Need advice on building budget gaming rig

[Kirst27]

I've been skimming this forum for the last couple days and have gotten some pretty good advice on how to start building a budget gaming system - but wanted to ask for myself if anyone could provide some pointers about what config I should go with.

I'm not a heavy gamer, rather more of a Sims2 and rpg/strategy person. Not so much into the first-person shooters.

It seems like I have no choice but to go with AMD Athlon 64. What Mobo though? I've seen bundles that have the processor and mobo together - is that a good deal or should I get them separately?

Mem - mushkin 2x512MB seems to be the consensus?
Video card? I've seen people say to go with 6600GT - is this necessary with the kind of gaming I'll be using it for - or is there a better choice?

Also - I've never built a computer before - so if there are any major things I should know to avoid - please advise

Any comments will be much appreciated - Kirsten

 

[MrBond]

I'd say the 6600GT would be good for video - keep in mind you're going to want to be as future-proof as possible. I bought my current video card 3 years ago and it's just about to the point where I need to replace it. It wasn't the top of the line Geforce at the time, but it wasn't the low-end model either. The 6600GT falls in about that place now.

 

[ribbon13]

My god... you mentioned the most feared game of them all... The Sims 2

I have probably one of the most powerful rigs here, and I can tell you, that game EATS resources like no other game.

I'd go for Corsair value ram. Get two of these.
$60x2 Corsair VS512MB400

$110 Chaintech VNF4 Ultra ZENITH VE

$180 MSI NX6600GT-TD128E

$146 AMD ADA3000BIBOX

$149 Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 ST3250823AS

$75 Seasonic Tornado 400w PSU

$780

 

[shock311]

monarchcomputer.com has good combo deals that come with far cry and half life 2 for free, you might end up being a fps gamer after those games. not into heavy gaming then the 6600gt is definately enough.

Advice, Ground yourself, and make sure you buy a good power supply(Antec, OCZ, a few others).

 

[Kirst27]

how about sound cards? SB Audigy?

 

[ribbon13]

Are you gonna watch movies or want fancy game sound more?

 

[mrgoblin]

I thought this was a budget rig...

 

[Pr0d1gy]

Originally posted by: ribbon13
My god... you mentioned the most feared game of them all... The Sims 2

I have probably one of the most powerful rigs here, and I can tell you, that game EATS resources like no other game.

I'd go for Corsair value ram. Get two of these.
$60x2 Corsair VS512MB400

$110 Chaintech VNF4 Ultra ZENITH VE

$180 MSI NX6600GT-TD128E

$146 AMD ADA3000BIBOX

$149 Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 ST3250823AS

$75 Seasonic Tornado 400w PSU

$780

Ribbon nailed it.