Any Gamers

***airportguy770*** · 04-02-2007, 11:16 AM

I just got Command and Conquer 3, got it installed and learned my video card is a bit out of date. Game needs a Geforce 4 or better I got a Geforce 2. So I'm going to need a new computer. I was orginally in the market for a laptop. I've already priced out a desktop, minus the monitor. My budget is about $800 max. So far I'm up to about $720 for a nice desk top. instead of building the desktop should I buy a used laptop off e-bay instead? HP ZD7000 & 8000 ( I think that's the model number) are all over e-bay for a pretty good price. Anyways here's what have so far for the desktop I priced out:

Part Name and Number Price
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+(65W) Windsor 2.4GHz $123.99
ASUS M2R32-MVP Socket AM2 AMD 580X CrossFire $128.99
Patriot 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 $68.99
Patriot 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 $68.99
Western Digital Caviar SE WD800JD 80GB(SATA) $42.99
XFX PVT71PUDD3 GeForce 7900GS 256MB $189.99
LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW $35.99
APEVIA X-Infinity ATXB6KLW-BK (Case) $59.99

Any changes you would make????

Thanks In Advance

Cr8tive_leo · 04-02-2007, 11:26 AM

Only change I would make is to move to the states and get prices like those on everything.. Nice.

Wouldn't get a western Digital (just personal preference, segate or Fujitsu) Would get a larger Harddrive (four would be good, raid them in pairs, or raid them all as one)
More memeory if you can afford it, get 2gig sticks.

Make sure you have good ventilation and cooling for the cpu and video card.
Hard drive cooling would be good too.

Tweak your system to the max.

***airportguy770*** · 04-02-2007, 11:35 AM

All the prices come from www.Newegg.com . Should I get more than 2GB of RAM? I am clueless when it comes to video cards, so how does the one I've chosen look for gaming and all-around performance.

jonebone · 04-02-2007, 11:36 AM

Looks like a decent build to me, you can always go over to www.tech-forums.net and they will give you a LOT of feedback, and quite quickly. I STRONGLY recommend getting an Intel Core 2 Duo (no matter what speed) instead of that crap AMD processor.

Kinda ironic, because I too bought a new computer about a month ago for the sole purpose of playing C&C3 online. However, I've read that numerous issues have plagued the online play, including people not being able to play because of their routers. Considering that I had this problem with CnC Generals, I haven't bought C&C3 until they address this issue.

And whatever you do, DO NOT BUY A USED PC!!!!!!!!! NEVER! Very bad idea there.

jonebone · 04-02-2007, 11:37 AM

As for the video card, I don't use ATI so I can't give any feedback there. I think a G-Force 7300 GT would be in your price range and more capable than the ATI one you posted.

Si 4 Life · 04-02-2007, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonebone

As for the video card, I don't use ATI so I can't give any feedback there. I think a G-Force 7300 GT would be in your price range and more capable than the ATI one you posted.

Go 7600 GT instead. I just puchased it for $109.99 with free shipping on Newegg. It out performs my 7300 GS ten fold. The 7600GT I got is 256 MB, but is overclocked. I've been running max settings on all my games with no problems.

With the money you save, buy the bigger hard drive via newegg. You should be able to get 300+ size for around $100.

***airportguy770*** · 04-02-2007, 11:52 AM

So I'm guessing everyone likes G-force cards over ATI???

***airportguy770*** · 04-02-2007, 11:58 AM

Updated List with a new video card.

Cr8tive_leo · 04-02-2007, 12:00 PM

For gaming, N-vidia hands down, for other apps, ATI and Matrox.

Si 4 Life · 04-02-2007, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airportguy770

Updated List with a new video card.

Still not understanding why you are going to spend $190 when you can buy a 7600GT for less that has better performance. My EVGA card was $109 shipped. Other people, that have the 7900 series, were telling me they still couldn't max everything out like I could. Not sure though if they didn't really understand how to get the best performance out of their card.

Si 4 Life · 04-02-2007, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cr8tive_leo

For gaming, N-vidia hands down, for other apps, ATI and Matrox.

x2

***airportguy770*** · 04-02-2007, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Si 4 Life

Still not understanding why you are going to spend $190 when you can buy a 7600GT for less that has better performance. My EVGA card was $109 shipped. Other people, that have the 7900 series, were telling me they still couldn't max everything out like I could. Not sure though if they didn't really understand how to get the best performance out of their card.

