[Salil Surendran]

Hello friends,
I am building a new gaming computer and wish to connect it to a Samsung LN46A650. Please check my configuration.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 CPU - $320
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P Intel P45 Motherboard - $130
2 x G.Skill F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - $90
MSI N260GTX-T2D896 OC GeForce GTX 260 896MB PCI-E Video Card - $215
Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $75
Samsung SH-222F 22X DVD±R SATA DVD Burner - $26
Corsair 750TX 750W PSU - $105
Cooler Master RC-690-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $75
Xigmatek HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle HSF - $32 & Retention Bracket - $8.50
Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit SP1 OEM - $100

All in all it comes under $1200. Is there a better configuration available for the price?

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Hi Salil, welcome.

I have to admit I don't think there's anything I'd change in that build. It sure looks like you've done your research, and it should be a great machine. Although with the full high definition Samsung you have, I'd look at investing into a Blu-ray player!

Cheers

Troy

[Troy]

Hi Salil, welcome.

I have to admit I don't think there's anything I'd change in that build. It sure looks like you've done your research, and it should be a great machine. Although with the full high definition Samsung you have, I'd look at investing into a Blu-ray player!

Cheers

Troy

[Salil Surendran]

i went to cyberpowerpc and configured this configuration for less than $1200. It doesn't include windows vista but I don't see anything else missing. Is this a good deal should I try to build this myself. Any disadvantages. Please comment:

# *BASE_PRICE: [+799]
# CAS: Apevia X-Dreamer Mid-Tower 350W Case w/ Window & Temperature Display [-33] (BLUE COLOR)
# CPU: Intel® Core™2 i7-920 2.66 GHz 8M L3 Cache LGA1366
# CD: (Special Price) LG 20X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW DRIVE DUAL LAYER (BLACK COLOR)
# FREEBIE_CU1: FREE! (FarCry2) Game
# FREEBIE_CU2: FREE! CyberPower Multi-Purpose Carrying Briefcase ($19.99 Value)
# FREEBIE_CU3: FREE! Cyberpower Unleash The Power T-Shirt ($19 Value)
# FAN: Intel LGA1366 Certified CPU Fan & Heatsink
# FREEBIE_VC: FREE! (Age of Conan) Game
# HDD: Extreme Performance (RAID-0) with 2 Identical Hard Drives [+11] (320GB (160GBx2) SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 8MB Cache 7200RPM HDD [+12])
# IEEE_CARD: IEEE 1394 CARD AND DRIVER [+19]
# KEYBOARD: (Keyboard & Mouse Combo) Logitech Cordless Desktop EX 110 Keyboard & Mouse [+24]
# MOTHERBOARD: MSI X58 Platinum Intel X58 Chipset SLI/CrossFireX Mainboard Triple-Channel DDR3/1600 SATA RAID w/ eSATA,Dual GbLAN,USB2.0,IEEE1394a,&7.1Audio
# MEMORY: (Req.DDR3 MainBoard) 3GB (3x1GB) PC1333 DDR3 PC3 10666 Triple Channel Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
# NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/100 NETWORK CARD
# POWERSUPPLY: 750 Watts Power Supplies [+24] (Ultra Lifetime Series Pro)
# SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS 24/7 LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
# SOUND: 3D WAVE ON-BOARD 5.1 SOUND CARD
# USB: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
# VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce GTX260 896MB 16X PCI Express [+256] (Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA)
# WNC: PCI Wireless 802.11g 54Mbps Network Interface Card [+19]
# _PRICE: (+1129)

[Troy]

It doesn't look too bad... I would be getting a better hard drive (one with more room as opposed to two small ones), and also a better PSU.

[Salil Surendran]

Would it be possible to run games at a decent framerate in Vista with just 3GB of ram? I believe Vista itself takes 1 GB?

[Troy]

Yes you sure can, my Core 2 Duo rig has 2GB and 32-bit Vista at the moment, and I can still get reasonable FPS. So for the i7 setup, a 3GB kit would be the minimum I would look at.

Would you be looking at using Vista 32-bit or 64-bit?

Troy

[Salil Surendran]

64 bit vista

[Troy]

Definitely go for 6GB then.

[Salil Surendran]

Hello Friends,
Here is a wish list I put together on newegg. The cost is more than the i7 rig I mentioned in an earlier post that cyberpowerpc is offering to build minus the freebies they are giving. I can save a $100 by going for a cheaper PSU. Is that something I must do. Or should I just order from cyberpowerpc. How are they able to offer a cheaper solution that a custom build one?

