Build my new Comp for me!!!

**Goody** · 08-07-2007, 06:29 PM

After several false starts, I am finally ready to replace my old machine with something exciting and new! My old comp is dying a slow and horrible death. After 5 years of good service, untold number of fresh xp installs, and several reformats, and many trips into work to blow out the dust, the old guy is about to croak.

As I sit down and try to hammer out what parts I want in my new box, I find myself always getting about halfway thru the list, then scrapping it and starting the list of parts again. Rinse and repeat. I just don't know which direction to go. And I am definately not up to snuff on which parts are considered reliable, which parts will allow for future upgrades, so on and so forth.

So I came up with a plan!!!! But in order for this master plan to work, I am going to need your help (yes I am talking to you... so don't back out of this page). I want you guys to build my new computer for me!!!

Okay okay... I know this sounds extremely lazy, but don't the best plans always involve someone else doing all the work? Now while I do have an idea of what I am trying to build, I just can't seem to compile a list of parts that I feel comfortable with... or at least one that doesn't cost 3 grand when it is all said and done

.

So here are the few things I feel I need/want in this build...

1. I want to go with an Intel build. My last few machines have been AMD, but Intel is just so much better right now.

2. I want to keep a realistic budget of let's say $1.2k... but I am open to wiggle room in either direction.

3. This will be a from scratch build. Everything will need to be included, with the exception of possibly a sound card, and I already have all the periphrial devices.

4. And last but not least, I will be using this machine for online gaming (nothing too intense atm... WoW BF2 some FPS, but who know in the future), light video and sound editing, light web design, and just general work/play activities.

Can you help me? Are you up to the challenge!?! PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!

**Goody** · 08-08-2007, 12:12 AM

Here is an attempt. Anyone with a real build, or tips on this one, is more than welcome to comment.. or at the vert least point at laugh at mine.

COOLER MASTER Centurion 532 RC-532-SKN1 Black Aluminum bezel, SECC chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #: RC-532-SKN1
Item #: N82E16811119094
In Stock
$54.99 $54.99

ASUS P5N-E SLI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #: P5N-E SLI
Item #: N82E16813131142
In Stock
$126.99 $126.99

EVGA 256-P2-N554-AX GeForce 7600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
Model #: 256-P2-N554-AX
Item #: N82E16814130017
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$99.99 $99.99

Rosewill RP500-2 500W,ATX12V v2.01 Power Supply - Retail
Model #: RP500-2
Item #: N82E16817182016
In Stock
$59.99 -$10.00 Instant $49.99

Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 Conroe 2.33GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6550 - Retail
Model #: BX80557E6550
Item #: N82E16819115030
In Stock
$178.99 $178.99

Patriot eXtreme Performance 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC24G6400ELK - Retail
Model #: PDC24G6400ELK
Item #: N82E16820220227

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$242.99 $242.99

Rosewill RCR-103 USB 2.0 Card Reader - Retail
Model #: RCR-103
Item #: N82E16820223076
In Stock
$16.49 -$5.00 Instant $11.49

Western Digital Caviar SE WD3200AAJS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: WD3200AAJS
Item #: N82E16822136098
In Stock
$74.99 $74.99

LG Black E-IDE/ATAPI DVD-ROM Multi Read Drive Model GDR-8164BK - OEM
Model #: GDR-8164BK
Item #: N82E16827136083
In Stock
$17.99 $17.99

LG 18X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM Write Black E-IDE/ATAPI Model GSA-H54NK - OEM
Model #: GSA-H54NK
Item #: N82E16827136119
In Stock
$27.99 $27.99

Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
Model #: 66I-00715
Item #: N82E168321162
In Stock
$111.99 $111.99

Subtotal: $998.39

**Squirrel Meat** · 08-08-2007, 04:46 AM

i would seriously think about a geforce 8800 gts for about $250. well worth it in the end if you want some future proof. i just got mine and i love it

. if your looking to go cheaper then do you really need 4 gig or ram?

**hongsc** · 08-08-2007, 05:54 AM

Such nice hardware and a poor PSU. I would get get a quality PSU like OCZ, Enermax etc. instead.

**Goody** · 08-08-2007, 09:01 AM

I went with 4g of RAM, because I have read in several places that Vista runs much smoother with 4g. And since the prices on memory are so low right now, I figured why the hell not.

