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[shigsy]

I have a problem with my new rig and hdd. When I start the computer, the hdd spins up and then makes a noise similar to the click of death (more clonking or jamming than clicking). I thought the hdd was bad and was going to RMA it. Just to be sure, I put the hdd in another computer and to my surprise, it seems to work (no unusual sounds and I managed to install Windows 7 on it).

I then thought the problem lied with the mobo or PSU. I popped in an old SATA drive I had lying around in the new computer and it boots up Windows XP.

What could be the problem? The mobo and hdd are the ones in Hazaro's system guide.

I would be inclined to do a few more tests in each PC. HDD faults can be intermittent if the drive is failing but not yet dead, so its worth trying to boot with the suspect hdd say 5-10 times in each PC to see if there's a consistent factor.

If the drive is mechanically 'clicking' then I don't see what else it could be other than a failing disk.

Hope this helps.

 

[nilbog21]

In future if you're based outside the US please say so in your post, it makes my life so much easier. Link to the atual retailer you're buying these things from!

Either way don't get a 785G motherboard as you may miss out on some upgrade options. Get a 870/880G/890GX whichever is cheapest. Link me to the ones you can choose from if you can.

Thanks

http://www.cdiscount.com/informatique/cartes-meres/msi-890gxm-g65/f-10765-890gxmg65.html

http://www.cdiscount.com/informatique/cartes-meres/gigabyte-880ga-ud3h/f-10765-880gaud3h.html

http://www.cdiscount.com/informatique/cartes-meres/gigabyte-870a-ud3/f-10765-870aud3.html

does that mean i should get the 870?

 

[brain_stew]

Thanks

http://www.cdiscount.com/informatique/cartes-meres/gigabyte-870a-ud3/f-10765-870aud3.html

does that mean i should get the 870?

This is the one I'd get.

 

[abq]

Have you tried running HD Tune or Crystal Disk Info on the drive to see if there's any problems with it (or any other SMART monitoring program)?

Any drive these days has a three year warranty, so worst case you just need to RMA it. The clicking could be triggered by certain sectors of the drive, and reinstalling Windows to new sectors may just temporarily mask the issue, or it may just be a loud drive. If there were problems, the SMART info would let you know.

Running Samsung's diagnostics tool atm from my old computer. The drive doesn't even show up in BIOS in my new rig. It spins up, *clonk*, *clonk*, *clonk*, spins down.

I would be inclined to do a few more tests in each PC. HDD faults can be intermittent if the drive is failing but not yet dead, so its worth trying to boot with the suspect hdd say 5-10 times in each PC to see if there's a consistent factor.

If the drive is mechanically 'clicking' then I don't see what else it could be other than a failing disk.

Hope this helps.

Gonna try this later. Seems consistent so far, though. It always makes the clonking sound in my new rig and has started in my old PC during the times I've tried it (three times).

 

[shigsy]

Gonna try this later. Seems consistent so far, though. It always makes the clonking sound in my new rig and has started in my old PC during the times I've tried it (three times).

How bizarre! Just thinking out loud... Try it with the hard disk 'loose' in the case, ie. not in its final bay location all screwed in. Try a different SATA power/data cable and/or port on the motherboard. You could even try powering it from your old PC and plugging the data cable into your new one. Would rule out any power issues I guess.

 

[RickA238]

Did anyone's order for the Samsung 1TB Spinpoint F3 at ewiz.com for $58 go through? Mine got cancelled and it's showing out of stock now. Did I just miss the boat, was it pulled for being a mistake?

 

[Salaadin]

Did anyone's order for the Samsung 1TB Spinpoint F3 at ewiz.com for $58 go through? Mine got cancelled and it's showing out of stock now. Did I just miss the boat, was it pulled for being a mistake?

I ordered this morning around ten o clock and its still showing as "processing"

 

[CSampson]

Got my new power supply, my rig is running. However, I am kind of not sure what to do now. I was hoping the onboard HDMI port on the mobo would let me set up my BIOS and whatnot on my TV, but it isn't working. I'm waiting for a monitor to be dropped off so I can temporarily use that. Also, does a USB keyboard work or do you need one specifically to fit the keyboard port on the mobo?

 

[rac]

My new system. Thanks Hazaro for the guide and help. Absolutely no problems.

 

[Earthstrike]

New rig is up and running and it feels oh so good. Can't wait to see what it's like to actually play some modern games with the settings on high.

