Building My First Gaming PC

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I agree, the 8600GT will be good enough for most games, as long as you keep the resolution low and turn the image quality options down to Medium (for most new games). You can upgrade it later down the line if you feel you have to; you will hopefully also have enough cash for a new card, as well as a larger variety of cards to choose from.
 
Hmm though i think it depends. If he's not THAT hardcore of a gamer thats fine, but if he's considering on getting a 22" monitor, my 8800 GT pushes up a decent 60 fps +- over 1680x1050 max details....

If you can get a 9600 GT thats fine as well, but last i remember 8600 GT's were a bit underpowered.

I don't think that kitty is particularly an ATi fanboy, but 4770 IS a really good card for its price money. I don't think double the performance is really what it does, but its close or better than 4850 performance in most games at a fraction of the cost due to the 40nm fabrication process i'm assuming.

but back on topic. I would recommend that Kuma Processor with that gigabyte board as well... and get that antec Earthwatts :D Never good to skimp on a PSU... coz if that guy goes bad, your other parts suffer.
 
What I Said Isn't What I Meant, But I Think I Meant What I Said..

Hmm though i think it depends. If he's not THAT hardcore of a gamer thats fine, but if he's considering on getting a 22" monitor, my 8800 GT pushes up a decent 60 fps +- over 1680x1050 max details....
That's great news! So are we up to an 8800GTnow?
If you can get a 9600 GT thats fine as well, but last i remember 8600 GT's were a bit underpowered.
Everything's underpowered if it wasn't released yesterday.

I don't think that kitty is particularly an ATi fanboy, but 4770 IS a really good card for its price money. I don't think double the performance is really what it does, but its close or better than 4850 performance in most games at a fraction of the cost due to the 40nm fabrication process i'm assuming.
Not a fanboy, but it's probably not twice as fast either. Check.

I suppose if you play games all day, or at least while you're not running your typewriter on the internet, changing a video card is a BFD. The rest of us can do it in about 5 minutes. So, at least for the time being free still trumps a "you gotta buy it video card".

but back on topic. I would recommend that Kuma Processor with that gigabyte board as well... and get that antec Earthwatts :D Never good to skimp on a PSU... coz if that guy goes bad, your other parts suffer.

That actually makes sense, to this extent. With what is saved on a free video card, you could step up to an Antec EA500. In fact, just wait for the sale and the step up is only $20 or $30 bucks, (from the EA430). That way, you can save up for an even better video card. Contrary to what seems to be the current state of propanda, an EA-380 won't run a 9800GT, at least probably not until the end of the warranty.
 
Woah man chill :X its a free card i know that but i'm just putting in my thoughts on that card.

Its definitely not twice the power yes, but i think its still significant enough a step up...

ah well >_>
 
Its definitely not twice the power yes, but i think its still significant enough a step up...
ah well >_>
Nobody's debating that. But, there are better cards than the 4770, is that true? But they cost more that the 4770, is that true also? So then, if you got the machine up and running with a free 8600GT, you could save your money for an even better card than the 4770, is that true? Then you could debate the pros and cons of the better card, by starting a thread something like this, "my computer has a 8600GT video card, what can I get that would give me better performance". "I already have a really good PSU". Is that true as well?
 
captaincranky said:
Contrary to what seems to be the current state of propanda, an EA-380 won't run a 9800GT, at least probably not until the end of the warranty.
I disagree. A 9800GT-equipped system will draw 250W or so at most, and that is with a quad-core CPU and two sticks of DDR2 RAM. The EA380 can handle that kind of load very easily without breaking a sweat (or anything else, for that matter).
 
The point of my mentioning of the 8800 GT and the 9600 gt along with the 4770 is that they're all price performers, nothing else. Thats all i'm trying to get at, and so i'm kinda lost at what kind of point you're getting at as the only thing i see is why you name yourself captain cranky :X
 
I disagree. A 9800GT-equipped system will draw 250W or so at most, and that is with a quad-core CPU and two sticks of DDR2 RAM. The EA380 can handle that kind of load very easily without breaking a sweat (or anything else, for that matter).

