Project: Build a >$1000 UT3 Gaming PC

[Dragnerok X]

Note: I completely realize that there are already a number of "Building $X UT3 PC" topics out there, I just found that my situation was a bit too specific to incorporate into said topics.

So with that in mind...

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Project Goals:
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*I would like to build a PC which is able to run Unreal Tournament 3, all settings maxed out, at a resolution of 1280x1024 or greater.

*My budget is $1000 USD (not counting shipping costs).

*I can supply an operating system (either Windows Vista Home Basic or Ubuntu Linux 8.04 LTS, if a Linux client is released) and a copy of UT3. Everything else should be included in this purchase.

*The PC *must* also include:
...a wireless G or greater wireless card for my wireless home network.
...a 64-bit capable processor (I have a performance bias, I guess).
...a small form factor due to a lack of much desk space to work with.
...LightScribe to replace my aging paper-labeling system.
...a floppy drive for a number of legacy applications.
...an anti-static wrist strap & surge protector (my insurance policy).

*Optionally, these features would be nice:
...a 19" or larger monitor.
...5.1 channel+ audio & speakers.
...gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet.
...matching (color-wise) components.
...a wireless N wireless card to future-proof this machine.
...a media card reader equipped with at least CF, SD(HC), and MS slots.
...the ability to purchase everything from the same place.

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What I am currently thinking about building:
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*APEVIA X-QPACK2-AL/500 Black/ Silver Computer Case With Side Panel Window -$98.99

*GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-S2H Micro ATX AMD Motherboard -$89.99

*AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ 3.2GHz Socket AM2 125W Processor -$144.99

*G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory -$59.99

*HIS Hightech Radeon HD 3650 H365P512GNP iSilenceIII Video Card -$119.99

*Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM -$79.99

*HP 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model DVD1070i - Retail -$32.99

*Rosewill RCR-FD200 All-in-one USB 2.0 Black 3.5" Card Reader with 1.44MB Floppy Drive - Retail -$29.99

*Acer AL1916WAbd Black 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor -$179.99

*Logitech X-540 70 watts 5.1 Speaker - Retail -$78.99

*Logitech 967557-0403 Silver/Black USB + PS/2 RF Wireless Slim Cordless Desktop S 510 Mouse Included - Retail -$47.99

*GIGABYTE GN-WP01GS PCI Wireless Adapter - Retail -$17.99

*CyberPower 615 4 feet 2 Transformer Spaced 4 Non-Transformer Spaced Outlets 900 Joules Power Surge Protector - Retai -$9.99

*BELKIN F8E093 Anti-Static Wrist Strap - Retail -$7.99

Total (before shipping): $999.86 USD

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Questions:
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*Could this machine fulfill its intended purpose (max out UT3 @ 1280x1024+)?

*Are my components compatible with one another?

*Is there anything I might be forgetting (cabling, possibly)?

*Any suggestions for improvement / alternative setups are welcome.

[MTL]

These kinda topics should maybe go in the tech section...
heh i was looking at that same motherboard (but was looking for an Intel equivalent)
Spend a few more bucks and get a ATI 3870, Nvidia 9600GT or 8800GT for about $125-140. You do NOT want to go budget on a video card for gaming. If you really want a beast of system look at the new ATI 4850's for around $200-230. Its a single card thats as fast a 2 3870's. Which would save you a little bit of power by using one card.

[Esteem]

you really should get a core2duo processor rather than the AMD setup.

[Zera]

you have no power supply, your rig will be very upset without one
staying under a grand is tricky if you want it to be a gaming pc with all that you listed, especially including a monitor.
if you dont include a monitor you just tap 1000$ for a good gaming rig.
removing the extra 100$ or so is really a performance hit or extras hit.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009127 - monitor is better, same price

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130348 - 209.99
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814103051 - 119.99

9800GTX or radeon HD3850 -its your decision, the 9800GTX i myself think is worth the 80$, you will be running ut3 and other games on max settings with no problems.
also the 9800GTX has a working physx card built right into it (you can play physx maps mod for ut3 or other games that have physx without paying for a separate card, nice feature)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115030 - 159.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813130175 - 129.99