 

[Mr_Brit]

My new system. Thanks Hazaro for the guide and help. Absolutely no problems.

You're meant to put the rear speakers in the rear not right next to your front speakers.

 

[Spike]

Running Samsung's diagnostics tool atm from my old computer. The drive doesn't even show up in BIOS in my new rig. It spins up, *clonk*, *clonk*, *clonk*, spins down.

"She's dead, Jim."

 

[nilbog21]

This is the one I'd get.

OK, it's the one i'll get as well

do you think this power supply would work with the phenom II x4 965 and the gigabyte 870A (and the gtx460)? its what I'm using now

 

[gogojira]

It looks like my monitor is busted and was wondering if anyone had a solid recommendation at a decent price (think $180 and below). My PC has an 8800GTS in it (640mb), but I'm not sure how well it would perform with a 1920x1080 resolution.

I did see some nicely priced monitors with that res though, which is a shame.

Should I just stick with a monitor with the same 1680x1050 resolution for smoother running? Any tips would be appreciated.

 

[abq]

How bizarre! Just thinking out loud... Try it with the hard disk 'loose' in the case, ie. not in its final bay location all screwed in. Try a different SATA power/data cable and/or port on the motherboard. You could even try powering it from your old PC and plugging the data cable into your new one. Would rule out any power issues I guess.

Fuck. I think it's the PSU. When I power the hdd externally, it boots up in my new rig. What is weird is that the old drive I tested didn't have any issues booting up.

 

[brain_stew]

OK, it's the one i'll get as well

do you think this power supply would work with the phenom II x4 965 and the gigabyte 870A (and the gtx460)? its what I'm using now

No idea, never heard of the brand and it doesn't list what its 12V rail can draw. A 500w PSU will suit you fine if its from a decent brand.

 

[mephesta]

I have a power supply, "is it enough," question and a recommendation request.

Power supply: I am thinking about upgrading the video card on my HTPC and overclocking my CPU. By doing this I am worried I may get too close to the 650w my PSU is rated for.

PSU: Antec 650w
CPU: Q6600 (g0 stepping) (stock cooling)
Mobo: Gigabyte p45-ds3l (just a regular board, nothing fancy)
Memory: 4gb DDR2 Mushkin Cas4 (4x1gb) (if you need the voltage I can look it up)
GFX: GeForce GTX 460 1gb (my current card is an ATI 4550)
ODD: Cheap Samsung dvd-rw
HDD: 3x 7200rpm drives, 3x 5400rpm drives

The primary use of this computer is as an HTPC (hence the 6 hard drives), but I really want to play FFXIV. It would also be nice to play TF2 with some higher settings. So do you think overclocking the CPU and adding the GTX 460 will be too much? I am hoping to have the CPU hit around 3.2ghz. I have the hard drives turn off after three minutes when not in use. I think the case has decent airflow, nothing ever gets too hot in there. Even with the drives. So do you think I am ok, or is it too risky?

The recommendation I am looking for is for a nice wireless keyboard/mouse combo. I have a Logitech DiNovo Mini for all of the media center needs, but I may want to get an actual keyboard/mouse to game with on the HTPC. I know the keyboard/mouse is not very comfortable to use on the couch, but I may try anyway or see if I can get something set up so it is not so bad.

Thank you for the help,
Meph

edit: I've used newegg's PSU calculator, but I don't know how accurate it is or if it is calculating with the HDD's under load, etc.

 

[Curufinwe]

It looks like my monitor is busted and was wondering if anyone had a solid recommendation at a decent price (think $180 and below). My PC has an 8800GTS in it (640mb), but I'm not sure how well it would perform with a 1920x1080 resolution.

I did see some nicely priced monitors with that res though, which is a shame.

Should I just stick with a monitor with the same 1680x1050 resolution for smoother running? Any tips would be appreciated.

Get a new graphics card as well as a monitor. You have the perfect excuse. Finances permitting, of course.

I'm still in the 320MB 8800 GTS, 1440 x 900 ghetto.

 

[RadicalRad]

Hey brainstew, I sent you a PM =P

 

[brain_stew]

I have a power supply, "is it enough," question and a recommendation request.

Power supply: I am thinking about upgrading the video card on my HTPC and overclocking my CPU. By doing this I am worried I may get too close to the 650w my PSU is rated for.

