Build me a computer

[Noobtastic]

Requirements: CD and DVD burner, case that is applicable with the mobo and all other parts. I won't be building this myself, so I want to make sure there is enough room for the technician.
2 gigs of ram minimum. LCD screen included. This computer will be for gaming and school, so a decent moniter is crucial (I'll mostly be playing the battlefield series. In fact, that's all I will be playing )


Budget 1,000 - 1,300 (including moniter, operating system, games, keyboard (comfort, I have carpal tunnel), G5 mouses, plantronics headset and all other necessary accessories.


I will not be purchasing additional cables/wires or screws, or any of that sorts of things retail. I want everything bought at newegg.


The goal is to have very reliable parts. If I have to sacrifice performance, that's ok. I really don't want to take things back. I don't have the time, or energy.


Fans are a must - please recommend me the amount of fans I need for the system. I know nothing about those sorts of things.



Here is my current build, it's pretty lame.



Antec Performance One P180B Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel for durability through the majority of chassis 1.0mm cold rolled steel around the 4 x HDD area ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #: P180B
Item #: N82E16811129017

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$129.99 $129.99

Update
Kensington 62668 6 Outlets Power Strip - Retail
Model #: 62668
Item #: N82E16812120802

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$14.99 $14.99

Update
MSI P6N SLI Platinum LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #: P6N SLI PLATINUM
Item #: N82E16813130081

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$144.99 $144.99

Update
EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail
Model #: 320-P2-N811-AR
Item #: N82E16814130082

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$279.99 $279.99

Update
SeaSonic S12 Energy Plus SS-550HT ATX12V / EPS12V 550W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: SS-550HT
Item #: N82E16817151027

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$129.99 $129.99

Update
Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Conroe 1.86GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6300 - Retail
Model #: BX80557E6300
Item #: N82E16819115005

Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy

In Stock
$164.00 $164.00

Update
CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model VS2GBKIT533D2 - Retail
Model #: VS2GBKIT533D2
Item #: N82E16820145527

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$66.99 $66.99

Update
Atech Flash Xm-4U 11-in-1 USB 2.0 Black & Silver Internal card reader - Retail
Model #: Xm-4U BLK
Item #: N82E16820176825

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$24.99 $24.99

Update
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: WD2500KS
Item #: N82E16822144701

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$69.99 $69.99

Update
Saitek PZ30AU Black USB Wired Standard Eclipse Keyboard - Retail
Model #: PZ30AU
Item #: N82E16823175103

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$44.99 $44.99

Update
Logitech G5 2-Tone 6 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB Wired Laser Mouse - Retail
Model #: 931376-0403
Item #: N82E16826104191

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$45.99 $45.99

Update
PLANTRONICS GAMECOM1 67003-01 3.5mm Connector Supra-aural Stereo Gaming Headset - Retail
Model #: 67003-01
Item #: N82E16826106069

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$22.99 $22.99

Update
LITE-ON Combo Drive Black SATA Model SHC-52S7K-05 - OEM
Model #: SHC-52S7K-05
Item #: N82E16827106040

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$26.99 $26.99

Update
Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B 1 Pack - OEM
Model #: N09-01991
Item #: N82E16832116056

Return Policy: Software Return Policy

In Stock
$89.99 $89.99

Update
Battlefield 2: Deluxe Edition PC Game EA - Retail
Model #: 15290
Item #: N82E16832130008

Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$27.99 $27.99

Update
Battlefield 2142 PC Game EA - Retail
Model #: 014633152654
Item #: N82E16832130015

Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$27.99 $27.99

Update
MASSCOOL FD08025B1M3/4 80mm Case Fan - Retail
Model #: FD08025B1M3/4
Item #: N82E16835150053

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$2.29 -$0.40 Save $5.67
Subtotal: $1,318.52




Things I want to change/unsure of reliability necessity:

Videocard
Case
PSU
CPU
Pretty much everything


Want to trim budget just a little bit, so I can add in an LCD 19' min. screen (for gaming.)

This is my first real computer BTW.