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply --- $179.99
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case --- $74.99
1 LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04 --- $21.99
1 G.SKILL 3GB (3 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9T-3GBNQ --- $109.99
1 MSI X58 Platinum LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard --- $220.99
1 Intel Core i7 920 2.66GHz LGA 1366 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 --- $299.99
1 EVGA 896-P3-1265-AR GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card --- $249.99
1 Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive --- $59.9

Total Cost : $1,267.91

[Jonesey]

How are they able to offer a cheaper solution that a custom build one?

Because they can buy all the component parts a lot cheaper than you can!

If they can build it cheaper than you can - let them do it - that way not only do you get it professionally built, you also get a warranty, not just on the separate bits but on the system as a whole.

[Salil Surendran]

i have put together another build:
ASUS P5Q SE PLUS LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard $96.99
SAPPHIRE 100251SR Radeon HD 4870 X2 2GB 512-bit (256-bit x 2) GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card $489.99Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500 $187.99G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - $44.99

This will turn out to be the same cost as the i7 build. Do you guys think this would give me a better bang for the buck?what i mean is will this be a better machine for gaming than the i7, since some people have told me that the cpu doesn't matter much for gaming, the video card is important

[Troy]

I would definitely keep to the i7 scheme. All parts are important, not just the graphics card.

Troy

[eldernnine]

Hello friends,
I am building a new gaming computer and wish to connect it to a Samsung LN46A650. Please check my configuration.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 CPU - $320
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P Intel P45 Motherboard - $130
2 x G.Skill F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - $90
MSI N260GTX-T2D896 OC GeForce GTX 260 896MB PCI-E Video Card - $215
Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $75
Samsung SH-222F 22X DVD±R SATA DVD Burner - $26
Corsair 750TX 750W PSU - $105
Cooler Master RC-690-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $75
Xigmatek HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle HSF - $32 & Retention Bracket - $8.50
Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit SP1 OEM - $100

All in all it comes under $1200. Is there a better configuration available for the price?

The CPU you're getting is not worth it!

Trust me and either get the E8600 Core 2 duo (3.33ghz stock), which outperforms the Q9550 in gaming benchmarks...

Or get the new i7 920... which is only slightly more expensive than the Q9550, and WAY WAY more powerful than even the $900 QX quad core...

If you want the best investment then get the following:

Mobo: Asus P6T Deluxe, Intel X58, Sok 1366, PCI-E 2.0, DDR3 1066/1333/1600(OC), SAS/SATAII, ATX

CPU: Intel i7 920, Socket 1366 (B), Nehalem, 2.66GHz, Cache 8MB, Retail

RAM: 6GB (3x2GB) Corsair Dominator DDR3, PC3-12800 (1600), 240 Pin, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 8, DHX, EPP

GPU: 896MB BFG GTX260 OCX MAXCORE, PCI-E 2.0(x16), Mem 2250MHz, GPU 655MHz, 216 Cores, 2xDL DVI-I/ HDTV

PSU: (you don't need 750 even with SLi on i7!!!) 620W Corsair HX Series Modular SLi PSU, ATX, EPS 12V, whisper quiet, 5 year warranty

CPU cooler: Noctua NH-U12P SE1366 Exclusive Dual Fan CPU Cooler, LGA1366 only

get this... and put it in a nice gamer's case that will keep it cool... if you want to save money then get the Antec 900, otherwise look into the Lian-Li's... but if you want the absolute best of the best case then get this: Silverstone TJ07B-W Black Aluminium Full Tower Case with Window ATX/E-ATX/SSI....

This will make your machine cost a bit more, but if you pay $2000 now, it's no different than paying $1500 now and having to purchase $500 in upgrades in the future.

This rig here will last you a long, long time... And the overclocking potential is enormous, especially in the TJ07B which is #1 for watercooling, if you invest in a very good watercooling setup and throw it in the TJ07B you'll be able to overclock to the extreme.

If you don't want overclocking extreme and watercooling, then just get the Antec 900, or upgrade in quality to a Lian Li, though the cooling may not be as well as the Antec 900 (which has fans on the top)... There are some very good Lian-Li's they're top quality, amazing cases...

Don't take my word for it, research everything I've just posted for yourself! Don't just buy something without making sure YOU are going to be happy... The products I just listed are what I am buying and they are amazing, I've done enough research to know. But like I said, find out for yourself just how right I am!

