Easy, specific, but opinionated question: bang for buck on Mobo/CPU combo?

**CingularDuality** · 06-10-2008, 02:47 AM

OK, so a coworker wants to be able to play PC games. I haven't even looked at hardware in a couple of years (I'm going to be looking to upgrade myself when SC2 is released...), so I have no idea where the sweet spot is. Usually it lies in hardware that is about a year old. So, is the Core 2 Duo still it? Asus still leading the pack with mainboards? Any specific suggestions?

I'll also have to help pick out a video card, but I figure if I actually read through a few recent threads that I'll get a handle on that situation. Actually, I'll refuse to help unless it's nVidia, so that makes it easy. HDD, PSU and RAM are pretty straightforward.

Any big releases coming up soon that might make me suggest waiting for price drops?

**Long Bow** · 06-10-2008, 10:08 AM

Well your friend is luck, right now is a good time to buy parts for cheap.

I would suggest getting a P35 based mother board. Gigabyte has several that are good and only in the $100-$150 range. Asus would also be good choice.

Next I would suggest the Core 2 duo 8200 or 8400

2x2GB of Ram regardless of operating system. Stick with companies like OCZ, Corsair, basically no budget crap.

The video card is a bit more complicated. By the end of the month there will be new cards out from both ATI and nVidia. They are supposed to be a big deal but their prices will be up there as well, though ATI, if the rumours are correct, will be bringing out some competitive cards for much less money then nVidias new cards. If you can wait a month or more then you would be wise to see how things look. If not then I would suggest getting a 8800GT (GTS if he/she has a 24" monitor) or a 9600GT and then upgrade the card in a year.

**Portable.Cougar** · 06-10-2008, 11:12 AM

Best Bang for the buck right now peroid.

Right Here

Steamers · 06-10-2008, 12:27 PM

if your coworker has enough dough, tell him to buy the gx2 series v.cards from nvidia

**CingularDuality** · 06-10-2008, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Long Bow

I would suggest getting a P35 based mother board. Gigabyte has several that are good and only in the $100-$150 range. Asus would also be good choice.

Whoa... No, I'm looking for a mobo closer to the $50-100 range. I don't want cutting edge, I want good cheap stuff...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Portable.Cougar

Best Bang for the buck right now peroid.

Right Here

LOL! TigerDirect? Look, they don't even know what "barebones" is, as you can see... No way in hell I'll ever buy anything from those crooks. And I don't need all that crap, just the guts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steamers

if your coworker has enough dough, tell him to buy the gx2 series v.cards from nvidia

I'm thinking around the $100 price point for graphics. Maybe an 8800?

**birdie_in_Texas** · 06-10-2008, 03:11 PM

hey Cing..? Fry's has a 5600+ with ECS board for $99, and 2-gig memory for $30 (after rebate onthe memory)..

**birdie_in_Texas** · 06-10-2008, 03:13 PM

8800GT's are $149..is worth the extra $50 to have it..the 8600's are absolute trash..

**jb4** · 06-10-2008, 05:30 PM

IMO this is the best video card bang for the buck.
It is a 512 8800 GT OC2 G92 card. It plows through all the games and will stand alone for some time to come.

With the rebate through the end of this month it is $169

Detailed Specs

Tom's Hardware Chart You need to click "view all cards" at the bottom of the list to see this card.

Zoomfly for purchase

**Namebot** · 06-10-2008, 08:03 PM

Considering that description for the use of this computer is to play games(what games? who knows, all of them I guess?) This is what I would buy, assuming your friend is not into over clocking components himself which is one of the easiest ways to save money.

CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103212

Video http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130333

RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227139

PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371006

Mobo ... no clue, sorry. Lots of decent looking boards around `$75 though. Not sure which is the best. Really going to depend on what the user wants/needs. How about this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...TAR-_-13138106

Rebates galore, saves you money if you can deal with them.

Of course if overclocking the CPU is an option then Intel clobbers AMD.

ChopStick · 06-10-2008, 10:46 PM

Main issue here is budget. I have chosen out a mobo, CPU and graphics card I think are in the price range you are looking for (Best performance, cheap):

8800 GT 512 MB 128$ after rebate
C2D E7200 130$
Gigabyte P35 based board75$

I know you mentioned spending 100$ on the video card but to be honest it's a huge performance increase for a small monetary increase. Read this article for an approximate "ranking" of current video cards, note the prices have changed. Give us an exact budget and I'm sure someone will come up with something more specific.

EDIT: I just looked back at your topic title; looks like you're looking specifically at the CPU/Mobo. Once again this depends on budget. I listed the E7200 (132$). Steps up would be the E8200 (180$), E8400(190$), E8500 (270$) or Q6600 (210$, slower, more cores). As for mobo, what kinds of bells/whistles does it need to have? What size case are you working with? Any additional cards being put in (might only need a micro atx board which is cheaper)?

