Need Help Choosing Between Configurations

Discussion in 'General Hardware' started by Zorgon, Jul 7, 2008.

  1. Zorgon

    Zorgon New Member

    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    GPU:
    MSI 8800GTS OC 320MB
    Hey guys I'm building a barebones system, I have input devices, speakers/headset and a hard drive already, so I'm just looking for the basics. I figure my budget is going to be around $800, here's what I've come up with. Any suggestions would be welcome and appreciated.

    Build A
    • Antec Sonata Plus 550 (550 Watt Power Supply Included) $149.99
    • BIOSTAR TA770 AM2/AM2+ 770 ATX Motherboard $79.99
    • AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ BE (If I can find one if not 6400) $144.99
    • A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800 5-5-5-18 $77.99
    • ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 64 Pro $29.99
    • HIS Hightech H487F512P Radeon HD 4870 $309.99
    • LITE-ON SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe $37.99
    • Total Cost: $830.93

    Build B

    • Antec Sonata Plus 550 (550 Watt Power Supply Included) $149.99
    • MSI P45 Neo3-FR P45 ATX Intel Motherboard $119.99 ($20 Rebate)
    • Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale $194.99
    • ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro $31.99
    • EVGA GeForce 8800GTS (G92) KO 512MB $229.99 (30$ Rebate)
    • Patriot Viper 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 1200 5-5-5-12 $74.99
    • LITE-ON SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe $37.99
    • Total Cost: $839.93 ($789.93 After Rebates)

    This list was put together on Newegg, I'm not interested in lower prices, only if there was information on where I could find a 6400+ BE and/or a 9800gtx+ :p Wow as I'm writing this I realize...e8400+4870=gaming sex? Let me know what you think guys.
     
  2. maxfly

    maxfly Ancient Guru

    Messages:
    6,332
    Likes Received:
    0
    GPU:
    2x GTX 980 TI
    e8400-llok around for a oem proc if your going to buy a aftermarket hsf.you can save a bit.
    asus p5k/q,gigabyte ds3/4,abit ip35/e/pro(there are tons of sweet mbs just depends on your brand preference).
    mushkin 2x2gb,ocz 2x2gb,patriot 2x2gb(pc2 6400)depending on your brand preference.those three are all solid and not ridiculously expensive.(definately go 2x2gb).
    4870 or 4850s xfired.
    the ac Freezer 7 Pro is decent but i would lean more toward a thermalright ultra 120 extreme if your going to oc.

    avoid buying a case+psu combo.the psus used are generally subpar.i would look at a corsair 550/650tx(to name a few,there are many solid psus to choose from).
    for a case i would look at either a
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137
    shop around,you can usually find it cheaper elsewhere.
    or
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021
    same applies here,shop around.
    hope this helps and Welcome to G3D Zorgon!
     
  3. Zorgon

    Zorgon New Member

    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    GPU:
    MSI 8800GTS OC 320MB
    Thanks, but CF is a little out of my price range, and both the motherboards I looked at only support 1 graphics card (I did that intentionally), I don't really plan on doing much OC which is why I chose the Arctic Cooling cooler for both builds. If I were interested in OC I would go with ZALMAN CNPS9700 110mm, no other way lol. Where can I find an OEM version of the e8400, or a 6400BE?
     
  4. maxfly

    maxfly Ancient Guru

    Messages:
    6,332
    Likes Received:
    0
    GPU:
    2x GTX 980 TI
    http://www.tankguys.com/
    you may even be able to ask for a specific batch # with them.they will go the extra mile for ya.
    ive no idea where you may find a 6400black tho.my guess is try the usual etailers,zzf,clubit,mwave,ewiz etc...
     

  5. xBeldin

    xBeldin Master Guru

    Messages:
    416
    Likes Received:
    0
    GPU:
    eVGA 8800GT 512MB / Zalman VF1000
    Go the intel route but get the 4850, 4870, or 9800 GTX.
     
  6. Zorgon

    Zorgon New Member

    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    GPU:
    MSI 8800GTS OC 320MB
    Don't the 9800GTX and 8800GTS have very, very similar results? Keep in mind For the time being I'm not interested in SLI in any fashion.
     
  7. xBeldin

    xBeldin Master Guru

    Messages:
    416
    Likes Received:
    0
    GPU:
    eVGA 8800GT 512MB / Zalman VF1000
    Somewhat similar but not very, very at all. The 9800GTX performs on par or a bit better than the 8800GTX and the 4850 performs on par or a bit better than the 9800. They are all considerably quicker than the GTS and they are all right around the same price.

    9800GTX
    8800GTS
    4850
    4870
     
  8. Zorgon

    Zorgon New Member

    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    GPU:
    MSI 8800GTS OC 320MB
    We are both talking about the g92 8800 right?
     
  9. Dustpuppy

    Dustpuppy Ancient Guru

    Messages:
    4,146
    Likes Received:
    0
    GPU:
    integrated - fffffffuuuuu
    Your first build will give you the best performance in games.

    The second build will let you upgrade the graphics card again without as much of a bottlenecking due to the cpu. So it could last longer.

    What resolution is your monitor native to? I'd say if it's above 1600 by 1xxx the first build is a no brainer cause graphics card will be your bottleneck. However, it's much more debatable if you're at 1280x1024.
     
  10. Zorgon

    Zorgon New Member

    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    GPU:
    MSI 8800GTS OC 320MB
    I believe I'll be using a 720p lcd hdtv running at 1366 x 768 that I already have, I'm also looking at an LG 20" widescreen at 1680 x 1050 (2ms response time :D)
     

  11. polisha

    polisha Active Member

    Messages:
    82
    Likes Received:
    0
    GPU:
    XFX 9600gt XXX sli
    I'd try to get de 8400 with 4870 and 4gb of ram, i believe thats a killer setup

    cheers!
     
  12. truly

    truly New Member

    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    GPU:
    ASUS Nvidia 8800GT 256Mb
    Man, go on E8400 configuration (Build 2).
     
  13. xBeldin

    xBeldin Master Guru

    Messages:
    416
    Likes Received:
    0
    GPU:
    eVGA 8800GT 512MB / Zalman VF1000
    Yeah, for the price between the 88GTS and the 98GTX IMO it's no question that the 98GTX is the better choice. But I'd still say get a 4850/70.
     
  14. Zorgon

    Zorgon New Member

    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    GPU:
    MSI 8800GTS OC 320MB
    Revised Build

    This is a revised build that I've come up with, itll require a little more saving but I'm in no rush. And maybe the prices will drop a little, I'm kinda waiting on the e8500 to drop down in price and also for an OC version of the 4870, maybe a ICEQ3?

    • Antec Sonata Plus 550 (550 Watt Power Supply Included) $149.99
    • ASUS P5Q Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard $134.99
    • Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale $194.99
    • ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro $31.99
    • HIS Hightech H487F512P Radeon HD 4870 $309.99
    • Patriot Viper 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 1200 5-5-5-12 $74.99
    • LITE-ON SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe $37.99
    • Total Cost: $929.93
     

Share This Page