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Building a PC

2K views 41 replies 5 participants last post by  NovaLord 
#1 ·
Hey! I'm new here, hopefully you guys can help.

I really need a new computer, and I'm having some serious troubles. My current computer works, but it doesn't. Half of my apps don't work and the hardware is ancient. Here are the specs.

IBM
P4 2.00 ghz
512 MB RAM
128MB Radeon 9550
Windows XP Pro

Well, that's off the top of my head. Anyways. As I said half of the programs don't work such as: Windows Movie Maker, Windows Media Player, Sound Recorder, Paint and many more. I have 2 small hard drives. My C drive is 20 GB and has a sliver of space left. The D drive is a 52 GB drive and it really only holds my music, pictures, video and anything I download. My computer crashes every once in a while, no warning, just randomly. I have no idea where it came from, or anything about it. It was a replacement my uncle had given me as he fixed my old PC. Which I never got back. But, in the end, I need a new computer A.S.A.P.

I am looking for a computer that can handle games such as Battefield 2 and Counter-Strike: Source. I use MSN, and browse the internet too. There seems to always be something else I want to try too, so I can't tell you exactly what I will be using my computer for.

Now, what type of PC, how will I be getting it and money. I am looking for something around these specs.

-PC-

P4 3.00 ghz
2 GB DDR2 RAM
256 - 512 Video Card
XP - I'm not sure if I want Vista, do I?

-Building and receiving-

I would actually like to build the PC by myself or buy parts separately and get a friend to build it for me, if I can not do it. My mom is a general manager for a chain restaurant and does quite a lot of office work. Her server computers and whatnot run into problems, they have an IT guy that would be glad to build me a PC if I gave him the parts. I am happy to buy parts from anywhere, www.tigerdirect.ca has some great stuff. And local tech stores are good too.

-Money-

I am just a young geek, no money or a job. My mother said she will get me a new computer, along with the basement being redone. She knows almost nothing about computers and she is not planning to pay five thousand dollars on a pc for me. I'm looking for "Cheap Amazingness" I know it's not a word. And I know It's probably not possible, but that's why you're here, right?

Okay, now... If I am getting myself in WAY to deep and I should just be buying a built, ready to go computer from the store. What should I be getting?

Thanks, Austin.
 
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#3 ·
I am just hoping to get a computer out of this. Building from the ground up, or buying it. I just need your help for what I should be getting. I don't know what is the best and what's the worst. By the way I'm thinking my price range will be from $0 to $1500. I'm not REALLY sure, I will ask my parental units how much I can have to put towards a computer.
 
#4 ·
Well I can give a few suggestions and if some peeps have other ideas they will chime in also

So to start:

Computer Case

Motherboard/Processor Combo

RAM/Memory

Power Supply - I put this down because 9 time out of 10 the PSU that comes with the case will be crappy so just a pre-emptive strike on the PSU

On video card I am sure you will get a many opinions on that depending on if you need Direct X 10 now *probably wont* or if you are looking for top of the line performance which seems to be NVIDIA but you can definitely find some mid-range cards from both ATi and NVIDIA that will probably suit your needs.
Like I said these are just some of my suggestions just to get you started down a path, more people will be able to help you tweak stuff to get better values and more to what you want.
 
#5 ·
I love the motherboard and processor, the price pains me. But it's probably the best price I can get, I'm not going to complain. The case... Oh the case. Is it not... a bit of an overload? Or do I need to get out more? It's the inside that counts, I don't need plexiglass and insane lighting... But is that case safer (fans) or bigger? I am trying to keep the cost low you know?
 
#6 ·
NovaLord said:
I love the motherboard and processor, the price pains me. But it's probably the best price I can get, I'm not going to complain. The case... Oh the case. Is it not... a bit of an overload? Or do I need to get out more? It's the inside that counts, I don't need plexiglass and insane lighting... But is that case safer (fans) or bigger? I am trying to keep the cost low you know?
Beyond all of the glamour of the case it's actually very easy to get to the components that you will need to get to and has several fans included I think 1 in the front, the side fan and side vent. Remember also this is 69.00 after mail in rebate so it's really not so bad but there probably could be better
 
#7 ·
Okay. I think I'm understanding this now, I was wondering how you even put a PC together, but now I get it. So, lets run through what I need to build my computer.

