Building a gaming computer

I am trying to put together a gaming computer that will run windows XP Pro. I like playing games such as counter strike source, half life 2, and Battle field 2. Now as far as graphics goes I know that I will need at least 512mb of ram to run this game and a video card that is at least 128mb, but I would like to run 256mb so that I'm not out when a new game comes out and needs 256. The only thing that I know at this point is that I would like to run the "AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800" for my processor. I don't know of a faster processor made by AMD, but now comes the fun part I would like your input on what motherboard to run and video card. I am kind of leaning to ATI but I would like your input on what you think is the best for gaming and why you think that. Thank you very much for your time.

 

The 64 bit athlons have the advantage of a 128 bit wide bus which makes them fly. The memory path is a big bottleneck, keeping 32bit CPUs waiting most of their time. You need matched pairs of memory, which is sold in 'kits' to get this speed. This is much more valuable than (accounts for most of the speed increase) the small increases in speed between the athlon64s themselves. The speed increase is not noticeable running the 32 bit windows; you need to run XP64 bit edition to see it, so check for compatability with your games.

I've had problems with ATI honoring a warranty, so can't recommend them. For one thing, they haven't an 800 number and didn't reply to emails. And I've found it impossible to find drivers on their site for older cards.

Don't games have suggestions for video cards?

 

??? "You need matched pairs of memory, which is sold in 'kits' to get this speed." Now are you talking about RAM or the CPU? I think your talking about RAM, but im not sure

 

Yes, RAM. This is what I use.

 

you will need a least 1.5gb of ram for BF2 to be smooth. I would also buy a 256mb video card (7900 gtx or something of the like)

 

Sparrow is right about Windows x64 not running some games. I am trialing x64 and found some of my games will not work. I saw there was a list of games that would work in the forums here:
www.planetamd64.com

If you want a gaming computer you will need decent graphics. There wouldn't be much point to getting the fastest processor to match with with an ordinary graphics system. Then the performance of the graphics is dependent on GPU (graphics chip), graphics memory is only the storage device. Ratings in the reviews I have at the moment (fastest first): Nvida 7900GTX; ATI X1900 XTX; ATI X1900 XT; ATI X1800 XT; Nvidia 7900 GT; Nvidia 7800 GTX; Nvidia 7800 GT; ATI X1800 XL; ATI X850 XT (more if you want them). Hold your breath when you see the prices. For a good gaming machine you will need to almost spend more on the graphics than the rest of the PC.

Dual graphics systems are the choice for gaming at the moment. For dual ATI cards you will need a "Crossfire" motherboard and compatible cards, for Nvidia an "SLI" motherboard and cards. You can get one card and run that for the moment, then get the other matching card later to run them as dual.

From what I have seen, best performance in motherboards for gaming are Asus and Abit.

Matt

 

Hey man, well im in teh process of building a brand new gaming computer that is running me about $2000 in all including shipping fees and everything.


This is the link for the post i have about it if you want to take a look at the components im going to use and base your computer off of it.


http://forums.g4tv.com/messageview.cfm?catid=64&threadid=575849&FTVAR_MSGDBTABLE=



Anyways good luck.

 

So then would the "AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800" be a good CPU for gaming or not?

 

Is X2 4800 good CPU? Best in its class unless you plan to spend megabucks & go in for AMD FX-60 (Dual core,2.6 GHz, 1 x 2MB cache, FX series). Drooling already.

 

Yes, excellent, although you need to balance it with the graphics system for gaming (as well as everything else eg., RAM, motherboard, even the mouse or directing instrument...joystick, steering controls, etc).
Point is, not to have the best of one component and neglect the others. You can run a 4800+ on a very low priced (ordinary) motherboard, with ordinary graphics and ordinary RAM, etc. It will run "ordinary "...the CPU will be sitting there waiting for instructions from the rest of the components.

Look at how chewy88 has planned his system. He is going to get "balanced" parts now, then has the capability of "beefing" them up later with upgrades (better CPU, another SLI graphics card, etc.)

For a good gaming system you will need balance and some "muscle" in those areas where gaming requires it.

How much can you spend? Add up the cost of the parts for a good gaming system. Is it over your budget? If so, you will need to reduce costs in most areas, although I suggest sticking with a good quality motherboard, you can upgrade other parts more easily.

Have a look at the System Requirements of the games. They will mention all parts of the system. A 4800+ CPU will run any software easily.

Matt