i need a new computer!!!

I am currently in the computer buying business. I am a pro-gamer on the 360,Wii, and DS and now looking to convert to PC for the first time. I have done research on different processors, hard drives and graphic cards. But still I am a bit confused with what to buy and how to put my computer together. Some of the first games I would like to play are Crysis, World in Conflict, Gal. Civ.,Sins of a solar empire and thats just for starters. So with about $3,000 to spend, could someone tell me what I need to get to play these games with good performance. I have looked at Alien Hardware, HP, and Dell and some other ones but I cant remember the names.BOONE123

if you have 3000 dollars, then build your own you could make a godly gaming pc for that.

[QUOTE="BOONE123"]I am currently in the computer buying business. I am a pro-gamer on the 360,Wii, and DS and now looking to convert to PC for the first time. I have done research on different processors, hard drives and graphic cards. But still I am a bit confused with what to buy and how to put my computer together. Some of the first games I would like to play are Crysis, World in Conflict, Gal. Civ.,Sins of a solar empire and thats just for starters. So with about $3,000 to spend, could someone tell me what I need to get to play these games with good performance. I have looked at Alien Hardware, HP, and Dell and some other ones but I cant remember the names.Daytona_178

Yep, build your own gaming PC it will be aroud $1000, and it just as good as the brand names.... check out Tigerdirect or Newegg.... the first time built will be a pain but it's worth it.

99% of these so called 'gaming PC's' you buy from shops will get out performed by a custom built one for 1/3rd of the price, build your own seriously.

I was PM by Boone123 For a Build around 2500$-3000$ as cap Price
Which mean a Extreme Enthusist build but Over my experiance and know that we are aalready in Q2 / And Soon near of GTX 300 / 5870x2
I may Say a half Enthusiast System would suit him better but it him who the boss so we could go with A build list mention here but first tell me ur Resolution because without know what resolution you play Going too much Overkill could be Bad And not worth the money even tough it fun to be Extermely Overkill Core i7 920 For Cpu or Stronger if more money if you desire : But Seem core i7 920 is PERFECT and 940 a waste until Core i7 Westmere In 2010 Q1
For Video card A Gefroce 295GTX or 4870x2 They both Really Strong Which is awsome for gaming For Cpu Cooler a thermalright 120 Extreme 1336 RS then Change fan for a Scythe KAZE 3000 RPM STatic or we could discuss more about the cpu cooler in forum as far i know people will be toward the Thermalright as favor-ism as it Extremist airflow possibility

For Tower IF you seek Extreme Airflow : HAF 932 / Thermalatke speedo as far i heard
For Motherboard either a Asus P6T Deluxe Which seem to be all-round or Gigabyte EX58 UD4P
For Ram : Anything Related to 1600mhz 3x2GB Lowest Latency or 1800mhz if in nice sales
For OS : Window Vista Home premium or you'r current os until Window Seven (7) Professional / Premium
Power supply unit : if you desire overpower for over 5-7 Year a 1000-1200wats PSU would do the job from Antec / COrsair / Thermaltake / Cooler master

But I know one thing the Core i7 920 can be overclock at around 4.0Ghz which is high but you should be able to put it at that Ghz
If You get Good Ram / Good Cooling Device according Bit-tech / Anandtech : which would make other core i7 not worth so there money

But I know for ur Budget you can get The incoming Core i7 975 : but those should be under the hand of pro overclocking with Water Cooling Set That are Double loop or Triple loop Because the MT is Really higher then other core i7 : and it is Overclock-ability that make it Is might rather then it stock GHZ at 3.2GHZ

And Since Westmere is in about 7 month to release would not worth it huge money of 999$ and there for a Core i7 920 / 940 is The Way to go Because core i7 Hold the Title of most Enthusiast CPU in all-round
http://www.legionhardware.com/document.php?id=807&p=9

Even tough you see Core i7 965 on top 975 will soon replace it : and also 920 at 4.0Ghz will perform About Same As The Review Was DOne With the most expensive cpu but not professional Overclock : which is what mean Core i7 Extreme : To be under hand of the extreme

www.ecollegepc.com

2.93Ghz Intel Core i7-940 8MB Cache FSB 1333 Quad-Core
Artic Cooling XTREMERev 2 Cooler Extremely Quiet
GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R (Intel X58, 2xPCIEx, 8-Channel Audio, LAN, 8xSATA2, 4xDDR3, 1394, 1333FSB)
12GB (2GBx6) PC3 12800 DDR3 1600Mhz Memory Lifetime Warranty
750GB 7200RPM 32MB Cache Serial ATA300
22X LG Dual Layer DVD+/-RW/CDRW w/Nero
1.792GB nVidia GeForce GTX 295 GDDR3 PCI Express DVI/Tvout
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit SP1
NZXT Black/Silver Zero Aluminum (5 5.25, 7 3.5 bays) 8 Fans, Window, Front Audio/USB/1394
1000watt Antec TruePower Quattro TPQ-1000
Onboard LAN included
Onboard Sound included
One year hassle free pickup and return

