My First Build :: Review Please

jbog91

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jan 24, 2005
Messages
311
Hey all. This will be the first computer I've ever built. I was wondering if yall could go over it and make sure the parts work well together. Or, if there is a better deal, please let me know. I'm trying to build a gaming computer that will be upgradable in the future (I heard something about a 45nm chip or something, what's this all about?) and as inexpensive as possible. It has to be under $1000.

Thanks.

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811156090
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813131196
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814150258
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817341002
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819115016
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820227269
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148140
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827106072
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835186134
 
Gaming and general use. Browsing the internet. I don't have to have something that'll run crysis at max settings or anything :eek: I just want something that won't sit there and skip around while I'm playing. I also want it to look pretty good. I've become spoiled with my xbox 360 and hd cod4. Basically, a gaming machine for under 1000 that will be able to handle some of the new upgrades. (what is this 45nm chip?)
 
ok man here is what I would suggest for you,

cpu: Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz 4M shared L2 Cache $189
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115029

mobo: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 $99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059

ram: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 $77
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145034

psu: OCZ StealthXStream OCZ600SXS ATX12V / EPS12V 600W $88
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010

video card: XFX PVT88PYDE4 GeForce 8800GT Extreme 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 $289
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150253

Total after mir: $695

just pick a dvd burner and go with that artic cooling cpu cooler and the case of your choice (just make sure it comes with minimum 1 x 120mm fans for good airflow and colling) you picked and you should be rocking pretty much anything out there now and for a while!

GL! :D
 
Abit IP-35 E - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813127031&Tpk=ABIT+IP35-E

For the processor, I would look into the E8400. Its brand new, and its a better choice than the E6750, if you are looking at around the 200 area.

The 8600 is a bit underpowered for a lot of games, so I would also recomend the 8800 GT. If you want to save some money, the 3850, and 3870 are also good choices. Theres also talk of ATI releasing a new card in less than a week, which may be awesome, it may be not. I would check out the ATI subforum for a better answer, and maybe wait until that comes out to buy a graphics card.
 
I couldn't find the E8400 on newegg. And any particular reason for the Abit board over the other? (besides the price? ;) )
 
Like many vendors, Newegg won't list the E8400 until the 22nd.

People like the Abit P35 boards for their high OC results.
 
Any downsides to it? Hard to setup? Unstable? Anything else? I don't think I'll be doing much OCing, I can't afford to fry my computer.
 
Any downsides to it? Hard to setup? Unstable? Anything else? I don't think I'll be doing much OCing, I can't afford to fry my computer.
Overclocking with a Abit IP35-E or IP35 Pro? No downside, aside from instability in Windows if you try to clock the CPU too high.

There are plenty of threads on this forum that will help you with a moderate overclock.
 
If you want to spend $200 on a CPU, you should be looking at the new E8400 @ 3.0GHz. It replaced the E6750 mentioned above. Price is $190-$210.

They should be listed on Newegg tomorrow.
 
Please list part names along with your links so we don't have to click on a dozen links to see which parts you chose. Thanks.


...psu: OCZ StealthXStream OCZ600SXS ATX12V / EPS12V 600W $88
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010
...
...case of your choice (just make sure it comes with minimum 1 x 120mm fans for good airflow and colling) ...

The OCZ PSU is based on the FSP Epsilon unit. The FSP Epsilon is notorious for out of spec ripple at high loads on the +12v rail(s). While you may never stress the unit enough to invoke such ripple (which kills components over time), there are better choices (particularly XClio, Antec Earthwatts, Enhance, Corsair, Seasonic, Silverstone, etc).

PSU Suggestions:
http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/showpost.php?p=1590883&postcount=193
http://www.jonnyguru.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1460
http://www.jonnyguru.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103
PSU FAQ: http://www.jonnyguru.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1036

In order to have good airflow in a case, you need an intake and an exhaust. Also, if you want those fans to be quiet, you'll best be served by 120mm fans, since they can push more air and lower speeds, resulting in quieter operation. Therefore, look for a case that can accommodate at least 2x120mm fans. If you need fans, go with some 120mm Yate Loons from jab-tech.com for $3.50 each. Some cases to check out are the Cooler Master Elite 330, Centurion 532/534, and RC-690. Another popular case is the Antec P180 series. For higher end cases, look into Lian-Li and Silverstone.

I'm always up for new stuff. I will be getting it if it doesn't bring the price up too bad. But how would I solve this problem here?

http://sg.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080120104941AAZtdjG

You could either borrow a CPU from a friend, buy a cheap $20 CPU thats the current BIOS supports, or send it in to the mobo manufacturer for them to update the BIOS for you (or they might send you a BIOS chip to replace, if its easy).

Either the IP35-E or GA-P35-DS3L will work fine. They both can OC pretty high, but in order to do so with either board (425+ Mhz FSB SDR), you'll need better cooling for the northbridge. Many people stick a 40mm fan on the heatsink, and others just swap the HS out for a Thermalright HR-05(-SLI/IFX). Though, if you only plan on a 3.6Ghz OC with the E8400, then theres no need to worry about nb cooling (9*400=3.6Ghz). How high do you plan on OC'ing? and which cooler did you choose?
 
If I don't have the need, I don't plan on OCing at all. If I do, I'll be buying a better case and better cooling products. Thanks for your help and I'll make sure to post links next time. Maybe I can just get them to send me a bios chip. I really want that eVGA 780i board but at $300, it's a little out of my budget.
 
...I'll make sure to post links next time. ...

You posted links. We, the lazy people who still haven't click on all your links, need part names to go with those links so we don't have to click on all of them. No need to wait for next time, you could still do it, when you get a chance. ;)
 
I meant I'll post names. :rolleyes: As a matter of fact, I'll update my list tomorrow. (I'm busy today)
 
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