PSU: Antec 650w
CPU: Q6600 (g0 stepping) (stock cooling)
Mobo: Gigabyte p45-ds3l (just a regular board, nothing fancy)
Memory: 4gb DDR2 Mushkin Cas4 (4x1gb) (if you need the voltage I can look it up)
GFX: GeForce GTX 460 1gb (my current card is an ATI 4550)
ODD: Cheap Samsung dvd-rw
HDD: 3x 7200rpm drives, 3x 5400rpm drives

The primary use of this computer is as an HTPC (hence the 6 hard drives), but I really want to play FFXIV. It would also be nice to play TF2 with some higher settings. So do you think overclocking the CPU and adding the GTX 460 will be too much? I am hoping to have the CPU hit around 3.2ghz. I have the hard drives turn off after three minutes when not in use. I think the case has decent airflow, nothing ever gets too hot in there. Even with the drives. So do you think I am ok, or is it too risky?

The recommendation I am looking for is for a nice wireless keyboard/mouse combo. I have a Logitech DiNovo Mini for all of the media center needs, but I may want to get an actual keyboard/mouse to game with on the HTPC. I know the keyboard/mouse is not very comfortable to use on the couch, but I may try anyway or see if I can get something set up so it is not so bad.

Thank you for the help,
Meph

edit: I've used newegg's PSU calculator, but I don't know how accurate it is or if it is calculating with the HDD's under load, etc.

You could probably get away with running SLI GTX 460s on that thing, you'll be fine.

 

[brain_stew]

Hey brainstew, I sent you a PM =P

Sorry but I don't respond to PMs about PC help anymore. There was a point where I'd be flooded with like a dozen every day (no joke) and from then on I've asked everyone just to post here. I'll respond if I've the time and motivation to do so but at least if you post in this thread there's a chance someone else will respond.

Its the only fair way I can do it, I'm sorry. Plus this way people can check over my advice as if I'm responding to a bunch of posts I can make the occasional questionable recommendation, its inevitable.

 

[RadicalRad]

Sorry but I don't respond to PMs about PC help anymore. There was a point where I'd be flooded with like a dozen every day (no joke) and from then on I've asked everyone just to post here. I'll respond if I've the time and motivation to do so but at least if you post in this thread there's a chance someone else will respond.

Its the only fair way I can do it, I'm sorry.

Understandable

Maybe if you weren't so damn helpful you wouldn't have that problem!

 

[gogojira]

Get a new graphics card as well as a monitor. You have the perfect excuse. Finances permitting, of course.

I'm still in the 320MB 8800 GTS, 1440 x 900 ghetto.

Unfortunately, finances don't permit. I'll probably just snag a lower resolution monitor for now. I do intend to build a new rig sometime in the not too distant future, then I'll get all crazy with a new video card and all that.

 

[mephesta]

You could probably get away with running SLI GTX 460s on that thing, you'll be fine.

Thank you, brain_stew.

 

[RadicalRad]

After much frustration with trying to grapple with everything I've come to the conclusion I'm a complete novice at this.

Motherboards are giving me a lot of issues. Trying to figure out the ins and outs while being out of the building game for several years.

I'm currently looking at:

This Mobo

with

This Processor

But I've become concerned with the reviews on the motherboard stating that there's some issues with the bios needing to be flashed and updated. I'm not completely comfortable with doing that myself so I was hoping there was possibly a more stable motherboard out there with similar quality/cost.

I'm also looking at this:

video card

Power supplies are giving me trouble too. I've been really curious how you determine required wattage while building a machine? I just can't wrap my head around it.

Same goes for RAM. There's mobos that say their dual channel, tri-channel, quad-channel.. Does that necessarily mean that - let's say a dual-channel mobo is only compatible with dual-channel ram?


Is there possibly a cheaper route without sacrificing quality? I'm hoping to build a machine that will keep up with gaming the next 3 years or so. (if that's possible)

Overall my budget is about $700-$800. Mostly what I need is suggestions for mobo/video card/ram/processor combos. As i just can't seem to get them all right when i do it myself.

edit: fixed links... ugh

 

[shigsy]

Fuck. I think it's the PSU. When I power the hdd externally, it boots up in my new rig. What is weird is that the old drive I tested didn't have any issues booting up.

Ok, are you able to try a different SATA power cable from your PSU (and a different port if its modular)? Need to narrow it down further if possible. I've not heard of a PSU not being able to power a hdd, but it would appear thats whats happening from your testing so far. :S

 

[abq]

Ok, are you able to try a different SATA power cable from your PSU (and a different port if its modular)? Need to narrow it down further if possible. I've not heard of a PSU not being able to power a hdd, but it would appear thats whats happening from your testing so far. :S

Tried both SATA power cables. No luck. Gonna see if I can find a molex to sata cable to do some more testing. I also need to try a few more different hdd's (the one from an ancient rig did work). I really don't want to RMA the PSU. This makes no sense. Gah.