Thanks a bunch for any responses!!!!


ah edit: I also need a printer. Please recommend one...hehe.





edit: how do I send newegg lists as an email attachment to people who don't have a newegg account?

 

[coolpurplefan]

I'd prefer getting a cheaper video card and replacing it later. Like getting a X1950 Pro and getting the Intel e6600 instead.

Some things are just a matter of personal preference. Me, I have a Razer Diamondback mouse and Samsung Spinpoint SP2514N hard drive.

I've never heard of masscool fans. Some people like Yate Loon, Nexus, Scythe...

 

[Noobtastic]

Originally posted by: coolpurplefan
I'd prefer getting a cheaper video card and replacing it later. Like getting a X1950 Pro and getting the Intel e6600 instead.

Some things are just a matter of personal preference. Me, I have a Razer Diamondback mouse and Samsung Spinpoint SP2514N hard drive.

I've never heard of masscool fans. Some people like Yate Loon, Nexus, Scythe...

I will not be upgrading this computer.



I just want to play Battlefield 2 and Battlefield 2142 at the best settings possible. But I do have a budget that includes more than just parts.

I'm considering getting 3 gigs of corsair value for $100. Good deal? (x1 two gig memory stocls, x1 one memory stick of memory).



Reliability first, performance second.

 

[Noobtastic]

I'm confused: Is there a difference between 128 bit and 256 bit videocards. I see the ATI 500 mb 256 bit card is the same price as the 256 mb 128 bit 8600GTS. The only real difference I see is that the 8600 is directx10 capable, and the ati isn't.


anyways, responses will be appreciated!!

 

[Vogel515]

I would recommend you do some additional research... people post these questions all the time and they are generally better received when the poster has taken some time to do some research.

Basics:
- You do not need a motherboard for SLi
- the graphics card is complete overkill, save money and get a 1950 or 7900 series card.
- The PSU is a bit overkill if you won't be overclock or upgrading. Get a FSP psu, they are very reliable and considerably cheaper or a smaller seasonic.
- You can save a good amount of money buying a cheaper case - I've heard good things about Rosewill, Lian Li, Coolermaster - all with offerings cheaper than what you are looking at.


Then again, why not just buy a dell or HP?

 

[Noobtastic]

I already suggested getting a 7950 and everyone said I shouldn't buy it.


Anyways, I want to have a customized PC. A gaming dell costs more than 1500, excuding games, accessories, etc..


I just don't have the money.


I have been researching for months, I just don't know a lot about computers.


Help?

 

[Noobtastic]

A similiar system from ibuypower costs 2,000 dollars. Waay too expensive.


I really need help. I'm ordering the parts in 2 weeks.

 

[MarcVenice]

Cheaper videocard, if all your gonna play is battlefield, you really dont need a 8800gts, you can save yourself 100$ right there. You should also get some ddr 667 or ddr 800, 2gb for 90$, it's a offer you can't refuse

Why the expensive mouse/keyboard. I dunno, I seem to be getting along just fine with considerably cheaper stuff, yet decent. You can also save some money on the psu/case. You can safe 50$ easy on the mobo, maybe even more if your not gonna overclock anyways. Also, you could get a e4400 or e4300, for roughly 50$ less.

 

[Noobtastic]

Originally posted by: MarcVenice
Cheaper videocard, if all your gonna play is battlefield, you really dont need a 8800gts, you can save yourself 100$ right there. You should also get some ddr 667 or ddr 800, 2gb for 90$, it's a offer you can't refuse

Why the expensive mouse/keyboard. I dunno, I seem to be getting along just fine with considerably cheaper stuff, yet decent. You can also save some money on the psu/case. You can safe 50$ easy on the mobo, maybe even more if your not gonna overclock anyways. Also, you could get a e4400 or e4300, for roughly 50$ less.

I thought 3 gigs for 90 bucks is a good deal?


I'm thinking of going with the 7950GT 256 mb, or the x1950xt but I heard those run really loud and hot.



