Good computer build?

[shifted90]

Can someone help me get a good computer build?

I would like an Athlon XP 3200+, 1 GB DDR Ram, 120+ GB HDD, 128 MB DDR Video Card, good DVD-ROM, floppy, FireWire, a good and solid power supply(500W +???), and a good looking case for under $700~$800. Can someone help me find parts to do this?

Thanks,
Sean

[kram 2.0]

Welcome to PC Mech forums

First of all, I think you'd be better off with the Athlon 64 instead of the Athlon XP - far more performance out of around the same price. Sorry I can't put the parts together right now - I have to go get some dinner. For PSU, you only need around 350 watts or 400W - go Enlight. Do you need KB/Mouse, OS, or monitor?

kram

[shifted90]

Thanks. I think I will go with the Athlon 64, if you can put the parts together for me =). As of now, I do not need a keyboard, mouse, or a monitor.

As for the power supply, is it bad to have a bigger power supply than you would need? If it is, I would like to get the right amount and yes, I think Enlight would be the best. I've heard many good things about Enlight.

Thanks again,
Sean

P.S. Wow. People at PCMech are REALLY nice. If I, or any other newbies at building computers asked for a computer build at other forums, they would go ballistic on you and tell you to do it by yourself.

[shifted90]

Oh and, I MIGHT need the OS. I would get a Windows XP Home or Professional. My friend might give me his Windows XP Home, because he will be purchasing a Windows XP Professional.

[Dacooch]

Originally Posted by shifted90 P.S. Wow. People at PCMech are REALLY nice. If I, or any other newbies at building computers asked for a computer build at other forums, they would go ballistic on you and tell you to do it by yourself.

Man I totally agree, I just posted a "Help Me Build" thread today and I've learned a bus-load today and everyone was so polite.

[shifted90]

Oh and one last thing I wanted to add was that I wanted a decent TV Tuner for my computer so I can use it with Beyond TV 3.

Thanks,
Sean

[shifted90]

Also, I would like a decent sound card as well as some fans and heatsinks.

[kram 2.0]

For what you're looking around, the best thing might be to go for a Enlight 360W PSU - quality PSU, stable, and hasn't gone kaboom on anyone I know (literally - sometimes happens to bad PSUs). I will try to run through the brands and recommendations - I have to get some work done for class tomorrow morning, so don't wanna stay up that late . All parts should probably be bought at Newegg - good prices, very inexpensive FedEx.

Processor: Athlon 64 if you're going AMD. I believe with the newer Socket 939 release, the Socket 754 prices should sustain around 140 USD - the Newcastle 2800+ should be around where you're looking at considering the budget.

MOBO: Asus K8V-SE Deluxe - most popular, very stable, and loaded with features.

Memory - Corsair, Crucial, Kingston, any of those are reputable. A gig of RAM might be a bit of a stretch for the budget, I should say.

OS: MS Win XP Home OEM SP2 - at Newegg for I think 95 USD.

Video Card - presuming this is going to be for a bit of gaming, the Sapphire Radeon 9600 Pro should fit into budget fine - around 115 USD, it's a good card for games and isn't that far fetched in price.

TV Tuner - if you go to your local CompUSA ad, since you're located in the US, go to the very back and the ATI TV Wonder Pro Remote Control Edt. is on sale for 50 USD - you may want to consider getting it sometimes soon as it is 50% off.

Case - almsost entirely self preference.

Opticals (CD Drives) - Sony makes some nice DVD-ROM drives - you may want to see one. I have one myself and it is very quiet.


That's about it. Post if you have any question - I'm sure someone here would help you. Sorry I couldn't spend more time here - I'm in a bit of a time crunch here, if you understand what I mean. I would usually post links, but couldn't this time - sorry.


Hope that helps,
kram

[Hi Ho]

Welcome to PCmech! Here is a good combination of parts.

Case
Enlight ATX MID-TOWER CASE with 360Watt POWER SUPPLY, Model "EN-7255" -OEM - $51.50

Motherboard
ASUS "K8V SE Deluxe" K8T800 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket 754 CPU -RETAIL - $115.00

Video Card
SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9600PRO Video Card, 128MB DDR, 128-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP, Model "100561-GRN" -OEM BULK - $103.00

TV Tuner
Leadtek PCI TV/FM Tuner Card, Model "WinFast TV2000 XP" -RETAIL - $33.00

CPU
AMD Athlon 64 3000+, 512KB L2 Cache 64-bit Processor - Retail - $164.00

RAM
Geil Ultra Series Value Dual Channel 184 Pin 512MB(256MBx2) DDR PC-3200 w/ Blue Heatspreader - Retail - $91.00

Hard Drive
Seagate 160GB Barracuda 7200.7 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model ST3160023AS, OEM - $107.00

Optical Drives
NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive, Beige, Model ND-3500A BG, OEM - $70.00

TOTAL WITH SHIPPING: $769.96

If you need Windows XP add $94.