Building a new comp

[Ivoryblade]

Alright, I'm in the market to buying a new computer. I've read around a little bit and have found these parts. I'm looking to build a gaming computer. Doesn't have to be top of the line, just high-end and be able to run the new games (WoW, AOE3, HL2, Advent Rising, etc.)

So far, my list is this
Venice 3000 (overclock) $140
Chaintech VNF4/Ultra $60
Geforce 6600GT $115
WD 160GB HD $75
2x512mb pc3200 patriot ram $75
Aspire X-Dreamer II w/ 420W psu $41 after $10 rebate

Comes to around $506

What I was wondering is, since I will have a little more money to spend then that, should I get a better video card, more ram, faster processor, etc... Not sure if that would be the best system to build. Just looking for something under $1000.

 

[theMan]

get an opteron 144 or 146 (crazy overclocks), get a better mobo. upgrade video card to an x800xl or something.

 

[Ivoryblade]

Suggestion for mobo?

 

[eXx08]

Get 2 of these it will save you a bit more money and also get this AMD Operon 144.

 

[Chacranajxy]

Do NOT buy the Aspire case. I had the regular X-Dreamer case and it looks like crap. There's this plastic face on the front that looks really, really cheesy and the case is very flimsy. ASPIRE's power supplies are also terrible. Seriously, you'll save yourself a lot of headaches if you avoid ASPIRE's garbage.

 

[cpacini]

Originally posted by: Chacranajxy
Do NOT buy the Aspire case. I had the regular X-Dreamer case and it looks like crap. There's this plastic face on the front that looks really, really cheesy and the case is very flimsy. ASPIRE's power supplies are also terrible. Seriously, you'll save yourself a lot of headaches if you avoid ASPIRE's garbage.

Agreed. Buy a decent PSU, and a better video card.

As for the Mobo, this will serve you well.

 

[Ivoryblade]

Is opteron better then athlon 64 series, in terms of gaming?

Found these two items for case/video card

Case is a ASPIRE X-CRUISE -BK Black Computer Case With Side Panel Window
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144151

Video card is a eVGA 256-P2-N383-TX Geforce 6800 256MB 256-bit DDR PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130215

 

[eXx08]

Originally posted by: Ivoryblade
Is opteron better then athlon 64 series, in terms of gaming?

Found these two items for case/video card

Case is a ASPIRE X-CRUISE -BK Black Computer Case With Side Panel Window
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144151

Video card is a eVGA 256-P2-N383-TX Geforce 6800 256MB 256-bit DDR PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130215

I wouldn't waste all that money on a video card for just a 6800GT. Hell, for another $20 he could get a 7800GT. But if you wanna keep the cost down try for a 6800GS or HIS X800GTO OC.

 

[GML3G0]

Originally posted by: Ivoryblade
Is opteron better then athlon 64 series, in terms of gaming?

Found these two items for case/video card

Case is a ASPIRE X-CRUISE -BK Black Computer Case With Side Panel Window
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144151

Video card is a eVGA 256-P2-N383-TX Geforce 6800 256MB 256-bit DDR PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130215

They're the same except the Opteron has double the L2 cache. You won't be able to find one though. Everyone is sold out and rumor is AMD took them out of the retail channels. The only people that still have any left are selling them way over MSRP.

Antec SLK3000B. The best case for the money. Just get another 120mm Antec Tricool fan from SVC.com. This case has one of the best designs in terms of airflow.

 

[eXx08]

Originally posted by: GML3G0

Originally posted by: Ivoryblade
Is opteron better then athlon 64 series, in terms of gaming?

Found these two items for case/video card

Case is a ASPIRE X-CRUISE -BK Black Computer Case With Side Panel Window
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144151

Video card is a eVGA 256-P2-N383-TX Geforce 6800 256MB 256-bit DDR PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130215

They're the same except the Opteron has double the L2 cache. You won't be able to find one though. Everyone is sold out and rumor is AMD took them out of the retail channels. The only people that still have any left are selling them way over MSRP.

Antec SLK3000B. The best case for the money. Just get another 120mm Antec Tricool fan from SVC.com. This case has one of the best designs in terms of airflow.

Newegg has not taken it off they're shelfs. Here's a Opteron 148 Venus which I ordered yesterday. It may be a little pricey but It's worth it.

 

[Ivoryblade]

Of these two, which would be better?
6800GT 512mb GDDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130240

or

7800GT 256mb GDDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130247

EDIT : Nevermind... 7800GT FTW