This is my current build:

Product Description Unit Price Savings Total Price

Update
COOLER MASTER Ammo 533 RC-533-SWN1 Black/ Silver Aluminum+Plastic front bezel; SECC chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #: RC-533-SWN1
Item #: N82E16811119098

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$79.99 -$5.00 Instant $74.99

Update
EVGA 256-P2-N636-AR GeForce 7950GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail
Model #: 256-P2-N636-AR
Item #: N82E16814130074

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$199.99 $199.99

Update
Rosewill RP550-2 ATX 2.01 550W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: RP550-2
Item #: N82E16817182017

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$65.99 -$10.00 Instant $55.99

Update
Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 Allendale 2.0GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E4400 - Retail
Model #: BX80557E4400
Item #: N82E16819115014

Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy

In Stock
$139.00 $139.00

Update
CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Desktop Memory Model VS1GB533D2 - Retail
Model #: VS1GB533D2
Item #: N82E16820145525

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$34.99 $34.99

Update
CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model VS2GBKIT533D2 - Retail
Model #: VS2GBKIT533D2
Item #: N82E16820145527

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$66.99 $66.99

Update
Atech Flash Xm-4U 11-in-1 USB 2.0 Black & Silver Internal card reader - Retail
Model #: Xm-4U BLK
Item #: N82E16820176825

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$24.99 $24.99

Update
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: WD2500KS
Item #: N82E16822144701

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$67.99 $67.99

Update
Saitek PZ30AU Black USB Wired Standard Eclipse Keyboard - Retail
Model #: PZ30AU
Item #: N82E16823175103

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$44.99 $44.99

Update
Acer AL1916Ab Black 19" 8ms LCD Monitor - Retail
Model #: ET.1916B.008
Item #: N82E16824009078

Return Policy: [LCD] Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$189.99 -$25.00 Instant $164.99

Update
Logitech G5 2-Tone 6 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB Wired Laser Mouse - Retail
Model #: 931376-0403
Item #: N82E16826104191

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$45.99 $45.99

Update
PLANTRONICS GAMECOM1 67003-01 3.5mm Connector Supra-aural Stereo Gaming Headset - Retail
Model #: 67003-01
Item #: N82E16826106069

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$22.99 $22.99

Update
LITE-ON Combo Drive Black SATA Model SHC-52S7K-05 - OEM
Model #: SHC-52S7K-05
Item #: N82E16827106040

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$26.99 $26.99

Update
Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B 1 Pack - OEM
Model #: N09-01991
Item #: N82E16832116056

Return Policy: Software Return Policy

In Stock
$89.99 $89.99

Update
Battlefield 2: Deluxe Edition PC Game EA - Retail
Model #: 15290
Item #: N82E16832130008

Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$27.99 $27.99

Update
Battlefield 2142 PC Game EA - Retail
Model #: 014633152654
Item #: N82E16832130015

Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$27.99 $27.99


I don't know what mobo to get.

I can't find one that seems capatible with my memory.



Subtotal: $1,116.85

 

[MarcVenice]

For a mobo, this will do just fine.http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?Item=N82E16813131142R

and honestly, get this ram, http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820220144
or this ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820145590

its 2gb, of ddr 800, for 80$ After Rebates! It's not gonna get any cheaper mate, and it's really worth it compared to the 2gb of ddr 533mhz for 68$ bucks. Why do you need 3gb anyways ? I'm actually doubting wether your new OS will support 3gb. And, I really doubt you're gonna run anything that really needs 3gb.

 

[coolpurplefan]

I have the impression this poster is going to post a lot of messages before deciding on his final build. lol

Dude, if you don't know much about computers then you don't know how to overclock. There's a thread right now on the damage overclocking does in the CPU forum.

On top of that, you should seriously look into benchmarks. The Intel e6600 is one of the only ways to go. And the X1950 Pro is the best bang for the buck.

Also, if you don't know crap about computers you may want to choose an Asus motherboard. They're probably the best for a first time build.

And, by the way, 800 MHz RAM.

EDIT: And the Rosewill PSU is crap.

