Computators

[BranwenUerchLlyr]

Slightly off topic, but seeing as this is a singles forum.. it must be filled with nerds.

I kid, I kid.

I'll be building my first computer from scratch. I'd like it to be a gaming machine, something that could run the new stuff like Age of Conan. Looking to make it as cheap as possible--no frills, just a solid machine for the pwning of noobs.

Those of you who are tech-savvy.. What would you recommend for parts/specs/basic computer building tips?

Thanks!

 

[justaGUYnamedROB]

The ultimate gaming machine?


A Mac, most definitely.





























































...not.

 

[BranwenUerchLlyr]

Oh lawd.. My sides ache.

 

[AirForceTeacher]

I guess if I were building one, I'd get a cheap quad-core Dell for the basics, with the minimums on everything except processor, then upgrade memory, HD and video card.

 

[BranwenUerchLlyr]

I guess if I were building one, I'd get a cheap quad-core Dell for the basics, with the minimums on everything except processor, then upgrade memory, HD and video card.

That would end up cheaper than just building from the bottom up?

 

[JonMiller]

Slightly off topic, but seeing as this is a singles forum.. it must be filled with nerds.

I kid, I kid.

I'll be building my first computer from scratch. I'd like it to be a gaming machine, something that could run the new stuff like Age of Conan. Looking to make it as cheap as possible--no frills, just a solid machine for the pwning of noobs.

Those of you who are tech-savvy.. What would you recommend for parts/specs/basic computer building tips?

Thanks!

My computer is too old for Age of Conan, and I have wanted a new computer for a year (at least) but I keep delaying (I really can't afford it).

I generally get everything from Newegg, but I don't know about other countries.

For motherboard, I would recommend Asus. I think that currently Intel is much better than AMD. Both machines I have built have been AMD so I am not an intel fanboi saying this. 6 or so months ago I would recommend an 8800 (nvidia), but now there are soem decent ATI offerings as well (3850, I think).

It have often (although I have heard they aren't as good now) checked out Tom's Hardware for reviews and discussions. Also, at least for now you don't really need a quadcore. I would probably get one because I like lots of processes, but while more cores is definitely very nice, if you are someone who keeps your processes down and closes things when you aren't using them a dualcore should be enough. Generally there is a sweet spot where you get a good deal, and everything better than that it just better quality of the same chips and overclocked.

My last computer I got a Raptor (10k drive) and to be honest, it probably isn't necessary. You probably do want a large cache though, but it probably is one of the less important things.

MACs are pretty good machines, but the iMacs are meant to be a bit cheaper then ultimate gaming, and the PowerMacs are meant for nonGamers. This means that at least a few months ago, none of them had a really great video card which is crucial for gaming machines.

Jon Miller

 

[JonMiller]

That would end up cheaper than just building from the bottom up?

You have to be careful that they didn't skimp on the motherboard and powersupply. And you can build your own for very cheap.

You probably don't really need any more then 2 GB for RAM right now, and you could probably go with a processor for as low as 160$ or so. It is video card that you want to go for one of the best on (probably ~200$) and those require good powersupplies.

JM

 

[AirForceTeacher]

You have to be careful that they didn't skimp on the motherboard and powersupply. And you can build your own for very cheap.

You probably don't really need any more then 2 GB for RAM right now, and you could probably go with a processor for as low as 160$ or so. It is video card that you want to go for one of the best on (probably ~200$) and those require good powersupplies.

JM

I am not a gamer, so I will defer to smarter folk.

 

[radhead]

That would end up cheaper than just building from the bottom up?

I was under the impression that mass-produced computers have been cheaper for a while, at least 10 years.

 

[Sketcher]

What's your price range?

I'd probably recommend a Core 2 Duo E8xx0 series CPU, a P35-based motherboard, 4 gigs of RAM, and a Geforce 9600GT or a Radeon HD 3870. Any SATA based hard drive will do you, you've got a better idea of your storage needs than I do.

But if you give me a specific price range, I can be probably give you better and more specific recommendations. Also, are you going to be using your old monitor, keyboard, and mouse?

 

[deliciousBass]

Those of you who are tech-savvy.. What would you recommend for parts/specs/basic computer building tips?

Thanks!

We will talk later. I can't believe you didn't tell me about this. I've built like a million computers.

 

[BranwenUerchLlyr]

I'm aiming for the best I can get between 500-800 bucks. Already have the keyboard/mouse/monitor covered.

And sorry my delicious friend, I just came to that decision yesterday. =P

 

[kingoffools13]

April 2008 Maximum PC did an article on building a 1500 dollar no compromise gaming rig

http://dl.maximumpc.com/Archives/MPC0408-web.pdf

I don't know what your price range is, but if you are wise and a little tech savvy you can build it for even a little less.

K
O
f

 

[Sketcher]

OK, here's a wish list of parts that should work together. Some of them are on sale, even.

It's $884 plus shipping, altogether. (Gotta add Windows in, that's what put it over the top). Here it is, do you already have a DVD burner or anything else you can use with it? If we're going to cut this down, let's do so intelligently.

Here's an illustrated system building guide from Corsair. It's about a year old, so the hardware is a little bit dated, and it covers overclocking, which I do not recommend for a first build.

 

[Luther073082]

I only have a somewhat basic understanding of hardware.

Although I will tell you this, if you instead of buying the top of the line stuff go for something thats one step below top of the line you will save a ton of money.

I think a top of the line gaming machine when I was having one built for me at a local computer place (built for free BTW) would have cost me about $1,600, but a machine with everying just one step below top of the line was $750.

 

[deliciousBass]

I only have a somewhat basic understanding of hardware.

Although I will tell you this, if you instead of buying the top of the line stuff go for something thats one step below top of the line you will save a ton of money.

I think a top of the line gaming machine when I was having one built for me at a local computer place (built for free BTW) would have cost me about $1,600, but a machine with everying just one step below top of the line was $750.

This is true. You will be forced to pay 100% more for a boost of only 10-25% in performance if you go for the best stuff.

 

[kingoffools13]

OK, here's a wish list of parts that should work together. Some of them are on sale, even.

It's $884 plus shipping, altogether. (Gotta add Windows in, that's what put it over the top). Here it is, do you already have a DVD burner or anything else you can use with it? If we're going to cut this down, let's do so intelligently.

Here's an illustrated system building guide from Corsair. It's about a year old, so the hardware is a little bit dated, and it covers overclocking, which I do not recommend for a first build.

looks like a variant of the list i linked to

K
O
f

 

[Sketcher]

looks like a variant of the list i linked to

To be honest, I didn't even look at it. Looks like a good DIY guide, though. The one thing I would add to it is use an anti-static wrist wrap attached to a grounded object.

 

[kingoffools13]

meh you can, I've been working with pc's for years and never really needed one.

all it does is ground you to the case, but if you touch the case with your hand it does the same thing.

K
O
f

 

[Sketcher]

As long as the case is grounded, anyway. I like to play it safe myself.