New System Components Discussion - April 2010

[417]

Well my son just has have to have Supreme Commander 2 which means I have to build him a new system to play the damn game.

He's got more money then me so I'm looking to spend $400-500 of his money (I don't even have that much) on the essential components to build him the best system I can.

I'll be using my old gaming rigs ATX Case & Power Supply (500watt, I think).

Once it's complete I'll be able to use his 'old' system [LOL] as my primary gaming system so just maybe I'll be able to play half decent (I currently use a laptop with an average FPS of 15!).

Anyways, I'm looking for input from you my fellow gamers for components I would need to put together him a new system.

Conducting a quick search on newegg I came up with the following:

MB & CPU Combo $270
CPU: Intel Core i5-661 Clarkdale 3.33GHz LGA 1156 87W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Model BX80616I5661
MB: BIOSTAR TH55B HD LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.362282

GPU $80 ($10 MIR)
GIGABYTE GV-R467ZL-1GI Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125277

RAM $ 110.00 (Free Shiiping)
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277

Hard Drive $75.00
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

I know I can definitely get cheaper memory which will work fine, I just didn't have the time to research it further. I actually always buy mid to high grade memory although I figured 6 to 8 GB of ram would be better if it's available in cheaper yet decent ram].

I haven't built a gaming system in over five years now so any input from you guys as per parting together a system together for $4-5 bills would be greatly appreciated and all input posted will be dutifully considered.

[82694]

are you installing windows 7 ? Cause xp is only good to 3.75 gigs ram?

[417]

Dude, you shouldn't even have to ask that question.

If I'm building a new system it's going to have the latest operating system [64 Bit - Of Course]. I would have listed 4GB of ram and mention wanting to go to 8Gb otherwise.

I'm going to check Fry's tomorrow to see what kind of system I can put together from what they offer.

It pissed me off that there isn't a damn place in town where I can go buy all the components to build a system locally (they all went out of business).

At least I know newegg & Fry's are good about returns if I happen to get something defective.

[82694]

So how much is window's 7 to purchase?

[417]

Depends where you buy it from. Between $200-$250 usually.

I can get a single license free as a perk from my job. If I couldn't then I would be forced use XP still (the OS costs as much as the MB/CPU!)

I still haven't had time to checkout Fry's yet, hopefully I can do that later tonight.

If I had one here I would have already been there bought the components and be building it today!

[82694]

Fry's=15minutes drive no freeways.

[417]

Yeah yeah rub salt in my wound, you dog!

The nearest Fry's for me is about a full states length drive away (Phoenix AZ).

If I had one here in Albuquerque I would have already had the system built and never made this post.

I took a look at Fry's web site today and had forgotten how much of a pain it is to try and locate stuff on. I never really had to use it because I just went to the local Fry's. I could really piece together a system on it at all.

Newegg.com & TigerDirect are more full service online sites that are easier to shop for components. I have comparison shopped them and others in the past and newegg is usually the best average price.

I don't want to be brave and try and do the bargain shopping with the components because then if the items doesn't work you have to go through multiple different companies and it is a major hassle (been there done that).

I was actually hoping one of community members that recently upgraded their system might have some input for me. Then again that would require they look at the forums regularly to see this post and that simply doesn't happen.

[417]

Upon looking at Newegg again I came across the following:

ASUS H57 Gaming HDMI SuperCombo $ 728 [$677.99 after $50.00 Mail-In Rebate(s)]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.361329

If I had the extra $ needed to buy this (or should I say my son had the $) I'd most likely get it. It's a decent deal INO. The only thing it's missing is the DVD & DVD Burner $42 more [$720 Total]

I revised my original order to the following:

BIOSTAR TH55B HD LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard $90 [Free Shipping]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138186

Intel Core i5-661 Clarkdale 3.33GHz 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 87W Dual-Core Desktop Processor $200 [$10 Savings - Free Shipping - Free Avatar Game]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115217

GIGABYTE GV-R467ZL-1GI Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card $80 [$10 MIR & $7 shipping]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125277

Kingston 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR1333D3K3/6GR $167 [Free Shipping]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134854

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive $75 [Free Shipping]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

LITE-ON Black 18X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model iHDS118-04 - OEM $20 [Free Shipping]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106276

LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA CD/DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM $22 [Free Shipping]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289

Total $654 + 7 shipping - $10 MIR = $651

Possible Additions [Later On]

The CPU comes with a heat sink & fan but if I want it to run cool as a cucumber I need --> Prolimatech Megahalems Rev.B CPU Cooler $65
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835242001

Everyone needs multiple hard drives so I would get another one --> Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive $75 [Free Shipping]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

Now I just got to do is make sure the MB will fit in my old system case and I have a minimum of a 500 watt power supply to run it.

