Build me a computer

Noobtastic · Jun 23, 2007

Originally posted by: [b]coolpurplefan[/b]
Can you tell me what your budget is for RAM , video card, hard drive, DVD-RW, case, power supply, CPU, motherboard and is?

The total of that stuff I estimated I might be around $850 U.S.
Is that low enough? Because you'd still have to add your games, monitor and accessories.

It took me a while to find a compatible ram for this mobo (and vice versa.) God, it took me like 3 hours.

I love the case I chose, but it was only micro-atx compatible. The mobo I wanted was 12' by 9', and the mobo space my case had was 12' 9'. I'm not sure how tight of a squeeze that would be.

Everyone's telling me the intel core duo is better than AMD, but the AMD Brisbase has 2.4 ghz, while the Allendale has 2.0.

I don't intend on overclocking.

This is what I got:

Case:

http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16811119098

Mobo: Unsure. Either this: www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813128042
Or this: www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813128053

gpu:http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16814102075 Do you think this videocard will fit in the computer?

psu: http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16817182017

cpu: www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16819115014 http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16819115014

ram: http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16820134117

harddrive: they offer a combo: 4600 2.4ghz Briside + HD for 162. But then I'd have to change my mobo....(which I'm not sure on anyways.)

http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16822148140

moniter:http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16824009078

driver: http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16827152076 I want to be able to burn CDs and DVDs. Will this suffice?

o/s: http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16832116056 I hate vista. I've used it personally, but I heard it really screws up BF2.

cooling: x3 http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16835118206

x2 https://http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16835150007

internal reader: http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16820176825

Everything else (keyboard, mouse, games, additional accessories)

Total: $1,300 - 1,350 - depending on the mobo I choose.

https://secure.newegg.com/NewV...hDetail.asp?ID=4523385">Link to list. I made it public but I'm not sure if it will work. newegg hates me. </a>

Comments, questions, suggestions, criticism?

I want to bring the total budget down to $1,000 - $1,200.

Remember, I'm also paying $100+ for building (and please don't tell me I should build it. I've already been told that a thousand times.)

Noobtastic · Jun 23, 2007

great - all the links dont work.

f**k newegg.

Noobtastic · Jun 23, 2007

now they work.

comments??

Blain · Jun 23, 2007

Originally posted by: Blain
Just order a system from Dell. It will be easier on us in the long run. :laugh:

coolpurplefan · Jun 23, 2007

Dude, first of all, I read on hardforum.com that the Sapphire X1950 Pro is defective. You can get another brand and it's going to be cheaper with the rebate.

And, as for the case fans, here's what one web site said:
"Cooler Master has pre-fitted a 120mm clear fan at the front of the case and this can either be attached to the motherboard or a Molex connector via the supplied adaptor. A rear case fan isn?t supplied but you can add your own as there are mounts for 80, 92 and 120mm fans. The top of the case has an extra air vent as well to let out hot air that has risen to the top of the case, although there is no option for fitting a fan here."

That means you should only order ONE 120mm fan.

http://www.trustedreviews.com/...ler-Master-Ammo-533/p1

KungFused · Jun 23, 2007

Try this:

CASE: Cooler Master Centurion 5 - $50
Has plenty of room for any components (i.e., video cards) you'll be putting in it, is well-built, inexpensive, and not butt-ugly like the Ammo case.

POWER SUPPLY: FSP 400W PSU - $40
FSP is a good manufacturer, unlike Rosewill, who have a bad habit of sucking horribly. 400W will be plenty to power your computer, even with a 1950Pro.

MOTHERBOARD: Gigabyte GA-945P-S3 - $75
Slightly older chipset, but you save a good chunk of change. If you'd rather spend a bit more, go for the GA-965P-S3 ($100). You really don't have the budget to be spending extra on solid capacitors, and this board is identical to the DS3 otherwise for >$20 cheaper.

PROCESSOR: Core 2 Duo E6320 - $166
It's more expensive than the E4400, but you'll appreciate the faster bus and the larger cache.

MEMORY: Crucial 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 533 RAM - $72
You wanted reliability, and Crucial's a very solid name in RAM. I'm also assuming that since you want stability you won't be overclocking, so DDR2 533 is all the RAM speed you'll need.

VIDEO CARD: Sapphire Radeon X1950Pro 256MB - $117 AR
This is the card you picked, and it's a very decent card. Excellent bang for the buck.