 

[sharkmuncher]

It looks like my monitor is busted and was wondering if anyone had a solid recommendation at a decent price (think $180 and below). My PC has an 8800GTS in it (640mb), but I'm not sure how well it would perform with a 1920x1080 resolution.

I did see some nicely priced monitors with that res though, which is a shame.

Should I just stick with a monitor with the same 1680x1050 resolution for smoother running? Any tips would be appreciated.

I've got the 23.5" version of this ASUS and I love it. Cheap and good enough for my needs. edit. another 22" at 1080

Looks like its on sale $135 right now too

 

[shigsy]

Gonna see if I can find a molex to sata cable to do some more testing.

Good idea. Its a bit of an odd one, which is why all you can do is meticulously test and eliminate as much as possible. Are you able to fit another PSU into the new system?

Has the new hdd failed to detect a single time when powered externally? Has your old hdd failed a single time with the suspect PSU?

 

[gogojira]

I've got the 23.5" version of this ASUS and I love it. Cheap and good enough for my needs. edit. another 22" at 1080

Looks like its on sale $135 right now too

Yeah, I've been looking at those. Do you think a 512mb 8800 GTS could handle that?

Edit: Was referring to the 1080 one. If not, I might bite on the 1680x1050.

 

[abq]

Good idea. Its a bit of an odd one, which is why all you can do is meticulously test and eliminate as much as possible. Are you able to fit another PSU into the new system?

Has the new hdd failed to detect a single time when powered externally? Has your old hdd failed a single time with the suspect PSU?

I'm gonna try an old PSU/new mobo and a new PSU/old mobo tomorrow. I'm too tired to do more troubleshooting for the day. I will report back tomorrow. It certainly seems like a weird problem.

 

[DrForester]

After much frustration with trying to grapple with everything I've come to the conclusion I'm a complete novice at this.

Motherboards are giving me a lot of issues. Trying to figure out the ins and outs while being out of the building game for several years.

I'm currently looking at:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131634

with

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115215

But I've become concerned with the reviews on the motherboard stating that there's some issues with the bios needing to be flashed and updated. I'm not completely comfortable with doing that myself so I was hoping there was possibly a more stable motherboard out there with similar quality/cost.

I'm also looking at this video card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150477

Power supplies are giving me trouble too. I've been really curious how you determine required wattage while building a machine? I just can't wrap my head around it.

Same goes for RAM. There's mobos that say their dual channel, tri-channel, quad-channel.. Does that necessarily mean that - let's say a dual-channel mobo is only compatible with dual-channel ram?


Is there possibly a cheaper route without sacrificing quality? I'm hoping to build a machine that will keep up with gaming the next 3 years or so. (if that's possible)

Overall my budget is about $700-$800. Mostly what I need is suggestions for mobo/video card/ram/processor combos. As i just can't seem to get them all right when i do it myself.

None of those links are working.

Far as power supplies, use New Egg's calculator.
http://c1.neweggimages.com/BizIntel...ons.newegg.com/productfinders/powersupply.jpg

 

[Salaadin]

None of those links are working.

Far as power supplies, use New Egg's calculator.
http://c1.neweggimages.com/BizIntel...ons.newegg.com/productfinders/powersupply.jpg

I always used THIS ONE. It has a lot more options.

 

[RadicalRad]

None of those links are working.

fixed

 

[shigsy]

I'm gonna try an old PSU/new mobo and a new PSU/old mobo tomorrow. I'm too tired to do more troubleshooting for the day. I will report back tomorrow. It certainly seems like a weird problem.

Coolio, let us know how it goes either way.

 

[Hazaro]

After much frustration with trying to grapple with everything I've come to the conclusion I'm a complete novice at this.

Overall my budget is about $700-$800. Mostly what I need is suggestions for mobo/video card/ram/processor combos. As i just can't seem to get them all right when i do it myself.

edit: fixed links... ugh

http://i.imgur.com/A55hA.jpg

Just swap in the budget parts and you are done.
Keep the GTX 460 though.