I can overclock a CPU no problem, but I've never overclocked a video card. I'd have no clue where to start. If you say the 7600GT will get the job done I'll trust you.

BTW Anyone know any promo/coupon codes for Newegg???

Si 4 Life · 04-02-2007, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airportguy770

I can overclock a CPU no problem, but I've never overclocked a video card. I'd have no clue where to start. If you say the 7600GT will get the job done I'll trust you.

BTW Anyone know any promo/coupon codes for Newegg???

Yeah, the video card runs overclocked. Here is the link with the info. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130062

Dam, I just got some. I'll have to see if I can find them. However, there is still a rebate on this card. So techinically, I got mine for $99.99 shipped. No free shipping at this time though.

BTW, what kind and how much you going to run for your power supply?

***airportguy770*** · 04-02-2007, 01:02 PM

The power supply is 450W. I'm not sure the brand, its included with the case. heres the link http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811166014

***airportguy770*** · 04-02-2007, 01:04 PM

Another question. My current monitor only supports VGA, Is it work the upgrade to switch to DVI???

Cr8tive_leo · 04-02-2007, 02:05 PM

Get a 600watt power supply, your video card will thank you for it.

jdrumstik · 04-02-2007, 02:07 PM

I would definitluy go Intel Dual Core, too bad, but as far as I know Intel chips are now cheaper and outperforming AMD in everyway

The switch to DVI is neglible. Don't bother

Check out tomshardware.com for hardware statistics. Good site.

X2 on that 7600GT

TsujenDB1 · 04-02-2007, 02:18 PM

For the cpu I would go with intel core 2 duo extremely faster for your $$, also with the psu the one what comes with the cases are horrible and usually crap out after a week or 2 :-\ (with a good system), video card do what people have said and either go w/ the x1800xt, 7950gt, or even the x1950 pro. Memory definitaly get 2gb, and as far as psu a 550watt will do you good with everything just listed :).

***airportguy770*** · 04-02-2007, 02:19 PM

Everyone seems to be hating on AMD, I've used those ever since I built my first PC. I am still running my AMD XP 2200 on my current desktop with no hickups. I havn't kept up with technology in the last few years, so I guess I'll trust you and see whatI can get from intel in the same price range. I am guessing the Dual Core is the choice for gaming

Si 4 Life · 04-02-2007, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cr8tive_leo

Get a 600watt power supply, your video card will thank you for it.

Dam, I don't think that much is needed for what he's running. But he'd be set if he has further upgrades later.

04-02-2007, 11:16 AM	#1 (permalink)
*airportguy770* VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Stockbridge,GA Age: 25 Posts: 9,187 Dave iTrader: 11 / 100%	Any Gamers I just got Command and Conquer 3, got it installed and learned my video card is a bit out of date. Game needs a Geforce 4 or better I got a Geforce 2. So I'm going to need a new computer. I was orginally in the market for a laptop. I've already priced out a desktop, minus the monitor. My budget is about $800 max. So far I'm up to about $720 for a nice desk top. instead of building the desktop should I buy a used laptop off e-bay instead? HP ZD7000 & 8000 ( I think that's the model number) are all over e-bay for a pretty good price. Anyways here's what have so far for the desktop I priced out: Part Name and Number Price AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+(65W) Windsor 2.4GHz $123.99 ASUS M2R32-MVP Socket AM2 AMD 580X CrossFire $128.99 Patriot 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 $68.99 Patriot 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 $68.99 Western Digital Caviar SE WD800JD 80GB(SATA) $42.99 XFX PVT71PUDD3 GeForce 7900GS 256MB $189.99 LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW $35.99 APEVIA X-Infinity ATXB6KLW-BK (Case) $59.99 Any changes you would make???? Thanks In Advance Last edited by airportguy770; 04-02-2007 at 11:58 AM.

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04-02-2007, 11:26 AM	#2 (permalink)
Cr8tive_leo Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Age: 40 Posts: 8,251 Adrian iTrader: 5 / 100%	Only change I would make is to move to the states and get prices like those on everything.. Nice. Wouldn't get a western Digital (just personal preference, segate or Fujitsu) Would get a larger Harddrive (four would be good, raid them in pairs, or raid them all as one) More memeory if you can afford it, get 2gig sticks. Make sure you have good ventilation and cooling for the cpu and video card. Hard drive cooling would be good too. Tweak your system to the max.

