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1st time building a computer, please help??

S

silvertiger

n00b
Joined
Aug 10, 2009
Messages
24
I'm a first time builder, so if you could help me out that would be great.

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
I will be doing a little of everything. I like to play games like the Sims, I use Photoshop and the Internet a lot too.
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
With tax and shipping included, $1000 to $1500
3) Where do you live?
Michigan
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
Sorry to say, I have nothing. I need everything from the bottom up. Here's the list from another sticky.

COMPUTER (TOWER):
Case
Power Supply (PSU)
Case Fan(s)
Motherboard
Processor (CPU)
CPU Cooler/Heatsink with Fan (HSF)
Memory (RAM) A good amount
Hard Drive (HDD)
Optical (Disc) Drive (CD/DVD/HD-DVD/BR)
Video/Graphics Card (GPU)
Sound Card

OPERATING SYSTEM (OS) - This is important, because most people need new license keys for their new systems. Because of its importance, you might as well consider the OS as part of the system. (Read the EULA of your operating system before you consider transferring an old license to a new machine.)

WATER COOLING - Though not mentioned much in General Hardware, water cooling setups are normally used by those who want the most efficient cooling available, for heavy overclocking (OC), very quiet or near-silent operation (compared to an air-cooled system), or for all of the above.

PERIPHERALS/OTHER ACCESSORIES:
Monitor
Keyboard I'd like a wireless
Mouse Again, wireless
Speakers Is wireless possible?
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) or surge protector
Miscellaneous (Accessories)
-- External Drive(s)
-- USB/FireWire Hub
-- (A/V) Receiver/Amplifier

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
Again, I have no parts to work off of.
6) Will you be overclocking?
I don't think so, that just means using it overtime right?
7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
Around 18-20 inches.
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
As soon as I can get a list of good parts put together.
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? etc.
I don't think I need anything too fancy... but I'd like a good amount of RAM.
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license?
Not for Vista, I have an XP license but am more interested in Vista.


Also, when you talk about parts, please refer to what the part is (i.e. motherboard, CPU, etc.) That would really help me out. Thanks!
 
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AMD Phenom II X2 545 Callisto 3.0GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Processor Model HDX545WFGIBOX - Retail and ASUS M4A785TD-V EVO AM3 AMD 785G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
$170

Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT25664BA1339 - Retail $71

XFX HD-487A-ZHFC Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail $145

COOLER MASTER RS-700-AMBA-D3 700W ATX12V V2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail and COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail Combo $170

SAMSUNG DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223L LightScribe Support - OEM $30

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM and Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 32-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - OEM combo $175

Total before S&H $836

I will post other suggestions in another post.
 
don't take my suggestion as a 100% set-in-stone idea, just a starting off point:

mainboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138123
CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115055
GPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102835
PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002
memory (change to 2x4GB if you really need more)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227199
monitor (roughly)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009151
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005122
case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112234

thats a rough idea of hardware thats available, change whatever you like, play with it, have fun, whatever

as far as speakers, keyboard, and mouse:
keyboard/mouse are available wireless, I'd suggest Microsoft, Logitech, or Kensington

wireless speakers, not really available (I'm 99% certain what exists is not what you're thinking of), and not something you wanna bother with anyways (the quality isn't the greatest), just go with some inexpensive PC speakers or active monitors (if you need clarification, feel free to ask) depending on what your budget lets you do (that, and what you can fit in your work area)

::shiro:
that has to be the ugliest case I've seen in recent times, no offense
 
Please change the blue text... it hurts my eyes.

Are you going to play just the Sims, or are there other games you would like to play (now or in the near future)? Do you use Photoshop as often as you game?

Have you checked out the GenHard FAQ or any of the other build threads that were recently posted?

How long would you like to keep this system (ideally, before you'd have to upgrade the motherboard, processor, or memory)?
 
