First Computer Build

[Marilenaluiz]

I'm building a computer, a desktop, and I wanted to see if these parts will work well together:
Processor
-AMD athlon 64 Fx-62, 2.8GHz, 2MB cache, Socket AM2
CPU fan
-Cooler Master Gemini 2, copper core/heatpipe
Motherboard
-ASUS M2N SLI, NVIDIA, Socket AM2
Memory
-Corsair XMS2 4GB (4 x 1GB) 240 Pin DDR2
Hard Drive
-Seagate Barracuda 7200.10, 250GB 7200 RPM
Video Card
-NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT, 512 MB DDR2
Sound Card
-Creative Labs Sound blaster Audigy SE
DVD/CD drive
-Lite On Super multi LH20A1H DVD Burner
Operating System
-Microsoft Vista Home premium, 32 Bit
Case
-NZXT Apollo Black SECC steel chasis, ATX mid tower

I'm not set on that case, and honestly i'm not sure if it is a decent choice, so pending the case, I still might need to find a power supply too. Also, If you know any stores beyond Newegg and Tigerdirect, I'd love to know. I'm trying to get these parts discount, so I can buy food too.

[dalenorth]

I'd recommend an Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 or higher, but if you want AMD then stay with it but the majority of people here prefer Intel.

If you have the money then get an 8800GTS. But 8600 aint bad, it stil has DirectX 10 support.

Sound card isnt necessary, it won't make an improvment on your PC's performance. Mobo's have them built in.

If your gonna have 4GB RAM then your gonna need Vista 64 Bit.

As for the Power Supply a 520W Corsair will be sufficient for your needs.

[perkster]

would go for a P5k motherboard and an intel chip for best bang for buck at moment. no point having a SLI motherboard if not going SLI.

[Marilenaluiz]

Ok, here's the new list... I'm not too sure what cooling fan I should use, and I figured I would still get a SLI mobo, if I change my mind later on. My main concern is whether or not all this will actually fit in the case, and whether or not the power supply is efficient. I'm a light gamer, and i want a good desktop for later on. Also, I heard AMD was good for gaming, why is everyone against it?
Thanks for your help!

Processor
-AMD athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0 GHz, Socket AM2- $170
Motherboard
-Gigabyte GA-M57SLI-S4 AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX- $140
Memory
-Corsair XMS2 4GB (4 x 1GB) 240 Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Quad kit- $254
Hard Drive
-Seagate Barracuda 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s- $95
Video Card
-NVIDIA GeForce 8500GT, 512MB DDR2, SLI ready, PCI express- $100
DVD/CD drive
-Lite On Super multi LH20A1H DVD Burner- $38
Operating System
-Microsoft Vista Home premium, 64 Bit- $112
Case
-Thermaltake Soprano DX VE7000BNS Black 0.8mm SECC Chassis/ Aluminum Front Bezel ATX Mid Tower- $100
Thinking about this Power Supply
Apevia 520 Watt ATX Triple 80mm LED fan, Black Aluminum- $60

I was looking for a cheaper budget, so if this is overkill, let me know. Would it be better to start with 2GB now and just upgrade later that way I don't need a 64 bit operating system? Also, I don't particularily like Vista and I may not use it, would XP have a 64bit if I still use 4GB of RAM?

[perkster]

modern retail rpocessor will come with a stock HSF which will cool it enough and work fine unless you do heavy overclocking. so make sure you buuy retail CPU.

2gb will work great on a 32 bit system, and is all most people relaistically need these days especially if you are on a budget.

Apevia not heard of, go for corsair HX 520W PSU, very good unit and reasonable price.

for the DVD burner make sure it is SATA not IDE as most modern motherboards dont have native IDE support.

AMD is fine but as said before intel core duos are better performance for your money right now, im not saying intel are better but right now they have the edge, that can swing back the otherway probably when AMD bring out their new processor.

I still think your motherboard is more than you need and if looking to save money you can get a better one which isnt SLI.

SLI is never worth it usually unless you are a really heavy gamer as 1 enxt gen card is usually always better than 2 previous gen cards working in SLI, so youre better to save the money you would spend on that other graphics card aside for spending on a new primary card later when the next gen comes out.

If you wanted 4gb ram you would need a 64 bit system whether that be XP 64 bit or vista 64, however xp64 many people have problems with getting drivers especially if you have old printers and hardware. If on a budget and normal computer use you are best to go xp32 bit if you arent keen on vista and get 2gb of ram. that being the case you have picked out a 8500 graphics card which is the lowest DX10 card there is, if you are go xp and therefore DX9 youd be better of going for a 7900GTS or something that is probably better at DX9 stuff than the 8500.