-----------------------------------
Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156062

Motherboard
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...s.asp?EdpNo=3044547&CatId=2621#CPU Disclaimer

Video Card
-We still need to pick a Video Card. I am looking for something good. GOOD.

RAM
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2583140

Hard Drive
-We still need to pick a hard drive. I need a fairly big one, I'd only like to have one, or two?

Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371001

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

Modem and sound card?

I know I'm missing a lot. What else do I need? Once we know all of the components we can pick a brand and model of each one. By the way, I do like that case now. Cheap and very pretty. I've always wanted to have a PC like that, my friends and family will be jealous.
 
#8 ·
That's an OEM processor, meaning you'd need to add a heat sink and fan to it.

For the same $279.00, look here (HSF Included):
ASUS P5K: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813131189
Intel E6320: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819115015

If you aren't overclocking, DDR2 667 speed is plenty:
2x1GB Corsair DDR2 667: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820145098

You said BIG hard drive, how about 500GB?
WD500 SATA3.0: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822136073

I like these Corsair Power Supplies for high end builds:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817139002
(The Antec listed previously is also an awesome power supply--take your pick)

Need an optical drive--this one has Lightscribe and Nero Software:
Lite On DVD Burner: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827106072

And finally, a GOOD video card:
EVGA 8800GTS: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814130082

You can add a modem for around $20.00, just a PCI add in card
You'll most likely be happy with the onboard sound. If not, add a sound card later.

You still need to pick out a case--the one you had listed above is nice, but there are thousands of others to check out.

You also need an operating system.
 
#9 ·
Well, I like that processor because it is 2.8 ghz. I need one from 2.4 to 3.0... I think. I have never even heard of a heat sink fan, but, I will be glad to buy a processor/motherboard and whatnot with the HSF if it is a powerful processor. I don't know what to pick. Which should I get?

I don't plan to overclock, because I don't know how to, and don't fully understand the process. All I know is I want 2 gigs of ram. :) So, sure. Your suggestion is fine.

I need a BIG hard drive. 500 gigs seems a little over-kill. I'd be fine with 300. I see SATA on all the expensive "good" HD's so I take it I want SATA too?

I don't know which to pick for the Power Supply, I know next to nothing about hardware. Either one will work fine.

Optical drives, any drive will work for me as long as it's fast? I don't need any Nero or anything, I just need it to be able to read disks.

399$ for a video card is INSANE. But I know that is a good card, and that it is on the list of working for BF2. Looks like I may be going over budget :p

Now, I'm not even sure what a modem is for... A modem card, I mean. But I heard you needed one, so if it's 20$ all the better. Good thing I don't NEED to buy a soundcard. I thought that the motherboard may not have one on it.

I would like windows XP, because Vista still has some bugs. I have a local computer store ( kind of like geek squad ) that builds custom computers and fixes them. Once you guys can help me get a set list of components, I will write them all down. And then I can get 5D Computers to order me everything, build it, and install the OS. Then I can pick up my new wonderful, PC. You guys have been a lot of help so far. Sorry for not knowing what to choose, I don't know anything. Go ahead and debate about which items I should get.

Thanks for all you have done so far.

I really do like the above case. It's pretty.
 
#10 ·
1: Processor: Clock speed between AMD and Intel is meaningless. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that faster clock speed = faster processing. This Core 2 Duo at 1.86Ghz will absolutely TORCH a Pentium 4 at 3.0Ghz. Architecture is the key. Both of these processors are just fine for a gaming rig. Neither is a bad choice.

That 2 GB of RAM will work great in your machine.

You can have virtually any size of hard drive you wish. You want a SATA 3.0GB/s. That's the only requirement. I encourage Seagate 7200.10 series or Western Digital for brands.

Video: Here's a DX10 card for less money: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133199

Here's a DX9 budget card for still less money: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130062

A modem is for dial up internet. If you don't have dial up, and don't plan to have dial up, don't worry about having a modem.

You should probably decide on the processor: AMD or Intel. I would personally lean for the Intel, but you might not. Once you've made up your mind, we can help nail down the rest of the box.
 
#11 ·
Modems, out of mind. I have nice high-speed.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130062 That's the second card. Cheaper and one I was actually looking at before. So I picked that one. There is a list of my decisions at the end of this post.

I don't know the difference between AMD and Intel. But a 3.0 ghz processor must be more powerful than a 1.8 ghz processor.

