Very first build, looking for comments and suggestions

[Aphecks]

Hey everyone I'm new to the whole computer build thing so I figured it would be an excellent idea to consult the pros before I go ahead and get started. I've got a pretty good understanding of how things work and what I need so I mapped out something that might do for my first build. What I would like from you guys is some suggestions and critiques about what I'm looking at so if I'm completely messing up or somewhat on track I would love to know.

What I'm looking at is a complete computer system that is going to be mainly used for some moderate gaming with a price range of about $1200-1500 I have absolutely nothing yet so I'm starting from the ground up.

Case- APEVIA X-CRUISER-BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
69.99
Floppy Drive- NEC Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive - OEM 6.25
Hard Disk- Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD4000KS 400GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM 114.99
Optical Drive- SAMSUNG 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write Black E-IDE/ATAPI Model SH-S182D - OEM 30.99
Processor- Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6400 - Retail 222.00
Motherboard- BIOSTAR I945G-M7 V2.X LGA 775 Intel 945G Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail 78.99
Memory Modules- CORSAIR XMS2 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 675 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X1024-5400C4 - Retail 79.00
PSU- Included w/ case... Bad idea?
Videocard- BIOSTAR V7302GT21 GeForce 7300GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail Invest more? 81.99
Keyboard & Mouse- Microsoft Black Basic Keyboard and Mouse - OEM 16.99
O.S- Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium DVD - Retail 227.99
Monitor- SAMSUNG 941BW Black 19" 4 ms (GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 500:1 - Retail 199.99
Speakers- Logitech X-230 32 watts RMS 2.1 Black Speaker System - OEM 39.99
Total- 1169.16

Well let me know what I should change thanks a bunch.

[LeftyAce]

Welcome to the forums! And the world of pc building in general.

I would suggest you look into an ASUS motherboard; they're good quality and beginner friendly. Customer support is very good (Only needed it b/c a peripheral wasn't working; the ASUS guy actually diagnosed the problem w/the peripheral, and I got it fixed. Wasn't ASUS' problem tho :-)
The P5B series is highly recommended for Core2Duo processors; choose the model w/ the features you need.

If you're not overclocking, save some money and get Corsair value select DDR2 667 ram. 2 GB probably wouldn't hurt, if it fits in the budget.

PSU included with case = BAD IDEA. Check out the powersupply FAQ: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195

Video Card: for 20 bucks more the 7600GT would be good, particularly if you're doing some gaming. Also, this one at newegg has a 20 dollar mail in rebate. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130062

Keyboard and mouse = your preference. I've got a Razer diamondback mouse I love, but I'm a bit of a gamer :-) it's also $30 and not entirely necessary...

Unless there's a reason you HAVE to have vista NOW, don't get it. They're having driver issues and other assorted problems that always accompany the release of a new OS. Get XP with an upgrade coupon and upgrade to Vista when they've released the first service pack.

Monitor; some on this forum probably have recommendations; I'm using an old Dell CRT, so don't ask me about monitors :-)

Right now lots of people around here are recommending the Seagate 7200.10 hdds as very fast, and they come with a 5 year warrenty. About the same price as the one you've got: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148138

[Aphecks]

Wow Lefty, thanks a bunch. I'm glad that you pointed some of that stuff I'm quite happy with the way things are looking after your suggestions. Also that Razer mouse is pretty awesome I think that I'm going to have to throw that in as well... Thanks again!

[haggard21]

Same recommendations as Lefty, especially with the HDD.

I and many others would tell you to switch that DVD burner to a Lite-on as Samsungs are not very reliable. Make sure to get the Retail version too because they come with Nero 7 software, unless you already have or are going to use another burning program then the OEM version would be just fine.

[paJAMbla]

Am I missing something Aphecks??? Cuz I've been looking at that case for a new build and there is no psu in it. I'm going with the Corsair psu...suppose to be really quiet and made by a top notch company. If you want to go with a case that has a good psu already in it, which is hard to find, I've used Antec's stuff in the couple of builds I've done and they have worked out well.

Many people here have used this one, including myself, and have been happy with it. And what a great rebate right now along with a good psu:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129155

But the case you are looking at is definitely cool.

Keep an eye out, that Samsung monitor has come up with free shipping on Newegg here and there lately; along with the rebate too.

And lastly, I have gone with the experts here on most things and am I glad I did. Specifically, I have chosen Seagate HD's for my first two builds. On my second build I was taking out the HD to take out a jumper and I broke off the little plastic connector guide over the pins. (Didn't know I had till I tried to put the cable back on). I called them and told them what happened....no questions, no hesitation, they RMA'd it and I got a replacement. I was told by a couple ppl that under the circumstances...they probably wouldn't replace it, but they did.

[Aphecks]

Ahh whoops my mistake, no PSU with that case... Good thing that you all pointed me towards a new one in the first place. I'll definately have to keep an eye on the monitor too because it was one that I had my eye on, gotta love samsung quality LCD's.

[haggard21]

The Corsair 520HX PSU would be a good choice for your setup and would also allow for some future upgrades, nothing like an 8800gtx, but would still be good. If you are looking at DX10 cards (I don't know what kind of games you would be playing, if nothing very graphics intensive then it might not be worth the price) but if so then something with at least 700 watts would be good, or the 620HX version of that same PSU. Just make sure its something off of that list because if the PSU is bad then it could fry your entire system.

[Aphecks]

Mhm, I think that I'm going with the 450W Xclio, I've heard decent things about them. Anything that I should know about it or is it a good enough choice?

[haggard21]

That should be good for your build. I have a 600 watt XClio and it is excellent so it should be no problem.

Can you post a link? And does it have modular cabling? Not that big of a deal but it helps keep the clutter out of the case because you only hook up the cables to the PSU that you need to use instead of them all being pre-attatched.

[haggard21]

actually after looking over the 450 watt, they only had one so I figured that was the one you were talking about, I'm not too comfortable with it, maybe someone else might know more. It only has a %70 efficiency which is not very good.

I would recommend this for about $50 more http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817189006

[Aphecks]

Good eye, the 550w should be a bit better and $50 isn't a steep price to pay for more reliability especially with a PSU. Thanks.

[tyler]

hey, i also want to build a new computer. i've looked up bits on the net but when i rang soe computer shops the prices were so much more what's with that?

[Disgrace]

Originally Posted by tyler hey, i also want to build a new computer. i've looked up bits on the net but when i rang soe computer shops the prices were so much more what's with that?

You might need to create your own thread as per the rules say, however, welcome to PCMech!

Back to original thread for Aphecks: I agree with haggard21, you might want to replace that Samsung optical drive, as I had a similar one and it was a dud. Samsung DVD-ROMs aren't recommended around here but for monitors, go ahead!

[glc]

The Corsair 520HX will power any video card on the planet. If you are only getting a 7600GT, the XClio 450BL will power that one just fine and it's a very reliable unit.

[Aphecks]

Thanks a lot everyone I really appreciate your input, hopefully everything works out fine