So Rosewill isn't a good quality PSU brand? When it comes to who makes what better, I honestly have no clue. I basically picked all these parts blind, going on my little knowledge and the reviews posted. A quick look on newegg, and I find these... better?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341001 $99 after rebate

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341002 - 105 after rebate

Video card. I went with a cheaper card, because I honestly don't do anything that requires top of the line graphics atm. I went with a good card, but not a great card, because I can later add another and go SLI. Or I can scrap it altogether and buy something top of the line. Either way is cost effective enough I think. But what I don't know, is if I can get a better video card at the same price point upto about 50-100 more? Could use some help there.

Thanks for the advice so far.

**richardginn** · 08-08-2007, 10:03 AM

For around 40 bucks more you can get a 8600GTS video card. It will help a bit in the FPS race and certainly help in video playback.

**Goody** · 08-08-2007, 10:42 AM

Good suggestion.

**[PinPals]Apu** · 08-08-2007, 11:42 AM

Don't listen to the people that bash the lesser known PSUs and demand you get a high-priced name brand.

Important things with the PSU is the amps on the 12v rail and the amount of variance. You don't want one with low 12v amps or one that can't keep a steady flow.

Rosewill is a find brand. I use it personally (a 550w) and I know alot of other people that use them too. Unless your running a huge amount of components in your case (which you arent), or have a pool full of cash you swim in every morning, keep the Rosewill and same some green.

As for the ram, are your really sure you need 4gbs? Id do some more research and see exactly how Vista acts under 2gigs and 4gigs. 2gigs will run you ~$100.

The rest of your stuff looks fine. Good luck with the build.

**Goody** · 08-08-2007, 12:23 PM

That's what I like to hear. DAMN THE MAN!!!!

The PSU I originally selected had hundreds of good reviews, and a 5 of 5 rating. Going from that, I assumed it would be a good choice.

**AMD Inside** · 08-08-2007, 12:38 PM

You might want a little more hard drive space, but thats something that can easily be added later on.

**clampy** · 08-08-2007, 03:53 PM

id get a ocz stealth powersupply for 80$ worth the investement why take a chance it might work but also take some parts with it :P just my 2 cent. antec, ocz, pc power and cooling and enermax are good stuff also corsair but expensive ;P

**hongsc** · 08-08-2007, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by [PinPals]Apu

Don't listen to the people that bash the lesser known PSUs and demand you get a high-priced name brand.

Important things with the PSU is the amps on the 12v rail and the amount of variance. You don't want one with low 12v amps or one that can't keep a steady flow.

Rosewill is a find brand. I use it personally (a 550w) and I know alot of other people that use them too. Unless your running a huge amount of components in your case (which you arent), or have a pool full of cash you swim in every morning, keep the Rosewill and same some green.

I've heard good and bad things about Rosewill and why take the chance. He might do upgrades to higher end components and the Rosewill might not be enough but OCZ wil be great for future upgrades. If he has to pay for another PSU then it will come out to be more anyways but it's his choice.

**ChaosEnsues** · 08-08-2007, 04:18 PM

I'd definitely get an 8800GTS 320MB. With $1200 that shouldn't be a problem. Vista will run a little smoother with 4GB but 2 should be plenty - I'd spend more on the videocard before the RAM.

**Goody** · 08-08-2007, 04:54 PM

So the consensus seems to be cut back to 2g of memory, switch brands on the PSU, and go for a better video card.

Memory - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220228 - $130 I would like to use 2g sticks, so as to maximize my ability to add more later.... or am I being a tard in this respect?

PSU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341010 - $80 Best deal for the most power I could find, in a recommended brand... and SLI compatable for future upgrading potential.

Video - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130082 - $260 basicly shifted the money saved on memory over to this.

Doing this brings my total to right about $1060 after rebates, and before shipping. Would you consider this a substantial upgrade to the original parts? I think it is, especially based upon the minimal price increase.

Also, do all the other parts look good? I have a hard time believing I picked that many good parts on my first shot.

Thanks for all the advice so far!!!

**blitzekriec** · 08-08-2007, 06:22 PM

Here's what I put together for my girlfriend on Newegg. It seems that it fits your budget (although I added a CPU cooler on my girlfriends rig which would add about $60) and has a lot of upgrade potential.

