New Rig Spec Suggestions?

[[JiF]Flying Tiger]

Ok I'm in the market for a new rig, only thing is I'm so out of the loop I have no idea of what, where or how.
I'd like to get/build something exclusively/dedicated for gaming ONLY, because I figure this way I can avoid all the other troubles accompanied by a multitask computer which always seems to be troublesome.

So if anyone would like to offer their specs/ideas for a new rig I'd appreciate the heck out of it?

Thanx,

FT

[[JiF]Lonewolf]

Do you want AMD or Intel? I would recommend AMD unless your going to be doing some video editing and such.

[[JiF]Flying Tiger]

I suppose it would be an AMD then, because it will be solely for gaming.

FT

[[JiF]Mike]

I'm sorry but I would have to disagree on the decision for AMD. I've read quite a few reviews recently that have stated Intel has made leaps and bounds over AMD in the last year. I've also found Intel based boards seem to last longer. I have no idea why and it could just be my experience, but it seems I always end up replacing the AMD stuff a lot sooner than I do Intel. I've been sticking with Intel for all my systems and although I hate saying it... I just don't seem to have nearly as many performance issues. I really like the Intel Core i7 chips. I'll see if I can find one of those reviews I read and post a link later.

[[JiF]zougathefist]

from my PoV I would prefer AMD as they integrate better with ATI graphics cards and because Battlecraft doesn't run with Intel Chipsets
also they tend to be a bit cheaper

[[JiF]Mike]

I use to be a diehard AMD guy but since I reluctantly made the switch to Intel, I must admit I am much happier with the overall performance of the systems. Intel does cost more, but for me anyway it's been worth it.

[[JiF]Flying Tiger]

This is exactly what I was trying to get at as far as compatibility, I would prefer the Intel but that would take up most of the resources I have designated for the rig. I guess I'll have to wait until I get 3k for it, honestly I just don't know.

Thanx!

FT

[[JiF]Mike]

I know what your going through I want to put together a new game rig myself. I've been using my work laptops as my gaming pc...I get to pick which I want so it's worked out well for me! I'd really like to have a dedicated pc for gaming though. Do you ever watch the Techzilla podcast? Not long ago they put together a budget gaming pc for like $700, and it included the Intel Core i5 cpu and it worked quite well from the benchmarks. It wasn't something to drool over but for the price it worked great, and played everything.

This video is marked for each segment check out the Veronica PC part.


This one I haven't watched yet, but looks like they talk a bit about the new Intel Core i7 cpu. The good news I'm thinking is it will drop the prices of the older models! Mouse over the video and go to segments, hit the "Fastest Processor Ever?" section. I love this video podcast.

[[JiF]Lonewolf]

I have both Intel and AMD setting here running which I need both for my reviews. Both PC's run 24/7 unless I'm on vacation but it seems like the Intel reboots itself at least 4 times a week on its own for some reason. Both systems are water cooled and the Intel at stock settings has higher temps then my AMD which is over clocked to its max. My AMD runs around 31c idle and 38c under load but the Intel runs 42c idle and 54c under load. I'm guessing the Intel reboots all the time cause its to hot as that is the only thing I have been able to figure out so far.

Its each to their own but I build more AMD systems then anything cause you can get more for less. Going with AMD allowed me to buy better vid cards and ram then I could with the Intel. I seem to have a lot less problems with AMD stuff and I'm harder on everything then the normal user. I usually tear down my systems at least once a week and sometimes more to test new hardware.

Now when it comes to video editing and such I recommend Intel as they are made more for that kind of stuff then AMD is. It all comes down to Intel being built for speed and AMD being built for brute force.

[[JiF]KellysHero]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/per ... ,2568.html

Now this is for the $3000 system builder, but they also break it down by price points. Also on the main site they have other reviews such as Best CPU/GPU based on price points.

[[JiF]Mike]

Isn't it funny how different our experiences have been with AMD and Intel. Lone, your experience is pretty much the opposite of mine! lol

[[JiF]KellysHero]

Which processors are you running Lone?

[[JiF]corn]

Just FYI,
I have always had driver problems with ATI video cards.
Nvidia has never let me down.
Something to think about when you are going with a new rig.
Good luck and i'm excited too!

[[JiF]Riceman]

Hey!

If you need some new spec suggestions I'd say check out newegg.com. I built a pretty decent gaming rig a year ago and it only cost me around $800. Newegg has been putting together DIY kits recently that have everything you need, just have to put it together. There are kits for any budget...

http://www.newegg.com/Store/MasterCombo ... -PC-Combos

Basically I would agree that Intel is ahead of AMD, but you can save a lot of money by going with an AMD machine which always leaves room for overclocking. I'd suggest looking for a kit with an Intel i5 or i7 processor, they pack a lot of power and should keep up with new games for awhile. The new i5 and i7 series also have turbo boost which is basically automatic overclocking when you need it.

As for Graphics Cards it all about preference. ATI's new 5k series supports dx11 whereas nVidia is rather behind and only has hardware that supports dx10. I'd suggest going with an ATI since they have the latest cards with dx11 at a decent price.

If you need more info on how to build and what to buy check out this article from PC Gamer...

http://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-2008-pc ... 3014865039

just my $.02, hope it helps!

[[JiF]BloodGod]

I build gaming rigs in the winter to make up for slow work, and I'm sold on AMD. Yes Intel's benchmark alittle better, but it also seems like your spending a ton more $ for a LITTLE bit more speed.