Total USD $ 2,446.00

i suggested an aswome sauce pc to him via newegg parts that came to $1700 but more like 1200 if u excluded the sli'd 9800gtx (oc'ed) and the sound blaster xi-fi titanium sound card. i guess nothing pleases ppl anymore here were its specs:

intel C2Q 2.5Ghz (8500 i think)

evega nForce 750i

evega 9800gtx (oc'd) (sli optional)

antec 900 two case

320GB segate barricuda

sound blaster xi fi titantium professional ed.

corsair dominator ddr2-1066 4GB (2x2GB) kit

acer 25' monitor (widescreen lcd)

razer deathadder

logitech gaming keyboard (cant recall name)

power & cooling 610watt silencer

i suggested an aswome sauce pc to him via newegg parts that came to $1700 but more like 1200 if u excluded the sli'd 9800gtx (oc'ed) and the sound blaster xi-fi titanium sound card. i guess nothing pleases ppl anymore here were its specs:

intel C2Q 2.5Ghz (8500 i think)

evega nForce 750i

evega 9800gtx (oc'd) (sli optional)

antec 900 two case

320GB segate barricuda

sound blaster xi fi titantium professional ed.

corsair dominator ddr2-1066 4GB (2x2GB) kit

acer 25' monitor (widescreen lcd)

razer deathadder

logitech gaming keyboard (cant recall name)

power & cooling 610watt silencer

aura_enchanted

I helped him out as well. I put together something for him for around $2100 (give or take a little, I don't recall the exact cost off the top of my head).

Had the following from newegg.com (I'll list info best to my memory):

CPU: Phenom II x4 940

Case: HAF 932

MB: ASUS AM2/AM2+ - supports tri-sli, 16GB memory, AM3 compatible...I don't recall the exact board - cost around $190 or so

HDD: 500GB WD 7200RPM

RAM: 8GB DDR2 800 (2x 4GB x 2)

Monitor: either ACER or ASUS 24" 1920x1200

PSU: Corsair 1000W

GPU: 2x GTX 285 in SLI

Speakers: Logitec 200W 2.1 speaker set

CD/DVD burner: basic $25 burner from Samsung or maybe LG - told him he could have a Blu-Ray burner for about an extra $200 if he so desired.

I think that was everything.....I didn't pick a keyboard or mouse, I'd let the computer operator make those decisions.

I also did an Intel i7 920 build for him, most of the same parts aside from CPU, MB and RAM - which cost around $2400.

I think the poster is working on getting ideas from us gamespoters to help make a well informed decision before just jumping into the deep end. It's no fun getting wet if you have no idea how to swim.

*Edited to fix some spacing issues*

i think personnaly hes undecided or trying to make monkeys of us. really anything suggets to you thus far will work.

it is what boone123 is he called me as he know from a friend of mine That is you neatfeatguy Also that i'm one of the best to make a pc build so he seek my help i could work on it as soon we start discuss i'm not the type who just give hardware part list i discuss for is need also : Benchmark / Resolution ect..

Because Going sli 285GTX is more expensive then 295GTX / 4870x2 tough it may sound more power full : that is what we should look And since we are : about 5 month of the GTX 300 / 5870 & 5870x2 It should be wise to get a 4870x2 at 345,99$ or 295GTX at 450,99$ After Mail in rebate
But It should be Core i7 Is Build For max power as he look like he said about Spending of 2500-3500$

I don't know if boone123 wish me to post my private message all in detail of what he asked me but he did ask me And I did reply About potential Build And Asked him to Go in Public posting rather then private so we can have opinion of Other high skilled pc builder which is in some case neatfeatguy & sordidus As Well a bunch of Other Guy I know who are Pretty good to find all best price and hardware for price value for enthusiast like

So If he want me to make a build id like first to know Is Resolution so i can have a Potent Idea of what FPS he would get for example 1920x1200 / 2560x1600 I think he will go 1920x1200 so a 295GTX / 4870x2 / SLI 285GTX all Good / or 2x 4890 (incoming video card by Two Week) How ever there is a rumour of 4890X2 will Release Around June / July : as Last Card of HD4000 Series : same for 275GTX who become last of GTX200
(until re branded nvidia love re brand stuff)

Then come the Battle of GTX300 / HD5000 Or more Say R870 Around October / November 2009 But since he want a pc now what would be Wise to let him spend 2500-3500$ ? or minimize the cost to 1800-2200$ so he save money for a Core i7 Westmere / SandyBrdige 32nm in 2010 q1 & Lucid hydra 100's which is rumour to take Full power in all game Of Video card With 4 GPU specially Such as Quad sli 295GTX / Crossfire X 4870x2 : tough no fps where given a % was Given I could find the Article

http://www.gamespot.com/pages/forums/show_msgs.php?topic_id=26778532


it like give 200% Over Current Standard X58 / X48 / 790GX motherboard According what they say it would unlock the potential which is not given right now Don't know too much about it i just know it release in 2009 According that

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3520&p=8


How Ever for 1920x1200 I Strongly does not Suggest The build of Aura_Enchancer for enthusiast but it would be okay but again
i think they are mistake in is selection such as NF750 Over NF780 / 790i
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=3283&p=8

How Ever NEaftyGuy Build was something Quite Good Perhap too expensive for 285GTX SLI OVer 4870x2 / 295GTX which would be then looking into benchmark to make sure he doesn't Pull too much money for a small margin % differance

How Ever NEaftyGuy Build was something Quite Good Perhap too expensive for 285GTX SLI OVer 4870x2 / 295GTX which would be then looking into benchmark to make sure he doesn't Pull too much money for a small margin % differance

marcthpro

I thought about the idea of GTX 295 in SLI and single card performances....

