9 Questions from a first time builder

[veracity024]

Basically there are a few questions that I have

1) What tools / materials will I need

2) I have a monitor keyboard and mouse already, so im going to use them for the time being. As a student I have access to a fresh serial number and a copy of windows for just 5 dollars through the university, thank you microsoft.

3) Are all my parts compatable? I need to know this before I order obviosly.

4) Im using this mostly for 2 things. The internet and games. And occasionally watching vidz on my computer.

5) What does a first time builder need to know also. I can probably get through the whole installing windows, but BIOS scares me, but I imagine I can figure it out. If I buy the motherboard, can I call tech support to help me set it all up? Yea i know thats way newbie, but w/e.

6) Any parts that you wouldnt recommend me using? Or any parts that you think I should go with instead.

7) My powersupply unit is built into that case. Is that going to have enough juice? I really want one of those rad cases with the window; you know so i can make sure it doesnt catch fire or something (since im gonna build it, i wanna watch it operate)

If my PSU that is included in my case doesnt have enough juice for my video card, what do you recommend?

8) Can you recommend a better case for me? Im not locked in on any of these parts.... but I dont want to go up more in budget.....

9) Heres what I've come up with. I really dont want to go up much more in budget. What do you guys think? Am I forgetting anything on my list?

I went with that graphic card because I want to be able to play games on this PC in 5 years. . . .( yea i know, im dreaming prolly... but by then Ill add another stick of RAM at hopefully a much cheaper price.... thats why I want one stick... thats another piece im rather unsure of w/ regard to quality)


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822145091

hdd $54

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115004

processor 218

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128012

motherboard 145

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130071

video card 479

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820141210

Ram $ 94

Case / Powersupply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811208008

59.99



THANKS IN ADVANCE!!! *(FIRST POST)*


oh i forgot about a CD / DVD Drive..... Truly, I probably only need a CD/ DVD drive, but i want something for gaming, and i want it to be cheap..... i occasionally burn CDs. . . and I dont know if ill actually pick up a floppy disc drive.. who uses those anymore when you can use a USB stick instead... same with burnt CDs..... and I dont make a lotta music cds anymore kuz ive got an IPOD.

[Foosa]

1. tools- screw driver, wire cutters(if you use zip ties)
2. Good deal. you may also want to look into if you can get a hard copy as well. about 20$ though my school for one.
3. Links not working for me.
4. Ok.
5. With my motherboard (p5wdh deluxe) i didnt have to touch anything in the bios. I did, but i didnt have to.
6. Asus motherboards are great. And core 2 duo.(intel)
7. I would look into a different one. Antec or engermax are good selections. (links not working so i cant see your case)
8.links not working.
9.links not working.

I got all the ones i could for you.

[flanzig1]

You need to fix your links, none work.
The case is OK but the PSU is junk.

[Alaron]

I fixed your links for you.

Not a bad start, but I have some suggestions.

First, go with the Asus P5B instead of the Gigabyte. Asus is a higher quality manufacturer then Gigabyte.

I'd go with 2x512 sticks of ram instead of 1 stick. Two matched sticks let the board use Dual Channel for a slight performance boost.

I'd go with the 6300 or 6600 depending on your budget. The 6400 is the same processor as the 6300 aside from the slight clock speed boost. You won't notice the difference for the cost. If you can afford to, bump up to the 6600, the larger cache is worth it.

The XION case is fine, but the power supply is junk. Toss it and replace it with a high quality 500+ watt unit. That 8800 will need plenty of power.

Lastly, go with a Seagate 7200.10 hard drive. They have a longer warranty, better quality and are great performers.

[veracity024]

are those parts that you listed still low priced? im trying to get as much bang for my buck as i can.

[veracity024]

Originally Posted by Alaron First, go with the Asus P5B instead of the Gigabyte. Asus is a higher quality manufacturer then Gigabyte. I'd go with the 6300 or 6600 depending on your budget. The 6400 is the same processor as the 6300 aside from the slight clock speed boost. You won't notice the difference for the cost. If you can afford to, bump up to the 6600, the larger cache is worth it. The XION case is fine, but the power supply is junk. Toss it and replace it with a high quality 500+ watt unit. That 8800 will need plenty of power. Lastly, go with a Seagate 7200.10 hard drive. They have a longer warranty, better quality and are great performers.

First... I searched for the P5B on newegg, did not find it. Can you link it...

Thanks, I opted for the 6300, it saved me about 30 bucks im going to throw that thirty into my PSU...

Will any 500+ Watt unit work? Ive never shopped for a PSU before. What do i need to look for.

[veracity024]

my motherboard looks like the slots wouldnt line up with the metal on the back of the some cases,,, anyone know how to find one that matches?

[telegramsam]

Here's the P5B:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131030

The motherboard will come with an I/O shield that fits your case. Don't worry about that. Just make sure the case is ATX for an ATX board or MicroATX for a Micro board.

[freakitchen]

Please do not triple post - use the 'Edit' function if you have something to add.

Here is the P5B:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131030

Regarding the back of the case, what you're looking at is the I/O shield - and cases are supplied with a generic one, which is designed to be replaced by the one that comes with the motherboard, and is the correct match.

Don't just get 'any' Power supply unit - get a quality one. I'd recommend something like this for your system:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371002

FK

[coreywhite]

There are a couple of choices with regards to the P5B. Usually, if someone just says P5B, they are referring to this model, for $135. There is also a deluxe model for $177 with some extra features (2 PCI Express x16 slots instead of 1, 7 x Internal SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports instead of 5, a firewire port, etc.). Finally, there's also a deluxe model with WiFi for $210, if you want the deluxe features and also WiFi support on the motherboard (I think it comes with an external antenna and such, too).

Unless you have some specific reason for wanting the features of the deluxe model, my understanding is that the first link I listed is usually the best bet.

EDIT: Heh, well now if you really want you can see the same link from three different people! Exciting, eh? We live to serve . . .

[veracity024]

you guys are great