$900 Gaming Build- Please Help, again...

[Moose on the Loose]

I'll give a go at this.

Case : Cooler Master Centurion 2 Silver ATX Mid-Tower Case, Model "CAC-T02-UW" - $29.99

PSU: Enlight ATX 360W P4 Power Supply - $32

CPU: MD Athlon 64 2800+, 512KB L2 Cache - $145

Motherboard: CHAINTECH "VNF3-250" nForce3 250 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket - $75 . I don't know about the quality of Chaintech mobo's, but it might be worth it to get a motherboard from a more reknowned brand. ASUS is always a good choice. I like this one a lot ASUS "K8N-E Deluxe" NVIDIA nForce3 Chipset , but it costs $135.

HDD : Western Digital 80GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive - $69 - OEM.

Optical: Lite-On White 8X DVD+/-RW Drive - $60

RAM: Mushkin 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - Retail - $73

Vid Card: POWERCOLOR ATI RADEON 9800 Video Card, 128MB DDR, 256-bit - $159

Totals out at $643 without shipping. Leaves you with enough space for shipping/monitor, and will give a great value build. If you can, I would go with the ASUS board, as the Mobo is very important, and can be the cause of many errors if you have a low quality one (not saying that Chaintech is low quality, I just don't know them).

Regards, Mooieoseomsrsmeoirsmoeimsmsoeosmemoseomes

[Amirsan]

I am getting myself a bit stressed now...

My cousin's husband whom works with Intel is telling me to get Intel Build, and if Pentium, 3.0Ghz...

But I dont know now, I dont think I have the money for it.

Maybe I do, I will try and post an Intel build, and then we will compare an AMD and Intel and see which is the best route.

[Amirsan]

OS: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack SP1a - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewprodu...-102-141&DEPA=0 --$90

CPU:

Mobo:

Memory: Kingston 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...141-424&DEPA=1 --$$80

DVD/CD-RW combo: Rosewill 52x32x52x16 CD-RW & DVD Combo Drive, Model C523216, Retail
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...190-002&depa=1 --$38.00

Hard Drive: Western Digital 80GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model WD800BB, OEM Drive only
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...144-102&depa=1 --$63.00

Keyboard and mouse: KEYBOARD-2000 KB-558BB/P Keyboard and Optical Mouse Combo PS/2 104keys -RETAIL
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProdu...-157-010&depa=1 --$14.50

Speakers: Logitech Z-640
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewprodu...-121-104&DEPA=0 --$43

Case: Rosewill Gold/Black ATX Mid Tower Case with 400W Power Supply, Model "SL313-2634WU+P27" -RETAIL
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...147-002&DEPA=1 --$39.00

GFX Card: SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9600XT Video Card, 128MB DDR, 128-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP -BULK -OEM
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...102-326&depa=1 --$135.00

Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster 793DF - Display - CRT - 17" - 1280 x 1024 / 65 Hz - 0.2 mm - black, silver
http://www.techonweb.com/shop/produc...=476534&src=PG --$105

607.50 WITHOUT the CPU and Mobo...

I am now looking for an Intel CPU and Mobo.

[Amirsan]

CPU: Intel LGA 775 Pentium 4 530 3.0 GHz, 800MHz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache, Hyper Threading Technology - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduc...116-184&depa=1 --$205.00

Now I need a good mobo for under $100...

[Amirsan]

Might I add the mobo has to be an LGA 775 type.

EDIT: Found one, the one used in speeddude's old Intel Build:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...128-248&depa=1

Its $50 more then my limit...

Maybe there are cheaper versions of the other components of the Intel Build?

I am beggining to believe that Intel will give me much expansion. Also sinse most of my family uses Intel...

EDIT (AGAIN): Also, for Christmas I will probably get x800 Radeon and 1 gig, I am sure it will be much cheaper in 6 months from now, probably more then half the price.

Sinse my CPU right now can last me a LONG time, all I would have to worry about upgrading is the RAM, Video Card, and the.... thats it, probably a monitor in the future.

[GForce64]

Cooler Master Centurion 2 ATX Mid Tower Case: 45.98$

Thermaltake Silent PurePower, 420W ATX power supply: 38$

Intel LGA 775 Pentium 4 520 2.8 GHz: 173.99$

MSI "915P COMBO-FR" 915P Chipset Motherboard: 134$

Mushkin 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200: 73.99$

Western Digital 80GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive: 70.75$

ABIT ATI RADEON X300 SE Video Card: 108.99$

Lite-On Combo Drive: 40.98$

Samsung Black 1.44MB 3.5inch Floppy Disk Drive: 9.99$

Logitech Deluxe Desktop Bundle (Deluxe Keyboard & S69 Mouse): 17.99$

Logitech Z640 5.1 Speakers: 51.99$

Windows XP OEM: 69$

Total: 835.65$

All that stuff is on Newegg, except for the Windows. You found that right?
I went this direction because this mobo has DDR and DDR2 slots. So you can get DDR now, and upgrade to DDR2 later. The video card isn't too great, but it will tide you over till you get a X800. It will be decent now, but be great when you get a gig and an x800 for christmas. Right now, go monitor huting, and see if you can find an old CRT in the newspaper or one on clearance at a store like Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Office Max, etc.