If I can't use my old case & power supply then I should buy the Combo and just add the DVD drives and then buy another 4GB of ram down the road.

What you guys think?

[5316]

Yeah, just keep in mind, you don't have to go all out. Supcom 2 will run on damn near anything. However, I would suggest a good Processor. The games AI makes an enormous amount of calculations per second, and it really can bog down a CPU. I notice I get a bit of slow down on large 3v3 or 4v4 matches online

Otherwise, you can't really go wrong. Get a decent GFX card, good CPU and plenty of ram and you're good to go!

[417]

Thanks for the reply 5316. The system has to be built on a budget somewhat but I think what I suggested below will more then suffice (at least for games released in the next two years).

Anything above a 3Ghz processor is recommended for SC2, 6GB of RAM damn well better be enough for any game on the market currently and a 1GB GPU damn well better be enough to play SC2 smoothly.

What I'm trying to do is build him a middle to high end system which won't be out of date in two years (hopefully four minimum) because as games continue to progress so will their hardware requirements.

The ability to upgrade the CPU is a must as well. The motherboard I picked will take an i7 so that at least gives me the ability to upgrade processors down the down if needed and to add a little more RAM if it's needed.

Any suggestions on other hardware and or different vendors to get it from would be appreciated.

I'm not sure what's the best video card to buy for a lower priced one. I haven't bought a video card for a gaming rig in way to long (AGP days).

[417]

Well I also could just take the lazy mans approach (take it out of the box and setup the OS) by buying a pre-made system from iBUYPOWER

$560 + $15 Shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227241



Brand iBUYPOWER - Model Gamer Power 540D3
Processor AMD Athlon II X2 250(3.0GHz) - 64 bit Dual Core Processor - Cache Per Processor 2 x 1MB L2 Cache
Memory 4GB DDR3 1333
Hard Drive 500GB SATA II
Optical Drive 1 24X DL DVD+/-RW Drive
Graphics ATI Radeon HD 5450 1GB
Audio Sound card - Integrated
Ethernet 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet
Power Supply 480W
Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Special Features NZXT GAMMA Gaming Tower
Motherboard: Chipset AMD 770
CPU Type Athlon II X2 - Speed 250(3.0GHz) L2 Cache Per
CPU 2 x 1MB - Socket Type AM3 - 64 bit Dual Core Processor
GPU/VPU Type ATI Radeon HD 5450 - PCI Express 2.0 x16
Memory Capacity 4GB DDR3 - DDR3 1333 DIMM 240-pin 2GB x 2
Memory Slot (Total) 4 - Memory Slot (Available) 2 -Maximum Memory Supported 16GB
Hard Drive 500GB SATA II
Optical Drive DVD±RW - 24X DL DVD+/-RW Drive
Audio Chipset Integrated - 8 channels Communications
LAN Chipset Integrated - Speed 10/100/1000Mbps
Front Panel Ports: USB 2 - 1 x eSATA (based on motherboard availability) - Audio Ports 2
Back Panel Ports: COM 1 - LPT 1 - Rear USB 6 - RJ45 1 port
Rear Audio Ports 6 ports - S/P DIF 1 x Optical S/PDIF Out
External Bays 4 x external 5.25" drive bays
Internal Bays 6 x internal 3.5" drive bays
PCI Slots (Available/Total) 1 x PCI-Express x16 - 2 x PCI-Express x1 - 3 x PCI

Physical Spec: Dimensions 20.78" x 7.48" x 17.64" & Weight 24.00 lbs.
Manufacturer Warranty: Parts/Labor 1 year limited

Only upgrades I would see it needing would be 2GB RAM and another hard drive which could be bought down the road (for cheap most likely as well).

This is somewhat appealing (being already setup and having a preinstalled OS is a plus) as long as I know it will run Supreme Commander very well.

[417]

Well I opted to go the quick and easy route and but the slightly lower end system which was already put together and includes a system configured copy of the OS. Total: $574.98

That way just maybe I'll be able to utilize my old case/power supply and build me a system using the specs I listed for me a new gaming rig near the end of the year.

Until then I'll use my sons older gaming rig so at least I'll be able to play HL based games without to much CPU/Video card lag (which is insane on the laptop I have been playing on for the last year).

Once I get the new system in and setup I'll make a post with an update on how it works. Then maybe I'll make my wish list for the components to build me a new system on this thread.

Thanks for your input fellas ..

[82694]

Is it there yet?

[417]

LOL - No! I'm way to cheap/poor to get expedited shipping. Not to mention I won't have time to start getting it setup for my son until the weekend.

He doesn't have SC2 yet anyways so it's not like he can start playing the game he wants right away anyways. It's going to take a good amount of time to get all his other games installed setup as it is.

I'll post a reply with what I think of the system after I have had time to set it up and see how it runs for him.