First build, need some help

[tbtusk]

Hello

I've been fooling around with electronics and programming for a while now, but I'm really pretty new to building my own computer. I'm hoping to learn a lot, but I need some help.

I'm sure people ask this a lot, but I'm wondering if you guys could narow down my possibilities for me. I'm planning on building my own PC soon, but there are so many options! So here's what I'm looking for.

I'll be using the computer for relatively high end gaming, though not on the level of Quake and the similar. I do a lot of internet surfing and some photo editing, but the gaming isthe only really demanding activity I'll be using the computer for.

As this is my first build, i'd like to make it an extremely upgradeable system. I've been looking at more expensive motherboards that have a few more options, like 8 slots for ram, and SLI compatability. I need a relatively high end graphics card, but I'll probably be able to find that. Allong with all that, I'd like to try and keep it a relatively quiet machine. I'm willing to spend a moderate amount on the computer, so price isn't a big obsticle.

As i'm new to all this, i won't be overclocking, so that's not something to think about.

Really I'm looking for options, so I don't necessarily need you to give me every componant to a build, just suggestions. Thanks for any input.

[shadowpr]

Here is a good starting point:

MB: Asus P5k-E
CPU: E8400
Ram: Corsair 2x2gb DDR2-800
HD: Seagate 500gb sata 7200.11
DVD: Lite-on dvd burner retail sata
PSU: Corsair 650
Video Card: EVGA 9800gx2
Case: Your choice.

We recommend newegg as an online retailer for people in the US.

[Drunner611]

Give us an idea of your gaming. You say high end, but then you say not Quake?

I'm assuming you mean Quake Wars. Even if Quake Wars is the most demanding game you will play, you won't need SLI and you can save some money there.

[Doom]

I highly recommend you do your homework. I recommend reading posts here, www.tomshardware.com for info, www.newegg.com for products and reviews, and finding a copy of "Building a PC for Dummies" as starting points. The more time you invest into learning before building, the better your build will be. Also... go slow when building your first rig... as someone said to me once on this forum... "go slow like a turtle... have you ever seen a turtle fall!"

Depending on what video-card you get... noise may be an issue. They get hot and the fans will be at 100% with any significant gaming... this will be compounded if you go SLI and have got two of them going. If you do go SLI, I have the EVGA 780i SLI motherboard and am very happy with it. I have 1x EVGA 9600GT that runs rather quiet even after a couple hours of F.E.A.R or Medieval II Total War.

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by tbtusk Hello I've been fooling around with electronics and programming for a while now, but I'm really pretty new to building my own computer. I'm hoping to learn a lot, but I need some help. I'm sure people ask this a lot, but I'm wondering if you guys could narow down my possibilities for me. I'm planning on building my own PC soon, but there are so many options! So here's what I'm looking for. I'll be using the computer for relatively high end gaming, though not on the level of Quake and the similar. I do a lot of internet surfing and some photo editing, but the gaming isthe only really demanding activity I'll be using the computer for. As this is my first build, i'd like to make it an extremely upgradeable system. I've been looking at more expensive motherboards that have a few more options, like 8 slots for ram, and SLI compatability. I need a relatively high end graphics card, but I'll probably be able to find that. Allong with all that, I'd like to try and keep it a relatively quiet machine. I'm willing to spend a moderate amount on the computer, so price isn't a big obsticle. As i'm new to all this, i won't be overclocking, so that's not something to think about. Really I'm looking for options, so I don't necessarily need you to give me every componant to a build, just suggestions. Thanks for any input.

If upgrading is important to you I recommend going with an AMD AM2+ rig, they will be backward and forward compatible. With an Intel build your upgradeablity is always very limited since they change chipsets and FSB as fast as you change your socks.

[tbtusk]

Originally Posted by Doom I highly recommend you do your homework. I recommend reading posts here, www.tomshardware.com for info, www.newegg.com for products and reviews, and finding a copy of "Building a PC for Dummies" as starting points. The more time you invest into learning before building, the better your build will be. Also... go slow when building your first rig... as someone said to me once on this forum... "go slow like a turtle... have you ever seen a turtle fall!" Depending on what video-card you get... noise may be an issue. They get hot and the fans will be at 100% with any significant gaming... this will be compounded if you go SLI and have got two of them going. If you do go SLI, I have the EVGA 780i SLI motherboard and am very happy with it. I have 1x EVGA 9600GT that runs rather quiet even after a couple hours of F.E.A.R or Medieval II Total War.