However, I feel that the small performace boost you see over a single 285 isn't (in my mind) worth the extra $150-175 jump in price for the GTX 295. I'd personally rather spend around $600-650 on two GTX 285 to run in SLI over a single GTX 295 that'll cost me around $520.

I also thought about the 4870x2 as well, but since I don't use ATI, I tend to avoid suggesting something I'm not familiar with. I could look over benchmarks and get ideas of the performace of the 4870x2 from other people that utilize that set-up....I guess I just haven't felt the need to.

I try to be a thrifty builder and save money where I can, but still get dang good performance. I don't do much else with my computer aside from gaming and the basic stuff (web surfing, movies, music, email and such things) so I tend to lean towards price/performance - which would currently be the Phenom II x4 940 over Intel's i7 920.

building your own would be the best idea, and I would go with a i7920 setup, and 4870x2 or GTX 285. And a Corsair 850TX power supply. And a full tower case, but I have a mid tower and its a little tight with my card.

Well with that kind of money to spend i say go straight for the high end Dell XPS PC's. It spares you the headache of picking individual parts for assembling your own PC, especially if your new to this. If not that, then go to a PC parts store and ask one of the people there to write you up parts for a high end PC. They will give you a sample invoice, you then take that invoice and shop around for the best price at other such stores.

Bone id Get a Better heatsink tough cause you want to overclock right ? that how core i7 920 unlock is potential get a Thermalright 120 Extreme 1336RS from amazon.com or Cooler master V8 Then i think you can get Replacement Fan LAter or Right now you'd get the Best Airflow cooling solution Such as Example thermalright 120 Extreme 1336RS : replace Fan for Kaze 3000RPM Static Pressure which is holding the record of most cold Cpu Cooler For heatsink of 120mm

For monitor id go Samsung or LG or Asus as far i heard : if you can't build it you'r self there some place around ur town that does it for 20-50$US It usally not higher then that in USA

And Z-2300 ? why them instead of X-540 Doesn't you want 5.1 ?! oh well. it up to you And where ur buying Home ? Is it premium 64 bits cause for that money you get that and it as to be 64 Bits since ur a Core i7 user


And if you want a MUCH MUCH Faster hard Drive for Loading Stuff and a huge Life spawn the Samsung Spinpoint F1 1TB at 89$ is much better
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152102&Tpk=Samsung%20F1
Original Price: $99.99 / You Save: $10.00 / $89.99 Free Shipping* = You should Get it There is no reason to not do

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/storage/2009/03/13/western-digital-2tb-green-wd20eads-review/6
Because the hard Drive you mention From Western Digital in ur Build is Slower then the 2TB Green Drive of Western Digital in Load time
And there for Slower then a 10,000RPm RAPTOR & Seagate 1.5TB Barracuda 7200.11
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/storage/2008/12/09/samsung-spinpoint-f1-1tb/7
Also Look how high Review Bit-tech team gave to it 9/9/9 (Performances / Value / Overall)


Everything else is Great Build : I approve itneatfeatguy for price ratio it is awesome build nice But I went to add for over Exact Price Value some better hardware Such as Better hard Drive and may recommend Better cooler tough : and monitor Brand so i ad last contributed to give a Good idea on hardware Tough i Does think you'r Building more like me since a while for PC build :D perhap you observed me lot :P :D lol

But I just Say a Better hard Drive for +15$ won't kill him and a Better Cpu cooler who is having the norm for high overclocking
Which is like Core i7 920 at 4.0GHZ Would be a Real Gain Over Is Lifespawn of product who know a Thermalrght 120 1336RS + Scythe KAZe 3000rpm static pressure could last him till 2014


By then either Phase cooling will be popular or some Brand will start to sell high quality Pre-selected Kit of Water Cooling with easy to install Tough i doesn't know much about Water cooling such as Double loop / Triple loop and how much space it take in a tower & how much cold it is compare to Extreme Airflow DEvice that generate over 60DBA = HAf 932 Full Equip with best fan + Best cpu air Cooler :P

That Like i said Tough the build he as lot of option me and neatfeatguy Went trough a process of making him a pc Tough he posted me in private message and he was told by him to run this by me : on private message as neatFeatGuy Know my Skill surpass a bit is skill in hardware Knowledge

Perhaps he know that iv made about 110 PC Build / Suggestion / Upgrade On gamespot since July 2008 Which was About the time i started to post in this forum =) not to brag :D just to know i was really Active and helped The Best i could And I still Help the Best I can For Benchmark / Pc Build / any Question related PC hardware when i do have time and fell like i shoudl help : and will mostly help anyone who Private message me Which what did boone123

Maingear ? NAH ! it not enthusiast boy and overpriced with 9800GT don't be Ridiculous KAY? :D
I being making over hunderd of pc on gamespot and this one the website make me laugh of the hardware and price
a 250GB ? for 1300$ ? A 9800GT ? A core i7 920 ? A X58 ASUS P6T NOT EVEN DELUXE which is even better for overclock the Deluxe edition

a 650WATS PSU not even told BRAND ? 3x1GB 1333mhz When you get :3x2GB 1600mhz 8-8-8-20 for exact same price value ?
I Can do FAR BETTER On newegg.com FAR Far Better : and IT really easy to build a pc if he can't someone in is family may know how If none can know.

