07-22-2009, 12:59 PM

Because I have $2k to spend on a gaming rig and I'm going to stop playing games on my MBP.

Anyone want to help me spend money? Parts have to come from Newegg.com and it has to be able to run modern games at 2650x1600 resolution. Also, a Bluray player would be nice.

07-22-2009, 02:47 PM

I can give you a list of a few of the parts I've been eyeing later on this evening. You can build a real nice rig for $2k. I've been trying to get it down to around $1.2k.

With the O/C people are getting on air with the Core i7 920, probably wouldn't invest above that one unless you just don't want to bother with the O/C'g side of things. As a past AMD fanboy, can't even see considering their chips at this time unless you're trying to save money on a system.

07-22-2009, 02:47 PM

Good post :-)

Well, to start, at that res to have decent frame rates you are probably looking at the NVIDIA 295. I would recommend EVGA as a vendor, I use them exclusively in my gaming rigs and have never had any issues. The other approach would be to go SLI, but there are always more issues with this type of setup.

What CPU were you thinking? Corei7...AMD?

07-22-2009, 04:48 PM

i7 920
EVGA 295
150GB 10k RPM Velociraptor (was eyeing 80gb SSD, but pricey)
6gb RAM
got the board and stuff picked out
1k watt PS
Large open case
Pioneer Blu Ray burner.

The price on the 295 GTX is at $420 on new egg right now

07-22-2009, 06:35 PM

Looks like a nice list.
I'm not going that high on the video card - probably stick to about $100-120 as I'm looking at primarily a HTPC with only the occasional game - maybe the 4850.
I'll probably get a 650W PS or less.
Pretty sure I'm gonna go micro ATX or uATX.
Seriously considering the MSI X58M. Anand's review says they pushed the 920 to a 4.2Ghz stable on air.

I just spend too darn much time lookin' fore I pull the trigger any more.




(And you may be wondering, what's the 60 yr old guy talkin' about. Just goes to show we never grow up. )

edit: What I want to know, who are all these guys on the win forums talking about building a $550 "gaming" rig. Are they kidding anyone but themselves?

07-22-2009, 06:46 PM

Honestly if your willing to spend 2K on a gaming rig I must say that SLI / Crossfire is a must. Will greatly help frame rates and overall system performance under load.

Edit: This link might help you, though this build is for 2,500 but it would help. Link
This also could be a good way to go.

07-22-2009, 08:05 PM

Humm I hope you got a decent power supply as well.

I hang out here a lot for Over Clocking rigs.

Tom's Hardware also has some articles/guides on building a rig on a budget. Might want to check those out.

07-22-2009, 10:57 PM

I'm with CrimsonRequim here, the most important part of a decent machine is it's power supply, you do NOT want to skimp here, learned from experience, fast CPU + Fast new video card + one of them WD 10,000RPM jobbies = power requirements that need to be addressed. sure your bargain case comes with a PSU, toss it, get a Antec or a OCZ or a PC Power & Cooling....and try to go a bit overkill on the wattage....it helps....again personal experience.

07-23-2009, 12:10 AM

I personally run PC Power & Cooling's 1KW. I have to say I have never had an issue with it. Single rail is the way to go. My PS is discontinued and I believe they have quieter models now. Great company to deal with.

dit: What I want to know, who are all these guys on the win forums talking about building a $550 "gaming" rig. Are they kidding anyone but themselves?

Couldn't agree more.