I'm not planning on actually building this for a while still. What I'm looking for is a quick look at what are some options for what I'm looking to build. I've still got plenty of reading to do, I know that. Thanks for the sites, I'm sure they will be helpful. And I'll try to find that book too.

Medieval II Total war is mostly what I play now, actually. I'm more into RTS than RPG. Does that give you a better sense of what I'm thinking about using it for? Thanks for the suggestion, I'll definitely look into it. I was thinking that even if I don't need SLI, I would like the option, maybe just in the future. I have a feeling my needs will change a lot in the next few years, and so, of course, I want to be able to change my PC to fit them. I'm thinking of dropping that as one of my criteria, though.

I was thinking intel, but we'll see. Thanks for the recommendations.

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by tbtusk I'm not planning on actually building this for a while still. What I'm looking for is a quick look at what are some options for what I'm looking to build. I've still got plenty of reading to do, I know that. Thanks for the sites, I'm sure they will be helpful. And I'll try to find that book too. Medieval II Total war is mostly what I play now, actually. I'm more into RTS than RPG. Does that give you a better sense of what I'm thinking about using it for? Thanks for the suggestion, I'll definitely look into it. I was thinking that even if I don't need SLI, I would like the option, maybe just in the future. I have a feeling my needs will change a lot in the next few years, and so, of course, I want to be able to change my PC to fit them. I'm thinking of dropping that as one of my criteria, though. I was thinking intel, but we'll see. Thanks for the recommendations.

Intel is a good choice since they have the best mid-range and high-end processors at the moment and should be coming out with even faster processors in the fall. If you are looking for a computer that will upgrade well, AMD has the best choice for now, but if you will be building the computer in the fall, Intel will have a good upgrade path as well, and will most likely be faster than AMD processors. If you are interested in playing RTS games, you should take a look at getting quad core or higher (the processors from Intel will come with six cores in the fall).

[Khalil]

I totaly agree with Masaki, it is best to wait till you are ready to build, things in the computer industry change rapidly, both AMD and Intel are working on new platforms and sockets, who knows who will be best at the time you are ready to build.

[tbtusk]

Thanks

hey, sorry if this a stupid question, but thats the only way to learn, right. So can a MB with DDR3 memory standard support DDR2 memory? and vise-versa?

[shadowpr]

Some mother boards can support both, but I personally wouldn't trust them that much. I rather have a mother board that just does one.

[Khalil]

When DDR2 first came out there were a few motherboards that had both DDR and DDR2 on them but those were for the most part plagued with problems and naturaly you were only able to use 2 of the slots either DDR or DDR2 it wasn't possible to mix them and utilize all 4 slots. DDR3 is 24 + months away from being mainstream in my opinion.

[tbtusk]

Ok, so heres a prelinary list. Like i said, not building yet, but im already obsessed, haha. I cant help doing the design. As soon as i can, i will build though.

MOBO: ASUS P5K-E/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813131196

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819115037

GPU: PALiT NE/960TSX0202 GeForce 9600GT 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814261013

RAM: CORSAIR XMS2 DHX 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820145194

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3750330AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148298

PSU: Enlight Sniper 5604724 ATX12V / EPS12V 650W
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817373004

CD/DVD drive: SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827151153

Any suggestions? I was going to go with a DDR3 compatible board, but that set up (with quad core processor) cost a full $500 more. It wasn't worth it. this seems like a pretty standard build, in terms of parts people use on these forums. The only two things im wondering about are the PSU and GPU. Should i switch to the corsair 620watt PSU, or will this one work OK? And for the GPU, does anyone know anything about it? It seems awesome, and for a great price, too.

Oh, and if you feel like it, what's your favorite case? I know all about the Antek 900, but others? There are too many for me to sift through, all though i do have some ideas.

Thanks so much

[Katreat]

I have never heard of that brand of GPU. I generally recommend EVGA just because they have the best reputation. The 9600 GT is a great card but if you are not building soon keep your eyes on the market for price drops on the older 8800 GT and 8800 GTS (512) which are both a bit better and might be seeing price drops as the rest of the 9xxx line comes out. A good place to keep up with changes is to follow this review which is updated every few months.

http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/04/...e_card_for_200

I have never heard of Enlight myself but I see it made the good list so that unit should be fine. My Corsair is very quiet and has worked flawlessly so I do highly recommend that brand.

