How much would it cost for. . . - Modern Warfare 2 Forum: Free Call of Duty MW2 Community

Pyro · 05-03-2010, 10:52 PM

How much would it cost, on average, to build a decent gaming PC. I don't have the greatest PC atm, it is 5 years old. It has an Intel Celeron processor, 512mb ram, 80gb HD, generic Intel graphics card, and other low grade hardware. I would very much like a new PC, but my dad doesn't really support me and gaming, but he might just go for it if I offer to help him build the PC because he likes that sort of thing.

So, with that in mind, what might I be looking at in terms of overall cost? I know this is vague, but I don't really know much about a gaming PC. And by decent, I mean that I could play a game like MW2 smoothly, but I don't necessarily need to play a game like Crysis with max graphics.

**abc** · 05-04-2010, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyro

How much would it cost, on average, to build a decent gaming PC.

bargain basement (e.g. buying last years mobo, small HDD, not being fussed about how cheap the case looks, a PSU that will last fine for 3 years but not 9) you could seriously play stuff like MW2 maxed for $400.

However spend $500 and you step up to quad cores, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, fast 500GB hard drives, 5 year warranties etc. Big difference.

All prices quoted are just the box. Does not include monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers or windows. Windows 7 Home is $99. If you are a student then you get a $60 discount (but read the terms and conditions) or of course you can try to reuse the current copy of whatever you use atm (i.e. win XP from current PC)

by decent, I mean that I could play a game like MW2 smoothly, but I don't necessarily need to play a game like Crysis with max graphics.

Graphics cards, the main bit for determining visual performance & the settings you can play on lag-free, are so cheap these days it simply makes no sense to buy a low end card, rather you should just jump onto the cheaper end of the "performance gaming" GFX cards. To define "cheap" and "low end" etc:

Playing MW2 on medium with a bit of lag and stuff like crysis but only on low settings - $50
play games like MW2 completely maxed with every bell and every whistle turned on. Playing stuff like crysis on high but not "extreme" settings. - $99

And believe you me, games look so much better when you can play them on high/extreme settings, it is definitely worth that $50.

If you skimp on reliability and size (e.g. buy less famous brands, buy smaller hard drives or 2GB of ram not 4GB) then you can get a top performing machine for really very little. The reason why gaming computers seem expensive is the people who talk about them (e.g. me) won't settle for the less-known brand or something that is "absolutely fine:"

I have to buy the Ferrari Enzo of hard drives, the Ford Focus of the hard drive is absolutely fine, but I have to have the best available even at huge expense.
Likewise I see my PC everyday so a cheap case won't do, I'll have a nice expensive aluminium one.
We also tend to get ahead of ourselves. For example my power supply can cope with a small village and my cooling could probably provide air conditioning for half of mexico - if you enjoy upgrading PCs then that is difficult to avoid, but realistically no-one needs to cool mexico and could therefore save lots of money by buying what they actually need not what they'd like to imagine they can afford in the future.

Olaf Vikingsson · 05-04-2010, 10:07 AM

I'd like to say now that I absolutely love reading Abc's posts on this subject.

oneinchwunda · 05-04-2010, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abc

We also tend to get ahead of ourselves. For example my power supply can cope with a small village and my cooling could probably provide air conditioning for half of mexico...

I lol'ed

~~To add something constructive to this thread:~~

I got nothing.

Pyro · 05-17-2010, 11:24 PM

A little late in responding to my own thread, but hell w/e. (I generally only browse the forums using "New Posts" so I miss a lot.)

I'll have to think of a way to approach my dad now, and I'll have to look into some good parts for the PC I can hopefully get. As for keeping XP, how would I go about doing that? I don't have a Windows installation disk, but I would prefer to keep Windows XP because another game I play has a lot of problems with Vista/Windows 7.

**Dante** · 05-18-2010, 08:25 AM

If you don't have the installation disk you'll have to keep the installation you have on your current hard drive and use that in your new PC. You'll still be able to add more space by adding more HDDs (or SSDs for that matter) but you'll have to continue running your OS off your current drive.

**abc** · 05-18-2010, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dante

If you don't have the installation disk you'll have to keep the installation you have on your current hard drive and use that in your new PC. You'll still be able to add more space by adding more HDDs (or SSDs for that matter) but you'll have to continue running your OS off your current drive.

