Gaming Build- need to shave $300 off

bap1130 · 12-05-2005, 01:53 PM

OK, I am looking to build a rig that 1) can play all the latest games (call of duty 2, counter strike source, etc) and 2) wont have to be upgraded any time soon

Heres the build I have below, which includes everything as quoted from newegg.com. However, I only have a $1000 budget, so I need to downgrade a few things as its current price is $1300.

What areas can I afford to downgrade without sacrificing significant performance? Can I downgrade from here and still play the latest games? Thanks for your help guys!

Current Build:

Core Parts-

Motherboard- MSI K8N Neo4 939 Nvidia ($81)
Processor- AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice ($166)
Memory- Corsair ValueSelect 1GB ($75)
Video- Geforce 6800S 256GB PCI Express x16 ($209)
Hard Drive- Maxtor DiamondMax 200GB 7200 RPM ($88)
Power- Enermax Noisetaker 485W ($86)
Case- RaidMax Astro ATX Mid Tower ($30)

Accessories-

Sony Black IDE DVD-ROM Drive ($22)
Lite-On Black IDE DVD Burner ($40)
HP Silver-Black 17" LCD Monitor ($245)
D-Link DGE-530T Network Adapter ($20)
TRENDnet PCI Wireless Adapter ($22)
DCT Factory OG Speakers ($10)
Logitech Internet Pro Keyboard ($10)
Logitech MX518 Mouse ($35)
Windows XP Home OEM ($87)

Total inc. shipping - $1300

Goal- $1000

fork · 12-05-2005, 02:04 PM

Well could you ditch the dvd drive since your getting the dvdrw, probably find a better deal on a monitor, use a windows key from the computer you are replacing, the psu seems a little spendy also. Its not 300 but its something

Beefcake · 12-05-2005, 02:04 PM

Do you already have a monitor? If you do I would say hold off on the LCD which should get you close to your goal. Good choice with the mouse I have one myself

, but it isn't needed and you could hold off from getting it.

bap1130 · 12-05-2005, 02:06 PM

unfortunetaly i dont have any monitor at all since im selling my laptop for a desktop, so I definetaly need one, but I cant seem to find any better deals on them around...also what would be a better power supply?

thanks again!

taterknight · 12-05-2005, 02:34 PM

I'd get an Antec Sonata case or a fortron power supply. WOuld probably save about 20-30 dollars. Also are all those networking sort of cards needed? And I agree with the previous post, don't get a DVD drive and a burner. Also a cheaper monitor maybe?

bap1130 · 12-05-2005, 03:01 PM

The reason I need both network cards is that we arent allowed to have routers at the college I am at, but since we only have one port in our room per person, I wont be able to hook up my xbox and computer at the same time. So I was thinking that while Im playing games on my desktop, I can have the wired connection, and then when Im on the xbox, just have the wireless connection so that I can still have the internet on my desktop.

Also, for the monitor, is a 15" screen good enough for gaming and such?

Forgot to add, but would a 400W power supply be enough for this system? The guide on the main page says for medium range, 400-500...

baronvongogo · 12-05-2005, 03:15 PM

Id get rid of the LCD and get a good old CRT

a lot cheaper and IMO better for games. Could also cut the graphics card down to 6800GT, Or shave a little off by getting a cheaper motherboard from Gigabyte there very reliable. And your buying a dvd rom and burner? why not 1 just 1 drive that can read and burn save some money there too.

weringo · 12-05-2005, 03:23 PM

HP L1506 Black 15" 16ms LCD Monitor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824176040
Just $155 after rebate
I have a 15" LCD and its great for games, the difference in size between at 15" and 17" really isnt much

baronvongogo · 12-05-2005, 03:24 PM

16ms isnt great though, you can get a blur effect while playing fast games like FPS thats why i always buy CRT`s but its up to you.

bap1130 · 12-05-2005, 03:35 PM

thanks again guys, I appreciate all the help I can get! I think Im prolly gonna go with that 15" monitor especially if the difference isnt that noticible between a 15" and 17" cause the price difference is significance...also, I was thinking about going with a CRT display, but the problem is space on my desk is limited as it is, nevermind putting a huge display in there, so the flat screen is probably the better option...

