Ask questions via twitter! Message any question to @answers on twitter. We'll publish the question and send you a reply each time there's a new answer.
Next Question

Answered Question

 
M$2 January 04, 2009 05:41 AM

Best deal on a high-end PC gaming machine?

I want to buy a sick Windows-based computer that can play all the latest and great video games and that has a sick amount of video memory, etc.

I have two 30" dell monitors, so all I need is the box.

Would like to get a killer deal since i gotta thing post-holiday is the best time to buy.

My last two computers were from ABS and I loved them... who are the other highend gaming companies with great prices?!?!?

Looking to spend $1,500 to $2,500 on the box. Don't need crazy disk storage.
Interesting Question?  Yes (0)   No (0)   
RSS
 
 

Best Answer  Chosen by Asker

 
January 04, 2009 06:42 AM
ABS has always made nice machines, but it seems their offerings are more than a bit behind the times. Their $2500 gaming machine includes a pair of 2 generation old video cards and a very low end CPU by today's standards.

If you're going to hook the computer up to 30" displays for games, the video card is by far the most important thing when it comes to performance. It is far more important than the CPU, because the resolution of the display is so high.

This is a case where building your own will cost $800+ less for comparable specs. Last PC I built took me ~3 hours from a pile of parts to a fully operational and patched machine, and that included a trip to dinner If you want to do that, I can pick out parts and I bet you can pay someone near you to put them together ;)

If you don't want to, the trick is to look for systems with powerful video cards first, and the CPU is secondary.

Here's an example:
http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTU4MCwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==

At a very low resolution, the game runs significantly faster on the Core i7 system. But at 1920x1200, a far lower resolution than the 30" displays use, the performance difference between the i7 and a high end Core 2 based CPU is almost zero - and when taken to the extreme of 2560x1600, as seen here, the CPU makes no difference at all.

Here are benchmarks that compare a computer with 1 video card with one with 2:
http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTU4MCw0LCxoZW50aGlzdWFzdA==

The performance is nearly doubled when you add the 2nd card. The largest graph shows a tiny performance increase from a huge overclock of the processor, because, again, the video cards are limiting system performance a lot more than the CPU.

Thus, I will recommend a computer with the most powerful video card I can find, even if the CPU isn't an i7. I will recommend an i7 system that has a high end video card system, but a prebuilt system like that will come in significantly over your budget.


This Dell option would be good on the cheaper side of your price range:
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&fb=1&l=en&oc=DXCW64A&s=dhs

Take this Dell. Add the E8500 CPU, 4GB or 6GB of RAM, and the dual HD4850 video cards. Anything else you upgrade on it is gravy. It's a plain jane desktop that'd make a pretty formidable gaming machine and will be adequate for most games on your monitors, but if you decide to run Crysis, it won't be a good experience in the native resolution.



Here's an option that has an i7, a pair of GTX 260 video cards (This will be significantly better than the dual 4850s for you), and while it's gaudy looking, the price is significantly lower than most of the other "gaming" PCs I've seen - they usually command a huge price premium. I'd have a hard time building this for under $1700 or so, I think:
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/CyberPower_Gamer_Infinity_8800_Pro_SE

Cyber Power is a pretty good brand. They've been around a while and have decent support, but aren't a premium marque like Alienware/FalconNW - but the parts are the same (Well, except the case).


Helpful Answer?  (1)   (0)    Tip teff torbes for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 

Other Answers (16)

Sort By
 
January 04, 2009 05:46 AM
Falcon Northwest are the goto guys for top end gaming rigs!

Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip orsenfelt for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 04, 2009 05:47 AM
I got just what you are looking for. I assume you are a computer expert, so I do not need to pen-point the specifics, but get a Dell Studio XPS Desktop, which comes with INTEL I7 technology. Compare to other desktops with similar setting, you'll save....at least $500. the $945 base-price version does NOT come with a monitor, (which is great for you) the new technology eliminated system bus for a blazing performance, AND supports up to 12GB of RAM (although I'd suggest 6GB for virtually anything you'll ever need). You can put together a great desktop at http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dxcwzy1&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=productdetails~desktop-studioxps-435mt
for about $1500.

