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06-06-2009, 12:09 AM
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#1 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 50
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Critique my PC-to-be? xD
Hi guys, I'm new to the building a PC thing xD (laptop died
 so I figured this would be a good time to try this out)I'm hoping for this PC to be able to handle moderate gaming (nothing too complex...hoping Starcraft II doesn't fall under this category xD) and hopefully last me a few years. Graphics card SAPPHIRE 100265HDMI Radeon HD 4830 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - $90 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102822 Power supply CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - $100 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005 Processor Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - $165 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037 Motherboard ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - $120 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131299 or... ASUS P5Q SE PLUS LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - $97 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131347 I'm wondering if it's worth it for the upgrade to the P5Q pro...the only add-on seems to be firewire x_x RAM CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $70 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145176 Hard Drive Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136218 Monitor ASUS VW192T+ 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 ASCR 4000:1(1000:1) Built in Speakers - $72 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16824236056R CD/DVD drive LITE-ON Black 18X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model iHDS118-04 - OEM - $20 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106276 or ASUS Black 18X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model DVD-E818A3T BULK - OEM - $19 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135181 The Asus one seems to come with screws (at least, none of the reviews appear to complain about it...what are the screws for >.>?), but the lite-on has free shipping xD Case RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WB Black 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case - $80 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811156063 It all comes out to around $850 I think...most of the shipping is free so I don't think it should come out to more than 900 (definitely won't if I actually get my rebates xD) I'm also hoping that someone can point out any glaring issues with compatibility ^^;;; I'll do some more research tomorrow as it's a little late for me ATM And if I'm actually missing components, it'd be nice to know too ^_^ Comments on where I can save / where I should think of improving would be awesome too. Thanks for any help I get 
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06-06-2009, 03:02 AM
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#2 |
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Avanzato Tecnico
Premium Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Illinois
Posts: 3,380
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You will need more graphics power for Starcraft II because of all the AI on the screen and there will so many units fighting.
I recommend at least a 4670 with 1GB memory. The P5Q SE Plus is all the motherboard you need for this build, put the money into a better video card.
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06-06-2009, 08:24 AM
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#3 |
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I like me
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Tejas
Posts: 7,332
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I would also upgrade to a dvd burner.
Also get a wd caviar black drive. It has more cache and a longer warranty.
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06-06-2009, 10:26 AM
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#4 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 50
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Thanks for the replies.
@ Khalil - that's a little disappointing @ Starcraft II, but I DID find a 4670 with 1 gig for the exact same price.  ASUS EAH4670/DI/1GD3/A Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121305 No free shipping though haha. xD@shadowpr What does a large cache doe for you  faster data transfer?Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM, $75 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136319 Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM, $60 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136320 The only difference between these 2 is how much they can store right? Seems like it... And finally... What's the difference between a cd/dvd burner and a regular cd/dvd drive? can the burner basically do all a drive does + burn cds/dvds? *Edit* There's actually like 5 graphics cards with the same specs...>_> Last edited by wenbo; 06-06-2009 at 10:52 AM. |
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06-06-2009, 10:29 AM
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#5 |
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I like me
Join Date: May 2007
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The only difference between those two drives is the size.
A larger cache seems to improve the read/write times. I'm not sure exatly how, but I know it does. A dvd burner will do the same as a regular dvd drive and it will also let you burn cd's and dvd's. It will probably only be about $5 more. |
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06-06-2009, 11:13 AM
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#6 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 50
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Hellooo Samsung...
SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache IDE 22X DVD±R DVD Burner - $23 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827151175 Ship freely darnit. ¬.¬ Still stumped about the graphics card choice...they all look friggin' identical. In the reviews however, there's gripes about some supporting crossfire...when surprise, they don't. There's 2 HIS ones...the only thing I can see different is one has "IceQ cooling" or something, which is also 30 dollars more. HIS Hightech H467QS1GP Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - 100 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161251 HIS Hightech H467QSS1GP Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail - 70 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161273 Then there's a Sapphire one. SAPPHIRE 100256L Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - 80 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102804 And the original one from ASUS. Does it even like, really matter? I'm about to roll a 4side die ATM and see what happens. Complaints I'm seeing about the 4670 is that it isn't compatible with the 48xx series of graphics cards in crossfire. <_ Now thinking about a 48xx series card instead...Haha. SAPPHIRE 100266HDMI Radeon HD 4830 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - 110 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102827 lolpromo SAPPHIRE 100258-1GHDMI Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - 105 with promo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102837 feel like i'm getting that one now XD Last edited by wenbo; 06-06-2009 at 11:24 AM. |
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06-06-2009, 11:15 AM
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#7 |
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I like me
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Tejas
Posts: 7,332
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Change that dvd drive to either an asus, lite-on, or LG. And get a sata one, not ide.