[Moose on the Loose]

I don't know what kind of PSU's come with that Rosewill case but I doubt they're any good. You can always try to pick up an Antec or Enlight case, those come with PSU's that can actually be trusted.

[speeddude2000]

Originally Posted by Amirsan I am getting myself a bit stressed now... My cousin's husband whom works with Intel is telling me to get Intel Build, and if Pentium, 3.0Ghz... But I dont know now, I dont think I have the money for it. Maybe I do, I will try and post an Intel build, and then we will compare an AMD and Intel and see which is the best route.

lets think about that....they WORK at intel, their biggest competitor is AMD, so theyll tell you to get intel!

[speeddude2000]

Originally Posted by GForce64 ABIT ATI RADEON X300 SE Video Card: 108.99$

thats about a little better than a 9200 or 9600....i think he needs a better card

[GForce64]

Is the regular X300 any better?

Edit: Where did you find that info?

[speeddude2000]

okay, gonna try another build for you.

this ones Intel, ill make an AMD next.

just a note, i found a free intel mobo but its socket 478 and its only available for 1-3 days i think.

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...139-144&DEPA=0


CPU: Intel LGA 775 Pentium 4 520 2.8 GHz, 800MHz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache, Hyper Threading Technology - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...116-185&depa=1
==need this socket type to upgrade, cheapest proccessor==

$172?

mobo:MSI "915P COMBO-FR" 915P Chipset Motherboard For Intel LGA 775 CPU -RETAIL
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...130-465&depa=1
==has 2 ddr slots and 2 ddrII slots so when you have $, then upgrade==

$129

OS: xp home...$90

HD: Western Digital 80GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model WD800JD, OEM Drive Only
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...135-106&depa=1
==nothin to say here...just a HD.==
$69.25

memory: Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...145-479&depa=1
==cheap, upgrade later==
$77

dvd/cdrw: Rosewill 52x32x52x16 CD-RW Black Combo Drive, Model C523216B, Retail
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...190-003&depa=1
==cheap==
$39

speakers: Logitech Z640 5.1 Speakers -RETAIL
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...121-104&DEPA=0
==cheap and good, $9 shipping though and my prices dont include shipping==
$43

i left out a few parts...ill add them later.

total: ABOUT $619.25(shipping not included)cause i rounded a few prices

you need a video card, case, and monitor.... so get a $150 vid card, 50 case/ps, and a $100 monitor.

[speeddude2000]

Originally Posted by GForce64 Is the regular X300 any better? Edit: Where did you find that info?

just looked, and its just an extra 128MB, so its 256mb. not that great for $25 more. also, it supports direct x 9.0 version "c".

64-128 bit memory(tsk tsk) same clocks as a 9600. same opengl version as the 9600. so id say this is a pci-e version of the 9600.

[speeddude2000]

Originally Posted by Amirsan I am now looking for an Intel CPU and Mobo.

hmm... so you have almost $300 for that? i would say get a lga775 2.8ghz(172 or 173) and a msi $129 that i had in my latest build. however, youll have to change your video card to a card that uses the pci-e interface.

[KoMoDo]

Originally Posted by Amirsan Might I post again... the technoweb monitor which it seem,s everyone agrees on... I dont see any details on shipping... how much and how long will it take to ship? If long and much, I might as well look around locally. EDIT: Also, about the motherboard, is the sound chip good? Third, is there an ethernet connector or something to plug in my dsl connector to the pc?

ok,
ya, i like that sapphire gfx card, add those 3 bucks and get it dude. dont get the 256mb edition, it wont add much to your performance and ure upgrading soon anyways.

1. i say u look locally once ure back to the US, trust me its much cheaper and better than with unknown websites, unknown shipping info, etc.

2. i know what u wanted, and i followed your requests, u need to trust me more :-P the sound card on that mobo is awesome, its exactly what i have on my comp(the one in the sig, not the crappy one im currently using) and its excellent, its just that the one in my sig is only 3 channels and yours is for 5.1 so ure good.

3. yes, there is an ethernet controller on the mobo and its real good too, Realtek 8100C 10/100 mbps ethernet controller, just what u need.

ure good to go i'd say.
Good luck,

KoMoDo

[Amirsan]

Ok, then its settled. Intel is in and AMD is out.

I feel much better. Now lets get our FINAL list ready so I can begin looking for good deals.

Its about time speeddude. :P I have been awaiting your posts.

@Geforce, I would consider your build but remember, your talking to a noob... I wont know whats good and whats not just from the name, so I need links.

