New/First pc build

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Vtecaddict

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jun 25, 2005
Messages
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I started another thread a few weeks ago but since then i've changed a bunch of things. This computer will be used for school work in the fall as well as a good deal of gaming. BF2, WOW, farcry etc. Any suggestions would be great. I'm not into overclocking or any of that stuff yet. I've never built a computer before or really know anything about it but i did some research and this is the stuff i picked out. A friend of mine is going to come over and help me actually put it together once i get all the stuff. I just need something quick and very reliable that I can game/schoolwork/burn/watch movies/TV, that wont break the bank. I've allready got the monitor/mouse/keyboard. Please give any suggestions and make sure I have everything and that everything is compatible. I just want to make sure i'm not missing wires and shit that i need. I can get an OS from school for cheap. Thanks so much in advance!

speakers:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16836121126

mouse:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16826104150

floppy:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16821103203

memory:
https://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80098-21

storage: This is a bare drive. What am i going to need to get in addition to make this thing work like cords etc. Should i just get an oem or retail version? They have the oem version at the egg for a couple bucks more.
https://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=100592-2

CPU:
https://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80717-5

Case/PS:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811129155

mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813123236

optical:
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827152049

Video card:
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merc...e=M&Product_Code=190527&AFFIL=pricewatch&NR=1

or maybe this one, but i'm leaning towards the connect because of price, the cooler is nice on this HIS though.

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814161132

Fan:Should i go ahead and order this 2nd fan for my case as well?
http://www.jab-tech.com/customer/product.php?productid=3009&cat=81&page=1

cable:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16812107104
 
Looks like a fine system. I'd get the HIS video card, that is a much nicer cooler that it has.

Vtecaddict said:
This is a bare drive. What am i going to need to get in addition to make this thing work like cords etc. Should i just get an oem or retail version?
Click to expand...

The motherboard comes with everything you need to hook up a SATA drive like that one; a data cable, and a molex-to-SATA power adapter.
 
Yes get the YateLoon, I have three running in my system( they are the same as the Nexus fans) and I love NOT hearing them.

The cooler on the HIS looks like a Artic Cooler Silencer....It is going to be within a couple of dollars (give or take) if you go with the connect3D and a AC Silencer afterward as it is to get the HIS card. The Silencers do make a difference.

The optical drive....I don't know what is important to you but the Pioneer 109 does both +RDL and -RDL at 6x, for just a few dollars more than the Lite-on.

This cuts your floppy drive cost in half...and it is black:
http://www.jab-tech.com/customer/product.php?productid=2187&cat=0&page=1
 
I would go with these speakers instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836121126

Not only are they 5.1, but they sound great too. That, and they are a whole $1.00 cheaper! ;)


I would get this floppy (if I were getting a floppy):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16821103203

A floppy is a floppy is a floppy, but this one is amazingly quiet (if not silent). You save a whopping $1.50 too! ;)


As far as the burner, I would agree with Tiny. The Pioneer is a great drive. You could also check out the NEC:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152047

I have that drive (actually the 3520A with firmware flash to same specs as the 3540A). I love it. Burns great. It is only $2.00 more, but I already saved you $2.50. :p


Other than that, everything looks good. If you wanted to save a few bucks, you could step the processor down to a 3000+ or 3200+ and oc it to 3500+ speeds with relative ease.
Enjoy your new rig.
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I was considering those speakers as well but i'm kinda undecided on 5.1 or 2.1

I originally wanted that NEC drive but then i found this lite-on and it comes with nero which i assumed is a better program. What do you guys think lite-on and NEC is a toss up?


So you guys think if i get that yateloon and the 1x120 the case comes with i'll be all good?

What is +RDL and -RDL at 6x?


I know the HIS comes with a artic cooler but it comes with a silencer too?

Thanks alot guys!
 
DVD +R and DVD -R Dual Layer. The latest and greatest of DVD types. 6x is real fast for it.

I'd get the 5.1 X-530. It is an awesome deal and I have been recommending it for a while now.

I would change your ram to two of these:
Crucial 1GB pc3200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146545
Corsair is usually frowned upon here.

Other than that, everything seems in order. GJ.
 
Vtecaddict said:
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I was considering those speakers as well but i'm kinda undecided on 5.1 or 2.1
I originally wanted that NEC drive but then i found this lite-on and it comes with nero which i assumed is a better program. What do you guys think lite-on and NEC is a toss up?
So you guys think if i get that yateloon and the 1x120 the case comes with i'll be all good?
What is +RDL and -RDL at 6x?
I know the HIS comes with a artic cooler but it comes with a silencer too?
Thanks alot guys!
Click to expand...


  • Q. So you guys think if i get that yateloon and the 1x120 the case comes with i'll be all good?

    A. In my opinion...yes.

    .
  • Q. What is +RDL and -RDL at 6x?

    A. It is the different formats for burning. +R and -R. The "DL" stands for Dual Layer. The 6x is a speed rating, the current fastest is 8x for DL and 16x for +/-R. The Pioneer does 6x for both DL formats and 16x for both single layer formats.


