Current Best Value Gaming Systems [Updated 9/7/09]

Jam0864 · 09-07-2009, 12:24 PM

If you just want it for CSS, get this.

<$600 Build:

CPU: AMD Phenom II X2 550 3.1GHz ($~120)
MOBO: Asus M3N78 (~$107)
GPU: 9800gt 512MB (~$100)
RAM: 4GB cheap DDR2 (~$62)
Hard Drive: 500GB HDD (~$60)
DVD Writer (~$40)
Case: Thermaltake V3 w/ PSU (~$80)

~$569

~$1000 Build:

CPU: Intel Core i5 750 2.66GHz (~$230)
MOBO: Gigabyte P55-UD3 (~$139)
GPU: ATI Radeon HD 5770 (~$195)
PSU: Decent 500W PSU (~$87)
RAM: DDR3 4gb 1333MHz ($115)
Hard Drive: 750GB HDD ($85)
DVD Writer (~$40)
Case: CoolerMaster Storm Scout (~$135)

~$1030

~$1250 Build:

CPU: Intel Core i5 750 2.66GHz (~$230)
MOBO: Gigabyte P55-UD3 (~$139)
GPU: ATI Radeon HD 5850 (~$350)
PSU: Good 600W PSU (~$120)
RAM: 4gb 1600MHz (~$130)
Hard Drive: 750GB HDD ($85)
DVD Writer (~$40)
Case: NZXT Tempest (~$165)

~$1260

~$1600 Build

CPU: Intel Core i7 920 (~$350)
MOBO: Asus P6T-SE (~$270)
GPU: ATI Radeon HD 5850 ($~350)
PSU: Good 750W PSU (if you want crossfire down the line, otherwise 550w) ($180)
RAM: 6GB 1600MHz DDR3 (~$160)
Hard Drive: 1TB HDD ($~90)
DVD Writer (~$40)
Case: NZXT Tempest (~$165)

~$1605

~$2100 Build (epeen factor)

CPU: Intel Core i7 920 (~$350)
MOBO: Asus P6T-SE (~$270)
GPU: ATI Radeon HD 5970 ($~835)
PSU: Good 750W PSU ($180)
RAM: 6GB 1600MHz DDR3 (~$160)
Hard Drive: 1TB HDD ($~90)
DVD Writer (~$40)
Case: NZXT Tempest (~$165)

~$2090

These are strictly gaming systems, so graphics cards are beefed up, didn't bother with SSD's, (don't help fps, only load times) and 4gb-6gb ram. (video editors add some more)

If you're making a PC Config for someone else and find it's very hard to display in MSN with prices etc, use this. Create PC Config

EUPHOBiA · 09-07-2009, 03:50 PM

All looks good but you should change the c2ds to phenomII 720's

SubNoize · 09-07-2009, 03:53 PM

ima buy a $2500+ computer soon XD cheers for this helps me start with a base =]

Jam0864 · 09-07-2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EUPHOBiA

All looks good but you should change the c2ds to phenomII 720's

Not for gaming. I'm a fan of phenom II's, but dual cores are better for gaming still.

xr6_turbo · 09-07-2009, 04:20 PM

Phenom II is garbage from what I have been reading....

In terms of base performance....overclocking they do ok at...however for a gaming setup a Core 2 Duo is a much better option...considering you can get a full on core2duo setup for $1400-1500

Jam0864 · 09-07-2009, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by studiosoundguy

Phenom II is garbage from what I have been reading....

In terms of base performance....overclocking they do ok at...however for a gaming setup a Core 2 Duo is a much better option...considering you can get a full on core2duo setup for $1400-1500

*cough

~$1500 Build:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 (~$250)
MOBO: Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P (~$194)
GPU: DUAL ATI Radeon HD 4890 1GB Crossfire (~$540)
PSU: Silverstone ST75EF (~$180)
RAM: Team Dark 4GB 1066MHz CL5 (~$90)
Hard Drive: Western Digital 640GB Caviar Blk (~$95)
DVD Writer (~$40)
Case: CoolerMaster Storm Scout (~$135)

~$1524

Pbx_Jnr · 09-07-2009, 04:46 PM

Pretty sure shawn was posting in regard to Euphobia's post, not yours jam :P

xr6_turbo · 09-07-2009, 04:48 PM

Yes...and those prices vary...I get wholesaler pricing

So imagine Phenom II to me

I wouldn't sell em though!