---CHECKED for good on the list:

-2 GB of Corsair RAM http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820145098
-Corsair Power Supply http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817139002
-LITEON Optical Drive http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827106072
-GeForce 7600T 256 MB video card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130062
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have picked all of that out of what has been said here. Now all that is left:

-Case
-Processor
-Motherboard
 
#12 ·
Well, it seems that many friends have told you some pretty good parts.:p Then what about your moitor, do you need a new one . The fact is that few days a ago my sister bought a new monitor :up: :
That's a SOYO LCD monitor features 24" widescreen SXGA TFT LCD display ,1920 x 1200 native screen resolution ,1000:1 contrast ratio, 6ms response time ,500 nits brightness, 2 x 2 watt stereo speakers .
I think it is cool both in specifications and price ( $300 ). If you do need a good monitor you can not miss it :
http://www.dealstudio.com/viewtopic.php?t=30405
Hope this helps.
 
#14 ·
#15 ·
Thank you guys so much! I think I just may have my dream PC all set up. I don't think it will be too expensive either. Let me list off everything we've got here.

Power Supply: $149.99
CORSAIR 620W
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817139002

Hard Drive: 109.99
Western Digital 500GB SATA Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822136073

Optical/Disk Drive: $39.99
CD-R Burner/DVD/Writer LITEON
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827106072

Video Card: $74.99
EVGA GeForce 7600GT 256MB PCI Express x16 SLI Supported
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130062

Memory/RAM: $75.99
2GB’s of CORSAIR RAM
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820145098

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ Windsor 2.8GHz $ 149.50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103771

Motherboard: ASUS NVIDIA nForce 500 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard $ 89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131096

That adds up to a total of with shipping and whatnot. Lets just go for around 700-750$
Sound good? Please tell me if you see anything wrong with this set-up. I don't know if this is all compatible with eachother or not. I still need to pick a case. I'll spend a while on that. And if the case has a good power supply, I can X off the current one here, that I would have to buy. So is everything right here? I can order those parts in, give them to my IT guys, let them build it. Install Windows XP, take it home, set it up. And done? After that, this PC can handle games like BF2, applications like Hammer Editor? I hope so. Thanks so much for all your help guys, but first can you clarify if this is a good computer. And will it all work together? Thanks.
 
#16 ·
You had mentioned that a 320GB Hard Drive would be enough: Here's the same drive in that size for $75.00: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136074

Windows XP Home: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116056

DO NOT buy a power supply with a case UNLESS it is an Antec, and post that here so we can look to see if it is enough to handle what you are doing. My advice? Stick with the Corsair or the Antec in the earlier posts. Go with something that is known to be a reliable brand.

This system would handle any game that isn't DX10. It will do fine on BF2 or WoW... You have an almost top notch system. The 7600GT is a little less than I would go with. Maybe consider going with: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150229 This is a DX10 card and you get a free game with it...You'll be ready for DX10, which is where it's all going at the moment.

Everything is compatible--check out the cases and the think about the video card.
 
#17 ·
This is the revised list. I took off the power supply and changed the video card to the directX10 card. Thank you so much. I think I would die without you. Changed the Hard Drive too!

Hard Drive: 74.99
Western Digital 320GB hard drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136074

Optical/Disk Drive: $39.99
CD-R Burner/DVD/Writer LITEON
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827106072

Video Card: 119.99
XFX PVT84JUDD3 GeForce 8600GT 256MB DIRECT X10
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150229

Memory/RAM: $75.99
2GB's of CORSAIR RAM
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820145098

Processor:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ Windsor 2.8GHz $ 149.50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103771

Motherboard:
ASUS NVIDIA nForce 500 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard $ 89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131096

Now, I should find a case, with a good already installed power supply?
 
#18 ·
NovaLord said:
Okay. I think I'm understanding this now, I was wondering how you even put a PC together, but now I get it. So, lets run through what I need to build my computer.

-----------------------------------
Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156062

Motherboard
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...s.asp?EdpNo=3044547&CatId=2621#CPU Disclaimer

Video Card
-We still need to pick a Video Card. I am looking for something good. GOOD.

RAM
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2583140

Hard Drive
-We still need to pick a hard drive. I need a fairly big one, I'd only like to have one, or two?

Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371001

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

Modem and sound card?

I know I'm missing a lot. What else do I need? Once we know all of the components we can pick a brand and model of each one. By the way, I do like that case now. Cheap and very pretty. I've always wanted to have a PC like that, my friends and family will be jealous.
As far as video cards - I would suggest a great mid-line card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102075&Tpk=X1950
it's the one I have, pretty good darn card in my opinion
 
#19 ·
NovaLord said:
Modem and sound card?