Yeah that's a pretty mahoosive "no can do"

Unfortunately life is not that simple. The reason being is the OS & drivers are looking for intel 6xx series, AGP, nvidia 5xxx series hardware (because the HDD is full of files & drivers for your old PC) yet you are trying to use these to run brand spanking new hardware (because you have a new PC, duh) However much you think you've got it covered (e.g. uninstalling old drivers first, using default windows drivers, then trying to boot with new hardware) it just never works perfectly.

Bear in mind reinstalling the OS = reinstall all programs = need to find all those lost CDs & keycodes. And of course you need to backup/copy all your documents & emails etc. These two tasks are typically not too challenging, just time consuming.

You can use your XP keycode again (usually on a sticker on the PC case somewhere - as well as on the disc...) and XP can be installed with any disk, so you could borrow a friends?

Pyro · 05-19-2010, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abc

Yeah that's a pretty mahoosive "no can do"

Unfortunately life is not that simple. The reason being is the OS & drivers are looking for intel 6xx series, AGP, nvidia 5xxx series hardware (because the HDD is full of files & drivers for your old PC) yet you are trying to use these to run brand spanking new hardware (because you have a new PC, duh) However much you think you've got it covered (e.g. uninstalling old drivers first, using default windows drivers, then trying to boot with new hardware) it just never works perfectly.

Bear in mind reinstalling the OS = reinstall all programs = need to find all those lost CDs & keycodes. And of course you need to backup/copy all your documents & emails etc. These two tasks are typically not too challenging, just time consuming.

You can use your XP keycode again (usually on a sticker on the PC case somewhere - as well as on the disc...) and XP can be installed with any disk, so you could borrow a friends?

Well, as for the need to reinstall applications, copy personal files, etc., I really don't mind. I don't really have any programs that I've bought since Microsoft Office 2003 or something, and I don't really have a lot of pictures (aside from my porn :3). I know where my XP keycode is because I've had to use it a few times to reformat this computer. However, I'm afraid none of my friends have an XP installation disc, and all I got is the reformat disc for this computer. Sure, it has Windows XP on it, however it is tailored for use on this computer, so I doubt it would work on another computer.

**abc** · 05-19-2010, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyro

Sure, it has Windows XP on it, however it is tailored for use on this computer, so I doubt it would work on another computer.

Yeah no-one is expecting your dell or w/e to come with a fully fledged "system builders" copy of windows, but if the "recovery disc" has an installable copy of windows on it (which if you've reinstalled windows before, then clearly it does) it should be absolutely fine. The only inconvinience you may notice is that it has a "dell" (or whatever) logo in the corner of the setup/install windows screen.

Windows 7 is only $40 if you're a student anyway... and the fact that you are used to XP will go out the window after a week.

Pyro · 05-19-2010, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abc

Yeah no-one is expecting your dell or w/e to come with a fully fledged "system builders" copy of windows, but if the "recovery disc" has an installable copy of windows on it (which if you've reinstalled windows before, then clearly it does) it should be absolutely fine. The only inconvinience you may notice is that it has a "dell" (or whatever) logo in the corner of the setup/install windows screen.

Windows 7 is only $40 if you're a student anyway... and the fact that you are used to XP will go out the window after a week.

I just want XP because it is stable for another game I play (Maple Story). The developers still haven't made a fully compatible client for Vista/Windows 7. And, not that it matters, but I have an E-Machine computer.

Pyro · 06-07-2010, 07:12 AM

I'm double posting, but it is so this thread is seen. I feel that since it has been weeks since my last post in this thread that double posting is an excusable offense.

Now, I'm still interested in building a PC. I read the whole "Ye olde computermobile components guide," but to be honest I didn't really quite "get" everything. It is not that I can't "get" it, it is just that I have a hard time essentially teaching myself (I've always considered just reading to be "teaching myself," it also probably doesn't help that I read it all at ~3:30 AM). So far, I really haven't done really any research on what would be good buys, or anything of the sort. I've attempted to start, but I just get myself lost. Tbh, I really feel that I sort of need to be "coached" through it. I'd ask my dad, as he's pretty knowledgeable on the subject, but that kind of leaves me no leverage on him. He'd be a lot more inclined to commit to this if I present him a full-fledged plan.

