Need help with gaming system

[Kneedragger]

I used to play only pc games and have a really nice pc-only steering wheel in the closet. I dont have a pc right now but the technical Dirt2 interview linked below talks about DX11 being used for the first time by Codemasters, and how the pc version of the game will have the best graphics and framerates of all the platform versions.
So my question to y'all is: whats the most cost effective pc rig specs / suggestions for me to look for if I decide to go pc shopping? BTW: I'll be using my Samsung for a monitor so we can skip that part. If you have the time please read the interview.. its too technical to help me, but some of you might be able to make sense of it. Thanks!


http://www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,...aphics-on-PC-due-to-DirectX-11-features/News/


p.s. one of my main concerns is having my pc bases covered when codemasters comes out with their F1 game next year. for sure it will use DX11 just like dirt2. i'm looking for specific hardware suggestions here.. thanks again.

 

[Sureboss]

It will still work with DX10 btw, it can just use DX11.

 

[GT3mich]

What kind of budget do you have. Right now there are only 4 DX 11 video cards on the market. All are ATI cards. Radeon 5870, 5850, 5770 and the 5750. They cost from $379 down to $129. That just the video card.

 

[Kneedragger]

What kind of budget do you have. Right now there are only 4 DX 11 video cards on the market. All are ATI cards. Radeon 5870, 5850, 5770 and the 5750. They cost from $379 down to $129. That just the video card.

What you just said about needed a DX11 specific card is already a big help. I understand that the game will run on lots of other cards-- I was trying to find out what it might cost to take advantage of Dirt2 and the Formula One game next year, both of which have DX11 specific utilization.
I didnt know DX11 had its own video card. I'll google that bit right now.

edit: heres a review of what THEY call the most anticipated video card ever (!)
http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1080/1/

heres a great article on 'tessellation', which is a key part of any DX11 specific advantage
http://arstechnica.com/old/content/2005/05/xbox360-1.ars/3

 

[GT3mich]

$1000 budget will build a decent computer with a 5870 inside if you build it yourself. To utilize DX 10 or 11 you'll need to run Vista or I would buy the new Windows 7 that is coming out in late October. XP maxes out at DX9. There are so many new products out by Intel and AMD that you need to tell us a price ceiling. You have a monitor. What about keyboard, mouse, speakers. Building a computer is very easy BTW. I've built about 10 over the last 2 years. It takes me about an hour to get to windows install and thats doing cable management at the same time.

 

[Kneedragger]

$1000 budget will build a decent computer with a 5870 inside if you build it yourself. To utilize DX 10 or 11 you'll need to run Vista or I would buy the new Windows 7 that is coming out in late October. XP maxes out at DX9. There are so many new products out by Intel and AMD that you need to tell us a price ceiling. You have a monitor. What about keyboard, mouse, speakers. Building a computer is very easy BTW. I've built about 10 over the last 2 years. It takes me about an hour to get to windows install and thats doing cable management at the same time.

Hey-
Are you interested in maybe building a game rig for me?

Ok, so heres the scoop: What I have now is a usb keyboard and mouse, and a usb pc-only steering wheel. And I would like to use my stereo receiver as part of the sound chain.. I dont know how that does or doesnt figure in (my floor speakers currently support the table top that my steering wheel clamps to. Its a setup I would like to keep.)

My goal is to have a pc that will handle anything possible in the DX11 title: Dirt2 (please read the link in my first post.) And a rig that will handle anything the DX11 Formula One title that Codemasters will come out with in 2010 will have. If the system is good enough to handle anything those titles have I will be happy. BTW: the link in the first post mentions Windows7 by name and yeah, that would be the way to go I guess. Also, my internet connection is slow and so online gaming will be restricted for me.. anything to do with playing videos, etc. is very slow.

As far as cost, well I dont want anything beyond the basics to do what I mentioned already. Having a fancy case that glows in the dark is not necessary. We'll start with that I've said and see if its doable. I dont even have to have a NEW processor.. in case you have stuff handy. I'm open to ideas.

I'm only doing this at all because of Codemasters using DX11 for all their racers, starting now. Heres a screenshot of Dirt2, using a 6-monitor setup and the new ATI DX11 card. Note the screen resolution:

 

[GT3mich]

If I lived in Santa Fe I would be more than happy to build a system for you. However I live in a suburb of Detroit so thats out. I can put together a parts list and post a video on how to put the computer together. Buy all the parts from Newegg. They will have everything you need. I'll part out a system in a bit.