Video summary

LGR - Building My Dream $3,588 Windows XP PC

Main summary

Key takeaways

Technology

Summary of the video (technical/build focus)

Goal & premise

The creator builds an “ultimate” Windows XP gaming PC using late 2007–early 2008 hardware. The intent is to see how games from that era feel when “money is no object.”

He notes that, back then, the parts would likely have cost $3,500–$4,200 at retail (with inflation), but he acquired them for much less using older stock over time.

Core hardware selections (circa that era)

  • Motherboard: EVGA NF68 (680i SLI chipset) Highlights:

    • SLI support
    • extra PCI/PCIe expansion slots
    • extensive integrated I/O, including:
      • USB 2.0 (6 ports)
      • dual Gigabit Ethernet
      • a FireWire controller
    • LGA 775 platform for the CPU

  • CPU: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 (3GHz, quad-core) Selected to match the 2007 timeframe; the creator emphasizes it was a top-tier, expensive launch CPU.

  • Cooling: Thermaltake Black Widow SpinQ A large custom cooler with a quiet 80mm fan, described as visually “turbocharger-like.”

  • RAM: Corsair 2×1GB DDR2-800 (1GB XMS2-6400)

    • During the initial build, a boot issue required using only half (1GB) temporarily.
    • Later upgrades increased total usable RAM (see post-build changes).

  • Graphics: Two XFX GeForce 8800GTS Fatal1ty Edition (320MB each) in SLI

    • He considered a single 8800 Ultra (768MB), but chose the SLI route to test behavior/performance.

  • Sound: Sound Blaster Audigy Platinum Preferred for dedicated audio and EAX (rather than integrated audio).

  • Storage:

    • Two Western Digital Raptor 10,000 RPM drives
    • SATA LG DVD burner optical drive
    • Uses SATA/Raptor drives intentionally to avoid ribbon cables

  • OS: Windows XP Professional (2002), updated/patches applied including Service Pack 3

  • Power supply: Rosewill 1,000W semi-modular Chosen for available wattage and favorable reviews.

  • Case: Rosewill Stryker M

    • “late-2000s” aesthetic (side window, LED lighting)
    • large airflow capacity for the bulky cooler/GPU setup
    • includes tool-less drive mounting

Build process + troubleshooting highlights

First power-on failure (RAM detection)

  • The motherboard’s green LCD debug code C1 indicated a memory detection issue.
  • Removing the problematic RAM stick(s) enabled POST.
  • The system continued with 1GB RAM temporarily.

RAID setup choice

  • The creator uses RAID 0 (striping) rather than RAID 1 (mirroring), accepting data-loss risk because the drives aren’t intended for important storage.

XP RAID driver issue (BSOD during setup)

  • XP setup required NVIDIA RAID drivers, often distributed via floppy disk.
  • With no floppy drive available, he uses nLite to:
    • slipstream RAID drivers
    • create a custom XP ISO
    • burn/install that ISO successfully without the BSOD

Performance/testing results (games & notable findings)

Testing methodology

  • Uses 1280×720
  • Repeats similar settings across games
  • Uses FRAPS to display FPS
  • Notes that disabling vsync can help reveal unlocked framerates (and exposes screen tearing)

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

  • Runs well on High preset:
    • no AA
    • no vsync
    • 1280×720
  • Drops below 60fps during heavy open-world loading, but stays higher in lighter areas.
  • Faster loading is attributed largely to the Raptor RAID.

Crysis (the main challenge)

  • GPU benchmark: roughly 30–50fps on Medium 720p
  • On High, performance is similar, with major slowdowns when loading new areas/effects.
  • He suspects only 1GB RAM at the time contributes to instability.
  • SLI-related issues/visual glitches include:
    • flickering/glitchy foliage
    • rendering problems (characters/models/vehicle tires appearing/disappearing)
  • He reports improved behavior after:
    • downgrading NVIDIA drivers
    • using an older game version/patch
  • However, issues remain.
  • Conclusion: a single 8800 Ultra (768MB) might have been more stable.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

  • Could not achieve stable proper widescreen; it crashes when attempting.
  • Runs at 1280×960 with very high FPS (over 200fps with the limiter off).

SimCity 4 Deluxe (2003)

  • Generally good performance, but FPS varies widely based on what the game is loading.
  • Caps at 60fps due to in-game settings.

F.E.A.R. (2005)

  • Around mid-50s FPS
  • Occasional dips, notably near ~39fps
  • The creator highlights impressive particles, lighting, and shading/physics, even compared to modern standards.

Need for Speed: Underground 2

  • Usually around ~70fps on Max
  • Sometimes drops into the 40s
  • Emphasizes it’s “far beyond” what his original 2008 PC achieved.

Unreal Tournament 2004 (UT2004 / Unreal Engine 2.5)

  • Described as running flawlessly
  • Consistently over 100fps with max settings

Retro compatibility angle

The system is framed as a strong emulation/retro gaming rig:

  • DOSBox works well
  • More demanding DOS-era titles like Duke Nukem 3D also run well
  • He argues period-appropriate hardware can “feel” different than modern compatibility patches/VMs
  • 3D Pinball Space Cadet feels more “appropriate” on real XP hardware

The overall philosophy: hardware from the original era can provide a more authentic experience than purely software workarounds.

Post-build upgrades mentioned (changes since filming)

  • Added two 120mm Corsair case fans on top and one more on the bottom due to heat (“space heater” behavior).
  • Increased memory:
    • added another 2GB RAM kit
    • total: 3GB installed
    • on 32-bit XP, that yields about 2.5GB usable
  • Added front USB 3.0 functionality:
    • the motherboard originally only had a USB 2.0 header
    • installed a cheap USB 3 controller card for faster front ports
  • Planned future upgrade:
    • upgrade the sound card because the Audigy lacks an HD Audio header (intended for a future video)

Overall takeaway

  • The build is presented as visually authentic to the XP era, with strong performance for many mid-2000s titles—especially in games that aren’t sensitive to SLI quirks.
  • Crysis is the standout pain point:
    • unstable performance/behavior due to SLI rendering/glitch issues
    • plus potential RAM limitations during testing
  • The system also serves as a retro gaming + emulation platform, and the creator values using near-original hardware over purely software fixes.

Main speaker / sources

  • Speaker: Clint (LGR / “LGR thing” host)
  • Referenced sources/components:
    • EVGA (NF68 680i documentation for debug code C1)
    • NVIDIA (RAID driver requirement/behavior)
    • Windows XP / Service Pack 3
    • nLite (custom XP ISO creation)

Original video