires:

Antec Sonata III (OR a decent case + Corsair modular power supply)
Western Digital 320/640 GB hard drive (depending on space)
ATi HD 4850 512MB from a reputable brand like Sapphire
2x2GB of reputable memory such as Corsair, Crucial, Kingston, etc.
P35 DS3L motherboard by Gigabyte
E8400 Intel Core 2 Duo processor

Optional stuff:

Samsung SATA DVD burner
Multimedia card reader
Accelero S2 VGA cooler
Tuniq Tower CPU cooler

edit: IDE sucks, the cables make for poor airflow and generally are just gay. If you can spare a few bucks, grab a SATA one. If not, you can always upgrade that later.

  • Errrrrrr
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Re: Help building a computer

I don't want to come off as a jerk, but there's been a recent thread on a new system. It's also only a month old, and it contains tons of information and suggestions on parts (many of which are in fact "value" choices by now). You could use a little research and then ask very specific questions instead of broad ones that are already answered.

The stuff Pissing listed are fairly safe to buy. But if you want to save a bit more money, make the following modifications:

Antec Sonata III -> generic ATX case with sufficient space + a major brand 500W+ PSU
E8400 -> E7200
HD 4850 -> 8800GT or HD 3870 at $100~ with rebate

Such a system will end up playing SC2/D3 flawlessly, I can guarantee you. However, as previously pointed out, it's not the "best bang for the buck". When you purchase a gaming PC, you spend the money on the important parts. The HD 4850 at $189~ (or as low as $169 after rebate) is a monster of performer for a bargain price, it is the best value anything has to offer in years.

I agree that we should just keep a "best value" component list or something like that at various price points. Maybe someone can compile one and we can contribute to it. People won't have to make a new thread on any possible upgrade/purchase every time that way.

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  • From: NJ
  • Registered: 2002-08-01
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Re: Help building a computer

Originally posted by: Errrrrrr
I don't want to come off as a jerk, but there's been a recent thread on a new system. It's also only a month old, and it contains tons of information and suggestions on parts (many of which are in fact "value" choices by now). You could use a little research and then ask very specific questions instead of broad ones that are already answered.

The stuff Pissing listed are fairly safe to buy. But if you want to save a bit more money, make the following modifications:

Antec Sonata III -> generic ATX case with sufficient space + a major brand 500W+ PSU
E8400 -> E7200
HD 4850 -> 8800GT or HD 3870 at $100~ with rebate

Such a system will end up playing SC2/D3 flawlessly, I can guarantee you. However, as previously pointed out, it's not the "best bang for the buck". When you purchase a gaming PC, you spend the money on the important parts. The HD 4850 at $189~ (or as low as $169 after rebate) is a monster of performer for a bargain price, it is the best value anything has to offer in years.

I agree that we should just keep a "best value" component list or something like that at various price points. Maybe someone can compile one and we can contribute to it. People won't have to make a new thread on any possible upgrade/purchase every time that way.

I agree with Errrrrrr. In fact, do you wanna help me maintain a "OMG BUIDL ME A CUMPEWTAR" thread?

Personally, I think the only good brands for PSUs are Corsair, Seasonic, and Antec. But that's just me.
I also can't justify buying a last-gen card that doesn't outperform the budget based new-gen one. The processor, I suppose you can skimp on.

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Re: Help building a computer

If you make a preliminary list for enthusiast level ($1000~1500) I'll add stuff for the entry level. Ideally you want 3 price points for each component, but we can always modify that later. I think to help people with purchase information, a link to the actual product page could prove useful as well. We could spare any explanation and leave it all in the replies.

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  • Registered: 2002-09-20
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Re: Help building a computer

CPU: The E8400 is a rock solid choice for "right-now" and will fit the bill for SC2/D3. In my build I took a Q9300 for it's multi threaded performance and longevity. Until developers start making games that start taking advantage of Quad Cores the Q9300 is a "thinking ahead" type purchase. Dual Cores will typically do just as good and better in some cases than the same price ranged Quad Core. For your budget going with a lower end Dual core shouldn't hurt that much either.

RAM: 4GB. Nuff said. RAM is cheap make it an afterthought in terms upgrading components in the future.

Video Card: Honestly had the 4850 come out say a week earlier and I had not found my 8800GT at $100. I'd probably own one myself and have the possibility of Crossfire later on when needed. 4850 is a solid card which is performing WAY above the competition at it's price range. Much like the 8800GT did in it's debut. In reality though you can't go wrong with either of the two depending on your budget. You say you want to play D3/SC2 well I'm 99% sure that and 8800GT will fit the bill easily and is well within your budget,on the other hand a 4850 would have you set for a while longer.

Operating System: I don't know how Vista SP1 is but my stance has been I will stand with XP until they've got me by the balls and are forcing DirectX 10 down my throat.

Hard Drive: One of the two suggested Western Digital Drive will be fine.

