Help me build a high-end gaming PC

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Trinexxx

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#1 Trinexxx
Member since 2008 • 883 Posts

Alright, this is a first for me, so all help is HUGELY appreciated!

The Budget: between $1,100 - $1,300 CDN

Functionality: primarily for gaming, but I will also be using it for lots of music and movies and surfing the web.

I have no idea what parts are compatible with each other or how to know it will all fit in a case or how many fans are necessary, basically I'm a total noob at this.

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gigatrainer

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#2 gigatrainer
Member since 2006 • 2029 Posts
Do you need an OS(Windows 7 RC recommended! For free as well), Monitor, speakers, keyboard, mouse?
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Trinexxx

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#3 Trinexxx
Member since 2008 • 883 Posts
Do you need an OS(Windows 7 RC recommended! For free as well), Monitor, speakers, keyboard, mouse?gigatrainer
Only the operating system. I already have speakers and I already put money aside for the monitor and keyboard/mouse.
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jasopan

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#4 jasopan
Member since 2006 • 2360 Posts
I have no idea how much that is in terms of my currency but you should be aiming for: CPU: i7/i5/ x4 Phenom RAM: 6GB DDR3 1333 will do or (1600 if you plan to OC) and maybe another 6GB if you really need it... GPU: At least a GTX260/ATI4870 (anything above is great) HDD: Caviar Blacks (good speed, don't cost a fortune), or a SSD if you're really techy (don't really need) Case: Something with good airflow, eg, CM690, Antec 900/902 etc DVD: Any writer'll do, i recommend Pioneers but thats' just preference MOBO: something that's compatible with the CPU of choice
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jtcraft

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#5 jtcraft
Member since 2005 • 2770 Posts

I have no idea how much that is in terms of my currency but you should be aiming for: CPU: i7/i5/ x4 Phenom RAM: 6GB DDR3 1333 will do or (1600 if you plan to OC) and maybe another 6GB if you really need it... GPU: At least a GTX260/ATI4870 (anything above is great) HDD: Caviar Blacks (good speed, don't cost a fortune), or a SSD if you're really techy (don't really need) Case: Something with good airflow, eg, CM690, Antec 900/902 etc DVD: Any writer'll do, i recommend Pioneers but thats' just preference MOBO: something that's compatible with the CPU of choicejasopan

That would be a Phenom II x4. Also, only get 6GB (3 x 2gb sticks) of RAM if you go with an i7 9xx/socket 1366 cpu. All other cpu's mentioned use dual channel DDR3 RAM.

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juzek

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#6 juzek
Member since 2003 • 150 Posts

here, Ill save you some time and money

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883107989

Intel Core i7 920(2.66GHz)

9GB DDR3 1TB

NVIDIA GeForce

GTS 250 Windows

Vista Home Premium 64 (free Win 7 update through HP website)

$1079 includes S&H

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smc91352

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#7 smc91352
Member since 2009 • 7786 Posts

here, Ill save you some time and money

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883107989

Intel Core i7 920(2.66GHz)

9GB DDR3 1TB

NVIDIA GeForce

GTS 250 Windows

Vista Home Premium 64 (free Win 7 update through HP website)

$1079 includes S&H

juzek

first of all, that's american; second, don't buy that even if you're American.

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Too_tight_shoes

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#8 Too_tight_shoes
Member since 2009 • 2486 Posts
-Phenom II X4 955 CPU -Titan TTC Fenrir CPU cooler -Gigabyte MA790XT UD4P -3x2 OCZ Platinum 1333mhz DDR3 RAM -XFX HD 5850 1GB GPU -Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB HDD -LG GH22NS40 22x Dual Layer DVD ReWriter -Coolermaster CM690 case -OCZ ModXStream 600w Modular PSU -Vista Home Premium 64bit + windows 7 upgrade voucher Go into the bios bump up the multiplier to x18 push F10 then press enter.... boom you know have a 3.6Ghz CPU that rivals rivals the best CPU's out there without changing the core voltage. Keep in mind if you push the voltage to x100 you could then push the Multiplier to x19.5 :D. Im not sure how much it would cost in Canadian dollars but this setup in the UK hits around 700-800... if its too pricey drop the GPU to a HD 4890.
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smc91352

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#9 smc91352
Member since 2009 • 7786 Posts

My attempt based on Too_tight_shoes's suggestion:

-CPU: Phenom II X4 955 - $218
-CPU cooler: Titan TTC Fenrir - ?
-Motherboard: Gigabyte MA790XT UD4P -$175
-RAM: mushkin 4GB DDR3 1600 - $136
-GPU: HIS Radeon HD 4890 1GB - $250
-HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1TB - $130
-DVD ReWriter: HP 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW LightScribe - $40
-Case: Coolermaster CM690 - $80
-PSU: OCZ ModXStream 600w Modular - $69
-OS: Vista Home Premium 64-bit Includes free windows 7 upgrade coupon -$143
-Total (without CPU cooler) - $1241

I did my best.

