Halo 1 & 2 for PC
This topic has moved here: Subject: Building Your Own PC Gaming Rig: A How To Guide.
  • Subject: Building Your Own PC Gaming Rig: A How To Guide.
Subject: Building Your Own PC Gaming Rig: A How To Guide.
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

thanks moriarity.

This is the final configuration of the pc:

- HD: Seagate 80G Serial ATA150 7200RPM 8mb cache

- CPU: AMD Athlon™ 64 Processor 3400 newcastle core

- Mobo: ASUS K8V SE DELUXE

- CD drive: Plextor 52x32x52x

- Case: ANTEC Plusview with 430w original antec silent power supply

- Video: POWERCOLOR ATI Radeon 9800 pro 128mb

- Sound: integrated in the mobo.

- Speakers: Creative I-Trigue 2.1 3300 Speakers.

- Ram: 1 stick ram 512mb DDR400 PC3200 Kingston ( ill get another 521mb stick in my birthday , october 21 :D )

BTW the total cost of this gaming pc is from 1035$ to 1100$ .

[Edited on 8/24/2004 11:23:33 AM]

  • 08.21.2004 5:46 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Well Ghost_89 that looks like a killer system. You have all the things you need for a great game of halo PC. I would suggest that you get a Nvidia based graphics card, but I am biased as I have never had any problems with Nvidia cards, but have always had them with ATI. I run Samsung PC3200 DDR400 in my K8v and also Infineon in another K8v I have for my girlfriend. We play Halo togather and have never had any issues. Just make sure the Chipset is the same as the recommended guide found on the ASUS website. You seem to have everything under control. Now the most important thing to do about this whole thing is calm down, you seem a little too excited about this process and need to realize that a calm collected attitude must be adhered to while putting this system togather. Or you can make yourself nervous enough to actually break something. So just take deep breaths and realize that your choices are very good and that when you get it all togather it will be AWESOME!
Make sure that the Graphics card uses 256bit memory. Any other questions will be answered to help you. Good Luck!

  • 08.24.2004 1:14 AM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Posted by: Cyntech
I need to upgrade my graphics card and was wondering what you thing is the best for my system

Ausus k8v se deluxe
AMD athlon 64 3200+
1 gig of CORSAIR XMS Xtra-Low Latency
Nvidia GeForce4 Ti4600
unknown 5400 rpm 80 gig HDD


Geforce FX 5900, Or Geforce 6800 GT. Both can be overclocked with great stability and have great features.

  • 08.24.2004 1:16 AM PDT
Subject: ..
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Yes, the graphics card is 256bit.

I have one doubt about the speakers will the connectors of the Creative I-Trigue 2.1 3300 Speakers match the outputs of the k8v se deluxe?


In the asus recomended ram sticks there are the code model for each ram stick and the model of the kingston im getting KVR400X64C3A/512 is in the list, so i think this ram will work fine on the k8v se.

BTW yes im excited about having my first pc to be out a GREAT pc.... i will calm down a little.


[Edited on 8/24/2004 11:47:57 AM]

  • 08.24.2004 11:29 AM PDT
Subject: Building Your Own Gaming Rig: A How To Guide.
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Posted by: Moriarity
I understand looking at a pile of REALLY expensive computer parts stacking up in your closet, and not putting them in a case and gaming on them is a VERY daunting task (trust me I watched the pile of 64bit goodnesss lay in my closet for months), but in the end, it is very worth putting them all into a REALLY nice case.


Thats what I'm doing now. My income is VERY slow (seeing as how I live in the middle of nowhere and its difficult to get a real job. (meaning babysitting is my income for now lol) ) I've got my case (It's an Antec server case that weights a ton and has feet, but I know it will last me for as long as I need it too.), and my mobo (ABIT IC7-G) my processor sitting ontop of my case (P4 2.8Ghz w/ HT)...now I'm waiting until I get a few hundred bucks so I can get the rest of the stuff. I figure I'll buy the graphics card last, because I want the price to be as low as possible when I buy a good one. (Definetely 256mb, and probabaly something from ATI). Then I gotta buy the other parts and *gasp* put them together! Hopefully I'll have it done by Christmas cause my birthday is in november, and I can finish it off with Christmas.

  • 08.24.2004 1:25 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

What do you guys think about COOLERMASTER cases and THERMALTAKE cases ? i ask this because i think ill get a good ANTEC case with a 430w p/s but i thought, why dont spend 6$ more on a COOL looking case with a p/s of 400w, what is better a reliable recommended ANTEC case with 430w p/s, or a real cool THERMALTAKE case with 3 fans ( the antec has 4) and a p/s of 400w.??