HARD DRIVE: Western Digital 2500JS 250GB - $65
250-320GB is a sweet spot in terms of GB/$ right now. If you have budget room, you might think about upping to 320GB.

OPERATING SYSTEM: Windows XP Media Center Edition - $110
Since you're Vistaphobic like me.

SILLY AND UNNECESSARY COMBO DRIVE THING: Atech Flash blah blah blah - $25
You really, really don't need this. But you seemed to want it, so I'm keeping it in here for now. Consider pitching it and saving yourself $25.

OPTICAL DRIVE: Lite-On 20X DVD+-R Burner - $33
Reads, rips, and burns DVDs just fine. No lightscribe fanciness, but that's not required. Sharpies work just fine.

MOUSE: Logitech MX310 - $25
If you have room in the budget, stick with your G5, but this is nearly half price.

KEYBOARD: Logitech Media Keyboard - $25
Same as with the mouse: If you have room in your budget, grab the Eclipse, but this will meet all your needs adequately for half the price.

I threw the headphones you selected, as well as both Battlefield games, into the shopping cart as well. Total price: $925.20 after shipping and mail-in rebates, monitor not included. After throwing in this Samsung 19" display ($230 AR), the total comes to $1169.92 after shipping and mail-in rebates. You could cut that down to a cheaper 19" monitor, but I'd really recommend against it since you're gonna spend all of your computer time interfacing with the monitor.

[EDIT]: Included prices in-line in list.

coolpurplefan · Jun 23, 2007

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814161060

This one is $130 after rebate and has good newegg customer reviews.

Noobtastic · Jun 23, 2007

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: KungFused
Try this:

CASE: Cooler Master Centurion 5 - $50
Has plenty of room for any components (i.e., video cards) you'll be putting in it, is well-built, inexpensive, and not butt-ugly like the Ammo case.[/quote]

But I really like the Ammo Cool Master case. Aside from it being ugly is there anything from with the ammo cool master case? edit: Screw the ammo case. The centurion is nice.

What other options do I have?

POWER SUPPLY: FSP 400W PSU - $40
FSP is a good manufacturer, unlike Rosewill, who have a bad habit of sucking horribly. 400W will be plenty to power your computer, even with a 1950Pro.

Sounds good.

MOTHERBOARD: Gigabyte GA-945P-S3 - $75
Slightly older chipset, but you save a good chunk of change. If you'd rather spend a bit more, go for the GA-965P-S3 ($100). You really don't have the budget to be spending extra on solid capacitors, and this board is identical to the DS3 otherwise for >$20 cheaper.

Excellent.

PROCESSOR: Core 2 Duo E6320 - $166
It's more expensive than the E4400, but you'll appreciate the faster bus and the larger cache.

Do I really need that much speed? I'll only be playing the battlefield series at max settings.

MEMORY: Crucial 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 533 RAM - $72
You wanted reliability, and Crucial's a very solid name in RAM. I'm also assuming that since you want stability you won't be overclocking, so DDR2 533 is all the RAM speed you'll need.

Excellent. Are you sure the mobo supports this ram?

VIDEO CARD: Sapphire Radeon X1950Pro 256MB - $117 AR
This is the card you picked, and it's a very decent card. Excellent bang for the buck.

No, I picked the 512 mb version. Is that worse than the x950pro 256mb? (the reviews say the x1950 pro runs BF2 faster than the 7950GT)

HARD DRIVE: Western Digital 2500JS 250GB - $65
250-320GB is a sweet spot in terms of GB/$ right now. If you have budget room, you might think about upping to 320GB.

I'll consider this.

OPERATING SYSTEM: Windows XP Media Center Edition - $110
Since you're Vistaphobic like me.

I don't need media center. Home is fine.

SILLY AND UNNECESSARY COMBO DRIVE THING: Atech Flash blah blah blah - $25
You really, really don't need this. But you seemed to want it, so I'm keeping it in here for now. Consider pitching it and saving yourself $25.

Why is this bad? I need it to read my digital camera flash card. I don't know what else will.

OPTICAL DRIVE: Lite-On 20X DVD+-R Burner - $33
Reads, rips, and burns DVDs just fine. No lightscribe fanciness, but that's not required. Sharpies work just fine.

MOUSE: Logitech MX310 - $25
If you have room in the budget, stick with your G5, but this is nearly half price.