Now, moving on, I'd say that just running a game like MW2 wouldn't be enough. Preferably, BFBC2, Crysis, and games like that would need to be runnable. I'd be willing to skimp on things such as my HD, case, OS (I'd actually prefer XP), w/e. As long as it is functioning and reliable. I really do not consider myself hardcore enough to need to "provide air conditioning for half of mexico." I don't need a new monitor, speakers, mouse, keyboard, etc. (okay, maybe a mouse/keyboard since those wouldn't be all that pricey, though I'm sure I can figure this much out).

From what I understand I'll need a:
Proccessor
Power supply
Motherboard
HD
RAM
Case
Graphics card
Sound card (?)
Wiring
Cooling
Disc drives (CD/DVD)
What else?

Additionally, for myself, I need a way to connect to my in-home wireless network. I should be able to use the curent card that I am using in my current desktop, yes? I don't need a faster connection, mine is pretty good as is.

Lastly, I would like to say thank you for what you've already provided. I feel that asking this much is already a stretch, and so far I've really just been spoon-fed. I really appreciate your help, as I really want a new computer. I'm sick of this old POS box that can't even run Halo 1 with decent graphics.

**abc** · 06-07-2010, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyro

Preferably, BFBC2, Crysis, and games like that would need to be runnable. I'd be willing to skimp on things such as my HD, case, OS (I'd actually prefer XP)

Fair compromise. How much space does the HDD need?

(okay, maybe a mouse/keyboard since those wouldn't be all that pricey, though I'm sure I can figure this much out)

I think you're forgetting how expensive gaming mice are? At least, they're the same price as a HDD.

From what I understand I'll need a:
Proccessor
Power supply
Motherboard
HD
RAM
Case
Graphics card
Sound card (?) motherboard has one on board. It's not "high end" but, considering how good they are these says, and how aftermarket ones are $100s, onboard sound is fine.
Wiring comes with mobo
Cooling comes with "retail boxed" but not "OEM" CPUs. If it doesn't specifically state "OEM" then it will be "retail boxed" and thus have a heatsink & fan (HSF)
Disc drives (CD/DVD)
What else?

I should be able to use the curent card that I am using in my current desktop, yes? correct

What's the budget? I've forgotten. There is a very solid "no compromise" build for $870~ in ghost hand's thread.

Pyro · 06-07-2010, 08:02 AM

Well, I've functioned 5 years with 80 gigs of HD space. I'd say I'd need more though sicne. hopefully, I'd be playing larger games. I can't imagine I'd need more than 120~160 gigs though.
EDIT: so, looking at Newegg, it appears HDs aren't an issue, really at all. They're so cheap in comparison.

As for a mouse, wasn't there that mouse that you said was a "steal." I think it was ~$25? idk, tbh, I really doubt I need a high-end "gaming" mouse.

As for budget, tbh, it probably shouldn't be too much over ~$500. This might be a stretch, but if it could be done then I'd have a much stronger case with my father.

**abc** · 06-08-2010, 01:37 PM

With a budget of $500, you'll have to build it yourself if you want to run games on high/highest settings at high resolution as opposed to low settings. I'll copy/pasta a $520 newegg basket in a mo...

Newegg.com - Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive - CD / DVD Burners - err, it's a DVD drive.
Newegg.com - NZXT GAMMA Classic Series GAMA-001BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Very good brand. This is the cheapest case I'd trust to have decent airflow and not be made from cardboard.
Newegg.com - SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive - Not only the fastest HDD for under $110, but it's also the best value for GB per $.
Newegg.com - BIOSTAR A770E3 AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - cheapest mobo that supports DDR3 memory etc and can handle a decent system.
Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - The best bit of this system. A PSU from the best PSU manufacturer? bargain. Even more of a bargain should you choose to ditch the 7 year warranty in return for a $20 mail in rebate.
Newegg.com - G.SKILL 2GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9S-2GBNT - Well at this budget RAM is just RAM. It is however from a great company so should last ages and take a lot of heat and strain etc.
Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP3 English 1 Pack for System Builders DSP OEI CD - Operating Systems - XP 64bit. Ah. That's a point. XP 64bit is notoriously crap. Get the 32bit version lol. Windows 7 btw is only $5 more... $5 to step from the industrial revolution into the age of electronics sounds good to me

Newegg.com - AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor 2.8GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor - It's a dual core. It's no slouch, but it's not the fastest dual core either but it is the most cost effective. $500 is looking a lil limited.
Newegg.com - POWERCOLOR AX5750 1GBD5-H Radeon HD 5750 1GB 128-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - After much jossling around with newegg baskets, eventually managed to squeeze this in. Fitting this in really was quite an achievement but I don't know how to express it's performance given you've an 8400GS. Will play COD games on max settings with all the nice filters at 1280*1024/1440*900. Will play FC2 at same res on highest settings minus a filter or two if the CPU can keep up which I'm satisfied it will (if it doesn't, given the budget I wouldn't be disappointed)

comes to $515 ($550 w/o rebates)

I am pretty convinced that there is no way of making that any faster whatsoever without putting all your money into a cardboard case and the cheapest MOBO that newegg stock.

