To build or buy...

Build all the way,

You get more for your money, you can get EXACTLY what you want and is just fun to put together.

....and buy AMD.

Bick

 

I can definitely see the merits of both options..... especially for lazy people like me, it would be so much easier to hit "buy" and plug it in and go instead of doing all the research for individual parts, ordering, waiting for all the parts to come (did I mention I am also impatient ), putting everything together and hoping I didn't forget/screw-up anything and it boots off the bat.

However, I voted build. I like that building is often times cheaper, you can get better parts, it allows for easier upgrading and chicks dig it.... ok maybe not, but I have had chicks say that my SFF computer is "so cute"

p.s. I am long overdue for a pc overhaul.... *dreads trying to figure out all the new fangdangled stuff there is to buy nowadays*

 

Whats your budget I can help you out.

 

if your on a budget, then buy... if you want to have fun, learn a little bit, and know exactly what your paying for, then build.

 

I will beat the system and the price give me about 10 minutes and the prize will be mine.

-edit-

1) Best mobo you can get for the nf4 system. BTW its the same one i have. Not to mention that you can mod it easily into a sli board if you ever want to.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136152

2) 6600 Gt for Less
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merc...e=M&Product_Code=190325&AFFIL=pricewatch&NR=1
Pesonally i think you should get a 6800gt like this
http://www.buyxg.com/store/item.asp?key=VC-135-301

The cool thing about going with eVGA is that you can upgrade within 90 days. I got the eVGA 6800gt and I'm gonna jump up to the 7800gtx before i got to boot.

3) Great Ram and very fun to play around with especially with the DFI board
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227213

4)3000+ for under $120 i got mine to 2.8 from 1.8 which puts it at around 4000+ level (might not seem like a good site but they have a 8.89 on reseller ratings which is really good)
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=A64-3000BP

Now yes you are gonna have to get a HSF for the 3000+ but you should get a better one that stock anyway and oc it. You will hit 2.5ghz no problem. If you need any help with picking one out or doing the actual OCing pm me.

Also do you have a PSU for it yet. If yours isnt a good one you might as well not build a system. And SLI isnt all its cracked up to be. If you are planning on going SLI with 6600's i wouldnt and just get a single 6800gt for the same price and a better overall performer.

BTW i cannot believe you are gonna pay for XP. /me shakes head.

EDIT- Im an idiot i posted a AGP Card let me fix that.

 

yeah who does that

 

Here's my two cents...
I'm always one to build. BUT, if you decide to buy, check this website out. Sometimes they put up some pretty good codes for computer deals.

http://gotapex.com/

 

SLI is so pointless like i said if he is gonna go SLI just get a 6800gt much better card that wil out perform them will AA AF and high resolutions.

The XP-90 and a fan for around $30 if i can find you a link. ANd sent OC that thing to death you should get aleast 2.5 without upping the volts at all.

EDIT- Im an idiot i posted a AGP Card let me fix that.

 

Ok 2x 6600gts will outperform a single 6800gt IF you have no AA or AF on. Also they take alot of power. If you want to spend $50 - $100 more for a better SLI PSU. Plus the fact it will increase the temps in your case quite a bit. If you are thinking of getting 2 6600gts dont and just get one 6800gt its better for your system overall.

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2284&p=1

 

check www.buyxg.com for prices on systems and parts. I've built my last 4 computers and have built around 8 in all. There comes a point when I said screw it I want to get a pc to my house thats already working and ready and not have to wait for the parts, then stick it together and then load an os on it.

I wanted to play games as fast as I could.