|
|||||||
 |
|
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools | Search this Thread | Rate Thread | Display Modes |
02-05-2008, 09:57 AM
|
#1 |
|
Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
|
New to PC building, how to start?
Hi I'm new to PC building (I'm a Dell refugee...I've finally realized that they used the WORSE parts to assemble their PCs). I know how to analyze video cards and sound cards, but that's about it. What I need to know is how to get the best/cheapest motherboard, processor, memory, power supply, fans, and case.
A few of my key concerns are: I have no idea if I need one or two fans, and I have no idea how to tell which fans fit into which cases. I want my motherboard to have good upgradeability with regards to memory and processor. The Dell motherboards I've owned have NO upgradability and it's really sucked! Not really sure, aside from wanting 2 gigs, which RAM is best. A friend of mine mentioned that there are some pretty huge differences between types such that your 2 gigs and my 2 gigs could be drastically different in performance. Any advice would be great. Part of me is timid with this so I'm tempted to just order a comp from a place like 3btech.com but I think I really want to build it myself. Oh also, I'm trying to keep it at around the $1,000 mark for now. Obviously I'll be upgrading as and when I can. |
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 10:04 AM
|
#2 |
|
I like me
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Tejas
Posts: 7,332
|
What do you plan on using the computer for?
Does that budget include the OS, and monitor?
__________________
It's coming....just you wait. |
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 10:11 AM
|
#3 |
|
Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
|
Oh good questions thanks. All I need is the tower. No monitor, no software (no OS). No mouse, keyboard, etc. Just need what's inside the tower case (and the case itself).
Also mostly for gaming. Which is why upgradability is important to me. |
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 11:18 AM
|
#4 |
|
Shiro Usagi
Premium Member
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Kaneohe, Hawaii
Posts: 34,002
|
AMD or INTEL?
In case you didn't know, you can't use the OS CD that came with your DELL in a home built computer.  Cricket
|
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 11:23 AM
|
#5 |
|
Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
|
Intel. And yeah I know...I have a school copy of XP professional. So I'm good there.
|
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 11:35 AM
|
#6 |
|
I like me
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Tejas
Posts: 7,332
|
Ok. Here is a basic setup, you can change as you see fit.
Case: Personal choice MB: Asus P5K Processor: E8400 Ram: Corsair 2x2gb DDR2-800 HD: Seagate 7200.11 500gb Sata DVD: Lite-On DVD Burner Sata Retail Video: EVGA 8800gts 512 PSU: Corsair 650 You can add that up. It should be under your budget a bit. You can then, if you feel like it, look at getting a better video card, more hard drives, or a mother board with even more features. Let us know. |
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 11:52 AM
|
#7 |
|
Shiro Usagi
Premium Member
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Kaneohe, Hawaii
Posts: 34,002
|
Those are some nice specs to consider.
Since this is going to be your first build, have you checked out any "Build Your Own" tutorials yet? Or will you have an experienced builder help you with this build? Cricket
|
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 01:10 PM
|
#8 |
|
Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
|
Well my friend and I are fairly computer profficient so between the two of us and, like you said, internet tutorials, I think putting it together shouldn't be too much of a problem (assuming all the pieces CAN fit together). The only thing I know absolutely nothing about is setting up a BIOS.
Ok right off the bat I have a few questions. There are lots of ASUS P5K choices and they differ by some $100. Is it worth spending double? What does that get me? Second, will any tower case fit all components such as power supply, fan, etc? Does picking a tower case really just come down to looks (and possibly ventilation)? I looked it up and it looks like the prices are basically: Case: Personal choice - Not looked up yet MB: Asus P5K - $200 Processor: E8400 - $300 Ram: Corsair 2x2gb DDR2-800 - $130 HD: Seagate 7200.11 500gb Sata - $120 DVD: Lite-On DVD Burner Sata Retail - $40 Video: EVGA 8800gts 512 - #350 PSU: Corsair 650 - $140 That's around $1,300 before the case. These prices are from newegg.com so maybe I can find some for cheaper? |
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 01:32 PM
|
#9 |
|
I like me
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Tejas
Posts: 7,332
|
I would just get the basic P5K unless you have a need for some extra features.
If you need to knock the price down a bit, you can get teh EVGA 8800gt instead. Could also drop to just 2gb. Look at the Corsair 2x1gb DDR2-800. As for case, you want one that will say atx as a form factor. It will also need to fit the video card. Aside from that, which should be handled by any mid to full size case, it comes down to personal preference. You might find somethings cheeper at different sites, just post here before buying. |
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 01:57 PM
|
#10 |
|
Member (11 bit)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,044
|
As for case I prefer cases with at least 2 fans. I like 120mm fans becasue they are a bit quiter but if you like a case with a smaller fans that works also. Todays processors run much cooler then the older ones so generally any decent case with a couple of fans will handle the cooliing needs if you are not Over-Clocking. Cases with just one fat work fine too but you dont get quite as good of air flow. Try not to get a case with a PSU, or if you do, plan on pulling it out. Very few cases come with quality PSUs, the one exception that I am familiar with is the Antec Sonota which has a pretty nice 500 watt unit in it.