  • 08.26.2004 4:57 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT


Thats what I'm doing now. My income is VERY slow (seeing as how I live in the middle of nowhere and its difficult to get a real job. (meaning babysitting is my income for now lol) ) I've got my case (It's an Antec server case that weights a ton and has feet, but I know it will last me for as long as I need it too.), and my mobo (ABIT IC7-G) my processor sitting ontop of my case (P4 2.8Ghz w/ HT)...now I'm waiting until I get a few hundred bucks so I can get the rest of the stuff. I figure I'll buy the graphics card last, because I want the price to be as low as possible when I buy a good one. (Definetely 256mb, and probabaly something from ATI). Then I gotta buy the other parts and *gasp* put them together! Hopefully I'll have it done by Christmas cause my birthday is in november, and I can finish it off with Christmas.


Good Job !!! My first PC build took me almost a year to buy all the parts for. Baby sitting is a great way to make cash (but why would any one pay another person to sit on thier baby??). Anyways.. all jokes aside congradulations on being a motivated person and doing what it takes to make a buck. Your idea of waiting to buy the graphics card last is a good one. I would suggest against ATI as their drivers sometimes leave a lot to be desired, plus if you plan on using that card for any time longer than 2 years they ussualy stop supporting cards after a certain time frame. Nvidia supports the first cards they ever made still to this date with new drivers. Plus Leadtek has just released the best (in my opinion) version of the Geforce 6800 ultra . It has the best heatsink (all copper) that I have seen yet on any of that line of cards. Well I wish you an early happy birthday, and hope that you are looking forward to getting Halo2 for PC (yes thats right tech TV anounced it). Any other questions you may have I will do my best to answer. Good luck finding a job, and remember to wash your hands after changing those dirty diapers (ewwww gross).

  • 08.27.2004 1:41 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Posted by: GhOsT_89
What do you guys think about COOLERMASTER cases and THERMALTAKE cases ? i ask this because i think ill get a good ANTEC case with a 430w p/s but i thought, why dont spend 6$ more on a COOL looking case with a p/s of 400w, what is better a reliable recommended ANTEC case with 430w p/s, or a real cool THERMALTAKE case with 3 fans ( the antec has 4) and a p/s of 400w.??


Well this is where my opinion means zip. Your case is like your car (or bike, or skateboard, or shoes) what it looks like reflects your own sence of style. Take my Super LABboy from Antec; Its got a window to show you my awesome computer insides, it has a killer blue fan in the front to catch your eye, and its made of brushed aluminum to show the quality of its make. Now I have a 1967 Oldsmobile F-85 with a blue interior light and window tinting to catch the eye, and the chrome exhaust pipes show a little flair and style.

This is really up to you, I have built computers with about 1000 Antec powers supplies, and in that batch I have only had 2 (thats right 2:1000) go bad or not be right in some way (one had a bad molex connector so they sent me a new one). Now as far as thier cases go Antec is definately above par on design and reliability. The Plusview series is awesome because it comes with a window. An the P160 is awesome becasue it comes with a temperature monitor built in to the case.

Like I said buy case that suits your style (and your pocket-book). Because in the end your going to have to enjoy that case for the life of your system.

  • 08.27.2004 1:52 PM PDT
Subject: ..
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Posted by: GhOsT_89
Yes, the graphics card is 256bit.

I have one doubt about the speakers will the connectors of the Creative I-Trigue 2.1 3300 Speakers match the outputs of the k8v se deluxe?


In the asus recomended ram sticks there are the code model for each ram stick and the model of the kingston im getting KVR400X64C3A/512 is in the list, so i think this ram will work fine on the k8v se.

BTW yes im excited about having my first pc to be out a GREAT pc.... i will calm down a little.


The connectors on the K8v SE are designed to work with headphones, 2.1, 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 surround systems. You should have no problems connecting any system to it. If you are really worried then consult the ASUS website for more info.

  • 08.27.2004 1:55 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Post snipped by moderator.

Moderator's note: No thread hijacking.


[Edited on 8/28/2004 2:01:05 PM by Shishka]

  • 08.27.2004 2:43 PM PDT
Subject: Building Your Own Gaming Rig: A How To Guide.
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

I'll let you know how the thing works when i get it in september.

It should work pretty nice. i changed many componets ill get and the pc will look really cool with the thermaltake case. im sure everything will work fine and i have no doubts know. thank you for your help ( i also got some help from coylter). This is a nice guide. if anyone thinking on getting an emachines or a dell reads this and coylters guide they will change their mind a 100% and build their own pc. im happy i didnt wasted my money. i also had enough money for buying a game :). building your own pc is not easy though, but its worth the time and $.

thank you for everything, everyone wanting to get a pc should read this forum.




