First-Time Custom Build Help.

[imported_Silverturtle]

Hello Everyone!

This is my first post on the Anandtech Forums so bear with me please. I am in the process of compiling a list of components for my new gaming computer; I have about $2,000 to work with. And although I can go over a little I would like to avoid that if possible. This is my first build, so try to pick as "user-friendly" parts as possible.

I need just about new everything for this rig, as my current Dell is quite dated now. So that means all-new hardware components plus a new mouse, keyboard, speakers, monitor, etc. I don't want to spend very much on a new speaker-set, as I plan to get a nice set of headphones. Don't unclude the headphones in the quote, though suggestions would be appreciated.

I have some ideas in mind already. I have found that Newegg.com is probably where I will want to get the majority of my compoments as it seems well-received by the internet community. I think I want a widescreen monitor of at least 20 inches if possible, a Logitech G5 mouse, and probably the Conroe E6600 CPU, budget permitting.

Remember though that this is a complete build so everything (shipping, rebates, tax if applicable, fans, power supplies) must be included near the budget.

Thank you for your anticipated assistance!

P.S. I plan to order this before the end of August, hopefully mid August.

 

[Ika]

If you want to get some good headphones but don't know exactly what to get, definitely fire me a PM if you don't know much.

Also, since you're getting a set of good headphones, you're probably going to need a good sound card - an X-Fi xtrememusic should be the best overall option you can get, but it's a little bit pricey. However, ZZF has the X-Fi Fatality for $120 after rebate, which is a smoking hot deal. Link here for the SD posting.
An E6600 is the best choice for a new CPU, but no one really knows when it's going to be fully available in-stock.
A G5 mouse is a great choice, but if you want to save some cash you could go with the MX518, which would serve you nearly as well.
Monitor choice, check out the LCD Buyer's Guide in the Video forum, that has some excellent info.

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

Originally posted by: Aflac
If you want to get some good headphones but don't know exactly what to get, definitely fire me a PM if you don't know much.

Also, since you're getting a set of good headphones, you're probably going to need a good sound card - an X-Fi xtrememusic should be the best overall option you can get, but it's a little bit pricey. However, ZZF has the X-Fi Fatality for $120 after rebate, which is a smoking hot deal. Link here for the SD posting.
An E6600 is the best choice for a new CPU, but no one really knows when it's going to be fully available in-stock.
A G5 mouse is a great choice, but if you want to save some cash you could go with the MX518, which would serve you nearly as well.
Monitor choice, check out the LCD Buyer's Guide in the Video forum, that has some excellent info.

Thank you for your prompt reply. I probably would want to go with the X-Fi sound card, though the Fatality rebate ends 8/1 according to the site.

I have done a fair amount of research on headphones and originally decided upon the Beyer Dynamic DT880s for $199, but I'm not sure anymore as they almost require an amplifier and are a fair bit more than I would like to spend.

 

[Howard]

What??? Don't skimp on the amp! This one's good. Check here for headphones:

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=2

Which games will you be playing, and what other apps will you be using? How quiet does it have to be? Are you going to OC?

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

Originally posted by: Howard
What??? Don't skimp on the amp!

Which games will you be playing, and what other apps will you be using? How quiet does it have to be? Are you going to OC?

I don't really know what games exactly but pretty much the latest and greatest, a.k.a. F.E.A.R., Oblivion, Crysis, etc. I need the headphones mostly for Counter-Strike Source. I don't do much photo or video editing, though I want to plug my 88-key keyboard into it and do some composing.

I don't really care about system noise that much. I don't plan to do any massive overclocking, but I might bump the CPU up a couple hundred megahertz in the future.

 

[Howard]

If all you need the headphones for is CS:S, you don't need a nice pair nor an amp (or a sound card, for that matter).

