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First Time Builder Needs Help

M

MAULxx

n00b
Joined
Jun 8, 2008
Messages
58
I'm thinking seriously about building a gaming PC. I have never built one before.

I come from a console background.

I'm sticking with XP32 for now & I want to run games at 1920x1080 on a 40inch hdtv. I also want to use as much AA as possible :)

I need comments/suggestions/advice on the components & anything a first time builder needs to know. I'm a bit nervous about putting it all together.
How does this look?

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811233026

HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148309

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143128

Sound Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829156006

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128087

Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166

TP: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

Price: $1,530.91
$39.39 shipping =1570.30
 
MAULxx said:
How does this look?
Click to expand...

It looks like a bunch of links. Are you gonna pay us to click on them? :p j/k... please list out the part names along with those links to get more helpful advice. Thanks.

MAULxx said:
Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811233026
HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148309
GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143128
Sound Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829156006
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036
Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128087
Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166
TP: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007
Price: $1,530.91
$39.39 shipping =1570.30
Click to expand...
 
LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write Black SATA Model LH-20A1S - Retail


GIGABYTE GZ-FA2CA-AJB Black Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail


Seagate Barracuda ES.2 ST3250310NS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM


BFG Tech BFGE981024GX2E GeForce 9800 GX2 1GB (512MB per GPU) 512-bit (256-bit per GPU) GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail


AuzenTech AZT-XPCINE 7.1 Channels PCI Interface X-Plosion 7.1 Cinema Audio Card - Retail


CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply - Retail



Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
I

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK - Retail


GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS4 LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II Intel Motherboard - Retail


Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500 - Retail


Subtotal: $1,561.90
Shipping: $39.39
 
Lite-On optical drives are LOUD. Samsungs are much more quiet. Check out the SH-S203B or S203N instead.

The 'cuda.ES drives are overpriced for what you get. Go for a WD320AAKS instead. It has a single 320GB platter if you're lucky, which yields a much better performance improvement over a 32MB cache. The WD3200AAKS transfers files faster than a Raptor WD1500ADFD.

What games do you plan on playing on your HDTV? Be sure to read some reviews and make sure the GX2 is actually worth the price premium over the 8800GTS 512MB. One thing to note is that the new vidcards from ATI and NVIDIA are coming out in a few weeks, so you should really wait for those.

I'd try out onboard sound first, then pickup a soundcard later if I wasn't happy. It'll save you money if you find out you don't need it, and its also an easy upgrade if you end up wanting one.

That PSU is only $100 at buy.com and provantage.com, so don't get it from newegg.

Go for this RAM instead, and save $50:
$85 - G.SKILL 4GB(2x2GB) DDR2-1000 F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ

Use that $50 for an aftermarket cooler, like the Xigmatek or ZEROtherm:
$37 - XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler (optional $7 Xigmatek Bolt-Thru-Kit)
$50 - ZEROtherm Nirvana NV120 120mm 2-ball UFO Bearing / Transparent CPU Cooler ($10 MIR)

I hope you need all the features of the DS4. If not, check out the DS3P, DS3R, and DS3L instead. Other good alternatives are the MSI P35 Neo2-FR, Asus P5K-E, and the crowd favorite, Abit IP35 Pro. Another thing you could do is wait for the more affordable P45 boards to come out, which is in a few weeks.
 
CefiroZ said:
Unless you're planning on overclocking or are building a silent PC, *really* save yourself the $50 and use the heatsink/fan that comes with your CPU.
Click to expand...

I agree. Though, he is spending $1500+ on a whole system... another $50 or less shouldn't really hurt, especially since it was already in the budget.

If you don't plan on OC'ing now, you could still get it if you plan on OC'ing later -- installing it now will save you the trouble later, and provide a much quieter computing environment.
 
CefiroZ said:
Unless you're planning on overclocking or are building a silent PC, *really* save yourself the $50 and use the heatsink/fan that comes with your CPU.
Click to expand...

If the OP really wanted to save money, he should buy the E8400 instead of the E8500, omit the sound card (for now), and make the additional changes that enginurd suggested earlier.

Most aftermarket CPU coolers cool better and run more silently than the retail HSF.
 