 

[Noobtastic]

Originally posted by: coolpurplefan
I have the impression this poster is going to post a lot of messages before deciding on his final build. lol

Dude, if you don't know much about computers then you don't know how to overclock. There's a thread right now on the damage overclocking does in the CPU forum.

On top of that, you should seriously look into benchmarks. The Intel e6600 is one of the only ways to go. And the X1950 Pro is the best bang for the buck.

Also, if you don't know crap about computers you may want to choose an Asus motherboard. They're probably the best for a first time build.

And, by the way, 800 MHz RAM.

EDIT: And the Rosewill PSU is crap.

Just pick out the parts for me.

I'm an idiot.

Please?

 

[Noobtastic]

Originally posted by: MarcVenice
For a mobo, this will do just fine.http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?Item=N82E16813131142R

and honestly, get this ram, http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820220144
or this ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820145590

its 2gb, of ddr 800, for 80$ After Rebates! It's not gonna get any cheaper mate, and it's really worth it compared to the 2gb of ddr 533mhz for 68$ bucks. Why do you need 3gb anyways ? I'm actually doubting wether your new OS will support 3gb. And, I really doubt you're gonna run anything that really needs 3gb.

That's open box. I don't want an open box motherboard.


Why is the cheaper ram bad?

 

[Noobtastic]

I don't plan on overclocking, or upgrading, or any of that sorts of things.


what I buy is what I'll have for 4 years. Remember - im not building it.

 

[coolpurplefan]

OK, now I know what you mean when you say you don't want to upgrade.

Well, in a couple of days I have another day off. Maybe I'll spend some time looking up some new stuff and post it here.

 

[Noobtastic]

Originally posted by: coolpurplefan
OK, now I know what you mean when you say you don't want to upgrade.

Well, in a couple of days I have another day off. Maybe I'll spend some time looking up some new stuff and post it here.

that would be awesome.

thanks so much.

 

[coolpurplefan]

case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119077
I have this case and it has the front-to-back airflow that AMD
recommends.

power supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817104034
Here's a link where it shows this power supply had 4 out of 5 stars.
http://www.matbe.com/articles/...imentations/page44.php
I have one for my backup computer. My main rig has a Seasonic S-12.
The reason why I'm recommending this one is because it's cheaper.
My main rig is a silent machine and the Fortron is just a tad noisier
than the Seasonic. However, with the retail cooling solution of the
CPU, you likely won't hear the Fortron anyway.

CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819115003
Here is a link that shows a game that is more dependant on the CPU
than the GPU. You see here it follows much more expensive processors
pretty closely yet beats out a lot of other CPUs.
http://www23.tomshardware.com/...2&model2=696&chart=167

When I have more time, I'll write more about the rest...

motherboard

RAM

video card

hard drive

DVD-RW

 

[Noobtastic]

Originally posted by: coolpurplefan
case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119077
I have this case and it has the front-to-back airflow that AMD
recommends.

power supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817104034
Here's a link where it shows this power supply had 4 out of 5 stars.
http://www.matbe.com/articles/...imentations/page44.php
I have one for my backup computer. My main rig has a Seasonic S-12.
The reason why I'm recommending this one is because it's cheaper.
My main rig is a silent machine and the Fortron is just a tad noisier
than the Seasonic. However, with the retail cooling solution of the
CPU, you likely won't hear the Fortron anyway.

CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819115003
Here is a link that shows a game that is more dependant on the CPU
than the GPU. You see here it follows much more expensive processors
pretty closely yet beats out a lot of other CPUs.
http://www23.tomshardware.com/...2&model2=696&chart=167

When I have more time, I'll write more about the rest...

motherboard

RAM

video card

hard drive

DVD-RW

Case is nice, but I really can't afford the PSU, and definitely not the cpu.

Budget: $1,200 including ALL software, accessories, printer, moniter, games, and parts.

I'm only going to playing the battlefield series.