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 - $340, free shipping
Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 - $154, free shipping
Mushkin 2x1GB DDR2-667 5-5-5-12 - $150 + $5 shipping
connect3D X1900XT 512MB - $390 + $6 shipping, $100 MIR
Samsung SP2504C 250GB - $70 + $6 shipping
Pioneer DVR-111D - $33 + $6 shipping
Seasonic S12-430 - $76 + ~$7 shipping
Logitech G5 - $41 + $6 shipping
Viewsonic VX2025WM - $330 + $30 shipping, $50 MIR

Take a look around Newegg to see which cases you like. What keyboard do you want? Do you need a surround sound speaker set?

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

Originally posted by: Howard
If all you need the headphones for is CS:S, you don't need a nice pair nor an amp (or a sound card, for that matter).

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 - $340, free shipping
Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 - $154, free shipping
Mushkin 2x1GB DDR2-667 5-5-5-12 - $150 + $5 shipping
connect3D X1900XT 512MB - $390 + $6 shipping, $100 MIR
Samsung SP2504C 250GB - $70 + $6 shipping
Pioneer DVR-111D - $33 + $6 shipping
Seasonic S12-430 - $76 + ~$7 shipping
Logitech G5 - $41 + $6 shipping
Viewsonic VX2025WM - $330 + $30 shipping, $50 MIR

Take a look around Newegg to see which cases you like. What keyboard do you want? Do you need a surround sound speaker set?

Thanks. That power supply you linked only has 430 watts. Was that a mistake?

I wanted a Wolf King Warrior keyboard along with a generic wired keyboard. I'm not really sure what case I want yet. Do you recommend Mid-tower or Full-tower?

Is that memory good enough, do you think? Are there any compatible DDR2-800 memories that are inexpensive? I probably still want a high quality sound card. What headphones do you recommend for gaming and the occasional classical music for around $100?

How does that Viewsonic monitor compare to the BenQ 20 inch widescreen?

Thanks for your help.

 

[eyestorage]

Buy.com is having a special with the X-Fi XtremeMusic card until 7-31-06

Full price is $111.96 with free shipping BUT it has a $30 mail-in-rebate, dropping the price to $81.96 whooohooo

If ya' want a decent card, I would buy it now from there...that's a great price!!

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

How does this list look for value, performance, and compatibility? Are there any parts at all that I am forgetting?

• ALTEC LANSING ACS33BW 25 watts 2.1 Speaker - $20.99
  
  Scythe SAMURAI Z SCSMZ-1000 92mm Sleeve CPU Cooling Fan with Heatsink - $29.99
  
  Rosewill RP600V2-S-SL ATX 12V (V2.01) 600W Power 115/230 V CSA,UL,TUV -$64.99
  
  Wolf King Warrior KBWOLDK2388UBK Black 55 Normal Keys USB Keyboard - $34.99
  
  Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s - $79.99
  
  Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 Socket T LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Motherboard - $149.99
  
  Pioneer drive listed previously - $32.99
  
  Logitech G5 Laser Mouse + Rosewell Multimedia Keyboard Combo - $50.98
  
  Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - $111.99
  
  Intel Core Duo2 E6600 - $339.99
  
  MSI NX7950GX2-T2D1GE Geforce 7950GX2 1GB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Dual GPU Video Card - $549.99
  
  OCZ Gold 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit Memory OCZ2G8002GK - $199.99
  
  BenQ FP202W Black 20.1" DVI 8ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 600:1 0.258mm Pixel Pitch - $294.99
  
  NZXT LEXA-NP Black/ Silver Aluminum Construction Plastic Front Panel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $129.99

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Total after shipping, handling, and rebates: $2,005.05
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also, do I have to buy a new version of Windows XP Home if I already have if from my previous computer?

Give me your feedback, whether it may be positive or negative. Thanks!

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Silverturtle
How does this list look for value, performance, and compatibility? Are there any parts at all that I am forgetting?