For what it's worth, my current system E7300, EP45-UDR3, 9500GT, 4 fans, 2 DDR2 DIMMs; 2 DVD burners, and 2 HDD, w 1 extra PCI-E device (tuner), using Antec's PSC calculator, my system needs a 317 watt PSU.

The moral of this story is I'm pulling the massively excessive EA-380 and installing an Antec EA-320.

Using the same system specs but with a Q9450 (clocked to stock) and a 9800GT (not GTX), Antec is then claiming a necessity for a "409" watt PSU.

So, balancing Antec's desire to sell PSUs, and not have to replace them under warranty, and making allowance for that fact that the figures might be slighty inflated , If that were my system, I'd go with the EA-430, and the EA-500 for SLI, (or a sale I couldn't resist).

So then either Antec doesn't know what they're talking about, or that PSU calculator is another example of corporate greed, or perhaps I brought this discussion to a meeting of the "Optimists Club".

For what it's worth, the crappy Emachines T-5026 I usev to start arguments at Techspot, is on it's 3rd PSU. The first 90 degree day took out the "300 watt" Bestec, The Antec cheapie 350 watt "Tru Power" failed in under a year with a high pitched whine, and a fail to start. Now the machine seems to have stabilized with an EA-380. This is a stocked P-4 (3.06 Ghz) with >onboard< graphics. Based on your claims, I should be able to run this turd with a 250 watt PSU, but to date, it just hasn't worked out that way.

Now, this is my recommendation, without embellishment, controversy, or BS. If this were my project, I would take the free 8600GT and install it for now to get my machine up and running. You could overclock it, it blows up, so what, I was going to spend way more than nothing anyway. I would buy an EA-430 instead of an EA-380, perhaps because I like the color of the box better.

Now, I've saved $70.00, but I've spent an extra $10.00 (or twelve maybe) I happy, and I know that I can't overload the EA-430, even with a massive upgrade. Six months from now, when I've had enough of th 8600GT, the ATI card will likely be cheaper, or maybe I've saved enough to buy a way better card, in spite of the fact that I've spent money like a drunken sailor buying the step-up PSU.

The point of my mentioning of the 8800 GT and the 9600 gt along with the 4770 is that they're all price performers, nothing else. Thats all i'm trying to get at, and so i'm kinda lost at what kind of point you're getting at as the only thing i see is why you name yourself captain cranky :X
The point I've been trying to make is directly above. I tried to be as concise as is possible, what with my limited grasp of the English language and all that.

Now, I have a question; you started this thread https://www.techspot.com/vb/topic127669.html with a question about RAM, which we tried to help you with. Then after a dozen or so replies you posted this;
Really? i've never had issues with ram ever and i've built from ground up quite a few systems hahaha...

Anyway i'll let you know how that goes ;) no worries
See, now I don't know what the point of the thread was, it seems you already had the answers. So I'm sure this was just enthusiasm, and not an excercise in asking a question just to see if anyone else knew the answer too. > :haha: <Is this where I'm supposed to slap the "haha" ?
 
captaincranky said:
For what it's worth, the crappy Emachines T-5026 I usev to start arguments at Techspot, is on it's 3rd PSU. The first 90 degree day took out the "300 watt" Bestec, The Antec cheapie 350 watt "Tru Power" failed in under a year with a high pitched whine, and a fail to start. Now the machine seems to have stabilized with an EA-380. This is a stocked P-4 (3.06 Ghz) with >onboard< graphics. Based on your claims, I should be able to run this turd with a 250 watt PSU, but to date, it just hasn't worked out that way.
The TruePower you used must have likely been one with Fuhjyyu caps, which notoriously fail at normal case ambient temperatures. The Bestecs are the worst piece of **** I have ever seen, so I don't see it fit to say anything else about them. The EA-380, being a Seasonic\Delta build, is of course far superior.

And while I don't agree with Antec's PSU calculator results, I can't blame them for playing it safe, since there will be the odd ***** who will try running a Q6600, a six-HDD array and a 9800GT off the PSU only to have the latter blow, and will then whine about how "crap" Antec PSUs are.