Good luck!

[Salil Surendran]

Hello friends,
I am building a new gaming computer and wish to connect it to a Samsung LN46A650. Please check my configuration.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 CPU - $320
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P Intel P45 Motherboard - $130
2 x G.Skill F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - $90
MSI N260GTX-T2D896 OC GeForce GTX 260 896MB PCI-E Video Card - $215
Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $75
Samsung SH-222F 22X DVD±R SATA DVD Burner - $26
Corsair 750TX 750W PSU - $105
Cooler Master RC-690-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $75
Xigmatek HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle HSF - $32 & Retention Bracket - $8.50
Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit SP1 OEM - $100

All in all it comes under $1200. Is there a better configuration available for the price?

The CPU you're getting is not worth it!

Trust me and either get the E8600 Core 2 duo (3.33ghz stock), which outperforms the Q9550 in gaming benchmarks...

Or get the new i7 920... which is only slightly more expensive than the Q9550, and WAY WAY more powerful than even the $900 QX quad core...

If you want the best investment then get the following:

Mobo: Asus P6T Deluxe, Intel X58, Sok 1366, PCI-E 2.0, DDR3 1066/1333/1600(OC), SAS/SATAII, ATX

CPU: Intel i7 920, Socket 1366 (B), Nehalem, 2.66GHz, Cache 8MB, Retail

RAM: 6GB (3x2GB) Corsair Dominator DDR3, PC3-12800 (1600), 240 Pin, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 8, DHX, EPP

GPU: 896MB BFG GTX260 OCX MAXCORE, PCI-E 2.0(x16), Mem 2250MHz, GPU 655MHz, 216 Cores, 2xDL DVI-I/ HDTV

PSU: (you don't need 750 even with SLi on i7!!!) 620W Corsair HX Series Modular SLi PSU, ATX, EPS 12V, whisper quiet, 5 year warranty

CPU cooler: Noctua NH-U12P SE1366 Exclusive Dual Fan CPU Cooler, LGA1366 only

get this... and put it in a nice gamer's case that will keep it cool... if you want to save money then get the Antec 900, otherwise look into the Lian-Li's... but if you want the absolute best of the best case then get this: Silverstone TJ07B-W Black Aluminium Full Tower Case with Window ATX/E-ATX/SSI....

This will make your machine cost a bit more, but if you pay $2000 now, it's no different than paying $1500 now and having to purchase $500 in upgrades in the future.

This rig here will last you a long, long time... And the overclocking potential is enormous, especially in the TJ07B which is #1 for watercooling, if you invest in a very good watercooling setup and throw it in the TJ07B you'll be able to overclock to the extreme.

If you don't want overclocking extreme and watercooling, then just get the Antec 900, or upgrade in quality to a Lian Li, though the cooling may not be as well as the Antec 900 (which has fans on the top)... There are some very good Lian-Li's they're top quality, amazing cases...

Don't take my word for it, research everything I've just posted for yourself! Don't just buy something without making sure YOU are going to be happy... The products I just listed are what I am buying and they are amazing, I've done enough research to know. But like I said, find out for yourself just how right I am!

Good luck!

you are suggesting the i7 core build. I have decided to go for this build:

e8500 build:
ASUS P5Q SE PLUS LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard $96.99
SAPPHIRE 100251SR Radeon HD 4870 X2 2GB 512-bit (256-bit x 2) GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card $489.99Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500 $187.99G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - $44.99
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply --- $110
1 Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive --- $59.9
1 LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04 --- $21.99
APEVIA X-JUPITER-JR S-Type X-JPJST-MG Metallic Grey SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail - $75
OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2RPR10664GK - Retail - $71

Total of $1200 with taxes and shipping. The only question is whether I should spend the extra money on HD 4870x2 or go for a GTX 260 216 core.

[eldernnine]

Hello friends,
I am building a new gaming computer and wish to connect it to a Samsung LN46A650. Please check my configuration.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 CPU - $320
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P Intel P45 Motherboard - $130
2 x G.Skill F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - $90
MSI N260GTX-T2D896 OC GeForce GTX 260 896MB PCI-E Video Card - $215
Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $75
Samsung SH-222F 22X DVD±R SATA DVD Burner - $26
Corsair 750TX 750W PSU - $105
Cooler Master RC-690-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $75
Xigmatek HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle HSF - $32 & Retention Bracket - $8.50
Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit SP1 OEM - $100

All in all it comes under $1200. Is there a better configuration available for the price?