A quick sample (only$1399)'s specs are listed below:
Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1, 64-Bit
Processors Intel® Core™i7-920 Processor(8MB L2 Cache, 2.66GHz)
Memory 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1066MHz - 6 DIMMs
Keyboard Dell USB Consumer Multimedia Keyboard
Monitor No Monitor
Video Card 512MB ATI Radeon HD 4850
Hard Drives 500GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache
Floppy Drive or Media Card Reader No Floppy Drive or Media Reader Included
Mouse Dell Laser Mouse
Network Card Integrated 10/1000 Ethernet
Modem (External) No Modem Option
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 9.0 Multi-Language
Optical Drives Single Drive: 16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
Sound Card Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Speaker No speakers (Speakers are required to hear audio from your system)
Office Productivity Software (Pre-Installed) No Productivity software pre-installed
Security Software McAfee SecurityCenter with anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, 15-months
Hardware Support Services 1Yr Ltd HW WRTY, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis, 24x7 Phone Support
Service 1 Dell Online Backup 2GB for 1 year

Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip chn-cs-htg for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 04, 2009 05:54 AM
Mid-Range Alienware Area-51 X58
Source(s):
http://www.alienware.com/products/area-51-x58-desktop.aspx?SysCode=PC-A51-X...


Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip browny for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 04, 2009 05:57 AM
I would highly recommend the Dell XPS as mentioned above. http://www.dell.com/xps

It seems like you can find one in your recommended price range. You need not buy it from Dell, yet buying it from them will probably give you the best warranty. I just checked out Google Products and found plenty of them listed, as well they are also listed on Google Base.


Helpful Answer?  (1)   (0)    Tip easyeboy for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 07, 2009 05:24 AM
Does dell XPS sell only the machine , i thought it came in a package where you have have to buy the monitors too...

Report
 
 
 
January 04, 2009 06:02 AM
CyberPower Gamer Infinity 8800 Pro SE
looks pretty promising
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/CyberPower_Gamer_Infinity_8800_Pro_SE/

It runs for $2069. It comes with 6GB of PC1333 DDR3 RAM. Two Nvidia Geforce GTX260 with 896MB onboard memory and the Intel i7-940 running at 2.93 Ghz, as well as other features. Oh and its pretty.

Helpful Answer?  (1)   (0)    Tip bryansays for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 04, 2009 06:04 AM
If your not afraid to build one on your own here a system I built for my brother a couple weeks ago. He uses three thirty inch monitors and a triple head adapter. But hes also added another 4870x2, faster 6GB kit of RAM, and overclocked the CPU to 4.0GHz and get ridicules amounts of FPS in any game which put the overall cost a little over $2000+the cost of the original RAM. The case is a little on the low budget side but that usually where I save money on my systems. I much rather have higher end hardware then $500-$1000 case.
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=6765725

or for so thing a little more extreme around $3500
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=7136291
Source(s):
http://www.newegg.com/


Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip pastubbs for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 04, 2009 06:25 AM
I got my most recent setup from CyberPowerPC, I got a good deal in an Intel-based PC. Their configurator is flexible and the price and warranty were solid, and thus far the machine has been rock solid.
Source(s):
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/


Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip darth continent for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 04, 2009 06:32 AM
Build one yourself. It's half the fun!

Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip mccallister for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 04, 2009 06:33 AM
Dell Studio XPS $2,500 w/12GB RAM, and RAID 0 for speed.


http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dxcwzy4&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=productdetails~desktop-studioxps-435mt


