Okay, I'm building my first gaming computer... I'm not all that new to hardware, I'm always messing with my computers, but they're all very old. So I need some advice. Firstly, am I getting a good deal for $740? (Getting the parts from NewEgg) * 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo * 2.0 GB RAM * 256 MB VRAM (nVidia GeForce 8600GT) * 250 GB hard drive (7200 RPM) * SATA DVD+/-R burner * Floppy drive * 52-in-1 card reader * 7 USB ports * 1 FireWire port * Audio jacks I've made sure the hardware is compatible, however maybe I missed out something. I made sure of these things: * The processor is the same slot as the motherboard, * The motherboard supports my type of RAM, * The motherboard supports SATA for the hard drive and DVD drive, and * The case and the motherboard have the same number of expansion slots. Is there anything else I should watch out for? Like power and wattage? Secondly, are those specs good for gaming? As in, being able to play the latest games on mid+ settings? If not then I'm fine with low settings since I can't spend more than that. Thirdly, I have an HDTV I'm planning to use as monitor. It supports 1080i (or 1080p? not sure), will it have the same "crispness" as an LCD computer display? My video card has DVI output, but I'm planning on buying a HDMI adapter. Fourthly, what are the overall risks of the components "frying"? What measures can I take to prevent this? My case has temperature monitors for both CPU and HDD. Should I stop playing my games after these get to a certain degree? Thanks in advance! (P.S: I love the slang/SMS warning :chk
hi Kixdemp I'm not upto date with the latest computer hardware news but after a quick read it seems 8800gt 512MB would be a good choice if you can stretch the budget. You should be able to play games on medium settings fine but would depends on the resolution you use for gaming. Using an HDTV as a monitor is fine from what I've read in the past. I'd say the risk is pretty low these days unless you plan to overclock.
It's a pretty decent comp minus the video card. You will reall want to look into getting either a 3850 or 8800GT 256. Either are pretty cheap for the performance you get. That 8600GT you have chosen is a paper weight. As far as components frying goes, you shoudl be OK if you know what you are doing. As long as your PSU is decent you shouldn't need to worry about it. Just remember the PSU is probably the most important part of a gaming rigg and needs to be top notch.
Sniper: No overclocking for now... I'm not that rich. ;-) gazaway: Okay, I'll look into that card. And what kind of specs should I get for the PSU? Is there more to them than the wattage? Thanks both of you!
What PSU you need will differ based on the video card you get. So look into a different card and let us know. Just remember that a good name brand is important when it comes to PSUs.