Both PBX

<3

Pbx_Jnr · 09-07-2009, 04:53 PM

I'm waiting for the day your Intel systems catch you in bed with a Phenom Shawn :P

Jam0864 · 09-07-2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by studiosoundguy

Yes...and those prices vary...I get wholesaler pricing

So imagine Phenom II to me

I wouldn't sell em though!

Both PBX

<3

Shawn you fuck. NEEB MOAR DISCOUNT!

xr6_turbo · 09-07-2009, 05:08 PM

I won't ever be caught in a Bed with Phenom

Maybe Jam

JOKES

HAHAHAHA

Intel for LIFE!

Vijay · 09-07-2009, 05:43 PM

Mind me asking why you chose xfired 4890s in your 2k build?

chopper~ · 09-07-2009, 06:41 PM

Nice work.

xr6_turbo · 10-07-2009, 07:28 PM

LOL Because 4890s are hot

Jam0864 · 10-07-2009, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vijay #FG

Mind me asking why you chose xfired 4890s in your 2k build?

Quote:

LOL Because 4890s are hot

HAWT SHIT!

4890's because I wasn't about to recommend an nvidia chipset to SLI.

xr6_turbo · 10-07-2009, 07:49 PM

HAHAHAHHAHAHA

And By Hot, Look Good, Run...Well Nvidia FTW!

No Crap....

Jam0864 · 10-07-2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by studiosoundguy

HAHAHAHHAHAHA

And By Hot, Look Good, Run...Well Nvidia FTW!

No Crap....

>.>

I don't have anything against the nvidia graphics cards, just hate their chipsets. Unlike SLI, Crossfire doesn't require a specific chipset. Selling point for me.

xr6_turbo · 10-07-2009, 07:54 PM

Nvidia do make shit chipsets yes...

Vijay · 10-07-2009, 09:05 PM

Yeah but.. Idk maybe its just me but why would you bother xfire or sli when a lot of game don't a. support it, and b. don't require it?

But then again maybe you don't have that much money to move around at $2k

azitiz91 · 10-07-2009, 09:07 PM

4870x2 =D

Jam0864 · 10-07-2009, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vijay #FG

Yeah but.. Idk maybe its just me but why would you bother xfire or sli when a lot of game don't a. support it, and b. don't require it?

Anything that requires more than one graphics card's worth of OOMPH supports it fine.

Once you're getting into that territory you have nothing else to spend the money on anyway. :P

Vijay · 10-07-2009, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jam0864

Anything that requires more than one graphics card's worth of OOMPH supports it fine.

Once you're getting into that territory you have nothing else to spend the money on anyway. :P

I'm sure you could find ways to blow unnecessary money.

Jam0864 · 10-07-2009, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vijay #FG

I'm sure you could find ways to blow unnecessary money.

well you could get raptors, or faster ram, or a better case... but really a second graphics card will do much more to your gaming performance.

Vijay · 10-07-2009, 09:21 PM

Havnen't raptors been recently outdated by WD's new range? Or am I imagining things?

roflcopter · 10-07-2009, 10:23 PM

Does the CG|Shawn agree with these systems?

Jam0864 · 10-07-2009, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vijay #FG

Havnen't raptors been recently outdated by WD's new range? Or am I imagining things?

I've used caviar blacks, but raptors are faster. Cost a ridiculous amount though.

xr6_turbo · 11-07-2009, 08:46 PM

Raptors are not outdated....they got changed to the Raptor X 150gb...76gb and 36gb are still selling

I have 6 raptors in my system and fuck going to any other drive.

They rock.

Jam0864 · 16-07-2009, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xr6_turbo

Raptors are not outdated....they got changed to the Raptor X 150gb...76gb and 36gb are still selling

I have 6 raptors in my system and fuck going to any other drive.

They rock.

Fuck raptors, I'd rather get SSD's considering the cost isn't all that different.

aenima · 16-07-2009, 09:13 PM

Needs more elmo and me.

f1tzy · 17-07-2009, 01:59 PM

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 (~$224)
MOBO: Asus p5q pro (~$165)
GPU: Got 8800GTs 640mb (?)
PSU: Cooler Master Extreme Power+ 500W (~$80)
RAM: Got 4GB of 667Mhz stuff (?)
Hard Drive: Already have of 2.5TB of HDDs (?)
DVD Writer (~$40)
Case: CoolerMaster Storm Scout (~$135)

thoughts

i was really into knowing all my parts like 12months ago, however sort of lost interest since, wondering if this looks semi decent. ( tightass uni student saving for a car, not much dosh to spend

)

