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Rank: I'm new around here
Joined: 12/14/2008
Posts: 16
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I want to build a gaming machine, as I am not allowed to play games on the laptop. well she isnt as fast as she used to be either! But my partner wants it soley for net stuff. I want a machine that in the future is upgradeable. I know the components I need but not sure to wait and see what the specs are for my fave game. The RAM will probably be DDR 2 or 3. What I am not certain is what cpu to go with. AMD or Intel? Which is the better perfomer? and with that comes what motherboard will they both run on for max perfomance? At this stage the monitor will stay as it is not very old and it is still going good.
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Rank: Enthusiast
Joined: 4/5/2008
Posts: 60
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People often ask if they should buy now or wait for the next new whatever to come out. There will always be a next, new whatever coming out. My recommendation is to work out how much you want to spend and see what you can get for the dollars.
What game is it that you want to run? Requirements can vary greatly so knowing that will help.
AMD or Intel? If you're looking to play games then you can't go wrong with either a Phenom II or the new Core i5. Gaming depends more on the GPU than the CPU so either one will do the job.
The monitor can be a factor depending on what resolution it supports. If you've got an older LCD that runs at a lower native resolution then there may not be a need to spend lots of money on the rest of your kit.
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Rank: I'm new around here
Joined: 12/14/2008
Posts: 16
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thanks blockcentre, the game i am waiting for is Diablo 3! So i can wait a little bit and start doing a bit of research. this will be my first time in doing this so i want to get it right.
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Rank: Enthusiast
Joined: 4/5/2008
Posts: 60
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The requirements for D3 look to be fairly modest. Blizzard have based it around a modified Havoc engine which isn't power hungry.
What other uses will the computer have?
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Rank: I'm new around here
Joined: 12/14/2008
Posts: 16
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Just my partner, who uses it mostly for downloading photos from the camera and uploading to the net. the current computer is 5-6 yr old and is not quite doing the job, all it needs really is another stick of ram. he has a laptop that he uses for the net tho so the desktop would be for me mostly and games! I would probably look at putting a photo editor on as well, havent made up my mind tho.
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Rank: I'm new around here
Joined: 12/14/2008
Posts: 16
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So far i have decide on the following:
CPU: Amd Phenom 2 x4 965
GPU: Undecided, most likely nvidia or radeon.
PSU: Apeva Warlock 1100w, although this might be an overkill
Sound: same as gpu
RAM: 1Gb upgrade to 2 later.
HDD: same as gpu
MBOARD: Gigabyte AMD AM2 S940 GA-MA770-US3
Anything that clashes let me know
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Rank: Enthusiast
Joined: 4/5/2008
Posts: 60
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CPU is a good choice. Just check the pricing on the new Core i5. It's probably very similar and offers better performance with multimedia.
GPU: Lots of options out there depending on your budget. 1GB ATI HD4850's are excellent value at the moment and can be had for around $150 at the moment.
PSU is definitely overkill. With the spec you're aiming at a good 750W would be ample. By good I mean Corsair, Coolermaster, Seasonic, etc. I know little about the Apiva's.
Sound: By same as GPU do you mean onboard? Your motherboard will come with integrated audio which will probably be good enough.
HDD: Don't get anything less than 500GB. At current prices you can get a good 1TB drive for around $100.
1GB RAM? Surely that's a typo. With current RAM pricing, getting less than 4GB is silly. 4GB Patriot Viper DDR3 can be had for less than $200.
MOBO: If you're aiming for the P2 965 CPU, then get an AM3 motherboard. Gigabyte boards are available for less than $200.
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Rank: I'm new around here
Joined: 12/14/2008
Posts: 16
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Thanks blockcentre, i hadnt actually gone looking for ram till after i wrote that post. It is going to be ddr3 ram 4GB. It has been almost 10years since i last saw the inside of pc and almost as long reading a comp mag! Thanks for the good advice. the hardware components are sorted now i just have to start purchasing them. 
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Rank: I'm new around here
Joined: 12/14/2008
Posts: 16
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I have revised what I want, I am a girl afterall!  MOBO: Gigabyte GA-MA790GP-UD4p RAM: Carsair DDR 4Gb kit HDD: either a WD Caviar Green 750Mb or 1Tb or a Samsung Eco in same sizes. as I want two of them then I will probably stick with one that is smaller. PSU: Antec Earthwatts 750wt GPU: still cant decide, it really is not hard but for me indecision is a b!@!#$ probably a new set of speakers too This will have to go on hold for awhile as I have just put an air con on layby for the summer, not going with out one again! Edited by retta1: 14/11/2009 07:10:46 PMEdited by retta1: 14/11/2009 07:11:22 PM
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Rank: Moderator
Joined: 3/30/2008
Posts: 802
Location: Sydney, Australia
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When you're ready to buy, let us know. We'll design a PC to perfection.
Vito Cassisi: Tech Blog
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