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Docinsano's Channel 63 · Posted: Nov 27 2009 05:38 pm

Knyte wrote:

I don't know what you're looking to spend, but here's a great entry level gaming rig, that will let you play anything on the market decently.

The $500 build:

Case - HEC 6K28BBX585 Black 0.8mm SECC Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case 585W Power Supply - Retail = 59.99

Mobo - ASUS M4A78T-E AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail = $129.99 (Before $15 MIR)

CPU - AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor Model HDZ720WFGIBOX - Retail = $119.99 (Best bang for the buck, period.)

RAM - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit = $95.99

Video - PNY VCG98GTXPXPB GeForce 9800 GTX+ 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail = 129.99 (Before $30 MIR)

Total = 526.96. (481.96 After both rebates.)

You said you had a HDD. But, you could throw in a 1TB Western Digital SATA drive for $100 more.

This looks very similar to my rig I built over the summer. AMD is the way to go if you're on a budget -- even though they are behind intel in terms of total performance, they do give you a very good bang for your buck. And for my first rig I ever built, I must say it was a very satisfying learning experience, if not a frustrating one at first.

Joined: Dec 06 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 11244

I should probably point out that my choice to go with an Intel chip for my processor was based on the price point and performance I am looking to obtaine. If I had less cash in hand, I would have considered an AMD rig.

I urge anyone who decides to get into PC building that they learn and understand that the only people who lose from the competition between Intel and AMD are fanboys who stick by their company just because they like the name of it better. They teeter totter back and forth and the winners from that competition are system builders who buy the best performance per price range.

Posted: Nov 28 2009 02:22 am

I agree. If you have over $200 to spend on a CPU and another $150+ for mobo, get an Intel.

If you want a good Mobo + Cpu for under $200 total get an AMD.

Posted: Dec 01 2009 11:52 am

Question: I have a Sony Vaio Computer, I think the model is PCV - RS530G. I wanted to replace the video card but I know I would have to change out the power supply first because it is only 266w, does anyone know of one that would fit into this machine? Sony is a bitch and used a power supply that isn't standard size, it is smaller...any ideas? Any ideas on a cheap video card upgrade? Just so you know, the machine is stock parts except I upgraded the ram from 512 to 2gb. Thanks

Posted: Dec 01 2009 12:28 pm

Do have a AGP or PCI-E port for graphics? Or none at all?

Also, you are probably not going to be able to find a replacement PSU for it.

SAD FACT:
When you buy a name brand PC (DELL, HP, SONY, etc.) Odds are, it isn't going to be very upgradable. (This is done on purpose by the makers. They want you to buy another PC from them, rather than slowly upgrading the one you already have, piece by piece.)

Posted: Dec 01 2009 12:41 pm

That's what I figured. Here are the PC Specs:

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/specs/PCVRS530G_mksp.pdf

It is AGP, but a PCI slot is available. It's an older machine, I just wanted to make it a little more gamer friendly. But since you confirmed that I am screwed with the PSU, I may just wait until after xmas and build a machine from the ground up. I would still like to upgrade the card in this PC though if you think it could handle it.

Posted: Dec 01 2009 01:02 pm

PCI and PCI-E are not the same thing.

In order from worst to best for graphics:

PCI -> AGP -> PCI-E

Also, it's hard to find PCI & AGP cards anymore that are gaming quality.

Currently, according to the specs, you have a Radeon 9200. This is crap, and needs to be burned into a pool of plastic goo.

This is your best option for a replacement:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150433

$80 shipped. This is as good as it's going to get honestly. There are some better ones that cost more, but any motherboard that still uses a AGP port, is going only support much older chips. (Pentium 4s or Socket 939 AMD Athlons) In either case, the CPU will be the bottleneck more than this graphics card.

However, just know that a $99 PCI-E will blow the doors off of it. (Of course, the CPU will make a huge difference as well.)

Such as:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150323

Posted: Dec 01 2009 02:49 pm

Maybe I'll grab that one for $80, I plan on building my own computer in the near future and want to give this one to a family member, but I know they play games on PC, including MMORPGs, so I want to make sure they can get by with anything better than the bare minimum setting when they play.

Posted: Dec 01 2009 03:07 pm

The card I suggested would be fine for any MMO such as WoW.

Joined: Dec 06 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 11244

So I got my computer booted and posted on the first try. I wanted to take pictures of the build process but my wife had the camera. Lucky for me, I decided to get a different heat sync. When I reinstall the new one I'll do the pictures. I'll also come back and give more detail about getting the system to POST.

Posted: Dec 02 2009 10:06 am

Cool, that is the only thing I am afraid of building a computer....what will happen whey I try to turn it on, I fear the worst.

Posted: Dec 02 2009 11:03 am

What do you mean about the heatsink?

Joined: Dec 06 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 11244

I bought this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103055

But decided at the last minute I didn't want that, I want this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

It costs less and MaximumPC is kissing its ass. I mean, gave it a kick ass. They never rate things a 10. Given a $20 price reduction and an insanely good review, I chose to go with it.

I might be wrong, but we'll see.