Gaming computer buffs, Help me out. (Deciding on computer)

[Foote 10+ year member]

Ok. Here is the thing. I'm getting $2050 in march. I WAS going to upgrade from 2 kicker 15L7's running on 1 kicker 1500.1 to 6 kicker 15L7s running on 3 kicker 1500.1's heh...but the GF won't let me. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif

But its ok, because we decided on getting a new computer. And, I like playing fast paced 3-D online games. I'd love to be able to play with the graphics settings turned all the way up. (on the current computer, i have to turn them down.)

So...I'm just gonna use the whole $2000 on a good gaming computer. I've been searching around trying to find the best deals. So far, it is between Ibuypower.com and pc-infinity's intel-configurators. Here are the two options I've narrowed it down to.... My question is...Which should I go with? //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

Either a:

Intel Core 2 Duo Configurator @ ibuypower.com $1959.00

Intel Core 2 duo processor @ 3.00ghz 1333 FSB

4 GB Ram @ 800

8800 GT 512 MB Video Card

500 GB Hard Drive @ 7200 rpm

Logitech 2.1 speaker system (cool)

Killer K1 Online internet speed enchancer

22" monitor

Surge Protector

Netgear wireless N PCI-adapter

Windows XP

Free shirt and game case.

3 year warranty

with a surge protector

----

Case: Nzxt hush gaming tower case /w 420w power supply (black)

Case lighting: none

Power supply: Standard /w case

Processor: 3.00ghz @ 1333 FSB

Freebies: Shirt + game case

Processor Cooling: Certified CPU Fan and Heatsink

Motherboard: Asus P5KPL-VM Intel G31

Memory: 4096MB [1024MB X4] DDR2-800 PC6400 (corsair or major)

Video Card: Nvidia GeForce 8800GT 512MB (major powered by nVidia)

Hard Drive: 500 GB @ 7200

2nd Hard Drive: None

External Hard drive: none

Cd/Dvd drive: none

Cd Rw/ Dvd Rw Drive: [** Special !!! ***] 20X Dual Format/Double Layer DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW Drive Black

Sound Card: Creative Lab Sound Blaster Audigy SE

Speaker System: Logitech X-230 2.1 Configuration Speakers System

Network Card: Killer K1 - Online Gaming Accelerator

Floppy Drive: none

Monitor: 22" Widescreen TFT LCD Monitor

2nd Monitor: none

Keyboard: Logitech Deluxe Keyboard

Mouse: Logitech Optical Internet Mouse

Extras: Surge Protector

Operating system: Windows XP

Wireless adapter: Netgear PCI

or b:

Intel Core 2 Duo Configurator @ pc-infinity.com $2016.00

Intel Core 2 duo processor @ 3.00 ghz 1333 FSB

4 GB Ram @ 1066

8800 GT 512 MB Video Card

500 GB Hard Drive @ 7200 RPM

Regular 2.1 speakers

Belkin Wireless N Pci Adapter

Fast motherboard

22" monitor (better)

Great cooling

Windows XP

1 year warranty

------

Motherboard: Asus P5KC Core 2 Quad/ Intel P35/ DDR3+DDR2/ CrossFire/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6850 3GHz

Processor fan: Thermaltake CL-P0391 Intel LGA775

Ram: Kingston 4gb @ 1066

Install memory: dual Channel

Include: heat spreader

include: thermal compound

case: APEVIA X-Cruiser Metal Case w/ Side Window-Black

case fan: ARCTIC COOLING Arctic Fan 8 80x80x38.5mm Exhaust Case Fan

power supply: Coolmax CXI-500b 500w

Hard drive: 500gb @ 7200

Include: Hard drive cooler

Optical drive: 20x lightscribe

2nd optical drive: none

floppy: none

video card: Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT 512 MB

Sound card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1 24-bit

Wireless Card: Belkin N1 Wireless PCI

Networking Card: D-Link DGE-530T GigaExpress 10/100/1000Mbps PCI Network Adapter

Card Reader: Not selected

Speakers: 2.1 basic

Monitor: 22" Viewsonic

Neon light: Blue

Bios updated: to latest version

OS: windows xp

or c:

Some other good deal I haven't discovered?

For option c it needs to be under $2050 and have the following:

Monitor, speakers, keyboard, mouse, wireless adapter, all of that included.

Atleast 2.66ghz proc @ 1333, 2gb ram @800+ (would really prefer 1066+), and 512 MB Video Card (8800GT+ preferably).

Must be Windows XP

And Must have a monitor >/= 19 inches.

So if you know any better deals let me know. Or which of these two I should go with.

Thanks //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

P.S: Building my own computer is NOT an option. Please don't bring that up. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

Click to read more...

 

[shortyg83 10+ year member]

option C pay me to build your comp for you those prices just seem a little bit too high

 

[Pl8er 5,000+ posts]

Have a member put one together for you (actually build it) Those prices are too high. You can get all of that stuff MUCH cheaper.

I'd go quad core (people will argue they are not totally utilized now, but crysis does use it).

High powered system should cost you less than 1500.

 

[Foote 10+ year member]

Have a member put one together for you (actually build it) Those prices are too high. You can get all of that stuff MUCH cheaper.
I'd go quad core (people will argue they are not totally utilized now, but crysis does use it).

High powered system should cost you less than 1500.

I'm not really experinced to build my own. Do you know of any sites that will offer a better deal?

