Fo1k-E's First Build - $800 Gamer

[Fo1k-E]

So, first of all I would like to say hello to everyone! Second: what I'm posting for. Well, I'm posting because this is my absolute first build EVER! :O The only other experience I've had dealing with computers was replacing a power unit and upgrading a stick of RAM. :P

So, yeah. I'm very new and am looking for a pretty good PC that can play today's games on alright settings, and can be upgraded later.

Specific: I'm thinking of an Dual-Core AMD Athlon 64 X2 above 2Ghz, a Series 7 nVidia graphics card. Also thinking of a mobo that I'll be able to upgrade to a higher end GPU(and other parts) later on. Next I'm thinking of a fairly good cooled system that can handle some minor OC'ing. I've never OCed before, so I want to make sure this PC won't overheat when I dabble in OC'ing.

So far I have:

Mobo: ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

GPU: EVGA 256-P2-N624-AR GeForce 7900GS 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 KO Video Card - Retail

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+(65W) Windsor 2.2GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor - Retail

RAM: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

OS: [NOTE: I've never installed an OS either... :X] Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B 1 Pack - OEM

Thermal Paste: Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM

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So, at the moment I need help with any suggestions if the above is good, I need some suggestions of drives(floppy or DVDRW drives), and any other things I would need. I don't need a monitor, keyboard, or mouse. OH! A case! :P Need some BIG suggestions on a case that's nub friendly and cooling efficient.

Thanks again,
Fo1k-E

[Mr.Ferrari]

Looks great.

-If you wan't a psu that will do fine for your setup right now, look at the Xclio StablePower 460w, AMS Mercury 460w, or the Silverstone ST50EF.

However if you wan't a PSU that will be good for any future video card upgrades, I'd suggest the Corsair HX 520W. Available via www.zipzoomfly.com for $95 with free shipping. Much cheaper then newegg.

-Case is a personal choice, I prefer the Coolermaster Centurion 5 for most builds. Chenming makes some nice ones too.

-Look at the retail Lite-On Sata DVDRW drive.

-You dont need added thermal paste, the processor heatsink comes with it pre-applied. Although it never hurts to keep around.

Dont worry about the OS install. It will take you through step by step procedures and is very self explanatory.

[Fo1k-E]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ferrari Looks great. -If you wan't a psu that will do fine for your setup right now, look at the Xclio StablePower 460w, AMS Mercury 460w, or the Silverstone ST50EF. However if you wan't a PSU that will be good for any future video card upgrades, I'd suggest the Corsair HX 520W. Available via www.zipzoomfly.com for $95 with free shipping. Much cheaper then newegg. -Case is a personal choice, I prefer the Coolermaster Centurion 5 for most builds. Chenming makes some nice ones too. -Look at the retail Lite-On Sata DVDRW drive. -You dont need added thermal paste, the processor heatsink comes with it pre-applied. Although it never hurts to keep around. Dont worry about the OS install. It will take you through step by step procedures and is very self explanatory.

Thank you veyr much, Mr. Ferrari! *Updates his list*

[minsonngo]

Looks pretty good. You don't need the Arctic Silver... the retail heatsink and fan included with the processor already has a thermal pad preapplied.

You need a power supply, here is a good one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139001

For optical drives... look at the Lite-On SATA drives. Here is one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106057

Here is a good floppy and card reader combo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16821104104


Here is a nice case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021

But cases are based on preference... so just pick one that fits full ATX boards and you are fine.


EDIT: Mr.Ferrari beat me to it.

[Fo1k-E]

Originally Posted by minsonngo Looks pretty good. You don't need the Arctic Silver... the retail heatsink and fan included with the processor already has a thermal pad preapplied. You need a power supply, here is a good one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139001 For optical drives... look at the Lite-On SATA drives. Here is one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106057 Here is a good floppy and card reader combo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16821104104 Here is a nice case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021 But cases are based on preference... so just pick one that fits full ATX boards and you are fine. EDIT: Mr.Ferrari beat me to it.

Hehe, even if he did... thank you very much! I love how fast you people are on helping us newbies. So kind. :P

EDIT: Is there any NEEDED reason these days for the floppy drive or card reader? Seeing as I went a wee bit over(lol) I'm now trying to reduce the price a bit. :P

Thinking about maybe a cheaper(just as good) mobo? If there is any, or nearly the same as the ASUS? Aside form that, maybe a smaller Hard Drive right now, and hmmm... I'll look for some cases. Should be in my budget, or a bit under my budget. I can always upgrade this later, just wanting to get a PC built, working, and playing some games soon. :P

Thanks AGAIN for all the help you've given me so far.

[minsonngo]

Floppy drives are not needed usually anymore... but its just good to have one since it is relatively cheap nowadays.


I wouldn't skimp on parts like the motherboard, video card, power supply, or memory. If you want... you can get a smaller HDD or a cheaper case.




Oh... an to your original post... installing the OS is easy. Just go into the BIOS setup... set the CD drive as the FIRST boot device... save your changes and pop in the OS cd... then restart and boot to the CD to begin the installation. It will allow you to partition the drive, format it, and then you can finish the installation. After the OS is installed... you can then install all the drivers and software you need.

[Fo1k-E]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144151

Think that case is alright?

[Mr.Ferrari]

Floppy drives can become handy, although you will probably rarely use it. If you have a older computer in the house that has a floppy, if ever need be you can just use its. A floppy itself can cost between $5-10.

If you want to save some dough, go with a Asus M2N-E mobo.

The Centurion 5 I mentioned is like $50 if thats over or under your budget I dont know, but it can be considered.. Apevia cases are more bling then utlity. Poor quality and poor cooling. Although this is just a opinion.

Bling=/=Quality unless you spend $$$$.

[minsonngo]

Originally Posted by Fo1k-E http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144151 Think that case is alright?

That case is fine.


And the ASUS M2N-E motherboard Mr.Ferrari suggested is pretty good.

[thaigecko]

More floppy drive questions and info for ya...

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=181601

T

[whubbard]

I'm just going to put this out there...
Your set on AMD right?
Core 2 Duo does preform better for the money, which is why I'm asking.

and here is a good floppy/card reader which alaron posted in the thread linked to above
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16821104104