    .
  • Q.What do you guys think lite-on and NEC is a toss up?

    A. I have no idea. I have never used either. I have been a Plextor and Pioneer user. Just look up the stats on both...read some reviews on both. If they come out the same on stats (stats meaning what they can burn and read) then look at how quiet each one is. You find that info in reviews and user suggestions.


    .
  • Q. I know the HIS comes with a artic cooler but it comes with a silencer too?

    A. The "silencer" IS the Artic Cooler. That is what they call that design of their fans....Artic Cooler Silencer.
 
In regards to the Lite-On/NEC issue:

I'm a big fan of Lite-On CD Burners. Also a big fan of Plextor. They both did their own thing really well. Lite-On was great at backing up copy-protected discs (not like I would ever even attempt to circumvent copy-protection or anything like that ;) ). Plextors were just good solid drives with a great tool kit, and were really good with audio discs.

I have only used NEC and Sony DVD Burners. The Sony burners are too picky about what media you can use with them. That is why I have NECs for my systems. They can burn any disc you put in them, and burn them with speed and quality. I have no doubt that the Lite-Ons can too. The only thing I can say about the NECs is how well they are built. It feels rugged. The tray is tight; solid feeling. I don't know how the Lite-On DVD burners are, but their CD burners feel really flimsy to me. As if you would break the tray off if your pencil fell off your desk onto it. That is the only reason I would recommend the NEC over the Lite-On. I'm sure neither would be a mistake, but I just like the ruggedness of the NECs.
 
Russ said:
DVD +R and DVD -R Dual Layer. The latest and greatest of DVD types. 6x is real fast for it.

I'd get the 5.1 X-530. It is an awesome deal and I have been recommending it for a while now.

I would change your ram to two of these:
Crucial 1GB pc3200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146545
Corsair is usually frowned upon here.
.
Click to expand...

What about some twinmos or patriot instead? If i got that crucial it would be more than double for just the ram. What about this stuff, seems good with the MIR?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820141154

I'm just looking for a gig of stable ram for around 80bucks or so. :D

Now i just have to decide wether to get the pioneer or the NEC, probably wouldnt go wrong with either.

Thanks for answering my questions guys. & is it just me or does newegg not state warranties up front anymore. Do i have to call them to find out what the warranties are on these items?
 
Chaintech VNF4 socket 939 motherboard $76
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813152053

Athlon 64 3000+ socket 939 $146
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103537

Corsair 1 GB RAM $88.50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145505

Enermax 460 watt power supply $53
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103440

Raidmax case $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811156019

MSI Geforce 6800 PCI-E $204 (with rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127179

Western Digital 80 GB HD $56 (hard drive)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144122

NEC ND 3520 DVD burner $38
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152039

Altec Lansing speakers $12
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836113159

Logitech mouse $6 (actually, I just noticed that with that mouse, you can get a combo special, a Logitech keyboard is only $2 instead of $7)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826104181

Total cost of this system? $711.50

extra case fans? $2 each
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811998104

Instructions? Go to...
http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/

Don’t ask me why I took the time to figure this out. But, I didn’t verify if the number of pins on the main connector of that board would be the same as the power supply. Also, although I doubt the RAM would be incompatible, I didn’t check it yet.
 
Vtecaddict said:
What about some twinmos or patriot instead? If i got that crucial it would be more than double for just the ram. What about this stuff, seems good with the MIR?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820141154

I'm just looking for a gig of stable ram for around 80bucks or so. :D

Now i just have to decide wether to get the pioneer or the NEC, probably wouldnt go wrong with either.

Thanks for answering my questions guys. & is it just me or does newegg not state warranties up front anymore. Do i have to call them to find out what the warranties are on these items?
Click to expand...

Keep in mind, that is a 1gig stick so you would only need one of those.
 
I've decided i'm sticking with the corsair value, i've heard alot of good things about it.

I'm updating my original list to include all the changes but i do have another question.

My desk is kinda weird so my tower will be located kinda far from the monitor/keyboard/mouse. I was wondering if i'm going to hurt performance of the monitor w/DVI or the response time of my keyboard/mouse(because i play CS/BF2) if I got something like this male to female connection to extend the length of the cords. Or is that not what this thing is made for.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16812107104
 
The only think that I'd suggest is that you get another, exact same, HDD that you have listed and mirror the two drives, which will ensure maximum stability when you're at school Save for that, it all looks good!

 
DamienThorn said:
The only think that I'd suggest is that you get another, exact same, HDD that you have listed and mirror the two drives, which will ensure maximum stability when you're at school Save for that, it all looks good!

Click to expand...

Actually i totally forgot to say i think i'm going to get this instead of the hitachi, only 10bucks more, it's larger and it has a 16mb buffer.
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=100713-3

Think i should?
 
