Building A Gaming Rig - A Living Document. (A HEXUS Project)

[Stewart]

Well, a Razor Diamondback, Cherry Keyboard and a Logitech pad, yes. I know there are a million different combinations, but I'll add what I think is best then change it to what others think is best based on the responce.

[schrickvr6]

As for gaming monitors i'd say it would have to be a diamondtron or trinitron tubed crt.

[Stewart]

As for gaming monitors i'd say it would have to be a diamondtron or trinitron tubed crt.

Firstly, it would be - CRT or TFT. Now, a year ago, I'd have said CRT easy. The prices were still a bit steep, the response times a bit slow, etc. 6 months ago? It was close. Now? Its very close.

I think I'd still say CRT to be honest, cheaper, no response time issues, no dead pixel woes, better color (although this is just because I, personally, am used to a CRT image).

So, my vote for a gaming rig, where budget is a concern, but not overally so you can still get a decent monitor, would be a nice, 19", Iiyama Vision Master Pro CRT.

What do we reckon? I'll make monitors the next section to go up. So, CRT or TFT, with a bit of reasoning please.

[alterion]

wel you can now get 17" gaming TFT's for £200 ( hyundai l70+ viewsonic vx715, that one komplet has on offer ect) and although it's often overlooked a good monitor is essential ina gaming rig as otherwise how are you gonig to display so i'll go for a 17"tft having said that for a cheap as chips suggestion i would suggest checking out ebay prices for CRT monitors

[Stewart]

Nah mate, eBay isn't an option, perhaps Scan and Komplett, places you can rely on with proper stable prices, but not eBay.

So, one for TFT for the Sweet Spot and XRT for Cheap as Cheaps. Now, I reckon a nice 19" 8ms TFT for Pricy Perfection. SO that's a nomination for each catagory.

Now, lets agree or disagree...

[Clstrphbc_donut]

completely agree on the 19" Iiyama CRT!

At ~120 quid, who wouldnt?

Iiyama

I told my sister to buy one of those. HUGE things compared to my 17" screen, very nice indeed. She wont even swap it for a 19" TFT she loves it that much!

[hwAnalyst]

It’s posts like these that really make Hexus stand out from the rest. On what other forum would you find such a large and detailed article with so much POSITIVE feedback and no flaming?!

I’d like to make an intelligent comment right about here, but I think everyone has beaten me to it – the guide looks top notch to me!

Top stuff Vaul (and those who contributed)!

[r1zeek]

So, one for TFT for the Sweet Spot and XRT for Cheap as Cheaps. Now, I reckon a nice 19" 8ms TFT for Pricy Perfection. SO that's a nomination for each catagory.

Couldn't agree more Mr Vaul

[ajbrun]

For input device, you have to have a decent wired optical mouse, (or the MX7000 (iirc)) a normal keyboard (none of that Z-Boards stuff) and a controller (such as a PS2 controller) or other game controller.

Why would it have to be a wired mouse? Is it a weight issue?

I wouldn''t say I was a BIG gamer as I don't own many PC games, but since changing to a wireless, I've felt more "free". If it's a weight issue I'd understand .

[dazedhorizon]

Thanks for the kind words.

Glad to have helped!

I will be adding Monitors, RAM, Input Devices (Gaming Mice, Keyboards, etc) and anything else that we think is worth adding as time goes by. I want this to be a long term project, and once finished, it will continue to be updated so its never outdated information.

Very nice. How about you post a conclusion at the end of this thread as to budgets to gaming systems atm? with all the replies/expertise in hexus then it will make a great thread and this could be updated with links to the cheapest suppliers using the well known sites etc ?

I.e
option 1- less than £500

option 2 - £500- £800

option 3 - £801 - £1000

option 4 - credit card or no holes barred ?

I for one would build a rig based on a post and then post how easy it was to assemble and then comment on delivery/add photos at assembly stages/add tips to save time/any problems I faced and how I overcame them and also any nags or improvements to what is posted etc etc

Just my 2p worth.

[Stewart]

Very nice. How about you post a conclusion at the end of this thread as to budgets to gaming systems atm? with all the replies/expertise in hexus then it will make a great thread and this could be updated with links to the cheapest suppliers using the well known sites etc ?

I.e
option 1- less than £500

option 2 - £500- £800

option 3 - £801 - £1000

option 4 - credit card or no holes barred ?

I for one would build a rig based on a post and then post how easy it was to assemble and then comment on delivery/add photos at assembly stages/add tips to save time/any problems I faced and how I overcame them and also any nags or improvements to what is posted etc etc

Just my 2p worth.

Very good idea, I'll look into implementing it.

This community participation is exactly what I was aiming for when I came up with the idea. Keep the comments and ideas and discussion coming lads.

[tiggerai]

TBH i'm very impressed, the best all in one guide i've seen for a while.
The worst bit is i'm getting the building bug again bad for my bank balance!

(according to this guide, i need new everything! ack!)

KUDOS vaul matey, keep up the good work.

(apologies for not suggesting anything, as it's all been covered!)

[Stewart]

TBH i'm very impressed, the best all in one guide i've seen for a while.
The worst bit is i'm getting the building bug again bad for my bank balance!

(according to this guide, i need new everything! ack!)

KUDOS vaul matey, keep up the good work.

(apologies for not suggesting anything, as it's all been covered!)

Thanks for the compliments, makes it worth the effort. I don't think I covered everything, but I'm just glad that people are taking the time to read it, and if they enjoy it and learn something, even with nothing to suggest, then its job done.

[Thorsson]

No holes barred??? Sounds kinky.

But if you are talking complete systems the the levels are wrong, IMO. <£500 is a bit low for a gaming system and £1200 (for example) is only medium-high level.

Here's my suggestions:

1. Gaming on the Cheap (£600-700 including monitor)
2. The Sweet Spot (£800-900)
3. Dedicated (£1000-£1400)
4. Hardcore (£1500-£2000)
5. Extreme (loadsamoney)

[tiggerai]

Thanks for the compliments, makes it worth the effort. I don't think I covered everything, but I'm just glad that people are taking the time to read it, and if they enjoy it and learn something, even with nothing to suggest, then its job done.

You see, it's sooooo good, even a girl has read it!

[Stewart]

You see, it's sooooo good, even a girl has read it!

A girl? Well, I never knew my writing was reaching such a wide audience. Northerners will be reading it next!

Glad to be of service.

Thor - Yes, Gaming Rigs are expensive as you say, X800XTs and the like are not cheap, I think the prices you quoted, for a full rig and monitor are about right. The sort of rig you can build for under £500 would hardly be a gaming rig anyway.