Lets play tweak the rig im about to buy

So here is what im considering for my next budget gaming pc. I cant go over 630$ and I would honestly like to keep it under 600$. As it is now i think its acceptable but im curious as to what you fine ladies and gents think. Is this setup optimum? or can i do better for the price? Also what would this computer be capable of running as far as games go? I play fallout 3, mass effect, crysis, tf2, and other pc games. Id like to know that this rig would last me until december with fairly impressive performance on almost everything i plan to play. If this were you and you were tweaking it for yourself, what would you do? Thanks in advance. :)

Here is the rig

Also keep in mind that i would like an aesthetically pleasing case as well as one that is functional for any upgrades i plan to do in the future.

I like this game, but sometimes you have to trade the wishes of the people against the finance department.:lol:

Just one quick question, I assume that you are planning on reusing your current edition of windows. If so would it also be possible to reuse your current hard drive and put the money saved towards a phenom II x4?

If you are looking to shave a few dollars off the price I would chose the CM 690 instead of the Antec Nine Hundred. The price difference would bring you half way towards an Phenom II X4 955 or get you a X4 940.

bit of a cheaper case.. just as good

Coolermaster RC 690

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

thatd be $20 bucks slashed

this dvd-rom.. the one your going for is bad.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118031

$6 bucks saved

heres some new memory:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231179

$3 bucks shaved off for you

then swap that hd 5770 for this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102898&cm_re=hd_5770-_-14-102-898-_-Product

+20 bucks.

so in the end i saved you 9-10 bucks maintained the integrity of the build and got you a cooler looking gpu :P (seriously th vapor-x lights up)

will look great in your case window :D

I like this game, but sometimes you have to trade the wishes of the people against the finance department.:lol:

Just one quick question, I assume that you are planning on reusing your current edition of windows. If so would it also be possible to reuse your current hard drive and put the money saved towards a phenom II x4?

If you are looking to shave a few dollars off the price I would chose the CM 690 instead of the Antec Nine Hundred. The price difference would bring you half way towards an Phenom II X4 955 or get you a X4 940.

flyingsnail

you woudlnt get either actualy the closest you would get if you were to cut corners everywhere is the phenom II x3

I like this game, but sometimes you have to trade the wishes of the people against the finance department.:lol:

Just one quick question, I assume that you are planning on reusing your current edition of windows. If so would it also be possible to reuse your current hard drive and put the money saved towards a phenom II x4?

If you are looking to shave a few dollars off the price I would chose the CM 690 instead of the Antec Nine Hundred. The price difference would bring you half way towards an Phenom II X4 955 or get you a X4 940.

flyingsnail

Negative. I am currently using an ASUS laptop. I dont have a harddrive to use so to speak. What I do have, is a student discount on windows 7 home premium 64 bit. I am purchasing it for 20$ and using it for my new rig. Would a phenom II net me a huge performance boost?

[QUOTE="flyingsnail"]

I like this game, but sometimes you have to trade the wishes of the people against the finance department.:lol:

Just one quick question, I assume that you are planning on reusing your current edition of windows. If so would it also be possible to reuse your current hard drive and put the money saved towards a phenom II x4?

If you are looking to shave a few dollars off the price I would chose the CM 690 instead of the Antec Nine Hundred. The price difference would bring you half way towards an Phenom II X4 955 or get you a X4 940.

aura_enchanted

you woudlnt get either actualy the closest you would get if you were to cut corners everywhere is the phenom II x3

Why???

By getting the CM 690 over the Antec 900, you save 30 after rebate and 20 before. The X4 940 is listed at $125 only 26 more than his current processor at 99. Very do able.

bit of a cheaper case.. just as good

Coolermaster RC 690

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

thatd be $20 bucks slashed

this dvd-rom.. the one your going for is bad.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118031

$6 bucks saved

heres some new memory:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231179

$3 bucks shaved off for you

then swap that hd 5770 for this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102898&cm_re=hd_5770-_-14-102-898-_-Product

+20 bucks.

so in the end i saved you 9-10 bucks maintained the integrity of the build and got you a cooler looking gpu :P (seriously th vapor-x lights up)

will look great in your case window :D

aura_enchanted

[QUOTE="aura_enchanted"]

bit of a cheaper case.. just as good

Coolermaster RC 690

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

thatd be $20 bucks slashed

this dvd-rom.. the one your going for is bad.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118031

$6 bucks saved

heres some new memory:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231179

$3 bucks shaved off for you

then swap that hd 5770 for this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102898&cm_re=hd_5770-_-14-102-898-_-Product

+20 bucks.

so in the end i saved you 9-10 bucks maintained the integrity of the build and got you a cooler looking gpu :P (seriously th vapor-x lights up)

will look great in your case window :D

Ghostradomas

No, but if you could live with it for a while you could get this later on.

No, but if you could live with it for a while you could get this later on.

flyingsnail

True that, Updating the rig. Any thoughts on what this build will allow me to do? I mean like what would my fps be on crysis approx?

[QUOTE="aura_enchanted"]

[QUOTE="flyingsnail"]

I like this game, but sometimes you have to trade the wishes of the people against the finance department.:lol:

Just one quick question, I assume that you are planning on reusing your current edition of windows. If so would it also be possible to reuse your current hard drive and put the money saved towards a phenom II x4?

If you are looking to shave a few dollars off the price I would chose the CM 690 instead of the Antec Nine Hundred. The price difference would bring you half way towards an Phenom II X4 955 or get you a X4 940.

flyingsnail

you woudlnt get either actualy the closest you would get if you were to cut corners everywhere is the phenom II x3

Why???

By getting the CM 690 over the Antec 900, you save 30 after rebate and 20 before. The X4 940 is listed at $125 only 26 more than his current processor at 99. Very do able.

The 940 isn't compatible with an AM3 platform. The op would have to go for a 9X5 processor, or otherwise go with the original Athlon II x4 chosen if he's intent on getting a quad.

[QUOTE="flyingsnail"]

No, but if you could live with it for a while you could get this later on.

Ghostradomas

True that, Updating the rig. Any thoughts on what this build will allow me to do? I mean like what would my fps be on crysis approx?

[QUOTE="flyingsnail"]

[QUOTE="aura_enchanted"]

you woudlnt get either actualy the closest you would get if you were to cut corners everywhere is the phenom II x3

MaoTheChimp

Why???

By getting the CM 690 over the Antec 900, you save 30 after rebate and 20 before. The X4 940 is listed at $125 only 26 more than his current processor at 99. Very do able.

The 940 isn't compatible with an AM3 platform. The op would have to go for a 9X5 processor, or otherwise go with the original Athlon II x4 chosen if he's intent on getting a quad.

my bad, I thought all of the Phenom II x4s were am3 compatible. the 925 would be the next best option or back to the athlon x4

[QUOTE="Ghostradomas"]

[QUOTE="flyingsnail"]

No, but if you could live with it for a while you could get this later on.

flyingsnail

True that, Updating the rig. Any thoughts on what this build will allow me to do? I mean like what would my fps be on crysis approx?

okay 5770 is equal if not hairs betetr than a gtx 260(core 216). so base it on that :P i know that in crossfire their fairly solid.

Here. I fiddled around with your build, and managed to get this for the same price. Full AM3-compatible processor, faster sticks of memory, and a better version of the 5770 (imo). I changed up the case because this one I think is the better deal for what you get. Here it is:

antec 300.. unclean.. unclean!

seriosuly antec 300 is SOO much worse than the 900 id only use it as a last resort

antec 300.. unclean.. unclean!

seriosuly antec 300 is SOO much worse than the 900 id only use it as a last resort

aura_enchanted

Really? What's so wrong with it? The Illusion has much more cooling capabilities than the default 690, it can fit cards up to the 5870, and other than the lack of cable management, I don't see anything really bad about it :?

[QUOTE="aura_enchanted"]

antec 300.. unclean.. unclean!

seriosuly antec 300 is SOO much worse than the 900 id only use it as a last resort

ravenguard90

Really? What's so wrong with it? The Illusion has much more cooling capabilities than the default 690, it can fit cards up to the 5870, and other than the lack of cable management, I don't see anything really bad about it :?

dust collector and its actually more cramped than face value would suggest. it fills up quick man.

Ok so the build looks good?

Ok so the build looks good?

Ghostradomas

is good

Change your DVD drive; that's only a DVD-ROM (aka not a dvd burner). Take this one instead.

And just out of curiosity, are you planning to crossfire that 5770? Or just going to stick with single video card setups?

[QUOTE="ravenguard90"]

[QUOTE="aura_enchanted"]

antec 300.. unclean.. unclean!

seriosuly antec 300 is SOO much worse than the 900 id only use it as a last resort

aura_enchanted

Really? What's so wrong with it? The Illusion has much more cooling capabilities than the default 690, it can fit cards up to the 5870, and other than the lack of cable management, I don't see anything really bad about it :?

dust collector and its actually more cramped than face value would suggest. it fills up quick man.

The internals are similar to the 900's in size, and neither of them have cable routing options. My thoughts are, if you're going to have lousy cable management, you shouldn't display it with the 900's side window.

The internals are similar to the 900's in size, and neither of them have cable routing options. My thoughts are, if you're going to have lousy cable management, you shouldn't display it with the 900's side window.