I still stand by my claim, for what it's worth.
 
what a great bargain you received on an Antec EA-380.
I loved that deal, it was great.
EDIT: Coincidentally, newegg is selling the Corsair 400w for $40, sparks my interest!

The point of my mentioning of the 8800 GT and the 9600 gt along with the 4770 is that they're all price performers, nothing else. Thats all i'm trying to get at, and so i'm kinda lost at what kind of point you're getting at as the only thing i see is why you name yourself captain cranky :X
:haha:

Notice how the thread starter seems to have stopped replying :p.

About 4770 v 8600, there are no direct comparisons, as there is no reason, everyone knows 4770 > 8600 by a lot, but the FPS difference between the two is 33 - 112, 23 - 80, 53 - 157. The graphics quality is similar, 4770 test stating High Quality x4AA x16 AF (Super HQ), and the 8600 article saying "all options set to maximum with the exception of soft shadows.", I used the 4x AA chart. The 8800gts 320 got a 77 fps on the 8600gt article, while the GTS250 scored 128.

http://www.cpu3d.com/review/7716-7/his-radeon-hd-4770-512mb-gddr5/benchmarks-f-e-a-r-dx9.html
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2975&p=3

I'm under the impression I somehow got two different graphics settings, and no, i'm not particularly ATI pro.

I still stand by my claim, for what it's worth.
What would you say about an AE380 powering a low end single hdd dual core system with a 4850, you see, my friend is upgrading :), i'm thinking, if i'm lucky.
 
Rage, thanks for quoting that, it was my technically worst piece of s*** typing in recent memory.

BTW, Antec had one of their "smart power" 450 watters rated about 2 stars on Newegg. This I think was courtesy of those caps you spoke of. They worked for no one, and whined for everyone. You have to appreciate the irony, Antec's best PSUs to date weren't even built by them.

The reason I'm still sort of incredulous about your PSU claims, (although I think TMagic agrees with you about wattage), is the fact that it seems they still sell 500 watt and up PSUs in gratifying quantities. Obviously, I'm not sure if this goes to the necessity of that much wattage, the intelligence, (or lack thereof), of the buyers, or the success of the marketing strategy. The rig you're describing is a fairly potent gaming class rig, albeit minus the "6 HDDs", SLI, and of course water cooling.

So, an interesting discussion or perhaps poll would be, "does anybody actually need a 1000 watt PSU"?
 
I loved that deal :) it was great.
So far I've gotten 1 for twenty, 1 for 30, and one for free, which is possibly an even better deal
EDIT: Coincidentally, newegg is selling the Corsair 400w for $40, sparks my interest!
I'm going to risk being branded a smart***, by asking, wouldn't that be a little too much power for you"?

[QUOTE='hellokitty[hk]Notice how the thread starter seems to have stopped replying :p.[/QUOTE] Here's hoping that he stuffed his free video card in and is in the process of destroying it.

[QUOTE='hellokitty[hk]About 4770 v 8600, there are no direct comparisons, as there is no reason, everyone knows 4770 > 8600 by a lot, but the FPS difference between the two is 33 - 112, 23 - 80, 53 - 157. The graphics quality is similar, 4770 test stating High Quality x4AA x16 AF (Super HQ), and the 8600 article saying "all options set to maximum with the exception of soft shadows.", I used the 4x AA chart.

http://www.cpu3d.com/review/7716-7/his-radeon-hd-4770-512mb-gddr5/benchmarks-f-e-a-r-dx9.html
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2975&p=3

I'm under the impression I somehow got two different graphics settings, and no, i'm not particularly ATI pro.[/QUOTE] M$ FS2004 will run on Intel integrated graphics, as it will on a 7200GS, my 8400GT, and my EVGA 9500GT (DDR3), which cost 35 bucks by the time the rebate came back. I never actually play FS2004 though. Point being, I want to care, I'd love to care, I've tried to bring myself to care, and I consider it a personal failure that I just don't.