EUPHOBiA · 17-07-2009, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1tzy

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 (~$224)
MOBO: Asus p5q pro (~$165)
GPU: Got 8800GTs 640mb (?)
PSU: Cooler Master Extreme Power+ 500W (~$80)
RAM: Got 4GB of 667Mhz stuff (?)
Hard Drive: Already have of 2.5TB of HDDs (?)
DVD Writer (~$40)
Case: CoolerMaster Storm Scout (~$135)

thoughts

i was really into knowing all my parts like 12months ago, however sort of lost interest since, wondering if this looks semi decent. ( tightass uni student saving for a car, not much dosh to spend

)

go with phenom2s.. cheaper and similar performance for less with potential to unlock the 4thcore

CPU: AMD PhenomII 550BE ($138)
MOBO: G-B MA770-US3 (~$102)
GPU: Got 8800GTs 640mb (?)
PSU: Cooler Master Extreme Power+ 500W (~$80)
RAM: 4GB Kit(2x2G)DDR2 1066 TEAM-XtreemDark ($79)
Hard Drive: Already have of 2.5TB of HDDs (?)
DVD Writer Pioneer/samsung (~$49)
Case: CoolerMaster Storm Scout (~$135)

Jam0864 · 17-07-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1tzy

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 (~$224)
MOBO: Asus p5q pro (~$165)
GPU: Got 8800GTs 640mb (?)
PSU: Cooler Master Extreme Power+ 500W (~$80)
RAM: Got 4GB of 667Mhz stuff (?)
Hard Drive: Already have of 2.5TB of HDDs (?)
DVD Writer (~$40)
Case: CoolerMaster Storm Scout (~$135)

thoughts

i was really into knowing all my parts like 12months ago, however sort of lost interest since, wondering if this looks semi decent. ( tightass uni student saving for a car, not much dosh to spend

)

Looks good. Get the AMD system above if you want to save money, however this is better.

I'd probably get at least 800MHz RAM though.

xr6_turbo · 17-07-2009, 10:52 PM

EP45-UD3L board > Asus P5Q for overclocking but thats just my experience overall with them, the EP45 is slightly cheaper too these days.

DDR 800 or 1066mhz Ram, do not use 667.

Looks good.

AMD is a strong contender, however Dual > Quad for Gaming at this point in time.

Jam0864 · 18-07-2009, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xr6_turbo

AMD is a strong contender, however Dual > Quad for Gaming at this point in time.

The AMD PhenomII 550BE is a dual core. :P

l_w_88 · 18-07-2009, 03:54 PM

still, my stock e2220 is worth more to a REAL enthusiast - it doesn't have an AMD sticker on the box.

Jam0864 · 18-07-2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by l_w_88

still, my stock e2220 is worth more to a REAL enthusiast - it doesn't have an AMD sticker on the box.

stock? Why would you buy that processor and not overclock it...?

Don't you remember the days where AMD were superior to Intel, and all the c00l k1ds had one?

xr6_turbo · 18-07-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jam0864

The AMD PhenomII 550BE is a dual core. :P

No Shit Sherlock

freakdawg_ · 18-07-2009, 09:50 PM

DVD writers are all 50, fucking bs, why did they go up from like 25?

Jam0864 · 18-07-2009, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freakdawg_

DVD writers are all 50, fucking bs, why did they go up from like 25?

From what I've gathered at overclockers.au, the companies that make them predicted sales to go down significantly in the recession so they understocked.

xr6_turbo · 19-07-2009, 12:29 PM

IDE freak...