MAULxx said:
BFG Tech BFGE981024GX2E GeForce 9800 GX2 1GB
Click to expand...

The video card landscape is really going to change in a couple weeks, with the next generation cards from ATI and nVidia. Both companies should have new cards that will beat the 9800 GX2, although ATI's won't be out as soon as nVidia's.
 
tiraides said:
If the OP really wanted to save money, he should buy the E8400 instead of the E8500...
Click to expand...

Heh, I didnt notice that the first time (thought it was an E8400). Good catch. ;)

I definitely agree with this, since the E8500 only gives you 0.5 higher CPU multiplier, which translates to not much when considering the price premium over the E8400.
 
I'm not sure which Mobo to get. I want to OC sooner or later.

ABIT IP35 Pro XE LGA 775?

ASUS P5K-E LGA 775?

GIGABYTE GA-P35-S3G LGA 775?

GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3R LGA 775 Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II?

GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L?

MSI P35 Neo2-FR LGA 775?

Thanks Enginurd for the mobo picks. One game I know I'll be playing is Alone In the Dark.

Do I need hyperthread? Don't think the E8500 supports it. Why?

Thanks for the heads up on the new gpus coming. I'll just wait a few weeks but I still would like to be decided on some things like the mobo, cpu, case, psu.
Would the E8500 overclock to 4.0 nicely? Would it matter which mobo I use?
 
The E8400 and E8500 have the same OC threshold, which is around 4Ghz, so save your money and get the E8400 unless you can get the E8500 for the same price or less.

All board you just listed, aside from the S3G, are good for OC'ing the E8400 up to 4Ghz (though the DS3R would need additional cooling on the NB heatsink). HyperThreading isn't used on current Core2Duo CPUs -- there are two physical cores instead of two virtual cores (HT).
 
Yeah do not get the E8500 unless you can get it for ridiculously cheaper.

As for mobos, here's a quick help:

If you don't need RAID, more than 4 SATA ports and only need semi-decent overclocking, check out the DS3L. If you need 5 SATA ports, 2 eSATA ports, slightly better overclocking, and a second PCI-E x16 port, then get the Neo2-Fr. If you want heavy overclocking options and six SATA ports, check out the Blood Iron. If you like the BloodIron but want significantly better overclock stability and options, go for the LanParty. If you want 8 SATA ports, RAID, legacy ports and high overclocks and optional eSATA, than the DS3R is a good choice. If you want the DS3R but need Firewire and a second PCI-E x16 port, then go for the DS3P. If you like the DS3P but need 3 PCI slots instead of the DS3P's 2 PCI slots and like having non-optional eSATA, go for the Asus P5K-E. If you like the P5K-E but need wifi, then go for the P5K-E/Wifi-AP. If you want something that can overclock pretty damn high along with RAID, eSATA ports and firewire connections, than the IP35 Pro. If you like the DS3P but want better cooling for overclocking, then go for the DS4. Do note that the Asus website can be slow sometimes.
 
How's this? What ya think?


COOLER MASTER cosmos S RC-1100-KKN1-GP Black Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
$229.99

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM


BFG Tech BFGE981024GX2E GeForce 9800 GX2 1GB (512MB per GPU) 512-bit (256-bit per GPU) GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
$45.00 Mail-in Rebate $524.99
$494.99

Antec TPQ-850 850W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817371009


Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM


mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996599 - Retail



GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Dynamic Energy Saver Ultra Durable II Intel Motherboard - Retail



Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail

ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail

Total $1,502.17
 
You might want to take a look at the recently released P45 motherboards. The P45 motherbaords now come with PCI-E 2.0 which *might* give you additional longevity in your parts. Some P45 recommendations:
Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3L Intel P43 Motherboard - $96
MSI P45 Neo3-FR Intel P45 Motherboard - $114
Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3R Intel P45 Motherboard - $146
Asus P5Q Pro Intel P45 Motherboard - $150
DFI Lanparty DK X38-T2R Intel X38 Motherboard - $185
Abit IX38 Quad GT Intel X38 Motherboard - $210
Gigabyte GA-X48-DS4 Intel X38 Motherboard - $225

Just to help you out: If you don't need RAID, more than 6 SATA ports and only need semi-decent overclocking, check out the DS3L. If you need 8 SATA ports, RAID, 4 PCI slots, and legacy ports, then get the Neo3-Fr. If you don't need more than 6 SATA ports but want RAID, firewire, a second PCI-E x16 port, a second Gigabite port, support for 16GB of RAM, optional eSATA, and high overclocks, then get the DS3R. If you need 8 SATAs and like the DS3R but don't need support for 16GB of RAM , get the Asus P5Q Pro. If you want Crossfire with full x16/x16 bandwidth, get the Lanparty DK X38.

