Computer for the wife, only GFX and RAM needed

ChrisD. · 28 Oct 2007 at 00:47

Since I've just changed my mobo and CPU I've got most bits needed for a rig. It'll be used for browsing, office and the occasional game. I say game, probably The Sims or some game like that.

So far have:

E4300
Noctua cooler
Crap case but will be good enough as it won't be overclocked much at all (prob 2.4Ghz for future proofing). Has 120mm intake, 80mm side fan, 80mm exhaust, typical what you see down your local PC store jobbie but will have to do.
ASUS P5N-E SLi
WD Caviar 250GB SATA drive
OCZ Modstream 520W PSU
PATA DVD rewriter

With the above in mind and looking to spend as little as possible, what RAM and GFX card should I go for?

Was thinking of OcUK ATI Radeon X1950 Pro 256MB/OcUK GeForce 8600 GT 256MB - what's the better option?

For RAM, most likely GeIL 2GB (2x1GB) PC2-6400C4.

Any suggestions/ideas?

ChrisD. · 31 Oct 2007 at 18:30

What will be better for my rig, my current Crucial Ballistix 5300 or the Geil stuff that's on offer? Thinking of snapping up some of the GEIl and putting my RAM into hers.

Also, any recommendations GFX wise?

Andeh · 31 Oct 2007 at 18:33

yeah, get the GeIL, stick it in yours, and give her your old RAM

also the X1950 Pro is significantly better than the 8600GT, so the choice between those is easy

although get the 512mb version as its only a couple quid more.

ChrisD. · 31 Oct 2007 at 18:38

It's a little expensive though for what she needs, might try and find a cheaper alternative on the bay.

Wiggins · 31 Oct 2007 at 19:34

If she is going to be playing Sims dude, get her the X1950 and not the 8600GT.

My missus has an X1950 Pro in her machine and it flies especially with the 512mb onboard as it does eat memory especially if she has all the mods and downloads too.

ChrisD. · 31 Oct 2007 at 19:37

Yeah I suppose, was only thinking of the 8600GT for DX10, but then again she probably won't even know what the hell that is so she shouldn't miss it.

Wiggins · 31 Oct 2007 at 19:46

I asked my missus the other day what she thought DX10 was and she answered back with "Is it a Pop Group?"

ChrisD. · 1 Nov 2007 at 00:09

Just got myself 4GB of the Geil 6400. Couldn't resist really, cracking price and I want my current rig to last at least a year before I go Penryn/DDR3. Be putting Vista 64 on once it comes through.

Wifey can have the reliable Ballistix.