Father and son 1st computer build

[farmdoc42]

My son and I decided to try our hand at building a computer together. Our old VAIO is on its last leg. This will be a family computer, but will be used for games ( like Spiderman 3, Lord of the Rings, etc), video editing ( making family movie dvds ), and surfing the web. We want to build one that should last us awhile. I have done a lot of research on this site and others and have come up with a list of components. As all of you know, there are so many choices; and since this is our first time to do this, it is hard to select the final components. I appreciate in advance any direction you can give us. Here's the list:

Case:
1. Antec Sonata III
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129024
2. Antec Sonata II
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129155
3. Rosewill R5601-BK
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147038

CPU:
1. Intel Core Duo E6750
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115029
2. Intel Core Duo E6850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115028

Power Supply ( for Rosewill only ):
1. Corsair CMPSU 550UX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139004
2. Antec NeoPower NeoHE 550
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103941

Memory:
1. Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB 240 Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 PC2 6400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220144
2. Corsair XMS2 2GB 240 PIN DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 PC2 6400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145034

Video Card:
1. MSI NX8600GTS T2D256E-OC GeForce 8600GTS 256MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127284
2. EVGA 256-P2-N761 GeForce 8600GT 256MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130084
3. EVGA 512-P2-N757 GeForce 8600GT 512MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130290
4. EVGA 320-P2-N815 AR GeForce 8800GTS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130038

Motherboard:
1. ASUS P5K Deluxe WIFI AP LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131181
2. ASUS P5K LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131180

Hard Drive:
1. Seagate Barracuda ES ST3500630NS 500GB 7200RPM SATA OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148151
2. Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3500620AS 500GB SATA OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148136

Monitor:
1. Samsung 226 BW Black 22" 2ms DVI
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824001096

DVD Burner:
1. Lite on 20X DVD Burner with LS SATA LH-20AIL-06-Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824001096

Operating Software:
1.Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Premium-OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116202

Well, there is the list. I hope to start ordering soon. My son and I are excited about this project. Thanks again for your help!

[Chazell29]

Welcome to PC Mech.

What is your budget for this system?

Case
The Sonata II and III cases are both very good cases, either one is good, which ever one you want to go with.

Processor
The E6750 is a fine processor and will work well, however, for what your using this computer for, you could drop a little lower to save some money if you wish.

Power Supply
The Antec NeoPower is a great power supply as with the corsair, however if i remember correctly, ive heard of problems with NeoPowers and ASUS motherboards.

Memory: Correct me if I'm wrong with speeds vs CPU FSB
I'd go with the Corsair memory
Video Card
The eVga GeForce 8600GT 256mb PCI-Express card will do your job well. However, do check out the ATI Radeon X1950XT, alot of people recommend that over the 8600GT or the 8600GTS.

[kissfan]

The E6750 is a great chip.

It ONLY needs 667mhz memory, but if you plan a little overclocking (which the E6750 reportedly does very well) then go with the 800mhz.

Kissfan

[farmdoc42]

We really don't have a specific budget as long as we don't go to crazy. I think we will stick with the E6750. So I don't need to get the memory DDR800? If that is the case, then we will go with the Corsair 2GB DDR2 667. Also, since we live out in the sticks and can't get DSL, we are getting satellite internet. If I get the ASUS MB with WIFI, will using WIFI in my house instead of directly connecting to the satellite box slow down my surfing speed? Thanks!

[Chazell29]

Alright, now that I got the whole thing on the RAM speed in corispondence to the processor, you only need the 667mhz, but I'd sitll go with the 800mhz to have a little head room.

[Lespaul20]

Originally Posted by farmdoc42 We really don't have a specific budget as long as we don't go to crazy. I think we will stick with the E6750. So I don't need to get the memory DDR800? If that is the case, then we will go with the Corsair 2GB DDR2 667. Also, since we live out in the sticks and can't get DSL, we are getting satellite internet. If I get the ASUS MB with WIFI, will using WIFI in my house instead of directly connecting to the satellite box slow down my surfing speed? Thanks!

No probably not. Unless your satellite connection is a few Mb or more. While on WIFI, I would recommend getting the ASUS P5K(non-Deluxe). The two are quite similar and I don't think $100 extra is worth the WIFI when you can get a adapter and router for that.

[Katreat]

I would pick the sonata III mainly because your system would probably work fine on 450 w but the III gives you a bit more headroom. If you like the looks of the Roswell then go for the Corsair PSU. Cases are about looks mostly so pick one you like, putting a PSU inside the case is the easiest part of the build so getting them together is just a “best deal” situation. It does not save you much effort.

For the CPU go for the 6750, much better bang for the buck right now. You pay an extra $80 for very little performance gain on the 6850.

PSU, see above.

For RAM I have always used corsair. Just good quality stuff. I would stick to corsair unless there is a huge price advantage with another name brand.

For the Video card I would recommend EVGA just because it is highly recommended and about the same price. I would recommend you get the GTS just because you list some gaming as one use. The 8600 GTS is suppose to be a fair gamer although with newer games it will force you to turn down some settings. But I would say it is a good choice for casual gaming since the next step up is $100 + dollars.

For MB I would personally recommend staying with the base P5K. I favor a hard line connection for desktops and if you really want to go wireless there are plenty of slots for the average user to snap in a wireless card for less cash. From my experience a wire connection is faster and more reliable so I leave the wireless stuff for lap tops where wireless wins out because of the advantage of reclining on the sofa while you work

For HD go with the 7200.10. They work great. If you don’t need 500g check out the 320g, it has a little better g/$ ratio, but they are all pretty cheep right now.

The rest looks really good so would support your picks. Good luck and enjoy your new computer.

Kat

[farmdoc42]

Thanks for the help so far. Please give us your recommendations for a good keyboard and mouse.

[shadowpr]

for a kyboard and mouse, you might be better off going to a store and seeing what you like. what feels good to you.

[blue60007]

I've used both Microsoft and Logitech keyboard/mice - I've been pleased with both. But yeah, try them out in the store. Even if you find better deals online (which is a good bet) you can at least try out the mouse in person...can't touch the mouse online.

[Katreat]

I prefer logitech and corded. I have used them for years. My only real recommendation is to stay away from the entry level ones and step up a bit. On mice I like 5 buttons and I usually end up with the internet set up keyboard just because the keys feel a bit better. like someone said you might want to run down to a staples or costco or something and just pick out one that feels good. Remember, if you go wireless you will need to get recargeable batteries for the mouse or it will cost you.

Kat