then use a LOCAL pc shop / OR Specialized Computer Technican store which mostly sell some hardware / And FIX PC and it cost from 30-50$ according Article iv read in past that show Average Cost to assemble you'r own pc that you selected hardware in Also in PC Hardware show i saw on some post on TV was while ago
that talked of the fee to do that as it getting more popular then ever of people Buying there own pc part and asking it to get install as they are clueless about it

Anyway: I tell you own-build will alway Go OVer pre-build but the Website Maingear is perhap better then Cyberpower PC and all Major Brand PC manifacutrer
Such as DELL & HP

That Like i said Tough the build he as lot of option me and neatfeatguy Went trough a process of making him a pc Tough he posted me in private message and he was told by him to run this by me : on private message as neatFeatGuy Know my Skill surpass a bit is skill in hardware Knowledge

Perhaps he know that iv made about 110 PC Build / Suggestion / Upgrade On gamespot since July 2008 Which was About the time i started to post in this forum =) not to brag :D just to know i was really Active and helped The Best i could And I still Help the Best I can For Benchmark / Pc Build / any Question related PC hardware when i do have time and fell like i shoudl help : and will mostly help anyone who Private message me Which what did boone123

marcthpro

I've seen you post on many hardware topics and you have really good knowledge on how things work. I see you know more technical things about CPUs/GPUs and such. You can actually do a good job explaining how things work and why.

I'm good at explaing why things work, but I'm not that great at explaining how they work. It's hard to describe to others....I just know things and they make sense to me, but when I try to explain how or why I know them, I don't do the best of job.

Like with PSUs. I know how they work and how things on them work, but I'm horrible at explaining why. I could tell you what CPU is best and how other CPUs compare, but I couldn't do it very well in technical terms.

That's where other people, like you marcthpro, come in handy on the forums. You're knowledgeable, can explain things well (even though English isn't your first language) and know hardware very well. When a group of us get together, we can usually get all the questions answered to the satisfaction of those that are asking the questions.

are you Kidding me?? starter price for a Core i7 920 with a radeon 4870 runs just $1400, thats a steal. its a lot better to buy your first system then build it and not know what went wrong in the build processrenzolionheart

That's basically what I did. I used to know next to nothing about PCs 3 years ago. I knew you could turn them on and play games, go online, send/receive emails and such.... I started to look into building my own PC 3 years ago, but I wasn't sure how to start and I didn't know about gamestop.com or any other PC forums then, so I just did my own research online for PC building companies.

After a bit of looking and reading up, I had my first custom built computer done by ibuypower.com. They're not the greatest, but everything worked well and they were quick to respond to questions - even though the guys that answered the phone for technical assistance were kind of dumb - almost like asking Best Buy employees about computer stuff.

After I got my first computer, I ended up getting a new GPU later down the road...found out that my GPU required more power then my PSU could provide, so I had to upgrade my PSU. I then learned how to swap out PSUs.

I already knew how to change out RAM and get correct replacement RAM. Soon I needed a new HDD and I learned what type I needed (PATA/IDE at the time) and took care of that.... Then followed a new MB and CPU and pretty soon I gutted my tower and replaced everything inside - thus marking my first actual PC build (new MB, CPU, RAM, PSU, GPU, DVD drive, HDD, heatsink/fan, etc...). Having never done anything to that extreme before, it took me about 1.5 hours to complete. Everything worked fine and I still have the same set-up from 1.5 years ago. It cost me around $1500 for everything and should still do me wonders for the next 1-2 years.

How Ever for Explain how cpu technical we are about same for how they work i'm not that good i'm more a Benchmark guy for where come my knowledge But it By Asking with among gamespot other user that i gain such knowledge About thing i miss how ever For is PC build it Enthusiast =) It True I'm English Second Language and Yet As more i speak i master it i do About Twice Less mistake as Last Summer in English Grammars without ABC check

Anyway : do you think is cpu cooler can do same feat as a Thermalright 120 Extreme 1336RS ? Or cooler master V8 what he selected tough i haven't ask my Question if Cooler master V8 Fan is Change able to a 120mm Scythe Kaze

he maybe should spend the extra 15$ for Samsung Spinpoint F1 1TB + About 12,5 Second Faster Loading in most of game / Window Vista
but Everything else Seem Very Well if he need a monitor id SAY Something as Samsung T240 is really good


Anyway so i figure out with monitor and stuff it should end up near 2400$ it would be nice if you put all the List into saved Wishlist which all we can acess
Or il have to do it so then we have acess to modificate stuff and test up for a budget he want to spend according what i see he want to spend from 2000-2500$
instead of 3000$ as he figure out it should work plenty good with A 2000-2500$ build From Scratch as
he need a OS / monitor / he could use current keyboard / mice / and Current dVD drive if it still in good use

if he will perform overclock he should aim for the Elite cpu cooler as the Thermalright 120 Extreme 1336RS / Titan TTC-NK85TZ (Which is new)
http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=2383&page=5

