Need Help With A Build

[Holyflash]

Had started this post in a different section but was suggested to move it here!

I am building my first computer completely from scratch, in the past I have used bare bones kits etc to do my dirty work, but I am new to the forum and definitely new to a lot that building a new computer has to offer. I would love it if some people could list all the parts needed for a good build that was between 1300 and 1500 dollars for JUST the PC, no software or other hardware needed. Also, I have no idea what the benefits of overclocking is, or how to do it, so any info on that would be helpful.

Some helpful info:
The computer is going to be used for gaming completely, I am located in Michigan, so I was thinking about getting everything from Newegg or Tiger Direct, if anyone knows of a better of cheaper place / way to get the computer, please let me know... Also, I am going to be purchasing either the http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3742982&CatId=2775 or the http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3424386&CatId=2775 for my gaming monitor. So, the computer will have to be compatible with whichever of those I get.

Thanks!

May the best build win

 

[Dangman]

Dude, just look through the tons of threads that we have here in this part of the forums. You're bound to find several threads with parts and budgets matching your needs.

Though to start you off, some motherboard recommendations:
Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3L Intel P43 Motherboard - $90
MSI P45 Neo3-FR Intel P45 Motherboard - $112
Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3R Intel P45 Motherboard - $128
Asus P5Q Pro Intel P45 Motherboard - $140
Biostar TPower I45 Intel P45 Motherboard - $150
DFI Lanparty DK X38-T2R Intel X38 Motherboard - $180
Asus P5E Deluxe Intel X48 Motherboard - $220
DFI Lanparty DK X48-T2R Intel X48 Motherboard - $220
Gigabyte GA-X48-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 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.

Also some questions:
- What are you planning on using this PC for?
- Does that $1300 to $1500 budget include tax and shipping?

 

[xdivenx]

His main purpose is gaming.

Overclocking Intel processors is very straightforward. See This Overclocking guide for more information.

Put quite simply, overclocking is making a CPU faster by increasing its frequency (in Ghz). This is done by changing the Multiplier of the cpu, and the Front Side Bus (FSB). Although there is an increase in speed, that comes with heat aswell. Make sure you invest in adequate cooling. It is perfectly safe to overclock a cpu if you do it the Correct Way. Much of the time, the only difference in different cpu's are that the manufacturer has them clocked slower by the factory.

A big part of your choice for a processor is whether you want to go Quad core or Dual core. Personally, I see no purposed in going quad core unless you are doing things that can take advantage of it, and there currently are very few applications and games that do.

If you decide dual core is for you, the Wofldale line of Intel processors (most notably the E8400 and E8500) can overclock the highest. One thing to remember however, you mileage may vary. There is no guaranty that you will reach high speeds.

Graphics. This is one of the things that will matter most in your build. Currently, with your budget. I would recommend either a ATI 4850 or an ATI 4870. Try to go for the 4870, and cut back on other components if you have to. The 4870 will handle 1680x1050, the res of your 2 moniters, quite well.

Just a note, Visiontek has the best warranty. Sapphire is a company to avoid.

Memory. Personally, I don't see the performance per dollar gain when buying extremely overpriced DDR3 vs DDR2. DDR2 can be had for dirt cheap these days. However, this decision of what memory to get relies on your choice of motherboard. I would recommend a minimum of 2gb for a dual core system, and 4 for a quad core system.

As far as power supplies go, hands down, go Corsair. Make sure you buy one that can comfortably supply your system with enough wattage as well as enough power on the rails.

Harddrive: How organized are you, and are you a packrat? Do you download movies/LEGAL =) Torrents? These are things to take into consideration while buying a hard disk. Buy something that is the right size for you. With your budget, i would just buy a normal Sata2 drive @ 7200rpm. I reccomend Seagates, which have a 5 year warranty.

Optical Disk Drive, doen't matter much really. You can buy a good one for $25.

Case. This as well has a lot to do with preference. Buy something that looks cool. Also keep in mind cable management, cooling, airflow, and perks, such as does it come with fans or lighting. I would stay away from most cases that come with a psu. They are usually garbage PSUs.

If I had to build your build, this is what it would consist of:

Asus P5Q

E8500

Visiontek 4870

Corsair 750

Corsair Memory

Seagate 500gb

Freezer 7 Pro

The case is up to you, pick something that has enough room, and that you like the looks of.

Any Optical Drive, $25.

This all comes out to $1150 not including your CASE, Taxes, S&H, Lighting, Case Fans, and any other mics expenses.

Don't take my word for everything, people have their opinions, and I may be wrong about some things. Get some other advice, and make your own build, or take mine, and get it critiqued. Good Luck.