Help on PC Customization

[Petabyte]

Well let's see, I am looking to buy a new gaming rig from iBuyPower.com, and I want to make sure that I select compatible parts.
However, this will be my first time buying a custom-built PC so I am a bit of a noob at system configuration.

I do know what I need regarding performance, and ideas of what specs I would like to include, I just need advice on how to select parts that will work good together.

*Going for the Gamer Paladin 700-IS: http://www.ibuypower.com/ibp/store/c...or.aspx?mid=61

[Alaron]

Welcome to PCMech.

Have you considered building your own computer? Thats what we recommend.

What kind of budget are you working with?

[Petabyte]

Originally Posted by Alaron Welcome to PCMech. Have you considered building your own computer? Thats what we recommend. What kind of budget are you working with?

I've considered building my own, however (as mentioned) I am new to computer building in general so I have yet to learn about what is and isn't compatible in terms of detailed specs/parts.

Right now I am working on a budget of under $2000.

[liambl]

Building is not that hard at all, and whether you or someone you paid builds it, you still need a good list of parts. Once you have the parts, they all just slot together in under an hour, and with the advice from the people here you can't go wrong. You will end up with a more powerful PC that is more suited to your needs, everything can be just how you like it as you have a huge selection of parts available. And on top of that you come out knowing a lot more about PCs and the feeling that you just built it yourself.

$2000 will get you a very powerful gaming PC if you build youself, now all you have to do is wait a short while for one of our premier system configurators to spec you out a list of parts (doing this isnt my speciality )

[glc]

Tell us what you expect from a computer, and give us the budget including operating system but NOT including monitor or any peripherals.

[Petabyte]

Originally Posted by glc Tell us what you expect from a computer, and give us the budget including operating system but NOT including monitor or any peripherals.

I look to run on Windows XP Professional with a budget that hopefully won't go above $1,300.
(based on estimated pricing of hardware)

My core expectations for a computer include:
Excellent memory, large file storing capability, ability to multitask, and graphics suited for mid-range gaming; all built around a quality CPU (preferably Intel).

[David M]

It really isn't hard to build your own..and you end up getting what is more suited to you. I built my first gaming/general purpose computer by getting my information and help from this forum. I have since built three more high end gaming computers. Its not hard, it just takes some time to learn. The computer is no longer this mysterious box that I have to take to a computer geek to get it fixed.

A gaming rig for $1300 is very realistic. I call it a gaming rig because that is going to be its most stressful task...the rest of the software will be easy for it to run by comparison.

I learned the hard way, but my whole philosophy now is to keep it simple. (other than some watercooling so I can tweak another 20% or so out of it.) Simple to me means no RAID, no multiple operating systems, no fancy RAM, one hard drive...you got the idea. Simplicity equates to reliability with computers...in my experience at least.

Which components you buy is extremely important. Parts are not parts. Quality varies dramatically. Buying the best does necessarily mean you have to pay the highest prices.

Start reading around the website and you will start learning what is good and what is probably junk. PC Power and Cooling, Seagate, Asus, Crucial, Lian-LI are all good brands....ok, I already started biasing you. Given Intel is ahead in the arms race, I would pick them amongst other reasons.

One thing I did when I designed my first computer, was I went to some of the computer manufacturer websites to see what components they were putting in their computers. This does not mean companies like Dell, which use a lot of proprietary parts. It does mean companies like ABS or Falcon which use the same parts available to anybody.

Put together a rig on paper and present it to this forum. We will pick it apart and tell you what a "noob" you are....NOT! Actually, the people here are just the opposite as opposed to some other computer forums.

Have fun with it.