That a cpu cooler not a case =) and haf 932 is a Case =) i talk of the zalman cpu thing and keep ur HAf 932 It Really Awsome in airflow
And the Fact for a Fan is after-ward or right as you purchase it it acn be from two Different Website

as you see newegg.com doesn't offer therm alright 120 Extreme but may offer something that may build is fame in the high end and about same spec
The Titan Cpu cooler thing on frostytech top 5 heatsink you find on google.com as you type top 5 heatsink
If you get the top 3-5 Best cpu Cooler + An Aftermarket fan to replace on it if it can be mount on it = Better airflow = Easier tO overclock if you do in future

Cause core i7 920 as potential to overclock to 3.6Ghz Easy and with decent cooling you can get it to 4.0Ghz if you follow Bit-tech what they used
was a Thermalright 120 Extreme 1336RS with Stock Fan So no Replacement fan = Think if you get a Scythe KAze 3000rpm on it = cooler
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cpus/2008/11/06/overclocking-intel-core-i7-920/6
They also Seem to have success the Same Overclock with a noctua NH-1up but the Cooler it is The more safe it is to overclock as it remove more stress

It depend if you seek the most enthusiast 295GTX / 4870x2 is Better then Single 285GTX or you can get Sli 285GTX tough but that more costy
How Ever il show you Few Benchmark About Graphic processor there is nothing beside better cooling / HDD I can consider from neatfeatGuy

The cpu doesn't need to be higher then cOre i7 920 just overclocking that all since most of game anyway il show you benchmark right away
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphics/2009/03/09/bfg-geforce-gtx-285-h2o/3
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3520&p=9

In future Driver for Sli 285GTx / quad sli 295GTx / 4870x2 Crossfire X will upgrade for they give Lot of fps as they should cause 4 GPU Is alot of power :P And tigerDirect mostly rip you off over newegg.com price unless that they got a good deal on a cpu cooler / Video card /

I forgot url where it use as price-bot such as shopbot.ca it alway seek the price at most accurate % for price example if 2 hour ago the webiste started to sell 4870x2 at 549,99$ instead of 569.99$ retail does of 20$ mail in rebate shopbot.ca will display it

I was PM by Boone123 For a Build around 2500$-3000$ as cap Price
Which mean a Extreme Enthusist build but Over my experiance and know that we are aalready in Q2 / And Soon near of GTX 300 / 5870x2
I may Say a half Enthusiast System would suit him better but it him who the boss so we could go with A build list mention here but first tell me ur Resolution because without know what resolution you play Going too much Overkill could be Bad And not worth the money even tough it fun to be Extermely Overkill Core i7 920 For Cpu or Stronger if more money if you desire : But Seem core i7 920 is PERFECT and 940 a waste until Core i7 Westmere In 2010 Q1
For Video card A Gefroce 295GTX or 4870x2 They both Really Strong Which is awsome for gaming For Cpu Cooler a thermalright 120 Extreme 1336 RS then Change fan for a Scythe KAZE 3000 RPM STatic or we could discuss more about the cpu cooler in forum as far i know people will be toward the Thermalright as favor-ism as it Extremist airflow possibility

For Tower IF you seek Extreme Airflow : HAF 932 / Thermalatke speedo as far i heard
For Motherboard either a Asus P6T Deluxe Which seem to be all-round or Gigabyte EX58 UD4P
For Ram : Anything Related to 1600mhz 3x2GB Lowest Latency or 1800mhz if in nice sales
For OS : Window Vista Home premium or you'r current os until Window Seven (7) Professional / Premium
Power supply unit : if you desire overpower for over 5-7 Year a 1000-1200wats PSU would do the job from Antec / COrsair / Thermaltake / Cooler master

But I know one thing the Core i7 920 can be overclock at around 4.0Ghz which is high but you should be able to put it at that Ghz
If You get Good Ram / Good Cooling Device according Bit-tech / Anandtech : which would make other core i7 not worth so there money

But I know for ur Budget you can get The incoming Core i7 975 : but those should be under the hand of pro overclocking with Water Cooling Set That are Double loop or Triple loop Because the MT is Really higher then other core i7 : and it is Overclock-ability that make it Is might rather then it stock GHZ at 3.2GHZ

And Since Westmere is in about 7 month to release would not worth it huge money of 999$ and there for a Core i7 920 / 940 is The Way to go Because core i7 Hold the Title of most Enthusiast CPU in all-round
http://www.legionhardware.com/document.php?id=807&p=9

Even tough you see Core i7 965 on top 975 will soon replace it : and also 920 at 4.0Ghz will perform About Same As The Review Was DOne With the most expensive cpu but not professional Overclock : which is what mean Core i7 Extreme : To be under hand of the extreme

marcthpro

You'r Serrious ? :) ? I'm flattered :D Indeed i am about PC for spec Of Enthusiast / There only one level i doesn't excess : ULTRA Enthusiast = Extreme Overclock Example Core i7 920 at 4.5GHZ + Triple loop water cooling that the only domain i'l get beaten easly by other people cause i know nothing about it :D It Far complex :D But Everything else i'm good