As for video card I would recommend stepping down to the 8800 GT (512). The GTS (512) is a little faster but IMO not enough to warrent the extra cost. I would also avoid paying the premium for a GTX. The rest of the parts list above I agree with 100%. As far as up-gradability goes you probably have 1 processor upgrade (quad?) and a video card upgrade in the build. Intel has mentioned that they will be changiing sockets, but probably the earliest you will see that is near the end of the year. The P5K has plenty of room for upgrades such as more ram so you will be fine there. Kat
__________________
ANTEC 900 / ASUS P5K / C2D E6750 / SAPPHIRE RADEON HD 6750 1 GB/ CORSAIR 620 HX / CORSAIR XMS 4GB DDR2 800 / SEAGATE 320 GB / LITE-ON 20X DVD BURNER / WINDOWS 7 PROFESSIONAL / LOGITECH MX 518 MOUSE / SAITEK ECLIPSE KEYBOARD / ACER 22” WS LCD |
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 02:00 PM
|
#11 | |
|
Member (12 bit)
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 2,358
|
Quote:
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 is $229.99 http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819115037 You can get a good pair of 1GB memory sticks for under $50 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820146118 Nvidia Geforce 8800GTS 512MB(G92) is $299.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150261 |
|
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 02:16 PM
|
#12 |
|
Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
|
Cool thanks...I'll keep checking around but this has been really helpful so far. If I do just get 2 gigs for now, does this motherboard have 2 more slots for another 2 gigs (four slots total)?
And by fit the video card, you just mean that it has a PCIe slot right? |
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 02:23 PM
|
#13 |
|
I like me
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Tejas
Posts: 7,332
|
Yes the P5K has 4 slots.
And it will have a pci-e slot, but by fit I mean that it's length will fit in the case. |
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 02:49 PM
|
#14 |
|
Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
|
I know nothing about fan placement...if I get two, they will both fit fine?
|
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 02:54 PM
|
#15 |
|
Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
|
Oh and I guess I just took this for granted but what about USB inputs? Is that hard to rig up and what would I need to purchase for that?
Also, if I just got 1 stick of 2gb memory,that would work fine right? I wouldn't have to use 2x1gb? Last edited by stethnorun; 02-05-2008 at 03:12 PM. |
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 03:28 PM
|
#16 |
|
Kickin' it
Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 7,723
 |
Most cases accept a couple of fans at least. They either screw in to the case or snap into a bracket. Very simple.
Your motherboard will have USB ports on the back. If your case has USB on the front, you can connect it to your motherboard very easily. The cable will be in the case already, just consult the manual for what pins to hook it into on the board. Its better to use 2 sticks of memory. Motherboards support a technology called "Dual Channel" which gives a performance boost with two matched sticks.
__________________
Fold for PCMech: Team 13761 |
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 04:37 PM
|
#17 |
|
Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
|
Yeah...ok so maybe I should just get 2x2gb and be done with it. Alright thanks again for all the help everyone...going to keep researching and looking for deals.
|
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 05:36 PM
|
#18 |
|
Member (10 bit)
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Western PA
Posts: 691
|
My personal favorite for the case is the Cooler Master Centurion 5. A lot of cases already come with case fans installed.
__________________
Case...Cooler Master Centurion 5 | PSU...Corsair TX750 Mobo............Gigabyte GA-MA69G-S3H CPU..............AMD Athlon 64 X2, OC @ 3.0ghz RAM.............2gb Gskill DDR2 800 CPU Cooler...Zalman 9700 GPU.............Sapphire 4870HD Monitor.........22" Acer LCD Storage........500gb Seagate DVD.............Lite On DVD Burner Windows Vista 64 bit |
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 05:49 PM
|
#19 |
|
Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
|
my friend just told me that XP can't utilize 4 GB of ram. Is this true?
|
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 05:59 PM
|
#20 | |
|
Shiro Usagi
Premium Member
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Kaneohe, Hawaii
Posts: 34,002
|
Quote:
Cricket
|
|
|
|
|
|
02-05-2008, 07:55 PM
|
#21 |
|
Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
|
well that makes it easy then...2x 1gb sticks it is!
