Build-Might be in too deep

[fasterrunner]

Hello new here been lurking for a little while on the site trying to get myself
updated on new and upcoming computer technology. You guys are very informative and think this is a very well run forum/site.

The computer I have now was helped built by a friend of the family and I watched him do most of the work and participated a little. That was roughly about 5-6 years ago and of course Im posting to help get my feet wet in building a new machine since mine is pretty outdated.

Heres what ive come up with so far for a build with a few things missing like cpu, motherboard, graphics, and not really sure about the case(realize this is preference). I use my computer primarily for gaming and surfing the net for my other hobbies. I would like to keep the price at tops around $1,500 - $1,700 Correct me if Im wrong but $2,000 or more seems like overkill but if I have to wait a few more months to accumalte money
then so be it.

-Would like to be upgraded in a year or two
-Don't plan to overclock.
-have a crt monitor
-have keyboard/mouse/speakers
-Have an Creative SB Audigy 2 in old computer should I use it?

Case: Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail $149.99
Model #: VA8000BWS
Item #: N82E16811133154
I noticed there mid and full size cases when would one need a mid and/or a full size?

Graphic: EVGA 640-P2-N821-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail $379.99
Model #: 640-P2-N821-AR
Item #: N82E16814130071
Im kinda confused on a decent card theres so many out there and I got this as a place holder? Appreciate any reccomendations

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 520W Power Supply - Retail $139.99
Model #: CMPSU-520HX
Item #: N82E16817139001
Found out through you great folks this is a quality power.

CPU: I wanna go Intel for sure. My delema is for gaming purposes is it worth extra cash to go quad core or dual core. Very confused when it comes the cpu and if dual core better for the money theres way to many to choose from.

Ram: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model
TWIN2X2048-6400C4 - Retail $159.00
Model #: TWIN2X2048-6400C4
Item #: N82E16820145034
Possibly upgrade in future to 4 gb? Is 4gb too much and whats needed for these days?

HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
Hard Drive - OEM $79.99
Model #: ST3320620AS
Item #: N82E16822148140

DVDDrive: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write Black SATA Model LH-20A1S - Retail $39.99
Model #: LH-20A1S
Item #: N82E16827106057

Modem/lan: Not sure what I need so any help would be greatly appreciated? (running sprint dsl)I know enough about computers to get me in trouble so correct me if wrong. modems just for dial up right?

OS: I have a copy windows xp but not sure if it 32 bit or 64 and its installed on this computer Im using now. cant you unistall and install to new pc?



Right now if my horrible math skills are correct Im looking at around $928.95 w/o shippin

Would love to hear your suggestions/tips/tricks or any other info your willing to give. Am I missing anything?


Thanks alot in advance.
A.J.

[Alaron]

Welcome to PCMech.

You have a very solid list. I'll answer your questions.

Mid and full towers are personal preference really. Both with have enough room for a basic setup. Full towers usually have more drive bays and are taller. I like a larger case because they are easier to work in. But if you ever plan to move the PC, bigger = heavier.

That 8800GTS is a great card, stick with it.

I don't think Quad Core is really necessary now. Most apps are just now moving to dual. I'd pop in the E6600. You can always upgrade later on.

2GB of RAM is plenty. XP can't use more then 3.2 anyway.

You will be able to plug your DSL modem directly into the LAN port on the motherboard. Or via a router if you have a network.

You can reuse your XP on the new PC as long as you remove it from the old first. XP is only good on one PC at a time.

You can use that Audigy if you want. The motherboard will have good onboard sound already, so its worth trying.

If you have extra room in the budget, you may look at upgrading your monitor. Large LCDs are particularly well priced now, and they will really show off that 8800 card.

[minsonngo]

Originally Posted by fasterrunner Case: Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail $149.99 Model #: VA8000BWS Item #: N82E16811133154 I noticed there mid and full size cases when would one need a mid and/or a full size?

That is up to you. If you need more space... go with the full size. As long as the case fits ATX boards... then you are good to go.

Graphic: EVGA 640-P2-N821-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail $379.99 Model #: 640-P2-N821-AR Item #: N82E16814130071 Im kinda confused on a decent card theres so many out there and I got this as a place holder? Appreciate any reccomendations

Good choice. Any card in the 8800 series will run games and such nicely for awhile. Just get one that your budget affords.

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 520W Power Supply - Retail $139.99 Model #: CMPSU-520HX Item #: N82E16817139001 Found out through you great folks this is a quality power.

Another good choice.

CPU: I wanna go Intel for sure. My delema is for gaming purposes is it worth extra cash to go quad core or dual core. Very confused when it comes the cpu and if dual core better for the money theres way to many to choose from.

The Core 2 Duo is fine for now. The E6600 is very popular right now.

Ram: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400C4 - Retail $159.00 Model #: TWIN2X2048-6400C4 Item #: N82E16820145034 Possibly upgrade in future to 4 gb? Is 4gb too much and whats needed for these days?

2GB is good. Most people do not need more than that. If you are not overclocking... you can save some money buy going with the Cosair ValueSelet line. DDR2-667 is all you need.

HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3320620AS (Perpendicular Recording Technology) 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $79.99 Model #: ST3320620AS Item #: N82E16822148140

Another good choice.

DVDDrive: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write Black SATA Model LH-20A1S - Retail $39.99 Model #: LH-20A1S Item #: N82E16827106057

Good one.

Modem/lan: Not sure what I need so any help would be greatly appreciated? (running sprint dsl)I know enough about computers to get me in trouble so correct me if wrong. modems just for dial up right?

You don't need a modem. The motherboard you get should have integrated LAN already.

OS: I have a copy windows xp but not sure if it 32 bit or 64 and its installed on this computer Im using now. cant you unistall and install to new pc?

If you are planning to go with over 3GB of memory in the future. I would go with the 64-bit version. If not, 32-bit is fine for now.



***I think you forgot the motherboard also... the ASUS P5B is the way to go right now.

Here is the link to it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131030

[fasterrunner]

Thanks alot guys guess I'll get this ram save some money thought id have to spend at a minimum $1,500
CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model VS2GBKIT667D2 - Retail and Motherboard
ASUS P5B LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

I was wondering about those lcds? Back when they started coming out I tried one with Americas Army and I believe call of duty. While playing it ghost and blurr when lots of movement going on especially at faster paced. I might look into a new monitor which brands are prefererd forr gaming?

Thanks again
A.J.

[minsonngo]

Look at Acer and Samsungs for LCDs.

[whubbard]

how much are you willing to spend on the LCD?

Samsung makes a great 22" thats $290.

[blue60007]

Yeah, the ghosting/blurring isn't really an issue with modern LCD's. I've never noticed anything of the like on my Viewsonic monitor.

[fasterrunner]

Thanks for all the help! I guess im willing to spend whatever on a lcd. Under $500 seems like a limit unless it makes coffee for me too. How long will they usually last before being outdated. Whubbard, $290 don't seem bad you have link for that one and Im not to sure about widescreen never rent or buy widescreen dvd. Will it stretch out the gaming distorting the image on screen?
Sorry for all these questions. You guys been a big help probably be ordering in a little over a week.

Thanks