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First time building a computer, need help!

K

ktrwcm2014

n00b
Joined
Dec 5, 2012
Messages
11
Hi I need some help with building a computer.

I've answered the standard questions as best as I could. Sorry for the lack of knowledge.

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Gaming (dota 2 mostly), video/photo editing, and web browsing

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
I'd like to keep it around $550 after tax (~$500 before 12% tax)
Cheaper the better

3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
I live in BC, Canada

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
I need CPU, RAM, case, video card, power supply, hard drive, CD/DVD drive.
I think that's all the "essential" components of a computer other than a mobo that I'm reusing?

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
I will be using my friend's mobo from Gigabyte, GA-890gpa-ud3h rev2.0

6) Will you be overclocking?
Not sure. Would I be overclocking when gaming or editing videos/photos?

7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
It's 1920x1080, 24 inch

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
I'd like to finish it within a month

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video (as a backup or main GPU)? UEFI? etc.
I have no idea but I already have a motherboard!

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
Yes, Windows 7 64bit


Sorry for my lack of knowledge and thank you in advance!
 
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Which revision is that GA-890GPA-UD3H? Depending on which revision that is, you might be extremely limited as to which CPU you can get. At which point, it might be a better idea to simply not use your friend's motherboard. on the other hand, if you have the latest revision, you might have quite a few CPU options.

Look at the bottom left of the motherboard (left of where the PCI slots are, right above the bottom left mount hole) to find out what revision you have. It should say "Rev x,x" with whatever number X is.

Also, which version of Windows 7 do you have?
 
Do you know what BIOs version that mobo has?
Any specific Canadian online stores you plan on buying from?
 
How would I find out which BIOs version it has?
It'd be nice to buy from ncix because it's only 10 minute drive from where I live. Stores don't really matter as long as it is a legit store
 
ktrwcm2014 said:
How would I find out which BIOs version it has?
Click to expand...
Basically have to put it together with a CPU, mobo, RAM, and PSU, and boot it up.

Or can your friend help you upgrade the BIOs should it come with an older BIOs?
 
oh I see. I won't be able to do that because my friend said the mobo is broken so I have to send it in to get it replaced
 
Ok, Send it in first, get it fixed/replaced, and then come back for help on the build. For all we know, Gigabyte might send you an updated version of that mobo back which means you have access to better CPUs. Or they'll reject that mobo for repair which means you'll need a new motherboard. Either way, the entire build is dependent on that mobo so get that mobo squared away first before you buy ANYTHING else.
 
Danny Bui said:
Ok, Send it in first, get it fixed/replaced, and then come back for help on the build. For all we know, Gigabyte might send you an updated version of that mobo back which means you have access to better CPUs. Or they'll reject that mobo for repair which means you'll need a new motherboard. Either way, the entire build is dependent on that mobo so get that mobo squared away first before you buy ANYTHING else.
Click to expand...

How good is this motherboard? If it's outdated compared to the new motherboards, I'm thinking about buying a motherboard and finish building the computer by the 3rd week of December because it will be delayed a lot if I have to wait until I can send in the broken motherboard and get it back from Gigabyte. Also, note that I have to pay the shipping and customs when getting it back. What do you think I should do?
 
ktrwcm2014 said:
How good is this motherboard? If it's outdated compared to the new motherboards, I'm thinking about buying a motherboard and finish building the computer by the 3rd week of December because it will be delayed a lot if I have to wait until I can send in the broken motherboard and get it back from Gigabyte. Also, note that I have to pay the shipping and customs when getting it back. What do you think I should do?
Click to expand...
It's a good mobo if you have the latest revision. Otherwise, it's an ok but slightly outdated mobo. I know: I'm using that very mobo right now in my PC. How much will shipping and customs cost?

Here's the deal: If you have to buy a new mobo, that means you have to settle for a lower performing CPU and GPU. If the shipping and customs costs are low enough and if you're lucky in getting a newer revision of that mobo, that may free up up cash for a better GPU and CPU. If shipping and customs costs are the same as that of a new mobo,

Though a few questions:
1) Are you planning on playing any other game besides DOTA 2?
2) Which of the two usage scenarios, Gaming or video/photo editing, do you do more often?
 
Danny Bui said:
It's a good mobo if you have the latest revision. Otherwise, it's an ok but slightly outdated mobo. I know: I'm using that very mobo right now in my PC. How much will shipping and customs cost?

Here's the deal: If you have to buy a new mobo, that means you have to settle for a lower performing CPU and GPU. If the shipping and customs costs are low enough and if you're lucky in getting a newer revision of that mobo, that may free up up cash for a better GPU and CPU. If shipping and customs costs are the same as that of a new mobo,

Though a few questions:
1) Are you planning on playing any other game besides DOTA 2?
2) Which of the two usage scenarios, Gaming or video/photo editing, do you do more often?
Click to expand...

I just did an estimate using the Canada Post online and got $25 for the lowest option.
And for the custom/duty, I'm assuming it'll be anywhere from 15 to 20 dollars

1) No I'm not planning to oplay any other games. I play DOTA 2 most of the times but sometimes play HON and LoL as well
2) I'd have to say I'll be doing bit more of gaming than editing

Thank you
 
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Let's call it an even $50 CAD.. $50 CAD would not get you a new mobo of similar quality and features as that Gigabyte. So I recommend just sending in that Gigabyte and hope that you get the new revision or that Gigabyte will actually service it under warranty. With that said, you may have to wait a bit longer for the PC.

When you get the mobo back, come back for advice.
 
Hi, I've decided to just buy a new mobo since it takes way to long to get the motherboard repaired. However, instead of using my friends motherboard, I am able to get hold of a video card that sells around for ~$150. What would my set up be if my budget is still $500 excluding the video card?

Thank you
 
Oh I haven't bought the graphics card yet. I was hoping you could recommend me one that would go well with the setup for the price of ~150
 
Wait, what's the story here? How come you can't combine that $150 and $500 budget together to form one budget? Is that $150 a gift of sorts?
 
Yes, somewhere around the price of $150 graphics card will be a gift. Sorry about making it vague.
So, just to clarify, my budget of $500 should include motherboard, processor, case, power supply, hard drive, RAM, optical drive, and a network adapter for wifi.
 
The following are Canadian pricing so you should be set:

$190 - Core i5 3470 CPU
$70 - Gigabyte GA-B75M-D3H Intel B75 mATX Motherboard
$35 - Mushkin Enhanced Silverline 2 x 4GB DDR3 1333 RAM
$60 - Seagate Barracuda ST500DM002 500GB 7200RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s Hard Drive
$20 - Cheapest SATA DVD burner
$50 - XFX 450W Core Editiion PSU
$55 - Coolermaster HAF 912
$27 - Asus PCE-N15 Wireless Adapter
---
Total: $507 CAD plus tax

GPU wise, go for the HD 7770 1GB.
 
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