i'm planning to build my 2nd desktop pc for gaming and doing some programming data input.

since i already have 1 desktop and 1 laptop for basic daily task.

however i'm wondering if you think i'm doing the right thing with this pc specification and do you think it worth it? (price for the buck)

i will use specifically this speed and brand to get maximum performance out of it.

Case: any catchy looking (doesn't really matter)
CPU: Intel Core i7 920, 2.6ghz
Motherboard: Asus x58 (for future processor upgrade and support for intel new core i7.
Power Supply: 700watts
RAM: either kingston or crucial memory 6gb (3x1)
Hard drive: 500gb
Disk drive: dvd +R/RW, cd-r/rw dual layer
Video Card: ndvia geforce 9800 gts 512mb (thinking about going for a 2nd video since it supports SLI)
Audio card: creative labs, xi-fi audio 24bit
Operation system: vista x64
Monitor: 24inch acer ultra sharp lcd

estimate cost: $1,500-$2,000

my budget for building this game: =< 1,500.

as you can see, i go over my budget ... anyhow what can i do to lower the cost down so it's appropriate to build this pc under 1500?

ps: last time i bought the pc for my sisster, at around 1,200 and it's a dell mainstream computer. this time, i'm using different part since this is not a mainstream computer so i don't care what brand (but preferably name brand) parts to get maximum performance for the buck.

please help me decide, i want to do it quick in 1 week. because i only have a about a month to be free to play video game before school starts again.

Forget the i7 Core. Them things are just plain expensive. That alone should cut down a lot of the price.

Buddy, there's basically nothing to prove here. 2gigs on 32 bit Windows XP is the ideal (3.5 max) and having more than that does not improve a 32-bit OS in any way. As far as your build, Jinata is kind of dead wrong considering the lower to midrange Nahalem processors cost just a little more than a Q6600 or whatever Core 2 based. Well worth the investment but if the higher end Core 2 Quads have dropped to like $90 than that lower end Nahalem you got there ain't worth the price. Save Money Live Better JV

Wrong how? The last time I check, one of those Core i7's were near off 800 GBP. You could buy a Dual Core for 10% of that price. Whatever he wants to run these days can be run successfully on a Dual Core if overclocked correctly. An E6600 Dual Core can easily hit 3.5Ghz or even 4Ghz with the right cooling. Just stick it out with an older processor until the core reduces in price.

obviously the expensive cost is core i7 + 6 gigs of DDR3 ram
get a high end core 2 with however much ddr 2 ram you want

or bite the cost and realize thats the premium you have to pay for a computer that takes a little longer to become obsolete

I have 4 gigs and have never used up the whole thing.
my e6600 is oced to 3.4 ghz right now no air.

Core i7 first generations are code named Nahalem and are indeed QuadCores. With that in mind a low end one is like $239.99 when some of the Core 2 Wolfdales that are only dualcore (E8400 - E8600) are around $200. That's not much more but he's getting a Quad Core in the Nahalem. The Q6600 is still like $179.99 and the QX9550 and etc are around the same price or even more expensive than the superior lower end Core i7s.

but the only reason i upgrade is because of CPU. i know they're a expensive, but that's the price worth paying for in the future.

also i'm gettting a quality x58 motherboard, support 3 SLI/crossfire, thus allowing any upgradable processor alot easier. beside i'm already using the lowest end of i7. so for now and future, it's much better than using quad core.

clock per clock compison, i7 920 performs at around 3 seconds faster than the best quad core 9770... so i'm in the right direction regarding cpu.

for me, i think i should reduce hard drive, and maybe not purchasing a vista x64 bit (thats a $200 range there) but rather using a crack version my friend has . i don't know, i don't like using crack stuff especially if need to update later.

also i wouldn't go for overclocking now, thats why i just need some standard cooling fan... maybe in the future when gaming is more demanding. but with a mobo x58, core i7, overclocking is so easy.



lol you again... come again. if you read again, which you have trouble reading. i clearly mention using a vista x64 (hello, you think i'm an idiot? i already have a vista x32 on CD now but i don't bother installing).. quad core is good for now, but in a few year...it might not be fast enough to run those high-end game... also not all game takes advantage of quad core or duo core... so that already a turnoff.

the reason i'm upgrading is to play this game gta iv which i'm addict to after playing at my friend's house. but current system is not to run despite the lowest resolution...i barely get 10fps uhh...whoever genuis that decides to use this port, deserve to get shot.

edit: nvm.. i missed the budget part

Something tells me you made this thread because I put your knowledge down in the other thread. So that first bit of my post is meant to clarify some things. Either way spending that much on a build in this economy makes no sense to me. JK

^nope, don't assume anything.. i actually do need some input, especially if you think im doing the right thing..

for example, i don't know if i have time to game later ... so for this reason, it's somewhat stupid to upgrade..but my current pc, it's a little bad for gaming.. i hate this! thats what motivate me to game is to play that game gta iv. i can't go to my friend's house and bother them.

right now, i don't even know.. if i haven't buy a mini notebook or find someone that i can sell my current desktop, i'll be really happy!

To be honest, to spend that much cash just for GTA it seems, just buy an Xbox and flash it.

Case: any catchy looking (doesn't really matter)
CPU: Intel Core i7 920, 2.6ghz
Motherboard: Asus x58 (for future processor upgrade and support for intel new core i7.
Power Supply: 700watts
RAM: either kingston or crucial memory 6gb (3x1)
Hard drive: 500gb
Disk drive: dvd +R/RW, cd-r/rw dual layer
Video Card: ndvia geforce 9800 gts 512mb (thinking about going for a 2nd video since it supports SLI)
Audio card: creative labs, xi-fi audio 24bit
Operation system: vista x64
Monitor: 24inch acer ultra sharp lcd


Your monitor. Dropping it to 22 inches will shave off at least a hundred.

If you are not going to game then it's a waste of money. I would get a ATI HD4850 or HD4870 (best bang for the buck last I check). Always go for a single card solution unless you have an extra laying around or some kind of discount for the second card. I would suggest WD 640Gig HD, it's cheap and fast. Since you are not going to overclock, 600 watts PS should be just fine.

^i'm rethinking about it...because i don't know how long i can game and with this machine, not gaming is really waste.

but anyway, i also prefer a single gpu, but 2nd one at a huge discount.

i think of building for now and the future, so wouldn't want any less power in case i need it later.

i did figure out how i can lower it down to less than 1,500. i will take out the audio card, and use my current desktop audio card.. so thats save about ($90). and limit hard drive to 250gb (because i already have an external hard drive 320gb) (save another $30)...and without a OS x64, another $200 off.

so total out, i save about $300, which will lower the machine down to 1400-1500 range, thats the plan...only if they didn't charge for taxing and shipping. lol

If money is not an object to you... then go ahead...

but I would recommend that you wait for the price drop...