Build my computer $2000 budget

S

skittles15

n00b
Joined
Oct 3, 2007
Messages
22
Ok, I know a bit about computer hardware and such but I don't know what is compatable with what ect ect ect... SO I am asking you, hardforum members, to build your dream machine. I work for a University and have finally convinced them to give me 2 grand to build a new video/image/motion graphics machine. Might run a few games (the computer will be in my house) such as CS 1.6 and Source and if the mood strikes me right I might pick up Crysis. Anyways I have a copy of XP 64, but need practically everything else. The computer must be able to run multiple adobe programs at once and maybe even some 3d studio max/cinema 4d.

I also need monitors. I want a dual monitor setup with a minimum size of 19".
I need a case, doesn't need to be anything special, just hold the internals (cheap is fine here as long as it works).
Fans/heatsinks, thats up to you guys I have no idea where to go from here. I would like to overclock a little bit and think a dualcore will work fine (unless you think quad is worth it).

But anyways like i said free-reign for you guys, just remember this is NOT a gaming maching, this is an editting machine.

have fun :)

Chris
 
I suggest reading a few of the $1000-$1500 "help me build" threads that have been posted recently, because once you factor in the cost of two 19+ inch monitors, your budget would likely drop down to that amount.

Also, which specific programs are you planning on using? How many of them are multi-threaded (work better with multi-core processors)?
 
I'll be running Premiere, after effects, illustrator, photoshop, encore, dreamweaver, fruity loops, 3d studio max, and various other lightweight programs. More than likely won't have more than 2 open at once.
 
Check out this thread, for starters.

Are there any specific monitors you were considering? Which monitor features do you consider "must have"?
 
Here's my quick take on your setup

Case - Antec 900 or Coolermaster RC-690
CPU - E8400 3ghz CPU or Q6600 will do good for your applications.
Heatsink - Tuniq Tower 120
Mobo - Intel P35 mobo
Memory - 2 x 2gb DDR2 800 modules
2 x 500gb SATA 300 Harddrives WD or Seagates with 32mb Cache
Video - 512MB 8800GTS card
Optical Drive - 20X dvd burner
PS - Corsair VX550
LCDS - 2 x 20"
 
tiraides said:
Check out this thread, for starters.

Are there any specific monitors you were considering? Which monitor features do you consider "must have"?
Click to expand...

The only thing i'm really looking for in a monitor is a high display setting like at least 1600x whatever widescreen is.

ALSO i'll need an HD capture card for the computer, forgot to mention that in the original post.
 
skittles15 said:
The only thing i'm really looking for in a monitor is a high display setting like at least 1600x whatever widescreen is.

ALSO i'll need an HD capture card for the computer, forgot to mention that in the original post.
Click to expand...

Do you mean an "HD capture card" like this?

And which resolution do you want? 1600x1200 (4:3)? 1680x1050 (widescreen)? More? Less?
 
I'd recommend a p35 ... (ds4 would be my choice) w/ a quad core -
4gb of ddr2-800,
Some WD or Seagate Hard drive

A decent case... Lian li, or Antec 180 comes to mind here..
psu - corsair 520vx or 620vx
a 8800gts 512mb would be nice, but not really necessary. A HD 3850 would suffice here.
A heatsink - tuniq tower, thermalright ultra, etc...

This should leave you with about $900 left for two monitors, a optical drive, and your HD capture card...
Go to the display forum for decisions on monitors. You could afford dual-24" monitors with that budget... 19" inch is too small imo, and 20" is nice. 22" has the same resolution as a 20" but is good if you have your monitor further away or if your eyesight's not that terrific.
 
Here is my old thread I started for my build, hope it helps:

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1247111

What I did was researched to bring me to the current hardware technology because it has been awhile since I built or kept up with the technology. After I had an idea of what parts I wanted I posted a list. As people gave their input, the list changed and you can see that in my thread. The final product is in my sig and I am very pleased with it. I might do a "little" upgrade when the new CPU and GPU come out. Also you have to consider taxes and s/h in your final price. You should also give yourself a couple hundred dollars leeway for changes or add ons.

A list of parts for us to start with would be helpful.
G'luck.
 