EDIT: Scrap the negativity, just noticed you have integrated GFX which presumably means you don't play COD etc on ya PC? So going from not playing games to playing COD on highest settings for $500 is something to be very happy about.

Pyro · 06-08-2010, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abc

Spoiler:

Ya, I'd be so excited to get a new computer, with such great performance possibilities, for such a great price. Currently, I have this eMachines Support: Support Documents.

As for everything, thank you very much. I'll look at some at some additional things too such as maybe getting a little more RAM (would the smartest thing to do just buy another stick of that RAM?) and maybe a slightly upgraded processor (is it just generally better to get an Intel processor?). The point to aim for is ~500, but it is still possible to maybe get my dad a little higher. I'll probably get Win7. If need be, could I partition part of the drive and dedicate it to a Windows XP OS? Additionally, could this PC run Bad Company 2? I don't really need it to be top-of-the-line graphics. The important part is that I can play.

Additionally, I thought of a few other things. Does the case come with all the correct plugins? i.e. USB, speakers, etc.? If it misses any, which ones?

**abc** · 06-09-2010, 07:12 AM

Buying another of exactly the same stick (of RAM) is rather convinient. However observer the $5 saving when buying a matching pair compared to a single stick. That's roughly equivilant of a half pint, so in the big picture it's not exactly a massive loss should you buy one stick now and another once you saved a bit more. Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-4GBNT

If you've got $100s to spend on a CPU, for the last 5 years intel have always been much quicker. For the lower end AMD provide much more choice and because the only stuff intel have, that's worth buying, is new the prices are somewhat inflated. As far as CPU upgrades, $99 gets you a 2.9GHz quad. Exactly the same as the dual core, but just another two cores & 0.1GHz faster. Don't be fooled though, two extra cores will make minimal difference in gaming however a big difference in image, video & music editting. $99 also gets you a substantially beefed up dual core. At 3.2GHz it is a lil faster but significantly it's a slightly different design of CPU and just ends up a bit faster. I like this tool: (scroll down to bottom for gaming stuff)

$56 dual vs $99 quad Bench - CPU - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News
$56 dual vs $99 dual Bench - CPU - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News
$99 dual vs $99 quad Bench - CPU - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News

Basically on proper PC games (far cry, crysis, BF2) the quad is between 5 - 10% slower than the $99 dual core. In console ports the quad will probably be even further behind.

Partitioning is a good idea.

Yes. Run but not max. Medium settings shouldn't be too difficult at all...

The case will probably have a few USB ports, maybe a headphone etc thing at the front. The cheaper the mobo the less USB ports, maybe 2.1 instead of 7.1 surround sound etc, no firewire, no HDMI (not that this matters since there's a dedicated GFX card) The point is it will still have everything.

BTW, the numbers will be $20 off. I forgot to change the link for the mobo. Whilst it's great value it's $20 extra for stuff you don't need (crossfire ability, 7.1 surround sound, probably got a firewire port, probably got 6+ HDD connections, probably supports very fast RAM & probably OCs alright etc) Good value & all nice stuff to have just incase, but when it's over-budget that $20 is precious.

Appears I did amend the link afterall.