12-05-2005, 01:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
bap1130 Newb Techie Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 9	Gaming Build- need to shave $300 off OK, I am looking to build a rig that 1) can play all the latest games (call of duty 2, counter strike source, etc) and 2) wont have to be upgraded any time soon Heres the build I have below, which includes everything as quoted from newegg.com. However, I only have a $1000 budget, so I need to downgrade a few things as its current price is $1300. What areas can I afford to downgrade without sacrificing significant performance? Can I downgrade from here and still play the latest games? Thanks for your help guys! Current Build: Core Parts- Motherboard- MSI K8N Neo4 939 Nvidia ($81) Processor- AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice ($166) Memory- Corsair ValueSelect 1GB ($75) Video- Geforce 6800S 256GB PCI Express x16 ($209) Hard Drive- Maxtor DiamondMax 200GB 7200 RPM ($88) Power- Enermax Noisetaker 485W ($86) Case- RaidMax Astro ATX Mid Tower ($30) Accessories- Sony Black IDE DVD-ROM Drive ($22) Lite-On Black IDE DVD Burner ($40) HP Silver-Black 17" LCD Monitor ($245) D-Link DGE-530T Network Adapter ($20) TRENDnet PCI Wireless Adapter ($22) DCT Factory OG Speakers ($10) Logitech Internet Pro Keyboard ($10) Logitech MX518 Mouse ($35) Windows XP Home OEM ($87) Total inc. shipping - $1300 Goal- $1000

12-05-2005, 02:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
Beefcake Monster Techie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ohio, United States Posts: 1,856	Do you already have a monitor? If you do I would say hold off on the LCD which should get you close to your goal. Good choice with the mouse I have one myself , but it isn't needed and you could hold off from getting it. __________________

12-05-2005, 03:15 PM	#7 (permalink)
baronvongogo Master Techie Join Date: May 2005 Location: UK Posts: 2,756	Id get rid of the LCD and get a good old CRT a lot cheaper and IMO better for games. Could also cut the graphics card down to 6800GT, Or shave a little off by getting a cheaper motherboard from Gigabyte there very reliable. And your buying a dvd rom and burner? why not 1 just 1 drive that can read and burn save some money there too. __________________ spyware programs: Spybot , AdawareSE , Cwshredder , ewido, Prevx1

12-05-2005, 03:24 PM	#9 (permalink)
baronvongogo Master Techie Join Date: May 2005 Location: UK Posts: 2,756	16ms isnt great though, you can get a blur effect while playing fast games like FPS thats why i always buy CRT`s but its up to you. __________________ spyware programs: Spybot , AdawareSE , Cwshredder , ewido, Prevx1

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

12-05-2005, 02:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
fork Junior Techie Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 56	Well could you ditch the dvd drive since your getting the dvdrw, probably find a better deal on a monitor, use a windows key from the computer you are replacing, the psu seems a little spendy also. Its not 300 but its something

12-05-2005, 02:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
bap1130 Newb Techie Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 9	unfortunetaly i dont have any monitor at all since im selling my laptop for a desktop, so I definetaly need one, but I cant seem to find any better deals on them around...also what would be a better power supply? thanks again!

12-05-2005, 02:34 PM	#5 (permalink)
taterknight Banned Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 26	I'd get an Antec Sonata case or a fortron power supply. WOuld probably save about 20-30 dollars. Also are all those networking sort of cards needed? And I agree with the previous post, don't get a DVD drive and a burner. Also a cheaper monitor maybe?

12-05-2005, 03:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
bap1130 Newb Techie Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 9	The reason I need both network cards is that we arent allowed to have routers at the college I am at, but since we only have one port in our room per person, I wont be able to hook up my xbox and computer at the same time. So I was thinking that while Im playing games on my desktop, I can have the wired connection, and then when Im on the xbox, just have the wireless connection so that I can still have the internet on my desktop. Also, for the monitor, is a 15" screen good enough for gaming and such? Forgot to add, but would a 400W power supply be enough for this system? The guide on the main page says for medium range, 400-500...

12-05-2005, 03:23 PM	#8 (permalink)
weringo Super Techie Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 293	HP L1506 Black 15" 16ms LCD Monitor - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824176040 Just $155 after rebate I have a 15" LCD and its great for games, the difference in size between at 15" and 17" really isnt much

12-05-2005, 03:35 PM	#10 (permalink)
bap1130 Newb Techie Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 9	thanks again guys, I appreciate all the help I can get! I think Im prolly gonna go with that 15" monitor especially if the difference isnt that noticible between a 15" and 17" cause the price difference is significance...also, I was thinking about going with a CRT display, but the problem is space on my desk is limited as it is, nevermind putting a huge display in there, so the flat screen is probably the better option...