First SFF, Help!

[mavliu]

I currently have a Dell 700m laptop which I use for school, music, web, applications basicaly.
As a student and commuter, its great; however... I use to be a hardcore gamer and would love to get back to it or at least be able to play games like Doom 3, Half Life 2, Fear, Quake 4. I had a AMD 64 with Nvidia 5200 Ultra 256ddr2 ram and it ran doom 3 decently.

I like to get a PC again but then thought about trying SFF so here I am... in hunt for 'my first SFF'. My main purpose is to use it to play games!

I am leaning towards more on the AMD side because of the gaming so figured the socket 939 with a AMD 64+ again however, I am not familiar with SFF and what to look for to expect a goog gaming machine.

I like to get a barebone kit and whatever else I may need. I have a 19" LCD, speakers, external HD, and drives I can always get myself so I am considering it shouldn't be more than $500.

I been looking at this one on newegg.com
Link 1
and
Link 2

I would like the 'experience' and posisbly 'gamers' to give me suggestions, feedback on the two and to also. Clarify what I would still require.

Do those include, CPU, Mobo, Videocard, Soundcard and the obvious.. 'at least' a built in NIC or wireless card?

I am looking at about a $300-500 range at most for pureley gaming. Doesn't have to be A+ graphics and everything but would be nice to atleast have b+ meaning a consistant 35+ fps in Doom 3, HL2, and able to handle Quake 4 and possibly, "FEAR".

Thanks!

 

[ShellGuy]

You are looking to spend 300 - 500 on just the box or it and everything in it?? These don't come with CPU or Ram or Video or Hdd. They do have mobo Nic Sound and such.. If you can afford it I would go with the Shuttle as it is better for expanson and uses all SATA connectors...


Will G.

 

[mavliu]

Well I am looking around but that is my range; however, from the way you just put it... I guess it may be a bit more than $500 which is the amount I can spend to get basically a complete PC case (with everything in it).

I have the sound system, monitor, keyboard, mouse, an external HD, DVD drive. 40gig HD and I can most likely get a floppy drive and cd/dvdrw around the corner for a good price (wholesales). But yes... since no cpu, ram and video card from how you put it... may you suggest some?
Again for gaming use... I would like a AMD based not intel's prescot.

As for the two links, any feedbacks on those?
Are they at a good price and then from there I can look at the video card, cpu, ram? if so.. what should I consider?

If not, any other sites/links to help me on my journey for my first SFF. again this will be pretty much strictly for gaming. I don't need top of the line so in a scale of 1-10, probably 7.5-8 is what I am looking at If it can handle Doom 3, HL2 good-great and good on the new FEAR and quake 4, I am pretty satisifed.

As of right now, I am liking this.
Aopen
Simply because it has the integrated video card, and a bit cheaper which makes room for the RAM and CPU; however, any inputs on this integrated video card for gaming? ATI X300 (doesn't mentioned ram, help with this?)

Thanks

 

[mavliu]

Shuttle XPC SN95G5V3 AMD Socket 939 Barebone - Retail

 

[cheesehead]

You really need a better video card for gaming.
In fact, the 5200 you're running is probbably what's keeping you from running new games. Although it might have oodles of high-speed RAM, the GEforce5200 is a miserable excuse for a graphics card; you're better off with a GEforce4 TI 4400. Even a 2800+ AMD64 can run FEAR, providing it has a decent graphics card.
Also, all integrated graphics cards perform abysmally. It's just a fact of life. The X300 is also a lousy performer; it's a five-year-old graphics card with a PCIe interface and a fancy name. You may as well be running a 1.6ghz P4; your framerates would'nt drop much.
If I were you, I would look into getting a better graphics card. A 6600GT will run FEAR and the like pretty well with any AMD64 processor, providing you've got at least 512mb of RAM. The X700 is'nt bad either, and their more powerful cousins (X800, 6800, 7800, etc. etc. etc.) will give you better performance still.

So, consider upgrading your graphics card. You may not need a new PC at all.

 

[ShellGuy]

Mav,
If i was you I would ask for cash or Newegg.com Gift Certificates for Xmas.. Wait till then and pick up ur stuff after the first of the year

Qty. Product Description Unit Price Savings Total Price

Update PNY VCG68128XWB Geforce 6800 128MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - OEM
Model #: VCG68128XWB

In Stock
Remove Add item to Cart $169.00 $169.00

Update AMD Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor Model ADA3700BNBOX - Retail
Model #: ADA3700BNBOX
** This item is warranted through the product manufacturer only.
In Stock
Remove Add item to Cart $233.00 $233.00

Update CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered System Memory Model VS1GB400C3 - Retail
Model #: VS1GB400C3

In Stock
Remove Add item to Cart $82.99 $82.99

Update PLEXTOR Beige SATA DVD Burner Model PX-716SA/SW - Retail
Model #: PX-716SA/SW
** This item is warranted through the product manufacturer only.
In Stock
Remove Add item to Cart $118.99 $118.99

Update Shuttle SN25P AMD Socket 939 AMD Athlon 64 FX/Athlon 64/Sempron nVIDIA nForce4 Ultra Barebone - Retail
Model #: SN25P
** This item is warranted through the product manufacturer only.
In Stock
Remove Add item to Cart $394.99 -$15.00 Instant $379.99
Subtotal: $983.97


Just an Idea...

Will G.

 

[Backinthedays]

I have the SN25P (sig) and I love it. Runs very cool n quiet with my X2 at 2.5.
I will probably only buy shuttle from now on.

 

[ShellGuy]

Any Updates Mavliu???


Will G>