EggXpert

Hey,

I'd like to create a $1,000 system incl. monitor.

I like both AMD and Intel, but I go with what you guys say as I haven't been in the field for a while ;)

Also, I was going to go with the 8000gt but I heard that the Radeon HD4850 is supposed to be the best card you can get for the price, so I wouldn't mind spending the few extra dollars.

 I don't need tooooo much disk space. 500GB is def. enough.

I'm not sure whether 4GB of ram or only 3GB because I heard that 32bit OS' only recognize up to 3GB. If I choose a 64bit OS will I have compatibility issues?

The monitor should be either 20" or 22" whichever is a better deal. I prefer quality over size though. I also doubt that I will ever play games at a super high resolution. What would you recommend? I really like the larger size because I also do graphic design, but I wouldn't want to compromise quality.

I don't need an overkill PSU, just in advance ;)

And do you think I should just go with my old Windows XP Pro or do I really have to upgrade to VISTA?

Thank you so much for your help in advance. I will consider EACH answer :)

 

mp
 

I personally recommend sticking with xp pro because the only advantage of going to vista is dx10. This is the build that i came up with for about 1,000$ using Intel. You don't have a big enough budget for something like the 4850 if you want the monitor to be included in the 1,000$. Most of my builds are just the computer for around that price range.

Hi,

Heres two builds for you to look at.

AMD Build

1		Acer AL2216Wbd Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor with HDCP support - Retail Model #:ET.2216B.0D0 Item #:N82E16824009094 Return Policy:[LCD] Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy In Stock	$249.99	-$20.00 Instant	$229.99
1		VisionTek 900241 Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail Model #:900241 Item #:N82E16814129112 Return Policy:Standard Return Policy In Stock Mail-in Rebate	$199.99	-$10.00 Instant	$189.99
1		G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail Model #:F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ Item #:N82E16820231122 Return Policy:Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy In Stock	$119.99	-$40.00 Instant	$79.99
1		Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD - OEM Model #:66I-01939 Item #:N82E16832116488 Return Policy:Software Return Policy In Stock	$119.99	-$10.00 Instant	$109.99
1		Western Digital Caviar SE WD5000AAJS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM Model #:WD5000AAJS Item #:N82E16822136178 Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy In Stock	$74.99		$74.99
1		CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 Power Supply - Retail Model #:CMPSU-550VX Item #:N82E16817139004 Return Policy:Standard Return Policy In Stock Mail-in Rebate	$104.99	-$15.00 Instant	$89.99
1		AMD Athlon 64 X2 5400+ Brisbane 2.8GHz Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADO5400DOBOX - Retail Model #:ADO5400DOBOX Item #:N82E16819103235 Return Policy:Processors (CPUs) Return Policy In Stock	$87.00		$87.00
1		MSI K9A2 CF-F V2 AM2+/AM2 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail Model #:K9A2 CF-F V2 Item #:N82E16813130172 Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy In Stock	$94.99		$94.99
1		COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 RC-534-KKN2-GP Black Aluminum & Mesh bezel / SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail Model #:RC-534-KKN2-GP Item #:N82E16811119106 Return Policy:Standard Return Policy In Stock	$52.99		$52.99
1		LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04 - OEM Model #:iHAS120-04 Item #:N82E16827106263 Return Policy:Standard Return Policy In Stock	$23.99		$23.99
Subtotal:					$1,033.91

or Intel Build

1		VisionTek 900241 Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail Model #:900241 Item #:N82E16814129112 Return Policy:Standard Return Policy In Stock Mail-in Rebate	$199.99	-$10.00 Instant	$189.99
1		G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail Model #:F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ Item #:N82E16820231122 Return Policy:Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy In Stock	$119.99	-$40.00 Instant	$79.99
1		Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM Model #:WD5000AAKS Item #:N82E16822136073 Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy In Stock	$79.99		$79.99
1		LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04 - OEM Model #:iHAS120-04 Item #:N82E16827106263 Return Policy:Standard Return Policy In Stock	$23.99		$23.99
1		Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD - OEM Model #:66I-01939 Item #:N82E16832116488 Return Policy:Software Return Policy In Stock	$119.99	-$10.00 Instant	$109.99
1		COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail Model #:CAC-T05-UW Item #:N82E16811119068 Return Policy:Standard Return Policy In Stock	$54.99	-$5.00 Instant	$49.99
1		Acer AL2216Wbd Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor with HDCP support - Retail Model #:ET.2216B.0D0 Item #:N82E16824009094 Return Policy:[LCD] Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy In Stock	$249.99	-$20.00 Instant	$229.99
1		Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 Wolfdale 2.53GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80571E7200 - Retail Model #:BX80571E7200 Item #:N82E16819115052 Return Policy:Processors (CPUs) Return Policy In Stock	$129.99		$129.99
1		BIOSTAR TForce TP43D2A7 LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail Model #:TForce TP43D2A7 Item #:N82E16813138122 Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy In Stock Mail-in Rebate	$89.99		$89.99
1		SILVERSTONE ST50F 500W ATX12V Power Supply - Retail Model #:ST50F Item #:N82E16817256037 Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy In Stock	$74.99	-$5.00 Instant	$69.99
Subtotal:					$1,053.90

