Seeking Advice: New Computer...

[The 10th Letter]

So I've been out of the computer loop for quite some time now and thought I'd come here to seek some advice. To give some indication of just how out of the loop I am; for the last four years I've been running on a dusty computer with integrated graphics that I use for basic general use and the occasional game of StarCraft.

I've recently got the gaming bug back a bit and I'm looking at getting a new computer to satisfy the craving. Currently, I'm looking at getting something like this for around the $1500 mark.

Case: Thermaltake Armor+ MX
PSU: Thermaltake Toughpower 750W
Motherboard: Gigabyte EP45-DS3P
CPU: Intel DualCore E8400
RAM: 4GB Kingston DDR2 1066
HDD: Seagate SATA 500GB
DVD: 20X Pioneer 216 DVDRW
VID: 896MB GTX 260 Gigabyte

The three components I'm undecided on are the case, power supply and video card.

I'm torn between the Thermaltake Armor+ MX and Thermaltake Soprano RS100 as far as the case goes. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with either of these cases and could give me an opinion on which case I should go for; taking cooling, noise and even aesthetics into account.

With the power supply; my understanding is that for stability and performance - especially with top end video cards - the power supply is important. I was just wondering if a lesser power supply would be adequate for the above setup and if so, what range should I be looking at?

Finally, the all important video card. I've opted for the GTX260 more so to spoil myself. However, I was wondering if someone could shed some light on the 512MB 9800GTX+ and in particular its performance. I wouldn't be opposed to going for the 9800GTX+ and saving $200 in the process if it will impressively handle current games like Company of Heroes, C&C3 and so forth.

Basically, I want something that is going to do the job well for the next 2-3 years as I'm not one to upgrade regularly. If the 9800GTX+ will handle all current games and those on the horizon then I might just settle for that.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[rickyp]

You might want to save yourself a few $ on the RAM, 800mhz is more than enough if you dont plan on OC'ing your computer.

I personally have an 8800gt, which handles COH on full graphics perfectly fine, however I've heard great things about the ATI 4850/70.

With the power supply, I'd take that down a bit too, something like an hx-620 would be fine.

With the case, as important as cooling etc. may be, You'll find that if you cant stand the look of the thing, cooling suddenly becomes irrelevant. You have to look at it every day so make sure its aesthetically pleasing!

 

[Jafa]

The case looks sufficiently ghey.

 

[Artie Bucco]

Check this out guys, not sure how often they update it ( I think it's monthly) but the guys at Whirlpool compile a list of the parts to get for each price bracket....

Link- Whirlpool pc sugggestions

Hope that helps,

 

[Hal3000]

Got me an E8600 last night for $375 (3 months old) and the guy that sold it didn't know what he had

Got it home and it overclocked to 4GHz (10 x 400, 1600 FSB) on stock voltage with a low noise fan on 900 RPM's!

Pristine silicon, like a perfect flawless diamond, I'm so happy I could cry

 

[supersonic88]

As mentioned above 800mhz ram will do you fine, no need for the 1066 stuff. The power supply may be a bit over the top for what you have suggested there. A 620w would do you fine, maybe even something less. Check out this site, it gives you fairly accurate results in how many watts your pc build will be generating and then you can pick your power supply from that:

http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

For the video card, id definatly get a 4870 over a 260. At msy the cheapest 260 is at $355 while the cheapest 4870 is $339, so not only is it cheaper but its a better card as well. A 9800GTX+ would do the job id assume to play those games you've listed but if you're not planning on upgrading for a number of years, id go for the 4870 over 9800GTX+.

Case wise from what ive seen the Armor+ MX is about $148, RS100 $165. So similarly priced. Really its up to you. Only you can know what you find most appealing looks wise. To me they both look a bit plasticy and all over the place but thats just me. I know both of them would be tooless desgined so no screws needed for your drives, cards, etc. Both would be pretty good also on cooling, most likely with options to add further fans if needed. As you would suspect though since these are gaming cases you're not going to get silent fans, but really as long as it doesnt sound like its a wind tunnel when running, then it should be fine.

 

[The 10th Letter]

Would just like to say thanks to everyone who replied -- much appreciated.

Was just wondering what cases some of you might recommend? I've only really looked into Thermaltake cases since they seem to be the most common.

Once again, thanks for the advice!

 

[Hal3000]

HD4870 is not a given over the GTX 260.. both will outperform each other depending on the game but Nvidia has far better driver support and the HD4870 runs a lot hotter than the GTX 260, something to think about for summer.

 

[supersonic88]

Would just like to say thanks to everyone who replied -- much appreciated.

Was just wondering what cases some of you might recommend? I've only really looked into Thermaltake cases since they seem to be the most common.

Once again, thanks for the advice!

Coolermaster & Antec make good cases. But they may cost a bit more as well. Some to look at would be:

- Coolermaster stacker 810 or the more expensive stackers if you want to pay that much.
- Cheaper coolermaster cases with included PSU. Models like CAC-T05 (Centurion 5), RC330-334. You would just replace any power supply that comes with those cases with whatever you plan to buy.
- Antec Nine Hundred, Twelve Hundred

 

[Hal3000]

Coolermaster CM690

Awesome bang for buck case

 

[Jafa]

I like the Antec 300 case. Well built, great price and the ventilation setup is exceptional.

 

[scooterb]

Hey guys, I'm also planning on ramping up my computer a bit for gaming. I've been testing games on canyourunit.com, and nearly every single high-end game, i always fail these two:

The 'we recommend' buttons always take me to a completely new computer, but I just want to upgrade them.
I'm a bit illiterate when it comes to computers, so can anyone give me any insight on how to increase the CPU speed and the system RAM?

Thanks

 

[sblack]

Hey guys, I'm also planning on ramping up my computer a bit for gaming. I've been testing games on canyourunit.com, and nearly every single high-end game, i always fail these two:

The 'we recommend' buttons always take me to a completely new computer, but I just want to upgrade them.
I'm a bit illiterate when it comes to computers, so can anyone give me any insight on how to increase the CPU speed and the system RAM?

Thanks

What it is saying is that the CPU you have isn't processing fast enough. There are 2 options to help you. 1: Buy a new CPU...a good one will cost you between $250-$300. The other way is Overclocking...which involves changing the settings inside the CPU by going through the BIOS. A quick search for "Overclocking guide for Intel 6300" will probably get what you want.


RAM is simple. Check what type..either DDR or DDR2. A single 1GB stick will cost $22 from MSY. A 2GB Kit will cost you between $40-$50. And is very easy to install

 

[scooterb]

What it is saying is that the CPU you have isn't processing fast enough. There are 2 options to help you. 1: Buy a new CPU...a good one will cost you between $250-$300. The other way is Overclocking...which involves changing the settings inside the CPU by going through the BIOS. A quick search for "Overclocking guide for Intel 6300" will probably get what you want.


RAM is simple. Check what type..either DDR or DDR2. A single 1GB stick will cost $22 from MSY. A 2GB Kit will cost you between $40-$50. And is very easy to install

Thanks for your help.
It says that my CPU is good, but it's not fast enough?
I thought the 'goodness' of a CPU would be judged by it's speed.