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zipozal

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#11 zipozal
Member since 2007 • 1809 Posts

I'm sorry, but I have to say I can't believe how awful some of these suggestions are.

The Canadian Dollar right now roughly = the US Dollar so with that said

You suggest with a 1000 + Budget he buy a GTS 250 A GTS 250 WITH A 1000 + Dollar budget?!?!?!? What are you smoking? If the guys budget was 400 Dollars he could at least have a freaking 4870.

Hard Drive = 1 TB HD = 80

Video Cards = TWO 5850's = 550

Motherboard = Gigabyte UD5P = 185

CPU = AMD Phenom II X4 945 = 195

Power Supply = Rosewill Xtreme Series 750 Watts = 97

RAM = G.Skill 4 GB DDR3 = 91

Case = Cooler Master Centurion Case = 80


1279 Total you can't build a faster gaming computer than this for the price!


For the DVD Drive use the one in the computer you have now if you can. Use the current OS Disk you have, don't waste money on an OS

One more thing, Black Friday is only weeks away now, if you can wait to November 27th do so because you will be able to buy all this stuff much cheaper.

And the 5870x2 will be out by then which if the price predictions are correct should cost the same as two 5850's and be faster.

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Trinexxx

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#12 Trinexxx
Member since 2008 • 883 Posts
Wow, thanks for all the suggestions! I'll definitely have to research some of these parts and make an informed decision. What's a good store that has fair prices + discounts (especially for Black Friday) for buying these parts?
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Slig0

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#13 Slig0
Member since 2009 • 2072 Posts

here, Ill save you some time and money

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883107989

Intel Core i7 920(2.66GHz)

9GB DDR3 1TB

NVIDIA GeForce

GTS 250 Windows

Vista Home Premium 64 (free Win 7 update through HP website)

$1079 includes S&H

juzek

Don't you think a Phenom II X4 with a stronger card would utterly annihilate that rig?

PS: "You suggest with a 1000 + Budget he buy a GTS 250 A GTS 250 WITH A 1000 + Dollar budget?!?!?!? What are you smoking? If the guys budget was 400 Dollars he could at least have a freaking 4870.

Supposedly marijuana, Intel marijuana.

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Human-after-all

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#14 Human-after-all
Member since 2009 • 2972 Posts

I will work with $1150 to save you money.

Antec 300 case. - $60

BFG 800w PS - $110

Asus Evo - $113

Phenom II X4 955be - $220

Samsung DVD-RW - $36

HD 5870 - $420

G.Skill Ripjaw 4gb DDR3 - $100

HDD 500gb Western Digital Caviar - $65

Hate onboard sound, realtek is garbage so

Soundblaster Audigy 7.1 - $54

$1178 grand total provided im not missing anything. Oops forgot the DVD drive.

Use the rest of your money for shipping and handling.

fixt

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Human-after-all

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#15 Human-after-all
Member since 2009 • 2972 Posts
I would also like to mention that buying directly from a US store might be more beneficial as the Canadian dollar gets closer to parity with the United States. You may save some money just by doing that.
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Too_tight_shoes

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#16 Too_tight_shoes
Member since 2009 • 2486 Posts

My attempt based on Too_tight_shoes's suggestion:

-CPU: Phenom II X4 955 - $218
-CPU cooler: Titan TTC Fenrir - ?
-Motherboard: Gigabyte MA790XT UD4P -$175
-RAM: mushkin 4GB DDR3 1600 - $136
-GPU: HIS Radeon HD 4890 1GB - $250
-HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1TB - $130
-DVD ReWriter: HP 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW LightScribe - $40
-Case: Coolermaster CM690 - $80
-PSU: OCZ ModXStream 600w Modular - $69
-OS: Vista Home Premium 64-bit Includes free windows 7 upgrade coupon -$143
-Total (without CPU cooler) - $1241

I did my best.

smc91352

For anyone that doesn't know about this heatsink and cooler, heres a review one of the best cooling solutions(air) for a very decent price.