You can get cheaper DDR2 1066 RAM here:
G.SKILLF2-8500 CL5D-4GBPK 2 x 2GB DDR2 1066 RAM - $90

I recommend this HSF:
Xigmatek HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle HSF - $37 & Retention Bracket - $7
 
Ok, I know it's been awhile & I haven't yet built a new PC but I still need help selecting components. I put it on the back burner for a few months but I still want to build one, just haven't committed to the parts yet. Xp or Vista is still in the air for me as well.

I still want to overclock the CPU even though I've never done it.

I still want to run minimum 1920x1080 but I think I'm gonna step down to a smaller monitor.

It's been a few months now, are the parts listed above still a good reference for me?

Thanks for the patience.
 
Kind of a good reference. Newer mobos, price cuts and newer video cards have been released in the past 4 months since you've made this thread.

Updated motherboard list:
Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3L Intel P43 Motherboard - $87
MSI P45 Neo3-FR Intel P45 Motherboard - $110
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R Intel P45 Motherboard - $120
Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3R Intel P45 Motherboard - $127
Asus P5Q Pro Intel P45 Motherboard - $135
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P Intel P45 Motherboard - $137
Biostar TPower I45 Intel P45 Motherboard - $150
DFI Lanparty DK X38-T2R Intel X38 Motherboard - $185
Asus P5E Deluxe Intel X48 Motherboard - $220
DFI Lanparty DK X48-T2R Intel X48 Motherboard - $220
Gigabyte GA-EX48-DS4 Intel X48 Motherboard - $225

Just to help you out: All of these motherboards have PCI-E 2.0 which may be useful for future GPU upgrades. If you don't need RAID, more than 6 SATA ports and only need semi-decent overclocking, check out the DS3L. If you need 8 SATA ports, RAID, 4 PCI slots, and legacy ports, then get the Neo3-Fr. If you don't need more than 6 SATA ports but want RAID, firewire, a second PCI-E x16 port, a second gigabit port, support for 16GB of RAM, optional eSATA, x8/x8 Crossfire, and great overclocks, then get the DS3R. If you like the DS3R but want better overclocking capability and 8 SATA ports, then get the UD3P or the UD3R if you don't need that second PCI-E x16 slot. If you like the DS3R but need 8 SATA ports, want an onboard pre-installed fast booting Linux setup, just support for 8GB of RAM, and don't need a second gigabit port, get the Asus P5Q Pro. If you want a motherboard with excellent overclocking capabilities above all else (feature wise), go with the I45. If you want Crossfire with full x16/x16 bandwidth, get the Lanparty DK X38. If you have cash to burn, need x16/x16 Crossfire, and don't give a damn about getting the most value for your money, get the Asus, DFI, or Gigabyte X48 motherboards. Do note that the Asus website can be slow sometimes.


Now before we can help you further, lets get some parameters and answers:
Danny Bui said:
If you're gonna ask us to build/list a PC for you or seek advice about a build, please answer all of the following questions:

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
3) Where do you live?
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
6) Will you be overclocking?
7) What size monitor do you have or plan to have?
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?

By answering these questions you help us help you build a better quality/preforming/cheaper PC.
Click to expand...
 