Here is Speeddude's build with the extra things I need:
-----------------------------------------------------------

OS: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack SP1a - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewprodu...-102-141&DEPA=0 --$90

CPU: Intel LGA 775 Pentium 4 520 2.8 GHz, 800MHz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache, Hyper Threading Technology - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProdu...-116-185&depa=1
==need this socket type to upgrade, cheapest proccessor==
$174

mobo: MSI "915P COMBO-FR" 915P Chipset Motherboard For Intel LGA 775 CPU -RETAIL
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProdu...-130-465&depa=1
==has 2 ddr slots and 2 ddrII slots so when you have $, then upgrade==
$129

memory: Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProdu...-145-479&depa=1
==cheap, upgrade later==
$78

dvd/cdrw: Rosewill 52x32x52x16 CD-RW Black Combo Drive, Model C523216B, Retail
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProdu...-190-003&depa=1
==cheap==
$39

HD: Western Digital 80GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model WD800JD, OEM Drive Only
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProdu...-135-106&depa=1
==nothin to say here...just a HD.==
$70.75

Keyboard and mouse: KEYBOARD-2000 KB-558BB/P Keyboard and Optical Mouse Combo PS/2 104keys -RETAIL
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProdu...-157-010&depa=1 --$14.50

speakers: Logitech Z640 5.1 Speakers -RETAIL
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewprodu...-121-104&DEPA=0
==cheap and good, $9 shipping though and my prices dont include shipping==
$52

Case: Rosewill Gold/Black ATX Mid Tower Case with 400W Power Supply, Model "SL313-2634WU+P27" -RETAIL
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewprodu...-147-002&DEPA=1 --$39.00

GFX Card: SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9600XT Video Card, 128MB DDR, 128-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP -BULK -OEM
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProdu...-102-326&depa=1 --$135.00

Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster 793DF - Display - CRT - 17" - 1280 x 1024 / 65 Hz - 0.2 mm - black, silver
http://www.techonweb.com/shop/produ...d=476534&src=PG --$105

---------------------------------------------------------------

Total: 911.75 not including shipping for case, GFX, Monitor, and OS.

Its a bit over budget... anyone find any good deal replacements?

[Moose on the Loose]

I said it before, watch out with the PSU in that Rosewill case. You don't want to see $900 going down the drain.

[Amirsan]

Originally Posted by Moose on the Loose I said it before, watch out with the PSU in that Rosewill case. You don't want to see $900 going down the drain.

Any other suggestions then? That will fit UNDER and even cheaper then the budget?

[kram 2.0]

Are the Intel LGA775 processors going to accept DDR1 as opposed to DDR2 on the 915P chipset? I know it mentions on the Newegg specs on the MSI board that it will accept on two DIMM sockets DDR at Dual Channel, but I'm not too sure with the newer processor in that it will work.

kram

[GForce64]

Your video card won't work. No AGP slot on that mobo.

[Amirsan]

Ok, well about the PSU... maybe I can find a cheaper HD and change my PSU and Case to the following that komodo suggested.
Linkworld Black/Silver ATX Mid Tower Case, Model "3210-04-C2628" -RETAIL 25.5$
Enlight ATX 420W P4 Power Supply, Model "EN-8420934" -RETAIL 39.88$

If I can find cheaper things then this stuff will go way over budget.

[Amirsan]

Ok, Kram, Geforce, any other suggestions then? :-/

[Moose on the Loose]

If you buy a case from a manufacturer that makes quality PSU's, you can use the PSU that comes with it. Antec, Enlight, Thermaltake,...

[Amirsan]

What if I needmore powersupply... can I just attatch an external one and add it to the built in one?

[Moose on the Loose]

No, I don't think that's possible and I don't know why you would need to do such a thing. Your build should do fine with a 360W PSU.

[Amirsan]

Ok, seems I need a new mobo... any other finds guys?

About the case, yeah, I guess its alright, but if we can find a cheaper but good mobo, and if I can find some discounts on the stuff in local stores, I can then get komodo's case and PSU.

I also have a question...

An external PSU will be just a box I put in my room next to the pc... or do I have to add it INSIDE the case? I have been a bit confused about it..

[Amirsan]

Might I ask another question...

would I be able to use a Windows XP disk if one of my family members have one? No one in my family has built a computer, so if they have it, it would have came with the pc. I know my cousin has bought a SOny pc, and it does have WinXP... can I use that?

Thats IF he has the disk. Anyways, the basic question is if one WinXP disk can be used on two different pc's...

[Moose on the Loose]

Your PSU is something you screw to your case. It's easy to install, you just need to tighten 4 screws. I don't know why you want an external PSU?

To answer your second question - no you can't use the same copy of Win XP on 2 computers. You will have to buy a new one.

[Amirsan]

Well not external, I meant one we buy seperatly for a case without a PSU... though now I understand, thanks.

[KoMoDo]

yes, u can mod a PC to have 2 psu's in it, but y having so much trouble?
and yes, i think u can use the same serial number on 3 pc's(win xp serial numbers)
i told u ure getting deeper and deeper now, just stick with my build instead of going for pci express cards now, etc... u will need to upgrade mobo cpu and ram in 4 years, no matter what mobo cpu and ram u choose now... but w/e u want dude...

KoMoDo

[Amirsan]

Well is PCI Express needed? I can just go for a regular LGA775 socket.

And your AMD build was good, but I am much more comfertable with Intel, always, I know them more, my family knows about them more, and its much better for me.

I can always upgrade Video Card and Memory once I get around $100 or in Christmas. I think 512MB and 9600XT is fine for me....

Now we need to drop some other things..