• ALTEC LANSING ACS33BW 25 watts 2.1 Speaker - $20.99
  
  Scythe SAMURAI Z SCSMZ-1000 92mm Sleeve CPU Cooling Fan with Heatsink - $29.99
  
  Rosewill RP600V2-S-SL ATX 12V (V2.01) 600W Power 115/230 V CSA,UL,TUV -$64.99
  
  Wolf King Warrior KBWOLDK2388UBK Black 55 Normal Keys USB Keyboard - $34.99
  
  Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s - $79.99
  
  Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 Socket T LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Motherboard - $149.99
  
  Pioneer drive listed previously - $32.99
  
  Logitech G5 Laser Mouse + Rosewell Multimedia Keyboard Combo - $50.98
  
  Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - $111.99
  
  Intel Core Duo2 E6600 - $339.99
  
  MSI NX7950GX2-T2D1GE Geforce 7950GX2 1GB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Dual GPU Video Card - $549.99
  
  OCZ Gold 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit Memory OCZ2G8002GK - $199.99
  
  BenQ FP202W Black 20.1" DVI 8ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 600:1 0.258mm Pixel Pitch - $294.99
  
  NZXT LEXA-NP Black/ Silver Aluminum Construction Plastic Front Panel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $129.99

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Total after shipping, handling, and rebates: $2,005.05
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also, do I have to buy a new version of Windows XP Home if I already have if from my previous computer?

Give me your feedback, whether it may be positive or negative. Thanks!

The power supply Howard suggested is better

 

[eyestorage]

I'd agree, the Seasonic is definetely a better PSU, they are a lot more stable.

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

Other than the power supply, how does everything look?

I am considering getting the Audio Technica AD-700 headphones for just over $100. Opinions?

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: Silverturtle
Other than the power supply, how does everything look?

I am considering getting the Audio Technica AD-700 headphones for just over $100. Opinions?

i wouldn't worry about a different hsf combo unless you need it. from what i have read those cpus will be extremely cool and work fine with the stock hsf setup.

unless you are going to o/c the cheaper ram will work fine

mid tower vs full tower - up to you. personally i like full towers because, well you have more room and it is easier to get stuff in and out of them. my stuff in sig is in a original lanboy (small mid-tower) and to change hdds i need to take out the gpu, to remove the hdd cage. stuff like that that gets old.

you may want to look to make sure that the 7950 gpu wil work with that m/b. unless things changed i thought you needed a sli m/b to take advantage of that gpu - definately check into that before you buy

 

[ViviTheMage]

get a WD rapter for your boot.

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

I'm fairly sure you do not need an SLI mobo for the 7950GX2. As I said earlier, I do plan to do some minor overclocking. Anybody have any more suggestions or concerns about this build?

Remember, any help is appreciated.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Silverturtle
I'm fairly sure you do not need an SLI mobo for the 7950GX2. As I said earlier, I do plan to do some minor overclocking. Anybody have any more suggestions or concerns about this build?

Remember, any help is appreciated.

It would help to keep your OP updated with the current parts you are going to buy so we all know where you stand right now.

 

[imported_Silverturtle]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: Silverturtle
I'm fairly sure you do not need an SLI mobo for the 7950GX2. As I said earlier, I do plan to do some minor overclocking. Anybody have any more suggestions or concerns about this build?

Remember, any help is appreciated.

It would help to keep your OP updated with the current parts you are going to buy so we all know where you stand right now.

O.K., but I guess I'm missing something you guys aren't. How is the hard drive Howard suggested any better than the one I suggested? And does that power supply really only have 430 watts?

Also, how is the BenQ monitor I posted earlier?

Not to question you guys, just wondering. Thanks!

 

[Howard]

YES IT ONLY HAS 430 WATTS

That's what I typed.

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: Silverturtle

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: Silverturtle
I'm fairly sure you do not need an SLI mobo for the 7950GX2. As I said earlier, I do plan to do some minor overclocking. Anybody have any more suggestions or concerns about this build?

Remember, any help is appreciated.