[Edited on 8/28/2004 6:23:40 PM]

  • 08.28.2004 6:08 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

let me know what you guys think of this system:

Intel Pentium 4 Processor Northwood 3GHz, 800MHz FSB, Socket 478

DFI LANPARTY 865PE i865PE P4 800FSB Skt478 DDR ATX Motherboard w/Audio, LAN, RAID/Serial ATA Retail (Prescott Ready)

Cosair 512 mb kit (dual channel)

logisys Phatom case with 480w p/s

western digital 7200rpm 250gb hard drive ata/100

western digital 7200rpm 80gb secondary hard drive ata/100

geforce fx 5200 128ddr ( already have)

plz leave ne comments about this. ( its gonna be my first comp that i built so lemme know what you think)
thx

  • 09.02.2004 8:46 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Nikon

The only thing i will complain about is the graphics card. Its 128mb but its pretty slow, so you will have to upgrade it if you want to play every game smoothly with all eye candies on.

I ll tell you that the best bang for the buck is the 9800 pro 128mb ( its pretty fast and stable) if you wnat more info. about gfcs cards justo ask moriarity and read coylters sticky guide that has a good graphics card comprison speed and usefull comments : Little guide to the knowledge of the PC.

BTW: you will need good cooling for that P4. The P4 Nothrwood runs pretty hot.

  • 09.02.2004 9:22 PM PDT

dabs are currently offering an 80GB hard drive for £33.98, the cost of a 40GB drive. You can get it from here.

  • 09.09.2004 1:27 AM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

I thought i needed to get a more end mobo than the asus k8v se deluxe so im getting the asus k8n-e deluxe. What do you guys think about this mobo, asus k8n-e deluxe nforce3 250GB?


BTW: i haven´t had an asus mobo but ill stick with asus all my life ( dont know a specific reason) XD

  • 09.25.2004 9:22 AM PDT
Subject: Building Your Own PC Gaming Rig: A How To Guide.
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Real soldiers assemble their own weapons:
Samurai made their own swords,
Jedi's make their own lightsabers,
US soldiers have to tear down and reassemble each weapon before it can be assigned.
...you get the point yet?

You are much more deadly using a weapon that you put together yourself...one that you've tested and know to be in working order...as opposed to being handed a weapon that someone else put together<--not only are you unsure of the weapons effectiveness, but you also don't know how well THEY put it together, not to mention you miss the chance to learn a new skill.

Don't build your own PC, stay weak and powerless...and when there's trouble you just hide behind me!!!

Also, anytime you build a "new" PC (i.e. instatting a different MOBO and HD) you will need to buy another license from Microsoft to run windows, so always add about $80-100 bucks to the total cost to account for the new operating system(you may qualify for a student copy for only $10)<--you can always install from a windows XP demo cd, but will have to register with a valid license within 30 days.

Seriously, I built my first PC after Halo PC came out and it was so frigin easy I built three more. If your using all new-out-of-the box parts + NEW copy of windowsXP it is as easy as pie, you only have problems when trying to use a copy of windowsXP that has already been installed on another PC (also when changing MOBO's and/or Harddrives from another computer)<--this is because windows detects the change and refuses to operate without you purchasing a new license from Microsoft.

[Edited on 9/25/2004 4:09:21 PM]

  • 09.25.2004 9:54 AM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

that is interesting but im building the entire pc and in the country i live on we use the same xp license for more than one pc and nothing has ever happened to the xp...and BTW what does that has to do about how good is the mobo? LOL dont get offended but that doesnt answer my question....and what do you also think about the corasire 512mb xttra low latency xms series they are like 135$ brand new ( box) nad i would like an opinio about the mobo but whether the opinion is good or bad im getting the mobo asus k8n-e deluxe. Is getting the corsair xms 512mb xtra low latency for 135$ worthy the bucks $$$? should i get it for my killer machine? and also i dont REALLY think i need the new licence...i dont think that is true and if it is i will wait and see if windows tells me that and if it does ill get the licence for 10$ cause im a student but the BIG question is HOW DO I GET IT FOR 10$?????

  • 09.27.2004 4:59 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

If you don't believe me, just read the license agreement (you know that 100 page pop-up that most people just click "I accept" to install the darn thing). The older versions of xp allowed multiple pc installations using the same cd key, but the way it works now is that after the install, windows will do an update and check to see whether the cd key you used has been installed on another machine, and if the components don't match...we'll, let's just say the'll let you know.

