New Desktop PC for gaming

[desktop_lover]

Hi guys, a newbie here. Need your help.

I have been using my laptop for gaming purposes. I've now decided to build a decent rig(desktop pc) for that purpose. Not much of tech savvy but here goes :


1. What is the purpose of the computer?
A:Gaming

2. Are you open to alternate ideas/products giving similar better performance but offering more VFM/ sellers? If not- why?
A: Yes

3. What is your MAX budget?
A: 25-30k

4. Planning to overclock?
A: Don't know much about it, but if it helps with the gaming performance, then yes.

5. Which OS are you planning to use?
A: Windows 7

6. How much hard drive space is needed?
A: 1 TB

7. What resolution will the screen run at & whats the size of the screen you want?
A: Higher one (1280 X __ ). Sorry, not much tech savvy.

8. How would you rate your hardware knowledge from the count of 1-10? (1 being the lowest, 5 being you are somewhat in sync with the current performers and 10 being the highest)
A: 5

9. Have you ever built a desktop before or will this be done by an assembler?
A: No. Never.

10. When are you planning to buy the system?
A: December-January.

11. Are you one of the types looking out for "future proof" configurations?
A: Not really. But i'd like if it can last me 1 to 2 years without upgrade.

12. Are there going to be any components that you don't want to include in this new rig? If yes, do mention.
A: No.

13. Which city do you live in and are you open to buying from shops from other city/states?
A: Delhi. Would prefer shops in delhi, but yes, open to it.

14. Mention any other points if deemed necessary
A: None.

 

[Jaskanwar Singh]

Amd Athlon II x3 435 @ 3.5k
Gigabyte GA 880GM UD2H @ 4.5k
G.skill 2GB DDR3 1333MHz @ 1.5k
Sapphire HD5770 @ 8.7k
Seagate 500GB 7200.12 @ 1.8k
FSP Saga II 500W @ 2.1k
CM elite 310 @ 1.5k
Samsung B2030 @ 6.5k

Total - 30.1k

 

[desktop_lover]

Hi. Thanks for the reply.

Any options available in the intel+Nvidia range?

 

[ssk_the_gr8]

Hi. Thanks for the reply.

Any options available in the intel+Nvidia range?

Go with what J Singh has suggested
it's your best bet

don't try for an intel + nvidia....not VFM

 

[skeletor]

Any options available in the intel+Nvidia range?

Increase budget then. But even if you do so by 4-5k, an AMD config will be more value for money.

 

[pegasus]

If you are very keen on an Intel+Nvidia config,
i3 530/540 - 5K approx
ASUS P7H55-M LX - 4K approx ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
2x 2GB DDR3 1333MHz Kingston - 3K approx
1TB Seagate 7200.12 - 2.8K approx
Corsair CX400 PSU - 2.7K approx
CM Elite 310 cabinet - 1.6K approx
Nvidia GTS450 - 7K approx
20" LCD - 6.5K approx
DVD writer - 1K approx
Total - Approx 32.6K
to get a rough idea on prices- *www.deltapage.com/list/index.html

 

[ssb1551]

^^But isn't 5770 a better option than 450 for just 1k more?

 

[pegasus]

Approx 1.5K more for a HD5770 i thought and i tried to fit in a CX400 and stick it as close to 30K as possible while keeping the OP's requirement for 1TB HDD.
If OP adds 2GB later, that 1.5K can be diverted to 5770 or saved to fit rig almost within 30K or buy speakers like VS2621.
Looking at the screen size, resolution and the OP's background (laptop gamer), the GTS450 will mostly not disappoint i felt.
Varied suggestions from many provide possible alternatives and it is hoped/expected that OP/buyer benefits from that by chalking out a config that suits his sensibilities and not get spoon fed totally.

 

[desktop_lover]

Thanks for all the relies everyone.

Approx 1.5K more for a HD5770 i thought and i tried to fit in a CX400 and stick it as close to 30K as possible while keeping the OP's requirement for 1TB HDD.

Regarding the 1 tb hard disk, that cannot be changed because there is always too much stuff to keep on the hard disk.

If OP adds 2GB later, that 1.5K can be diverted to 5770 or saved to fit rig almost within 30K or buy speakers like VS2621.

Oops!! I forgot to mention, i already have a 2.1 speakers on standby for this new machine. 30k limit is always with a +/- 10% here and there.

Looking at the screen size, resolution and the OP's background (laptop gamer), the GTS450 will mostly not disappoint i felt.

Sir, before playing games on laptops(which has been about 2 years only), i have always been a desktop pc gamer, for many many years at that. I think the usual screen resolution is 1280X720 or 1280X800. If something has changed from that, i accept i have been too far away from the scene.

Varied suggestions from many provide possible alternatives and it is hoped/expected that OP/buyer benefits from that by chalking out a config that suits his sensibilities and not get spoon fed totally.

Thankyou sir, again for all the inputs.

I went to the market today and upon showing the config in post no #2 to various guys, i came up with following doubts:

1) the Amd Athlon II x3 435, i was told, had 4 mb cache(?), and the next model, the 440 one, had 7 mb cache(?). I was told it would make a big difference in performance as compared to price difference(appx. 1k). Is it really worth it?