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811233002

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813188013

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115016

Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220144

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341001

Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130082

HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144701

DVD/CD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106073

OS: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116202

All of that comes to $1,238.92 +shipping, but you will get a total $90.00 back from MIRs.

Total after rebates: $1,148.92 +shipping

With the new additions you posted to your list it would be a nice system. I would, however, not get a 2gig stick. Get 2X 1gigs so you don't forfeit Dual Channel.
You will still have more than enough room for upgrades to RAM. Even with 2 slots taken, you can still add 2X 2gig sticks for the other slots, although I doubt you will need 6gigs of RAM any time soon, never mind 8gigs.

08-07-2007, 06:29 PM	#1
Goody Expensive Sushi Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 31	Build my new Comp for me!!! After several false starts, I am finally ready to replace my old machine with something exciting and new! My old comp is dying a slow and horrible death. After 5 years of good service, untold number of fresh xp installs, and several reformats, and many trips into work to blow out the dust, the old guy is about to croak. As I sit down and try to hammer out what parts I want in my new box, I find myself always getting about halfway thru the list, then scrapping it and starting the list of parts again. Rinse and repeat. I just don't know which direction to go. And I am definately not up to snuff on which parts are considered reliable, which parts will allow for future upgrades, so on and so forth. So I came up with a plan!!!! But in order for this master plan to work, I am going to need your help (yes I am talking to you... so don't back out of this page). I want you guys to build my new computer for me!!! Okay okay... I know this sounds extremely lazy, but don't the best plans always involve someone else doing all the work? Now while I do have an idea of what I am trying to build, I just can't seem to compile a list of parts that I feel comfortable with... or at least one that doesn't cost 3 grand when it is all said and done . So here are the few things I feel I need/want in this build... 1. I want to go with an Intel build. My last few machines have been AMD, but Intel is just so much better right now. 2. I want to keep a realistic budget of let's say $1.2k... but I am open to wiggle room in either direction. 3. This will be a from scratch build. Everything will need to be included, with the exception of possibly a sound card, and I already have all the periphrial devices. 4. And last but not least, I will be using this machine for online gaming (nothing too intense atm... WoW BF2 some FPS, but who know in the future), light video and sound editing, light web design, and just general work/play activities. Can you help me? Are you up to the challenge!?! PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!

08-08-2007, 04:46 AM	#3
Squirrel Meat She made me use this Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Rawr Posts: 3,019	i would seriously think about a geforce 8800 gts for about $250. well worth it in the end if you want some future proof. i just got mine and i love it . if your looking to go cheaper then do you really need 4 gig or ram? __________________ Never trust consumable rodent flesh. Sharky Extreme 3DMark Team Sharky Folding Team Raidmax RX700 PSU Asus M4A785TD-V Evo Mobo AMD X3 720BE @ 3.6 4 Gig Patriot eXtreme DDR3 1600 Ram EVGA GTX 275 700/1475/2500 Seagate Barracuda 320 gig + 1.5 tb + 500 gig Ext X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Logitech Z-2300 speakers Razer DeathAdder & Tarantula Mag LT2219WDB 22" Widescreen Lcd & Acer 19" Vista Ultimate x64 X-Fire tag: moonbootsketeer Playing: Shattered Horizon, L4D2

08-08-2007, 05:54 AM	#4
hongsc Great White Shark Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 5,022	Such nice hardware and a poor PSU. I would get get a quality PSU like OCZ, Enermax etc. instead. __________________ Macbook Pro: Dual Boot: OSX Leopard/Vista Home Premium\|2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo\|4GB RAM\|128MB 8600GT\|120GB HDD\|Double-layer SuperDrive\|1TB Seagate\|Logitech VX Nano\|Apple Al BT keyboard\|ATH-A500\|8GB iPhone\|

08-08-2007, 10:03 AM	#6
richardginn Ultra Great White Shark!! Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 14,759	For around 40 bucks more you can get a 8600GTS video card. It will help a bit in the FPS race and certainly help in video playback. __________________ www.myeducational plan.com-come see my plan to fix the USA educational system. I hope this is sig legal. Major Site Design Update on July 18, 2006. On June 18, 2009 passed the 10,000 post mark. December 24, 2009: Major Theme change and more....