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lt_shiro said:
AMD Phenom II X2 545 Callisto 3.0GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Processor Model HDX545WFGIBOX - Retail and ASUS M4A785TD-V EVO AM3 AMD 785G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
$170

Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT25664BA1339 - Retail $71

XFX HD-487A-ZHFC Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail $145

COOLER MASTER RS-700-AMBA-D3 700W ATX12V V2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail and COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail Combo $170

SAMSUNG DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223L LightScribe Support - OEM $30

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM and Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 32-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - OEM combo $175

Total before S&H $836

I will post other suggestions in another post.
Click to expand...

Okay, so the first link is the motherboard and CPU correct? Sorry if I get a little mixed up. The second link is RAM, and the next one the video card. The fourth link is a fan and case, but doesn't the case already have a fan? I wasn't sure what the 5th link was for, and the last link was the OS and hard drive.

Quick questions:
What was the 5th link?
What comes included in the case? Does it come with a soundcard, fan, etc.?
Does the hard drive come with the optical disc drive and cd/dvd writer?

**I don't mind the case, it's kinda different... what's the red part??
 
obobski said:
don't take my suggestion as a 100% set-in-stone idea, just a starting off point:

mainboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138123
CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115055
GPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102835
PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002
memory (change to 2x4GB if you really need more)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227199
monitor (roughly)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009151
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005122
case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112234

thats a rough idea of hardware thats available, change whatever you like, play with it, have fun, whatever

as far as speakers, keyboard, and mouse:
keyboard/mouse are available wireless, I'd suggest Microsoft, Logitech, or Kensington

wireless speakers, not really available (I'm 99% certain what exists is not what you're thinking of), and not something you wanna bother with anyways (the quality isn't the greatest), just go with some inexpensive PC speakers or active monitors (if you need clarification, feel free to ask) depending on what your budget lets you do (that, and what you can fit in your work area)

::shiro:
that has to be the ugliest case I've seen in recent times, no offense
Click to expand...

Questions:
What about the hard drive?
What is the optical disc drive?
What does the case come with? Like fan, sound card, etc.?

Thanks for the tip on the speakers, I had a feeling about that but thought I'd ask to see if maybe I was just missing something. A question about the keyboard & mouse, how is the Logitech wave?
 
silvertiger said:
Okay, so the first link is the motherboard and CPU correct? Sorry if I get a little mixed up. The second link is RAM, and the next one the video card. The fourth link is a fan and case, but doesn't the case already have a fan? I wasn't sure what the 5th link was for, and the last link was the OS and hard drive.

Quick questions:
What was the 5th link?
What comes included in the case? Does it come with a soundcard, fan, etc.?
Does the hard drive come with the optical disc drive and cd/dvd writer?

**I don't mind the case, it's kinda different... what's the red part??
Click to expand...

link 5 is for the hard drive and os combo.

all fans come with the case.

link 4 is the dvd burner.

I have used the wave in wired config, it feels nice but I can't speak to any lag the wireless version has.

question are you looking for 2.1 or 5.1 system.
 
tiraides said:
Please change the blue text... it hurts my eyes.

Are you going to play just the Sims, or are there other games you would like to play (now or in the near future)? Do you use Photoshop as often as you game?

Have you checked out the GenHard FAQ or any of the other build threads that were recently posted?

How long would you like to keep this system (ideally, before you'd have to upgrade the motherboard, processor, or memory)?
Click to expand...

I changed the blue text... to green...

I mainly said the Sims, because that is the only game that won't play on my old computer. I don't really play any other games, but I do like the run alot of things at once. Like my iTunes, I have Sony ACID Music Studio, the Internet, maybe MSN Messenger. I use Photoshop often enough, a couple times a week maybe when I have time.

I did check out some other threads but thought it'd be easier to post one my self and get parts specialized to what I wanted...

I'm not exactly sure what the average "lifespan" of a normal computer is... but I'd like to keep it the way I first built for maybe 4 to 5 years... does that sound reasonable?
 
if you don't play any other game besides Sim 3, the 4870 I listed would not be needed as the onboard video card would handle that just fine.
 
lt_shiro said:
link 5 is for the hard drive and os combo.

all fans come with the case.

link 4 is the dvd burner.