# Studio XPS


Date 1/4/2009 12:33:04 AM Central Standard Time
Catalog Number 29 Retail 19
Catalog Number / Description Product Code Qty SKU Id
Processors:
Intel® Core™i7-940 Processor(8MB L2 Cache, 2.93GHz) MI7940 1 [311-9774] 2
Operating System:
Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate SP1 64-bit VU61E 1 [330-2980][420-5769][420-6436][420-8873][420-8874][421-0085][463-2282] 11
Hardware Support Services:
2Yr Ltd HW WRTY, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis, 24x7 Phone Support S222OS 1 [412-0360][902-0931][950-3338][960-8700][985-7631][991-7130][992-9668][992-9687] 29
Memory:
12GB Tri-Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1066MHz - 6 DIMMs 12G106D 1 [311-9902] 3
Hard Drives:
640GB Performance RAID 0 (2 x 320GB SATA 3Gb/s 7200 RPM HDDs) 640R0 1 [341-8396] 8
Optical Drives:
Single Drive: 16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability 16DVDRW 1 [313-7182][420-8152] 16
Monitor:
Dell 24 inch Consumer™ S2409W Flat Panel, Adjustable Stand S2409W 1 [320-7710] 5
Video Card:
512MB ATI Radeon HD 4850 AT4850 1 [320-7704] 6
Sound Card:
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio IS 1 [313-7186] 17
Speaker:
No speakers (Speakers are required to hear audio from your system) N 1 [313-4514] 18
Keyboard:
Dell USB Consumer Multimedia Keyboard MMK 1 [330-0915] 4
Mouse:
Dell Laser Mouse 6BTNLM 1 [330-1158] 12
Floppy Drive or Media Card Reader:
No Floppy Drive or Media Reader Included NFD 1 [341-8496] 10
Modem (External):
No Modem Option N 1 [313-3607] 14
Studio XPS:
Studio XPS 435MTH 1 [224-3607] 1
Adobe Software:
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 9.0 Multi-Language AAREAD 1 [410-1867] 15
Network Card:
Integrated 10/1000 Ethernet IE 1 [430-3347] 13
Labels:
Windows Vista™ Premium VPD 1 [310-8626] 750
Security Software:
No Security software pre-installed NOAV 1 [461-8389] 25
Office Productivity Software (Pre-Installed):
No Productivity software pre-installed MSONO 1 [412-1397] 22
Dell Remote Access:
Dell Remote Access, free basic service DRAFB 1 [420-9800][993-1919] 813
Service 1:
Dell Online Backup 2GB for 1 year DOB2GB 1 [420-9518][988-0099][988-7707] 34
Source(s):
Experience w/Dell


Helpful Answer?  (1)   (0)    Tip nonperturbative for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 04, 2009 06:35 AM
I don't do the pre-packaged PCs anymore. The LA Computer Fair is the place to go to get a custom gaming rig. I've been doing this for the past seven years now. Just get the specs you want together (CPU, Video cards, ram, hard drives, etc) and have one of the Korean vendors build the darn thing for you in thirty minutes from scratch. Saves me at least $1K for identical hardware. I'm not one of those who needs neon and liquid cooling junk, so a plain white case is fine.
Source(s):
LA Computer Fair


Helpful Answer?  (1)   (0)    Tip pjkearney for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 04, 2009 07:45 AM
How about this computer? It's on the low end of your price range, but that's never a bad thing.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9081325&type=product&id=1218017465909

Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip william5 for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 04, 2009 11:47 AM
Hi Jason,
http://www.cube247.co.uk/?customise=28
i know they are in the uk but god damn can they build a system.
Source(s):
my knowledge


Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip arcticmatt for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 04, 2009 04:49 PM
If you want great bang for your buck check out IBuyPower PC's. They use top notch components at a very reasonable price. Delivery was quick and I had good response on customer service. What you don't get is a lot of paperwork, set up info, etc... but as an advanced user I didn't need it. Here's a link for one of there gaming systems that falls in your price range. You can customize it to your heart's delight... dropping the monitor etc...

http://www.ibuypower.com/ibp/store/configurator.aspx?mid=327
Source(s):
personal experience
IBuyPower.com


Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip girldrummernw for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 06, 2009 02:16 PM
Why don't you try out the Dell XPS 730x gaming PC, I have heard from my hard core gaming buddies that it is the ultimate gaming PC that's available out there.It's starting price is from $1799 onwards depending on your specs and gaming needs,well within your budgetary allocation. But if you have more coin to spare you could try out the ultra high end XPS 730x H2C starting at $3999.

Check out the specs for the $ 1799 Dell XPS 730x gaming PC.