 

Ok,

These two build would be comparible in performance at stock settings.. they have pretty much what you asked for.. 22" LCD, HD 4850, 4GB memory.... There are some differences though.

The thing that makes the Intel build desirable is that the E7200 CPU and the BioStar MB will overclock very well ( I would suggest adding an aftermarket heatsink/fan if you choose to do so). Being that this CPU/MB combo overclocks so well, you can have a large amount of computing power on the cheap. the down side is that you dont have the option to add another HD 4850 in the future.

Now, the thing that makes the AMD build desirable is that the motherboard and power supply in this build can handle a second HD 4850, to set-up Crossfire in the future.. giving you a substantial graphics edge over the intel build. The down side is AMD's do not overclock as well as Intels.

I will put this in pespective... If it was me buying, I'd go with the AMD build for the option of going crossfire in the future. The reason I say that is, its almost the same as my system and I can play everything out there on high or max. I have a 5200+ 2.6GHz, 2 GB ram, the Corsair 550w and the HD 4850... so the AMD build I posted above is actually faster then what I got, so Im confident that it will run well for you.

Hope this gives you some Ideas.

Wasper

Thank you guys for your help.

I will probably stick with my XP Pro as mentioned before.

I am not too concerned about the future, to be honest. Crossfire is cool, but I might not even use it in the future and just upgrade to another GPU. Im one of the lazy kind. Not lazy enough to buy at Dell or HP though ;-)

Thus, I'd prefer the Intel build. What do you think about going up the list in terms of the CPU and getting the next fastest? I'm not sure if I can handle all those heat issues and by the time I buy a new market fan I ended up paying almost as much as for the 3.0Ghz processor, don't you think?

 Also, what do you think about these cases:

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=939PL&cat=CAS

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=HAPPY-4&cat=CAS

http://www.xoxide.com/modtek-tbr2500-case-black.html

What do you think about those built in PSU's? And what about the huge fans, are they going to cause extra noise? I don't really like the cases on newegg too much....
 

The cases are cool but not always the best for proper airflow. If you want a high quality case that will keep your computer cool you want something like the Antec 900, cooler master 590, or cooler master 690. Also 99% of the time the included Power Supply's are complete garbage.

Hi,

Ok.. so your reuseing your XP Pro... no problem... can put that money elsewhere.

I would stay away from PSUs that come with cases.. 99% of the time you get garbage.

You can always go with something like this for an AMD build.. 3.0GHz dual-core with nice overclocking MB and nice hardwhere throughout without skimping...

1		CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 Power Supply - Retail Model #:CMPSU-550VX Item #:N82E16817139004 Return Policy:Standard Return Policy In Stock Mail-in Rebate	$104.99	-$15.00 Instant	$89.99
1		LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04 - OEM Model #:iHAS120-04 Item #:N82E16827106263 Return Policy:Standard Return Policy In Stock	$23.99		$23.99
1		G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail Model #:F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ Item #:N82E16820231122 Return Policy:Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy In Stock	$119.99	-$40.00 Instant	$79.99
1		AMD Athlon 64 X2 5800+ Brisbane 3.0GHz Socket AM2 89W Dual-Core Processor Model ADA5800IAA5DO - OEM Model #:ADA5800IAA5DO Item #:N82E16819103274 Return Policy:Processors (CPUs) Return Policy In Stock	$95.99		$95.99
1		BIOSTAR TA770 A2+ AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail Model #:TA770 A2+ Item #:N82E16813138102 Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy In Stock	$79.99		$79.99
1		Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM Model #:ARCTIC SILVER 5 Item #:N82E16835100007 Return Policy:Consumable Items Return Policy In Stock	$5.99		$5.99
1		Western Digital Caviar GP WD5000AACS 500GB 5400 to 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM Model #:WD5000AACS Item #:N82E16822136149 Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy In Stock	$79.99		$79.99
1		VisionTek 900241 Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail Model #:900241 Item #:N82E16814129112 Return Policy:Standard Return Policy In Stock Mail-in Rebate	$199.99	-$10.00 Instant	$189.99
1		COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail Model #:RC-690-KKN1-GP Item #:N82E16811119137 Return Policy:Standard Return Policy In Stock	$84.99	-$5.00 Instant	$79.99
1		ZALMAN CNPS 9300AT SuperFlo CPU Cooler - Retail Model #:CNPS 9300AT Item #:N82E16835118044 Return Policy:Standard Return Policy In Stock	$49.99		$49.99
1		Acer AL2216Wbd Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor with HDCP support - Retail Model #:ET.2216B.0D0 Item #:N82E16824009094 Return Policy:[LCD] Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy In Stock	$249.99	-$20.00 Instant	$229.99
Subtotal:					$1,005.89

