Do I Need Water Cooling? Dual Core???? What Else? Help Me Design my Next System?

Question

I've learned a lot since I bought my first computer from cyberpower 5 years ago, and it's time for something better.........

I am on a budget, but I need a high performance gaming rig capable of putting out high quality graphics to a HDTV on Full Settings, by that I mean, all the graphics and AI in the game turned to full tilt.

1) What is the cheapest / best way to do this, rebuild my current comp and throw away my old parts, or build a whole nother rig and have 2 comps?

2) What mobo should I get?... value is important,

3) What cpu? I was thinking a pentium D 805 ? I'd like to try overclocking

4) What vid card? want to connect to HDTV

5) Do I need water cooling? I've never overclocked before...

6) Should I by new vendor parts, or possibly look into buying a used rig similar to what I want off of ebay?

Remember that cost is a major factor, so please don't give me answers that are for the most wamminnest jamminnest parts out there that are buku bucks. Value is important!

Thanx

Budget = less than $800 or so

Games = Battlefield 2142, Halo, C&C Generals.

I'd also like to get into video editing and possibly making my computer a DVR? Since it will be hooked to my TV permanently.

Ok I was sort of planning on something like this http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/06/12/your_diy_gaming_rig_for_720/page2.html 'Your DIY 4 GHz Dual Core Gaming Rig For $720'

but not sure if I should give up the water cooling in favor of a better mobo or vid card? and I wouldn't mind putting a few more dollars into it if neccesary, I would go with the water cooling if overclocking would make it worthwhile?

Answer 1

Without answering your full question, for what you stated your useage of the machine for here is something you may like to know.

A dual core processor will be great for video editing, and windows vista, but thats about it thus far.

Most games are not setup for multi core cpu's unfortinuately, and you won't see too much of a gain over a single core cpu. Same goes for most dvd ripping / encoding software out there.

And PLEASE don't skimp on buying a decent case - esp. if you are going to overclock. It is one of those things that is always overlooked, but it can give you that extra cooling you will need, and can cut the noise of your rig down considerably

Buy new

Answer 2

Well then it gets easy, not gonna happen. This phrase "high performance gaming rig capable of putting out high quality graphics to a HDTV on Full Settings, by that I mean, all the graphics and AI in the game turned to full tilt." and less than $800 are not compatible. Your choices are either reduce your requirements, ie settle for medium quality graphics NOT in HD, or change that number to at least $1200.

I know this sounds blunt, but this is the truth, you requirements and budget just do not mix.

EDIT: Ahh yes I remember reading that article when it came out and saying to myself, what a crock. That thing will play games, but not nearly at the level you are talking. The problem here is that you want a system able to put out HD quality graphics at the highest settings, this takes an incredible amount of processing power. As for watercooling, I would not bother, good watercooling requires a pretty good investment, you could achieve the same cooling they were achieving with fans. I would love to continue this because I think we might be able to find a solution, but why don't we do it through email so we don't have to keep posting here. My email is in my profile.

Answer 3

I would need to know your budget before i could answer your questions. Also what is the most advanced game you want to play on it or progam you want to run on it.