Intel® Core™ i7-920 (2.66GHz, 8MB cache)

Operating System
Genuine Windows Vista® 64-bit Home Premium (English) Service Pack 1

Optical Drives
Single Drive: 16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability

Memory
3GB3 Tri-Channel DDR3 at 1066MHZ (3x1GB DIMM)

Hard Drives
500GB4 - SATA-II, 3GB/S, 7200RPM, 16MB Cache

Video Card
nVidia GeForce 9800GT 512MB3

Sound Cards
Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium

Hardware Support Services
1Yr Ltd HW WRTY, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis, 24x7 Phone Support

The beauty is that you can customize it to fit precisely to your needs.You can also pay for it by hire purchase starting at $54/mo. Well I guess with those incredible specs you will be using this machine for quite a while in the foreseeable future. Good luck and I hope that was helpful.

Source(s):
http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/desktop-xps-730x?c...
http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/23/dells-xps-730x-h2c-core-i7-gaming-pc-ben...


Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip marcel m for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 07, 2009 03:15 AM
Gaming PC's are usually LOUD. I think the best deal in this case is actually quiet. It's much more enjoyable to be playing and hearing the music or screams of death instead of the fans on your PC because it's trying to crank out that extra 5 FPS you'll not even be able to see.

So I'd go here.
http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/std/category=Gaming_PCs.html

The $2700 model just slightly out of your price range is just slightly louder than a whisper.

Good luck with your gaming.
Source(s):
http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/std/category=Gaming_PCs.html


Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip pazaq for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
 
January 07, 2009 05:59 AM
http://i41.tinypic.com/25ajfuo.gif


Pros-------

Wide Range of Customization Options
Sturdy Easy To Access Case
Creative Sound Blaster Audio Card Included


Cons-----
Case Is Very Large And Heavy
Relatively Meager 3D Card For Price
On The More Expensive Side
Description



FEATURES---

Intel Core i7 920 Quad Core Desktop Processor
3GB PC3-8500 DDR3 Memory
500GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GT 512MB
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Audio Card
Dual Gigabit Ethernet
Eight USB 2.0, Two FireWire, eSATA
Vista Home Premium 64-bit, McAfee Security Center

http://i39.tinypic.com/2rggd44.jpg



FULL REVIEW ----

Dell's XPS 730x is just a shift in two major parts from their XPS 730. Both the motherboard and processor have been changed to allow for use of the Core i7 processor and the Intel X58 chipset. This gives the XPS 730x the ability to run faster DDR3 memory directly from the processor for improved memory access. The X58 chipset is also the first that allows for either CrossFire or SLI multiple video card configurations.

The system continues to use the very well designed XPS 700 series case with its easy to access and very wide open layout. This makes it one of the easiest cases to get into and upgrade. The downside is that this is also one of the largest and heaviest cases on the market. It could cause problems if it needs to be moved frequently or even if it needs to fit under or on top of a desk. It comes in a standard silver with solid panel but users can also get several color models with an X-panel for additional airflow.

In terms of performance, the base Dell XPS 730x comes with a setup that is pretty typical for a basic performance gaming system. The Core i7 920 processor with the triple channel 3GB DDR3 setup provides it with some solid overall numbers. Much of this can be attributed to the new memory controller that is built directly into the processor.

Storage is pretty much what anyone would expect from a desktop system with 500GB of hard drive space standard and a dual layer DVD burner. Upgrades are available for anyone needing more storage space or wanting to support Blu-ray media.

One area that is fairly weak is the graphics. The GeForce 9800 GT graphics card is decent, but there are newer and better options available and typically standard in competing systems. In fact, for the price, there are alternatives that have more features to offer.

SOURCE--- http://www.about.com/

http://i40.tinypic.com/14c4cow.gif


http://i39.tinypic.com/1zvesf7.gif


LINK TO BUY -- http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/desktop-xps-730x?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs


****
**** I think that though DELL xps is a really good gaming machine, but if i gone for a high end machine


i will like to build one myself.


NOTE-- I have quoted an article from " CHANNEL WEB" , its a bit long , so only a portion of the article is quoted here , if you like the initial part , click on the link and read the entire article from the source itself---

YOU CAN SELECT THE COMPONENTS ACCORDING TO YOUR OWN PREFERENCE--



How To Build a High-End Gaming PC

Hard-core gamers always want more power and performance in a bleeding-edge machine. But that doesn't mean system builders can charge crazy prices.
In this Recipe, I'll guide you through the build of a PC guaranteed to make any performance-craving gamer drool. Even better, I'll stick to a budget of $5,000 (though not including monitor and speakers).