 

Wasper:

Hi,

Ok.. so your reuseing your XP Pro... no problem... can put that money elsewhere.

I would stay away from PSUs that come with cases.. 99% of the time you get garbage.

You can always go with something like this for an AMD build.. 3.0GHz dual-core with nice overclocking MB and nice hardwhere throughout without skimping...

 

1		CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 Power Supply - Retail Model #:CMPSU-550VX Item #:N82E16817139004 Return Policy:Standard Return Policy In Stock Mail-in Rebate	$104.99	-$15.00 Instant	$89.99
1		LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS120-04 - OEM Model #:iHAS120-04 Item #:N82E16827106263 Return Policy:Standard Return Policy In Stock	$23.99		$23.99
1		G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail Model #:F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ Item #:N82E16820231122 Return Policy:Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy In Stock	$119.99	-$40.00 Instant	$79.99
1		AMD Athlon 64 X2 5800+ Brisbane 3.0GHz Socket AM2 89W Dual-Core Processor Model ADA5800IAA5DO - OEM Model #:ADA5800IAA5DO Item #:N82E16819103274 Return Policy:Processors (CPUs) Return Policy In Stock	$95.99		$95.99
1		BIOSTAR TA770 A2+ AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail Model #:TA770 A2+ Item #:N82E16813138102 Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy In Stock	$79.99		$79.99
1		Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM Model #:ARCTIC SILVER 5 Item #:N82E16835100007 Return Policy:Consumable Items Return Policy In Stock	$5.99		$5.99
1		Western Digital Caviar GP WD5000AACS 500GB 5400 to 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM Model #:WD5000AACS Item #:N82E16822136149 Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy In Stock	$79.99		$79.99
1		VisionTek 900241 Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail Model #:900241 Item #:N82E16814129112 Return Policy:Standard Return Policy In Stock Mail-in Rebate	$199.99	-$10.00 Instant	$189.99
1		COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail Model #:RC-690-KKN1-GP Item #:N82E16811119137 Return Policy:Standard Return Policy In Stock	$84.99	-$5.00 Instant	$79.99
1		ZALMAN CNPS 9300AT SuperFlo CPU Cooler - Retail Model #:CNPS 9300AT Item #:N82E16835118044 Return Policy:Standard Return Policy In Stock	$49.99		$49.99
1		Acer AL2216Wbd Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor with HDCP support - Retail Model #:ET.2216B.0D0 Item #:N82E16824009094 Return Policy:[LCD] Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy In Stock	$249.99	-$20.00 Instant	$229.99
Subtotal:					$1,005.89

 

 

looks like a solid build but i would definitely change the CPU cooler.  This would perform worlds better then the zalman 9300 at the same cost. The Tuniq Tower 120 performs at par with if not slightly better than the zalman 9700.

What do you think about this build?

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=8821226&WishListTitle=Mid

 

Isn't there a cheapter case than the one above? One that still looks somewhat neat and has good air flow.

Also, what about an Intel 2 Duo 2.53Ghz processor? Is the 3MB cache difference going to be significant? Is it noticeable at all? Because I might take the 2.53Ghz 3MB cache CPU instead of the 3.0 Ghz 6MB cache, since I heard that even the 2.53Ghz is going to be good enough to play games like crysis on high settings.

mpdegn:

 

I heard that even the 2.53Ghz is going to be good enough to play games like crysis on high settings.

I don't know what you've heard but that can't be further from the truth. The processor is the biggest bottleneck for the video card. You want a minimal of 3.0ghz for your processor to be able to even try to play crysis at high settings. 

Also that power supply you picked out is total c**p. You want to stay away from rosewill which is a tier 5 power supply brand. I recommend something like this as a minimal, but something like this as a safer solution.

As for a case i recommend either the antec 300 or the coolermaster RC-590. 

It says it right here and on several other websites

http://www.incrysis.com/wiki/index.php/Crysis_System_Requirements

But I have changed my build. Check out my new topic "FINAL BUILD"

mp