08-08-2007, 11:42 AM	#8
[PinPals]Apu Hammerhead Shark Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Sheboygan, WI Posts: 1,870	Don't listen to the people that bash the lesser known PSUs and demand you get a high-priced name brand. Important things with the PSU is the amps on the 12v rail and the amount of variance. You don't want one with low 12v amps or one that can't keep a steady flow. Rosewill is a find brand. I use it personally (a 550w) and I know alot of other people that use them too. Unless your running a huge amount of components in your case (which you arent), or have a pool full of cash you swim in every morning, keep the Rosewill and same some green. As for the ram, are your really sure you need 4gbs? Id do some more research and see exactly how Vista acts under 2gigs and 4gigs. 2gigs will run you ~$100. The rest of your stuff looks fine. Good luck with the build. __________________ Desktop: \|Antec 900 w/NeoHE 500w\|Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R\|E6750 w/AC Freezer 7 Pro\|4x1gb Patriot DDR2 800\|EVGA GTX260\|Velociraptor 300gb/Seagate 500gb\| Laptop: \|Fujitsu Lifebook P7120\| Currently Playing: \|World of Warcraft\|Dawn of War II\|Team Fortress 2\|Chrono Trigger\|Professor Layton\|

08-08-2007, 12:12 AM	#2
Goody Expensive Sushi Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 31	Here is an attempt. Anyone with a real build, or tips on this one, is more than welcome to comment.. or at the vert least point at laugh at mine. COOLER MASTER Centurion 532 RC-532-SKN1 Black Aluminum bezel, SECC chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail Model #: RC-532-SKN1 Item #: N82E16811119094 In Stock $54.99 $54.99 ASUS P5N-E SLI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail Model #: P5N-E SLI Item #: N82E16813131142 In Stock $126.99 $126.99 EVGA 256-P2-N554-AX GeForce 7600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail Model #: 256-P2-N554-AX Item #: N82E16814130017 In Stock Mail-in Rebate $99.99 $99.99 Rosewill RP500-2 500W,ATX12V v2.01 Power Supply - Retail Model #: RP500-2 Item #: N82E16817182016 In Stock $59.99 -$10.00 Instant $49.99 Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 Conroe 2.33GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6550 - Retail Model #: BX80557E6550 Item #: N82E16819115030 In Stock $178.99 $178.99 Patriot eXtreme Performance 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC24G6400ELK - Retail Model #: PDC24G6400ELK Item #: N82E16820220227 In Stock Mail-in Rebate $242.99 $242.99 Rosewill RCR-103 USB 2.0 Card Reader - Retail Model #: RCR-103 Item #: N82E16820223076 In Stock $16.49 -$5.00 Instant $11.49 Western Digital Caviar SE WD3200AAJS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM Model #: WD3200AAJS Item #: N82E16822136098 In Stock $74.99 $74.99 LG Black E-IDE/ATAPI DVD-ROM Multi Read Drive Model GDR-8164BK - OEM Model #: GDR-8164BK Item #: N82E16827136083 In Stock $17.99 $17.99 LG 18X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM Write Black E-IDE/ATAPI Model GSA-H54NK - OEM Model #: GSA-H54NK Item #: N82E16827136119 In Stock $27.99 $27.99 Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM Model #: 66I-00715 Item #: N82E168321162 In Stock $111.99 $111.99 Subtotal: $998.39

08-08-2007, 09:01 AM	#5
Goody Expensive Sushi Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 31	I went with 4g of RAM, because I have read in several places that Vista runs much smoother with 4g. And since the prices on memory are so low right now, I figured why the hell not. So Rosewill isn't a good quality PSU brand? When it comes to who makes what better, I honestly have no clue. I basically picked all these parts blind, going on my little knowledge and the reviews posted. A quick look on newegg, and I find these... better? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341001 $99 after rebate or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341002 - 105 after rebate Video card. I went with a cheaper card, because I honestly don't do anything that requires top of the line graphics atm. I went with a good card, but not a great card, because I can later add another and go SLI. Or I can scrap it altogether and buy something top of the line. Either way is cost effective enough I think. But what I don't know, is if I can get a better video card at the same price point upto about 50-100 more? Could use some help there. Thanks for the advice so far.

08-08-2007, 10:42 AM	#7
Goody Expensive Sushi Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 31	Good suggestion.

