Simviation Forums

My old computer is bricked, and is no longer worth trying to repair. As such, I need recommendations for rigs with decent power that don't cost too much.

All input appreciated.

CPU from what I have been asking the Q6600 is decent that doesn't cost much. Not an expert but that's what I know.

CPU from what I have been asking the Q6600 is decent that doesn't cost much. Not an expert but that's what I know.

Could you please attach some RAM and a video card to it?

I'm looking for a computer that's already been assembled and configured.

And just an FYI: I am rather pissed that all my attempts to revive my current computer have been wasted at this point, all I got with this re-formatting was a slew of malfunctions, and I feel now it would just be best to end it all.

CPU from what I have been asking the Q6600 is decent that doesn't cost much. Not an expert but that's what I know.

Could you please attach some RAM and a video card to it?

I'm looking for a computer that's already been assembled and configured.

And just an FYI: I am rather pissed that all my attempts to revive my current computer have been wasted at this point, all I got with this re-formatting was a slew of malfunctions, and I feel now it would just be best to end it all.

Well video card is the lease of my problems right now. I would go with the Geforce 8800 GTX but you could try the 9800GX2 also. The 9800 is as stated 2 8800s put together. You really need to look into that catagory. If you want Dx9 then go for the 7800 or someething like that. I didn't mention any ATI cards as I don't know any.

RAM I would go with Crucial but still my own opinion.

My very first rig I ever bought was from a retail group, case, screen etc all allready assembled.

Biggest mistake I made. In my opinion it is far better to source the parts yourself then you get what YOU want. If your like me and dont know much about how to put all of it together then get a local PC store to do so.

I am a big AMD fan and with that goes ATI.

Worth looking at is the newly released Abit AMD AX78 Mobo.

Good graphics cards in my opinion is the HD3870 or if you have lots to invest then the HD3870X2.

I can't comment on Intel, never used one before and for Geforce, I owned one and all I can say is lol.

O and becarefull what power supply you buy, this week Nick got me aware of how important a good PSU is. I mean a PSU might say 650W but it might not have the right connectors or V's.

Goodluck.

Gigabyte X38
2x1gb or 2x2gb of DDR2-1066 or DDR3.
Q6600 or MAYBE Q9400 or Q9450 if they're out yet.
From slowest to fastest videocards: 3870, 8800GT, 8800GTS 512, 3870x2.
Antec 900
PC power & cooling PSU or Corsair single rail SLI / crossfire certified PSU.

Price range please? HP has some fantastic gaming rigs. Take a look there.

Intel 8400 CPU
Intel IP35 motherboard
Nvidia 8800GTS 512MB

Done.

I'd say just to take your time, do your research and purchase only when you have satisfied yourself that you have looked as deeply into the subject as you can, then pull the trigger. I would also "buy up" a bit to make sure that you haven't hamstrung yourself re the better technology out there before you get your machine to POST its first time. Better to spend a bit more now than wish you had later...

Intel 8400 CPU
Intel IP35 motherboard
Nvidia 8800GTS 512MB

Done.

That would also be fantastic, but in my experiance quad is better than dual. Just change the motherboard to a Gigabyte P35C-DS3R (Cheap) or some kind of X38 (Expensive but PCI-E 2.0 support which helps on 3870x2 and other newer cards).

It seems you cant go wrong with this:

Q6600
8800 GT or GTS 512 maybe even 3870X2
2GB or more of DDR2 800MHz or faster ram
quality 500W+ PSU with at least 30Amps total on 12V rail(s)

I Just built the computer with the specs in my sig in late january.  The total cost including monitor was about $1200.  I don't know what your price limit is, but if you let us know we could help you pick something that will make you happy and fit in your range.

Price range: between $1000 and $2000

I'd go with the new Intel Core 2 quad Q9450, it's faster than the Q6700, but cheaper, and overclocks better.

For board, Gigabyte X38, it supports DDR2 and PCI-E 2.0, overclocks very well. 2x1gb or 2x2gb of DDR2-1066. There's also DDR3, but it's VERY expensive and you need a VERY expensive board (ASUS Maximus Extreme) to make use of it (Or you can drop PCI-E 2.0 support and get one that supports DDR3 - P35C-DS3R). Main advantage of DDR3 is that you can run the memory at the same speed as the FSB even with massive overclocks, which can have performance advantages. Doesn't justify the price IMO.

PCI-E 2.0 is backwards compatible, but it lets the slot supply more power to the videocard itself, so you may be loosing out in performance and features in the future if you don't have it, right now you're fine with normal PCI-E, unless you go with the Radeon 3870x2.

Nvidia 8800GTS 512, There's also the 3870x2, Nick sais it's the best, but I've heard things like it's buggy... ect... So have a look at it first, and if reviews praise it then you can go for it, I think you may need PCI-E 2.0 to take advantage of this card.

Antec 900 case, if you don't want to blow $110 on 'just' a case, then there's the Coolermaster Centurion T05. I have one, it's fantastic.


and PC Power & Cooling 610 watt.

In summary:
Q9450
Gigabyte X38
2x2gb DDR2-1066
8800GTS

Not sure how much it would be, but it should be closer to $1000 than $2000. If you want cheaper, ask.

I'd go with the new Intel Core 2 quad Q9450, it's faster than the Q6700, but cheaper, and overclocks better.

For board, Gigabyte X38, it supports DDR2 and PCI-E 2.0, overclocks very well. 2x1gb or 2x2gb of DDR2-1066. There's also DDR3, but it's VERY expensive and you need a VERY expensive board (ASUS Maximus Extreme) to make use of it (Or you can drop PCI-E 2.0 support and get one that supports DDR3 - P35C-DS3R). Main advantage of DDR3 is that you can run the memory at the same speed as the FSB even with massive overclocks, which can have performance advantages. Doesn't justify the price IMO.

PCI-E 2.0 is backwards compatible, but it lets the slot supply more power to the videocard itself, so you may be loosing out in performance and features in the future if you don't have it, right now you're fine with normal PCI-E, unless you go with the Radeon 3870x2.

Nvidia 8800GTS 512, There's also the 3870x2, Nick sais it's the best, but I've heard things like it's buggy... ect... So have a look at it first, and if reviews praise it then you can go for it, I think you may need PCI-E 2.0 to take advantage of this card.

Antec 900 case, if you don't want to blow $110 on 'just' a case, then there's the Coolermaster Centurion T05. I have one, it's fantastic.


and PC Power & Cooling 610 watt.

In summary:
Q9450
Gigabyte X38
2x2gb DDR2-1066
8800GTS

Not sure how much it would be, but it should be closer to $1000 than $2000. If you want cheaper, ask.

Looks about right...8800GT 512mb would be acceptable too.

1 x Computer with MS-DOS.

Job Done Govn'r.