I have used the wave in wired config, it feels nice but I can't speak to any lag the wireless version has.

question are you looking for 2.1 or 5.1 system.
Click to expand...


Wait, isn't link 6 the hard drive and os, and link 5 is the dvd burner??? I'm confused.

Does the case also come with a soundcard, or is that the motherboard, or do I buy one separately?

Can the dvd burner also burn regular CDs?

The 2.1 or 5.1 system in what?

lt_shiro said:
if you don't play any other game besides Sim 3, the 4870 I listed would not be needed as the onboard video card would handle that just fine.
Click to expand...

What is the onboard card? But without that card, would the pc run any less efficient?
 
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You are right, I mis-counted.

yes motherboard have support for 7.1 audio.

yes dvd burner can burn normal cds.

2.1 or 5.1 sound system.
 
lt_shiro said:
You are right, I mis-counted.

yes motherboard have support for 7.1 audio.

yes dvd burner can burn normal cds.

2.1 or 5.1 sound system.
Click to expand...

Okay, so if the motherboard has 7.1 support, don't I have to buy a 7.1 sound system?

Again, what is the optical disc drive? Is that just the cd/dvd burner?

Without the 4870, would the computer in general be slower when I play, because I thought the built in card feeds off the CPU and makes it slower.

Also which link is the PSU?
 
Also, lt_shiro, what are some other cases that will work with your setup. Since that is the only thing I will actually see, I sort of wanted to look at a few before I chose one. I wanted something that looks fun, alot of the Apevias looks pretty cool. Will any of those work?
 
Last edited:
You don't need to get a 7.1 audio system, 2.1 is good for general music and tv viewing. 5.1 are great for movies.

optical disk drive is a dvd/cd drive

Onboard video isn't like how it was in the past, 785g chipset onboard video would be enough to play Sims 3 on high with no problem.
 
lt_shiro said:
You don't need to get a 7.1 audio system, 2.1 is good for general music and tv viewing. 5.1 are great for movies.

optical disk drive is a dvd/cd drive

Onboard video isn't like how it was in the past, 785g chipset onboard video would be enough to play Sims 3 on high with no problem.
Click to expand...

Okay, so what are some good 5.1 systems. Nothing too elaborate.

Also what are some other cases again, the Apevias looked nice, but are they compatible with your setup??
 
Do you really need a 5.1 speaker system? While they are nice for movies and gaming, a 2.0 or 2.1 system could easily handle the tasks that you have in mind. If you aren't going to do anything more than what you've told us so far, I personally believe that you would be better off just staying with a decent 2.0/2.1 kit. The sound quality of "wireless" speakers that are found today are no better than the cheap $10-$20 2.0 speaker set that you can find at Wal-Mart.

"Good" is relatively subjective, and cases are as much a matter of personal taste as they are of having additional features. That said, avoid Apevia cases that come with power supplies, as the power supplies aren't even worth putting into the trash.

Since you insist so much on a list of cases:

Danny Bui said:
$40 - Cooler Master Elite 335 RC-335-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$44 - Cooler Master Elite 331 RC-331-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$50 - Cooler Master Elite 332 RC-332-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$50 - Thermaltake WingRS 201 VJ60001N2Z ATX Case
$55 - Cooler Master Sileo 500 RC-500-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$60 - Antec 300 ATX Case
$60 - Cooler Master RC-590-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$70 - Cooler Master RC-690-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$86 - Lian Li Lancool PC-K7B ATX Case
$86 - Lian Li PC-7B Plus II ATX Case
$105 - Thermaltake ElementS VK60001N2Z ATX Case
$140 - Antec P183 ATX Case
$150 - Cooler Master HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$200 - Cooler Master Cosmos S 1000 RC-1100-KSN1-GP Full Tower ATX Case
$200 - Cooler Master ATCS 840 RC-840-KKN1-GP Full Tower ATX Case
$200 - Lian Li PC-V1100A Plus II ATX Case
Click to expand...