08-08-2007, 12:23 PM	#9
Goody Expensive Sushi Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 31	That's what I like to hear. DAMN THE MAN!!!! The PSU I originally selected had hundreds of good reviews, and a 5 of 5 rating. Going from that, I assumed it would be a good choice.

08-08-2007, 12:38 PM	#10
AMD Inside Tiger Shark Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Orlando, Fl and Marlboro, NJ Posts: 791	You might want a little more hard drive space, but thats something that can easily be added later on. __________________ Currently using: Gigabyte nForce 570 Phenom 940 II 3.0GHz 4GB DDR2 Geforce 8800GT Audigy To Do List: Fix the car!

08-08-2007, 03:53 PM	#11
clampy Goldfish Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ottawa,Canada Posts: 97	id get a ocz stealth powersupply for 80$ worth the investement why take a chance it might work but also take some parts with it :P just my 2 cent. antec, ocz, pc power and cooling and enermax are good stuff also corsair but expensive ;P __________________ [font=Century Gothic][size=3] I am The Lord Of The Unknown Shall We Dance In the Fire Of Death. Or Shall we Dance in The Land of the Grey Area of Life . u 2 Choose Neolis http://www.poc.it/stories/desktop/de.../shark1024.jpg

08-08-2007, 04:18 PM	#13
ChaosEnsues Hammerhead Shark Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,452	I'd definitely get an 8800GTS 320MB. With $1200 that shouldn't be a problem. Vista will run a little smoother with 4GB but 2 should be plenty - I'd spend more on the videocard before the RAM. __________________ Gaming Rig: \| Intel E5200 @ 3.5GHz \| HD4770 512MB \| \| 2x2GB G.Skill DDR2-800 \| Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L \| \| BenQ G2400BW 24" \| Cooler Master Stacker 830 \| 1TB+ Storage \| SilverStone Strider 850W \| MacBook Pro 13": \| 2.26GHz \| 9400M \| 4GB DDR3 \| 128GB G.Skill Falcon SSD \| Shuttle K48: \| E2180 \| 2GB DDR2 \| 1TB+ \| FreeNAS OS \|

08-08-2007, 04:54 PM	#14
Goody Expensive Sushi Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 31	So the consensus seems to be cut back to 2g of memory, switch brands on the PSU, and go for a better video card. Memory - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220228 - $130 I would like to use 2g sticks, so as to maximize my ability to add more later.... or am I being a tard in this respect? PSU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341010 - $80 Best deal for the most power I could find, in a recommended brand... and SLI compatable for future upgrading potential. Video - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130082 - $260 basicly shifted the money saved on memory over to this. Doing this brings my total to right about $1060 after rebates, and before shipping. Would you consider this a substantial upgrade to the original parts? I think it is, especially based upon the minimal price increase. Also, do all the other parts look good? I have a hard time believing I picked that many good parts on my first shot. Thanks for all the advice so far!!!

08-08-2007, 06:22 PM	#15
blitzekriec Reef Shark Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Buttcrack Missssippi Posts: 381	Here's what I put together for my girlfriend on Newegg. It seems that it fits your budget (although I added a CPU cooler on my girlfriends rig which would add about $60) and has a lot of upgrade potential. Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811233002 Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813188013 CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115016 Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220144 PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341001 Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130082 HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822144701 DVD/CD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106073 OS: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116202 All of that comes to $1,238.92 +shipping, but you will get a total $90.00 back from MIRs. Total after rebates: $1,148.92 +shipping With the new additions you posted to your list it would be a nice system. I would, however, not get a 2gig stick. Get 2X 1gigs so you don't forfeit Dual Channel. You will still have more than enough room for upgrades to RAM. Even with 2 slots taken, you can still add 2X 2gig sticks for the other slots, although I doubt you will need 6gigs of RAM any time soon, never mind 8gigs. __________________ Antec 900 PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610 EVGA nForce 680i SLI E6600 @ 3.0 Ghz Thermaltake V1 HSF EVGA GeForce 8800Ultra @ 655/2250 Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 2GB Corsair XMS2 PC2 8500 Samsung 226BW LCD Logitech G15 v1 and G5 v2 Zalman 5.1 Surround Ultimate Gaming Headset Western Digital 150GB Raptor booting Vista Home Premium Western Digital 250GB Caviar SE16 booting XP Pro 3DMark06 Score 12220 Please Help Us Save Ana Last edited by blitzekriec; 08-08-2007 at 10:41 PM.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode