Wanting to build computer - Need Selection Advice

[pramos67]

Hello - I am in the process of building my own computer and would like some advice. I am currently still using an old Pentium 3 450 Mhz with 256 memory. I think I have got my money’s worth out of this old computer and it is time to upgrade.

First off, I mainly use my computer for surfing, web editing and some video editing. I have XP Pro which I use for remote desktop to my work computer.

Right now I would guess that my budget is somewhere in the $600-700 range.

So far I think I would like to the use Pentium D 930 as my processor – see link

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116238

Unless someone tells me I am making a mistake with the processor I feel it is the biggest bang for my buck and it seems to have lots of good reviews from other first time builders such as myself.

Where I need help/advice right now is selecting a motherboard/case – My preference is use a smaller case such as a Shuttle or Aspire cases on Newegg.com. I have no specific reason for those cases except I like the small footprint of them and I do like the looks.

The problem I am having is I can’t seem to find a motherboard that would fit the 930. I would appreciate any selection advice for a board to use with the Aspire type smaller cases, but would also be interested in advice of any other boards which may be better but not necessarily fit in the Aspire case.

Thanks in advance!!

[joshrogoff]

My build cost me about 700. Look at sig. I'm very happy with it.

[flanzig1]

Those smaller cases take a micro ATX motherboard. Also, they use a small form factor PSU, so you end up limited on power and possible upgrades.

[Cricket]

Are you talking about those little XPC cases? If you really want to stick with those smaller cases you'll have to go with a XPC bare bones kit as those little XPC cases need motherboards that are designed to fit in them.

Shuttle is a good brand to stick with for a XPC computer. This bare bones kit will support that 930 Pentium D you want to use.

Cricket

[pramos67]

Well, since my first post and everyone's reply as well as reading lots of posts on here I am almost coming close to the conclusion that even although the small cases are somewhat attractive to me they may not be the choice for my budget.

I am getting close to having some components picked out and ready for everyone to look at - should I start a new post with my specs only or continue this one?

[Cricket]

Continue in this thread. Post your budget and the parts you already have picked out.

Are you thinking of going with a ATX or micro-ATX set up?

Cricket

[pramos67]

Well, here is my first attempt at some specs for my replacement PC.

My needs are fairly basic: no gaming (wife plays Sims), no overclocking, basic computing (word,excel, access), surfing net, some video editing and using remote desktop to access my work computer to do CAD work from home.

Also, I think at a later time I might want to add a tv card to the computer to use as a PVR

As my first post stated my budget is somewhere around $600-$700, and right now I am under $700, but if any tweaks can be made to my specs that will allow me to have a better computer that may allow better upgrading later on then I will for sure stretch my budget a little bit.


Case:
Antec LifeStyle SONATA II Piano Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129155

MotherBoard:
ASUS P5LD2 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 945P ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131538

Processor:
Intel Pentium D 805 Smithfield 533MHz FSB 2 x 1MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Dual Core
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116001

or

Intel Pentium D 930 Presler 800MHz FSB 2 x 2MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Dual Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116238

Hard Drive:
Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 SATA NCQ 3Gb/s ST3160812AS 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148105

Video Card:
I need help with selecting a good quality card - something good for dvd playback and video editing, but in the $60-$80 range.

Memory:
CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 533
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145526

DVD Drive:
LITE-ON Black 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 5X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 24X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache ATAPI/E-IDE DVD Burner With LightScribe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106015

Firewire Card:
Koutech PCI to 1394a Card Model IO-PFW310
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815104218

Operating System:
Microsoft Windows XP Professional With SP2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16837102062

Let me know what you think. Thanks!

[Mr.Ferrari]

Look great to me.

But I would definately opt for the 805 over the 930. Or if you cant afford 930, 915 will still be much better over 805 for many reasons.

And you still need a psu.
I would suggest the Forton/FSP 500W blue storm unit.

And for the card, since you need the lastest features, I would suggest the radeon X1300 or X1400 series.

[jayb1234]

I don't see any reason to get another power supply. The one in the case will be able to handle that build with no problem.

[glc]

I would recommend the 915 processor and a X1300 NON-hypermemory video card. The only caveat is that motherboard needs the 1103 bios revision to recognize a 915.

[pramos67]

Does anyone else have any suggestions for a video card for my build?? - my initial budget for the video was $60-$80, but if there is something alot better for a few more bucks I would sure consider it. Thanks!

[mk79x]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Custra...82E16814131007