Build my new Comp for me!!!

[Goody]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Goody]

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]

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]

Good suggestion.

[[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.

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]

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]

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

[clampy]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.