Looking to build a gaming computer, need suggestions.

For a while, I have been updating the parts for a computer I would like to purchase based on current deals. This is what I have right now:

CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 2.66GHz - $120

GPU - SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4870 512mb - after promo code and rebate: $165

Motherboard - GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L Intel P45 Motherboard - after rebate: $85

RAM - CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 RAM - after rebate: $25

Hard Drive - Western Digital 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s - $42

Power Supply- Rosewill RP550V2-D-SL 550W Power supply - $60

Case - Rosewill R604-P ATX Mid Tower Case - $40

plus shipping = about $555


I was originally going to go for the Radeon 4850, but Newegg has a $15 off promo code for the 4870, making only $30 more than the 4850, so I thought I might as well go for it.

As far as gaming goes, I don't really want to have to upgrade within the next year or two. If this computer could max Crysis at my largest resolution 1344x1008 at about 30fps, that would be great. Some AA would be nice too. I can also size the resloution down to 1280x1024 or something more standard, as my monitor is a CRT. Also, would a 4850 be able to max Crysis and other games at that resolution as well? Because if so, I may not want to pay the extra $30 for a 4870.

Any suggestions on how to improve this would be greatly appriciated :)

Looks pretty sweet. Yes, a 4850 will run Crysis very well. 30 fps average on 1680 x 1050, all settings high, DX10, no AA.

If the 4850 can run Crysis that well, would there be any sense in getting the 4870 to future proof for the next 2 years or so, or would I not have to upgrade the 4850 either?Trebuchet111

It's really up to you. The 4870 is a reasonable upgrade from the 4850, only $50 more for about 20% increase in performance. However, make sure that 585W PSU has two PCI connectors if you are planning to go 4870.

Getting the 4870 would be better then the 4850 because you wouldn't have to upgrade as early. Now this depends on you're budget but if you can swap out that case to one without a psu and preferably one with good air cooling like the tempest, 690 or the 900. And get a seperate psu because from what i've heard generally psu's that come with the cases aren't that good, so i would go with like a 600W Psu by corsaird or another good brand name..

And another thing im not sure if the deal is dead but earlier newegg had 2Gb X 2 Ddr2 800ghz memory by corsair for 24.99 after 30$ Mail in rebate, so that would save you 20$ which you can use to get a 500gb Hard drive, i saw some for 64.99$ earlier today, unless you don't need it then you can keep it or use it for something else.

I have been researching a bit, and I can't seem to figure out if the psu that comes with the case has 2 pci-e connectors or 1. The only info I could find were reviews on Newegg. One review said it only had 1, but someone else said they put a 4870 in without a problem...

Knowing the model number on the psu would be great, but I can't seem to find it.

I may also go with ddr2 800 ram as suggested by Redxsniper, and use the money saved to get a better case and psu altogether.

I have been researching a bit, and I can't seem to figure out if the psu that comes with the case has 2 pci-e connectors or 1. The only info I could find were reviews on Newegg. One review said it only had 1, but someone else said they put a 4870 in without a problem...

Knowing the model number on the psu would be great, but I can't seem to find it.

I may also go with ddr2 800 ram as suggested by Redxsniper, and use the money saved to get a better case and psu altogether.

Trebuchet111

Well, well, well, I think I have found a MAJOR FLAW with your rig. Your motherboard only supports DDR 1200. Here's a DDR2 800 compatible motherboard, as well as Intel Duo Core / Quad Core:

ASUS P5N7A-VM LGA 775 NVIDIA GeForce 9300/nForce 730i HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

Okay, I think I'll swap out the 1066 ram for this: CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 RAM - $25 after rebate.

I am also going to get a combo deal with this case: Rosewill R604-P ATX Mid Tower Case, and this psu: Rosewill RP550V2-D-SL 550W Power supply for $80, as I don't think the other hec case had 2 pci-e connectors.

edit: are you sure that my motherboard couldn't take ddr2 800 ram? I checked some reviews, and they say the DS3L does support ddr2 800 ram.

Hmm... Anyone else know if my motherboard would work with ddr2 800 ram? Because if it does, I think I'll go ahead and buy everything.Trebuchet111

[QUOTE="Trebuchet111"]Hmm... Anyone else know if my motherboard would work with ddr2 800 ram? Because if it does, I think I'll go ahead and buy everything.Daytona_178

Great, thanks for all the help guys. :)

So I was looking into the Rosewill power supply and case, and it seems like Rosewill might not be a great brand to get. Anyone have any experience with Rosewill equipment before?Trebuchet111

I am finding it hard to get a psu and case within my budget, the one I have here is about the best I can do, do you think that they would work ok, or would I need something better?Trebuchet111

Don't. Ever. Skimp. On. The. PSU. You'll regret it.

I'd rather spend $50 more on a much more reliable Corsair than have a CHANCE of having my newly built computer burn to the ground.

And for a 4870 you'll need something with two or more power connectors:

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

Sorry, but that is the least expensive Corsair that has two or more power connectors.