Halo 1 & 2 for PC
This topic has moved here: Subject: Build me a solid gaming rig.
  • Subject: Build me a solid gaming rig.
Subject: Build me a solid gaming rig.
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Budget: $500

Don't worry about OS, Hardrive, or casing.

I really need help, i have no idea where to find good deals, nor do i know what are good deals. (I know plenty about hardware etc, just not prices.)

  • 06.10.2006 12:08 AM PDT
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Maw

Sorry, no time for me to help. search "build your own computer" Theres dozens of guids, and they are all good.

  • 06.10.2006 1:02 AM PDT
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$500? That's a tight budget.

Hope you have fun building your own PC. Don't steal, but lie and cheat if necessary.

  • 06.10.2006 3:53 AM PDT
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I would try http://www.newegg.com for some pretty decent deals on parts, and I would also know how exactly to set up a computer.

Most guides online should be more than enough to help, but if you want more, that's what forums are for. A simple google search for "building your own PC forums" should turn up some sites and forums that should help you more than we can.

  • 06.10.2006 8:22 AM PDT
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ok thanks guys!

  • 06.10.2006 1:11 PM PDT
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Yeah, $500 might get you a decent monitor, harddrive, and processor.

  • 06.10.2006 1:28 PM PDT
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=

Posted by: AfroMan117
Budget: $500

Don't worry about OS, Hardrive, or casing.

I really need help, i have no idea where to find good deals, nor do i know what are good deals. (I know plenty about hardware etc, just not prices.)


$500 won't get you a decent gaming PC.

  • 06.10.2006 1:59 PM PDT
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Argh, fine, I guess I'm forced to write a little something...get ready for my first uberlong post of the summer. Most of this is from my personal knowledge, so feel free to correct me if you wish. You can also check out the guides section at the top of the Maw for some extra information. I think they have several threads about building your own computer.

A computer is basically sort of like an intricate, higher-level lego set. Everything snaps and screws into place, nothing that can't be put together without a screwdriver or your hands. It's obviously a little more fragile than that, but still manageable.

CPU-Arguably the most important part of the computer. This is the bit that keeps your computer going. If you want a higher-end PC, I would wait until AMD releases its next gen processor that's supposed to overtake the clockspeeds on the latest, most powerful comerically-avalible Intel CPU. If you can't wait, I would suggest getting something by AMD, since they manage tasks more efficiently. Dual Core is a feasible option if you so desire, since Windows Vista will appear soon and support Dual-Core technology. Also, I would highly recommend getting something that uses 64-bit technology, since those are almost going to be required for next-generation games and tech.

GPU-There should be a thread about GPU's by SLD, go check the guides if you so desire, there should be a thread marked "The Buyer's Guide to Graphics Cards." Therefore, I need not reiterate. Just make sure whatever card you have will support Aero on Windows Vista...

RAM-Try to get at least 512, that's the norm nowadays. However, for optimal performance, I recommend at least 1GB of RAM...that ensures a smoother computer performance. Try to watch for Corsair RAM, that's considered a pretty high-quality name in RAM makers.

Cooling-Computer forums will cover this in more detail, but you're gonna fry your computer from the inside out unless you provide ample cooling. Mostly, you can choose between watercooling or aircooling. Watercooling's better if you're planning on OCing your processor, I believe. Cooling is also dependent on the chassis you purchase, since certain chasses won't support larger watercooling systems, for example.

Mobo-The thing that holds everything together. Going back to the lego reference in the beginning, this is the base plate, the thing that every single part depends on and that every bit snaps together onto. I recommend checking out stuff by Asus, I've heard they're pretty good quality. Make sure that all the above mentioned parts can fit onto your mobo, though.

Peripherals-Keyboards and Mice cost about 30 for a decent set, a little more if you want a precision (aka high-quality optical or a laser) mouse. Pick a monitor that suits your needs best, but ALWAYS remember that it MUST be easy-to-read. This is something you might want to purchase from the store itself, since ordering off the internet doesn't necessarily guarantee you a good screen. If you watch a lot of movies, you should go for a widescreen, if you play games, a hi-rez screen with a fast refresh rate is optimal, if you do a lot of movie making or multimedia etc, the bigger the better.