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

For your current build 500-550w will work fine, but I like a bit of head room for a future video card upgrade so shopping in the 600-650 range is a good idea.

People keep reporting quality issues with Samsung DVDs so generally Lite-on is recommended on this forum. If you switch buy retail Lite-on and you get a copy of Nero for about $3 more than buying OEM.

The Antec 900 is a great case (used one on my last build) and I helped a friend build with a P182 which was very nice also. Other cases I have worked with or seen that appear to be pretty good quality are Thermaltake Armor series, Gigabyte Aurora series, Cooler Master (lower cost usually), and just about any Lian Li. I usually look for something with no psu, good air flow, and 120 mm fans. 80 mm fans work, but from my experience are a quite a bit louder.

Kat

[tbtusk]

Okay, so I've managed to scrounge up the funds for building the computer. I've still got a few choices to make, but I've got a good idea what my comps gonna look like. The graphics card is what I'm stuck on right know. I've got three choices right now

EVGA 9800 GTX 512MB - 299.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814130339

EVGA 8800 GTS 512MB - 254.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814130325

EVGA 8800GT 1GB - 272.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814130351

So what's the extra memory worth, compaired to a better video card?
Secondly, the 8800GTS and the 9800GTX have similar specs. How much better a card is the 9800GTX? I'm guessing quite a bit. I'm just thinking about price. I am tight on cash, although I probbly will go for the 9800 over the 8800.

Thanks

[shadowpr]

I would get that 8800gts over the 8800gt.

I think the 9800gtx wil out perform both, but not sure by how much.

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by tbtusk Ok, so heres a prelinary list. Like i said, not building yet, but im already obsessed, haha. I cant help doing the design. As soon as i can, i will build though. MOBO: ASUS P5K-E/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16813131196 CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819115037 GPU: PALiT NE/960TSX0202 GeForce 9600GT 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814261013 RAM: CORSAIR XMS2 DHX 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820145194 HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3750330AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16822148298 PSU: Enlight Sniper 5604724 ATX12V / EPS12V 650W http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817373004 CD/DVD drive: SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827151153 Any suggestions? I was going to go with a DDR3 compatible board, but that set up (with quad core processor) cost a full $500 more. It wasn't worth it. this seems like a pretty standard build, in terms of parts people use on these forums. The only two things im wondering about are the PSU and GPU. Should i switch to the corsair 620watt PSU, or will this one work OK? And for the GPU, does anyone know anything about it? It seems awesome, and for a great price, too. Oh, and if you feel like it, what's your favorite case? I know all about the Antek 900, but others? There are too many for me to sift through, all though i do have some ideas. Thanks so much

Enlight power supply is a big no..no when it comes to power supplies, my recommendation is either Seasonic or FSP, they are hands down the best out there.

[tbtusk]

I've actually chosen a different power supply already, because i wasn't sure about the enlight. Thanks for the warning though. Right know I'm planning on getting the Cooler Master below , but I'll look into those two companies.

The new power supply
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817171023

I've changed most other things as well, and finalized the case.

New Case: Apevia X-Jupiter-JR
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811144197

New Memory: G.Skill 2 X 2GB
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820231122

New DVD Drive: Lite On 20x DVD+-R
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16827106057

I might get the 500GB 7200.11 hard drive rather then the 750GB, also. I'll use the same mother board.

I have two choices for the processor now. I could get the 6600, or 9300. I was planning on getting the Q6600 and putting the extra 50 bucks i save into the better graphics card, but I might be tempted to spend the money on the 9300. With 6600 the total cost is about $1060.

Any other thoughts?

[XenaWP]

If you're going to spend that much on a psu it doesn't get any better than this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817703005

A few of us around here use it and love the thing.

[Lucky23]

Originally Posted by tbtusk I've actually chosen a different power supply already, because i wasn't sure about the enlight. Thanks for the warning though. Right know I'm planning on getting the Cooler Master below , but I'll look into those two companies. The new power supply http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817171023 New Memory: G.Skill 2 X 2GB http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16820231122 Any other thoughts?