KEYBOARD: Logitech Media Keyboard - $25
Same as with the mouse: If you have room in your budget, grab the Eclipse, but this will meet all your needs adequately for half the price.

I need to have the G5 mouse and gaming keyboard.

I threw the headphones you selected, as well as both Battlefield games, into the shopping cart as well. Total price: $925.20 after shipping and mail-in rebates, monitor not included. After throwing in this Samsung 19" display ($230 AR), the total comes to $1169.92 after shipping and mail-in rebates. You could cut that down to a cheaper 19" monitor, but I'd really recommend against it since you're gonna spend all of your computer time interfacing with the monitor.

That looks kinda pricey. Is the acer a bad moniter? I like the way its sized (although a couple more itches wouldn't hurt.)

suggestions?

[EDIT]: Included prices in-line in list.</end quote></div>

I won't be doing any rebates. They're a pain in the @ss.

Thanks for taking the time to pick out parts. Nobody ever does that.

additional responses will be appreciated.

edit: Oh, about the case fans - someone mentioned I don't need them. I'm really confused about that.

edit: The moniter doesn't look so good. What else do you recommend?

KungFused · Jun 23, 2007

Aside from it being A) more expensive, B) ugly, and C) requiring you to buy an additional fan for proper ventilation, there's nothing wrong with the Ammo case. It'll be compatible with the same hardware as the Centurion case I linked, at any rate. The Centurion's entire front panel is mesh, and it has two cooling vents on the side panel, which makes for some pretty sweet ventilation. You can also mount an 80mm fan on one of the side vents in the Centurion. The Ammo case has side and top vents, but doesn't offer the option of installing a fan in either location.

As for other options, just about everything in this list of >500 ATX Mid-Tower cases will fit the bill. If that's not enough options, you could also look at Full Towers and (I think) BTX cases as well. (I might be wrong on the BTX thing, but I think the only difference between ATX and BTX is that BTX essentially flips the interior config upside down.)

Processor-wise, if you're going to be using this machine for the next 4+ years without upgrading it at all, you're gonna want as much speed now as you can afford. The faster bus means that the processor can chat with the rest of your system more quickly, which will give you a fairly substantial performance increase over the slower bus Allendale processors (assuming you're not overclocking either).

The mobo will easily support that RAM, since the RAM runs at the default 1.8V. There were some reports at one time or another of Gigabyte motherboards having POST issues with non-1.8V RAM, but I believe that's a thing of the past anyway.

My mistake on the graphics card; 512mb will arguably be better than 256mb, but I'm not entirely sure how much of a difference you'll see gaming at 1280x1024 (which is the native resolution on a 19" LCD monitor). The extra video RAM really starts to shine at higher resolutions (around 1600x1200 or higher).

For the hard drive, I didn't notice that you had the KS picked out earlier. It'll give you a bigger cache and a small performance boost, which is probably worthwhile for only an extra $5.

I don't know what kinda digicam you have, but I know most of them have a USB connection. If yours does, you can use your camera to read your media card (card stays in camera, plug camera in to computer, browse it like a thumb drive or with fancy camera software). Otherwise, my bad, I guess you do need the reader. Readers seem more useful for avid photographers, though, i.e. the types of people who might have several camera memory cards floating around.

That Acer you have selected really is a pretty weak choice. The viewing angle is narrow compared to other choices (specifically that Samsung), the contrast is low (higher contrast typically translates to more vivid images), and the response time is higher, which might mean noticeable image ghosting in your games. It also doesn't have a DVI connection, and if you're spending as much as you are on graphics capability, you're going to want the digital video input. Samsung also has very helpful customer support and offers very smooth RMA in the event that your monitor fails in the three years its under warranty.

For the case fans, what they were saying is that most cases come with some number of fans. The Centurion, for example, comes with 1x80mm at the front and 1x120mm at the back, while the Ammo comes with 1x120mm at the front. For minimum cooling, though, you want at least one intake (front) fan and at least one exhaust (back) fan, so for the Ammo case you'd want to buy a second case fan while for the Centurion you wouldn't need to.

[EDIT]: Posted reply before I finished writing it. Whoops.

Noobtastic · Jun 23, 2007

Originally posted by: KungFused
Aside from it being A) more expensive, B) ugly, and C) requiring you to buy an additional fan for proper ventilation, there's nothing wrong with the Ammo case. It'll be compatible with the same hardware as the Centurion case I linked, at any rate. The Centurion's entire front panel is mesh, and it has two cooling vents on the side panel, which makes for some pretty sweet ventilation. You can also mount an 80mm fan on one of the side vents in the Centurion. The Ammo case has side and top vents, but doesn't offer the option of installing a fan in either location.