To be sure, that price ceiling means no tricked-out water cooling, no PSU redundancy, and no superclocked video cards. I'll also be eschewing the latest CPUs to attain a better dollar-to-performance ratio. But this is still one screaming-fast system. Let's take a look at the components you'll need.

INGREDIENTS

The components required for cooking up this high-end game rig are basic yet potent. Even better, aside from a few strategic parts, they are interchangeable, as long as the specs compare.

I provide additional suggestions to trim costs and expand capabilities at the end of this Recipe. Throughout, my "best price" averages for each component are derived from Pricewatch, my preferred source for pricing comparisons.

Let's get started by reviewing what we'll need for this build.

Case: Aesthetics, size, expandability, construction, cooling and noise dampening are important factors when choosing an enclosure. Select one built from quality materials that is also large enough to accommodate your components without cramping them. Also, select a case that offers sufficient air cooling for the heat-spawning parts we'll be using.

Given my enthusiast loadout, I choose Nvidia (NSDQ:NVDA)'s SLI-Certified version of the Cooler Master Stacker.

This special-edition 830 Evolution Case is an attractive (albeit extremely large) aluminum chassis with rounded edges, smooth curves and Nvidia's distinctive green-and-black design. Other cool features include a streamlined design, Stacker 832-style door, 4-in-3 device module, tool-free installation, enhanced thermal management, top-mounted I/O panel, and a wealth of drive bays. Add an extra 4-in-3 Module ($20) for improved hard-drive cooling. Here's a look at the Cooler Master Stacker case:

http://i.cmpnet.com/techbuilder.org/graphics07/0528stacker830n.jpg



Power Supply: Given all the high-end components needed for this build, you'll need a quality power supply with plenty of oomph. You also need a power supply that's SLI-Ready and has at least four six-pin PCI-E connectors.

My choice: Thermaltake's new Toughpower 1000W PSU. This baby sports the eight-pin PCI-E connectors required for the next generation of graphics cards. The Toughpower 1000W retails for approximately $320, and it features a 14-cm. ball-bearing fan for quiet operation, as well as what's known as "modular cable management" to eliminate clutter. Here's a look at this power supply:

http://i.cmpnet.com/techbuilder.org/graphics07/0528tp1000w.jpg


Processor: Though dual-core processors are still faster for most of today's games, the future is quad-and-beyond. Thus, my choice is a quad-core CPU. With AMD (NYSE:AMD) outclassed at this stage, it's simply a matter of which Intel (NSDQ:INTC) part to employ: the new 2.93-GHz QX6800, the original 2.66-GHz QX6700, or the recently released 2.4-GHz Q6600? All are able performers, posting scores nearly on par with their dual-core brethren. But as more and more games are optimized to utilize more than two cores, expect performance to improve appreciably.

My decision: Intel's Core2 Extreme Quad-Core Processor (QX6700). I chose this CPU mainly to keep my rig's tab below $5,000. In fact, by accepting a small performance hit over Intel's other top-dog CPU (at a much higher price), I netted a significant cost savings. The QX6700 currently sells for around $970, compared with nearly $1,200 for the overpriced and in-short-supply QX6800.

Here's a look at Intel's QX6700 processor:

http://i.cmpnet.com/techbuilder.org/graphics07/0528quadcore.jpg



Heatsink and Fan (HSF): It pays to invest in a quality HSF, especially if you plan to overclock.

To keep my quad running cool and fast, I selected Thermaltake's new $53 MaxOrb. This large, efficient, easy-to-install cooler outperforms stock units. Yet it is nearly silent in operation, even though it sports a 110-mm. adjustable-speed fan. Here's a look at this HSF:

http://i.cmpnet.com/techbuilder.org/graphics07/0528maxorb.jpg



Motherboard: Only a few motherboards have the moxie to stand capacitor-to-capacitor against EVGA's nForce 680i SLI. In fact, it's hard to find a better blend of stability, features and price.