You'r Serrious ? :) ? I'm flattered :D Indeed i am about PC for spec Of Enthusiast / There only one level i doesn't excess : ULTRA Enthusiast = Extreme Overclock Example Core i7 920 at 4.5GHZ + Triple loop water cooling that the only domain i'l get beaten easly by other people cause i know nothing about it :D It Far complex :D But Everything else i'm good

marcthpro

did you tell him it was for 1920x1200 ? half the price i doubt so unless he use a Q9650 / E8600 and do a 4.0Ghz Overclock on a X48 which then would lower the price of the overall rIG But it is possible that CORE I7 920 can be changed to CORE I7 32nm westmere in 2010 Q1
which mean Possible upgrade Without need to change motherboard and a Even more True Overkill performances by then

so The Build you set in the SIG IS really Good If you'r playing game as GTA IV / Far Cry 2 / Demi GOd in future / Diablo 3 / Starcraft II within all max Aa /AF Overkill alway good And There are more game incoming tough it up to you if you want to go instead Lower Processor Id like to know what rig the builder said for half of the money

And The Cpu Cooler i think it cost around 59.99$US and a kaze 3000rpm 11,99$ = Best airflow possibility unless it get shown Titan the newest can do better Within Kaze Setup tough if you aint' getting a Core i7 : you'd should get Thermalright 120 Extreme True (It come with LGA 775 CLIP)

But Like i said id like to know is build for half the money we do have quite Big knowledge in that domain so id like to know about Future game ud think to play You want to see Again the Benchmark ? Do you got any instant messengers Btw ?

http://www.legionhardware.com/document.php?id=807&p=9
that a cpu scaling with 295GTX (Equivalent of 4870x2) you see that some game it overkill indeed a core i7 920 as some processor that is half the price do the same performances once overclock it depend of resolution ur playing : what game once you put at max

But Id Like to see what he can do the builder in question and if he is really informed on benchmark and that stuff For video card a good Computer Build keep is Data up every Week About Benchmark and take all consideration possible for that it happen you may have to have a discussion with other user on forum to retrieve more personal benchmark / information in order to confirm ate the benchmark data and prove it 100% accurate which is sort like what i do
As I read Over 20-30 Benchmark and compare Setup system / Cpu utilised and id like more cpu Scaling like Legion hardware those are awesome :D

There is a PC builder I know in my area of Ottawa who by-pass my skill on every domain in pc he is sort of a Wizard he say tough i should be Overclocking my core 2 duo soon : As it a Beast The E8600 :D which i may do i

think he said it was a Core 2 duo E6600 Overclock at Rate of 3.6/3.8hgz at Air cooling in is basement he said Which is Extreme Overclocking to do a Core 2 Duo E6600 at 2.4ghz to 3.6/3.8Ghz On a Cm 690 + 7 FAn 120mm + Zalman 9500 i think he said he ad : forgot all he said and the url of is ViritualBenchmark That show what he have he told me to defeat is but i don't have the software :D (3dmark06) (Cost money)

Either way you could still go Phenom II X4 940 / 950 / E8600 / Q9650 + huge Overclock would Reduce price But you should go high powersupply such as 1000-1200wats With the Certificaiton if you want to go enthusiast By When Core i7 32nm Westmere since you seem to go with a Cheaper build like you mention tough not any part was put in the list And still ad no information of all what game you plan to play I'l wait for you'r reply

Well it According Benchmark it Both Really good : Id Like other user opinion 295GTX ? or 285GTX guys ? Il start Benchmark wave
you have to look for 1920x1200 with max spec for all game to have a Cleaner answer example 1920x1200 +8XAA & 16xAF (Max quality)
As 285GTX cost Less and open you to sLI which in sli defeat a 295GTX but in the other you can in future quad sli 295GTX.

But in the other hand 295GTX cost Less Then two 285GTX and Could be A Decent Card until GTX 300 / 5870/5870x2
AS all X58 motherboard of high qualtiy are 3-way Crossfire / 3-way sli / Quad sli / Crossfire X compatible : but not cross-Video card at same time
unlike LGA 775 Which is one or the other NF790 ultra Extreme Tweaked or X48

But it rumour that hydra Lucid 100's Which would come out on newer motherboard By 2009 Q3/Q4 Would offer The possiblity to even put Quad sli 285GTX
And Also combine Video card Example 4870 + A 260GTX but it rumour and no fps benchmark was given only a % Scale which is not accurate but Theorical mostly

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3520&p=7

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphics/2009/03/09/bfg-geforce-gtx-285-h2o/3
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphics/2009/02/23/sapphire-ati-radeon-hd-4870-1gb-toxic/3
http://www.legionhardware.com/document.php?id=807&p=9

also id need to know the price for all part and you'r budget you'r spending so we maybe able to do a Little Tweaking in Best for bang for $$$ if you wish Not Necessary But optional : tough that if you do overclocking that you should add the Scythe Kaze 3000rpm else the stock Thermalright 120 Extreme 1336RT fan coming is good But can be Changed just like My 120 Extreme : Tough i don't know if it can have push / pull action in future Such as my Thermal right 120 Extreme T.r.u.e = (Black Edition + 1 fan clip) bough it at lower price then Retail thermalright 120 Extreme as it Was In sales =)

Which lead to the Perfect Enthusiast Overclocking Airflow Solution Example : push = 3000rpm statistc KAze / Pull 3000rpm static
Which lead to the best Possible airflow the heatsink can offer how ever now let more talk about Benchmark

(Edit my bad i called it 1336RS instead of RT did mispell)

O.K. I just got the email from the builder which I presentedthese specs to yesterday.