As for other options, just about everything in this list of >500 ATX Mid-Tower cases will fit the bill. If that's not enough options, you could also look at Full Towers and (I think) BTX cases as well. (I might be wrong on the BTX thing, but I think the only difference between ATX and BTX is that BTX essentially flips the interior config upside down.)

Processor-wise, if you're going to be using this machine for the next 4+ years without upgrading it at all, you're gonna want as much speed now as you can afford. The faster bus means that the processor can chat with the rest of your system more quickly, which will give you a fairly substantial performance increase over the slower bus Allendale processors (assuming you're not overclocking either).

The mobo will easily support that RAM, since the RAM runs at the default 1.8V. There were some reports at one time or another of Gigabyte motherboards having POST issues with non-1.8V RAM, but I believe that's a thing of the past anyway.

My mistake on the graphics card; 512mb will arguably be better than 256mb, but I'm not entirely sure how much of a difference you'll see gaming at 1280x1024 (which is the native resolution on a 19" LCD monitor). The extra video RAM really starts to shine at higher resolutions (around 1600x1200 or higher).

For the hard drive, I didn't notice that you had the KS picked out earlier. It'll give you a bigger cache and a small performance boost, which is probably worthwhile for only an extra $5.

I don't know what kinda digicam you have, but I know most of them have a USB connection. If yours does, you can use your camera to read your media card (card stays in camera, plug camera in to computer, browse it like a thumb drive or with fancy camera software). Otherwise, my bad, I guess you do need the reader. Readers seem more useful for avid photographers, though, i.e. the types of people who might have several camera memory cards floating around.

That Acer you have selected really is a pretty weak choice. The viewing angle is narrow compared to other choices (specifically that Samsung), the contrast is low (higher contrast typically translates to more vivid images), and the response time is higher, which might mean noticeable image ghosting in your games. It also doesn't have a DVI connection, and if you're spending as much as you are on graphics capability, you're going to want the digital video input. Samsung also has very helpful customer support and offers very smooth RMA in the event that your monitor fails in the three years its under warranty.

For the case fans, what they were saying is that most cases come with some number of fans. The Centurion, for example, comes with 1x80mm at the front and 1x120mm at the back, while the Ammo comes with 1x120mm at the front. For minimum cooling, though, you want at least one intake (front) fan and at least one exhaust (back) fan, so for the Ammo case you'd want to buy a second case fan while for the Centurion you wouldn't need to.

[EDIT]: Posted reply before I finished writing it. Whoops.

KungFused · Jun 23, 2007

You don't need any fans if you're getting the Centurion case. You might consider getting one for the side vent where you could potentially mount a case fan, but you don't need it. It comes with that plastic air duct, and the processor fan does the rest of the work (the duct just means that the processor fan sucks in outside air instead of warm case air).

NEC is definitely a lot better than the Acer. I'd still recommend the Samsung monitor, simply because me and my family have collectively used three or four Samsung monitors, and they really are excellent pieces of hardware. Also, my Samsung monitor was DOA when I first ordered it; Newegg was going to make me pay for return shipping to get it exchanged, and it would've taken a couple of weeks, but Samsung customer support took care of the whole thing and got the replacement to me in about five days. I don't know a whole lot about NEC, but Samsung's product quality and customer support has kept me very happy. It's $40 more than the NEC still ($20 more if you stop being such a lazy arse and fill out the rebate form, Samsung's rebate process is surprisingly painless compared to some), but I'd say that's definitely $40 (or $20) well spent.

For your hard drive, get this Seagate drive instead. The 7200.10's are very good drives, and it's $15 cheaper than that server-grade WD you have picked out at the moment.

Otherwise, it looks like you're good to go.

Noema · Jun 23, 2007

Originally posted by: Blain
Just order a system from Dell. It will be easier on us in the long run. :laugh:

coolpurplefan · Jun 23, 2007

Here's the answer to your questions.

Other options? Well, sort of OK, but almost crappy cheap Antec case.

