DHAJ's Computer Pricing
When most Gaming Computer companies started up, they were focused on the customer. Some claimed they built their PCs for their customers like they were building it for themselves. That is simply not possible if they plan on selling to a large group. Most lose touch with the real world and end us losing customers. But there's a ray of sunshine. Why pay several thousand dollars when you can build a Hardcore Gaming PC yourself?
I changed things up quite a bit. Instead of giving you three choices of different builds, I'm showing the build I would use if I were planning on getting a new computer.
If your needs and my needs are slightly different, no biggie... we'll change things around a bit to suit your needs.
I typically buy most of my computer components from NewEgg.com, so all the parts will be linked there.
In fact, if you want to buy all the parts and put it together yourself, go for it. You won't hurt my feelings.
Core Components
Motherboard: EVGA X58 FTW3 132-GT-E768-KR
- $264.99
- I've had pretty good luck with EVGA so far. That and I'm still a fan of SLI.
Processor (CPU): Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - $289.99
- I haven't tried the i7 processor yet, which is one reason I want this one. It's also Quad core, which could be useful later on...
CPU Fan/Heat sink: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro Rev.2 92mm Fluid Dynamic CPU Cooler - $34.98
- This is a similar heatsink/fan combo that I'm using in my current build. It's very good at getting rid of the heat a massive CPU generates.
RAM: CORSAIR XMS3 6GB Model TR3X6G1600C8 G - $169.99
- 6GB of RAM. High quality and the fastest the motherboard supports. I'm planning on running 64-bit Windows 7, so the more memory the better.
Video Card 1: EVGA 015-P3-1482-AR GeForce GTX 480 (Fermi) SuperClocked 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP - $509.99 Only 1 video card, so no SLI for me. This is enough at $500 and 1.5GB of RAM. I'm also entertaining the idea of running dual video cards, but it'll be a "smaller" model.
Video Card 2: None
- $0.00
- One card is enough, unless you want to spend over $1,000 on video cards.
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST31000528AS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s - $74.99 (x2)
- I like to set my computers up in RAID1.
CD Drive 1: LITE-ON Black 4X BD-ROM 8X DVD-ROM 32X CD-ROM SATA Internal 4X Blu-ray Disc Reader Model iHOS104-08 - $64.99
- For some reason I think I need a Blu-Ray Reader. And this drive will also serve as my DVD burner
CD Drive 2: SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA CD/DVD Burner - $19.99
- I like to have 2 drives to make writing copies easier. That an if one drive can't read a disc, the other can since I usually get different brands.
Case: Antec P183 Black Aluminum / Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $159.99
- The upgrade to my current case. I like the size and the bottom mounted power supply.
Power Supply: KINGWIN Mach 1 ABT-1000MA1S 1000W ATX / BTX SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - $164.99
- I like modular power supplies. It makes it so I can hook up enough cables to get my system running and not have extras in the way.
Monitor: SAMSUNG P2450H Rose Black 24" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor - $229.99
- Samsung 24" widescreen monitor. Enough said.
Operating System: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit - $139.99
- Windows 7 Professional, the 64-bit OEM version.
Total Cost for this build (not including extras):
$2,254.85 - You can save a few bucks by not getting a monitor and scaling back the video card.
Options and RecommendationsKeyboard: RAZER Lycosa - $74.99
- Keyboard with a back-light are a LAN Party necessity.
Mouse: RAZER Mamba - $129.99
- Yes, it's expensive. But a wireless mouse with 0 lag would be...
Mouse Surface: RAZER Destructor Professional Gaming Mat - $34.99
- Actually, about any hard and smooth surface will do. I'll probably keep my custome Xfire mouse pad with my callsign on it.
Speakers: Logitech Z-5500 505 Watts 5.1 Speakers - $351.99
- Surround Sound is a must.
Headphones/Headset: PLANTRONICS GameCom 367 Closed-ear 3.5mm Circumaural Stereo Headset - $39.99
- Mmmm.... Comfy... Plus, you really do need a mic for LAN Parties and really serious gaming.
Optional (FREE!) Services:
RAID0 or RAID1 configuration
Install and configure games
-Requires a legal copy of the game, first.
Install and configure other software
-May also require a legal copy
-Xfire, AIM, RivaTuner, etc.
Services provided: You will receive a custom built computer, designed in part by you. I will order the parts and have them shipped to me and you will reimburse me for all costs, including shipping. I will then construct for you a PC capable of supplying you with many hours of enjoyment. That's right, no charge for labor. All you pay for are the PC parts, shipping, and any games you want to play. All cables will be routed for maximum airflow. All specified software will be installed and tested (and even configured for your monitor, if purchased). I will even install Computer Management software that I use on a day-to-day basis, that will aide you in keeping your computer running at peak performance. After thorough testing, your computer will endure a 3-hour burn-in period and some video stress tests so you'll know exactly how hard you can push your new machine.
Warranty and Disclaimer: This is not a formal business and I do not build computers to make money. All parts are sold at cost and shipping is often an additional cost. I do not supply any sort of warranty other than the one supplied by the part manufacturer. If, after several months of use, a component fails, this is not my responsibility. I will, however, provide some assistance in getting your issue resolved. If Dell's price is lower than mine, buy from them... I don't build cheap (quality) systems.
Coming soon!
Interested in having a media server in your home? Don't know what this means?
Having a home or media server means having a central location to hold all your precious data as well as make audio and video files available on the network. Devices such as the Xbox 360 can stream video directly from the server with very little setup involved.
Windows Home Server offers "hard drive pooling", so you don't even have to deal with the headache of understanding RAID. And you can select which folders you want to have redundancy on. It's simple!
Once I finish building my own Home Server, I'll be sure to post the specs on here... as a product available to you!
Last updated: 10/28/09
If this information seems "stale", you can request an update...