Of one thing you may be certain, more than likely within the year, the 4770's price will be lower, and a better card will be released to replace it. I should take my own advice and start saving my pennies.

At least I have an EA-430 to power the 9800GT I plan to buy to not bother playing FS2004 with either. I'd just be happy, nay ecstatic to have a graphics driver that would allow me to run 1 monitor horizontal and 1 vertical.
 
I disagree. A 9800GT-equipped system will draw 250W or so at most, and that is with a quad-core CPU and two sticks of DDR2 RAM. The EA380 can handle that kind of load very easily without breaking a sweat (or anything else, for that matter).

My older brother is running a Phenom 2 940, 4 sticks of ddr3, single hdd, and a 8800 gts with a EA380.

So, an interesting discussion or perhaps poll would be, "does anybody actually need a 1000 watt PSU"?

that might actually be a good pole, although you could answer that yourself. I have a 1200 watt because when I upgrade it would be to add more hdd's, another gpu for sli(when/if its ever needed). I think people buy 1k psu's for the headroom. That's my thought anyway.
 
Now, don't we feel foolish for recommending 500 watt PSUs so many times in the past? :rolleyes:

Either that or an optical drive would push the system over the edge.

Smash; HDDs are about 16 watts each! Just exactly how many are you planning to add?
 
Now, don't we feel foolish for recommending 500 watt PSUs so many times in the past? :rolleyes:

Either that or an optical drive would push the system over the edge.

Smash; HDDs are about 16 watts each! Just exactly how many are you planning to add?


I currently have 4, will get another 2 soon. My system pushed 750 watts max load right now, if I add another card it would be close to 1k watts, but that's even difficult to do.
 
hellokitty[hk said:
]What would you say about an AE380 powering a low end single hdd dual core system with a 4850, you see, my friend is upgrading , i'm thinking, if i'm lucky.
Yes, it should work without problems. You'd be seeing a 20-22A maximum power draw from the +12V rail.With 27A available, you would be safely within the limits of the PSU.

To play it safe though, I recommend the Antec EA430 or Corsair 400CX.
 
Well I've been pretty busy yesterday and didn't expect to see this many post in 1 day. I didn't buy a GPU for now and I'm going to use the 8600 GT and then upgrade if I really need too. Also I bought everything already and I went with the Basiq. Well when I get home today I'll try to reread all the post in depth. Thank you for all the help everyone.
 
Well since I only got the 430W PSU will I need to upgrade power supply when I upgrade my GPU to something like Radeon HD4670
 
I just bought that same combo, but for general use. The case is very large and very easy to keep looking pretty good on the inside. I've learned that the mobo only supports 95 TW processors and that the amd 6000+ is a 125 TW. I don't have my processor, it is comming a day late so i'll find out about that tomorrow. I'm ripping the DVD drive out of my old dell(the one i'm replacing) so its free. Already have a mouse keyboard and monitor(need to buy a new monitor though but i'll get around to that later).
Bought this heatsink. Its not much but it will work for my purposes.


Here is the computer as it stands right now. The dvd drive and processor are not installed.


I'm going to use 7 RC1 as the OS until 7 is released so i can buy it(vista driver work in 7 so far).

My gaming pc's specs are in my sig and now i'm looking to buy a 1 tb drive for it.


EDIT:
As for the monitor, i recently bought this 23 in for my gaming pc. When I bought it it was $20 cheaper but I highly recommend it if you can extend your budget a little bit more. $40 more for 1080P
 
Don't think that was quite nesseary, unless you bought and OEM processor.

Very cool, thanks for the update.

The Processor did not come with a heat sink.

Update:
I got my processor and as of right now 7 RC1 is installing. No problems with the 95TW max as of yet, but if it melts, I'll let you know.
 
Gflo are you talking about my original post of parts??
Well I bought my computer and the parts arrived yesterday and we built it today. Still waiting on my monitor (Arriving on Tuesday because of weekend and Memorial day ):) Also, I might not take the 8600 so should I just stick with the HD 4650 or are there better deals around the $60s.
 
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