Intel i-7 920 2.66 ghz
Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD4P LGA '1366 Intel ATX
HAF 932
OCZ gold 6 gb(3 x 2gb) DDR3 1600(PC3 12800) Triple chan. kit Corsair CMPSU-1000 HX 1000W ATX 12V 2.2
Samsung SpinPoint F1 1TB
Samsung black 22x CD/DVD burner
EVGA GeForce GTX 285
Vista home premium
Logitech Z-2300 2.1 200 watts
Thermalright 120 Extreme 1336 RS and Cooler Master V8 and T240 Samsung 24 inch

Then he sentthis(below) back to me:

Item1Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor

1ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler

1DFI LP DK X48-T2RSB PLUS LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard

1G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

1EVGA 896-P3-1255-AR GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

1Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM1CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

2Pioneer 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model DVR-116DBK

1Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2C 64-bit

1ASUS VH226H Black 21.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen 16:9 Full HD 1080P LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:11XCLIO

WTBK Windtunnel Fully Black Finish 1.0 mm SECC Chassis ATX Full Tower Computer Case

1Logitech X-540 70 watts 5.1 SpeakerInput Devices

1Logitech G11 Silver & Black 104 Normal Keys 29 Function Keys USB Standard Gaming Keyboard

1Logitech V450 Nano 910-000619 Black 3 Buttons Tilt Wheel USB Cordless Laser Mouse

Optional Devices1HT OMEGA STRIKER 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card

Now remember I have about $2500 to $3000 to spend. And from what I been reading the quad processors are better but he said this build would play any game on the market right now. So is this a build that will play DoW Warhammer,Crysis, all of the popular RTS and games to come in the future? He said go ahead and order the parts and when I got them he would come to my house and assemble it. What do I do go with his, stick with my, or even a different build?

i7 920 w/ aftermarket heatsink considering 965 and 940 are just basically oc'd 920's, 500gb hd( 250 is more than enough for me), evga gtx 295, 6gb ddr3, x58 mobo, case your choice, corsair 1000w psu.

around 1600. Use the rest for a getaway vacation.

Then he sentthis(below) back to me:

Item1Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor

1ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler

1DFI LP DK X48-T2RSB PLUS LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard

1G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

1EVGA 896-P3-1255-AR GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

1Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM1CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

2Pioneer 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model DVR-116DBK

1Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2C 64-bit

1ASUS VH226H Black 21.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen 16:9 Full HD 1080P LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:11XCLIO

WTBK Windtunnel Fully Black Finish 1.0 mm SECC Chassis ATX Full Tower Computer Case

1Logitech X-540 70 watts 5.1 SpeakerInput Devices

1Logitech G11 Silver & Black 104 Normal Keys 29 Function Keys USB Standard Gaming Keyboard

1Logitech V450 Nano 910-000619 Black 3 Buttons Tilt Wheel USB Cordless Laser Mouse

Optional Devices1HT OMEGA STRIKER 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card

BOONE123

The builder is absolutely correct that his suggestion will run today's games just fine. However, in a year (maybe two, if you're lucky) this system will start to feel the stresses of new games coming out - mostly your GPU will be holding you back. Plus not to mention that games are starting to make the switch to utilizing 2+ cores. Which means that quad-core CPUs will be the better choice for future use. Anyways, you want to build a computer that'll do you good for 3-5 years - not something that you'll have to start putting in upgrades 1-2 years down the road.

You want a good 1000-1200W PSU. And a high end quad core CPU (i7 920 or Phenom II x4 940) - along with a good MB that will allow you to upgrade your CPU in the future, if you ever feel the need to.

If you plan on getting a Nvidia video card - the GTX 260/285/etc - then I personally suggest having a mother board that supports SLI so you can have the option to run two or more cards. If you're mother board supports Crossfire only, then it's probably better to go with an ATI video card, like the 4870x2. This way you can always get a second card further down the road to run in Crossfire. The mother board the builder picked out supports Crossfire...I have never used Crossfire or ATI video cards, so I tend to lean more towards suggesting Nvidia and SLI, since that's what I'm used to.

Personally, I would stick with what you have...if I had the time, I'd go through everything again and check pricing and look over some benchmarks, but my time is a bit limited today. If you want something that'll just run today's games fine, then go with the builder's suggestion. If you want something that'll last you a good 3-5 years, then you'd want to stick more along the lines of your intial picks.

I hope this helps some. Hopefully marcthpro or some other people can spend a little more time going over things with you.

I does Can spend over more time with that i'm learning from helping other people to gerate money even better :D
Again id like to see is Build price vs : Computer guy that emailed him the spec :

and Again for Video card / Monitor you lack of Quality and wont' be able to Enthusiaast it at all a 260GTX ? For 1920x1200 ?
On all incoming new game ? for AA + AF ? without lag. it sure does Well but if you seek enthusiast as how was the topic first and private message
My Build iv Selected most of hardware Woudl be The Best to go how Ever We can still go Quad Core But sort of useless Over core i7
cause Q9650 worth around 320$ = more epxenisve then core i7 and a a core i7 more overclock will defeat any quad Overclocked

It Simply a Question of Superior Architecture and there is huge possibility that the motherboard could be compatible with core i7 Westmere which is 32nm instead of 45nm and will appear in 2010 Q1