MaoTheChimp

That's what I was thinking... The only drastic thing different about the size of the 900 vs the 300 is the height (19.4" vs 18"). And I think that height is just for the extra fan on the top :? But if he is willing to spend more for it, then I don't see any reason to stop him.

Change your DVD drive; that's only a DVD-ROM (aka not a dvd burner). Take this one instead.

And just out of curiosity, are you planning to crossfire that 5770? Or just going to stick with single video card setups?

ravenguard90

DVD drive is changed to the one you suggested, and as of this moment i had no interest in crossfire. Why do you ask?

[QUOTE="MaoTheChimp"]

The internals are similar to the 900's in size, and neither of them have cable routing options. My thoughts are, if you're going to have lousy cable management, you shouldn't display it with the 900's side window.

ravenguard90

That's what I was thinking... The only drastic thing different about the size of the 900 vs the 300 is the height (19.4" vs 18"). And I think that height is just for the extra fan on the top :? But if he is willing to spend more for it, then I don't see any reason to stop him.

I switched back to the 300 to save money and the lower profile is now starting to appeal more to me. This is the rig as it stands.

DVD drive is changed to the one you suggested, and as of this moment i had no interest in crossfire. Why do you ask?

Ghostradomas

I ask because I came up with a build with the Antec 902. But since you prefer the 300, disregard my inquiry.

I ask because I came up with a build with the Antec 902. But since you prefer the 300, disregard my inquiry.

Feel free to give me the build, I havent ordered anything yet. And im not entirely against the antec 900.

Okay, but before I do, I just noticed something: Do you have an operating system on hand to install? Because none of the builds shown here have one.

Okay, but before I do, I just noticed something: Do you have an operating system on hand to install? Because none of the builds shown here have one.ravenguard90

Ditch the copy of windows, use the one you have now. Tada!

And if you're serious about saving money, that card isn't worth the extra $30, imo.smc91352

Well, to each his own, I guess. The enhanced cooling, voltage unlock, and enhanced components of the card make me think it's very well worth it.

[QUOTE="ravenguard90"]Okay, but before I do, I just noticed something: Do you have an operating system on hand to install? Because none of the builds shown here have one.smc91352

I plan to use windows 7 that I already have. I will remove windows from my list of things I need to buy.

Ah, okay. Well, here's the Antec 902 build:

I'm liking this rig with the antec 900. I dont really like that its 700 but that cant really be helped in this scenario. Im concerned that the 650w PSU may not be sufficient for my needs. Any thoughts?

The 650w is good enough for anything up to the 5870/GTX 480. The only setback is that you won't be able to do any dual-GPU setups. Hence, why I asked you if you were planning a multi-gpu setup.

[QUOTE="Ghostradomas"]

[QUOTE="flyingsnail"]

No, but if you could live with it for a while you could get this later on.

flyingsnail

True that, Updating the rig. Any thoughts on what this build will allow me to do? I mean like what would my fps be on crysis approx?

Im not sure what res I would be gaming at as the monitor I would be using at first is an older sony LCD that has never been used by anyone. Not a bad monitor and its in great shape but its a temporary monitor until I can afford something really nice. (Which should be in a month or two, also i will be using my tv for a monitor when watching movies and stuff)

The 650w is good enough for anything up to the 5870/GTX 480. The only setback is that you won't be able to do any dual-GPU setups. Hence, why I asked you if you were planning a multi-gpu setup.

ravenguard90

I've run a couple of 4890's on a 650W unit, and those suckers consume far more power than the 5770. Running a pair of 480's would certainly be out of the question, but with a pair of 5770's I doubt the OP will run into any issue.

I've run a couple of 4890's on a 650W unit, and those suckers consume far more power than the 5770. Running a pair of 480's would certainly be out of the question, but with a pair of 5770's I doubt the OP will run into any issue.

MaoTheChimp

Meh, I was just going by Guru3d's recommendation. Although now that I read it, it doesn't really make sense... (they recommend a 550w power supply with 55A available on ther 12V rail :P). But yes, now that I've delved into it further (psucalculator and tweaktown review), it looks to be fine for it.

Im not far from ordering the antec 900 rig. Just trying to get rid of any last minute doubts :) Also its looking like im going to have to buy windows 7 again, I dont think I can use the OS I already have.

How will this card handle fallout 3 (and other games of this gen for that matter) at a native resolution of 1920 x 1080? Also regarding crossfire, how much gain is there in using two 5770? (ive never done SLI or Crossfire and this is in fact the first computer I will have ordered and built completely on my own)

bump

After looking at a few benchmarks the 5770 performs pretty will at that res. Link and Link. I don't think you should have any problems.