PSU: MODULAR MODULAR MODUUUUUUULAAAAR. I can't emphasize this enough. You will be thankful in the end.

IDE can become cumbersome to to install and for airflow, SATA cable are wonderfully convenient, easy to install and much faster.

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9 Reply by Crast

  • Registered: 2002-11-01
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Re: Help building a computer

Originally posted by: Pissingintowind
I agree with Errrrrrr. In fact, do you wanna help me maintain a "OMG BUIDL ME A CUMPEWTAR" thread?

I double-agree with both you two.   Make a thread, and I'll sticky it.
I don't get on IRC much anymore as I'm usually at school where I have to tunnel it >< but if you let me know on aim, I'll sticky the thread when you make it =]

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  • Registered: 2005-06-02
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Re: Help building a computer

Yay! I'm going to be building a computer here soon as well. I'm actually looking forward to the thread.

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  • From: NJ
  • Registered: 2002-08-01
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Re: Help building a computer

Drop everything and order this:

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=871373

Before they realize it's a price mistake.

12 Reply by Syko

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Re: Help building a computer

Too late for the $300 deal =/  they bumped it up to $1,391.75

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  • From: NJ
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Re: Help building a computer

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/13211

This is about as good as it gets for a video card.

At $143.50 shipped, I might even get one.

14 Reply by darin

  • Registered: 2002-03-22
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Re: Help building a computer

Originally posted by: Pissingintowind
http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/13211

This is about as good as it gets for a video card.

At $143.50 shipped, I might even get one.

Thanks, thinking about ordering one.

A lot of the reviews said that they run pretty hot...and I'm a noob when it comes to stuff like this.  So now I'm not sure if I should get it.


DOUBLE EDIT: After reading some reviews...the rebate looks like a pain.

The rebate for this thing is just plain silly, you have to go to a web site, register (giving your personal info to a wealth of unwanted emailers and junk mail sending people I would assume), enter some promo code from the rebate form, get an activation code, place the activation and promo code with the newegg.com name on the back of the envelope, and then do all the other “normal” stuff like fill out the downloaded form , get your invoice , and attach your upc code from the box. Basicly its like the company really really wants to make people just toss up their hands in frustration or miss a step so they can disqualify your rebate request easily. They mention repeatedly that they will disqualify your request if you do any of a dozen things wrong. The web site you have to go to talks about how they want to be “fair” to the companies and the end users. Their commitment is clearly to making sure they keep as much money for everyone but the consumer so make sure you read the instructions a

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  • Errrrrrr
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Re: Help building a computer

4850 runs hot, but apparently it's not a problem. Also ATI cards have a dynamic fan control system where the fan spins down big time during 2D/light load such that the card is kept at a fairly constant temperature through its operation. It's not that big of a deal.

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16 Reply by Syko

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Re: Help building a computer

Originally posted by: Pissingintowind
http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/13211

This is about as good as it gets for a video card.

At $143.50 shipped, I might even get one.


I absolutly HATE Sapphire cards.  Each time its very poor quality hardware.  you get what you pay for.

http://jettmedia.com/files/2pzpb3zz2gwjr8691pyt.gif
  • From: NJ
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Re: Help building a computer

Originally posted by: Syko

Originally posted by: Pissingintowind
http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/13211

This is about as good as it gets for a video card.

At $143.50 shipped, I might even get one.


I absolutly HATE Sapphire cards.  Each time its very poor quality hardware.  you get what you pay for.

You must be thinking of some other company. Sapphire is ATi's best reseller. They are akin the EVGA for NVIDIA.
"You get what you pay for"? They're usually the most expensive version...

  • Registered: 2002-09-20
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Re: Help building a computer

Yeah, Syko you sure you're thinking of the right company? Sapphire has seldom dropped the ball in quality...

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19 Reply by Syko

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Re: Help building a computer

Sounds Like I should have RMA'd both my 9800 and x1950....

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  • Registered: 2002-09-20
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Re: Help building a computer

Well that sucks. You got unlucky duds twice.
I've been unlucky too, had to RMA my board, my LCD and I had incompatible RAM.
What are the chances...

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21 Reply by Aeryx

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Re: Help building a computer

The last computer I built required me to RMA 3 motherboards (different models even!) before I finally got one that wasn't DOA.  I was pretty pissed.

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22 Reply by ShiB

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Re: Help building a computer

I know I made this thread about 2 months ago now, but I'm just now going to be building within the next 3 weeks here. I've decided to keep my ole dirty Rosewill case, and go with a brand new powersupply. I'm about to order this 550w modular antec one, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6817371016 I have found it for 67.99 + shipping elsewhere online. I also think Ill keep my eyes peeled for a cheap hard drive deals to over the next few weeks. But my main question is has anything changed? I'm still looking at going with an 4850 and an E8400. One other question is, should I jump on a deal if I can find one on one of those things asap, or should I wait till I have the money to buy everything first? I'm not sure how many pricedrops are possible by the end of september.