PC Building Advice

I used to build computers all the time, but then for a long time I kind of just stopped; the one I have right now is really old. I think I'd like to build a new one. The only thing is that I haven't really kept up with the new hardware lately. I don't want to spend too much building a new computer, but I do want it to last a few years. The other thing is that I want this to be primarily a gaming machine. So, to help my ignorance, could someone please help me decide what I need?

I think I want the most powerful NVIDIA card available, but I am somewhat confused as to what the differences are between the 7900 GTX and the 7800 GTX. Which one is faster? From what I can tell from looking at the specs, the 7900 GTX is, but I am not sure about that since it seems that most people talk about the 7800 GTX. Is it like the thing with the GeForce 4 MX where the model number didn't reflect the overall performance compared to the other cards?

The other thing is the processor. I'm pretty sure I want an AMD, but I can't really afford the top tier one. One thing I'm confused about is why there are only two "Athlon 64 FX" processors on their website. I've looked around and found that there were more, but AMD doesn't list them. From what I can tell, the Athlon 64 FX processor is better for gaming than, say, the Athlon 64 X2, but what about these earlier processors when compared to the current X2 processors? The FX processors that AMD lists on their website are way too expensive; I am looking for something in the $300-$500 range. So what AMD processor would you recommend?

I apologize again for my ignorance.

 

Buy the following:

AMD X2 3800+
nforce4 Ultral SLI motherboard (any brand)
nVidia 7800GTX or 7900GTX if you an afford it.
have at least 2gigs of RAM

Put them all in a decent case with a decent powersupply that is at least 450watt and did not come with a case you bought. Buy a case that has adequate cooling.

 

AMD X2 3800+, really? I mean, the 4200+ is only like $60 more isn't it? There isn't a better FX processor or otherwise for the price? Oh, and one other thing; which brand of the 7800 GTX or 7900 GTX is best?

 

You can overclock the 3800+ just fine to 4200 spec, so you save $60. As long as u have adequate cooling, which is something that a lot of people overlook when building a gaming PC.

 

Hm.... in that case, do you know of any good guides to adequate cooling? Also, if you can easily overclock the 3800+ to 4200, couldn't you overclock the 4200+ even higher?

 

I agree with this. I have a newly built
AMD X2 4800+
Nforce 4 DFI Lanparty SLI Ultra
7800GT (Gt could suit you as well)
2GB ram

Though its not going to be cheap like you asked. I spent about 2500 total on my new system :020:

 

Mind you get a decent PSU with all that hardware. The Seasonic S12-600 is rock solid and quiet.

 

I'll second the Seasonic for being one of the quietest and stable PSU's available. If this is a gaming machine, don't overlook the noise of the PSU and fans.

 

Just a warning, if you are getting the DFI make sure it has the 8 pin connector when choosing a PSU. It requires it on some of the Nforce boards. Also get one with at LEAST 23A on the 12+ rail if your going SLI.

The one mentioned above DOES have ths 8 pin connector - Multiple 12V connectors (4-pin ATX, 6-pin PCI Express, 8-pin EPS) though its "only" 19A.

 

The other thing about SLI; I have seen some 7800s and 7900s that appear to have two cards built into one, but I think they only have one connector. Do those use SLI, or not?

 

yeah, i would recommend you get a 4400x2 since that has the same l1/l2 cache as the fx60 "which costs $600more" and you can overclock the 4400 from 2.4 to 2.6 "fx60" and basicly have a cheap fx60 :drool:

 

la-li-lu-le-lo, I think one thing that needs to be answered is how much do you have to spend on a total system. If you can set yourself a price, then you can see what you can afford when it comes to the individual components.

I agree with Eva, if you are looking to have an OC's system the 4400+X2 is a great cpu. Even without any OC you would get good performance on any game you play.

If you are looking to get a GeForce card, I would go with BFG. Their cards always have great performance, and they offer a lifetime warranty. Most companies that make cards now are pretty reputable, so if you don't go with BFG you won't be disappointed. The multi core/single PCI-E cards you are talking about would be considered a 'simulated' SLi setup. It is a cool idea, but will cost you more up front.


^_^_^

 

It is not worth getting anything above a 7600GT SLIed because the PCI Express bus slot becomes a bottleneck with all that extra power. Unless you get one of the latest nforce or ATI crossfire boards which come with full 16x PCIx bus on both slots.

There are dual GPUs on board videocards. Asus makes them. They are quite expensive but pretty much overkill and games today won't take full advantage.

In the next few months nVidia is going to unveil a 32x PCIx to combat ATI in the next gen videocard wars.

 

So, you're saying that I couldn't use a Seasonic S12-600 with the DFI board? What about other nForce boards? If I can't use that, then what do you recommend?

 

I've built SLI systems with PSUs that have 20A on the 12volt line. I recommend you look for a PSU that has dual 12v rails. The sticker on the PSU will show two 12 volts and how much amps they both give. They are usually cheaper than a PSU that has a 23+A on the 12v line and usually more power efficient. I know Enermax makes some and some Antec models do.

 

The S12-600 comes with dual 12v rails, each with 18A, making 36A in total. It's also Nvidia SLI certified. Is it not enough?

 

It's more than good enough.

 

Does anybody know what the cheapest possible (decent) PSU for this system would be? All the ones I've seen so far are pretty pricey. That's really what I ought to have asked in the first place.

 

Kingwins are ok.

 

This is just a little tip from me, DO NOT pay less than $50bucks for a PSU, and if possible spend atleast $100 bucks on one, it will save you alot of problems in the long run, you dont want your pc shutting off while playing your power hungry games, do you?