Pyro · 06-09-2010, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abc

Spoiler:

Buying another of exactly the same stick (of RAM) is rather convinient. However observer the $5 saving when buying a matching pair compared to a single stick. That's roughly equivilant of a half pint, so in the big picture it's not exactly a massive loss should you buy one stick now and another once you saved a bit more. Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-4GBNT

If you've got $100s to spend on a CPU, for the last 5 years intel have always been much quicker. For the lower end AMD provide much more choice and because the only stuff intel have, that's worth buying, is new the prices are somewhat inflated. As far as CPU upgrades, $99 gets you a 2.9GHz quad. Exactly the same as the dual core, but just another two cores & 0.1GHz faster. Don't be fooled though, two extra cores will make minimal difference in gaming however a big difference in image, video & music editting. $99 also gets you a substantially beefed up dual core. At 3.2GHz it is a lil faster but significantly it's a slightly different design of CPU and just ends up a bit faster. I like this tool: (scroll down to bottom for gaming stuff)

$56 dual vs $99 quad Bench - CPU - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News
$56 dual vs $99 dual Bench - CPU - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News
$99 dual vs $99 quad Bench - CPU - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News

Basically on proper PC games (far cry, crysis, BF2) the quad is between 5 - 10% slower than the $99 dual core. In console ports the quad will probably be even further behind.

Partitioning is a good idea.

Yes. Run but not max. Medium settings shouldn't be too difficult at all...

The case will probably have a few USB ports, maybe a headphone etc thing at the front. The cheaper the mobo the less USB ports, maybe 2.1 instead of 7.1 surround sound etc, no firewire, no HDMI (not that this matters since there's a dedicated GFX card) The point is it will still have everything.

BTW, the numbers will be $20 off. I forgot to change the link for the mobo. Whilst it's great value it's $20 extra for stuff you don't need (crossfire ability, 7.1 surround sound, probably got a firewire port, probably got 6+ HDD connections, probably supports very fast RAM & probably OCs alright etc) Good value & all nice stuff to have just incase, but when it's over-budget that $20 is precious.

Appears I did amend the link afterall.

Hmm, that seems counter-intuitive that a dual core outdoes a quad core (for gaming at least). As for the RAM, 2GB will suffice, yes? I think it is a better selling point to my dad to not add in that extra $50, and I'd save up for it later. Depending on what my dad says later, then I'll decide on the processor. As for the computer, I'm pretty confident that your suggestions are the best, thanks. I'll go for everything said thus far. Perhaps my last concern is this, knowing the PS3 uses Blu-ray stuff, is it likely PCs will need anything pertaining to Blu-ray soon too?

Oh, adding this on to the end. . .overclocking. How much extra might I be able to do if I overclock this stuff correctly?

EDIT: I knew I was forgetting one last thing. Drivers. Generally, do they get shipped with their drivers, or do I have to get them all online?

**Dante** · 06-09-2010, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyro

EDIT: I knew I was forgetting one last thing. Drivers. Generally, do they get shipped with their drivers, or do I have to get them all online?

Most stuff i've bought has shipped with ancient drivers and it either finds the most recent version online automatically on install or you have to find them yourself.

**abc** · 06-09-2010, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyro

Hmm, that seems counter-intuitive that a dual core outdoes a quad core (for gaming at least).

If a single core gets 100 FPS, an average rule of thumb is diminshing returns of a half each time. Assuming the exact same CPU, dual cores are industry standard and get 200 FPS, a triple core will get 250 FPS and a quad core will get 275 FPS.

So when you don't have enough for a Phenom II quad/Core I5 it's a case of balancing cores with clockspeed.

Clock speed will help everywhere, cores will only help in select applications. But, when they do help, extra cores make a much bigger difference than 0.2GHz.

Triple cores are still very good shouts because they balance high-ish clock speeds with the best value-for-money amount of cores. Problem is you can't just keep adding $10/15 to the build.

I'd like to add $15 to get a triple core because in games which use it, that will give you 25% more performance. Problem is that's "only" 2.7GHz so some of the difference is negated, so I'd like to add another $10 to upgrade to the 3.0GHz triple core...

As for the RAM, 2GB will suffice, yes? I think it is a better selling point to my dad to not add in that extra $50, and I'd save up for it later.

Well, if you have less than 1GB atm... I guess so...

Depending on what my dad says later, then I'll decide on the processor. As for the computer, I'm pretty confident that your suggestions are the best, thanks. I'll go for everything said thus far. Perhaps my last concern is this, knowing the PS3 uses Blu-ray stuff, is it likely PCs will need anything pertaining to Blu-ray soon too?

PC hardware can cope with blue ray absolutely fine, if you have a blue ray player. If games ever make it onto blue ray then you just buy a blu ray player (err exactly like a DVD+-RW that everyone has... but err for blue rays) These get cheaper all the time.

Oh, adding this on to the end. . .overclocking. How much extra might I be able to do if I overclock this stuff correctly?

