You guys are great! A couple questions, please.

[TigreKarma]

This is a fabulous site! I've been reading a ton of questions/answers this last couple weeks, and you've all given me the confidence to build my own.

First off, it's obviously easy to get ahead of yourself when you're putting together your own machine. With all the options out there, it's tempting to go crazy with HUGE drives, MEGA-QUICK processors, and BOATLOADS of memory options available, and being a mature man in his 40's, I think I can stay within my boundaries. Network TV is going down the drain, and last year a good friend showed me Medal of Honor on his system, and I just love it. His system is an average high-end Dell, and though I could buy one myself, I'm excited about putting quality in places where Dell might not.

For starters, the towers I've looked at in CompUsa seem kinda cheap. I was looking on EBay to see if anyone here in Florida was selling new towers (I WILL NOT buy used parts!), and came across this little beauty:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Computer-Tower-R...QQcmdZViewItem

or this handsome unit:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ATX-Mid-Tower-Co...QQcmdZViewItem

Would these types have enough space for building and ventilating a decent system?

Also, because the prices can be much less for NEW products on EBay, what would you folks consider to be a set up that will play the games with efficiency, but doesn't need to make my breakfast and mow the yard? I'm aware of the risks involved with EBAY, but I do my homework, and to date, have not been disappointed. Will an Intel 4 processor, with 512mb of memory, 40-60G hard drive, and a good dvd/cd drive be adequate?

Thank you, in advance, for taking the time. I really appreciated the stickies. They are filled with great info.

Sincerely,
TigreKarma

[blue60007]

I'll tell you right now, you get what you pay for. Those cases are cheap, even brand new. Do NOT use the power supply in that one case (I don't think the other one comes with one).

Actually, that RAIDMAX is $80 new...your choice. That POWMAX starts out at $40. The Raidmax sounds like a better deal, but I think it's rather ugly, but you are the one that has to look at it I've haven't heard too much good in the way of quality with those cases, but...

Also, if you want us to review your specs, we'll need more specific specs (like brands, model, speeds...). And a total budget.

Oh, don't forget the shipping on those ranges from $30-$40, so you may be better off buying a brand new case from Newegg, generally the shipping is $15 or so.

[maddad ®]

Hi TigreKarma ,

Finaly decided to come out of the shadows , 2 weeks without making a post

I totaly agree this forum is fantastic and im glad i found it .

Regarding the RAIDMAX case , That is a good price but i notice a $30 shipping charge

I like that case and have one on the way but the one i have has a nice little window on the side so if i get bord i can sit and watch the fans go round

http://www.eclipsecomputers.com/prod...e=CA-XTITAN-SI

Others have told me it looks ugly but hey you ain't seen my wife ( joke )

I have seen a lot of very nice cases but way way to high in price , For the kind of cash im willing to pay for a case it seems like the best for me ..anything else looks kinda cheap .

If i can get a better case for that kind of cash i would be willing to look at it .

Anyway ...welcome

And let us know your spec

Maddad

Ps ... hi blue

[David M]

Give us a budget and specify what you would like to use you computer for and the people here can design a computer that will be able to do more for less money than what you would spend on a computer with proprietary parts such as a Dell. The only exception would be if you choose a low end system such as a computer under $800.00. But then, you are not going to be able to play graphically intense games such as BF2 on a low end computer anyway...at least not without getting frustrated at how slow it runs.

To give you a range for a high end gaming computer expect to pay somewhere between $1500 and $4000. The more you spend, in general the faster your machine will be which means higher frame rates and better resolution. Cost/speed is not a liner function either. A $4000 machine will not be twice as fast as a $2000 machine. It might be 50% faster if you are lucky...and fast is very sujective since fast is determined by which benchmark you choose to measure fast by.

The first thing you will want to decide on is Intel or AMD.... It is more of a personal preference because both companies make some screaming fast CPU's. Which one is better for gaming is debatable...which sometimes causes undesirable AMD vs Intel debates.

So pick a brand, a budget and let us know what you want to do with your computer and get back to us.

[TigreKarma]

You're right, I should have told you that earlier.

I'd like to step away with a proud smile for under $500. Remember, adequate, not mind-blowing.

A couple things I've been looking at are:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Please don't disregard me because I'm shopping on EBay. Done carefully, it can save a lot, especially in electronics. The above parts that aren't new, I will continue to search for as new.

Thanks
TK

[David M]

I would stay away from individuals on EBAY having been burned a few times and all the hassles of dealing with individuals vs dealing with established business on EBAY with good reputations. An alternative to EBAY is Pricegrabber.com If you don't want to deal with that then I highly recommend Newegg.com.

If you want to play BF2, a $500 computer is not going to work I am sorry to say. Was it glc that said you have to pay to play?...or something like that.

Some of those parts you have listed seem pretty fishy...you better let the experts critique those parts.

If you can upgrade your budget to a $1000 then you could have a barebones gaming machine for BF2 that might be fast enough.

[scomac]

Hello, I was looking over the parts you were looking at and I noticed a couple things.

The first MOBO you looked at is for a socket 478, and the processor you have listed is LGA775. They won't work together. The Dell MOBO is also socket 478. The PM800 with the Celeron processor has onboard video, which you won't be real happy with I don't think. For gaming, you are better off with a separate video card.


Hope this helps out!

Scomac

[TigreKarma]

This is why this site is so wonderful.

Straight stuff from knowledgeable and friendly people.

Thank you ALL for your input and advice. Contradiction is sometimes part of good construction. I was hoping by using yesterdays technology, which is STILL pretty fantastic and sufficient, that I might be able to build what I need, but it's pretty obvious that I'm gonna need to pop the piggy bank, and restrategize. I hope when I get plan B together, I can bounce some more ideas your way.

Thank you, SINCERELY, for taking the time. You're very good people!

TK

[scomac]

Glad we could help!
One more thing...don't forget to budget for the Operating System. Retail full install version of XP Home SP2 will set you back $200. You can get an OEM version considerably cheaper. The difference is in support. Microsoft will give you 1 year of support for a retail version, whereas OEM, you (and the PC MECH forums) are your support, not Microsoft.

If you decide on a budget, start a new thread and I'm sure you will have many people assist you in your build.

Scomac

[FireByyrd]

Your forgetting graphics card and such. Without one... I don't know.. but theres alot to be left desired.

[glc]

We really prefer to see people deal with quality vendors such as Newegg, ZipZoomFly, Mwave, and Directron. You may spend a minimal amount more but you won't get burned with junk and you WILL get customer service if there is a problem.