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cooling/2009/05/17/titan-fenrir-ttcnk85tz-cou-cooler/1

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zipozal

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#17 zipozal
Member since 2007 • 1809 Posts

Wow, thanks for all the suggestions! I'll definitely have to research some of these parts and make an informed decision. What's a good store that has fair prices + discounts (especially for Black Friday) for buying these parts?Trinexxx

newegg.ca

tigerdirect.ca

ncix.com

Glad to hear you can wait till Black Friday, you will be able to get alot and I mean alot more.

The deal to be had on Black Friday can be crazy awesome.

Buy that monitor on Black Friday as well.

Hell with a 1300 dollar budget for the computer + the money for the monitor + Black Friday Dicounts you could do an EYEFINITY Setup!

What's EYEFINITY? The coolest feature in ATI's 5800 cards! Watch the EYEFINITY VIDEO REVIEW HERE

Immersive Gaming

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MaoTheChimp

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#18 MaoTheChimp
Member since 2008 • 1727 Posts

[QUOTE="smc91352"]

My attempt based on Too_tight_shoes's suggestion:

-CPU: Phenom II X4 955 - $218
-CPU cooler: Titan TTC Fenrir - ?
-Motherboard: Gigabyte MA790XT UD4P -$175
-RAM: mushkin 4GB DDR3 1600 - $136
-GPU: HIS Radeon HD 4890 1GB - $250
-HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1TB - $130
-DVD ReWriter: HP 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW LightScribe - $40
-Case: Coolermaster CM690 - $80
-PSU: OCZ ModXStream 600w Modular - $69
-OS: Vista Home Premium 64-bit Includes free windows 7 upgrade coupon -$143
-Total (without CPU cooler) - $1241

I did my best.

Too_tight_shoes

For anyone that doesn't know about this heatsink and cooler, heres a review one of the best cooling solutions(air) for a very decent price.

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cooling/2009/05/17/titan-fenrir-ttcnk85tz-cou-cooler/1

I couldn't find it anywhere in the states :?. Canada only?

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Too_tight_shoes

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#19 Too_tight_shoes
Member since 2009 • 2486 Posts
[QUOTE="MaoTheChimp"]

[QUOTE="Too_tight_shoes"]

[QUOTE="smc91352"]

My attempt based on Too_tight_shoes's suggestion:

-CPU: Phenom II X4 955 - $218
-CPU cooler: Titan TTC Fenrir - ?
-Motherboard: Gigabyte MA790XT UD4P -$175
-RAM: mushkin 4GB DDR3 1600 - $136
-GPU: HIS Radeon HD 4890 1GB - $250
-HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1TB - $130
-DVD ReWriter: HP 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW LightScribe - $40
-Case: Coolermaster CM690 - $80
-PSU: OCZ ModXStream 600w Modular - $69
-OS: Vista Home Premium 64-bit Includes free windows 7 upgrade coupon -$143
-Total (without CPU cooler) - $1241

I did my best.

For anyone that doesn't know about this heatsink and cooler, heres a review one of the best cooling solutions(air) for a very decent price.

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cooling/2009/05/17/titan-fenrir-ttcnk85tz-cou-cooler/1

I couldn't find it anywhere in the states :?. Canada only?

Don't know, shame if it isnt since its price/cooling/noise ratio is superb. They have tons here in the UK.
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Trinexxx

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#20 Trinexxx
Member since 2008 • 883 Posts

I will work with $1150 to save you money.

Antec 300 case. - $60

BFG 800w PS - $110

Asus Evo - $113

Phenom II X4 955be - $220

Samsung DVD-RW - $36

HD 5870 - $420

G.Skill Ripjaw 4gb DDR3 - $100

HDD 500gb Western Digital Caviar - $65

Hate onboard sound, realtek is garbage so

Soundblaster Audigy 7.1 - $54

$1178 grand total provided im not missing anything. Oops forgot the DVD drive.

Use the rest of your money for shipping and handling.

fixt

Human-after-all
This looks like the set up I'm going to be getting. I'm just a little uncertain about getting an ATI video card as I've always thought nVidia had higher quality performance. Would you guys change anything with this layout, and if so, why?
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Trinexxx

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#21 Trinexxx
Member since 2008 • 883 Posts
[QUOTE="Human-after-all"]

I will work with $1150 to save you money.

