Building a New Computer

Technology and Gaming Help and Support
#81

I made a chart in a word document:

Motherboard: $185

Tower: $154

Processor:
• i5 750: $200
• i7 860: $300
• i7 870: $600

GPU:
• ATI Radeon 5850: $300
• ATI Radeon 5850 CrossfireX: $600
• ATI Radeon 5870: $390
• ATI Radeon 5870 CrossfireX: $780

Memory:
• 2 2GB: $144
• 4 2GB: $288
• Corsair 4 2GB: $300

Hard Drive: $149

Power Supply:
• Cords: (N/A)
• Corsair 750w CrossFire Ready: $120

OS:
• Windows 7 x64 Home Premium: $200

Mouse:
• Razor: $38

Keyboard:
• Razor: $46

Monitor:
• Samsung 1680x1050: $300

Total Price:
• $1716
• $2603

Similar Alienware Computer: $3248

That’s sort of the range I’ve built at the moment depending on what all I buy.

That monitor might be a little pricey, but it’s the monitor I got with my last computer and it died after about 2 months. I’m not sure what happened, just that it stopped turning on. My dad didn’t even bother to try returning it for a replacement and I’ve been using a generic and old one for the last few years. Since it’s his fault I don’t already own it, I’m not really counting the over-pricey-ness of it as a bad thing.

The Alienware computer price isn’t 100% accurate since I couldn’t get a computer exactly like the general idea of what I’ve got in the customizer (it kept wanting to put in i7 processors that won’t fit in the motherboard I have on the list), but it’s as close as I could get using that Alienware customizer tool.
Edit: Oh, I should mention that Alienware price is to be compared next to the bigger number not the smaller number.

#82

You might want to look at a different monitor if it randomly stopped working on you.

My parents got a 24" Widescreen monitor that runs at 1920x1080 for ~$215. Still works perfectly after over a year.

#83

Well, considering it was 1 of 3 things that were broken when we got the computer I think it was bad luck. It was a really nice monitor when it worked, though, so if you have any suggestions that would be nice.

Keeping in mind I really like the 1680x1050 screen resolution and have no desire to go bigger. If I do I’ll always want to have graphics set to the full size resolution and that just adds unnecessary strain on performance.

Edit: Sorry, when I ask for suggestions I don’t mean you have to find me a monitor, I just don’t know any companies that make nice monitors so I need help with that.

#84

I’m assuming that is the TX750, correct?
It is being phased out of the lineup right now, and scarcity is keeping the price high. Keep an eye out, you might be able to grab the TX850 for cheaper in some shops.

I’ve had a few higher end PSUs and was surprised that a few perfectly capable units ( power supply wise ) sometimes lack cabling options. For example the OCZ GameXtreme units are excellent performers, but lack 6+2 PCI express connectors. That is odd.

So far as monitors go, the sweetspot right now is with the 1920*1080 23/24 inch displays. Usually get a nice one for a real decent price. I’ve seen some reasonable looking ones ( TN panels mind you ) for 150USD. Hard to argue with prices like that.

#85

It’s cool. From what I’ve seen and used, Dell, contrary to what most people say, make fairly good monitors. And Samsung monitors are nice from what I’ve used.

#86

Yeah dell’s got some really nice options. Cheap, too.

#87

But I don’t want a 1920x1080 monitor. I don’t have a super large desk space and I’ve been enjoying my 1680x1050 monitor. I’ll look into it I guess.

Yep, that’s the PSU I saw. Newegg as the 850 at $10 more and since I don’t need an 850 that’s not really worth it. I’ve added it to my list, though, for consideration.

#88

It doesn’t have to be a 1920x1080 monitor. I’m sure Dell/Samsung make 1680x1050 monitors.

#89

…

I should point out that the monitor I currently plan on purchasing IS a Samsung and I even have that mentioned.

#90

The problem is that you really don’t need that kind of graphics muscle on a 1680x1050 monitor. It’s up to you.

#91

Doh!

Facepalms self

#92

I missed that too.

Anyway, $300 for a 1680x1050 monitor?
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236050 for example.

#93

I imagine that 16801050 is a 22 inch monitor correct? There are options for monitors of that size that have the 19201080, or 19201200 pixel counts. Since you are going for graphics power that will chew threw the 19201200 resolution in anything in the forseeable future I still suggest the higher resolution. Th higher pixel per inch will make games look more crisp while playing. Running games at native res and a higher pixel per inch will decrease the stair stepping effect, so less AA is needed. Games will look much nicer.

Also for 300 bucks at 1680*1050 it had better either be a 120Hz monitor or a VA panel, which isn’t AS good for gaming anyhow.

#94

Just want to point this out, the MAX wattage of a power supply is not how much it draws. A power supply will only pull the amount you are useing. A high wattage can be more effectant as most power supplys peak at 50% load.
https://www.corsair.com/products/hx850/hx850-efficiency-chart.gif
I am not saying that you need a bigger power supply, I just dont like this misconception running around.

#95

Ok, fair enough. I’ll search around some more. Hopefully anything TOO big fits on my desk with the speakers on either side.

Ok, so a larger Power Supply does not eat more energy since it won’t use what it doesn’t have to… I’ll look into that too now. <_<

#96

Actually, Dell has a pretty good reputation when it comes to their flat panels.

And stay away from Acer!

Is the 1680x1050 monitor you’re looking at 22in? Spend a little more (or less, in your case… $300 for a monitor at that resolution is freakin’ insane) and get a 23-24in monitor running at 1920x1080. It barely takes up any more desk space, but you’ll get a lot more “work” space.

#97

I wasn’t sure of Dell’s reputation with monitors. But I know a lot of people, especially around here, aren’t very fond of Dell itself.

#98

Ok… something must be wrong with using the Samsung website itself to find stuff. There are monitors that are bigger and appear to be better and every way for half the price on Newegg…

Anyone use these ring stand things? I know LCD monitors aren’t always very good even at a slight angle so I’m curious if anyone can vouch for how well they work.

#99

My video card (radeon HD 4770) also came with the power adapters, though I did not use them.

EDIT:

Do you intend to set up a server in your home? :smiley:

I would rather buy 2x2 Gb and, years later, if I needed more RAM (which could take at least two years or more), I would buy more. Then the same models would be cheaper and other faster models or with more capacity would be on the market, so you would have more options. It is easy as a pie to add more RAM to your PC, or to change the existing ones.

#100

:brow:

My LCD monitor works perfectly viewed from any angle…

Founded in 2004, Leakfree.org became one of the first online communities dedicated to Valve’s Source engine development. It is more famously known for the formation of Black Mesa: Source under the 'Leakfree Modification Team' handle in September 2004.