^ better cpu/mobo combo (leaves room for sli expansion if you so choose in the future to increase gfx with nvidia... doesnt support crossfire for ati i dont think?)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820146118 - 44.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811156099 - 94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136037 - 79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16839121008 - 17.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827140026 - 32.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16836121006 - 78.99 (i would personally prefer headphones for gaming...)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16899888207 - 7.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823126180 - 47.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820223072 - 29.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812120411 - 9.99

total - $1,125.86 (counting the 9800GTX gfx card + 5.1 you picked out)
if you switch for the radeon it would be 90$ cheaper even.

theres a 27.50 mail in rebate total value
the case is really up to you to decide i just saw one and grabbed it.

personally i would find a different keyboard/mouse combo as well as a different case based on your taste (with or without a psu, but dont forget it)

btw all i really did was change the monitor/case/psu/mobo/cpu/gfx rest of the stuff i just copied from you.

i would spend more time and refine it to 1000$ but its your project, you can find a good 80-100$ mobo instead of that one, too. it was just a fast pick that supported pci-e 2.0

[Brad.G]

you have no power supply, your rig will be very upset without one
.

could always hook it up on a dynamo, inverter, with some pedals under your desk

[Zera]

XD you'd really have to pedal if you wanted to game! these machines eat MONSTER power!

[Brad.G]

XD you'd really have to pedal if you wanted to game! these machines eat MONSTER power!

it would be one of those evil presents given to you at christmas.... a gaming rig, which you have to peddle lol. ( sorry - gone off topic )

[Zera]

can you imagine trying to overclock? "QUICK, pedal faster, its becoming unstable mid benchmark---HURRY get me a redbull!!!"

[Sunshine1709Str]

i just can agree with Esteem. ut3 is build and optimized on intel core 2 duo and "the way its meant to be played nvidia".

i recommend:

CPU : intel core 2 duo e8400
GPU : nvidia geforce 9800GTX ( for more power choose gtx 260/280)
Board : choose a asus or gigabyte board (there are the best)
soundcard : creative X-Fi Xtrem Music
Power : 750Watt
speaker : a speaker system by creative (are the best and works perfectly with your creative card)

[Esteem]

btw that case he has on there comes with a power supply and it will do just fine for what he wants to power.

[Zera]

oooh my mistake, i didnt click his links i just read them.
man a micro atx?
i want a micro atx i have an extended atx, friggin monster!

[SN1Kt]

i just can agree with Esteem. ut3 is build and optimized on intel core 2 duo and "the way its meant to be played nvidia".

i recommend:

CPU : intel core 2 duo e8400
GPU : nvidia geforce 9800GTX ( for more power choose gtx 260/280)
Board : choose a asus or gigabyte board (there are the best)
soundcard : creative X-Fi Xtrem Music
Power : 750Watt
speaker : a speaker system by creative (are the best and works perfectly with your creative card)

Agreed on the E8400. the geForce 9800 gtx is fine too, but I would wait a few more days to see more comparisons with the ATI 4850 card.
A 750W power supply is totally useless. A good quality 600W is enough.

[DrFish]

the geForce 9800 gtx is fine too, but I would wait a few more days to see more comparisons with the ATI 4850 card.

Don't wait. They re almost equal.

[Dragnerok X]

Let me get this straight:

*I should switch from an AMD/ATI setup to an INTEL/NVIDEA setup. The main reason I chose the board I chose was due to how fully featured it was (HDMI, 16GB ram), and I have yet to find an Intel equivalent. Any suggestions for a good Intel microatx motherboard with similar features within the same price range?

*I should up the graphics card to at least a Radeon HD 3850 (ATI) or a GeForce 9600GT (NVIDEA). Would those cards be able to max out UT3 in my monitor's maximum resolution of 1440x900? Suggestions for specific cards in my price range?

*The case *does* have an integrated, 500 watt, power supply.

*This setup *must* be <$1000, sorry.

*It appears as if this topic will need to be moved. How would I go about that?

Thanks for the replies, so far.

[Sunshine1709Str]

Agreed on the E8400. the geForce 9800 gtx is fine too, but I would wait a few more days to see more comparisons with the ATI 4850 card.
A 750W power supply is totally useless. A good quality 600W is enough.

no no no. NEVER BUY A ATI GPU. nvidia dominates, and i dont know a game which is optimized for ati. nvidia is really the best choice.