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Computer build research thread

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HaRuMaN:
My last build ran me ~$320...

64 bit Quad core AMD 2.8 Ghz
8 Gigs Ram
MSI Mobo
Thermaltake Case & 450 Watt PSU
Nvidia graphics card with 1 Gig Ram
1 Tb Seagate HD
Random DVD reader / burner

Ridgefire:
Well for the first build ever. Looking at a very basic computer. Going to be a dedicated Mame machine. Yes I know I don't need a good computer for Mame. But I figure this would be a good first build

BadMouth:
The important questions are "What is the most demanding game you want to be able to play?"
and "how much do you want to spend?"

You don't need a high spec computer to play old 2D games, but if you want to play Tekken, you need a little more power.
If you want to play NFL Blitz or 3D racing games, you'll have to up the ante even farther.

An intel 2500k is the beast of the moment if you have an unlimited budget.

Both my systems run Athlon X3 triple core processors in $40 bargain motherboards.  They cost me around $250-270 w/o an OS.
I have a 3.4Ghz X3 in my driving cab and it runs California Speed and San Fransisco Rush just fine, but is too slow to run Ridge Racer.

If you cut corners anywhere, don't cut them on the processor.
If you're only running MAME, get a mobo with onboard video and put the money you saved on a video card toward a better processor.
You can always add a video card later, after the initial sting of the money you spent has worn off.

EDIT: I should also mention that I have all unnecessary services, including all networking and internet related services disabled.
        Your results wil vary depending on what all you're running in the background.  Especially if you're running antivirus software.

Vigo:
Those old HP pavilions don't quite chug fast enough for today's standards, do they?  ;)

As mentioned before, newegg is the best place to get everything you need. I just lurk around there until I find a good deal on what I need. I find that starting with motherboard and processor is the best. Set a budget on those two items, find the best combo in that price range, and build the rest of your PC around that.  :cheers:

For power supplies, I have always been super happy with the thermaltake ones I bought. They seem to have better cables and have not ever burned out on me.

For motherboard sockets types, I can't make a recommendation. One thing to watch is which socket types are current and popular, and which ones are on the way out. You will find that you can get a processor and motherboard with an older socket type for much cheaper than a same speed set with a newer socket type, but you don't have the ability to upgrade your processor past a certain point if you plan on doing so.

Dervacumen:
In my experience, I always thought I might need to upgrade something -anything- on one of my rigs, but found that I ended up building a whole new contraption anyway.  So my advice is: Build whatever is in budget.  Really.  Come up with a budget, and then fit the pieces in.  Spending or saving an extra $50 seems like an issue now, but three years from now when you're playing your machine you'll either wish you spent more or not even notice it.  I'm frugal so I salvage the innards for my machines from friends, craigslist, leftovers from my own upgrades, etc.  Why buy brand new parts that are at best going to get minimal usage anyway?  Sure, you think you'll play it a lot.  But you won't.  You'll play it in spurts - an hour here, three hours there - maybe a total of 150 hours a year.

What's your favorite game?  That's how I started.  I made sure that whatever I built, I better damn sure be able to play my favorite game(s).  Forget about everything else and start there.

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