I have that cooler Master 650 Pro power Supply. Its really good but if your patient there has been deals on the web to get it cheap. I got my for $50 After Rebate. Normally PCClub.com, Clubit.com, and Microcenter.com will have this deal but have never seen it on newegg.com.

The Gskill memory is really good also. I have it in my rig and have no complaints yet.


What size monitor do you plan on running since you might be going SLI??

[tbtusk]

XenaWP, thanks for the recommendation. If i can find one of those deals lucky23 mentioned, and trust the site, I'll go for it though. Otherwise, I'm not sure which I'll get.

Lucky23, Sorry, my plans have changed a bit, I should have metnioned it. Right now I'm not planning to go SLI. Now that i know a little more, I see there really isn't much of a point for me ot do that. I don't need that much power.

I'm going to be running my 19 in. screen until i buy this 24 in. one. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824113012
I'm not sure when I'll order it, but hopefully sometime soon.

[Alaron]

Originally Posted by Khalil Enlight power supply is a big no..no when it comes to power supplies, my recommendation is either Seasonic or FSP, they are hands down the best out there.

While I agree that Seasonic and FSP are very high quality, why is Enlight a problem? They were very good a few years back. What has changed?

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by Alaron While I agree that Seasonic and FSP are very high quality, why is Enlight a problem? They were very good a few years back. What has changed?

I had to RMA a lot of them in the last year, I used to use their cases for builds but after RMAing 20 or more of the PSUs I stopped using them. Their RMA process is hedious to say the least, you have to leave messages and if you are lucky they will call you back a week later.
They did not respond to our emails.

I had the same problem with the Foxconn cases that came with the ISO Power supplies, now I only use Foxconn cases with Delta Power Supplies for the cheaper builds.

[glc]

The Enlight Sniper is an excellent PSU, it's made by Delta.

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by glc The Enlight Sniper is an excellent PSU, it's made by Delta.

here is the case we were using that had lots of problems with the power supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811116168

[tbtusk]

ok, well im ordering today or tomorrow, and since i see no reason to switch PSU's, I'm going to get the cooler master. No one seems to have anything bad to say abou it, so I might as well go for it. I've got the money xso I've decided to go for all the extras. I'm getting the Q9300 and the 9800GTX.

[tbtusk]

Do you think paying another $80 for the full tower version of that tank would be a good idea? i was looking at reviews and a few, not too many, but a few people said it was a little small. I've gotten the impression that the 9800GTX card is rather big. Is this true? What do you think? I'm gonna hold off ordering till tomorrow, so hopefully someone will respond by then.

Sorry for yet another question, thanks for all the help.

[Alaron]

I would recommend a larger case. Judging by the photos of that Apevia unit, your motherboard will be right up against both the bottom of the PSU and the drive cages. I have a smaller case like that and it is tough to work inside. The 9800GTX is a long card as well. A bigger case would give you a lot less hassle when you pack it full of highend parts.

[tbtusk]

i figured that might be a bit of a problem. I'll go for the bigger case. Then I guess I'll be ordering after some sleep. Thanks

[passn_thru2]

I have an ANTEC 900 case.. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_pc...CASE&x=17&y=18

$90 and FREE SHIPPING

YOU CANT PUT LONG fIDIO CARDS IN IT.. 10"..11" IF YOU TAKE OUT FAN 3
i have a VisionTek Radeon HD 3870 X2 ..when i get another to CrossFire, i will have to move one Hard Drive down a slot to get the Sata Cable out of the way.

i really like it, cables go in neatly, will have a photo soon, lots of fans, 5x 120mm, 1x 200mm

here are some Youtubes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpX0o...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9Eoo...eature=related


ANTEC 900 Case. ASUS Rampage Formula X48. Intel Zeon 3110. VISTA 64bit Home Premium. Silent Knight2 CPU cooler. 8 GB OCZ Reaper HPC DDR2 1066. 2x WD CAVIAR SE-16 500GB HD RAID1. VisionTec Radeon HD 3870 X2. Samsung 22" Wide Screen. Cosair 750 watt PSU. OPTI UPS Battery Back Up.

[tbtusk]

ok, finally everything's ordered. Should be her in 4 days or so.

Thanks again for the help