The Antec Three Hundred, the Cooler Master Elite 33x, and the Cooler Master Centurion 590/690 cases are good, relatively inexpensive cases that each uses at least two 120mm case fans. If you need additional fans, go to jab-tech.com and look for some Yate Loon fans, as they perform just as well and last just as long as many of the more expensive brands/models.

A few more questions:

- Do you care to try overclocking, either now or at some point in the future? (Check out the Overclocking & Cooling forum to see what I'm talking about.)
- In addition to the Sims, are you considering playing some of the newer games that are out today, like GTA IV, Spore, or Far Cry 2?
- Which features are you looking for in a case?
- Do you plan on also using your computer for watching movies (on DVD or Blu-ray)?
 
tiraides said:
Do you really need a 5.1 speaker system? While they are nice for movies and gaming, a 2.0 or 2.1 system could easily handle the tasks that you have in mind. If you aren't going to do anything more than what you've told us so far, I personally believe that you would be better off just staying with a decent 2.0/2.1 kit. The sound quality of "wireless" speakers that are found today are no better than the cheap $10-$20 2.0 speaker set that you can find at Wal-Mart.

"Good" is relatively subjective, and cases are as much a matter of personal taste as they are of having additional features. That said, avoid Apevia cases that come with power supplies, as the power supplies aren't even worth putting into the trash.

Since you insist so much on a list of cases:



The Antec Three Hundred, the Cooler Master Elite 33x, and the Cooler Master Centurion 590/690 cases are good, relatively inexpensive cases that each uses at least two 120mm case fans. If you need additional fans, go to jab-tech.com and look for some Yate Loon fans, as they perform just as well and last just as long as many of the more expensive brands/models.

A few more questions:

- Do you care to try overclocking, either now or at some point in the future? (Check out the Overclocking & Cooling forum to see what I'm talking about.)
- In addition to the Sims, are you considering playing some of the newer games that are out today, like GTA IV, Spore, or Far Cry 2?
- Which features are you looking for in a case?
- Do you plan on also using your computer for watching movies (on DVD or Blu-ray)?
Click to expand...

Okay, so I actually decided against the 5.1 speakers, and thought maybe these would be okay: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121130

For cases, how would something like this go:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144209
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144216
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144184
It doesn't have a power supply and has 120 mm fans.


Okay so I looked up overclocking.... but I don't think that's necessary for everyday use and things like music, watch movies or playing games is it?

I play other games like some of the movie based ones like the HP series games, some random ones off sites like Big Fish. I run alot of things at once though. Like music, messenger, documents, internet, etc.

I'd like to be able to watch movies on my computer from a DVD.
 
Last edited:
lt_shiro said:
CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail $50 - this is the suggested psu.

Any of those cases you listed would be fine.

And speaks u pick are good ones.
Click to expand...

So I like this case out of the three, it seems the most reasonable:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144216

Also I think this was the PSU you originally listed in your first post:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171037
I think thats a PSU...or is that other Corsair one better...
 
that powersupply was suggested because of the combo with the other case and the video card.
 
lt_shiro said:
that powersupply was suggested because of the combo with the other case and the video card.
Click to expand...

So the Corsair PSU would go better with the Apevia case and Raedon GPU. Are there anyother parts that need to be changed from what you originally said??
 
tiraides had asked you about newer games

In addition to the Sims, are you considering playing some of the newer games that are out today, like GTA IV, Spore, or Far Cry 2?
Click to expand...
 
lt_shiro said:
tiraides had asked you about newer games
Click to expand...

Yeah, I said stuff like the HP series, and random games bought off sites like Big Fish. Nothing as major as the Sims though. Some tycoon games, some Nancy Drew. I'd also like to run Vista and lots things simultaneously.
 