Which leave that around 2010 Q2/Q3 If you desire to have more power of cpu and that Trough benchmark if it appear to be Extremely Superior of Core i7 920 at 3.6ghz+ @ which is easily done by Do the heatsink iv recommend : A Therm alright 120 Extreme 1336RT (IV misspelled with RS By mistake) + A Kaze 3000 RPM a 120mm fan That is really Power full And if it put in a such case as HAF 932 It as no choise to work at it full Efficiency a such cpu cooler solution
Even tought he Stock fan of 1336RT is similarly to SCythe S-flex it far from being as good as the Scythe Kaze 3000rpm at 120mm But way more Quiet :P

Now Speaking Which if you see benchmark a E8600 / Q9650 high overclock is near Core i7 Energy in vast majority of game that where made in 2006/2008
But If you see new incoming game in 2009 There is a huge possibility it Take The Power of the core i7 that you would overclock to have it Even more enthusiast the Better fps the less the lag will occur 60fps is good : but if you get more you get no lag spike just like if you try to run with ur rig

game such as Galactic Civilisation II IT WILL Be Extremely mega Overkill IA will think in 3-5 second ul load everything instant / no lag will occur at once
Because you'r getting Extremely overkill spec even at max Resolution =) for such small game that where basically made for 8800GT to max it out

While most of new game a 260GTx isn't enough but SLI It is or 285GTX / 295GTX / 4850x2 / 4870x2 / 4870 1GB in some game for 1920x1200 for maxing stuff as Far cry 2 / Fallout 3 / Cryisis & Cryisis warhead / But as the newest game will come out with more power tough a 260GTX could hold out at enough sustainable FPS AT enthusiast and leave you money for then the 300GTX 2009 Q4 & ATI R870 (5870) In 2009 Q3 : which is Around September So You get Much more power for price

So We can still discuss more about it and if you want we can get into instant messanger or a chatbox that is instant il leave you my chatbox
iv ad over 20 guest in that box not so popular i guess :D http://marcthpro.chatango.com/ So il be Aware if any message here
you can still contact me via all type of instant messanger I have all Beside MIRC :P but i use mostly Xfire / msn / Steam as they the best :D

Tough for NeatFeatguy is Right perhap on a 4870x2 tough if you get the Guy Build as it Crossfire X enable
LGA 775 Is one or the other not Sli & crossfire : each erquire a different motherboard not case with LGA 1336

I am currently in the computer buying business. I am a pro-gamer on the 360,Wii, and DS and now looking to convert to PC for the first time. I have done research on different processors, hard drives and graphic cards. But still I am a bit confused with what to buy and how to put my computer together. Some of the first games I would like to play are Crysis, World in Conflict, Gal. Civ.,Sins of a solar empire and thats just for starters. So with about $3,000 to spend, could someone tell me what I need to get to play these games with good performance. I have looked at Alien Hardware, HP, and Dell and some other ones but I cant remember the names.BOONE123

Yo the duffman26 it not the problems of he doesn't want to buidl it at all it the decession to spend either 1550$ or 2350$/2550$
That with monitor / ect : The Guy who emeailed him said aAsus 16:9 1920x1080 which id not recommend for enthusiast but 16:19 1920x1200
there for why i said T240 and to go with such resolition iv tough it good time for Core i7 within lot of new game taking power of it

And DDR3 are dirtcheap now and the motherboard cost X48 DFI Of high quality cost About as much as X58 50-70$ area
And the video card is Father Friend dude who own a pc shop or w/e it is about he tough about make him a build About Twice Weaker
For Video card : and 25-30% Weaker For cpu for majority of game : Tough i like my E8600 if i overclock it to 4.0Ghz for game that can use Quad Il be still 15-20fps behind that if i ad spend 250$ more for a Q9650 and overclock ti at 3.8GHZ Cause If you Look Legionhardware Review
It shown that The Great Q9650 / E8600 Overcock are near but the case where Q9650 Would defeat E8600 Overclock : the core i7 920 overclock did get better all the time =)

O.K. First of all, thank you for all your time and knowledge. The past 4-5 days have been long, I gotta tell you I have been racking my brains on this build and components, reviews, comparing prices and keeping with you guys, particularly Marcthpro and NeatFeatguy, Thank you. So this is what I have, tell me what ya think.

CPU:Intel 920

Heatsink:Zalman CNPS9900

Mobo:Gigabyte GA EX58-UD4P

Case:XCLIO WTBK Windtunnel

RAM:WD Caviar SE16 WD6400 AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM

PSU:Corsair CMPSU-750TX 750W

HDD:G Skill 4 GB DDR2 240-pin SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel

Optical Drive:Pioneer 20X DVD/CD burner

GPU:EVGA Geforce GTX 285

OS:MS Vista home premium 64-bit

Speakers:Logitech X-540 70 watts 5.1

Monitor: Samsung T240 24 in

Mouse:Logitech V450 Nano 910-000619

Optional Devices:HT OMEGA STRIKER 7.1 24-bit

Because I am ready to get this show on the road!! But at the same time I want to have a substantial performing machine. And do I need 2 Pioneer dvd burners because my builder said it would more conveniant to burn, I think that was what he said. Oh yeah, thanks for the replies once again, NeatFeatGuy, You nailed that last response.