Help with system around $800-$1000

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PokerFool

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Sep 17, 2006
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Sorry if this has been asked a hundred times.

I'm looking to build my very first system and I'm kind of a newb with building a PC (I am computer litterate though, Electrical Engineer here).

Here are some data points that may help you help me :)
  • I want to spend around $800-$1000
  • I have a moniter already (an old Dell 19". It will do for now)
  • my old computer crashed, so I have my copy of Win XP that I can still use
  • I do some gaming, though nothing hardcore. Mainly some FPS, etc...
  • I don't think I am good enough to do any overclocking, so I don't need any super duper overclocking componants
  • My computer desk doesn't have the best ventilation, so I need a computer case that can handle a couple fans, perferably one with a vent in the front?
  • So I'll need a case + power supply & fans, Motherboard, Processor, RAM, Video card, DVD burner, Maybe an audio card, I think that may be it (If I'm forgetting something, plz say so :) )

Also, if there are any good websites out there that describe the steps in detail on how to build your own system, that would be great.

Thanks!
 
One other thing I wanted to ask: For a mid-range or budget system I am lookig to build, would it be easier to just go with a Dell instead? I'm assuming no, but I thought I'd ask anyways

Thanks
 
PokerFool said:
One other thing I wanted to ask: For a mid-range or budget system I am lookig to build, would it be easier to just go with a Dell instead? I'm assuming no, but I thought I'd ask anyways

Thanks
Click to expand...

$800-$1000 is certainly more than enough to work with to get you a better system than the equivalent dollars will net you from Dell. More importantly, you get quality parts with individual warranties, and the satisfaction/customizeability which comes from building it yourself.

I'll be able to give you an AM2 build, and I'm sure someone else will give you a good Conroe build (though they tend to be a bit more difficult to fit into a budget). All parts other than RAM/Motherboard/Processor will translate to a Conroe build if you choose to go that route. Understand that DDR2 prices are inflated at the moment; if you can, grab a kit off of the FS/FT forums and you'll save a good 20-30%.

Without furthur ado:
Case: Centurion 5 @ $45 (four more dollars nets you a window if you'd like it)
PSU: FSP AX450PN @ $48
Motherboard: Asus M2N-E @ $92
Memory: G.Skill 1GB DDR2-800 X 2 @ $240
Processor: A64 X2 4200+ @ $185
Video Card: XFX 7900GT @ $262
Hard Disk: Seagate 7200.10 250GB @ $80
Optical: NEC DVDR @ $30
Total: $982

Some changes to consider: If you'd like a case with even more ventiliation (though it isn't necessary), consider the P180/P180B @ $115-$120. Also, depending which games you enjoy playing, you may want to drop to a lower end videocard like the 7900GS which would save about $65. If you want to move further down the videocard spectrum, a 7600GT should be good for ~1024x768, and would save $110 off of the $982 total. With that you could up the processor to a 4600+ and still have ~40 saved.
 
Since you only do casual gaming and only have a 19" monitor, all you really need is the 7600GT. A Conroe setup will outperform any AM2 setup. Also, since you wont be overclocking, you can get the same performance from DDR2-667 instead of 800 with a conroe setup. So...
These parts are the same as quadnad recommended...
$60 - COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel (w/ $10 MIR)
$58 - FSP Group AX450-PN 450W PSU
$80 - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250620AS 250GB 7200 16MB SATA3G
$30 - NEC ND-3550A DVD Burner 16X
---------------------------------
$329 - Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz 4M
$160 - ABIT AW8D Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 975X (w/ $30 MIR)
$205 - 2GB G.SKILL (2x1GB) DDR2-667 F2-5400PHU2-2GBLA ($230 - $30 Instant rebate)
$150 - BFG Tech BFGR76256GTOCE Geforce 7600GT 256MB (w/ $30MIR)
===========
$1072 Shipped - $70MIRs = $1002 + tax (if applicable)

If you don't think you need 2GB, you can get 1GB now and upgrade later, since DDR2 prices are so inflated right now.

Now, if you want to do more serious gaming, go for the 7900GT or GS. However, keep in mind that DX10 is around the corner; so if you're planning to play any DX10 games, then I suggest goin with a cheaper vidcard for now, like the 7600GT or GS, and upgrading later.

Dell's are fine if you're not gaming... but since you do game casually, I wouldn't recommend one. Dells/pre-builts are good for low end systems; especially for people who can't troubleshoot/fix their own computer problems (computer illiterate people).

I noticed you wanted a vent in the front... does your desk enclose the computer case? if so, you may want to cut a ventilation hole in the back of the pc compartment (easy with a dremel).