$30

Sata

$50

Costs more to make

09-07-2009, 12:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jam0864 Monster Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: My room Posts: 3,126 Rep Power: 6	Current Best Value Gaming Systems [Updated 27/11/09] If you just want it for CSS, get this. <$600 Build: CPU: AMD Phenom II X2 550 3.1GHz ($~120) MOBO: Asus M3N78 (~$107) GPU: 9800gt 512MB (~$100) RAM: 4GB cheap DDR2 (~$62) Hard Drive: 500GB HDD (~$60) DVD Writer (~$40) Case: Thermaltake V3 w/ PSU (~$80) ~$569 ~$1000 Build: CPU: Intel Core i5 750 2.66GHz (~$230) MOBO: Gigabyte P55-UD3 (~$139) GPU: ATI Radeon HD 5770 (~$195) PSU: Decent 500W PSU (~$87) RAM: DDR3 4gb 1333MHz ($115) Hard Drive: 750GB HDD ($85) DVD Writer (~$40) Case: CoolerMaster Storm Scout (~$135) ~$1030 ~$1250 Build: CPU: Intel Core i5 750 2.66GHz (~$230) MOBO: Gigabyte P55-UD3 (~$139) GPU: ATI Radeon HD 5850 (~$350) PSU: Good 600W PSU (~$120) RAM: 4gb 1600MHz (~$130) Hard Drive: 750GB HDD ($85) DVD Writer (~$40) Case: NZXT Tempest (~$165) ~$1260 ~$1600 Build CPU: Intel Core i7 920 (~$350) MOBO: Asus P6T-SE (~$270) GPU: ATI Radeon HD 5850 ($~350) PSU: Good 750W PSU (if you want crossfire down the line, otherwise 550w) ($180) RAM: 6GB 1600MHz DDR3 (~$160) Hard Drive: 1TB HDD ($~90) DVD Writer (~$40) Case: NZXT Tempest (~$165) ~$1605 ~$2100 Build (epeen factor) CPU: Intel Core i7 920 (~$350) MOBO: Asus P6T-SE (~$270) GPU: ATI Radeon HD 5970 ($~835) PSU: Good 750W PSU ($180) RAM: 6GB 1600MHz DDR3 (~$160) Hard Drive: 1TB HDD ($~90) DVD Writer (~$40) Case: NZXT Tempest (~$165) ~$2090 These are strictly gaming systems, so graphics cards are beefed up, didn't bother with SSD's, (don't help fps, only load times) and 4gb-6gb ram. (video editors add some more) If you're making a PC Config for someone else and find it's very hard to display in MSN with prices etc, use this. Create PC Config __________________ C2Q Q9550 @ 4GHz \| 4GB 1600MHz \| GA-EP45T-EXTREME \| ATI HD4890 \| NZXT Tempest \| Beyerdynamic DTX800 \| Last edited by Jam0864; 25-01-2010 at 07:20 AM..

09-07-2009, 03:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
EUPHOBiA Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: sydney Posts: 809 Rep Power: 0	All looks good but you should change the c2ds to phenomII 720's __________________ POWEREDBYRiCE

09-07-2009, 03:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
SubNoize Forum God Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sydney Age: 20 Posts: 12,510 Rep Power: 20	ima buy a $2500+ computer soon XD cheers for this helps me start with a base =] __________________

09-07-2009, 04:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
xr6_turbo GotGames Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newcastle Age: 22 Posts: 22,790 Rep Power: 27	Phenom II is garbage from what I have been reading.... In terms of base performance....overclocking they do ok at...however for a gaming setup a Core 2 Duo is a much better option...considering you can get a full on core2duo setup for $1400-1500 __________________ Last edited by xr6_turbo; 09-07-2009 at 04:35 PM..

09-07-2009, 04:46 PM	#7 (permalink)
Pbx_Jnr Honorary Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Brisbane, QLD Age: 27 Posts: 1,876 Rep Power: 0	Pretty sure shawn was posting in regard to Euphobia's post, not yours jam :P __________________ QGaming Admin - http://www.qgaming.org

09-07-2009, 04:48 PM	#8 (permalink)
xr6_turbo GotGames Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newcastle Age: 22 Posts: 22,790 Rep Power: 27	Yes...and those prices vary...I get wholesaler pricing So imagine Phenom II to me I wouldn't sell em though! Both PBX <3 __________________

09-07-2009, 04:53 PM	#9 (permalink)
Pbx_Jnr Honorary Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Brisbane, QLD Age: 27 Posts: 1,876 Rep Power: 0	I'm waiting for the day your Intel systems catch you in bed with a Phenom Shawn :P __________________ QGaming Admin - http://www.qgaming.org

09-07-2009, 05:08 PM	#11 (permalink)
xr6_turbo GotGames Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newcastle Age: 22 Posts: 22,790 Rep Power: 27	I won't ever be caught in a Bed with Phenom Maybe Jam JOKES HAHAHAHA Intel for LIFE! __________________

09-07-2009, 05:43 PM	#12 (permalink)
Vijay Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Wollongong, NSW Posts: 515 Rep Power: 1	Mind me asking why you chose xfired 4890s in your 2k build? __________________ ~Forged Hosting Administration

09-07-2009, 06:41 PM	#13 (permalink)
chopper~ Monster Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Melbourne Age: 17 Posts: 2,768 Rep Power: 5	Nice work. __________________ http://www.last.fm/user/jamesacrifice "She'd need a sham-wow permanently shoved in her vag."-Hinksy on 300 orgasms Graffiti; it's a lifestyle and culture.