The latest A1 version is extremely overclock-friendly. It can handle all Intel 775-based processors. And it includes NVIDIA SLI-Ready memory support. This motherboard also features dual PCI-E x16 SLI video slots, a third PCI-E slot for graphics/physics expansion, and dual Gigabit Ethernet. At $240 after rebate, it's the best value in an nForce 680i-based mainboard out there.

Video Cards: My only choice right now for high-end, DirectX 10-compatible video is NVIDIA's top-of-the-line GeForce 8800 cards: the GTX and Ultra. Of course, for SLI we need a pair of these behemoths. But which ones?

Prices for GTX cards vary by as much as $400. The most affordable models cost approximately $530, while top-of-class water-cooled contenders go for as much as $940. The new Ultra enters the fray at $829 and up.

Weighing all factors -- performance, price, cooling method and footprint -- the choice was surprisingly easy. I selected a pair of default-clocked PNY 8800 GTX 768-MB PCI-E cards at $530 each. With a core clock of 575 MHz, shader clock of 1350 MHz, and an effective memory frequency of 1.8 GHz, these PNY cards are a great cost-to-performance duo. Here's a look:

http://i.cmpnet.com/techbuilder.org/graphics07/0528pny8800gtx.jpg


Memory: Under a 32-bit OS, 2 GB of memory is sufficient. In fact, 4 GB provides no appreciable performance boost. So I'm packing 2 GB into this rig, which will give us adequate headroom for both the OS and games.

For reliable performance and tweakability, I recommend one of Corsair's Twin2X2048-9136C5D Dominator 2 GB matched-pair DDR2 performance memory kits. It sells for just under $410. This kit contains DIMMs verified to operate at 1142 MHz at latencies of 5-5-5-15. It's pictured here:

http://i.cmpnet.com/techbuilder.org/graphics07/0528cd9136c5d.jpg


While 32-bit versions of Vista support up to 4 GB of memory, the OS doesn't report the full amount. A simplistic explanation is that it's a limitation of the 32-bit environment. Unfortunately, 64-bit Vista presently lacks an equal level of driver maturity. So for compatibility, going 32-bit is the better choice, at least for now. Hopefully, with the SP1 update, an upgrade to 64-bit Vista and 4 GB of RAM will be in order.

For more on this issue, see the Microsoft (NSDQ:MSFT) Knowledge Base articles #929580 and #929605. Also check out this TabBlogger post, The 3GB-not-4GB RAM problem.

Hard Drives: We need multiple drives to achieve an ideal balance for capacity, performance, reliability and redundancy. For the boot drive, I chose to pair two Western Digital 10,000-RPM Raptors in a RAID 0 array. A first-generation SATA drive, the Raptor's breakneck spindle speed compensates for the lack of SATA 3.0's improved transfer rate and native command queuing (NCQ). At a little over $300, two of these 74-GB models are more affordable than the 150 GB drives. Yet they are equally fast and large enough to handle the OS and basic applications.

The bulk of my storage is supplied by a pair of 750 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 SATA 3.0 drives in a RAID 1 array, sporting both NCQ and perpendicular recording technology.

Pictured below, these ample drives are fast, especially in overall burst speed. They carry a five-year warranty. And they run coolly and quietly. Offering an excellent value in cost-per-MB, they're available for $480 a pair:


Optical Drive: To handle optical chores, I selected Lite-On's LH-20A1S, available for around $37.

It spins up a maximum writing speed of 20x for DVD+/-R media, 8x for DVD+/-R9, 48x for CD-R/ROM, and 12x for DVD-RAM. While this drive does not support LightScribe disc labeling, that's not an issue for most gamers. (For those who do care about LightScribe, the LH-20A1L, scheduled to ship in June, will support it.) Here's a look at the LH-20A1S:

http://i.cmpnet.com/techbuilder.org/graphics07/0528lh20a1s.jpg



ReadyBoost Flash Drive: Vista features a new disk-caching technology, called ReadyBoost, that is designed to improve the OS's responsiveness. By using flash memory, such as a USB 2.0 flash drive, a system builder can add a bit more "snap" to the OS by improving performance on small, random I/O activity. A flash drive like Lexar's 2-GB JumpDrive Lightning, shown below, costs just $45 and makes a worthwhile investment. Take a look:

http://i.cmpnet.com/techbuilder.org/graphics07/0528lightning.jpg



Audio Card: While on-board audio has improved, it still pales when compared against a dedicated solution. I recommend Creative's X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Pro Series card for $130. Your customers will reap the benefits: improved audio reproduction, high-quality re-sampling, and reduced CPU utilization. Couple that with Creative ALchemy, for converting DS3D and EAX calls into OpenAL, and legacy games will sound as good as ever.