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06-06-2009, 11:27 AM
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#8 |
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Avanzato Tecnico
Premium Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Illinois
Posts: 3,380
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The Asus video card will not give you any performance advantage however they have exceptional customer service, so in the event your video card fails during the first 3 years all you will have to do is go to the site or call them and get it RMA, they repair or replace it quickly & hassle free.
Sapphire and HIS, you will have to go back to newegg.com if the card fails on you, problem with that, after 30 days newegg don't know you and you are on your own. Another good brands that will cover RMA direct are Diamond and BFG (both US based). Here are the cards you want. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121305 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814103073 |
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06-06-2009, 11:30 AM
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#9 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 50
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Hmm, ok.
Is it all SATA these days? @_@ LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA CD/DVD Burner - 30 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106291 Yay for free shipping. *Edit* Hmm...guess I'll be sticking to the ASUS one... What's the difference between the 4670 and the 48xx? Last edited by wenbo; 06-06-2009 at 11:34 AM. |
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06-06-2009, 11:40 AM
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#10 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 50
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Difference between Radeon 4670 and 48xx series?
Hi guys, I'm considering 2 cards for my new computer o.o
One is by Asus, the other is by Sapphire. ASUS EAH4670/DI/1GD3/A Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121305 SAPPHIRE 100258-1GHDMI Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102837 Could anyone explain just how different these cards are? xD I'm debating which one will be better in the long run...I've heard the 4670 is incompatible with the 48xx series in crossfire <_< which I might considering doing (somewhere far down the line haha) I've also heard that ASUS >>>>>> SAPPHIRE in the customer support area... Thanks for any replies
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06-06-2009, 11:41 AM
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#11 |
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Avanzato Tecnico
Premium Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Illinois
Posts: 3,380
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the 4850 is 256bit, big performance boost. It is worth the money too, but neither Asus or Diamond have one in 1 Gig. It all really depends on how much you want to spend. That power supply can even handle a 4890.
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06-06-2009, 11:48 AM
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#12 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 50
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Maybe I'll consider this one, heh.
ASUS EAH4870 DK/HTDI/1GD5 Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - 177 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16814121291R Comes in a good $70 more than the 4850s haha >.< |
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06-06-2009, 11:54 AM
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#13 |
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Member (11 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: eastern nc
Posts: 1,349
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If you read the specs, they are obviously not the same.
You need identical GPUs for today's Xfire and Xfire will work best if you use identical video cards. What are your system specs? Don't forget PSU.
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06-06-2009, 11:55 AM
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#14 |
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Avanzato Tecnico
Premium Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Illinois
Posts: 3,380
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Can't go wrong with a 4870 it will take on any game with ease.
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06-06-2009, 11:59 AM
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#15 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 50
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Haha, I'm very new to the build-your-own PC thing >.< didn't know the bit about X-fire requiring identical GPUs o.o guess I didn't read ATI's description carefully enough...
My build is over on the computer builds area, I'm powering this build with... CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply |
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06-06-2009, 12:09 PM
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#16 |
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Forum Administrator
Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Joplin MO
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Threads merged, please keep all questions about a build together. Thank you.
- Admin - |
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06-06-2009, 12:20 PM
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#17 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 50
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Thought taking the question to the specific forum would be better haha >.< now I know better I guess.
I guess I'll go with the 4870, heh. Gonna update my specs now I guess. One more thing - is there any particular reason for LG / ASUS / Lite - on for the drive? And bleh, need a new monitor lols. New monitor - 115 ASUS VW224U Black 22" 2ms(GTG) Widescreen LCD Monitor w/ HDCP Support 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 5000:1) Built in Speakers http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16824236050R Last edited by wenbo; 06-06-2009 at 12:46 PM. |
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06-06-2009, 12:55 PM
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#18 |
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Avanzato Tecnico
Premium Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Illinois
Posts: 3,380
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Thats a great monitor however I would not advise buying an open box.