Antec 300 case. - $60

BFG 800w PS - $110

Asus Evo - $113

Phenom II X4 955be - $220

Samsung DVD-RW - $36

HD 5870 - $420

G.Skill Ripjaw 4gb DDR3 - $100

HDD 500gb Western Digital Caviar - $65

Hate onboard sound, realtek is garbage so

Soundblaster Audigy 7.1 - $54

$1178 grand total provided im not missing anything. Oops forgot the DVD drive.

Use the rest of your money for shipping and handling.

fixt

Trinexxx
This looks like the set up I'm going to be getting. I'm just a little uncertain about getting an ATI video card as I've always thought nVidia had higher quality performance. Would you guys change anything with this layout, and if so, why?

BUMP!
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Too_tight_shoes

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#22 Too_tight_shoes
Member since 2009 • 2486 Posts
[QUOTE="Trinexxx"][QUOTE="Trinexxx"][QUOTE="Human-after-all"]

I will work with $1150 to save you money.

Antec 300 case. - $60

BFG 800w PS - $110

Asus Evo - $113

Phenom II X4 955be - $220

Samsung DVD-RW - $36

HD 5870 - $420

G.Skill Ripjaw 4gb DDR3 - $100

HDD 500gb Western Digital Caviar - $65

Hate onboard sound, realtek is garbage so

Soundblaster Audigy 7.1 - $54

$1178 grand total provided im not missing anything. Oops forgot the DVD drive.

Use the rest of your money for shipping and handling.

fixt

This looks like the set up I'm going to be getting. I'm just a little uncertain about getting an ATI video card as I've always thought nVidia had higher quality performance. Would you guys change anything with this layout, and if so, why?

BUMP!

I wouldn't change a thing, except I personaly will never buy a sound card so you could drop that and get a better case like the Coolermaster Storm Scout, and dont let those "the way its meant to be played" adverstisments fool you ever since the 5870 is a beast and I've had no problems with ati drivers what so ever.
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Trinexxx

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#23 Trinexxx
Member since 2008 • 883 Posts
Alright, I'm ordering these parts tomorrow. My last question is: what's up with the comparison GameSpot just did with the Windows 7 and graphical performances on the GeForce and Radeon cards? The GeForce numbers are much higher, and I'm not sure what they really mean.
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Trinexxx

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#24 Trinexxx
Member since 2008 • 883 Posts
[QUOTE="Trinexxx"]Alright, I'm ordering these parts tomorrow. My last question is: what's up with the comparison GameSpot just did with the Windows 7 and graphical performances on the GeForce and Radeon cards? The GeForce numbers are much higher, and I'm not sure what they really mean.

quoted for emphasis.
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Human-after-all

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#25 Human-after-all
Member since 2009 • 2972 Posts
[QUOTE="Trinexxx"][QUOTE="Trinexxx"]Alright, I'm ordering these parts tomorrow. My last question is: what's up with the comparison GameSpot just did with the Windows 7 and graphical performances on the GeForce and Radeon cards? The GeForce numbers are much higher, and I'm not sure what they really mean.

quoted for emphasis.

Can you provide the link to this article. I would also like to know if you ahve actulaly ordered yet?
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Trinexxx

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#26 Trinexxx
Member since 2008 • 883 Posts
[QUOTE="Human-after-all"][QUOTE="Trinexxx"][QUOTE="Trinexxx"]Alright, I'm ordering these parts tomorrow. My last question is: what's up with the comparison GameSpot just did with the Windows 7 and graphical performances on the GeForce and Radeon cards? The GeForce numbers are much higher, and I'm not sure what they really mean.

quoted for emphasis.

Can you provide the link to this article. I would also like to know if you ahve actulaly ordered yet?

I haven`t ordered it yet, and the article is on the main page (with the Windows 7 cover).
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Human-after-all

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#27 Human-after-all
Member since 2009 • 2972 Posts
[QUOTE="Trinexxx"][QUOTE="Human-after-all"][QUOTE="Trinexxx"] quoted for emphasis.

Can you provide the link to this article. I would also like to know if you ahve actulaly ordered yet?

I haven`t ordered it yet, and the article is on the main page (with the Windows 7 cover).