Keyboard & Mouse: I selected Logitech's high-end, cordless combo for this rig, the Vista-Certified diNovo Edge keyboard ($199) and Logitech's MX Revolution mouse ($99).



The Edge keyboard lacks a dedicated number pad and game-specific keys. Yet it's slim and sexy, offers excellent wireless performance (best-to-date), sports a great feel, and runs for weeks on a single charge. And the Revolution is as good as a mouse gets. Stylish and comfortable (except for lefties), this cordless rodent offers great precision, range and battery life. Both components are shown here:
http://i.cmpnet.com/techbuilder.org/graphics07/0528edgemxrev.jpg




For those who prefer a more "connected" and affordable experience, there are several good options. One good wired, game-specific alternative is Logitech's G15 Gaming Keyboard and G5 Laser Mouse. I also like Microsoft's Reclusa Gaming Keyboard and Habu Laser Gaming Mouse. Both mouse-keyboard combos retail for roughly $120.

Universal Power Supply (UPS): Because gamers will be making a substantial investment on this new PC, it makes sense for them to protect that investment. Perhaps the best and easiest way is with a quality UPS.

For this Recipe, I recommend APC's Back-UPS ES 750VA. For $100, this UPS offers sufficient output power capacity, surge and data-line protection, noise filtering and a lifetime $50,000 equipment protection policy. Here's a look:

http://i.cmpnet.com/techbuilder.org/graphics07/0528es750.jpg



Extra Case Fans: To keep memory and video cards running cool, I added two additional case fans: 120-mm. Antec TriCool three-speed models in "NVIDIA green." At $20 each, they balance maximum cooling with quiet performance.

Operating System: Most hardware drivers are now stable enough for you to pick Windows Vista 32-bit as the OS-of-choice for a high-end game rig, unless the system is being used for purposes beyond gaming. In that case, lingering compatibility issues may dictate XP as the necessary choice.

Otherwise, hard-core gamers should go for Vista Home Premium or Ultimate. I chose the latter, at $190. Games enhanced for DirectX 10 are already arriving, and those designed specifically for the new API will begin to filter in this summer. To fully enjoy titles like Crysis, Age of Conan and Hellgate: London, Vista and DirectX 10 are mandatory.

In total, the above components bring the cost of this high-end rig to $4,915, just under our $5,000 ceiling.

***NOTE----If you like you can bring it down to about $ 2,500 ( your budget) by compromising on some components according to your requirements


CONTINUE READING....

LINK-- http://www.crn.com/white-box/199702310





SOME ARTICLES YOU MAY LIKE TO READ---

1. How to Build a High End Gaming Machine Using State of the Art Specifications

LINK-- http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/157169/how_to_build_a_high_end_gaming_machine.html

Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip kenford for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
Buy Mahalo Dollars with Credit Card or PayPal

Top Members

This Week All Time
  • buddawiggi
    buddawiggi
    2nd Degree Black Belt
    27184 Points
    M$783.09 Earned
  • opher
    opher
    Purple Belt
    4186 Points
    M$192.17 Earned
  • annelisle
    annelisle
    Purple Belt
    2726 Points
    M$82.97 Earned
   See All
 

Most Popular Tags

mahalo(1614)
iphone(464)
music(459)
google(357)
food(320)
online(295)
beer(279)
money(262)
movies(255)
apple(251)
aotd(235)
health(219)
video(207)
dog(205)
free(203)
   See All
 

Categories

Welcome New Members


 
 
Mahalo Dollars are the currency of Mahalo Answers.

Each Mahalo Dollar costs $1.

Once you earn more than 40 Mahalo Dollars, you can request to be paid via PayPal. Each Mahalo Dollar is currently worth $0.75 when paid out via PayPal. Learn More

 
 

Please log in to use this function.