When people recommend brands on this forum it is because of quality. Mind you I have seen some outlandish recommendations too. Shadowpr is advising you to get quality components, I would add Sony to his list as I use hundreds of them a month and they work really well. |
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06-06-2009, 01:01 PM
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#19 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 50
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I did read the newegg statement on open box and it did sound kinda scary xD
The 4870 I'm looking at is also open box...sigh... After thinking about it, I think I'll just stick with the 4670 for now. Graphics are gonna get cheaper, right? xD How important is the monitor? I'm thinking about just hopping over to Costco and just buying one...xD On 3rd thought...>.< Sapphire is known for quality products right? :\ Just crappy RMA? SAPPHIRE 100258-1GHDMI Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail is $105...sigh. I feel like I'll just grab the 1 year warranty and go for the sapphire one, heh. The CD/DVD burner I decided on...$30 Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827118030 Last edited by wenbo; 06-06-2009 at 01:53 PM. |
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06-06-2009, 03:02 PM
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#20 |
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Avanzato Tecnico
Premium Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Illinois
Posts: 3,380
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Sapphires rarely fail.
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06-06-2009, 03:02 PM
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#21 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 50
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Finalized build :O
Looks like this is the final build.
Power Supply CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005 Processor Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037 RAM CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145176 Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home SP3 for System Builders - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116511 Motherboard ASUS P5Q SE PLUS LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131347 Case RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WB Black 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811156063 Hard Drive Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136319 Graphics Card SAPPHIRE 100258-1GHDMI Radeon HD 4850 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102837 Monitor ASUS VW192T+ 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 ASCR 4000:1(1000:1) Built in Speakers - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824236056 CD/DVD burner Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827118030 Total comes out to be slightly under $1000 after getting warranty on the graphics card (Sapphire has pretty meh RMA policy? >.<) Any final comments before I order all these? *excited*Once again, thanks for the replies. *edit* That's nice to here Khalil makes me feel a little better about getting it...
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06-06-2009, 03:13 PM
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#22 |
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Avanzato Tecnico
Premium Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Illinois
Posts: 3,380
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Looks good, good luck and let us know how it all turns out.
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06-06-2009, 03:23 PM
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#23 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 50
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Thanks for all the help guys ^_^ I'll post results in probably 3 days or so xD
Also typoed *hear* ... here... same thing right...>.> |
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06-06-2009, 03:51 PM
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#24 |
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Member (11 bit)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: tfp
Posts: 1,923
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When you do go to assemble the PC, follow this guide: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=168456
It's designed for troubleshooting, but it's good to start a build as well, as it'll let you catch any faulty components before everything's in the case and hard to get back out.
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06-06-2009, 04:11 PM
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#25 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 50
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I saw that guide and wondered if I should test it all before throwing it into the case haha, thanks
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06-07-2009, 01:08 PM
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#26 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 50
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Wow I'm already getting antsy and the parts haven't even shipped yet.
I'm hunting around for guides to building it... http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles...45&cid=19&pg=4 That one looks pretty good right? The one I found on PC mech doesn't seem quite as up to date o.o although the guidelines still seem fairly accurate... |
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06-07-2009, 01:45 PM
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#27 |
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Wrench Bender
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Plymouth,MN
Posts: 5,961
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The guide you listed looks good. One of the things people have trouble with is installing the Intel type CPU heatsinks. A trick I use is to place the motherboard on the open motherboard box; this gives room for the latching pins on the back side of the mobo and provides a stable platform when pushing on the latch pins.
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"When sliding down the banister of life; look out for splinters pointing up."
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06-07-2009, 04:17 PM
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#28 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: London, UK
Posts: 27
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If you're prepared to pay for a guide, Dave recommended this one a while back
http://www.build-your-own-computers....hop=pcmechdave |
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06-07-2009, 04:29 PM
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#29 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 50
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Hah, I think I'm good with the guide.
However, there is one thing I noticed while reading the processor reviews... Would anyone recommend getting another fan instead of the one Intel provides? ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835186134 This was one I saw mentioned. |
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06-07-2009, 04:49 PM
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#30 |
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I like me
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Tejas
Posts: 7,332
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I would just use the stock fan unless you plan on overclocking.
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