04-02-2007, 11:35 AM	#3 (permalink)
*airportguy770* VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Stockbridge,GA Age: 25 Posts: 9,187 Dave iTrader: 11 / 100%	All the prices come from www.Newegg.com . Should I get more than 2GB of RAM? I am clueless when it comes to video cards, so how does the one I've chosen look for gaming and all-around performance.

04-02-2007, 11:36 AM	#4 (permalink)
jonebone Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Calvert County, MD Age: 24 Posts: 377 Jonas iTrader: 0 / 0%	Looks like a decent build to me, you can always go over to www.tech-forums.net and they will give you a LOT of feedback, and quite quickly. I STRONGLY recommend getting an Intel Core 2 Duo (no matter what speed) instead of that crap AMD processor. Kinda ironic, because I too bought a new computer about a month ago for the sole purpose of playing C&C3 online. However, I've read that numerous issues have plagued the online play, including people not being able to play because of their routers. Considering that I had this problem with CnC Generals, I haven't bought C&C3 until they address this issue. And whatever you do, DO NOT BUY A USED PC!!!!!!!!! NEVER! Very bad idea there.

04-02-2007, 11:37 AM	#5 (permalink)
jonebone Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Calvert County, MD Age: 24 Posts: 377 Jonas iTrader: 0 / 0%	As for the video card, I don't use ATI so I can't give any feedback there. I think a G-Force 7300 GT would be in your price range and more capable than the ATI one you posted.

04-02-2007, 11:52 AM	#7 (permalink)
*airportguy770* VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Stockbridge,GA Age: 25 Posts: 9,187 Dave iTrader: 11 / 100%	So I'm guessing everyone likes G-force cards over ATI???

04-02-2007, 11:58 AM	#8 (permalink)
*airportguy770* VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Stockbridge,GA Age: 25 Posts: 9,187 Dave iTrader: 11 / 100%	Updated List with a new video card.

04-02-2007, 12:00 PM	#9 (permalink)
Cr8tive_leo Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Age: 40 Posts: 8,251 Adrian iTrader: 5 / 100%	For gaming, N-vidia hands down, for other apps, ATI and Matrox.

04-02-2007, 01:02 PM	#14 (permalink)
*airportguy770* VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Stockbridge,GA Age: 25 Posts: 9,187 Dave iTrader: 11 / 100%	The power supply is 450W. I'm not sure the brand, its included with the case. heres the link http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811166014

04-02-2007, 01:04 PM	#15 (permalink)
*airportguy770* VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Stockbridge,GA Age: 25 Posts: 9,187 Dave iTrader: 11 / 100%	Another question. My current monitor only supports VGA, Is it work the upgrade to switch to DVI???

04-02-2007, 02:05 PM	#16 (permalink)
Cr8tive_leo Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Age: 40 Posts: 8,251 Adrian iTrader: 5 / 100%	Get a 600watt power supply, your video card will thank you for it.

04-02-2007, 02:07 PM	#17 (permalink)
jdrumstik Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Rexburg ID Age: 20 Posts: 218 James W. Miller iTrader: 0 / 0%	I would definitluy go Intel Dual Core, too bad, but as far as I know Intel chips are now cheaper and outperforming AMD in everyway The switch to DVI is neglible. Don't bother Check out tomshardware.com for hardware statistics. Good site. X2 on that 7600GT

04-02-2007, 02:18 PM	#18 (permalink)
TsujenDB1 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 183 iTrader: 0 / 0%	For the cpu I would go with intel core 2 duo extremely faster for your $$, also with the psu the one what comes with the cases are horrible and usually crap out after a week or 2 :-\ (with a good system), video card do what people have said and either go w/ the x1800xt, 7950gt, or even the x1950 pro. Memory definitaly get 2gb, and as far as psu a 550watt will do you good with everything just listed :).

04-02-2007, 02:19 PM	#19 (permalink)
*airportguy770* VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Stockbridge,GA Age: 25 Posts: 9,187 Dave iTrader: 11 / 100%	Everyone seems to be hating on AMD, I've used those ever since I built my first PC. I am still running my AMD XP 2200 on my current desktop with no hickups. I havn't kept up with technology in the last few years, so I guess I'll trust you and see whatI can get from intel in the same price range. I am guessing the Dual Core is the choice for gaming