I have a problem with my new rig and hdd. When I start the computer, the hdd spins up and then makes a noise similar to the click of death (more clonking or jamming than clicking). I thought the hdd was bad and was going to RMA it. Just to be sure, I put the hdd in another computer and to my surprise, it seems to work (no unusual sounds and I managed to install Windows 7 on it).

Did you try a different SATA port / cable?
Some mobos also might need to have the 1st HDD drive in SATA_0.
Might also want to unplug your DVD as well just in case.

 

[Blackface]

for Canadians. http://www.ncix.com/products/index....D768D5&manufacture=MSI/MicroStar&promoid=1058 Ncix web-only sale

MSI GTX 460 768MB + Just Cause 2 + Street Fighter IV or Dark Void + SC2 free trial + BFG 550Watt PSU @ $44 for $184 after mail in rebate.

Not the 1gb version but a fucking awesome deal.

 

[DrForester]

fixed

That's the processor I got, built my PC last week and love it. I got the Pro version of that and also love it so far (in case I decide to SLI). I know many on this board will urge you to just get a GTX 460. I got one, and it works fine for most games, but until they fix the problem the 400 series has with FFXI I wont be recommending it to anyone.

 

[RadicalRad]

http://i.imgur.com/A55hA.jpg

Just swap in the budget parts and you are done.
Keep the GTX 460 though.

You are awesome!

 

[Owensboro]

Alrighty, I'm assuming this is the thread for PC upgrade help, so I'm gonna give it a shot. If I've got the wrong place, please point me in the right direction!

Thanks to Starcraft 2 coming out and my load times being horrendous I decided it's time to finally upgrade a couple of parts in my rig, but it's been a while I wanted to make sure I was on the right track.

I built this thing originally back in 2003, and have upgraded it once since (although I can't remember which parts were the upgrades). I'd really appreciate any suggestions as to what needs to be upgraded first. My current system is thus:

Motherboard: Nvidia NF66 650i Ultra
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 2.3Ghz
RAM: 2 x 1GB DDR2 PC2 6400 sticks
- I have 2 spare slots for more RAM
Graphics: Geforce 8800 GTS (dxdiag says it has 1384MB of memory.... this doesn't seem right)
Sound: Creative SB Audigy 2 ZS​

I think the rest of the package is okay. I can't find the rating on the Power Supply without dismantling the thing (which is what I'm typing on right now of course), the case is an old Antec 900 with all 5 fans installed (I just replaced the two front HDD fans, and back fan due to wear and tear).

So, I was thinking that I should do a CPU upgrade plus some more RAM. Thanks to finally getting a copy of Windows 7 I wanted to install the 64-bit version (currently running 32) and take advantage of it's ability to recognize more RAM. My problem with this line of though, is that I'm afraid that the Motherboard is what's going to limit my ability to do this. I have absolutely no idea what processors can and cannot be inserted into this motherboard. Is that going to be my bottleneck? Should I purchase a new one? Or can I just go ahead and get a new CPU and 2 sticks of more RAM (I was thinking 2GB).

 

[SamuraiX-]

Alright, so I have like a 10-year old, completely out-of-date desktop. I'm looking to upgrade. Not looking for anything over $1000, and preferably something that can play Starcraft II on at least medium settings (preferably high settings). Just found this deal on Costco's website.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11534364

I asked a friend and he said it should be able to last me for at least the next 5 or 6 years. You think this could be what I'm looking for? The $200 discount is nice.

How are Gateway computers anyway? I've never had any experience with them.

 

[kagete]

Alright, so I have like a 10-year old, completely out-of-date desktop. I'm looking to upgrade. Not looking for anything over $1000, and preferably something that can play Starcraft II on at least medium settings (preferably high settings). Just found this deal on Costco's website.



http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11534364

I asked a friend and he said it should be able to last me for at least the next 5 or 6 years. You think this could be what I'm looking for? The $200 discount is nice.

How are Gateway computers anyway? I've never had any experience with them.

I gotta run but just have to chime in that you really shouldn't buy this machine. Your primary use is gaming and this just isn't geared for it with its cheap pack-in card. The $630 ish build Hazaro or the others have posted will do you better.

 

[Mr_Brit]

Alrighty, I'm assuming this is the thread for PC upgrade help, so I'm gonna give it a shot. If I've got the wrong place, please point me in the right direction!

Thanks to Starcraft 2 coming out and my load times being horrendous I decided it's time to finally upgrade a couple of parts in my rig, but it's been a while I wanted to make sure I was on the right track.

