First computer build

Wizardhawk

Limp Gawd
Joined
Apr 11, 2005
Messages
257
Hi, i'm going to be building my first computer to play WoW on, and I was hoping I could get some part recommendations. I don't have a very high budget, maybe $600 total. I don't need a HD or monitor.

I was thinking:

Athlon 64 3000+ Winchester core
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-501&depa=1

not sure which motherboard, would this EPoX be a good choice?
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-123-230&depa=1

I only want 512 MB ram for now, and any suggestions for case, ram and video card would be very helpful.
 
you'd want to get a video card that has at least 128mb of ram. I only know ATI so atleast a 9600 or so, that will last you for a bit unless you have more money to upgrade it to a x800pro. (there are other companies though...Nvidia...I'm just not up to speed with they're cards. But alot of my friends use 5700's and they run all the games we play, so they're pretty good.)

Any case would pretty much do. Unless you're wanting something special. But with the amount of money you have, i'd say get a regular case and save the rest of the money for the hardware. You might want to find one that has good airflow because with the parts you may be getting, you might need some extra cooling.

One of the most important parts of your computer is your power supply so dont be afraid to spend money on it. If it dies it may take the rest of your parts with it (motherboard, processor, EVERYTHING!) I'd recommend an antec, enermax, thermaltake...they're all good, i'm probably forgeting some but companies like that. And you'll want atleast a 400W PS.

Hope this helps you a bit and good luck on your build,

...Dan

sorry about it being so long
 
Really and truly, an Antec 300W will be enough.

To counter Dan, I don't really know ATI, but I do know nVidia. I am running a 5900SE, and WoW runs nicely with full settings.

I'm going to assume you don't plan on overclocking, so going with everything else as generic should be fine... just make sure to get quality video card, cpu, and motherboard.
 
beanman101283 said:
Don't get a generic power supply, get one from a good brand like Antec or PC Power & Cooling.

PCP&C PSU will eat up half of his budget :p . I agree that you shouldn't get a generic PSU (especially one that comes with a "cheap" case), but there might be a better "cheap" alternative out there. Check the PSU section of the forum.
 
kirbyrj said:
PCP&C PSU will eat up half of his budget :p . I agree that you shouldn't get a generic PSU (especially one that comes with a "cheap" case), but there might be a better "cheap" alternative out there. Check the PSU section of the forum.
I have a generic PSU that came with a cheap case but I checked the reviews on newegg to so how the PSU held up and everyone said it was good. Its VERY good so no name brand isn't the end all. Look at cheap cars from korea, there starting to get ALOT better. Same with PSU's, just make sure you read reviews first.
 
coffee33 said:
I have a generic PSU that came with a cheap case but I checked the reviews on newegg to so how the PSU held up and everyone said it was good. Its VERY good so no name brand isn't the end all. Look at cheap cars from korea, there starting to get ALOT better. Same with PSU's, just make sure you read reviews first.

It probably wasn't a no-name PSU, it was probably a good one commonly included with cases like Sparkle. And I can tell you, most PSUs coming with cases are covered with made-up specifications and built shoddily inside and out. And they can easily be the death of your very expensive system.
 
Epicenter said:
It probably wasn't a no-name PSU, it was probably a good one commonly included with cases like Sparkle. And I can tell you, most PSUs coming with cases are covered with made-up specifications and built shoddily inside and out. And they can easily be the death of your very expensive system.
Its a raidmax hehe
 
coffee33 said:
Its a raidmax hehe

You could do worse but those are still pretty shoddy supplies. And power is not somewhere to skimp. That doesn't mean to spend $200 on a Ricer Power supply like an OCZ covered in gaudy lights or a PC Power+Cooling made for a case, but really do consider investing in a proper Antec or Enermax supply rated for your parts. Check the guide here to see what you really need.

http://www.shsc.info/powersupplyguide
 
Epicenter said:
You could do worse but those are still pretty shoddy supplies. And power is not somewhere to skimp. That doesn't mean to spend $200 on a Ricer Power supply like an OCZ covered in gaudy lights or a PC Power+Cooling made for a case, but really do consider investing in a proper Antec or Enermax supply rated for your parts. Check the guide here to see what you really need.

http://www.shsc.info/powersupplyguide
Enermax ownz all :)
I usally use nothing but Enermax but I thought I would give it a try and go raid and its awesome so far 1 year later.
 
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