BleepingComputer.com: First built computer

Hello Everyone! So I decided I would build a custom computer for gaming since it seems a cheaper way to get a great computer. I'm not very good with the internal aspects of computers. If someone could mock up a computer for me then that would be great. My budget is 1000 dollars so anything below that is do able. I want to be able to play games such as the New champions online and Call of duty MW2 when they are released with little to no lag on good graphic settings. I already have a mouse, keyboard, and monitor so no need to include those but Windows Vista will need to be included.

Here are some system specs for Champions Online


Recommended System Configuration

* OS:Windows XP SP2/ Windows Vista/Windows 7 (32 or 64-bit)
* CPU:Intel E8400 Core2Duo or Better
* Memory:2GB RAM or Better
* Video:NVIDIA GeForce 8800 or Better / ATI Radeon HD 3850 or Better
* Sound:DirectX Compatible Soundcard
* DirectX:Version 9.0c or Higher
* HDD:5GB Free Disk Space
* Network:Broadband Required
* Disc:6X DVD-ROM or Better

And it would be very helpful if a link to either tigerdirect.com or newegg.com was next to the component!

Thanks!

For $1000, you can easily get a PC that will last a while and have great performance.

Case: ENERMAX Uber Chakra ECA5001B Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - This is a full ATX case, this means it has added depth for large graphics cards and other components. This case is large and most users don't have them. If you think you're going to be upgrading the PC after a few years, buying a full ATX case will allow you to install the latest components. $89

Motherboard: ASRock M3A780GXH/128M AM3 AMD 780G - This motherboard takes AMD's AM3 processors and DDR3 memory. This motherboard will also allow you to use more than one ATI graphics card in a Crossfire configuration. This motherboard has the sound and network card included on-board. It also has an on-board graphics card, but you will be buying a better one. $89

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz - This is AMD's latest and most powerful CPU. The Phenom II line of processors is more efficient than the original Phenom line of CPU's. Also, this is a Black Edition processor, meaning the multiplier is unlocked. This makes overclocking the CPU very easy. $215

Graphics card: XFX HD-487A-ZHFC Radeon HD 4870 1GB - Normally, I would suggest the HD 4890 but this card is a slightly older version at a much lower price. You can put two of these together and make a Crossfire system. $149

Power Supply: OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ700MXSP 700W - For a single graphics card, this power supply is overkill. However, if you later choose to add another card or get X2 models of graphics cards, you will have more than enough power to do so. $99 (Before $30 mail-in rebate)

RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 - The motherboard requires DDR3 memory and this will do. The motherboard has four RAM slots, so, if you want to, you can purchase another kit and get 8GB of RAM. Remember, you need a 64-bit OS to use 4GB or more of RAM. $69

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Green WD7500AADS 750GB 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - Plenty of space. $69

Optical Drive: Sony Optiarc DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model AD-7241S-0B LightScribe Support - A simple optical drive that can read and burn most optical media. $31

Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - Normally, I would say download the Windows 7 RC and buy it at launch. This comes with an upgrade coupon for Windows 7. $109

Total: $926 (Before mail-in rebates)

Well, first off you need a motherboard. Considering you want to game on it, you might want to get a sli or crossfire enabled motherboard. Here's a nice one:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?...N82E16813128358
Supports crossfire so only ati cards.

Processor...go with the E8400 or a quad core if you wish.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?...N82E16819115037
Q8400 (quad core)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819115057

As for ram, get 4gb of ddr2 1066mhz ram, or higher speed. I suggest G. Skill or Kingston Hyper X ram.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?...N82E16820231166
kingston:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?...N82E16820104073

Video card...since your budget is $1000, get an HD 4870.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?...N82E16814102810
or
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?...N82E16814161265
Personally, i'd go with the HIS one.

In the future, or now if you really want, you can crossfire two hd 4870s.

Go with a 750w corsair power supply,
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?...N82E16817139006
if you dont plan on getting a 2nd video card, you can probably get a 650w power supply, but more is better really, and theyre all around the same price.

and an extra 120mm fan
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?...N82E16835103052

- whatever type of hard drive
- sata dvd-rw
- a case with good room, vents and a place to put your fan.

and that should be about it.

For reference, that is an Intel system in the post above. Their socket LGA 775, which the Core 2's are, is being replaced by socket LGA 1366 which is what the i7 boards are. This means that almost all the good upcoming processors will not work with that motherboard. The AM3 socket is new and AMD will be releasing new processors for it over the next few years. Since this is a gaming PC, and I assume you will keep this PC for about five years, I suggest going for the newer sockets and getting a quad core CPU. You can cut costs by going for a Phenom II X2 or X3, but you would upgrade the CPU eventually anyway. Since your budget allows for a higher-end CPU, go with the best you can afford. It should also be noted that you will not need an extra 120mm fan as all full ATX cases come with good cooling. Finally, huxtona's post goes to the Canadian Newegg site. Since the OP is in the U.S., going to newegg.com would be the way to go.

Yeah, sorry about that. The build I made is more low power/low heat overall. I included a 120mm fan if the case bought doesnt come with one, because theyre cheap and silent and provide lower temps.

My assumption is that the OP isn't going to upgrade CPUs. I think right now i7 would be overkill for the OP... i'd probably pair it with a hd 4870 x2 and 1000w ps.

both our build are good, granted mine is cheaper (US prices are lower than Canadian...should be even less)

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813128358
$134.99

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819115037
$167.99

Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820231166
$50.99

Video card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814161265
$164.99

Power supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...=650w%20corsair
$99.99

HD (let's go with the same one DJBPace07 chose)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA
$69.99

And the same optical drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA
$31.99

Total: $720.93

I'm assuming you already have Vista/XP.

Overall, it's a cheaper system, but I believe it to be a good alternative for cheaper.

I like your Intel build but I would go with the EP45-UD3R motherboard .

It only has 1 video card slot but if you really feel the need for 2 you could get a X2 video card.

I agree, most users don't need an i7 or quad core system...yet. The OP does not have Vista (Or, at least that is what I thought the OP said with the line, "I already have a mouse, keyboard, and monitor so no need to include those but Windows Vista will need to be included") and wanted it included, so add another $109, then a decent case for about $85. In the end, the prices for both my system and huxtona's system are similar. The OP can save more cash, if they don't want to spend the extra money on a quad, by getting the AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition Callisto 3.1GHz instead of the 955.