gaming rig recommendations

[Sweno]

ok, I've browsed through the forum history, but I couldn't find the original post about this topic, so I'm starting a new one.

I'm getting tired of playing CoX on my 3 year old laptop. I want the eye candy.

I have about $1000-1200 I've put aside for the purposes of building a gaming rig, and (being a mac fanboi) I have no idea where to start.

Given the previous discussions on graphics cards and whatnot I trust this group to at least point me in the right direction.

This will be used to play CoX (and most likely spore when it comes out).

I have no problem at all building my own rig piecemeal, but I'm clueless when it come to parts.

Thanks in advance.
-Terry
-----
"so listen up boy, or pornography starring your mother will be the second worst thing to happen to you today"
TF2: Spy

[Wiregeek]

intel core2 duo @ 3.0ghz/better, wolfdale core

4gb appropriate DDR2/800 or better

8800GT, 8800GTX/512 or /640

hdd, optical, 650w + PSU

I'll weigh in on motherboards later, but HardOCP has my trust as a review site.
"No can brain today. Want cheezeburger."
From NGE: Nobody Dies, by Gregg Landsman
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5579457/1/NGE_Nobody_Dies

[Bluemage]

While Intel has the best dual-core CPUs right now, AMD's Athlon 64 X2 line is good, and a 2.6 Ghz X2 is less than $100 right now. The power supply
(650-700W is good) will run you about $180, and 2GB of DDR2 800 RAM (average- most gamers get DDR2-1066 or higher, all the way to DDR3, which is crazy pricey)
is $70-140. I personally use Asus motherboards, and an entry-level one will run about $100. DVD drives are $40-50, and a good 500GB 7200RPM SATA hard drive
is about $110 more. With this, you have enough to get a 1GB Geforce 8800GT for less than $300, or a 512MB 8800GTS for about $450.

---

My Unitarian Jihad Name is: Brother Atom Bomb of Courteous Debate. Get yours.

I've been writing a bit.

[Wiregeek]

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1315179

the intel bare-bones looks like an absolute SMOKING deal. Add the 512mb GeForce 8800GT, add a hard drive, and rock on.

TigerDirect is a reputable dealer, and anything HardOCP boosts is worth looking at.
"No can brain today. Want cheezeburger."
From NGE: Nobody Dies, by Gregg Landsman
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5579457/1/NGE_Nobody_Dies

[jpub]

Here's an important question: do you need a monitor/kb/mouse?

[Sweno]

Yup I have monitor, kb, and mouse
-Terry
-----
"so listen up boy, or pornography starring your mother will be the second worst thing to happen to you today"
TF2: Spy

[jpub]

Wiregeek's suggestions are good, but personally, I'd devote $40-50 to having someone build it and warranty it for you.

Most hobbyist and parts stores will charge you that minimal amount to build it and test it (maybe even drop Windows on it, if you supply the license), and in
addition give you a 1-year warranty for the lot.

I stopped building my computer myself years ago, ever since I discovered that.

[nemonowan]

Ars technica has for years published some interesting guides on system builds.

Here is the
latest one.

NN

[Sweno]

Thanks for all the pointers people. I've begun assembly and will let everyone knows how it turns out.
-Terry
-----
"so listen up boy, or pornography starring your mother will be the second worst thing to happen to you today"
TF2: Spy