What accessories should I get?

[robodude666]

Hey guys,

Some of you may know that I will be buying my new system very soon (possibly tomorrow!!) and I will have about $120 left over after I buy all the needed hardware. My current system is pretty much basic so I don't have any good accessories.. I am thinking of getting the following items:

Keyboard - $70 (Logitech G15 because Razer is too expensive)
Mouse - $50 (Razer Copperhead)
Sound card - $70 (Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic)
Speakers - $50 (Logitech x-530 5.1)
Headset - $??? (Don't know, didn't do much research. Open to suggestions)
Fans - $100ish (1x 120mm, 3x 80mm. SilenX because my current fans in the case I will be using are ub3rly loud)
Save for HDD or Liquid Cooling

I currently have the following items:

Keyboard - Dell keyboard
Mouse - Gateway mouse (Sometimes I use a dell mouse which is more comfortable. It is currently no where to be found.)
Sound card - erm, none.. I may use the on-board Realtek ALC883 which will be on the new mb.
Speakers - Dell 2.1 with like 5watts >_>
Headset - Some cheap Logitech
Fans - Ub3rly loud Raidmax fans

What would you suggest I spend my hard earned $120 on? I really need a good mouse, sound, speakers/headset. Its nearly impossible for me to snipe or get headshots with my mouse. And I never hear footsteps in FEARCombat.. People can easily follow me for 5 minutes and I wouldn't know. Is the on-board Realtek ALC883 any good? If it is, I can live without the X-Fi.. at least until I get a little richer and have more money.

I managed to live with this Dell keyboard for a while. I have a Logitech Cordless Duo which I use once in a while when it doesn't spaz out on me. But I don't know if I REALLY need a new keyboard.

Thanks for your help,
-robodude666

[Tyreal]

Here's what I would get...

Keyboard - Standard Microsoft/Logitech Media Keyboard. In my opinion, these gaming keyboards aren't necessary.
Mouse - It's up to you. I like my Logitech MX518
Sound card - Not necessary. Most of today's integrated sound is already very good if you're not an audiophile.
Headset - If you like using headphones over speakers, spend your money on a nice sennheiser or REAL headphones without a MIC. Instead, just get a standard desktop mic. I found that headsets don't give very good sound.
Fans - Don't get SilenX. They are way too expensive and their ratings are bull****. Get a fan controller and some Panaflos, or better yet, Yate Loons fans. YL fans are great quality and very quiet.

[screwballl]

As a gamer and a bit of an audiophile, I notice a big difference between the sound from onboard and my X-Fi xtremeMusic..
but others may not and the onboard solutions should work fine for them

[Tyreal]

Well it depends on who you are. I was listening to a system with an X-Fi and I could hear the difference but a friend of mine couldn't tell.

[Jokerswild]

I'd go for the better mouse. I've used a Dell keyboard for quite a few years and it's servicable.

[robodude666]

Originally Posted by Tyreal

Here's what I would get...

Keyboard - Standard Microsoft/Logitech Media Keyboard. In my opinion, these gaming keyboards aren't necessary.
Mouse - It's up to you. I like my Logitech MX518
Sound card - Not necessary. Most of today's integrated sound is already very good if you're not an audiophile.
Headset - If you like using headphones over speakers, spend your money on a nice sennheiser or REAL headphones without a MIC. Instead, just get a standard desktop mic. I found that headsets don't give very good sound.
Fans - Don't get SilenX. They are way too expensive and their ratings are bull****. Get a fan controller and some Panaflos, or better yet, Yate Loons fans. YL fans are great quality and very quiet.

Thanks for the input :)

I need media options on my keyboard more than gaming stuff. Backlight keys are helpful for night time but I don't look at my keyboard when I type or use it anyway... The "G" keys and programmable keys are helpful for marcos or launching programs I use often. I have a object dock on my desktop so I can easily launch programs.. so i'm lazy.. give me a break!

I thought those ratings are a bit unrealistic.. Come on! 90CFM at 18dB? I will look into the Panaflo and Yate Loon fans. I won't need to buy a fan controller because my current electronics project I am working on will have a built in digital fan controller (will post project log once it hits 5-10%.. its at 3.5% now)

I need a good headset w/ mic because I use Skype often and when I game with a few people I know we use Skype to communicate so we won't have to type and get shot. Plus its fun as hell! People screaming and laughing. Great ol' times man!

Originally Posted by Tyreal

Well it depends on who you are. I was listening to a system with an X-Fi and I could hear the difference but a friend of mine couldn't tell.

This is very true for me... I can't tell the difference between good audio and bad audio.. Audio is moving waves for me and they all sound the same. I used several MP3/MP4 players and they (including my computers SoundMax on-board) all sound the same to me (I use wrap-around sony headphones)

Originally Posted by Jokerswild

I'd go for the better mouse. I've used a Dell keyboard for quite a few years and it's servicable.

I think I will get a good mouse. Someone I know upgraded from an old optical mouse to the copperhead, and I can easily tell you that me dying from headshots has increased. Although he hasn't played much in the past month or so, so I can possibly win this time

If I act quick now, I can win a NEW Razer copperhead off of ebay for $30!

[Tyreal]

I need a good headset w/ mic because I use Skype often and when I game with a few people I know we use Skype to communicate so we won't have to type and get shot. Plus its fun as hell! People screaming and laughing. Great ol' times man!

I know what you mean. :D Thats why I told you to get a desktop mic. Just put it on your desk and it will work in the exact same way as your headset. They are really cheap, I know Logitech sells one thats less than 15 dollars.

Anitec.ca - Logitech Desktop Microphone

Save your money and get a real headphone.

EDIT:

I use these headphones: SHP895/00 Headphones indoor Accessories Philips

along with a desktop mic.

[Capper]

Sound- The onboard sound is plenty good....the XFI is awfully nice, but Creative drivers and support suck.

Cooling- Stick with a good air cooled solution, i've yet to find a really good water cooling unit for the "everyday user", there are the nice boutique kits that run $250-300 at Danger Den, but in all honesty you don't need that.

Headphones- I have been using Sennheiser for a long time, and love their products, I'd recommend either the 155s or 160s

Mouse- you can't go wrong with Razer, best mice around....but check out the new OCZ mice, they are inexpensive, and highly rated.

Keyboard- I swear by Saitek, very good, and inexpensive keyboards

Fans- Panaflos are the best around, but you'll pay a premium for them.....check out Arctic Cooling's Dynamic Fluid Bearing fans, extremely quiet, and highly efficient

[Fasttazz]

Get the Razor Copperhead and you will see much improvement in FPS games. I love mine.
The Saitek Eclips is very good KB too!!

[robodude666]

Originally Posted by Capper

Sound- The onboard sound is plenty good....the XFI is awfully nice, but Creative drivers and support suck.

Cooling- Stick with a good air cooled solution, i've yet to find a really good water cooling unit for the "everyday user", there are the nice boutique kits that run $250-300 at Danger Den, but in all honesty you don't need that.

Headphones- I have been using Sennheiser for a long time, and love their products, I'd recommend either the 155s or 160s

Mouse- you can't go wrong with Razer, best mice around....but check out the new OCZ mice, they are inexpensive, and highly rated.

Keyboard- I swear by Saitek, very good, and inexpensive keyboards

Fans- Panaflos are the best around, but you'll pay a premium for them.....check out Arctic Cooling's Dynamic Fluid Bearing fans, extremely quiet, and highly efficient

The 155s are like $80ish. Which would you recommend for the lower end of the price list... Something for casual gamers.. Nothing h4rdc0r3.

I will check out both fans :) Thanks!