With all the above stuff, 3.2 - 3.5 GHz. It will make no difference in gaming because it'll still outrun your GFX card, but it will speed up everything else.

It's a waste of money to buy a CPU that holds back a GFX card. But then again you can substantially OC a CPU to remove that bottleneck whereas you can't get significant gains on most GFX cards. But on the other hand (which is um err... the original one) it's silly to buy a GFX card that is held back by the CPU because then you're missing out on FPS which you've paid for.

.

Pyro · 06-11-2010, 03:07 PM

So, after talking to my friend, he suggested I definitely not get an AMD processor. So, after some looking I thought this one looked good.

Newegg.com - Intel Core i3-530 Clarkdale 2.93GHz 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor

Against the $99 AMD (dual core) it was pretty good.
Bench - CPU - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News

I decided to could scrap the OS because I have a Windows 98 CD (lol), and after that I should be able to "acquire" Windows 7.

EDIT: So, he also told me that the current motherboard won't fit that processor, so I updated it to this one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813135256

**abc** · 06-11-2010, 05:00 PM

I'd actually be highly suprised if some of the components worked on win 98. Aquire win 7 asap. Worth a go trying to dual boot with 98 though for ye olde games that you insist on.

To be fair, looked at benches and although it's only a dual core (IIRC it has turbo mode) there isn't anything nearly worth the price difference unless you need a quad, then a quad rapes a dual, obviously.

That motherboard is worth less than my socks. Infact I'd rather try to run a computer with my sock than anything saying ECS/foxconn/other-cheapy-stuff.

Increasing budget by $100 (20%) changes everything.

Upgrade to a HD 5770 (+ $20 for 512MB version, +$40 for 1GB version. Well worth it though)
Get a decent mobo.
Divide change by two.
Keep half.
Buy your dad fudge, a newspaper on saturday & some beer etc
Profit?

Pyro · 06-11-2010, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abc

I'd actually be highly suprised if some of the components worked on win 98. Aquire win 7 asap. Worth a go trying to dual boot with 98 though for ye olde games that you insist on.

To be fair, looked at benches and although it's only a dual core (IIRC it has turbo mode) there isn't anything nearly worth the price difference unless you need a quad, then a quad rapes a dual, obviously.

That motherboard is worth less than my socks. Infact I'd rather try to run a computer with my sock than anything saying ECS/foxconn/other-cheapy-stuff.

Increasing budget by $100 (20%) changes everything.

Upgrade to a HD 5770 (+ $20 for 512MB version, +$40 for 1GB version. Well worth it though)
Get a decent mobo.
Divide change by two.
Keep half.
Buy your dad fudge, a newspaper on saturday & some beer etc
Profit?

So, what exactly are you suggesting for the processor, I'm a bit confused.

For the graphics card, it was suggested by my friend to get an HD 4890, but then I just Googled both the HD 4890 and HD 5770 and apparently the 4890 has better performance (?) but will only support DX10. Conversely, the 5770 apparently has slower performance, but it supports DX11. Also, the 4890 costs more. So, I'd imagine the 5770 is definitely better for me, especially since I want to play Bad Company 2 on it?

I put these into a comparison
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

I'm not sure which one is the best. I chose these because they were all about the same price. EDIT: Hmm, looking at the system requirements of the HIS Radeon HD 5770 H577FM1GD Video Card and the SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 100283L Video Card, it appears I couldn't use those since they require a 450W power supply. If I were to get the POWERCOLOR PCS+ Radeon HD 5770 AX5770 1GBD5-PPG Video Card then I would get a free Dirt 2, so that's money saved right there.

As for a motherboard, I really have no clue what makes a motherboard decent, or what chips they can handle.

Thanks again for all the input. Sorry if it's difficult to deal with me and my shifting opinions.

EDIT 2: What is the difference between these two disc drives?
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

Looking at the motherboard, it has a lot of package deals with disc drives. I'm not sure which is the best, though.
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

I'm leaning towards this one, and it saves a little over $20 for what appears to be pretty mucht he same drive.
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

Also, the AMD processor has a lot of combo deals, too. There's way too many, and I'm getting lost looking through them.
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

How's this one? Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

I can't decide if it'd be better to go with a little more RAM, or get the discount on a GFX card.

~~This is my current cart.~~

Spoiler:

EDIT 3: I was looking through cases, and I noticed that a lot of them have free shipping. The case suggested has $15 shipping. Would it be better to just get a ~$50 case that has free shipping?