10-07-2009, 07:28 PM	#14 (permalink)
xr6_turbo GotGames Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newcastle Age: 22 Posts: 22,790 Rep Power: 27	LOL Because 4890s are hot __________________

10-07-2009, 07:49 PM	#16 (permalink)
xr6_turbo GotGames Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newcastle Age: 22 Posts: 22,790 Rep Power: 27	HAHAHAHHAHAHA And By Hot, Look Good, Run...Well Nvidia FTW! No Crap.... __________________

10-07-2009, 07:54 PM	#18 (permalink)
xr6_turbo GotGames Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newcastle Age: 22 Posts: 22,790 Rep Power: 27	Nvidia do make shit chipsets yes... __________________

10-07-2009, 09:05 PM	#19 (permalink)
Vijay Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Wollongong, NSW Posts: 515 Rep Power: 1	Yeah but.. Idk maybe its just me but why would you bother xfire or sli when a lot of game don't a. support it, and b. don't require it? But then again maybe you don't have that much money to move around at $2k __________________ ~Forged Hosting Administration

10-07-2009, 09:07 PM	#20 (permalink)
azitiz91 Banned Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: wollongongyojoN~ Age: 18 Posts: 5,808 Rep Power: 0	4870x2 =D

10-07-2009, 09:21 PM	#24 (permalink)
Vijay Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Wollongong, NSW Posts: 515 Rep Power: 1	Havnen't raptors been recently outdated by WD's new range? Or am I imagining things? __________________ ~Forged Hosting Administration

10-07-2009, 10:23 PM	#25 (permalink)
roflcopter Green Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 39 Rep Power: 0	Does the CG\|Shawn agree with these systems?

11-07-2009, 08:46 PM	#27 (permalink)
xr6_turbo GotGames Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newcastle Age: 22 Posts: 22,790 Rep Power: 27	Raptors are not outdated....they got changed to the Raptor X 150gb...76gb and 36gb are still selling I have 6 raptors in my system and fuck going to any other drive. They rock. __________________

16-07-2009, 09:13 PM	#29 (permalink)
aenima Banned Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: see you auntie Posts: 23 Rep Power: 0	Needs more elmo and me.

17-07-2009, 01:59 PM	#30 (permalink)
f1tzy GotGames A/C Head Reviewer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: :awesome: Age: 19 Posts: 4,099 Rep Power: 9	CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 (~$224) MOBO: Asus p5q pro (~$165) GPU: Got 8800GTs 640mb (?) PSU: Cooler Master Extreme Power+ 500W (~$80) RAM: Got 4GB of 667Mhz stuff (?) Hard Drive: Already have of 2.5TB of HDDs (?) DVD Writer (~$40) Case: CoolerMaster Storm Scout (~$135) thoughts i was really into knowing all my parts like 12months ago, however sort of lost interest since, wondering if this looks semi decent. ( tightass uni student saving for a car, not much dosh to spend ) __________________ 24/1 Rise Against 26/1 Big Day Out 23/2 ADTR/SYG/TIH 24/2 ATL/TA/DGD 26/2 Soundwave 7/3 Future Music Festival 27/3 Lostprophets madlikewizards ~ numkyf1tzynickmiskzavoclewym8

17-07-2009, 10:52 PM	#33 (permalink)
xr6_turbo GotGames Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newcastle Age: 22 Posts: 22,790 Rep Power: 27	EP45-UD3L board > Asus P5Q for overclocking but thats just my experience overall with them, the EP45 is slightly cheaper too these days. DDR 800 or 1066mhz Ram, do not use 667. Looks good. AMD is a strong contender, however Dual > Quad for Gaming at this point in time. __________________

18-07-2009, 03:54 PM	#35 (permalink)
l_w_88 Honorary Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Newcastle!!!!!!!!!!! Age: 21 Posts: 1,689 Rep Power: 0	still, my stock e2220 is worth more to a REAL enthusiast - it doesn't have an AMD sticker on the box.

18-07-2009, 09:50 PM	#38 (permalink)
freakdawg_ Monster Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Spearing 2160 Age: 18 Posts: 3,676 Rep Power: 6	DVD writers are all 50, fucking bs, why did they go up from like 25?

19-07-2009, 12:29 PM	#40 (permalink)
xr6_turbo GotGames Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newcastle Age: 22 Posts: 22,790 Rep Power: 27	IDE freak... $30 Sata $50 Costs more to make __________________