 

[Noobtastic]

4052672 MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP HOME UPGRADE WITH SP2
remove item $99.99 $99.99
4970841 BFG 7950 GT 512MB PCI-E
remove item $249.99 $249.99
5164766 Samsung 732N 17" LCD 700:1, 5ms, 1280x1024
remove item $199.99 $199.99
5274387 HP Pavilion a6130n (Athlon 64X2 5000, 3GB, 400GB, Vista Premium)
remove item $729.99 $729.99
4943291 Battlefield 2142 ( PC DVDRom)
remove item $29.99 $29.99
4737969 Battlefield 2 Deluxe Edition
remove item $29.99 $29.99
subtotal: $1,339.94

I'm considering buying a built PC, throw in a nice videocard...and be done with it.

I'm not sure if the PSU can support the videocard though..


The computer w/parts would be at least 100 bucks cheaper since I would be buying it at the store.

Hopefully vista isn't preinstalled.


What do you think? It seems a lot less time consuming.



Comments??

edit: here are the parts:

computer

videocard



the computer has everything else.

I didn't post the os or software links. didn't think those were that important.



comments??

 

[masteraleph]

Noobtastic- are you by any chance a student at the moment?

Also, keep your eyes peeled on LCD deals. If you can take AR prices, you'll often find 20-22" widescreens for $200-$250.

 

[ExPFC Wintergreen]

One question: if that PC comes with Vista, why are you buying XP? If there's no reason you really need to avoid Vista, you can spend that money on a nicer monitor, which would definitely be worth it.

 

[Noobtastic]

Originally posted by: ExPFC Wintergreen
One question: if that PC comes with Vista, why are you buying XP? If there's no reason you really need to avoid Vista, you can spend that money on a nicer monitor, which would definitely be worth it.

I don't want vista. I hate it.




I like windows XP.






So what do you guys think? Should I just buy an ordinary computer and throw in a mid-high level graphics card like the 7950GT?

Is that possible? What's the minimum CPU to support a card like that??


How about this: Could you recommend me a retail computer that offers from that I need, and I can just toss in a nice videocard??


I need to have this done by the end of June.

edit: Yes, I'm a student....well, if you consider high freshman as a "student."





This is my configuration from ibuypower:

Coolermaster Ammo-533 Gaming Tower Case w/420W Power Supply

550 Watt -- Power Supply (NZXT)

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6420 (2x 2.13GHz/2MB L2 Cache/1066FSB)

Certified CPU Fan and Heatsink

MSI P965 Neo-F i965P Chipset w/7.1 Sound, Gb LAN, S-ATA, USB 2.0 PCI-E MB

2048MB [1024MB X2] DDR2-800 PC6400 Memory Module Corsair-Value or Major Brand More Options


NVIDIA GeForce 7950GT 512MB w/DVI + TV Out Video

320 GB HARD DRIVE [Serial-ATA-II, 3Gb, 7200 RPM, 16M Cache]

NEC 7170A Dual Format/Double Layer 18X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW Drive

3D Premium Surround Sound Onboard

Logitech X-230 2.1 Configuration Speakers System

Onboard LAN Network (Gb or 10/100)

Mitsumi 1.44 MB Internal Floppy Drive

ViewSonic 19" VX922 TFT LCD Monitor [Extreme Gaming; 2 ms; Silver/Black 2-Tone]

Logitech Deluxe Keyboard

Logitech G5 Gaming Laser Mouse

Thermal Temperature LCD Displ

12-In-1 Internal Flash Media Card Reader/Writer

MS Windows XP Home Edition w/ Service Pack 2

MS Works Suite 2006 [Word, Works, Money, Encarta, Digital Image, Streets and Trips]

HP Deskjet D4160 Printer



here is the the start up link:

http://www.ibuypower.com/ibp/s...figurator.aspx?mid=119

It's about $300 more expensive than my budget, but it's still a lot less hassle.

Even if I buy the parts and put it together, the labor, lemon rate, and chances of me breaking something are quite high.


What do you guys think? Is ibuypowe trustworthy??


Are my parts compatible with each other??

 

[coolpurplefan]

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.

 

[Blain]

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

 

[nags]

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

lol