Spec me a build.

[Disturbedguy]

Hello all,

Just looking for some help in spec'ing a build to replace the aging family PC.
Its used for gaming a bit, Fallout3 and some other games my step dad plays so doesnt have to be that great.
Budget around £400 - £550

[Domestic_Ginger]

What do you have to work with? CD/dvd writer, case (style and cooling ok?), PSU, monitor (and size)?

I assume he has a keyboard and mouse.

You upgrading your GPU soon? The 8800gts may be a good handmedown.

[Phage]

Also does he have an OS ?

[Disturbedguy]

We have keyboard, mouse, monitor and decent case.

All new internals is what we are after, as most of it is very old.

Oh the OS is bog standard XP, im thinking Xp 64 may be in order as he is playing bigger and bigger games so will need more RAM eventually.

Im not planning on upgrading my CPU no, im happy with it, it does what it needs.

If I could find a card to replace the GTS on the Mobo I have without any bottlenecks then id be happy to change.

[Phage]

I thought this looked quite nice.
http://forums.hexus.net/hexus-hardwa...-i5-build.html

[{S.G}Monkey]

Personally i wouldn't bother with XP 64, drivers and such are often hard to find, I would wait and get Win 7

From what ive seen its a very nifty OS, it runs on my old k10 PC whereas Vista is just ridiculously slow

[Disturbedguy]

Looks good but id prefer an Nvidia card.
Wouldnt need the case and would probably change the PSU, thanks though, gives me something to aim for.
My step dad doesnt want to wait that long and probably wouldnt want to use a different OS.
If not then he cant stick with XP and just have 3Gb or RAM or something.
XP 64 has been out a while so drivers should be easier to come by?

[{S.G}Monkey]

Im not 100% sure about drivers, just word of mouth really, i heard it can be a bit of a pain

And i agree, i would get an nVidia card too, if you want to guarantee having a good working GPU that is

ATI=FAIL!!

[Vimeous]

And there I was thinking Fallout 3 needed semi-decent graphics

That to one side be sure the games he wants to play are 64-bit compatible if they're older. C&C3 for example doesn't like Vista64.
You are right to suggest he'll need more RAM later but if you are thinking 64-bit then Win7 is definitely the way forward as it'll have the best 64-bit support and drivers. If he's not happy to wait then stick to his current OS and buy an OEM Win7 later.

Monkey - why not ATi? My 9800Pro works with Win7RC beautifully.

[Disturbedguy]

For the graphics ill just turn them down if I need to lol.
But, no I do know Fallout 3 has decent graphics so you know buy myself summet new and him them my 8800.
He isn't to computer literate and I think a new OS will just confuse him.
XP 64

[Hyperviper34]

Have a look at the BBBB well under your budget but ideal for your needs.