1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
3) Where do you live?
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
6) Will you be overclocking?
7) What size monitor do you have or plan to have?
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
_________________________________________________________

1- Gaming & study/research, web browsing, it will be my main media device.
2- $1000.00 - 1500.00 including taxes & shipping (may or may not include monitor)
3- North Carolina
4- Well, I'm not reusing any parts from my old computer except for some input devices like keyboard & mouse so... I need everything, CPU, GPU, MOBO, Case, HDD, DVD/CD drive, PSU, thermal grease, CPU cooler, OS, & whatever else I'm forgetting or missing.
5- Skipped
6- Yes I want to overclock CPU
7- Currently a 40 inch but may go with a desk set up & smaller monitor like a 20 - 24 inch
8- Before the year end, sometime in December
 
I like hossdaddy's suggestions for the most part. You don't need to spend $200+ on a case unless you got cash to burn... which you don't, judging from your budget. I don't know about that NeoPower PSU though. Someone else needs to comment on that one.

Everything else looks solid, although myself, I would chip in the extra $15 for the staple [H] member's 6400AAKS instead of the 5000AAKS. So fast and so good! The only other HDD I would consider is the Seagate F1 Spinpoint.

As for graphics card, seems like you like your monitors big and you like your eye candy. In that case, I would shoot for a GTX280 or 4870X2.
 
Alai said:
I like hossdaddy's suggestions for the most part. You don't need to spend $200+ on a case unless you got cash to burn... which you don't, judging from your budget. I don't know about that NeoPower PSU though. Someone else needs to comment on that one.

Everything else looks solid, although myself, I would chip in the extra $15 for the staple [H] member's 6400AAKS instead of the 5000AAKS. So fast and so good! The only other HDD I would consider is the Seagate F1 Spinpoint.

As for graphics card, seems like you like your monitors big and you like your eye candy. In that case, I would shoot for a GTX280 or 4870X2.
Click to expand...

Thanks hossdaddy & Alai for your suggestions.
Yes, I want it to be able to run games like deadspace & Fallout 3 as good as possible for my price range.
 
keep onboard sound don't waste money on sound card,
260gtx or 4870, its up to you ( 4870 performs better but costs more ^ ^ ),
CPU go with Q6600 or E8400 since you want to OC these are awesome, the E8400 will let you oc higher but it does run less cores, and seeing as CPUs are evolving i think quadcore game computability will increase substantially
mobo is pretty much covered by Danny's list
get hossdaddy's case two birds with one stone and all that
If your going for ddr2 800 go for these Gskill http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122 if you want 1000 go with enginurd's gskill http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231145 XD
hard drive and optical go ahead with hossdaddy's. and if possible get a 20" or 24" because that res on that size display wrecks quality. my 2 cents
 
I like hossdaddy build also. Let me adjust some items a bit.

CPU – Q6600 retail for $190
Mobo – Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3L for $105 ($15 MIR)
RAM – G. Skills DDR800 for $50
Video – Visiontek HD 4870X2 for $510 and free ground shipping from Dell.com
HDD – WD 6400AAKS 640gig for $75
Optical Drive – Samsung 22X SH-S223F for $25
Case/PSU – Antec 300 case + Antec Neopower 650 for $105 (Neopower 650 certified for 4870X2 video card)
Heatskink – Xigmatec HDT-S1283 120mm rifle for $32 + retention bracket $7

Total - $1,099 before shipping and rebates.

This outta kick ass for your 1920 x 1200 24” LCD or 1920 x 1080 40” LCD/TV.
 
HardwareGuru said:
I like hossdaddy build also. Let me adjust some items a bit.

CPU – Q6600 retail for $190
Mobo – Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3L for $105 ($15 MIR)
RAM – G. Skills DDR800 for $50
Video – Visiontek HD 4870X2 for $510 and free ground shipping from Dell.com
HDD – WD 6400AAKS 640gig for $75
Optical Drive – Samsung 22X SH-S223F for $25
Case/PSU – Antec 300 case + Antec Neopower 650 for $105 (Neopower 650 certified for 4870X2 video card)
Heatskink – Xigmatec HDT-S1283 120mm rifle for $32 + retention bracket $7

Total - $1,099 before shipping and rebates.

This outta kick ass for your 1920 x 1200 24” LCD or 1920 x 1080 40” LCD/TV.
Click to expand...

This is more along the lines of what I was thinking. (Btw, Neopower is ok, for sure?)
 
+100 HG's just staple it on general forums as a sticky, swap the 4870x2 for an 4870 and you get best sub 1k build. for your case keep the 4870x2 and you will be BLOWN out of the water, though at 1920 x 1200 a 4870 can do the job but an x2 is justifiable. it's a question of are YOU [H]ard enough?
 
