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Forums » Computer Games and Clans » PC gaming Tech » Building a Gamer, on a budget
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StanTheCaddy

Member

2004-10-11
Loc:Norman, OK

Building a Gamer, on a budget

Hey guys, I am about to start building a comp and was wondering if I could get a little input. This will be the second comp I have put together, so my experience is somewhat limited. I am also limited by my budget, really don't want to spend more than 500, but i already have a good box and a monitor, so I figure 500 can get me a decent system.

Video card: »www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Ite..
not set on this one but I like it.

MoBos:»www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Ite..
or
»www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Ite..

processor:
»www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Ite..

I have the feeling that at this point my motherboard is going to be nicer than my video card, so if anyone has a better idea for one thats not too expensive, let me know. Anyway, i would love some suggestions. I tried to research each part, but nothing is better than input from people that aren't trying to sell me something. Thanks!

Go Giants
theman23

Premium
clubs:
2004-06-17
Loc:San Francisco, CA
·Comcast

Do you really need SLI? Because if not, get this motherboard instead: »www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Ite.. which'll leave you enough money for a better video card.

I suggest this one: »www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Ite..

You're a bit over budget this way, but this system will be A LOT better than the one you have currently configured.

BTW, your processor's fine.

Margolis

Premium

2003-11-24
Loc:Saint Louis, MO


edit: Tuesday July 12th, @12:41PM

reply to StanTheCaddy
don't get the x700, not worth it for a gamer. If you want to stick to that price range get an nvidia 6600GT. »www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Ite.. One of the best values for a budget gamer. Or if you want to stick with ati get the one theman23 recommended. the x800xl is an excellent card. IF you are willing to spend $300, then the 6800GT line from nvidia is something to think about also along with the x800xl.

But I really think your best option is the 6600GT if you want to stay on budget. You didn't mention memory. Hopefully you budgeted in 1gb.

Moonjo

Premium
clubs:
2001-10-29
Loc:Denver, CO
·EarthLink

reply to StanTheCaddy
I agree with theman23. If you don't really need SLI then go for the board he suggested. I have the Ultra version of that board, but I thought about getting the one he linked to. In the end I wanted the onboard 1394 connection.

I also have the same video card he linked to, but I got it a little cheaper at ZZF. It's a great card.

Jerm

Member

2000-04-10
Loc:Richland, WA
·Charter Pipeline
·One World Telecomm..

reply to StanTheCaddy
Well...

Second vote for 6600gt - you can get refurbs on NewEgg for $130ish.

You can also get refurb'd 939 mobo's off newegg for less than half of the cost of that mobo you posted. I'm running a $35 refurb'd MSI board and a refurb'd 6800GT both from NewEgg with great results.

What size is your old power supply? A lot of new mobos require a new power connector - just to let you know.
--
Want an OC3? Go to college! Washington State University OC3 MRTG

StanTheCaddy

Member

2004-10-11
Loc:Norman, OK

reply to StanTheCaddy
Re: Building a Gamer, on a budget

Hey thanks a lot for the feed back. Well, I can afford to go a bit over budget, but not much. I already have a new power supply and I got a gig of Corsair ValueSelect Ram which i was told was good stuff and I saw good reviews for. I could get another gig at newegg today as it is on sale for 80 bucks. Anyway, I liked the look for the x800 and the 6600gt. As far as SLI is concerned, I don't really need I suppose, but how would running 2 6600GT's in SLI compare with one of the X800? Also, friend of mine swears by ASUS boards, and he does have a considerable amount of experience, I asked him about MSI and he says he's never ran one. One a very general level, how do they compare? Thanks again for the help so far.

Go Giants
theman23

Premium
clubs:
reply to StanTheCaddy
They're also really good motherboards, I'd say at the same level as Asus. Their previous nForce 3 motherboard won awards for its good quality and this one's no different. Course Asus is good too, just a matter of preference, and money.

Moonjo

Premium
clubs:
2001-10-29
Loc:Denver, CO
·EarthLink


edit: Tuesday July 12th, @03:33PM

Careful about the Value RAM. Sometimes you'll get sticks that have a hard time running in Dual Channel mode. But they are hard to beat when it comes to price, and Corsair is a good brand.

The way I see it SLI is sort of waste, especially if you think about the 7800GTX. But I have never seen a SLI set up in action, so my opinion could change. But if you read the reviews about the 7800GTX, it will blow the doors off of 6600GT in SLI mode anyways. And you can always upgrade to a 7800GTX later. But to future proof your mb even more so, SLI isn't a bad way to go. You can always get one card now and another later.

Oh, and one other thing about PSUs. Most if not all the PCIe boards use a 24 pin setup, ATX 2.0 standards. Some boards can use a 20 pin PSU as well. My MSI Ultra mb is one of those boards. I have an Antec TruePower 430W PSU. It has a 20 pin adapter, but also has a -5V rail, which according to some sites is required of the MSI board. Don't know if that's true, but my system is running just fine. You can click on my avatar and see my complete setup.

Improvise. Adapt. Darwin. Roll With It.
BAuyoung

Premium,MVM
clubs:
2001-05-24
Loc:Vancouver, BC
·Shaw
·TELUS

reply to StanTheCaddy
I agree about the SLI issue that has already been mentioned. Unless you plan on needing the power of two 7800 GTX cards, an SLI motherboard may be a little extravagant. There's not much point in SLI'ing two 6600 cards when you can get the same performance from a single 6800 GT at the same price.

The Flash

Premium
reply to StanTheCaddy
SLI and budget do not go together.

StanTheCaddy

Member

2004-10-11
Loc:Norman, OK

reply to StanTheCaddy
Well, thanks everyone for keeping me from making a big mistake. Glad you guys are here. Found this board and thought it looked a bit more my speed: »www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?ite..
Course the MSI recommeded above looks good to. I guess right before I buy I will submit my newegg shopping cart for final approval . Thanks guys.
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