Starting from scratch

[diezman]

New builder here too. Please have patience and avoid sarcasm if you can

Looking to build from the ground up. I'm not a gamer but I would like to get into digital photography sometime in the future. I have about 2000 mp3 files and would like to have a jukebox of sorts. I like to compress wav files off of my old cds and have the ability to decompress these mp3s back to wav to make compilation cds. I am also an ametuer writer so Microsoft Word is a must. I like to browse the internet while listening to my mp3s.

I printed out the new builder list and understand the definitions to a point.

I've heard horror stories about vista. I don't know if there is any merit in these claims. I use XP Professional right now and am very comfortable with it.

Thanks in advance

[diezman]

so far:

case - Cooler Master Centurion 534-RC
PSU - Sunbeam BKS580 580W
Mobo - Asus M2R32 MVP Deluxe ATX AMD
CPU - AMD Athlon 64X2 5000 Windsor 2.6 GHz
HDD - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB

RAM -?????

[Disgrace]

I've never heard of Sunbeam and it isn't on any of the lists here but it's probably recommended you choose one in the proven list, perhaps someone else knows about it? http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195

You don't necessarily have to spend money on Microsoft Office products such as word when you can download Open Office instead which is free to download from here: http://www.openoffice.org/ and if you're worried about .doc documents not being able to be read, it's no issue as Open Office can save and open .doc as well as it's own .odc format.

As for the rest of the products, i'll let the real experts get to you on that but from what I know is that Corsair is a popular and recommended brand for RAM. Not sure about exact model, however. You'll get no complaints for the HDD for sure!

[diezman]

Thanks for the tip D! I was unaware of the free downloads.

RAM - Corsair 2GB (2X1GB) 240 Pin DDR2 SDRAM
Pri Optical - Asus 16XDVD+R 8X DVD RW

Now the question - which sound card and video card would work for the mentioned tasks?

[hitchface]

Like what Disgrace said, I don't know about a Sunbeam PSU. Refer to the thread he provided for reliable brands. Sunbeam makes some other good products, I just wouldn't bank on that kind of PSU right away without some hefty research.

As for the CPU...go Intel. Core 2 Duo kills AMDs X2 line. Switch the mobo to an Asus P5B, and go with Corsair or Kingston DDR2 667. If you wanted to overclock, go with 800 instead.

As for opticals, LiteOn or LG are fantastic.

[Disgrace]

Originally Posted by hitchface As for opticals, LiteOn or LG are fantastic.

And Samsung the opposite... and I found out the hard way!

Originally Posted by diezman Thanks for the tip D! I was unaware of the free downloads.

Anytime, I use Open Office all the time... not a single problem.

[flanzig1]

The motherboard you picked is an AMD AM2 socket. You probably don't need the Crossfire but if it has options you want then it's OK. For ram with AM2, Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800 CAS 5.

For a video card, you could get by with something like a Nvidia 7300 or ATI X1300.

[diezman]

Thanks for the tips gang- very much appreciated!

so far:

case - Cooler Master Centurion 534-RC
PSU - Asus Atlas A 50GA ATX 12V 2.0 500w
mobo - Asus P5B LGA 775
CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 1.8GHz LGA 775
HDD - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB
RAM - Kingston 2GB (2X1GB) 240 Pin DDR2 667
pri opt.- Lite On 20XDVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X

to be continued-

[flanzig1]

Would look to a different PSU. Unless you are getting a monster video card the XClio 450BL would do you nicely for half the cost of the Asus.

[jer888]

this is a more popular brand for power supplies then the asus, is cheaper, and should suit that build fine

Antec SmartPower 2.0 SP-400 ATX12V 400W Power Supply 115/230 V UL, TUV, CB, FCC CLASS B, CUL

[spartan015]

how much of a price difference is the kingston with corsair? and ur getting the e4300 not the 6300? or was jus a mistype? and what was the budget?

[diezman]

The Kingston is a bit cheaper- about 40 bucks- but I may be comparing apples and oranges.

PSU - Xclio 450BL ATX 450W -less than half the cost of the Asus.

Video card - Chaintech GSV73LE G2 GeForce 7300LE- is this one any good??

No budget as of now- I just want a machine that I built myself and one that will be reliable for the mentioned tasks.

Sound card?? What would be good for mentioned tasks in opening post?

[Disgrace]

If you're looking for uber-crisp sound quality then you might want a sound card but I think to most the onboard sound on the motherboard is quite good enough. There's some interesting recent threads under 'Video, Audio and Multimedia' regarding sound cards if you're interested.

That PSU should be good. Xclio has been one of the most praised PSU makers recently!

Regarding the graphics card, i've never heard of Chaintech either so check with the graphics experts here! But if you're not a gamer as you mentioned, i'm sure a 7300 is plenty enough.

[hitchface]

Heard of Chaintech. Not absolutely terrible, but I wouldn't choose them. BFG or eVGA would be my choice. BFG probably beefs that card up a touch, which is good because it is really lacking in features.

[diezman]

Originally Posted by Disgrace If you're looking for uber-crisp sound quality then you might want a sound card but I think to most the onboard sound on the motherboard is quite good enough. There's some interesting recent threads under 'Video, Audio and Multimedia' regarding sound cards if you're interested. That PSU should be good. Xclio has been one of the most praised PSU makers recently! Regarding the graphics card, i've never heard of Chaintech either so check with the graphics experts here! But if you're not a gamer as you mentioned, i'm sure a 7300 is plenty enough.

Yes, very clean and crisp audio is a must. I plan on connecting this system to my stereo in my downstairs rec room. Is there a sound card available with a 1/8" output to RCA input? Or could I go a different route?

[Mr.Ferrari]

Can't say specifically since im not a audio guy. But I know that the creative labs cards with front panel's included do have RCA SPDIF.

And why not go for a motherboard with onboard video since your not going to be gaming? Could save you some cash. Something like a P5LD2 R2.0 or P5B-VM.

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by diezman so far: case - Cooler Master Centurion 534-RC Those look good not sure about quality, Antec makes great cases. PSU - Sunbeam BKS580 580W Go with an FSP or Sparkle, they are the best. Mobo - Asus M2R32 MVP Deluxe ATX AMD Best of the best CPU - AMD Athlon 64X2 5000 Windsor 2.6 GHz Killer processor, it will out do anything you want done with ease HDD - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB The best performance warranty int its class on the market RAM -????? Kingston DDR2 800

What you gonna be using it for?

[hitchface]

He was wanting it for typing, music and photography.

diezman, did you need a monitor as well? I have some good recommendations.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by diezman Yes, very clean and crisp audio is a must. I plan on connecting this system to my stereo in my downstairs rec room. Is there a sound card available with a 1/8" output to RCA input? Or could I go a different route?

Can't help you with the hookups, but if you're looking for a really good sound card look at what M-Audio has available now.

Cricket

[sgtspector]

Yes, very clean and crisp audio is a must. I plan on connecting this system to my stereo in my downstairs rec room. Is there a sound card available with a 1/8" output to RCA input? Or could I go a different route?

If not adapters are easy to find at any store or online site that sells electronics.

[glc]

I would recommend the E6300 - the E4300 is overpriced for what it is. On a base P5B, you can use Corsair Value Select DDR2-667. If you are getting in to digital photography, I'd recommend an ATI X1XXX series card - a X1300 is plenty good, but avoid the Hypermemory models.

Khalil - just a question/observation - are the ATI chipsets really that good for AMD processors? I've always (well, recently, anyway) been under the impression that NForce was the way to go.