The CPU you're getting is not worth it!

Trust me and either get the E8600 Core 2 duo (3.33ghz stock), which outperforms the Q9550 in gaming benchmarks...

Or get the new i7 920... which is only slightly more expensive than the Q9550, and WAY WAY more powerful than even the $900 QX quad core...

If you want the best investment then get the following:

Mobo: Asus P6T Deluxe, Intel X58, Sok 1366, PCI-E 2.0, DDR3 1066/1333/1600(OC), SAS/SATAII, ATX

CPU: Intel i7 920, Socket 1366 (B), Nehalem, 2.66GHz, Cache 8MB, Retail

RAM: 6GB (3x2GB) Corsair Dominator DDR3, PC3-12800 (1600), 240 Pin, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 8, DHX, EPP

GPU: 896MB BFG GTX260 OCX MAXCORE, PCI-E 2.0(x16), Mem 2250MHz, GPU 655MHz, 216 Cores, 2xDL DVI-I/ HDTV

PSU: (you don't need 750 even with SLi on i7!!!) 620W Corsair HX Series Modular SLi PSU, ATX, EPS 12V, whisper quiet, 5 year warranty

CPU cooler: Noctua NH-U12P SE1366 Exclusive Dual Fan CPU Cooler, LGA1366 only

get this... and put it in a nice gamer's case that will keep it cool... if you want to save money then get the Antec 900, otherwise look into the Lian-Li's... but if you want the absolute best of the best case then get this: Silverstone TJ07B-W Black Aluminium Full Tower Case with Window ATX/E-ATX/SSI....

This will make your machine cost a bit more, but if you pay $2000 now, it's no different than paying $1500 now and having to purchase $500 in upgrades in the future.

This rig here will last you a long, long time... And the overclocking potential is enormous, especially in the TJ07B which is #1 for watercooling, if you invest in a very good watercooling setup and throw it in the TJ07B you'll be able to overclock to the extreme.

If you don't want overclocking extreme and watercooling, then just get the Antec 900, or upgrade in quality to a Lian Li, though the cooling may not be as well as the Antec 900 (which has fans on the top)... There are some very good Lian-Li's they're top quality, amazing cases...

Don't take my word for it, research everything I've just posted for yourself! Don't just buy something without making sure YOU are going to be happy... The products I just listed are what I am buying and they are amazing, I've done enough research to know. But like I said, find out for yourself just how right I am!

Good luck!

you are suggesting the i7 core build. I have decided to go for this build:

e8500 build:
ASUS P5Q SE PLUS LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard $96.99
SAPPHIRE 100251SR Radeon HD 4870 X2 2GB 512-bit (256-bit x 2) GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card $489.99Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500 $187.99G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - $44.99
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply --- $110
1 Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive --- $59.9
1 LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04 --- $21.99
APEVIA X-JUPITER-JR S-Type X-JPJST-MG Metallic Grey SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail - $75
OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2RPR10664GK - Retail - $71

Total of $1200 with taxes and shipping. The only question is whether I should spend the extra money on HD 4870x2 or go for a GTX 260 216 core.

I would get Corsair RAM instead. And the 8400 performs just as good as 8500 if you're looking to save money... [bleep] you could even get the E5200 and a Biostar P45 and still run today's games at max quality...

The only thing I am strongly opposed to is your choice of video card.

The ATI's run extremely hot and are very loud... If that doesn't bother you, and you just like ATI, then go ahead, but remember, on top of their noise and heat, they are not as good performers as nVidia's GTX series.

The GTX 260 that I posted for you is the top 260 on the market, it's overclocked already and will run smooth and quiet and cool. It also will get you amazing framerates and you won't regret it.

In the future if you want to upgrade you can just buy another 260 and have SLi which will outperform the Crossfired 4870x2 by a long shot.

Make sure you get a good case (Antec 900 or Lian-Li / Silverstone if you don't care about price)

Other than that, it will perform perfectly well in today's games. Quad's are unnecessary right now, but they will benefit more as more games use them. If you don't mind spending the extra money now you can upgrade to i7 and it will last you a while. However, the new line of i7's is due to be released 2010.. they will be 8 cores...

Whatever you do, don't buy AMD unless they make some major improvements and outperform Intel. Don't be a fanboy, that just makes you behind in the technology

Good luck and enjoy