Many college university's in the USA have an agreement with microsoft, so just go to your campus bookstore and ask.

The main reason I even mentioned the license thing is for the people who put all the parts together, and can even get into the BIOS, but can't get windows to load...there are so many people that just don't get the fact that if you can get into your BIOS, then it isn't your hardware, it is your software/operating system<--so make sure you remember to have a new copy of xp on hand, or don't try to update that old copy<--but you will eventually have problems, because some programs won't even run until you update to the most rececent service pack.

Now as far as the MOBO is concerned, you need to make sure that it has the following "at a minimum".
Will accept Hyperthreading Processor
Can run memory in Dual Channel mode
Has an onboard RAID controller that can run in various raid arrays-(dual + mirroring would be the minimum).

<-Each one of these innovations increases performance exponentially, so if it has these three, then you are set and it won't matter if you skimp on the memory. I had 1GB of kingstonhyperX pc4000 and benchmarked it against 512MB of generic pc3200 (2x256)-The $260 kingstonhyperX memory only gave me a difference of about 50points on 3dmark03 and no noticable difference playing Halo or running the timedemo. I took the memory back and bought the cheapest MOBO I could find with all three of these (ECS brand) and my 3dmark03 score increased by 1000points, sound and usb issues were cleared up, and Halo ran better than I could have dreamed.

<--NOTE: there are really only 2 chipsets that have all three of these, so your mother board will either have an Intel 865 or 875 (don't bother with any of the off-brand/non-intel chips, unless you speak chinese)

I presume that you aren't planning to deal with PCI-express yet (SLI is the next major innovation, but is $$), so you also need to make sure that there is an AGP 8x slot<--but that is pretty much the standard in any board with an AGP slot these days.


[Edited on 9/27/2004 6:02:27 PM]

  • 09.27.2004 5:57 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

PC im getting in a couple of weeks:
AMD 64 3400 2.4ghz
Asus K8N-E deluxe nforce3 250
512mb corsair pc3200 DDR 400 2.5 cas latency
80Gb Seagate serial ata150 7200rpm 8mb cache
Thermaltake VA3000 Dream Tower Tsunami
400w Thermaltake psu
ATI 9800 pro 128mb (built buy ati)
Creative I-Trigue i3350 2.1


Thermaltake cases are junk--all those fans are ridiculous and all their products are poorly designed (I have a thermaltake xaser III)

Creative sound cards are junk, their drivers are horrible and everything is bundled with trojans of AOL<--trust me you will regret buying anything by Creative. Just buy a MOBO with good onboard sound-if it has EAX4.0 then your set.

ATI 9800 pro - Good for back in the day, but you should wait for the GeForce 6600GT-will be around $150 + better than a 9800XT. Heck you could even get a regular 6800 for $50 bucks more than a 9800 pro + get a free copy of Doom3 and FarCry (6800 has double the performance of the 9800pro and 9800xt). Plus, the ATI 9800 GPU's run hot as hell, I dare you to touch the back of the gpu while running Halo (I really don't dare you because you'll burn your finger).

80Gb Seagate serial ata150 7200rpm 8mb cache<--you'd get phenomenal performance with two 40 GB HD's in raid 0. If your only going to have 1 HD it really needs to be a Western Digital Raptor-10,000 rpm's makes a big difference over 7200rpm's, but again, raid 0 is the most important. Even two lowly utltra ata 100's running in raid 0 will be faster than even the god-like western digital raptor.

Asus K8N-E deluxe nforce3 250<--you are asking for trouble by installing an ATI card on a MOBO with onboard nVidia drivers...get ready for some of the biggest headaches of your life...Also, why are you paying the premium for onboard graphics when you already know your going to add a video card??? Why not apply that premium towards a better video card????


[Edited on 9/27/2004 6:35:56 PM]

  • 09.27.2004 6:22 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

I saw the western raptor 10000rpm but is too much $$ for a 36gb hd, so i thought, the hd shouldnt make a noticeable diff in playing games in the internet such as halo far cry and counter -strike, so i said, let me change the 9800 poro for an 6800 128mb nad i noticed its like 200mghz fatyser than the 9800 pro and it has almost the same price and it looks much COOLer and i like it because many ppl have told me that nvidia is more reliable than ati and it has aslo MUCH better prices...a 6800 for 270$ including a copy of far cry!!!!! AWESOME i want far cry!..what do you think about the smal change i didi to the pc?

and about the thermal take: many ppl say thermal take is a good reliable brand such as antec and coolermaster. The case i chose looks pretty cool! and it has a 400w psu (ive also heard that ppl say that tt's psu are pretty good.

