EggXpert

Hey all, I'm getting ready to do my first build and just started doing some research . what I'm looking to do is build a system that is going to be 99.9% gaming.And the other .1 % for gaming =P.I have a budget of 2.5 - 3k .(not including shipping ,monitor ).I know there is some new proc. and what not coming out in the near future,so waiting a bit is not a huge issue.What I do know is I'm looking for something that is going to run "AGE of CONAN" coming out hopefully MAR '08 .Which some of the game specs. needed are directX 10 ,and Vista OS. Also I would obviously want to have room for future upgrades. I know that some of the new processors are not even released yet , so its hard to make an informative decision.But I'm just trying to get a basic idea of the route I should be heading in .I have a couple of different builds in mind,and I'm just curious to what others may think.Oh btw I have never oc'd and I'm a bit weary of trying =/ . All your input is very much appreciated,thanks

when do you plan on buying it and piecing it together? because right now is a really iffy time because all of the new tech releases are just a few weeks or days away. do you prefer one brander over another, such as intel over AMD, or ATI over nVidia? does this budget include a monitor? a 24 inch would fit in this budget easily.

for that much money there are a lot of ways to go with this build. but i won't recommend anything current because 1/2 becomes a generation old in 2 months.

intel setup:                                                                         AMD setup:

CPU: penryn ($350)                                                              CPU:phenom X4 9700 ($330)

mobo: nVidia 780i ($280)                                                        mobo: Daamit 790FX ($280)

GPU: rev 2 8800gts 512mb in SLI (est $600-$1000)          

GPU: HD3850x4 in crossfireX($800) HD3870x3 in crossfireX ($800)

                                    ram: 4x1gb DDR2 1066 ($250-$300)

 PSU: Corsair 750TX ( $170)

 HDD: 2x500gb in raid 0 ($220) 

 case: thermaltake armor ($140)

 aftermarket HSF: zalman 9700 110mm fan ($65)

 OS: vista x64 ultimate ($180)

     optical: SATA dvd burner ($35)

  monitor: 24" samsung syncmaster ($450)

this is probably spring up many questions so feel free to ask!
 

For future proof I would say Quad core is your friend.

Mobo 680i would be suitable for SLI for future upgrade.  EVGA or ASUS.

PSU: generally you want 750watts and more for SLI.  PCP&Cooling 750watts ideal for SLI. 

video card: lets wait on the HD3800 or the 8800GTS rev2.  for now recommend the 8800gt instead, but if you already have the 8800gts 640mb version then get the same card for sli.

monitor: 22'-24' ideal for gamers HDCP compliant is essential for future gaming. (ps3 or xbox360)

 

 

 

I am not biased as to which "brand" to go with ,to me what matters is performance and reliability.As far as a timeline for purchasing and from what I have read it seems like it might be a good time around Jan. '08 (I could be way off on this though).And since that is only about 6-7  weeks away I better start doing my planning now.Plus I figure if there are any components that I am going to have to purchase that dont have any "new versions" coming out in the immediate future, I can keep an eye out for sales and what not.But  I guess that all hinges on what route  I take with the proc. and mobo.So yeah ...Its a tough time right now to make decisions until the release of all the new products.So I guess the best thing to do is 1.make a decision on Intel or AMD (leaning towards AMD never owned Intel ,only reason) . 2. wait for reviews and pricing . 3. hope they come out soon ,I'm not one for waiting.Now my question is this if you had my budget what kind gaming system would you go with ? (only guidelines are has to have Vista Os,and be direct X 10 comp.,and no O'Cing. Thnx again

jan08 is a great time to build a new rig, the new tech is out and reviewed and the prices have stabilized and everything is in stock. i am an AMD guy, but i do recognize and accept intels power.

if i had your budget, i would go with the AMD build i listed in my first post. since we have no prices set for the up coming tech, i cant set on a definite build.

If you got 3K to burn, I suggest make the most out of it by geting the new chips (K10/Penryns).

Also, new video cards coming out