It's possible to run a 4870x2 on a 450w psu so 650w is fine ^ ^.

I said it's possible, didn't say I would do it XD

his list even comes with aftermarket sinks, epic
 
Another option with Geforce GTX 280 1gig video.

CPU – Q6600 retail for $190
Mobo – Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3L for $105 ($15 MIR)
RAM – G. Skills DDR800 for $50
Video – BFG Geforce GTX 280 1gig for $405 ($30 MIR)
HDD – WD 6400AAKS 640gig for $75
Optical Drive – Samsung 22X SH-S223F for $25
Case/PSU – Antec 300 case + Antec Neopower 650 for $105 (Neopower 650 certified for 4870X2 video card)
Heatskink – Xigmatec HDT-S1283 120mm rifle for $32 + retention bracket $7

Total - $994 before shipping and rebates.
 
I am so stealing that list HG, if only i had seen that yesterday I would have been saved some trouble XD
I am serious about it becoming a sticky
 
etherone said:
I am so stealing that list HG, if only i had seen that yesterday I would have been saved some trouble XD
I am serious about it becoming a sticky
Click to expand...

Don't... let's just say that it's been tried before.

MAULxx said:
7) What size monitor do you have or plan to have?
Click to expand...
Currently a 40 inch but may go with a desk set up & smaller monitor like a 20 - 24 inch
Click to expand...

I take it that your 40 inch is an HDTV, correct? (If so, is it 720p or 1080p?)

And when were you planning to buy the "smaller" monitor? Which one do you have in mind?
 
Wow right up my ally i've spent a few days pounding the net researching a new rig and HG's build looks close to what i was thinking [i think i'll yield to the expert ;)] (it's been 5 years for a ground up build!!! a lot's changed)


What do you guys think of this PC8000 deal... is there any reason to NOT go for the BPI over the BPQ?

F2-8000CL5D-4GBPI ($70 after the $40 instant savings)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231174

As opposed to the suggested (by etherone)
F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ ($65)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231145


Also with OC in mind on the Q6600 (nothing extreme looking to hit the 3.0 mark or so) is it worth the $15-$20 for the DDR2 1000 over DDR2 800? I want more power than 2.4Ghz but not at the cost of stability and i'd like the box to live for 3+ years without high risk of burning out components.

Also does anyone have a time line on the GTX280 - 270 core?

Anyhow i don't mean to hijack this thread - i think it's still on topic given that MAULxx is also interested in OCing. :D

P.S. my current PSU: ENERMAX Liberty ELT620AWT http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817194004&Tpk=elt620awt I'd like to keep this to avoid the high cost of PSU's if possible - i'll take a GTX260 - 216 core if i must
 
For a mild OC like 3.0GHz on Q6600, the 800 is fine. Also, if I'm not mistaken, the Enermax will do great unless you're doing SLI or CF.
 
Ens said:
Wow right up my ally i've spent a few days pounding the net researching a new rig and HG's build looks close to what i was thinking [i think i'll yield to the expert ;)] (it's been 5 years for a ground up build!!! a lot's changed)


What do you guys think of this PC8000 deal... is there any reason to NOT go for the BPI over the BPQ? [...]
Click to expand...

I suggest you make a separate thread where we'll be more than happy to answer your questions.
 
OP, please answer these questions...

tiraides said:
... I take it that your 40 inch is an HDTV, correct? (If so, is it 720p or 1080p?)

And when were you planning to buy the "smaller" monitor? Which one do you have in mind?
Click to expand...
 
Yes, the 40 inch is an HDTV 1080p.

Well, I may be on the 40 inch for awhile before I get the monitor.
Right now I have in mind a 120 htz lcd around 20-24 inch & a few HDMI hookups would be nice. Not sure about the brand yet.
 
If you still want to achieve your original goal of (near-)max graphics while gaming, with your HDTV, you could go with the HD4870X2 (or GTX 280). However, that card would become overkill if you were to switch to a 20-22 inch monitor in the future. The 1GB HD4870 (or GTX260 216SP) would be a nice "middle ground" option that would let you play most games at medium/high settings.
 
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