Spec Help!

Sakura · 29 Dec 2006 at 11:35

Hi,

I currently have avery old PC that I am using until I have enough money to get better components then build a new one but I need some help with this.

I need a monitor that has a 2ms response time and is at least 19" - I got my boyfriend a Samsung one for Christmas the 940BF (I think) but I don't want to get the same, does anyone know what Monitor would be good? I heard the ASUS PG191 was ok but it's a little out of my price range, I'd only like to spend around £250 inc VAT so if anyone can help I'd be most grateful! also is Widescreen better??

I also need a new Motherboard and I have seen the ASUS Crosshair nFORCE 590 SLi but I don't want to buy it if I can get better in the same price range...

As for the Graphics Card I know I want an nVIDIA but don't really want to spend over £170 on one, I know I'm a cheapskate but I have to afford to live as well as get these things!

I don't know much about Hard Drives but I know I'd like at least 400Gb, my aim one day is to get 1TQ but that's just frivilous at the moment. Are the Seagate ones any good?

As for the Memory I don't know what would be best but I have been told that more is better, where do I start?!

My main worry other than the monitor is getting a good processor, it has to be an AMD and it has to be super quick!

Can anyone please help? Pretty please?!

本当にありがとう

Sakura

Lolcb · 29 Dec 2006 at 11:39

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-046-VS - Monitor

Processor, I would recommend somewhere along the line of E6300. No point going AMD now unless your budget pulls you back.

Motherboard you can go for the Asus P5B deluxe.

Graphics card, any chance of going ATi? The 1950 PRO is cheap and good.

Nvidia - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-033-BG

ATi - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-065-HT

Memory, 2 GB is your friend. Try to take a look at corsair's ones.

As for HDD. http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-076-WD

OR http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-033-SA

thefishdude · 29 Dec 2006 at 11:52

i know you said you wanted amd cpu but the the intel core2 duo chip is really the way to go everyone will say this. and no one will recomend a new amd2 chip at the moment.

Sakura · 29 Dec 2006 at 12:25

Thank you for your replies

Why is it not worth getting an AMD Processor? Is it because of the new F Socket stuff? I thought they were pretty good and a bit better than the Intel ones but to quote George Bush: 'shows how much I know'....

Are ATi better than nVIDIA? I take it if I got an ATi Graphics Card I would have to get a Crossfire ready Motherboard?

Also, any ideas on casing? I wanted SFF but I'm not sure the components would be compaitble and don't want to put anyone to the trouble of doing SFF components spec. As long as it is small(ish), sleek and sexy then I am happy

I also need a Sound Card but as I don't have any pseakers (yet) then is it worth getting an uber good one? I currently use a headset....

Thank you!

thefishdude · 29 Dec 2006 at 12:38

basically the intel chips that are out now core2duo are the fastest chips you can get. untill these were released amd was cpu champ but now intel is back in charge soo you can get a lot of performance for *** rpice.

as for the gpu. at the moment the ati1950pro is the king of the mid range gfx heap. you can get one for about £130 and will happily run all games around most at high to max settings. if you were spending £300 on gfx then nvidia would have been the best buy with the 8800gts.

i allways use onboard sound, if you arnt an audiophile then most motherboards will come with a reasonably good wquality 5.1 or7.1 sound capability built in.

Lolcb · 29 Dec 2006 at 12:40

Sound card = X-fi Xtreme Music

Not sure if Asus P5B supports crossfire. But Asus P5W does support Crossfire.

For your budget, ATi and Nvidia performance are more or less the same.

Don't bother about the new Socket F thingy. Just go for the Core 2 Duo.

Case, I'm not much of a case guru. Perhaps someone with more knowledge regarding what case is small and sleek would be able to help you.

Sakura · 29 Dec 2006 at 12:56

Thank you for all your help

I really want a good gaming rig that I can be proud of so I only want good (and affordable) components in there. Would the components you have suggested be the best for what I can afford and perform better that what I originally wanted?

Lolcb · 29 Dec 2006 at 14:25

You have to tell us what your budget is tho.