counter strike gaming system

[gunshy]

Hey all,
I used to play cs alot but haven't for about 2 years
I'm wanting to build a new system and need help deciding what to get.
There are too many choices, I think I am going to lose my mind.
Thanks to Uncle Sam I have $1000 to $1200 to spend , but know very little about hardware
I don't need a monitor.
If ya'll could help me out I would really appreciate it!
Here is what I would like in my system:
1 duel channel memory.
2 raid0 hard drive setup.
3 hook up two monitors.

I bought the "how to build your own system bible" magazine and am basically
going by their outline with a few exceptions, here it is:

1 Asus A8V Deluxe mobo $127 @
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=240412&affiliate

=pricegrabber


2 Athlon 64 3400 / 512 catche/ 1600 mhz $220 @
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80704-R&affiliat

e=pricegrabber



3 Power Color ATI Radeon 9800 Pro w/256 mb $170 @
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?DEPA=0&description=14-131-412&

ATT=Video+Cards&CMP=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r


4 Kingston 512 (2) 512 mb pc ddr dimm memory 1 gig $140 @
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80098-2&affiliat

e=pricegrabber

I'm kind of leaning towards the x800 pro, but it won't work with that mobo because
it needs a psi express slot, is this card much better? It;s on sale for $300 here is a link:

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=14-102-491&DEPA=1

 

[twitchee2]

the cpu is socket 754 and the mobo is socket 939 wont work

 

[CheesePoofs]

I'd say instead of the 9800pro, spend ~30 more and get an agp 6600gt. They should perform much better.

Don't bother with raid0. It looks like it should help you on paper, but in actuality you get next to no performance increase. The money is better spent on a bigger hard drive.

If you want dual channel, you need a socket 939 CPU. as twitchee2 pointed out, your cpu is socket 754 and your mobo is socket 939. 939 has worse performance for the money, but it will be upgradable in the future. If you do want 939, i'd recomend the 3000+ or 3200+.

 

[gunshy]

Originally posted by: twitchee2
the cpu is socket 754 and the mobo is socket 939 wont work

damn, I didn't even see that, thanks man you saved me big head ache.

 

[fstime]

Are we talking about regular CS or CS Source?

A pentium 2 500 mhz and vodoo 3 will run cs.

 

[gunshy]

The one that just came out I guess cs sourse

 

[fstime]

A64 3500+ Socket 939
Chaintech NF4 Pci-e
BFG 6800GT PCI-e
Forton 500w Bluestorm
1Gb Corsair Value Select

By the way, thats not the x800pro, its the regular x800.

 

[ddviper]

Originally posted by: BouZouki
A64 3500+ Socket 939
Chaintech NF4 Pci-e
BFG 6800GT PCI-e
Forton 500w Bluestorm
1Gb Corsair Value Select

By the way, thats not the x800pro, its the regular x800.

nah he dont need that much,

A64 3200+ (939)
Your choice Nforce4 mobo
6600gt PCI-e
1gb corsair value select

no need for raid 0
btw, most games dont support multi monitor gaming and its prolly not worth the costs

 

[Chinoman]

I think you put 6800GT by mistake...

 

[fstime]

Originally posted by: ddviper

Originally posted by: BouZouki
A64 3500+ Socket 939
Chaintech NF4 Pci-e
BFG 6800GT PCI-e
Forton 500w Bluestorm
1Gb Corsair Value Select

By the way, thats not the x800pro, its the regular x800.

nah he dont need that much,

A64 3200+ (939)
Your choice Nforce4 mobo
6600gt PCI-e
1gb corsair value select

no need for raid 0
btw, most games dont support multi monitor gaming and its prolly not worth the costs

The only differance I see is a 3200+ and a 6600Gt, IMO the 6800GT is more future proof, the Cpu is up to you.

 

[PrayForDeath]

CPU Athlon 64 939 3000+ 150$/ 3200+ 200$/ 3500+ 250$(whatever you think suites you best)
Mobo DFI Lan Party, this is your best option for 147$
Video Card: Get either that X800 np for 300$ or a 6600GT PCI-e
RAM whatever PC3200 or higher RAM you want. But keep in mind that 512Mb isn't enough for today's games. And if you want 1Gb, make sure you buy a package of 2x512 for dual-channel.
HD don't get RAID0. Just buy any SATA HD you feel comfortable with (from a good brand), and if you insist on RAID, the motherboard I linked has RAID support for SATA and IDE.

But if you just want to play source, an Athlon XP system along with 1Gb RAM and a 9800Pro will do you best for 600 bucks or less.

 

[fstime]

If you want the best option, go with my setup the other options will get you a decent setup, depends on how much you want to spend. The 6800GT outclasses the 6600GT IMHO, there isnt much of a differance between a 3200 and 3500 though. Plus, the Chaintech mobo is just as good as the DFI for a lot less without all the fancy o/cing features.

 

[dev0lution]

Originally posted by: BouZouki

The only differance I see is a 3200+ and a 6600Gt, IMO the 6800GT is more future proof, the Cpu is up to you.

With a 6600 GT you could by another mid-range card in 6-12 months that'll likely match or beat a 6800GT with the money you saved by not getting a 6800GT now. Just depends on whether you really need to run 1600x1200 with all the bells and whistles.