First time builder: Need recommendations

[D4RC KN1GHT]

Whats up guys. I am new to building so I know very little but I am familiar with parts/components. I know to go to Newegg for shopping also. I don't know whether to just increase memory, CPU, Video card, and/or OS or get a new up to date machine. My price range is around $1,000 give or take 100 and I will mostly be using it for college applications, music, video downloads, streaming to PS3/ xbox, High Def hook up to my tv, and multi tasking so to speak with many programs running. I would like to keep my DVD and cd drives and won't need speakers, monitor, floppy, keyboard, or mouse. I prefer Intel but AMD is alright. I just want up to date performance and features.

The PC I have was purchased in Jan. '05 and I would like to start using Vista and Office '07 if possible. If I can use my existing case, Gateway, and power supply, 300 watt I believe, that would be nice but is ok to loose. I would like to have around 500GB HDD space, HD video card, solid/inexpensive motherboard, sufficient memory, and powerful CPU. Also, I would like to have this computer last a while so new more expensive technologies are okay.

Please let me know your suggestions on how to go about this build. thanks

P.S. Specs on current PC:
CPU: Intel P4 530 @3GHz, 800 Mhz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache
Intel 915G Chipset
Intel Graphics Accelerator 900
HDD: 200GB SATA
Memory: 1GB

[shadowpr]

MB: Asus P5K-E
CPU: Q6600
Ram: 2x2gb Corsair ddr2-800
PSU: Corsair 550
Video: EVGA 9600
Case: Personal choice
HD: Seagate 7200.11 500gb sata

EDIT: Or replace the case and psu with the Antec Sonata III

[D4RC KN1GHT]

Okay thanks.

Can I get all of that from Newegg?

[Katreat]

MB: P5K-E
CPU: E6750 or E8400 (hard to find but nice upgrade)
Ram: Corsair 2x1gb pack.
Video: EVGA 8800gt
HD: Seagate 7200.11 500 GB
Optical: Lite-on dvd burner sata retail
Case/psu combo: Antec Sonota III w/ 500w psu

Or

PSU: Corsair 550
Case: your choice

Looking at your current set up I would say a new box would be the way to go. A common build is listed above, the price will be right around $1000 give or take. I would recommend buying a new SATA burner if your old one is IDE. Newer MB no longer natively support IDE so it can be problematic. They do have a third party IDE controller so you could still use an IDE device, but I like at least the main burner to be SATA, just makes these simpler.

300 w PSU will not cut it for never systems, the video cards alone will require over 400 w. Using a case from a name brand computer can be problematic also, some have the screws set only for their MB and PSUs. I would recommend just getting a new one. One good option is the Antec Sonata III case/psu combo. Most psu in cases are junk but the Antec comes with a nice 500 w unit.

That should give you a starting place to shop.

Kat

Edit: Dang that Shadow is fast.........

[Katreat]

Originally Posted by D4RC KN1GHT Okay thanks. Can I get all of that from Newegg?

yes, although some items like the E8400 CPU (if you went that route) are in short supply because they are new and very popular.

[D4RC KN1GHT]

What should I do about an OS? and transfering my files to the new HD?

[shadowpr]

We have just about identical lists.

LOL

For an OS you could get xp or Vista. Your preference.

To transfer files, install the os on the new hard drive, then install the old hard drive and just copy them over.

[D4RC KN1GHT]

Okay thanks for all the help. Sounds simple enough and I look forward to seeing how things work out.

[Katreat]

Originally Posted by shadowpr We have just about identical lists.

Ya, I have not been convinced about the need for 4 GB of ram yet, but it is so cheap right now that if you find a good sell all it can do it help. I personally chose the faster C2Ds for my CPU but that is mainly a gaming speed desire, I am just waiting for the 1333 quads to be released. I completely forgot about the new 9600. From reviews that would be a good choice for a light gamer.

Kat

[D4RC KN1GHT]

what might be a good graphics card that has a HDMI output slot?

[phigdon]

if your card has DVI output and you have HD audio onboard you can get an adapter from newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812226015

make sure of your DVI connector. a DVI-D will not work in a DVI-I socket. if you have 4 holes around the cross shaped holes then its a DVI-I. if you what an actual connector on the back of the computer then you need a PCI or PCIe addon card.