Well i think i'm pretty much set on the e8400 just for faster rendering. As far as a list of parts...thats where I run into problems. I don't even know what to look for in a mobo, processor I know i want the e8400. Is there any reason to go with ddr3 ram?
 
Nope, no need DDR3 for now. DDR2 is sufficient. Since your editing etc get a good 2 x 2gig. A P35 mobo will do nicely for that E8400. Unless you really need extra SATA, USB ports and Firewire port then a GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L is all you need.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059

On the system, $1,000 will give you a pretty good system. The rest of the money invest in 2 good 20" such as the Dell 2007WFP.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...etail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=320-4688

The main reason I don't mention a 22" because those use TN panels and the viewing angles will not be as good. Therefore, you will see color shifting. Also, TN panels are only 6bit and not 8bit like the S-IPS type panels or SPVA. Not sure what 6bit vs 8bit is? Read this:

http://www.ohmike.com/2007/10/17/lcd-monitors-6-bit-vs-8-bit-panels/
 
Ok, lots of great info here guys, i really appreciate it. I have been snooping in those other threads and picked up some good info. Anyways now I made this https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersio...asp?WishListNumber=5752354&WishListTitle=???? tonite. I have never built a comp before but I need it to perform and render extremely fast (as previously stated). Anyways could you guys just kind of verify that everything will work with one another and such? Also if it seems like i'm cheaping out on a component please tell me, I basically just read the reviews and took the info i picked up here to make these decisions. Like the mobo is 80 bucks...don't know if that affects anything or not. So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me if something could be upgraded for video/graphics/3d design. I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks

Chris
 
The GA-P35-DS3L costs $80... so you had to buy two of them? :p

You may want to get a motherboard with more available features, so instead of buying two $80 DS3Ls you might want to look at the DS3R ($130) -- it has eight SATA ports, external SATA (or eSATA), and onboard RAID.

The AC Freezer 7 Pro performs just slightly better than the stock HSF, so if you're planning on overclocking, here are some better options:

Scythe SCNJ-1100P Ninja HSF - $36 & Thermalright LGA775 Bolt-Thru kit - $7
Tuniq Tower 120 HSF - $45
ZEROtherm Nirvana NV120 120mm HSF - $45
Thermalright Ultima-90 HSF - $46 & Panaflo FBA09A12M 92mm Fan - $3
Thermalright Ultra-120 Extreme HSF - $57 & Scythe S-Flex SFF21E 120MM Case Fan - $14

Right now, the E8400 is becoming hard to find, and most places that have it aren't selling them at $240. Microcenter has a deal on the E8400 for $200, but it may or may not last (or the E8400 may or may not be in stock) by the time you jump on it. Microcenter also has an in-store-only special: the Q6600 for $200.

If you're concerned about whether or not a HSF would fit inside your case, then choose either the Ultima 90 or the Scythe Ninja Mini.

The Rosewill is not recommended as a power supply; here are some better options:

XClio Stablepower 460W PSU - $52
Enhance ENP-5150GH 500W PSU - $69
Antec Earthwatts EA500 500W PSU - $70
Corsair 450VX 450W PSU - $72
Corsair 550VX 550W PSU - $89
Corsair 520HX 520W PSU - $106

And while cases are subjective, you should look for one that provides adequate cooling. Here are some that do:

Cooler Master Elite 330 RC-330-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $35
Cooler Master Centurion 534 ATX Case - $50
Cooler Master Centurion 532 ATX Case - $55
Cooler Master RC-690-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $80
Cooler Master Mystique RC-632S-KKN1-GP ATX Case - $85
Lian Li PC-7B Plus II Silver ATX Case - $90

If you need case fans, pick up some Yate Loons -- either the low speed D12SL-12 or the medium speed D12SM-12.
 
God, theres so many different specs its confusing. Anyways what type of northbridge should i look for, I read most people using a p35 NB but then again...lotsa parts...lotsa different perspectives.

Thanks

Chris
 
For simplicity's sake, any of the Gigabyte P35 series motherboards will work. Choose the DS3R if you need/want the extra features, but stick with the DS3L if you don't.
 
This is what I did. My system

It was a little over $2000. I already had the LCD screens so everything was on the hardware.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top