BTW: what is that every1 talks that is 3dmark or something similar 3dmark05 something like that and they say i scored 20k on 3dmark and 50k on aquamark...how do i know to see how do i score in that thing, and what iis that thing for and where can i see it?

[Edited on 10/11/2004 4:55:10 PM]

  • 10.11.2004 4:50 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

p4 extreme (3400mhz)
gf 6800 ultra
2 gb balistix ram
2x 200 gb seagate SATA hd
850 watt enermax psu
tsunami dream modded case
dvd re-writer (8x, sony)
dvd-rom (16x, sony)
card reader
floppy drive
3' ice blue flexi tube
2x ice blue cathode (neon)
and the list goes on..........

  • 10.14.2004 11:39 AM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

I'd just like to quickly point out that for those of you in the UK, PC Gamer have a special article on building a budget games machine. Very helpful.

Cheers to the thread founder aswell this was a good idea.

  • 10.14.2004 12:00 PM PDT
Subject: Building Your Own Gaming Rig: A How To Guide.
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

I have never built a PC before...but I do commonly upgrade my video card (have a GeForce 5200). So, I was wondering...you always talk about heat...is there a difference between one big *** fan or several smaller fans?


I was also wondering if I could somehow integrate my video card that is in my motherboard with the one that I bought at the store. (Intel(R) 82845G/GL/GE/PE/GV Graphis Controller
and a NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200)

[Edited on 10/14/2004 2:51:07 PM]

  • 10.14.2004 2:41 PM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

I dont think u can mix the both video. u have to disable one (i.e. the one integrated into the mobo because it sucks) and use the geforce one.


BTW if u r thinking in upgrading your grafics card u should buy the biggest bang for the buck right now, nvidia 6800 128mb -around 270$ and 290$ in new egg, the eVGA 6800 128mb(the one im getting for 282$) includes a copy of far cry ( faster and cheaper than the 9800XT 256mb, and can get overcloked to GT speeds!!!)

And about the fans, it does matter the size, but u also need to consider the speed the fans use, (i.e. 5000 , this is an average good speed) because if they cool at 2000 rpm( i think the speed is measured in rpm, just like the hds, correct me if im wrong) u wont get too much cooling no matter if u have like 3 fans. Number of fans is also something u need to consider, i.e. the case im getting is a TT case with good air flow that uses 2x90mm fans (one in the front for taking in some air and one in the back for taking the air out), one 80mm fan in the side pannel ( this one cools the mobo and the pc/vga cards), this are 3 fans with good size and to this we add the fan in the eVGA 6800 128mb and the fan for the AMD 64 3400. This makes a total of 4 fans moving air in the PC, good air overflow is what this pc im getting will have. If you want to know the consecuences of having only 1small fan ( the one in the cpu) in a PC with almost no air circulation, that is the pc im using right now( a slightly old 2 year p4 pc with high temp because i use for gaming every singly byte of speed it has for gaming, beacuse this pc is NOT for gaming so it goes hrad when i game with it. Well, the consecuences are, i lose 2 P4 one was a 1.4GHZ the other was a 1.5GHZ and te one im using now is an 1.6GHZ, so what happened to them, its pretty funny, the melted!!!!...so if u wnat your pc to work at its best and have anyproblem in doing that, U NEED GOOD VENTILATION; GOOD AIR OVERFLOW; GOOD COOLING!!!!!!!


This is somethin i learned by loosing almost 300$ in replacing ucking P4 a series ( this cpu ar NOT for gaming, hey suck in everything, thats why when i finish building my gaming rig, i will buy a p4 series b 1.8ghz for this pc and maybe a better grafics card than the one it has because it uses an nvidia TNT2 ( this SCUKS really bad)....and i will also upgrade from 256mb ram to 512mb ram.

Conclusion: if you dont want to cry beause your cpu melted, use good cooling this means as many fast fans as possible. And dont waste your money buying a video card that sucks, get the nvidia 6800 128mb ( 256mb, not necessesary, because no game asks for 256mb and the price bvetween the 6800 128mb and the one with 256mb is a lot, like 100$.

[Edited on 10/16/2004 4:59:47 AM]

  • 10.16.2004 4:57 AM PDT
  • gamertag:
  • user homepage:
  • last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT

Also...one more question for now.

Underneath the main power cord leading to your computer, what does that little red swich do?
Mine says 115 on it and some other number that you can see when you swich it (forgot what is was).

Does it have to do with the number of volts comming in...?


By the way guies, thanks for all the help!

[Edited on 10/16/2004 1:17:18 PM]

  • 10.16.2004 9:27 AM PDT