**Long Bow** · 06-11-2008, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CingularDuality

OK, so a coworker wants to be able to play PC games. I haven't even looked at hardware in a couple of years (I'm going to be looking to upgrade myself when SC2 is released...), so I have no idea where the sweet spot is. Usually it lies in hardware that is about a year old. So, is the Core 2 Duo still it? Asus still leading the pack with mainboards? Any specific suggestions?

I'll also have to help pick out a video card, but I figure if I actually read through a few recent threads that I'll get a handle on that situation. Actually, I'll refuse to help unless it's nVidia, so that makes it easy. HDD, PSU and RAM are pretty straightforward.

Any big releases coming up soon that might make me suggest waiting for price drops?

Uhm I'm a little confused. You state you are out of the loop, that the one year old equipment is the "sweet spot" and that you need to build an affordable gaming rig. You then proceed to tear down all the suggestions and state you only want to spend very little money. A gaming rig does require that you step up and buy slightly more expensive parts usually. I'm not trying to be rude but you need to clarify your budget next time.

I would not suggest getting a $50 motherboard unless it is a tried and tested product on sale. You may shoot yourself in the foot and cutting edge is more in the $300 range right now. The 8800GT is a very good choice but I don't think you will find it for $100 right now? You may be able to find a 9600GT around $100 with rebates? Past that I wouldn't bother with the 8800GS or 8600 cards. The video card is giong to make or break this system IMO.

Steamers · 06-11-2008, 12:18 PM

100$ For a graphics card? hmm... That could only get you 8600 gt so far... and it's a mid range card so >.>
try to buy an 8800Gt at least.. and a few buck more

Buckets · 06-11-2008, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CingularDuality

I'm thinking around the $100 price point for graphics. Maybe an 8800?

Too bad you're not considering ATI. This is the best GPU you're going to find in the $100 range:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814103051

Buckets · 06-11-2008, 05:51 PM

This Nvidia card looks pretty good and comes with a copy of COD4...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150295

**Namebot** · 06-11-2008, 08:12 PM

No idea why I hadn't put this one earlier.

If you don't like COD4 its cheaper http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121251

NOTE: 9600GSO and 8800GS are the EXACT same card. The clocks may vary from model to model but they use the same GPU and same number of shaders/ROPs/memory interface, amount of memory, etc...
Nvidia thought it would work out to rename the card as a "9" series to boost sales.

06-10-2008, 02:47 AM	#1 (permalink)
CingularDuality Join Date: May 2003 Location: Dallas/Ft. Worth area of Texas, USA Age: 33 Posts: 17,126	Easy, specific, but opinionated question: bang for buck on Mobo/CPU combo? OK, so a coworker wants to be able to play PC games. I haven't even looked at hardware in a couple of years (I'm going to be looking to upgrade myself when SC2 is released...), so I have no idea where the sweet spot is. Usually it lies in hardware that is about a year old. So, is the Core 2 Duo still it? Asus still leading the pack with mainboards? Any specific suggestions? I'll also have to help pick out a video card, but I figure if I actually read through a few recent threads that I'll get a handle on that situation. Actually, I'll refuse to help unless it's nVidia, so that makes it easy. HDD, PSU and RAM are pretty straightforward. Any big releases coming up soon that might make me suggest waiting for price drops? __________________ Become a supporting member! -- Shop at the Tactical Market! Take the world's smallest political quiz! "I was touched by His Noodly Appendage." TacticalGamer TX LAN/BBQ Veteran:

06-10-2008, 10:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
Long Bow Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Age: 30 Posts: 1,429	Re: Easy, specific, but opinionated question: bang for buck on Mobo/CPU combo? Well your friend is luck, right now is a good time to buy parts for cheap. I would suggest getting a P35 based mother board. Gigabyte has several that are good and only in the $100-$150 range. Asus would also be good choice. Next I would suggest the Core 2 duo 8200 or 8400 2x2GB of Ram regardless of operating system. Stick with companies like OCZ, Corsair, basically no budget crap. The video card is a bit more complicated. By the end of the month there will be new cards out from both ATI and nVidia. They are supposed to be a big deal but their prices will be up there as well, though ATI, if the rumours are correct, will be bringing out some competitive cards for much less money then nVidias new cards. If you can wait a month or more then you would be wise to see how things look. If not then I would suggest getting a 8800GT (GTS if he/she has a 24" monitor) or a 9600GT and then upgrade the card in a year. __________________

06-10-2008, 11:12 AM	#3 (permalink)
Portable.Cougar Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: So. California Age: 25 Posts: 727	Re: Easy, specific, but opinionated question: bang for buck on Mobo/CPU combo? Best Bang for the buck right now peroid. Right Here __________________ \|TG-X\| Portable.Cougar 10th Tactical Guard Server Rules and SOP \| Kicked? Banned? READ THIS FIRST! Contact an Admin \| Nominate your teammates for a ribbon

