Build a Triple-Screen Gaming PC under $1,000

[Dario D.]

So, earlier last year, I realized you could build a budget triple-screen PC for $983 (after tax), that could handle gaming/graphics pretty darn well. On it, I can run all at the same time: Unreal Tournament 3 (60-90fps at max settings, measured on one screen only), 3d Studio Max, Photoshop, and Firefox with 4 windows and 30 tabs open, without any slowdown. (most other games run at an average of 60-90fps at max settings/resolution (one screen tested only, no AA), with Crysis a little slower, around 30fps at medium settings. The triple-screen gaming mode, Eyefinity, reduces performance by a random range between 10-50%, depending entirely on which game it is)

I featured the comp in a video that I made for my article on Macs, (which got featured on ZDNet, if anyone noticed).

The video isn't about how to build the PC or anything... Since it's for the article, the point is just to show what, exactly, you can build nowadays, for less than the price of the cheapest iMac. (excluding the Mac Mini)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUOMk9CBtvM

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How the computer was built, in early 2010, and a hypothetical 2011 build.

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Note: Keyboard/mouse normally go in front of the middle screen. This setup was for photography studio work and just seeing if I could build this (ie, only occasional use), hence my not caring much about layout. (I recommend a layout more like this or this)

 

[Dario D.]

Dang, already slipped into the nethers... *bump*

 

[mnewsham]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135204
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811154094
(3x)http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009256
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814999030
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161338
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139017
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231396
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.591429
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.614535



$995.87

More powerful GPU and you can unlock the CPU to an x4 instead of an x2.

 

[Dario D.]

Nice build. I'm still looking for ideas for the 2011 build, on the page I linked to.

Bear in mind that, as mentioned on that page, the goal is to keep the price under $1,000 after tax and shipping, so that you can see exactly what you're paying for. And the system needs a keyboard, mouse, and speakers.

More powerful GPU

Well, the 2011 build uses the 6850. (and there's no use comparing with the early 2010 build, because we can only do a 2011 build today).

 

[Dario D.]

Nethers again.

 

[mfenn]

Nethers again.

This isn't FS/FT you know. There is probably a reason that your vaguely self-aggrandizing thread is dropping off the first page.

 

[trexpesto]

..and really man, do something about THOSE WINDOW TREATMENTS!

 

[jterrell]

cool idea... and yes a good argument for what at a pc can provide for the cost of a mac.

not sure what question you have tho?
you are seeking help building out a 2011 version?
or trying to validate a build before submitting to the interwebz?? or get feedback from last year's articles?
??confused??

 

[fffblackmage]

 

[Dario D.]

cool idea... and yes a good argument for what at a pc can provide for the cost of a mac.

not sure what question you have tho?

No question. Just pointing out what you can do with $1,000 now. (very few people realize that you can get a system like this, for this price, that will take any game with ease. In fact, this is only the second year you've been able to pull this off, with this gaming performance. (even better this year))

I'm still trying to choose more optimal parts for the 2011 build, though. Help is welcome. The total cost has to come down slightly, hopefully without a reduction in quality. (the total is technically already under $1,000, but not after tax/shipping, which I want to cover. I hate ringing up a total for something I thought costed X, then realizing tax and shipping are going to add a fortune)

 

[Dario D.]

Hmm, the 20" LCD's in the 2011 build just went on sale at the Egg (all weekend), w' code EMCKGJJ58. ($100 each). There was also a price drop in the last day or two, bringing their normal price from $115 to $110. (so, ultimately, all of this shaves off $45, if you get 3)

 

[betasub]

^ If you are keeping on top of changes in monitor pricing, thread updates would be appreciated. After all, going triple-monitor on a budget means hitting those monitor hot deals.

 

[MisterDang]

Hey guys,

I was thinking about building my first desktop set up and came across this thread. I wanted a triple monitor setup for multitasking, gaming, rendering, and just everyday use.

I don't have much experience with desktop parts and am on a budget. Could you guys help me build a desktop for under a grand from today's available components. or if possible cheaper since on a college budget. Thanks.

 

[mfenn]

Hey guys,

I was thinking about building my first desktop set up and came across this thread. I wanted a triple monitor setup for multitasking, gaming, rendering, and just everyday use.

I don't have much experience with desktop parts and am on a budget. Could you guys help me build a desktop for under a grand from today's available components. or if possible cheaper since on a college budget. Thanks.

Sure, we'd be glad to help! You'll get your best response if you post a new thread with the answers to the questions posed in the sticky.