2) The Samsung B2030, 20 inch model, i was told was not full HD, and hence will not be able to harness the full potential of the graphics card, Sapphire HD5770. I was suggested a 22 inch Samsung full HD monitor for appx. 1.7k more. Again, is it all bull***t or is there some truth in it? And is it really worth it/is there something else i'd rather spend this same money on for upgrading?

3) The recommended ram (G.skill 2GB DDR3 1333MHz), should it not be 4 gb (or 2X2 gb) for better performance?

4)PSU : Saga II 500W is available nowhere. Only options are corsair or Cooling Master. I don't know, i'm really confused about them still.

So guys, please advise on above.

 

[ssb1551]

1.5k more!!!You sure??I just checked smc...a standard 450 is for 7.5k & 5770 is for 8k,so the difference is only .5k..I thought the difference was 1k.

 

[Ishu Gupta]

1) the Amd Athlon II x3 435, i was told, had 4 mb cache(?), and the next model, the 440 one, had 7 mb cache(?). I was told it would make a big difference in performance as compared to price difference(appx. 1k). Is it really worth it?

They have 512KB L2 cache per core.

2) The Samsung B2030, 20 inch model, i was told was not full HD, and hence will not be able to harness the full potential of the graphics card, Sapphire HD5770. I was suggested a 22 inch Samsung full HD monitor for appx. 1.7k more. Again, is it all bull***t or is there some truth in it? And is it really worth it/is there something else i'd rather spend this same money on for upgrading?

It is true. 20" isn't a FullHD. B2230 (22") is.

If you want fullHD get Benq g2220HD @ 7.5k or Samsung B2230 @ 8k. It is worth it IMO, but not if you have to cut elsewhere.

3) The recommended ram (G.skill 2GB DDR3 1333MHz), should it not be 4 gb (or 2X2 gb) for better performance?

Yes. 4GB is better than 2GB, but for an extra 1.5k (again )

4)PSU : Saga II 500W is available nowhere. Only options are corsair or Cooling Master. I don't know, i'm really confused about them still.

Stay away from CoolerMaster.
From Corsair get VX450W @ 3.5k or CX400W @ 2.7k.
CX400W will just run it but PSUs loose their wattage with time. Might need to be replaced in 2-3 years.

 

[ssb1551]

X3 435 has 4MB cache!!!I think it must be a mistake.512KB×3(cores) = 1.5MB cache...and there is no way X3 440 can have 7MB cache..

 

[Cilus]

Regarding your monitor query, HD 5770 or GTS 450 is able to play most of the games in 1920X1080 resolution or full HD mode but not in very high setting. IF your sole purpose is gaming then you have to go for a GTX 460 768 MB or HD 6850 for full HD gaming. Sticking with a 20" display (1600X1200) is a better option as at this resolution most of the games will run fluently in their high setting in HD 5770 or GTS 450.

 

[ssb1551]

^^Hey Cilus can one play at high settings in 1600×900 resolution using a 5770?

 

[Jaskanwar Singh]

1) the Amd Athlon II x3 435, i was told, had 4 mb cache(?), and the next model, the 440 one, had 7 mb cache(?). I was told it would make a big difference in performance as compared to price difference(appx. 1k). Is it really worth it?

2) The Samsung B2030, 20 inch model, i was told was not full HD, and hence will not be able to harness the full potential of the graphics card, Sapphire HD5770. I was suggested a 22 inch Samsung full HD monitor for appx. 1.7k more. Again, is it all bull***t or is there some truth in it? And is it really worth it/is there something else i'd rather spend this same money on for upgrading?

3) The recommended ram (G.skill 2GB DDR3 1333MHz), should it not be 4 gb (or 2X2 gb) for better performance?

4)PSU : Saga II 500W is available nowhere. Only options are corsair or Cooling Master. I don't know, i'm really confused about them still.

So guys, please advise on above.

1) completely wrong

2) there is nothing like harnessing the full potential..lower resolutions will also allow you to keep other settings high.

3) get ram later, first concentrate on components that are costly and cant be uypgraded frequently.

4) get corsair cx400w for that rig then.

 

[Cilus]

^^Hey Cilus can one play at high settings in 1600×900 resolution using a 5770?

Ya, 5770 is king on that resolution. Almost all games (except some like Metro 2033) will run in their highest setting on that resolution.

 

[pegasus]

Sorry for the n00b question, how much difference between GTS450 and HD5770 at 1600x900?

1.5k more!!!You sure??I just checked smc...a standard 450 is for 7.5k & 5770 is for 8k,so the difference is only .5k..I thought the difference was 1k.

err. Cheapest GTS450 was 7K on deltapage (usually quite fair pricing in the site) and cheapest 5770 was 8.2K.
If prices are higher elsewhere due to taxes, as in Mumbai, the difference will still stay around 1.2K-1.5K i thought.

 

[ssb1551]

^^Does deltapage ship to other cities?
I called up smc today morning to inquire about availability & cost(incl shipping) of 5770 & 6850.Total cost(incl shipping to my city) of 5770 was 8.2k & 6850 has no shipping charges but they were outta stock of 6850.If deltapage has cheaper offerings I would like to order 1.