My first build

A

alexheinz

Gawd
Joined
Jan 27, 2006
Messages
519
Hi, long time lurker, first time poster.

Anyway, I am going to be building my first computer, and I need to know if these are the right components. I will mostly be using it for video editing, burning dvds, and gaming. The monitor will be a Dell 2405fpw.

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor
$164
Coolermaster Centurion 5 CAC-T05
$55
XFX Geforce 6600
$117
Western Digital Caviar SE 320GB
$122
SONY Black IDE DVD Burner
$40
LITE-ON Black IDE DVD-ROM Drive
$20
COOLER MASTER Real Power 450W
$60
Kingston ValueRAM 1GB (2 x 512MB)
$84
ASRock 939Dual-SATA2 ATX AMD Motherboard
$71

I don't really plan to overclock. Is there anything that I could use instead to save money? I am especially unsure on the video card and motherboard. Thanks.
 
looks great, but i would suggest getting a better motherboard. i am going to get the abit kn8. it's not too much more than the asrock
 
Upgrade to a 6600 GT. They are onsale now at newegg for $119. For just $2 more you can get a much better card.
 
Yeah, definitely change the mobo. An nforce4 by ASUS would be great. If you plan on going SLI or think you might, it's worth it to spend the extra $ now. This one is nice.

Also, if you have the dough, this card would be a significant improvement.
 
whats wrong with the asrock? i've heard alot of good stuff about em...might even grab 1 meself :D
 
A 6600GT is not enough power a 24" inch screen. You wont be able to play current games on it in its native res. I suggest a 7800GT at bare minumum for that moniter if you will be playing the latest games. But, if your not gonna be gaming mainly, a 6600GT will do fine.

What is your budget? That would help us out a lot. Maybe downgrade to a 20" screen to get a better video card. Get a better mobo to. DFI or Asus nForce 4 (SLI if you want).
 
If you want to stick with ASRock, you could go with this version:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813157081R
Refurbished at Newegg for $39.95. You'd save about $30 from your build to redirect somewhere else.

Also, I'm adding you might want to go with an SATA2 drive to increase your speed and Cache, as opposed to sticking with a larger 320GB IDE drive.
Here's a WD 250GB SATA2 drive for $105 from Clubit.com
http://www.clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=A3494853

This card at $2 more like mentioned before would be a good step up in graphics speed.
6600GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150098

For the processor, you could go with Clubit.com and save about another $12
http://www.clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=A1906532

I'd also suggest going with a different PSU. Not so sure about the CoolerMaster PSUs
 
The 24 inch is already set in stone, I will use it for watching dvds, playing xbox 360, and as a computer monitor. I don't care if the games aren't in 1900x1200 resolution, the only game that I really have in mind is Half-Life 2. If the 6600gt can handle non-gaming situations, then I'm more than happy.

My budget just for the computer is around $800.
 
How are my suggestions stacking up. I calculate you saving about $47 at the moment you could use to put into maybe a better video card, or a better case or powersupply...
 
Everything looks solid but I am hesitant about the video card. The current one I picked is 256mb, but a 128mb would be better? What does the memory determine?
 
memory helps with stuff like loading textures. unfortunately, it seems like when ever the companies add memory to anything other than high end, it never really helps with performance.

never get a high memory card if it sacrifices the bus width. the norm for 6600GTs is 128 bits. if the 256mb version has anything less, then dont get it.
 
Well, the main thing is, the 128mb one will run HL2 no problem, just like the 256MB. The difference between the 2 is negligable. The core and clock speed will perform better with the 6600GT.

There's also a refurbished 6600GT. That is available from MSI for $109 which will save you more money now.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127147R

If you really want a bang for your buck video card, I'd go with the X800GTO2 for $189 which you could overclock to X850XTPE speeds easily.
 
Do you have windows taken care of? If not, you're looking at another $100 or so for XP Home.
 
Yeah all the software is taken care of. I think this is what I will buy:

Dell 2405fpw $800 (give or take)
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor
$164
Coolermaster Centurion 5 CAC-T05
$55
XFX Geforce 6600GT
$119
Western Digital Caviar SE16 250GB
$122
SONY Black IDE DVD Burner
$40
LITE-ON Black IDE DVD-ROM Drive
$20
COOLER MASTER Real Power 450W
$60
Kingston ValueRAM 1GB (2 x 512MB)
$84

And these are what I am not sure on:
ABIT KN8 Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard
$92
COOLER MASTER Real Power 450W
$60

Bringing the total to around $1616, plus keyboard/mouse
 
No I will probably buy a lot of the components from Fry's if they are similar in price. Just trying to keep the theme going so that it's easier for more people to find better parts. :)
 
I was suggesting different places so that it saves you some money. Since some places had things cheaper that's all. lol
 
you pretty much got the same system specs. as me..cept that i got the 6800gs and a different case...guess great minds think alike eh? ;)
 
iricexbanditi said:
you pretty much got the same system specs. as me..cept that i got the 6800gs and a different case...guess great minds think alike eh? ;)
Click to expand...

Haha I guess so. I'm really excited to put it together.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top