Cheaper alternatives
$115 - Crucial Ballistix 1GB (2x512MB) DDR2-667 BL2KIT6464AA663
$227 - Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz 2M
$100 - MSI P965 Neo-F Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express
 
filthysanchez said:
i'd get a case with the top blowhole, like some antecs have.
Click to expand...
It depends... if someone usually places things on top of their system or has their case enclosed within a desk compartment, then this wouldnt be a good idea.
 
Thanks everyone for your input.

Couple questions. What is an AM2 setup? What is a conroe build?

What are some other companies that build custom order PCs that are reputable. I've heard of Vigor Gaming Computer. Any others?
 
An AM2 setup refers to the socket type of the new AMD chips, socket AM2, as opposed to their previous mainstream socket, socket 939. The main advantage of AM2 is its use of DDR2 instead of DDR. DDR2 is low voltage and can run faster at the cost of latency. Though, the increased speed of DDR2 makes up for the higher latency.

"Conroe" is the codename for that particular Intel CPU core. Intel didn't introduce a new socket for these new CPU's - they use the same socket T (LGA775) as previous generations of Pentium D's and newer P4's.

If you don't want to build it yourself, Alienware is good, but extremely expensive. MonarchComputer does a good job building systems, but be prepared to wait over a month for it (who knows, they may surprise you and ship it earlier, lol).

As for directions on how to build it, the motherboard manual should provide enough info on how to put everything together. For additional information, you could always call their support or post here if you need more help.
 
In regards to that Motherboard, I looked at the reviews and comments at newegg, and there were a few people that say that this motherboard does not support conroe processors.

Is this correcrt? In the sample build above by enginurd, he has that motherboard (ABIT AW8D Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 975X ) and the E6600 Conroe processor

What are some other alternatives that I can use for a motherboard?

Thanks
 
I don't think I am good enough to do any overclocking, so I don't need any super duper overclocking componants
Click to expand...

Bullship, but no need to worry about it now, the guys here will spec you a system you can play with the overclock later after you get it up and stable.

Get a 4 1/8 holesaw at lowes (about $30 ouch ! ) and bore a couple of hole at the top back of the computer compartment and put in fans. Take the front door off and cut about 3/4 of an inch off the bottom or even better find a nice wooden AC duct cover (also lowes) and cutout and mount in the door stain to match cabinet.

You know what heat does to electronics.

EE's can do anything they put theri mind too booRAH !

Bill Parrish
B.S.E.E
 
PokerFool said:
In regards to that Motherboard, I looked at the reviews and comments at newegg, and there were a few people that say that this motherboard does not support conroe processors.

Is this correcrt? In the sample build above by enginurd, he has that motherboard (ABIT AW8D Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 975X ) and the E6600 Conroe processor

What are some other alternatives that I can use for a motherboard?

Thanks
Click to expand...
It supports Conroe. Any 975X chipset board will be better than an 865P for the E6600. The MSI 975X Platinum is nice, too... and it even has 2 EIDE controllers. However, it does put you $15 over budget, but I'm sure you can scrape together that lil extra. The DS3 and other 865P boards are best fit for the E6300 and E6400, though they will run the E6600 fine also; but if you're getting a higher end conroe, why not pair it with the chipset it was meant to run on, the 975X?
 
I probably would go with an E6400 instead of a E6600. $100 difference savings.

Would you still recommend a 975X motherboard with the E6400? Or go with a P965?

Thanks!
 
I noticed that that gigabyte board only has one PCI-Ex x16 slot. Is this a problem? What if in the future I want to use an SLI vid card and have two of them installed?

Or would I use a PCI-Ex x1 slot (which there are three of these on this board)
 
PokerFool said:
I noticed that that gigabyte board only has one PCI-Ex x16 slot. Is this a problem? What if in the future I want to use an SLI vid card and have two of them installed?

Or would I use a PCI-Ex x1 slot (which there are three of these on this board)
Click to expand...

No, you wouldn't be able to go SLI with that motherboard.

Are there even any good SLI Core 2 Duo boards available?
 
No 965P chipset supports any tandem graphics solution (sli nor crossfire). I975x supports crossfire, not sli.
quadnad said:
Are there even any good SLI Core 2 Duo boards available?
Click to expand...
Not yet. If you want SLI and NO overclocking features, then these boards are your only choices, for now:
ASUS P5NSLI Socket T (LGA 775) NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI Intel Edition
ASUS P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe Socket T (LGA 775) NVIDIA nForce4 SLI X16

However, since OC'ing is so easy with the core2duo's even with stock cooling, why not OC?! If you want SLI, I'd suggest waiting for the better SLI LGA775 boards. They should be coming out soon.
 
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