This one kind of interested me because it is cheap, and it looks really nice. The reviews say it is a little weak, which I'd expect from something that isn't all metal, but I'm not sure how much that would really affect me. It also comes with more fans which seems nice.

EDIT 4: It looks like I'll need one of these to use my old monitor, yes? Newegg.com - Link Depot DVI-AVGA-ADPT DVI To VGA Adapter

**abc** · 06-12-2010, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyro

So, what exactly are you suggesting for the processor, I'm a bit confused.

To put this in context, all the proccessors we've mentioned can probably take more GFX "performance" than a 5770 before they start to bottleneck, so it is likely that the CPU will make very little if not absolutely no difference to the FPS you get.

I3 530 if you predominantly game. Phenom II x4 if you're feeling rich or do a lot of editting (images/music/movies) or plan to keep the the components for a long time (more than 3 years)

Whilst quick now in certain games the longer you own an I3, the slower it will get compared to a quad, as games take advantage of more cores better.

For the graphics card, it was suggested by my friend to get an HD 4890, but then I just Googled both the HD 4890 and HD 5770 and apparently the 4890 has better performance (?) but will only support DX10. Conversely, the 5770 apparently has slower performance, but it supports DX11. Also, the 4890 costs more. So, I'd imagine the 5770 is definitely better for me, especially since I want to play Bad Company 2 on it?

Why you should buy the 4890:

It's slightly quicker than a 5770 on some games
Makes you sound more hardcore cause for a while it was the quickest single-GPU GFX card of last year (/sarcasm. This doesn't matter obviously)

Why you should buy a 5770:

5770 requires less power
5770 is more efficient
5770 is cheaper
5770 is DX11, future proof
5770 is quieter
5770 is cooler
5770 is current
5770 is much shorter so is easier to install & will definitely fit any case as opposed to the 4890 "might" fit. (sounds odd, but some GFX cards physically don't fit in some cases, and that's even more likely to happen in cheapy plastic not-very-well designed cases)

I put these into a comparison
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I'm not sure which one is the best. I chose these because they were all about the same price. EDIT: Hmm, looking at the system requirements of the HIS Radeon HD 5770 H577FM1GD Video Card and the SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 100283L Video Card, it appears I couldn't use those since they require a 450W power supply. If I were to get the POWERCOLOR PCS+ Radeon HD 5770 AX5770 1GBD5-PPG Video Card then I would get a free Dirt 2, so that's money saved right there.

Any 5770 will work a CX400. If you're worried, $20 (assuming you're up for rebates - although part of the point of buying a corsair is for it's 7 year warranty...) upgrades to the VX450 for a little extra piece of mind.

It has to be the powercolor PCS. It's slightly OC'd (but hey, every lil helps) you get DIRT2 free which is worth buying anyway & with rebates it's $7 more than the cheapest 1GB 5770 (Asus CuCore)

As for a motherboard, I really have no clue what makes a motherboard decent, or what chips they can handle.

non crappy brand (so look for biostar, asus, gigabyte, msi off the top of my head)

Non crappy brands just mean longer or more-forgiving warranties, better customer service, better build quality, wider support for different components, cooler/quieter/more-stable operation, cope with higher performance components, more settings/options if needed, more likely to come with "more than enough" as opposed to "maybe 1 of each" of the cables etc that you'll need, much higher overclocking, easier setup, better product (drivers etc) support.

For an I3 and $500 budget you're stuck with a "H55" model motherboard. I'm impartial as to whether that's a good thing or not. The old low-end intel motherboards were brilliant so the new H55 (low end, i.e. the replacement) can't be far off.

( Including shipping & rebates, this is the cheapest mobo I'd want to trust to run my PC. Here it is presented in a -$10 combo deal with the I3: Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more! )

Thanks again for all the input. Sorry if it's difficult to deal with me and my shifting opinions.

EDIT 2: What is the difference between these two disc drives?
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No idea. Despite the product name not mentioning it, both do DVD+RW (i.e. is a re-writer not just a burner)

Sony optiarcs sound like small hurricanes when they spin up. But hey, that's what you (and I) get/got for picking the cheapest one?