It would help to keep your OP updated with the current parts you are going to buy so we all know where you stand right now.

O.K., but I guess I'm missing something you guys aren't. How is the hard drive Howard suggested any better than the one I suggested? And does that power supply really only have 430 watts?

Also, how is the BenQ monitor I posted earlier?

Not to question you guys, just wondering. Thanks!

call the hdds a wash - but usually samsungs are the more quiet of the brands. and yes it is 430W of true clean power. there are brands that are more reliable in their reporting and the way and manner in which they come to their ratings. rosewill is kind of on the lower end while seasonic is among the higher end. if you are not happy with it you may look into something in the 450-500W like a enhance, fortron(fsp), enermax, pc&p, antec or seasonic. x1900xts draw a lot of power, but all the other things like the cpu and ram are meant to be more energy efficient. in all reality most single gpu computers probably don't use more than 350W, there are graphs somewhere, i just don't have them around me atm.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: Silverturtle

Originally posted by: Howard
If all you need the headphones for is CS:S, you don't need a nice pair nor an amp (or a sound card, for that matter).

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 - $340, free shipping
Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 - $154, free shipping
Mushkin 2x1GB DDR2-667 5-5-5-12 - $150 + $5 shipping
connect3D X1900XT 512MB - $390 + $6 shipping, $100 MIR
Samsung SP2504C 250GB - $70 + $6 shipping
Pioneer DVR-111D - $33 + $6 shipping
Seasonic S12-430 - $76 + ~$7 shipping
Logitech G5 - $41 + $6 shipping
Viewsonic VX2025WM - $330 + $30 shipping, $50 MIR

Take a look around Newegg to see which cases you like. What keyboard do you want? Do you need a surround sound speaker set?

Thanks. That power supply you linked only has 430 watts. Was that a mistake?

I wanted a Wolf King Warrior keyboard along with a generic wired keyboard. I'm not really sure what case I want yet. Do you recommend Mid-tower or Full-tower?

Is that memory good enough, do you think? Are there any compatible DDR2-800 memories that are inexpensive? I probably still want a high quality sound card. What headphones do you recommend for gaming and the occasional classical music for around $100?

How does that Viewsonic monitor compare to the BenQ 20 inch widescreen?

Thanks for your help.

Seasonic is underated..if you feel better get the 500 W or even the 600W/

For case I get coolermaster..good build quality, good price excellent airflow quietly
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119047

You want faster mem if overclocking at all, intel must run 1:1 so DDR2-800 minimum - this keeps it's low timings even at high bandwidth like DDR2-800-1000, and is cheap...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231073

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Zebo
You want faster mem if overclocking at all, intel must run 1:1 so DDR2-800 minimum - this keeps it's low timings even at high bandwidth like DDR2-800-1000, and is cheap...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231073

? 1:1 at stock speeds is DDR2-533.

 

[Zebo]

Read caveat again howard..even so running stock, for $25 more and much tighter I'd suggest the gskill which will do 3-3-3 instead of 5-5-5 at 533

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: Zebo
Read caveat again howard..even so running stock, for $25 more and much tighter I'd suggest the gskill which will do 3-3-3 instead of 5-5-5 at 533

i have not done that much conroe reading, so take this as a somewhat ignorant question - does the conroe have similiar issues with bandwidth that the older intel cpus did? do you always want to run it at 1:1? do dividers kill it and if it does by approximately by what %?

thanks

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Zebo
Read caveat again howard..even so running stock, for $25 more and much tighter I'd suggest the gskill which will do 3-3-3 instead of 5-5-5 at 533

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2006/07/18/core_2_duo_memory_timings/7.html
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2006/07/18/core_2_duo_memory_timings/8.html
http://www.anandtech.com/memory/showdoc.aspx?i=2800&p=7

 

[lamere]

For the headphones I would go with sennheiser 280 pro's instead, and save $100.
There are simply no better headphones for the $$.