You don't need all of the power that the Cooler Master PSU has. Stick with the Corsair CX400 that lt_shiro recommended in his previous post.

In fact, stick with the rest of lt_shiro's build list. You can omit the video card, since the Sims 3 is the most strenuous game that you plan on playing.
 
Of course, you can use almost any ATX case you like. ATX is just a set of standards that companies abide by when designing/manufacturing computer cases.

Since you don't have any special needs, have you thought about just buying a pre-built, like an HP or Dell?
 
enginurd said:
Of course, you can use almost any ATX case you like. ATX is just a set of standards that companies abide by when designing/manufacturing computer cases.

Since you don't have any special needs, have you thought about just buying a pre-built, like an HP or Dell?
Click to expand...

Okay, thanks about the case.

Yeah, everyone tells me to just buy one :) But wheres the fun in that?
 
Buy this Acer H233H bmid from Best Buy right now for $169.99 on sale. This sale will end on Sunday. It's a pretty good price and also allows you the option to exchange or return.
 
Yes, you can use the case that you want to use. As for the internal components, you really don't need anything more than what lt_shiro has recommended.

Monitors are a touchy subject here. You can find several decent monitors for under $200 from Samsung, Acer, Asus, and LG. One such example is the Acer X223Wbd 22 inch widescreen monitor. However, all LCD monitors in the $200 and under price range use 6-bit TN panels, which offers fast frame rates at the expense of accurate color reproduction and viewing angles. In other words, the Acer monitor would be fine for playing the Sims and for web browsing, but it's not so great for Photoshop or movie watching.
 
Okay, so I totaled everything up, it's about 900ish. Is that a reasonable amount for the computer I'm building...
 
silvertiger said:
Okay, thanks about the case.

Yeah, everyone tells me to just buy one :) But wheres the fun in that?
Click to expand...

Eh, depends, lol. You can get a decent system, for the things you listed, for around $500, with a new 21" monitor included. :p So, the fun in such a case would be saving the money and using it at the bar or something, instead of the troubleshooting you may or may not have to do when building it yourself. :eek:

Don't get me wrong, I love building computers, lol, I'm just letting you know that... for your needs, one need not spend so much time and money. ;) But by all means, build it... it is, indeed, more fun. :D
 
enginurd said:
Eh, depends, lol. You can get a decent system, for the things you listed, for around $500, with a new 21" monitor included. :p So, the fun in such a case would be saving the money and using it at the bar or something, instead of the troubleshooting you may or may not have to do when building it yourself. :eek:

Don't get me wrong, I love building computers, lol, I'm just letting you know that... for your needs, one need not spend so much time and money. ;) But by all means, build it... it is, indeed, more fun. :D
Click to expand...

I'm sure for the things I listed I can get a cheaper computer, but I'm talking about the computer I'm planning on building. Can I get something cheaper for the type of computer I'm building. I'm basically going with It_shiro's first post, minus the video card and with a new monitor and stuff.
 
To make lt_shiro's build cheaper, you could go with a cheaper case and PSU, and switch to AM2+/DDR2 mobo/ram.

silvertiger said:
If I wanted to use an Intel processor instead of the AMD, what would be a good choice?
Click to expand...

Wait for the new chipset/motherboards/CPUs to come out. ;) They'll be here soon. The current LGA775 offerings have reached EOL (end of life; discontinued). Though, since you don't upgrade often, I guess you could go with a Core2 if you really want Intel. It would look something like this:

$110 - MS Windows Vista (free 7 upgrade)
$110 - Core2Duo E7400
$80 - GA-EP43-UD3L
$45 - 4GB DDR2-800
$50 - Radeon HD4650
$50 - Corsair 400W
$50 - Cooler Master Centurion 534
$75 - WD6401AALS
$25 - Sony DVDRW AD-7240S-0B
=============
$595 + tax and shipping

BTW, if you're near a Microcenter (Detroit, MI), you can get the Q8200 for $30 more ($140 in store):
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0309580
 
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