Making a new Gaming Computer

[gibby5]

I am looking to build a new gaming computer for hopefully not too much. I've gathered a few ideas for some of the parts, but I would like to know all of your opinions on whether or not these would work together. I don't know very much about which newer graphics cards or processors to trust. I would also like to know if you guys know any cheaper alternatives that I wouldn't have to sacrifice too much performance. Or if you know a model that is nicer but not too much more expensive feel free to share.

Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103675 AMD Phenom II X4 945 Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor

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

Graphics card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150351 XFX HD-485X-ZDFC Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card

I am a little shaky on if the MB will work: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392 GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231193 G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)

That's all I have for now. Any suggestions on other components (Power supply etc.) would be wonderful. Also If I have an old computer case would it be able to fit the newer stuff? I'm pretty sure I could find an old monitor somewhere, but if you have any suggestions that would be great!

Finally I would like this to be able to run games rather quickly. I am hoping to be able to play the up and coming Aion, as well as other MMOs.

As you can probably tell, I don't have a ton of experience building computers, but I have a friend who would be willing to help. I am just trying to get an outline of stuff that I would need and how much this is going to run me.

Thanks so much for any help!

 

[Bacon]

Before I start suggesting things what are your intentions with this computer? Are you going to be using it for gaming or..? Are you planning on upgrading to crossfire (2 graphics cards)? And what are the specs of that old monitor and case?

 

[gibby5]

Yes, it's primary use will be gaming. I will also use it for common things like typing essays and web browsing.

I'm unfamiliar with crossfire, so I guess I'll have to do a little research on that...but if it makes things run more quickly I may be interested.

Oh and I think I'm going to have to end up buying a new case and monitor, just in case the ones I have don't work.

EDIT: Oh and someone else suggested this package: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.239582&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL082009&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL082009-_-AMDbundle-_-L0A-_-Combo239582

Would this be better than what I have? Or would you recommend I buy everything separately?

Again thanks for any help.

 

[Bacon]

I saw that deal looks pretty nice the HDD is slow, standard ones run at 7200 RPM and that one runs at 5400 RPM. It would definetly be a bottleneck in your system..

That combo is mixed with good and bad, if you want all good you could go with this, it has a lesser graphics card, but you can get a better one if you want.

Came out to 803.82 before rebates.

 

[Fatback]

Well your first list of parts looks great the only thing I would change is the graphics card the 4850 is a great card(i have one) but if this is going to be a dedicated gaming machine then a 4870 would be best the 4850 is an awesome card especially at the price and when I play newer games I can max them out no problem but for a really power house card the 4870 is great. Other then that get you a corsair power supply a 650watt should work but if you are going to go crossfire you might wont to get a 750watt. For a case well that is really up to what you like everybody's style is different myself I like a lot of lights and such some people just like plane and simple. Oh and get you a XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler for your CPU that will keep it cool and will allow you to overclock.

 

[gibby5]

Alright so I decided to try and buy my parts local (I know, more expensive but ah well) here's what the guy recommended to me in terms of parts. Let me know what you think. (I'll do my best to match it up with a newegg link)

MB: ASUS P5Q Intel P45 Chipset MB
I'm not sure if this is the exact MB but it should be pretty close: Newegg.com - ASUS P5Q LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards


Processor: Intel Quad Core Q9550 2.8Ghz 12MB Cache Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

4GB of Ram Newegg.com - Crucial 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model CT25664AA800 - Desktop Memory

OS: Vista (Not sure 64 or 32 bit yet) What would you all recommend if the machine's primary use is gaming?

Video Card: EVGA GTS 250 1GB Newegg.com - EVGA 01G-P3-1155-TR GeForce GTS 250 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

Case: Coolmaster Storm Scout Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

So if you guys don't mind, could you let me know how that compares to my original plan and with the package? Also would I be okay with a 550W PSU? Or would I need a 650?

Oh and I have a 7200RPM hard drive at home.

 

[Fatback]

Alright so I decided to try and buy my parts local (I know, more expensive but ah well) here's what the guy recommended to me in terms of parts. Let me know what you think. (I'll do my best to match it up with a newegg link)

MB: ASUS P5Q Intel P45 Chipset MB
I'm not sure if this is the exact MB but it should be pretty close: Newegg.com - ASUS P5Q LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards


Processor: Intel Quad Core Q9550 2.8Ghz 12MB Cache Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

4GB of Ram Newegg.com - Crucial 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model CT25664AA800 - Desktop Memory

OS: Vista (Not sure 64 or 32 bit yet) What would you all recommend if the machine's primary use is gaming?

Video Card: EVGA GTS 250 1GB Newegg.com - EVGA 01G-P3-1155-TR GeForce GTS 250 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

Case: Coolmaster Storm Scout Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

So if you guys don't mind, could you let me know how that compares to my original plan and with the package? Also would I be okay with a 550W PSU? Or would I need a 650?

Oh and I have a 7200RPM hard drive at home.

The AMD CPU you had before was better not only that but cheaper. If you but a socket 775 motherboard then say in a year you won't to upgrade your CPU guess what you can't because Intel will stop making the Core 2 Quads very soon because the new i5's are being released. So if you wont an Intel CPU then it is best to wait for the i5's to come out they should be here within the next month. AMD is always the best choice if you plane to upgrade in the future.

 

[Pck21]

Alright so I decided to try and buy my parts local (I know, more expensive but ah well) here's what the guy recommended to me in terms of parts. Let me know what you think. (I'll do my best to match it up with a newegg link)

MB: ASUS P5Q Intel P45 Chipset MB
I'm not sure if this is the exact MB but it should be pretty close: Newegg.com - ASUS P5Q LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards


Processor: Intel Quad Core Q9550 2.8Ghz 12MB Cache Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

4GB of Ram Newegg.com - Crucial 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model CT25664AA800 - Desktop Memory

OS: Vista (Not sure 64 or 32 bit yet) What would you all recommend if the machine's primary use is gaming?

Video Card: EVGA GTS 250 1GB Newegg.com - EVGA 01G-P3-1155-TR GeForce GTS 250 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

Case: Coolmaster Storm Scout Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

So if you guys don't mind, could you let me know how that compares to my original plan and with the package? Also would I be okay with a 550W PSU? Or would I need a 650?

Oh and I have a 7200RPM hard drive at home.

For your system to recognize all 4GB of ram, it will need to be a 64bit OS. The reason is because 32bit OS's can only see up to 4GB, including video memory and onboard memory. That 4GB would turn into 3.25GB instantly and then less would be used and seen with the video card and all that. Just a heads up.