jsv35's Budget Builds (Updtd 9/1/09) PhenomII & i7

jsv35 — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:03:34 GMT

Hello all, this will be a work in progress for a continuation of Wasper's awesome budget quick picks.

These are different budget gaming computers from both Intel and AMD in incremental steps of $100. They are focused on mult-GPU when the budget is big enough, with a single card alternative most of the time. For parts that don't affect the performance of the system as much as the CPU/GPU/Motherboard (DVD/Case/Memory/Hard Drive/PSU), I've chosen parts that will work great and are compatible but are not nearly as high-end as the core three parts. If interested in spending a bit more on hard drive space, different style case, larger PSU, more or different memory, then all you have to do is take this increase into account when looking through the different budgets.

If you are trying to decide between a single or multi-GPU set up, just take into consideration that it is not uncommon for multi-GPU systems to be less stable than just having one GPU. If you are looking for fewer headaches with your build, I recommend getting a single GPU.

AMD AM3 (Athlon II/Phenom II) is a bit confusing if you're a new-comer. AMD AM3 CPUs have both DDR2 and DDR3 controllers onboard. This means that they will work in both AM3 and supported AM2+ boards. AM2+ CPUs only have DDR2 controllers onboard and can not be used on AM3 only motherboards as these boards use DDR3.

Intel LGA 1156 (Core i3/i5/i7 8xx Series) will be paired up with the P55 chipset and requires DDR3 in Dual Channel. There will be quad core CPUs with and without Hyper-Threading and dual core CPUs with on-die graphics. Core i3 will be dual core with Hyper-Theading and on-die graphics. Core i5 are quad core without Hyper-Threading and no on-die graphics. Core i7 are quad core with Hyper-Threading.

Intel LGA 1366 (Core i7 9xx Series) is used with the X58 chipset and requires DDR3 usually in Triple Channel. The CPUs are quad and hex core. Needless to say, this platform is for the person that has a large budget. A base budget of atleast $1000 is recommended if wishing to venture into i7 territory.

****NOTE**** All Intel DDR3 sticks must be 1.65v or less, otherwise it won't work or will cause damage to the CPU. This is not the case for AMD DDR3 though.

These picks are just the tower with no Operating System, and at the bottom are accessory combinations with monitor/keyboard/mouse/speakers/OS.

Make sure the OS that you choose is able to utilize all of the memory you're purchasing. If your system has more than 3GB, generally you'll want to have a 64-bit OS to properly use all the memory, however, a 64-bit OS is also perfectly fine for use with less than 3GB of memory.

Interested in overclocking? Make sure to look into after market heatsink/fan products. Make sure to check compatibility with the motherboard socket you are using.

Note: All of these builds will be using Newegg's pricing. People are free to change parts and buy search at other sites, but these are just nice reference builds and ones that might give ideas to people who aren't sure where yet to start.

Just for fun, here is a very nice home computer build. This system will not be a great performer in the gaming arena as it uses onboard graphics. Add on my cheapest accessories bundle for a quality, cheap, family computer build.

<$400 Budget Home Use Computer (AMD)

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jsv35's Budget Builds (Updtd 9/1/09) PhenomII & i7