[Petabyte]

Originally Posted by David M It really isn't hard to build your own..and you end up getting what is more suited to you. I built my first gaming/general purpose computer by getting my information and help from this forum. I have since built three more high end gaming computers. Its not hard, it just takes some time to learn. The computer is no longer this mysterious box that I have to take to a computer geek to get it fixed. A gaming rig for $1300 is very realistic. I call it a gaming rig because that is going to be its most stressful task...the rest of the software will be easy for it to run by comparison. I learned the hard way, but my whole philosophy now is to keep it simple. (other than some watercooling so I can tweak another 20% or so out of it.) Simple to me means no RAID, no multiple operating systems, no fancy RAM, one hard drive...you got the idea. Simplicity equates to reliability with computers...in my experience at least. Which components you buy is extremely important. Parts are not parts. Quality varies dramatically. Buying the best does necessarily mean you have to pay the highest prices. Start reading around the website and you will start learning what is good and what is probably junk. PC Power and Cooling, Seagate, Asus, Crucial, Lian-LI are all good brands....ok, I already started biasing you. Given Intel is ahead in the arms race, I would pick them amongst other reasons. One thing I did when I designed my first computer, was I went to some of the computer manufacturer websites to see what components they were putting in their computers. This does not mean companies like Dell, which use a lot of proprietary parts. It does mean companies like ABS or Falcon which use the same parts available to anybody. Put together a rig on paper and present it to this forum. We will pick it apart and tell you what an idiot you are....NOT! Actually, the people here are just the opposite as opposed to some other computer forums. Have fun with it.

Thanks very much, this is certainly the most helpful response I've received through my forum-hopping .

I had managed earlier to compose a list of basic components that were reasonably priced, I would appreciate any advice regarding compatibility, tips, and what-not.

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400

Video card: NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT

Sound card: HT OMEGA STRIKER 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card

Fan/cooling: **need help selecting this, not too sure what I need in cooling systems.

Motherboard: DFI LP DK X48-T2RSB PLUS LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard

CD/DVD drive: LG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner w/ SecurDisc Tech Black SATA Model GH20NS15 - OEM

Floppy drive: SAMSUNG Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive Windows 98SE/ ME/ 2000/ XP - OEM

Hard drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

Power Supply: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

Memory module: Patriot Extreme Performance 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC24G6400ELK

Case: Most likely I will select one after I'm sure of what hardware I'll be working with.

[shadowpr]

Not a bad list.

You won't need any extra fans or cooling unless you plan on overclocking.

You might want to hold off on the sound card till you try onboard audio first. Many say it's almost just as good. (I personally went with a sound card.)

Unless you still use floppys, you can probably do without that drive.

For a mb, I've heard good about dfi, but more from people looking to tweak. I would suggest the asus p5q, or p5q pro instead.

If storage is a concern, I would get at least a 500gb hard drive. Look at Western digital caviar black sata drives.

I've heard good about patriot, but you can usually find better deals I think with corsair, and g.skill. Just check the prices. But you picked good wih 2x2gb ddr2-800.

And that psu is a bit overkill, but I believe there is a good deal going on it right now, so why not. You could lower it to a 650 though if you wanted.

For a case, it's personal preference. I like the antec 300.

[glc]

Shadow is pointing you in the right direction.

P5Q Pro
WD Black 500gb
Corsair 6400C5 2x2 kit

I like the Coolermaster RC690 case.

Floppy will be needed to install XP on the Intel ICH10R controller in AHCI mode.

[shadowpr]

Originally Posted by glc Floppy will be needed to install XP on the Intel ICH10R controller in AHCI mode.

I keep forgetting that point.

Your other options would be use vista, or set the hd to ide mode. With those ways, a floppy wouldn't be required.

[Petabyte]

Thanks alot guys, and shadow for the suggestions;
This has certainly taken alot of anxiety out of my first step to building a computer.

I'll certainly be coming here the next time I need advice

[shadowpr]

Like others have said, you will probably be a lot happier if you build it yourself.

You save money, and get a feeling of pride that you created your own computer.

Just take your time, and it should go well.

WARNING: After building your first computer, you will continue to have desires to build more. This desire could lead to build many computers and having a huge electric bill.

[Petabyte]

Originally Posted by shadowpr WARNING: After building your first computer, you will continue to have desires to build more. This desire could lead to build many computers and having a huge electric bill.

Or sell some locally to pay that electric bill

[Popcorn117]

2000$ you can build a god gaming one yourself. heres a great site for beginner info: http://www.build-gaming-computers.com/

[Alaron]

_Moderator Note_

Popcorn, watch your language. This is a family forum. Please review the rules.

And that site is out-of-date.