[RazR]

your budget isn't much of an overkill, spending $4000 is what i consider on overkill, lol
your only spending about $1200 (before taxes), which isn't too bad
yes there is a 64-bit version of xp

STAY FAR AWAY FROM APEVIA POWER SUPPLIES
they have been known to crap out and potentially meltdown, literally
look for quality power supply manufactures from corsair, OCZ, Enermax, Silverstone, never settle for a cheap power supply
the corsair 520W psu should be enough to power all your hardware
everything will fit in the case

[wolfsh]

This might be helpful: Build Your Own Computer : Step-by-Step Guide

[Katreat]

AMD makes great processors, it is just that right now Intel has the edge. This forum does not push Intel, they just push the best bang for the buck which currently is Intel. If AMD hits a home run with their next processor you will see plenty of support for them on these boards. You can still build a great computer using an AMD processor so if that is your preference that is fine. It is not a situation where one is good and the other is bad, it is just that right at this moment in time Intel is a little better........

As for SLI, as others have said it is just not a good upgrade path. It is designed for making the best better. If you can afford and have a need for two of the best cards avaliable then SLI is faster then a single card. However, if you are thinking about running one card now and plugging in a second down the road then you will probably end up paying more for less. As previously stated, history has shown that each new generation card out performs two older cards in SLI. So, when you make that next upgrade you will still be a step down from the top. If you look at what you spend on an SLI MB, bigger PSU, and the second card you would have been money ahead just swaping out your single card for the new generation card and forgetting about SLI.

As a final note, dont buy an Apevia PSU. The last review I read on them it melted (actual meltdown) duriing the testing. Buy a PSU from a company on the good list.

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195

Kat

[andper10]

I would recommend:
$135 - Asus P5K - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131180 - No SLI but like others have said you only benefit from it if you get two top end cards right when you build.

$200 - Core 2 Duo E6750 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...5029&Tpk=E6750 - You could get the E6550 but considering the small price increase I would get the E6750 personally. You don't need an after market HSF unless you plan to overclock a good bit, but for $20 you might want to go ahead and pick this nice one up: $20 - ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835186134 Beware that using an aftermarked HSF voids Intel's 3 year warranty.

$95 - 2GB Corsair DDR2 800 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145590

$153 - 8600GTS (w/ rear exhaust to keep your computer cool) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127284 - I would get this for a minimum if you are a light gamer. If you really want to be set for years and years of light gaming try to get an 8800GTS.

$80 - Seagate 7200.10 SATA 3.0Gbps 16MB Cache 320GB Hard Drive (I hear these drives are really fast because of PRT) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148140

$40 - Liteon 20X SATA DVD & CD Burner - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106072 - I would get SATA for $2 more, because that is where the industry seems to be heading and because the IDE on the Intel motherboards has been said to be finicky.

$100 - Corsair 520W PSU - http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-520w...203270716.html - Cheaper than newegg at buy.com. $10 off if you pay with a new google checkout account. I bought mine from there and they seem like a good company. You could just get this PSU: (good quality, just lower powered and no Active PFC) $37 - FSP 400W PSU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104952

$110 - Thermaltake Soprano - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133041 -Looks nice. Just keep in mind that if your 140mm front fan ever dies you might have a hard time finding a replacement.

$112 - Vista Home Premium 32bit OEM - I have heard bad things about 64bit OS's. However I have heard they they are getting better about the driver support. If you are like me, I like to buy cheap off brand things for my computer sometimes and having a 64bit OS will force you to get products from a company that offers 64 bit drivers.

Total: $1025 The price difference between an Intel build and an AMD build isn't much right now, so if you really want to go AMD no one is stopping you. Personally I'm an Intel fan, but when it comes down to it Intel is ahead of AMD right now (Chart)
Enjoy your build!

[Marilenaluiz]

Thank you for all your help, Here's the official list! You'll hear from me once I finish it, or if i need help when it doesn't work.

Case: Cooler Master Mystique ATX Mid tower Link

MoBo:Gigabyte AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 AMD

PSU: Corsair 520W PSU

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 x2 6000+ Windsor 3.0 GHz AM2

RAM: Corsair XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB)

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 320GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0GB/s

DVD/CD Drive: Lite-On 20x burner with lightscribe black SATA

OS: Microsoft XP Home Edition

Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 8500GT, 512MB DDR2


I decided to wait to get the 4GB (4x1GB) and Vista when all the bugs are worked out. Also, I might go with SLI if Vista works it out. For now though, That's all I really need, and it's going to be under $1000 which is what i wanted. Thank you guys!

ML

[perkster]

looks good, glad you ended up happy with your budget and list! good luck with the build, look forward to hearing its success and seeing pictures

[andper10]

Looks pretty good. It has been shown, time and time again that you get more benefit from one more powerful single card over SLIing two low end cards. So if you need more video power, just buy a newer video card and sell your old one.

[Alaron]

My only suggestion is to swap for the DVD Burner; it will come with software: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106072