I know I'm missing a lot. What else do I need? Once we know all of the components we can pick a brand and model of each one. By the way, I do like that case now. Cheap and very pretty. I've always wanted to have a PC like that, my friends and family will be jealous.
I dont know how big into sound cards and stuff you are but generally I can do just fine with my on-board if I wanted theater quality sound...I go to the theater but that's just me. I assume most if not all mobo's come with Ethernet NIC and Sound Card....if you need a fax modem you can buy a cheap one for your PCI slot and you may find a mobo with one already also.
 
#20 ·
Okay, Okay! STOP! My heart just dropped. I just found out that NewEgg doesn't ship to Canada. I live in Ontario! There is no way I can recieve the newegg parts, and I just had the system the way I wanted it! :eek:

Maybe we can find these exact products on www.tigerdirect.ca ?

Or do they ship NOW?

Or is there any other way I could get the items to Canada?
 
#21 ·
NovaLord said:
This is the revised list. I took off the power supply and changed the video card to the directX10 card. Thank you so much. I think I would die without you. Changed the Hard Drive too!

Hard Drive: 74.99
Western Digital 320GB hard drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136074

Optical/Disk Drive: $39.99
CD-R Burner/DVD/Writer LITEON
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827106072

Video Card: 119.99
XFX PVT84JUDD3 GeForce 8600GT 256MB DIRECT X10
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150229

Memory/RAM: $75.99
2GB’s of CORSAIR RAM
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820145098

Processor:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ Windsor 2.8GHz $ 149.50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103771

Motherboard:
ASUS NVIDIA nForce 500 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard $ 89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131096

Now, I should find a case, with a good already installed power supply?
Well to get a good case with a good psu you are going to spend some good money I think for the most part in the end you may come out paying close to the same but make SURE that if you by a case w psu you know what kind of psu is coming with it or you may end up paying extra indeed because the one that came with it sucks. I *personally* got a case with a PSU in it that I knew I would replace but I wanted the case and sure enough the psu was crappy probably would have ran but the cables were waaay to short for my mobo so I would out and got an Antec 550 PSU....running smooth and easy since
 
#22 ·
NovaLord said:
Okay, Okay! STOP! My heart just dropped. I just found out that NewEgg doesn't ship to Canada. I live in Ontario! There is no way I can recieve the newegg parts, and I just had the system the way I wanted it! :eek:

Maybe we can find these exact products on www.tigerdirect.ca ?

Or do they ship NOW?

Or is there any other way I could get the items to Canada?
Uhhhh hmmmmm not sure...maybe one of our Canadien friends on here can give us some insight....in the mean time check out tiger direct and see FIRST if they can ship to you and second if you can find most if not all of the parts you have list
 
#24 ·
Okay. I have found the following on www.tigerdirect.com, just like the other ones so far:

-Hard Drive: $106.99
Western Digital 320GB hard drive
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3179250&CatId=2458

-
Video Card: $146.99 THIS IS DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER ONE, MUCH THE SAME
XFX GeForce 8600 GT / 256MB DDR3 / SLI Ready / PCI Express / DL Dual DVI / HDTV / Video Card
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3048551&CatId=1560

Memory/RAM: $119.99 different, but still much the same
2048 MB's of CORSAIR RAM
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2853405&CatId=2268

Motherboard AND PROCCESOR $372.99
This is the old motherboard and proccesor from newegg, together.
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3044547&CatId=2621

Okay. Check that over and see if that all works well. Now we need to find a different DISK DRIVE And we're all done. So, if that works. We just need a disk drive from www.tigerdirect.com and then a case. If the case's Power supply is rubbish, then we look for a power supply too! Thanks, please review and help me find a new disk drive.
 
#25 ·
#26 ·
Here's the processor WITH the heat sink and fan:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2905658&Sku=CP1-AM2-5600

Motherboard:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2907957&CatId=2321

RAM:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2533032&CatId=2263
They don't seem to have the Value Select...this has the cas5 timings

Optical:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2911683&CatId=1624

Here's a nice, reputable power supply:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2503503&CatId=106

You've got the hard drive and the video card...those look fine.

Find a case, and you've got it. You can buy just about any case without the power supply, just look...

Don't forget an operating system.
 
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