06-10-2008, 12:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
Steamers Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 158	Re: Easy, specific, but opinionated question: bang for buck on Mobo/CPU combo? if your coworker has enough dough, tell him to buy the gx2 series v.cards from nvidia

06-10-2008, 03:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
birdie_in_Texas Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: TEXAS..! Age: 39 Posts: 3,327	Re: Easy, specific, but opinionated question: bang for buck on Mobo/CPU combo? hey Cing..? Fry's has a 5600+ with ECS board for $99, and 2-gig memory for $30 (after rebate onthe memory).. __________________ Call of Duty - Official Rules, Announcements & SOPs Contact a CoD Admin Here

06-10-2008, 03:13 PM	#7 (permalink)
birdie_in_Texas Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: TEXAS..! Age: 39 Posts: 3,327	Re: Easy, specific, but opinionated question: bang for buck on Mobo/CPU combo? 8800GT's are $149..is worth the extra $50 to have it..the 8600's are absolute trash.. __________________ Call of Duty - Official Rules, Announcements & SOPs Contact a CoD Admin Here

06-10-2008, 05:30 PM	#8 (permalink)
jb4 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: AZ-In the cool A/C Age: 44 Posts: 1,314	Re: Easy, specific, but opinionated question: bang for buck on Mobo/CPU combo? IMO this is the best video card bang for the buck. It is a 512 8800 GT OC2 G92 card. It plows through all the games and will stand alone for some time to come. With the rebate through the end of this month it is $169 Detailed Specs Tom's Hardware Chart You need to click "view all cards" at the bottom of the list to see this card. Zoomfly for purchase __________________ POE2 2.5 Overview \| TG BF2 Quick Start Guide \| No sauce? Try Vanilla!

06-10-2008, 08:03 PM	#9 (permalink)
Namebot Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 450	Re: Easy, specific, but opinionated question: bang for buck on Mobo/CPU combo? Considering that description for the use of this computer is to play games(what games? who knows, all of them I guess?) This is what I would buy, assuming your friend is not into over clocking components himself which is one of the easiest ways to save money. CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103212 Video http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130333 RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227139 PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371006 Mobo ... no clue, sorry. Lots of decent looking boards around `$75 though. Not sure which is the best. Really going to depend on what the user wants/needs. How about this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...TAR-_-13138106 Rebates galore, saves you money if you can deal with them. Of course if overclocking the CPU is an option then Intel clobbers AMD. __________________ Last edited by Namebot; 06-10-2008 at 09:13 PM.

06-10-2008, 10:46 PM	#10 (permalink)
ChopStick Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Toronto Age: 21 Posts: 289	Re: Easy, specific, but opinionated question: bang for buck on Mobo/CPU combo? Main issue here is budget. I have chosen out a mobo, CPU and graphics card I think are in the price range you are looking for (Best performance, cheap): 8800 GT 512 MB 128$ after rebate C2D E7200 130$ Gigabyte P35 based board75$ I know you mentioned spending 100$ on the video card but to be honest it's a huge performance increase for a small monetary increase. Read this article for an approximate "ranking" of current video cards, note the prices have changed. Give us an exact budget and I'm sure someone will come up with something more specific. EDIT: I just looked back at your topic title; looks like you're looking specifically at the CPU/Mobo. Once again this depends on budget. I listed the E7200 (132$). Steps up would be the E8200 (180$), E8400(190$), E8500 (270$) or Q6600 (210$, slower, more cores). As for mobo, what kinds of bells/whistles does it need to have? What size case are you working with? Any additional cards being put in (might only need a micro atx board which is cheaper)? Last edited by ChopStick; 06-10-2008 at 11:02 PM.

06-11-2008, 12:18 PM	#12 (permalink)
Steamers Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 158	Re: Easy, specific, but opinionated question: bang for buck on Mobo/CPU combo? 100$ For a graphics card? hmm... That could only get you 8600 gt so far... and it's a mid range card so >.> try to buy an 8800Gt at least.. and a few buck more

06-11-2008, 05:51 PM	#14 (permalink)
Buckets Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Tucson, AZ Age: 27 Posts: 544	Re: Easy, specific, but opinionated question: bang for buck on Mobo/CPU combo? This Nvidia card looks pretty good and comes with a copy of COD4... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150295 __________________ The artist formerly known as "pecker"

06-11-2008, 08:12 PM	#15 (permalink)
Namebot Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 450	Re: Easy, specific, but opinionated question: bang for buck on Mobo/CPU combo? No idea why I hadn't put this one earlier. If you don't like COD4 its cheaper http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121251 NOTE: 9600GSO and 8800GS are the EXACT same card. The clocks may vary from model to model but they use the same GPU and same number of shaders/ROPs/memory interface, amount of memory, etc... Nvidia thought it would work out to rename the card as a "9" series to boost sales. __________________

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