I don't see anything with a 5870, that card slaps nvidia's all over the room. BTW you should take off that sound card, thats why I was wondering if you bought. Use extra money for maybe a Windows 7 pro and you shoudl still be less than $1300.
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Trinexxx

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#28 Trinexxx
Member since 2008 • 883 Posts
[QUOTE="Human-after-all"][QUOTE="Trinexxx"][QUOTE="Human-after-all"] Can you provide the link to this article. I would also like to know if you ahve actulaly ordered yet?

I haven`t ordered it yet, and the article is on the main page (with the Windows 7 cover).

I don't see anything with a 5870, that card slaps nvidia's all over the room. BTW you should take off that sound card, thats why I was wondering if you bought. Use extra money for maybe a Windows 7 pro and you shoudl still be less than $1300.

Yeah, I`m not getting the sound card and I`m upgrading the case and obviously getting Windows 7 (is pro the best edition...) I`m ordering it sometime this weekend.
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Human-after-all

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#29 Human-after-all
Member since 2009 • 2972 Posts
[QUOTE="Trinexxx"][QUOTE="Human-after-all"][QUOTE="Trinexxx"] I haven`t ordered it yet, and the article is on the main page (with the Windows 7 cover).

I don't see anything with a 5870, that card slaps nvidia's all over the room. BTW you should take off that sound card, thats why I was wondering if you bought. Use extra money for maybe a Windows 7 pro and you shoudl still be less than $1300.

Yeah, I`m not getting the sound card and I`m upgrading the case and obviously getting Windows 7 (is pro the best edition...) I`m ordering it sometime this weekend.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions At the bottom ull see the differences. Nothing major for regular folk between Pro -> Ultimate.
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#30 sihunt
Member since 2007 • 1116 Posts

[QUOTE="Too_tight_shoes"]

[QUOTE="smc91352"]

My attempt based on Too_tight_shoes's suggestion:

-CPU: Phenom II X4 955 - $218
-CPU cooler: Titan TTC Fenrir - ?
-Motherboard: Gigabyte MA790XT UD4P -$175
-RAM: mushkin 4GB DDR3 1600 - $136
-GPU: HIS Radeon HD 4890 1GB - $250
-HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1TB - $130
-DVD ReWriter: HP 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW LightScribe - $40
-Case: Coolermaster CM690 - $80
-PSU: OCZ ModXStream 600w Modular - $69
-OS: Vista Home Premium 64-bit Includes free windows 7 upgrade coupon -$143
-Total (without CPU cooler) - $1241

I did my best.

MaoTheChimp

For anyone that doesn't know about this heatsink and cooler, heres a review one of the best cooling solutions(air) for a very decent price.

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cooling/2009/05/17/titan-fenrir-ttcnk85tz-cou-cooler/1

I couldn't find it anywhere in the states :?. Canada only?

Hi Ya the Titan Fenrir is hard to find in the USA. However, MicroCenter now sells them for $49.99.

They are supposed to work pretty well.

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Trinexxx

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#31 Trinexxx
Member since 2008 • 883 Posts

Some of the products that were listed aren't available online so I'm searching for alternatives.

Would this be a good power supply: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4494091&Sku=A406-1116

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12345678ew

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#32 12345678ew
Member since 2008 • 2353 Posts

i have only good things to say about the 240 dollar intel xeon's that go in the 1366 sockets. if you clock them up from 2.4 to 3.2 ghz they outpower the i7 extremes.... and if you buy the right mobo you can use two of them in one computer. now mind you your gaming so ignore that comment.

i reccomend:

a phenom x4 945 OC to 3.4 to match the 965, saves you 100 bucks to do it that way

a NICE graphics card, (like 5870 or dual 4890's)

whatever mobo works

don't waste your money on 6 gigs of ram, just take 4

the azza fantom case from newegg, i cannot rave enough about this item. it's the sexiest case on the fricking planet, has fantastic airflow, you can't see a single cable in mine, yet i'm running a crossfire set-up 8 gigs of ram 3 terabyte HDD's an atx motherboard, 2 cpu's and a monster non-modular psu in it. and until the end of the month at least on newegg, it's only 50 bucks! ps: it's not really sexiest. that's it's red LED 120 dollar counterpart, also from azza. god i want it but i was on a budget. might switch the LED's out sometime

get a terabyte or 1.5 of hdd, it's so cheap now anyway

might as well toss a nice sound card on there

and you still have some money to spare from savings even after random generic dvd read/write. maybe make it a blu-ray?