 

[L7Fiend]

Definitely go with a quad core. Pay someone to build you a killer setup and save some dough.

 

[shava 10+ year member]

Let me put it this way

Instead of going dual core for 2k you can easily go quad core for 2k if you find someone to build it for you...

But if you are set on getting it from a manufacture check out http://www.newegg.com

 

[shava 10+ year member]

But if you have to choose between to two get B, thats the better of the 2

 

[Foote 10+ year member]

Let me put it this way
Instead of going dual core for 2k you can easily go quad core for 2k if you find someone to build it for you...

But if you are set on getting it from a manufacture check out http://www.newegg.com

Which PC from newegg do you think would be best for my price range and what I want?

 

[Pl8er 5,000+ posts]

Do any of your friends put computers together?

We are saying buy all the parts individually and then have it assembled.

Far cheaper, with far better components (if you pick the right ones).

here is what I just built my wife for xmas. Now that price didn't include a case, hard drives, video card or dvd rom.

Qty. Product Description Total Price

1 DISCOUNT FOR COMBO #73030

Item #: COM $-30.00

Item(s) shipped from NJ Tracking Number: #1Z039AF20307945428

Track 1 ABIT IN9 32X-MAX LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Item #: N82E16813127020

Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy

Abit (510)-623-0500 $219.99

Track 1 Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model HH80562PH0568M - OEM

Item #: N82E16819115018

Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy

Intel (800)-628-8686 Please Verify Processor matches order Prior to installation. IMPORTANT: Always pack you CPU well for return. We will refuse your RMA if we received it as DAMAGED! $260.00

Track 1 COOLMAX CUG-700B ATX 12V( V.2.2) 700W Power Supply - Retail

Item #: N82E16817159058

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $129.99

Track 1 ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail

Item #: N82E16835186134

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $21.99

Track 1 OCZ Gold 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2G8004GK - Retail

Item #: N82E16820227199

Return Policy: Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy

For Tech support call: 408 986 8400 or email support@ocztechnology.com $109.99

Subtotal: $711.96

Tax: $0.00

Shipping: $11.68

Printer-friendly Version Amount Paid: $723.64

To give you an idea

Case : 100

Hard drives : 100-200 depending on how much room you need

video card: 250 (I believe the 8800Gt can be had for that)

DVD burner - 40 bucks

Dvd Rom - 20 bucks

So another 610 + 712 your still only looking at 1322. That system is a beast. Just remember that 4gb only works on windows 64-bit. If you use windows XP or vista 32-bit it WILL work but will only show 3.25 or so gb of ram.

There was a 100 dollar rebate on the motherboard too, so that would be 1222 after the rebate.

 

[grimreper912003 5,000+ posts]

Have you ever tryed to build a comp? Im sure any member on here will help you throught it. Just ask us if the components will work with each other, if we tell you yes..buy them...after that it basicly common scence...if you have problems durring the build IM or PM one of us and we'll help you. Plus then you know exactly whats in your system, and it will make you feel more acomplished when your using it to play your games...

 

[jdc753 10+ year member]

http://www.newegg.com truely is your friend. And believe me if you can do any part of a car audio install you can easily build a computer. Its pretty much put the round peg in the road hole and the square peg in the square hole. Many of the members here could easily help you spec out a PC for much cheaper, and will be much faster and if your willing to put down 2 hours or your time or so to build it and install the software then you will be doing pretty good.

 

[bds0688 10+ year member]

Some other questions that need to be asked.

Do you need a new mouse, keyboard, or monitor, speakers even? Glancing through the specs I saw those.

If so, I would prioritize first and foremost. Use as much existing stuff as reasonably possible. Use the CD/DVD drive if they match the color of a new tower, use the keyboard and mouse for now. Monitor and speakers, etc. This way, you can get the components on the inside that will let you run a wicked machine.

Some unforeseen prices of a gaming computer are the tower and power supply. With any graphics card, RAID harddrives, quad or dual core, and ram, you will need a stable PSU, and a well flowing case with good space.

 

[Pl8er 5,000+ posts]

Some other questions that need to be asked.
Do you need a new mouse, keyboard, or monitor, speakers even? Glancing through the specs I saw those.

If so, I would prioritize first and foremost. Use as much existing stuff as reasonably possible. Use the CD/DVD drive if they match the color of a new tower, use the keyboard and mouse for now. Monitor and speakers, etc. This way, you can get the components on the inside that will let you run a wicked machine.

Some unforeseen prices of a gaming computer are the tower and power supply. With any graphics card, RAID harddrives, quad or dual core, and ram, you will need a stable PSU, and a well flowing case with good space.

All very good points.

Power supply can not be said enough. 75% of all computer problems will tie back to the power supply. A great power supply is very important.

Antec P series cases are great too

 

[bds0688 10+ year member]

How much storage space do you need? SATA is the way to go, and you want a HD with a good cache, and perpendicular recording. The faster the main storage, helps out with loading.

Do you need any inputs beside USB, like firewire?

Give us some details of your wants/needs, and we can easily piece something together for you on newegg. Newegg easily has some of the best customer support around. I got the wrong memory card for a computer one time, and wasn't able to return it till later. They just gave me a percentage, I think 2/3 of the price, and let me keep the card. RMA's for any possible defects are very painless, also.

 

[Trez0r 10+ year member]

I wish it was that easy for me to spend 2g's on a computer //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif

I spent 400 on this and im still kicking myself in the *** for it