I built this thing originally back in 2003, and have upgraded it once since (although I can't remember which parts were the upgrades). I'd really appreciate any suggestions as to what needs to be upgraded first. My current system is thus:

Motherboard: Nvidia NF66 650i Ultra
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 2.3Ghz
RAM: 2 x 1GB DDR2 PC2 6400 sticks
- I have 2 spare slots for more RAM
Graphics: Geforce 8800 GTS (dxdiag says it has 1384MB of memory.... this doesn't seem right)
Sound: Creative SB Audigy 2 ZS​

I think the rest of the package is okay. I can't find the rating on the Power Supply without dismantling the thing (which is what I'm typing on right now of course), the case is an old Antec 900 with all 5 fans installed (I just replaced the two front HDD fans, and back fan due to wear and tear).

So, I was thinking that I should do a CPU upgrade plus some more RAM. Thanks to finally getting a copy of Windows 7 I wanted to install the 64-bit version (currently running 32) and take advantage of it's ability to recognize more RAM. My problem with this line of though, is that I'm afraid that the Motherboard is what's going to limit my ability to do this. I have absolutely no idea what processors can and cannot be inserted into this motherboard. Is that going to be my bottleneck? Should I purchase a new one? Or can I just go ahead and get a new CPU and 2 sticks of more RAM (I was thinking 2GB).

Sell it and get an AMD AM3 build, more futureproof and a lot faster than anything you can build using your pre exisiting parts, for the GPU get a GTX 460.

 

[SamuraiX-]

I gotta run but just have to chime in that you really shouldn't buy this machine. Your primary use is gaming and this just isn't geared for it with its cheap pack-in card. The $630 ish build Hazaro or the others have posted will do you better.

Thanks for the input. I just want to mention that I was never the type to build my own PC from scratch. I always liked to just buy a stock model and upgrade it as needed. My primary use won't necessarily be gaming, but Starcraft is one of the main reasons I am upgrading. Besides SCII, I won't be using it for much more gaming. I'm more of a console gamer.

And is the 512mb Radeon really that bad? I was gonna ask about it. I'm not too familiar with graphics brands and models. I know a good 1 gig graphics card is at least $150 though. The 512mb should be enough though, shouldn't it?

 

[brain_stew]

Alright, so I have like a 10-year old, completely out-of-date desktop. I'm looking to upgrade. Not looking for anything over $1000, and preferably something that can play Starcraft II on at least medium settings (preferably high settings). Just found this deal on Costco's website.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11534364

I asked a friend and he said it should be able to last me for at least the next 5 or 6 years. You think this could be what I'm looking for? The $200 discount is nice.

How are Gateway computers anyway? I've never had any experience with them.

The GPU is a steaming turd, avoid. Starcraft 2 will struggle on low.

 

[1stStrike]

I hereby name brain_stew as the official "I need a new PC" community liaison :lol

 

[brain_stew]

Thanks for the input. I just want to mention that I was never the type to build my own PC from scratch. I always liked to just buy a stock model and upgrade it as needed. My primary use won't necessarily be gaming, but Starcraft is one of the main reasons I am upgrading. Besides SCII, I won't be using it for much more gaming. I'm more of a console gamer.

And is the 512mb Radeon really that bad? I was gonna ask about it. I'm not too familiar with graphics brands and models. I know a good 1 gig graphics card is at least $150 though. The 512mb should be enough though, shouldn't it?

This is on the very edge of your budget but it obliterates anything else I can find:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229199


Alternatively there's this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227274

Its not as good value but its a very nicely balanced rig and will easily accomplish what you're after.

 

[SamuraiX-]

The GPU is a steaming turd, avoid. Starcraft 2 will struggle on low.

Oh come on. You have to be exaggerating.

My laptop has a shitty on-board Intel graphics card and it can run SCII on low settings fine. It's only on medium settings when everything lags.

 

[brain_stew]

Oh come on. You have to be exaggerating.

My laptop has a shitty on-board Intel graphics card and it can run SCII on low settings fine. It's only on medium settings when everything lags.

Not at all, its barely a step up over integrated, and modern Intel integrated aren't all that bad in popular games.

The GPU in even the $700 rig I linked will give you at least 5x the performance. The other rig will add ~50% GPU performance on top of that and net you a much better CPU.

 

[Mr_Brit]

Oh come on. You have to be exaggerating.

My laptop has a shitty on-board Intel graphics card and it can run SCII on low settings fine. It's only on medium settings when everything lags.

Anything below x6xx from ATI or nvidia is worthless for games.