Yes, you need that much speed. The more the better.

http://www.crucial.com/store/l...=GA-945P-S3+(rev.+1.0)

http://www.crucial.com/store/l...=GA-945P-S3+(rev.+3.3)

I checked CT2KIT12864AA53E and it's compatible with both revisions of
the motherboard.

512 MB version won't make much difference. You can save and get 256MB.

Case fans. Well, with the Centurion 5, two are included. The Ammo
one would require an additional 120mm fan. My case is much more silent
with only two 120mm fans. (I have fanless CPU heatsink, motherboard and
video card. Fans are for case and power supply.)

coolpurplefan · Jun 23, 2007

Actually, I'd get the Coolermaster Centurion 5 with the window on the side. AMD recommends front to back airflow, not whirling around everywhere airflow. The model with the window on the side doesn't have holes on the side.

EDIT: no, you don't need the Zalman 80mm fan.

I feel like I'm on a merry-go-round. Heh.

KungFused · Jun 23, 2007

Hmm... The Centurion with the side vents has both the 120mm rear and the PSU 120mm fan exhausting, so air's gonna go out the back. The 80mm front fan won't match their flow rate, so air's gonna have to come in through vents, too. With the window case, it'll come in through the front mesh, and with the no-window case, it'll come in through the front mesh, through the side CPU vent (ambient air feeding directly into CPU cooler), and through the side expansion slot vent (ambient air more-or-less directly into the GPU. I can see how front-to-back cooling would make sense if all your interior cooling was passive, since you wouldn't want hot spots of air getting stuck over your coolers that depend on air flow to work, but with the active cooling on the CPU and the graphics card, won't there be all kinds of whirling around everywhere airflow anyhow?

Noobtastic · Jun 23, 2007

so do I get this case:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119077

or this case:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119068

There basically the same aside from the see-thru case.

so I don't need any additional fans. Not even one?

remember, I won't be upgrading...ever.

Everything else is crystal (ill change the hd and possibly the moniter)?

gpu, cpu, ram, mobo, etc..?

edit: is the the hd you were refering to?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822148140

KungFused · Jun 23, 2007

No, you won't ever need extra fans. Yes, that's the HD I was recommending. Case-wise, since they're pretty identical, get the window case if you want a case with a window; get the non-window case if you don't want a case with a window.

coolpurplefan · Jun 23, 2007

There'll be more dust (I mean the one without the window). I don't know why but I just hate that. Maybe it's the cleaning part that's annoying. I know some places are dustier than others. I had a really dusty place a couple of years ago.

EDIT: OK, I just saw your two case links. I'd take the first one with the window. Like I said, less dust. And still, the right airflow. I took out the 80mm fan in the front if you're wondering. The 120mm fan in the back is plenty of cooling.

ANOTHER EDIT: The real plus of having a window is you can see if your fans are running or if you want to see a beep code like on my Abit AT8 32X motherboard.

Noobtastic · Jun 23, 2007

I kinda like the no-window one.

Unless I got some cool flashy fans to luminate the window one.

coolpurplefan · Jun 23, 2007

You can get cold cathodes to light it up. Hehehe.

I might get some if they're really included with the Vantec Nexus NXP-301 fan controller thingy I ordered for my Silverstone LC20. I won't use the lights for teh Silverstone case but I'll use them for my Coolermaster if I can.

Noobtastic · Jun 23, 2007

Originally posted by: coolpurplefan
You can get cold cathodes to light it up. Hehehe.

I might get some if they're really included with the Vantec Nexus NXP-301 fan controller thingy I ordered for my Silverstone LC20. I won't use the lights for teh Silverstone case but I'll use them for my Coolermaster if I can.

what are those?

could you newegg me the appropriate link? (i don't know what's compatible with what.)

KungFused · Jun 24, 2007

These are all the cold cathodes (CCFLs) that Newegg sells.

Noobtastic · Jun 24, 2007

Originally posted by: KungFused
These are all the cold cathodes (CCFLs) that Newegg sells.

how many do you think I will need??

my case is the centurian 5:

this is what im looking at:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16800888026

coolpurplefan · Jun 24, 2007

I know the fan controller I ordered comes with two. But, I saw a video of it and it looks so incredibly bright I think you might only need one.

KungFused · Jun 24, 2007

I'd recommend 0 CCFLs, but that's just because I really don't like the lightup case nonsense. But if you do like 'em, I'd be shocked if you needed more than two. Seems like most people mount them on either side of the case door, so they're mostly out of direct line of sight and still light up the case.

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