Building a PC

[lennonm]

I've been doing some research and think I might have most of an idea, but could use some help.

This PC is mainly going to be used for gaming, school, and some video editing. The problem at the moment is my budget which is only about 500 dollars ( I can spend a little more then that if I must.) So I was thinking of creating a good PC with just the 500 dollars but be able to upgrade it quite a bit later sometime next year when I have the money. I already have a monitor, keyboard, etc. And I have Windows 7. So all I really need is the tower. Here is what I have so far:


Processor: Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz 2MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - 64.50

Motherboard: ASUS P5E3 PRO LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX Intel Motherboard - 134.99

Video Card: HIS H467QS1GH Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support - 74.99

Memory: G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 - 54.99

PSU: APEX AL-D500EXP 500W ATX12V - 44.99

Optical drive: Sony Optiarc Black 18X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM - 18.99

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" - 69.99

Total: 463.44

I was having trouble finding a decent case, so if anybody has any suggestions that would be great. I'm not really big on flashy towers. And any other help with this would be greatly appreciated.

[jdeb]

Processor: Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz 2MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - 64.50

Asus P5Qse P45 Chipset
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131347 96.99

Video Card: HIS H467QS1GH Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support - 74.99

Memory GSkil 4GB ddr2800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231122 83.99

Antec 500w power supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371007 69.99

LG DVD Burner Sata
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136168 27.99

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" - 69.99

total 488.44

Excellent motherboard for the money, 4 gigs of ram instead of 2, Sata DVD/burner faster than IDE, quality power supply. I assume you have the case but if not, you can drop the antec power supply and get a Antec sonata with power supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129024 for 99.99 bringing your total to 518.44 not including shipping, figure 20.00 extra for shipping.

[amdalex]

I don't know a ton about the parts you have listed, but I have a Cooler Master centurion case. It is nice and clean looking and keeps the components fairly cool, my CPU never goes above 40c at full load. It also has a window in the side, but you can get the same case without the window.

[lennonm]

Thanks guys! So how much room do I have to upgrade? Will that motherboard you listed jdeb be able to last awhile, or will I have to upgrade that too as well down the road?

Will I need any extra fans or cooling devices?

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by lennonm Thanks guys! So how much room do I have to upgrade? Will that motherboard you listed jdeb be able to last awhile, or will I have to upgrade that too as well down the road? Will I need any extra fans or cooling devices?

That is a high quality and powerful motherboard, you can upgrade to a quad core cpu and up to 16gb of ram down the road. In terms of additional cooling, none would be required if you have a decent case or if you purchase the one I suggested. If you plan on doing advanced overclocking than you may want to consider this air cooler http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-065-_-Product but keep in mind it will void the cpu warranty and is not really necessary.

[lennonm]

Nah, I don't usually overclock, so I'll go with your suggestion. Thanks again for the help. I'll be buying the parts tomorrow. I'll comeback if I get stuck in the process of building.

[systempat]

I also recommend the CoolerMaster cases. They have several models in the $50 area that are good. I went with a different model (smaller box) because I went with a micro-ATX motherboard and did not need the space.
One bit of advice. Take the money you saved on the motherboard and buy a stronger processor. Like the E7400 or E7500. That would be more of a balance between the motherboard and the CPU. With Intel you are usually spending more for the CPU than the mobo.
I could recommend an AMD combo to you as I think that AMD is stronger in this price range. But it sounds like you are already going ahead so it's probably too late.

[lennonm]

I have yet to buy the parts. I'm still kinda doing the last bit of research. What is the AMD combo?

[systempat]

Processor:
Quad-core for 100 bucks. No L3 cache but benchmarks very well. Fantastic value
AMD Athlon II X4 620 Propus 2.6GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103706 $99
or
3 processors at 2.8 Ghz. Black edition means unlocked multiplier for overclocking options. Proven performance.
AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103649 $125

Motherboard:
GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128394 $80
Onboard Radeon HD4200 video best integrated video available will run Civ 4 and Age of Empire 3 just fine. Also HD to TV. Many like me do not need to add a video card. Use DDR2-800 memory.
OR
GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128392 $80
No onboard video. Needs DDR3 memory. Add your video card and go.

Memory:
For the DDR3 use the same g.skill as you listed. Someday you might want to upgrade to 2x2gb for 4gb of memory
For DDR2. Use DDR2-800 memory like Patriot. 1x2Gb for 47 2x2Gb for 94

[lennonm]

Ok, so this is the build I ended up with.

Processor: Intel core 2 duo E7400 Wolfdale

Motherboard: Asus P5Q SE Plus

Video Card: HIS H467QS1GH Radeon HD 4670

Memory: G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache

Case and Power Supply: Antec Sonata III 500 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply

Optical Drive: LG 22X DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model GH22LS50 LightScribe Support - OEM

So I put it all together in the case first and hit the power button. Fans came on, and that was pretty much it. Also the restart button wouldn't work and none of the LED lights came on. But most importantly No display on the monitor whatsoever.

Then I tried taking out of the case and doing it. Same exact thing. Fans came on and that was it. No display. I don't have access to replacing all the parts. But I did put the memory and the video card in a friends computer and it worked fine. I'm kinda stuck and I don't know what to do next. I will greatly appreciate any help.

[Khalil]

Is the P4 connector plugged in on the motherboard?

[lennonm]

Yes it is.

[Khalil]

If everything is correctly mounted and plugged in and you already tested the memory and video card the only thing remaining is that the motherboard is defective. It is very rare for an Asus motherboard to arrive defective. I would send it or take it back for replacement.

[lennonm]

Yeah, I jut tried it again and got the same thing. Thanks for the help Khalil. I'll send it back for the replacement.

[glc]

Did you follow this procedure?

PROBLEMS with a NEW BUILD? Try This!!