|
|
|
|
|
02-06-2008, 08:24 AM
|
#22 |
|
Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
|
Ok this is what I have thus far:
Case: APEVIA X-CRUISER-BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower - $65 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144151 MB: Asus P5K - $130 http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813131180 Processor: E8400 - $230 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037 Ram: Corsair 2x1gb DDR2-800 - $60 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145175 HD: Seagate 7200.11 500gb Sata - $120 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148288 DVD: Lite-On DVD Burner Sata Retail - $40 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106073 Video: EVGA 8800gt 512 - $260 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130319 PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX ATX12V V2.2 550W Power Supply 90 - $90 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139004 Now where can I skimp? Do I need a 620+w power supply? Any other suggestions? Also, what should I be doing for sound? Is there on-board sound or do I also need a sound card? Last edited by stethnorun; 02-06-2008 at 10:51 AM. |
|
|
|
|
02-06-2008, 09:00 AM
|
#23 |
|
Member (11 bit)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,044
|
With that video card you could move down to a Corsair 520 or 550 with easy. That would probably be fine for a possible future upgrade also, but as hungry as new video cards seem to be alot of people seem to like alot of headroom. But 500 watts from a quality PSU will handle your system just fine.
If gaming is your goal then you cant skimp in too many other places. The ATX 3870 is getting great reviews and I think it sells for a bit less so you might check out the reviews on that card if you are not set on Nividia. Here is a nice video card compairison: http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/01/...ming_graphics/ Another place you might save is the PSU. Corsair is top of the line but there are some other good brands and if you can find one on the good list on sell or with a nice rebate you could save a few dollars. http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195 Ram is pretty cheap right now but there are a few other very good brands that you might find on sale or with a rebate so you might check in that area also. Kat |
|
|
|
|
02-06-2008, 09:03 AM
|
#24 |
|
Member (12 bit)
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 2,358
|
If you are using only one card, you can go with a lower wattage power supply; I wouldn't recommend going below 550W since you said you might be upgrading, and you still want to have some headroom. Here is a good quality power supply for about half the price of the power supply you mentioned: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139004
Regarding the video card, you won't be able to get a better gaming video card for the price than the 8800GT, the HD3870 sells for roughly the same price, and is at least 10-20% slower than the 8800GT in most games. |
|
|
|
|
02-06-2008, 10:52 AM
|
#25 |
|
Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
|
Ok I updated the above stats. I've been looking through various case reviews. The one I listed looked good at first but the front door might be a pain to open and close all the time. Anyone have a case that would be good for a beginner (and maybe look cool too)?
Oh and still curious about the sound. Would on-board sound be included on the motherboard and if so, would that replace a sound card for most purposes (I only use 2.1 speakers). I want to have EAX 3 and all but I don't have surround sound. |
|
|
|
|
02-06-2008, 11:28 AM
|
#26 |
|
I like me
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Tejas
Posts: 7,332
|
Yes, that mb has onboard sound. You could try it out, and if you feel you need something better later on, you could always buy a sound card then.
|
|
|
|
|
02-06-2008, 11:38 AM
|
#27 | |
|
Shiro Usagi
Premium Member
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Kaneohe, Hawaii
Posts: 34,002
|
Quote:
Cricket
|
|
|
|
|
|
02-06-2008, 01:40 PM
|
#28 |
|
Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
|
Ok looks like this is my final build, unless I missed something. Its right around $1k with $65 in mail in rebates.
Case: APEVIA X-CRUISER-BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower - $65 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144151 MB: Asus P5K - $130 http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813131180 Processor: E8400 - $240 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037 Ram: Corsair 2x1gb DDR2-800 - $60 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145175 HD: Seagate 7200.11 500gb Sata - $120 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148288 DVD: Lite-On DVD Burner Sata Retail - $34 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106057 Video: EVGA 8800gt Superclocked 512 - $260 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130319 PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX ATX12V V2.2 550W Power Supply 90 - $90 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139004 If anything looks screwy let me know, otherwise I think I'm going to start ordering the parts friday. Thanks again for everyone's help! Made this process SOOO much easier. Last edited by stethnorun; 02-06-2008 at 02:14 PM. |
|
|
|
|
02-06-2008, 01:53 PM
|
#29 |
|
I like me
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Tejas
Posts: 7,332
|
Looks good.
|
|
|
|
|
02-06-2008, 03:39 PM
|
#30 |
|
Member (11 bit)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,044
|
Did not read back, but do you have an OS? Nothing worse then building a computer and then remembering you forgot to by the OS.
Kat |
|
|
|
|
| Bookmarks |
| Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
| Display Modes | Rate This Thread |
|
|
Similar Threads
|
||||
| Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
| Pc 3200 - Pc 2700 | TiCo | Computer Hardware | 5 | 04-14-2007 08:14 PM |
| PC wont start cold only hot | xFarewellxReason | Computer Hardware | 30 | 08-04-2006 05:38 AM |
| building first pc and having a problem, PLEASE HELP!!! | runnin1234 | Computer Hardware | 7 | 01-10-2004 12:57 AM |
| Suggestions/Help on building a new pc | mystvearn | Computer Hardware | 15 | 12-14-2002 04:10 PM |
Linear Mode