PSU-Depends on everything else and the amount of power everything will need.

And that about wraps it up. Good luck. Me15ter out...

  • 06.10.2006 4:52 PM PDT
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well...
Biostar TForce 550 $83
Athlon 64 3800+ Orleans $165
eVGA 7600GT $149
OCZ 2x512 DDR2 $105
Tt TR2 430w (PSU) $40

Total: $542. thanks for the tips on visting other forums.

  • 06.12.2006 9:48 AM PDT
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Posted by: AfroMan117
well...
Biostar TForce 550 $83
Athlon 64 3800+ Orleans $165
eVGA 7600GT $149
OCZ 2x512 DDR2 $105
Tt TR2 430w (PSU) $40

Total: $542. thanks for the tips on visting other forums.

biostar- no, go asus
3800- ehhh. i guess
7600gt-- save up get a better
ram- meh
psu- NO- i cannot stress how important a psu is, please listene to me, if you're getting a video card in the 6800-7*** range, you need a very reliable power supply-- aka one that costs more than a budget one-- also if you're running a pci-e 7600 you must have atleast 18a @ 12v i think, this one you choose IS 18a, but i'd just be safe and get one with more ampage.. what happens if your ampage rate is too low you ask?-- your video card WILL artifact, how do i know?- been there done that.

i'd recommend if you are on a budget to get http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E1681714800 2
^^my friends have that, and it does well, but idk.. not a very reliable brand

but if you want reliable, look for antec, -- this ones mine, its pretty darn reliable
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E1681710393 2

  • 06.12.2006 10:09 AM PDT

you may know me as X[IGN]

Posted by: Iggwilv

*hands Kim a crowbar*
Here you will need this to help you get your foot out of the back of your throat, looks llike its in there pretty deep. And what is that on your face? Egg?! *hands Kim a washcloth*

NEVER get aspire, it's called asspire for a reason. The miniumum you should get is an antec. And I dont know how much better you can get than a 7600gt for a 500 budget. And if you are looking for a good budget motherboard, look at ASrock.

  • 06.12.2006 10:36 AM PDT
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Posted by: staticx576
NEVER get aspire, it's called asspire for a reason. The miniumum you should get is an antec. And I dont know how much better you can get than a 7600gt for a 500 budget. And if you are looking for a good budget motherboard, look at ASrock.


i know aspire sucks

antec isn't the minimum, plz do some research about psus, but i'm not saying its the best, i mean duh, pc power & cooling are probably the best psus ever made.
ASrock? are you kidding? plz don't listen to him

  • 06.12.2006 1:01 PM PDT

you may know me as X[IGN]

Posted by: Iggwilv

*hands Kim a crowbar*
Here you will need this to help you get your foot out of the back of your throat, looks llike its in there pretty deep. And what is that on your face? Egg?! *hands Kim a washcloth*

Posted by: reidypea
Posted by: staticx576
NEVER get aspire, it's called asspire for a reason. The miniumum you should get is an antec. And I dont know how much better you can get than a 7600gt for a 500 budget. And if you are looking for a good budget motherboard, look at ASrock.


i know aspire sucks

antec isn't the minimum, plz do some research about psus, but i'm not saying its the best, i mean duh, pc power & cooling are probably the best psus ever made.
ASrock? are you kidding? plz don't listen to him


Do you have any idea what you are talking about?

there is a short list of PSU companies that dont suck:
Antec
Fortron source(fsp)
OCZ
Enermax
PC power and cooling
Of course there are others dont that suck, but the mere fact that you are reccommending aspire you lose all credibility.

Do you even know what ASrock is or are you just looking at prices?

[Edited on 6/12/2006]

  • 06.12.2006 1:13 PM PDT
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maybe if you read what i said about aspire, i said it was cheaper, and my friends have it and its working fine but its not a reliabe brand at all

i know AS-c0cks suck

just save up and don't get a budget computer get good stuff

[Edited on 6/12/2006]

  • 06.12.2006 4:28 PM PDT