11 replies to this topic

[Ezekiel]

Well, I've been building a small computer for my Dad's girlfriend, so she can use it to work at home (She works for AT&T SBC.), and also for some light gaming for my Dad (He loves Doom 3.). And I've been having the parts sent in to my mothers work, as I can't be around to receive the shipments. And one the the tech guys at the place my Mom works, noticed all this and got talking to my mom. Turns out he's got some semi used parts, that are all in excellent to new condition with the original retail boxes that he's willing to sell me as he gets ready to build another computer.

So to start off, he's offering me. . .
Motherboard - $50 (I couldn't find it on Newegg.)

Processor - $75 (Supposedly people have no troubles overclocking them to 4.0GHz on air cooling. But he had it at 3.4GHz with out a single issue.)

Video Card - $300


Now, I'm looking at all of this, and it seems all nice, but what I've been looking at buying is this.

Motherboard - $250

Processor - $316

Video Card - $400


Now, right now the biggest dilemma is the fact that the video card is Dx9. But, seeing as it will probably be a good year or two before Dx10 becomes a need for gaming, I'm not so sure.

To sum it up, are the first list of parts worth the price for the performance, over the lower list.


Educated opinions (Meaning if you *bought* a *pre-built* computer, don't even bother posting here.) and ideas appreciated.

[Mike2077]

Well I'll have that cpu/Gpu on Tuesday so I'll do some benchmarks n sh*t and let you know how it all goes. Got the Gigabyte DS3 motherboard though, supposed to overclock well and its much cheaper than 680i atm.

[Ezekiel]

Well I'll have that cpu/Gpu on Tuesday so I'll do some benchmarks n sh*t and let you know how it all goes. Got the Gigabyte DS3 motherboard though, supposed to overclock well and its much cheaper than 680i atm.

Umm, dude, read my post please. I know a 8800 and a E6600 are smoking fast that's why I had them on a list to buy in a month. I'm asking for opinions comparing the two. Price to performance to see if I can save a few bucks and still get upper rung performance.

[The Drizzle]

No doubt about it, that core 2 duo system will smoke the 805 system. The 805s are nice processors, but they run pretty hot. Also, Overclocking cant be garunteed. You cant expect it to run 4.0ghz no problem, while it most likley will. Your parts are diffrent from his stuff, and other peoples stuff. Not everything overclocks the same. I say get the core 2 duo system, and overclock that. Possibly, get a cheaper core 2 duo? the extra 2m cache dosent do a hell of alot. You will be happy for many years to come with that system.

[medel]

well, it's a little tough, but those aren't that exceptional of prices for used parts. If you have a fry's near you, they have d805's + a crap mobo for ~75. That mobo won't take Core2's if my memory serves, and Pentium D's are kinda weak..

[The Drizzle]

well, it's a little tough, but those aren't that exceptional of prices for used parts. If you have a fry's near you, they have d805's + a crap mobo for ~75. That mobo won't take Core2's if my memory serves, and Pentium D's are kinda weak..

The NI8 wont, but a 680i will.

[Ezekiel]

Alright, so the processor isn't really worth it. But what about the 7950GX2 to the 8800GT?

[ShLoNkY]

I wouldnt pay $250 for a mobo by any means unless you really needed to. For $250 you can buy my MSI mobo with an FX55 chip (or comparable dual-core AMD CPU). Buy an xXXXXxt for around $200 and you are up to 450 for mobo, gfx and cpu that can play any game out there easily with framerate to spare. Thats less than half your new build. Granted not quite as fast but you save $450. Buy a CD for $450 and cash it out in 2 years for $550 or some shit and put that towards upgrading. If you have the money go for the parts you chose.

DX10 doesnt mean shit for, at least, a year IMO.

I wouldn't classify that build of yours as a "light gaming" machine either.

That first processor and mobo wouldnt be that bad of a buy for $125 though. Still not worthy of an 8800 though (would be CPU bottlenecked like crazy)

My best advice is to narrow down what you wanna spend and what you want the box to do. You gave options with very different budgets. If money isnt a problem, buy the top notch shit, just dont plan on it still kicking ass 10 years from now.

[sch3nk2k4]

BOOOOOOOO Intel
go amd dual core 64 bit, so worth it
i have the fx-60 and it kicks ass and i have both cores at max speed of 3.5 ghz each (water cooled mind you)
also, the 7950 gx2 is a damn nice card i have one and i love it
no game has ever given me problems yet
i run 2 instances of my MMO on full graphics, and still can play any game on full graphics no problem
and if a game ever does give you trouble, water cool that sh*t and overclock, or buy another and SLI for quad GPU beauty
..plus they went down in price since i bought mine, so they cant be too bad
however with vista coming out and you will prolly gonna be upgrading to that ....get the 64bit amd
and $250 for a mobo is damn expensive i have never spent over $150 for one
grab urself a nice gigabyte they are cheap and you can get nforce 4 chipset w/ audio/lan onboard


thats just my opinion

[Mike2077]

Intel Core 2 Duos smoke the amd dual cores. If moneys an issue I'd go with the E6400 ($220) instead of the E6600 and overclock it since they overclock very nicely. Instead of the 680i you could look at the lower priced 650is currently out there such as this Asus ($140). The 300 for the Gx2 is a pretty good deal as they retail around 520. That should be a great setup for around 660 bucks.

[Iceman]

i have the fx-60 and it kicks ass and i have both cores at max speed of 3.5 ghz each (water cooled mind you)

- So you paid another $150 for a slower processor than the e6600? lol, kicks major ass huh

BOOOOOOOO Intel

- Read up on the new intel chips

The Intel sli boards are pretty expensive, do you really plan to run SLI? If not, you can get a good mobo for around $100ish.

[medel]

The NI8 wont, but a 680i will.

correct. I meant for upgrading (and thus the NI8).

I'd say the proc is more worth it than the vid card, but I wouldn't buy either of those right now. Might as well wait until something needs them first. Get an E6300 or E6400 and a DS3 or DQ6 and it'll be right between those choices for mobo and proc. Pentium D's really are much worse than C2Ds.