Looking at the motherboard, it has a lot of package deals with disc drives. I'm not sure which is the best, though.
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

I'm leaning towards this one, and it saves a little over $20 for what appears to be pretty mucht he same drive.
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

DVD drive, as long as it's a RE-WRITER not just a writer are not worth fussing about. Yeah I was annoyed to find I'd bought a hurricane of a DVD drive, but who cares, the disc spins at full speed for like 10 seconds.

Also, the AMD processor has a lot of combo deals, too. There's way too many, and I'm getting lost looking through them. How do you think I feel, it's not even my PC

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

How's this one? Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

If you want that much RAM and wanted that CPU, then yeah of course saving $22 is good news. The good news r.e. an AMD CPU is that it brings the mobo cost down to $50~ (IIRC) which means this combo deal + the rebate on the mobo saves a good $40 - $50 on the CPU/RAM/MOBO (which, in theory, along with your extra $100 and the -$40 spent upgrading the GFX, means you could get a 4GB RAM/5770 machine in your budget)

I can't decide if it'd be better to go with a little more RAM, or get the discount on a GFX card.

What? What discount on a GFX card. Scrapping windows gives you $99 extra. For that you can either upgrade to 4GB RAM now or improve other areas.

~~This is my current cart.~~

Spoiler:

EDIT 3: I was looking through cases, and I noticed that a lot of them have free shipping. The case suggested has $15 shipping. Would it be better to just get a ~$50 case that has free shipping?

I'm bored now

Well you could, as you'd lose/spend no money. No, I haven't inspected each case individually, but for $50 inc. shipping it still looks fantastic.

If it says NZXT, rosewill, antec or coolermaster then it'll be of decent enough quality and design for a $500 system. You may get the cheapest you wish if it says one of those names on it

If you are sorting by price and choosing the cheapest one and it comes down to various gigabyte stuff (it's cheapest by price, haven't bothered looking at shipping) then this one, due to the fact it actually has some holes in the front for air to enter and the big 120mm fan at the back, is much better than the 16.99 & 17.99 gigabytes Newegg.com - GIGABYTE gz-KXA Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

This one kind of interested me because it is cheap, and it looks really nice. The reviews say it is a little weak, which I'd expect from something that isn't all metal, but I'm not sure how much that would really affect me. It also comes with more fans which seems nice.

no linky?

EDIT 4: It looks like I'll need one of these to use my old monitor, yes? Newegg.com - Link Depot DVI-AVGA-ADPT DVI To VGA Adapter

Nah. Another benefit of avoiding crappy brands etc is that you'll get any neccessary adapters etc in the box (as can be seen by the image of box, card & contents)

Because I just know this question will come eventually, that other connector-looking thing in the box is a "crossfire bridge" (links two cards when used in crossfire) and is not neccessary for this build. Odd. Usually get those with crossfire motherboards, not the GFX card. Oh well.

Pyro · 06-12-2010, 05:59 PM

First off, this was the case.
Newegg.com - RAIDMAX Tornado ATX-238WU Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
(oops)

It has that eyecandy appeal, comes with 3 fans, is all metal (aside from the side), $40 w/ free shipping, and the possibility to get $10 off with a mail in rebate.

After some more looking, this one might be good.
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Elite RC-310-BWN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
or this one (especially if I could get it before June 16th, but I'm not exactly sure when my dad is getting home.)
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 RC-534-KKN2-GP Black Aluminum & Mesh bezel / SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

For the CPU, I'm going to try and get the Phenom II x4 because I plan to have this PC for many years to come. If I could make this PC last for over 5 years, I can do the same with a much nicer PC. Also, this Phenom II x4 comes with a free MW2. If I get everythign I want, I'll have 2 free games: Dirt 2 and MW2. Also, the AMD allows me to get a cheaper, but still good, mobo.

Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X4 945 Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor

I dropped back down to 2GB RAM because I think I could easily get my mom to buy me a stick of RAM for $50, or I could just sell my old MTG cards.

This is my final cart, that ideally I can get. If I can't get this, then I'll keep dropping down till my dad says yes.

Spoiler:

The total after tax/shipping is $645. I really hope my dad will go for this.

If I don't get a DVI/VGA adapter in anything, then I'll just run over to Best Buy and get one.

**abc** · 06-19-2010, 06:30 AM

lolwut. All of that time spec'ing a $500 build... and you decide you have 30% more to spend >.> Oh well.

Hope you get permission from ya parents. Building isn't hard but I'm happy to answer all the "noob" questions that occur when you don't want to ruin something.

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