Building a new comp, PLZ HELP

[deadman.inc]

this is my first time building a new computer and i need help with the compatibility and all. not only that, but can someone plz tell me some other sites than newegg.com to get quality computer hardware cheap. ther is pricewatch.com but i prefer newegg over that because not only is it organized but somewhat cheap. well here goes, don't mind the long post, it's mostly paste and copy.

Cases
Foxconn CASEDGE Diabolic "Minotaur" Case with 400W Power Supply (Red&Black)

CD/DVD Burners (RW Drives)
Lite-On Black 52X32X52X16 Combo Drive
NEC 8X Black DVD+RW/-RW Drive, Model ND-2500A

Floppy Drive
NEC 1.44MB Black Internal Floppy Drive

Hard Drive
Maxtor 80GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive

Keyboard
Logitech Cordless Comfort Duo BLACK USB/ PS/2 105keys

Memory
Mushkin 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 (2)

modems
3Net Internal 56K PCI Fax Modem

Monitor
NEC/MITSUBISHI FE771SB-BK 17" SuperBright Diamondtron CRT Monitor (it's flat screen)

Motherboard
EPoX "EP-4PCA3+" i875P Chipset Motherboard for Intel Socket 478 CPU -RETAIL

processor
Intel Pentium 4/ 2.4C GHz 800MHz FSB, 512K Cache, Hyper Threading Technology - Retail

OS
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Upgrade - Retail

SoundCard
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS GAMER Limited Edition PCI Sound Card

Speakers
Logitech Z-2200 2 Satellite THX-Certified Speaker System

Videio Card
POWERCOLOR ATI RADEON 9600PRO Video Card, 128MB DDR, 128-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP

all this costs me about 1500, my goals is to bring it down to around $1200, that's why i need the new sites to find quality computer hardware cheap.
anohter thing is that i have heard that Amd systems are better for gaming than intel, is that tru? and what brand of hard drive and memory is good, i have a maxtor harddrive and 2 mushkin memory. this is my first time building a new computer, so any help or suggestion is more than appreciated.

[RJ]

Hello and welcome to PC Mech,

your selection looks fine except:
A DVD burner can also burn CDs, so you don't need an extra CD-RW or even a CD-RW/DVD-ROM combodrive. Just get a plain DVD-ROM.
As for the DVD burner, I'd get the NEC 2510 or the LiteOn SOHW-832S, as they can burn to a dual layered DVD+R, too.
Through they're not out yet, it is good to have the option to use it once they become affordable. It shouldn't take long after all.

anohter thing is that i have heard that Amd systems are better for gaming than intel, is that tru?

If you do a forum search you will find that every AMD vs Intel thread ended up in a war. Bottom line: No. They are both good. But since a PC is more than just a CPU, I recommend to go the Intel route, with an Intel chipset. It will be rock solid and also good performing.

I would also look for a quality PSU, like Antec and Enermax for example. If the case comes with a quality one it'll be fine.

The ATI 9600Pro is a nice one, but if you are more of a gamer, then you should consider a 9800Pro.

Also if you don't need the extra 4 IDE ports you can get another motherboard. I don't know how expensive that Epox is, but you can get an Asus P4P800 for around $100.

So you want to push the price down $300 ?
Where did you see the current prices and what are the actual prices for the components ?

RJ

[ceh4702]

Intel is coming out with all kinds of new processors this month. You may want to see if the prices drop.

Present Prices:

2.4C Retail $169.00
2.6C Retail $171.00
2.8C Retail $180.00
3.0C Retail $215.00
3.2C Retail $279.00


I would at least spend 2 more dollars and get the 2.6C processor. Like I said these prices will drop, but the most decreases will be in the faster processors. Intel just cut the prices on its Dual Processor Xeon Chips by up to %35.

[kram 2.0]

Welcome to PCMech forums

First, I would start out by not purchasing your sound card in yoru preliminary order - you might want to check out the sound card integrated onto the MOBO first, then check out the SB Audigy 2.

As RJ already mentioned, the Asus P4P800 is a fine option. I would actually recommend that highly - great MOBO.

And your Operating system...you have the WinXP Home Upgrade Retail. I would just go ahead and get the Windows XP Home Full OEM since it would probably cost a little less- 91 USD.

And the spekaers - you have a Logitech 2.1 THX certified speakers - that could cost a little bit more than you would usually pay for a speaker. I personally think this Creative 2.1 Speaker doesn't look too bad - with 35 USD - a lot of savings .

And for where to buy them at, I don't think there is a better place than Newegg or ZipZoomFly.




Besides that, looks great. Good start

Hope that helps,
kram