Spec Suggestions

[vxvenom]

Hey all. My old comp's motherboard recently blew (or so I think, it won't turn on anymore, A-Bit NF7-S 2nd edt. w/OC Barton 2500@3200). So I'm off to get a new computer. Well, kind of. I need only certain parts, RAM, Mobo, Case, CPU, video card, and sound card. The sound card isn't too much of a concern, as I can settle for on board. I have around $800 to spend, so I know this won't be the ultimate gaming machine, but I think I can construct something fairly decent that will allow me to play games like Doom 3, EQ II, FFXI, etc w/o getting 8 fps. I've tried to research on what types of CPUs are the best, but I honestly can't tell anymore. I've been out of the tech loop for a while, and whereas before it was Athlon vs. P4, now they've thrown in Prescotts, Northwood, A64, EE, among others into the mix. The same with video cards. So, I ask you to help me construct something within my budget. I have Maxtor 80 gig HD with 2mb cache.

Also, I'd prefer for the mobo/cpu/fan to come preinstalled in the case, as so far my attempts at computer construction has ended in disaster (Friend CPU ). So, if anyone has any good barebone sites, I'd be much obliged. Thanks!

 

[Schadenfroh]

Case: Antec Sonata + 380watt antec trupower PSU $96
Mobo: Chaintek nforce3 250 $117
CPU: Athlon64 2800 $149
RAM: 2 sticks of 512mb Corsair PC3200 (total 1 gig) combined cost: $154
Video: Geforce 6800 $287
Sound: Onboard

Total: $804, shipped fedex express saver

Benchmarks:
geforce 6800
Athlon64 2800

 

[bplamondon]

Im still new but I can guess that most will say something like this...

A64 3000+ (could lower to 2800+ to save about $22) - $171

Epox Board. - $99

1Gb Corsair Value PC3200 (two sticks together and not on one day sale) - $169

Antec Full Tower /w 430W PSU - $130

Radeon 9800 Pro - $223

Total $792

It should have half decent gaming potential... doom 3 will be a bit slower than if you splurge on the vid card but eveyrthing else should run great. The mobo has 8 channel sound so you can avoid the sound card for now.

As for the assembly thing... hmm not sure about that one.

 

[vxvenom]

Thanks guys! I've read that A64 only work with certain types of RAM. WHen I was last upgrading parts (last year), ATI was the HUGE favorite in terms of video cards (when the Radeon 9700 and 9800 pro blew away the FX 5800 and FX8900). I'm, therefore, reluctant to buy a Nvidia card, because I was so used to seeing nvidia bashing.

I guess I can try assembling again, this time just can't O/C :\

 

[Xenon14]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Case: Antec Sonata + 380watt antec trupower PSU $96
Mobo: Chaintek nforce3 250 $117
CPU: Athlon64 2800 $149
RAM: 2 sticks of 512mb Corsair PC3200 (total 1 gig) combined cost: $154
Video: Geforce 6800 $287
Sound: Onboard

Total: $804, shipped fedex express saver

Benchmarks:
geforce 6800
Athlon64 2800

I second this setup - especially if you play doom 3. But you should also be aware that in certain games the low end 6800 performs like a 9800. Nevertheless, based on what you described these specs are impecable.... you can even save some money and get a Sempron 3100+ which would be on par with the A64 2800+ in most cases.

 

[JaRb0y]

what about same setup but with intel chipset? what mobo and cpu would you go with?

 

[bplamondon]

Originally posted by: JaRb0y
what about same setup but with intel chipset? what mobo and cpu would you go with?

Intel? What is this intel you speak of? Oh... that old company that just doesnt compare at the moment.

Maybe a 2.6c on a Asus p4s800?

 

[Xenon14]

Pentiums are really bad at Doom3 compared to Athlon64's. I dunno if this is still popular belief, since this is a year old... but the 2.4C P4's are pretty cheap and highly overclockable... most if not all hit at least 3.0ghz on stock cooling... 2.8ghz overclock is pretty much guarenteed. As for mobo, i'm not sure, not too familiar w/ P4 systems.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: bplamondon

Originally posted by: JaRb0y
what about same setup but with intel chipset? what mobo and cpu would you go with?

Maybe a 2.6c on a Asus p4s800?

only if he overclocks the sh!t out of it. AMD Athlon64 is the much better choice for gaming

 

[dmw16]

I wouldnt go Intel if this system will be for gaming. Go with AMD and nVidia. As for the nVidia bashing, that was before the 6800 came out. nVidia definatly has the superior product right now. As for special RAM, any PC3200 RAM will work fine.

As a side note, I dont think O/Cing is nessecarily bad. You probably just had some bad luck. If that chip is still good, keep it, get a new board (nForce2 400) and make sure you have PC3200 RAM so you have plenty of clock speed room. Take the remaining cash and get a 6800GT.