Hey all,

I'm thinking of building a gaming computer sometime in the near future for around $800. I was looking on newegg for parts, and there are so many different components/companies, that I figured maybe someone could help me narrow it down.

I am personally an AMD/ATI man, but I'm asking you: if you had $800, what would you get and why?

I've always been a big AMD/ATI fan as well. However, if it were me and I were spending $800 on a new computer, I'd go Core 2 Duo. My friend and I built our computers at the same time--I went with a 4400+ and he went with the C2D E6600, and it's so much faster than mine (which isn't a surprise because the two processors aren't really in the same class, but still). What types of games are you going to want to play? Will you be upgrading (aka downgrading) to Vista?

Here's what I'd get:

CPU: Core 2 Duo E6600--$315
Motherboard: DFI Infinity 975X LGA 775--$164
Memor--OCZ Titanium 2 GB kit, DDR2 800--$283

All prices are from newegg. That about takes care of the $800, which sucks. I'd personally go for an ATI x1950pro vid card (~$200), and then if that's not enough later on, get a second and run them in Crossfire mode--but for starters, that should be fine.

Perhaps go AMD/Nvidia to cut down on costs? That's actually why I went AMD vs. C2D system (but I stuck with ATI). I really like my AMD rig, and with DDR, it has such low memory timings.

I hope this gets you started. It might cost a bit more to build a C2D gaming rig from the ground up. Going with the E6300 might be a better idea, and although it only has half the cache, you can overclock the 6300 to speeds of a 6600 with no problem, usually on air cooling.

If you have any other questions let us know.
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This user added the following:
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Hmm...looks like I forgot about the PSU and case, and possible CPU HSF upgrade. Will you be overclocking? From the looks of what I recommended with the C2D, it would go over $800. So perhaps downgrade the CPU to the E6300, or go AMD. For cases, I really like Antec--they're sometimes not pretty, but I'd say for mid-grade cases, they are great, provide the possibility of great airflow (because it all depends on what you have in your case too), and the design of the case is usually pretty nice with multiple vents located all around the case. Here's the link to mine--it's nothing special:

Antec.com - Solutions Series

I personally like the expandable tube that is attached to the circular vent hole in the side of the case to supply the CPU HSF with cold air from outside--it's a nice touch, and I think on many of their cheaper cases too. I like the rectangular vent in the side for the PCI-E graphics cooling as well. All in all, it's a great case, quite, and cheap. Unless you want something flashy, I'd go with that case.

For PSU, go with whatever suits your needs. I think unless you're getting two graphics cards, a good 500w PSU should be plenty. Antec is not bad--none others come to mind, but I know there are two other good brands, just can't remember the names.

If you do go AMD x2 (either AM2 or 939), likely all the main components (CPU, Mobo, and RAM) will be cheaper.

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AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ (@2.6 GHz)
2x1GB OCZ Spec. Ops. PC3200
ASRock Dual939-SATA2
Antec TruePower 550 watt PSU
80 GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 7200 rpm
300 GB Seagate Barracuda SATA 7200 rpm
120 GB Maxtor ATA/133 7200 rpm
ATI Radeon x1950 Pro

personally i would go for a 550W PSU, a core 2 duo E6300, a nvidia geforce 7600GT, at least 1-2gb of ddr2 ram, a well cooled case, and a dvd-rw drive, i have also 2x 160gb of HDD, on raid0. this is actually my setup that i am expecting to buy within the next month.
good luck.
(i am going to have all of the above, but with 2GB of DDR2-667 ram)
cheers,
computerbuyer101