Vtecaddict said:
Actually i totally forgot to say i think i'm going to get this instead of the hitachi, only 10bucks more, it's larger and it has a 16mb buffer.
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=100713-3

Think i should?
Click to expand...

Well, despite my hatred for Maxtor, those drives have absolutely wicked reviews, and work really well in dual core situations. Again, if you're looking for absolute reliability, get two of them, and mirror RAID them. The chances of a failure in that situation are very low, which is a comfort when you're at school and just need a working computer.

 
Come to think of it, I just made a comparison between the 9800 Pro, X800 Pro, X800 XT, 6800 and 6600 GT. If you check out the comparisons at xbitlabs, you'll see sometimes there isn't that much of a difference between the 9800 Pro and 6800. Sure, I will be bashed for saying that. But, check out the benchmarks with AA on at 1024x768 at xbitlabs.com
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/2004-27gpu2.html
I think the Sapphire 9800 Pro was only like $124 US at newegg.
 
DamienThorn said:
Well, despite my hatred for Maxtor, those drives have absolutely wicked reviews, and work really well in dual core situations. Again, if you're looking for absolute reliability, get two of them, and mirror RAID them. The chances of a failure in that situation are very low, which is a comfort when you're at school and just need a working computer.

Click to expand...

Possibly down the road i'll get two. I guess if something goes bad i'll just use my buddies computer. :eek:
 
YES. That drive is a good value imho. And ZZF is good about shipping them carefully.

"Athlon 64 3000+ socket 939 $146
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16819103537"

Check out [H]otdeals. You can get a 3000+ for $119 shipped or a 3200+ for $144 shipped.
 
Vtecaddict said:
My desk is kinda weird so my tower will be located kinda far from the monitor/keyboard/mouse. I was wondering if i'm going to hurt performance of the monitor w/DVI or the response time of my keyboard/mouse(because i play CS/BF2) if I got something like this male to female connection to extend the length of the cords. Or is that not what this thing is made for.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16812107104
Click to expand...

Can anyone answer me this? Thank you guys alot for your replies.
 
Vtecaddict said:
Can anyone answer me this? Thank you guys alot for your replies.
Click to expand...


Looks like that would work to me. Don't know what kind of quality the video would give you. I got some bad "ghosting" with a not-so-good quality VGA extension cable before. I think I got my good one at www.provantage.com.
 
Russ said:
YES. That drive is a good value imho. And ZZF is good about shipping them carefully.
Click to expand...

I just realized that that drive is ata150 and that epox mobo is SATAII. Will that HD still work or do i have to go with the hatachi?

I just read in the storage system forum that it's SATAII ready. Is this true? Just want to make sure this HD will work with this mobo.
 
Not sure. I'd assume so. Hit up Google.

edit: sorry I can't be of more help.
 
(From the writer of the HDD Buyer's Guide) SATA devices are backward and forward compatible, it's part of the standard. You can use first generation drives with second generation hosts and vice versa. The system will simply use the features that both devices support and will work normally. You have nothing to fear.

EDIT: you linked to the 200GB Maxtor DiamondMax10 SATA drive w/16MB buffer. That is hands down the best drive you can buy for less than $100 right now. Awesome capacity and performance.
 
DougLite said:
(From the writer of the HDD Buyer's Guide) SATA devices are backward and forward compatible, it's part of the standard. You can use first generation drives with second generation hosts and vice versa. The system will simply use the features that both devices support and will work normally. You have nothing to fear.

EDIT: you linked to the 200GB Maxtor DiamondMax10 SATA drive w/16MB buffer. That is hands down the best drive you can buy for less than $100 right now. Awesome capacity and performance.
Click to expand...

Sweetness. I'm going to take some pictures when everything comes in and I get everything built, which might be a few weeks still. Especially since my HIS video card just went on backorder again. :(

I'm going to be going with one stick of 1gig corsair instead of the 2x512. Just so in a few months I can maybe throw another one in.
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820145505
 
Got the case in today. It looks awesome but it's pretty heavy. I think I have decided however that i'd rather save 80bucks and just get the 3200+ venice. Granted I'm going to be using the valueram and reliability is the #1 thing for me is this a good move(OCing)? I was thinking I could just downgrade the venice to save me 80bucks then I could overclock it to like 2.4 or so. Think this would be stable?
 
Anyone else have any suggestions? I'm about 80% sure i'm going with the 3200+ venice now.
 
Russ said:
Yes, that would easily be stable.
Click to expand...

Awesome thats what i'll do then. it'll save me 80bucks. Hopefully my buddy can overclock this thing. He's dealt mostly with intels in the past but it cant be that much different. Even if I cant overclock it, it'll still work good enough for me for a decent amount of time.

Wow I am MAJORLY pist off. I was just about to order my Video card and a few other things and now newegg doesnt have the HIS x800xl listed anymore. I'm so happy, i'll have to give them a call tommorow and see if they're going to get it back in stock.
 
I don't get it. Why does that one make you reconsider the cooler if it's .99 more expensive and from CompUSA than Monarch? :confused:

I'd still get the monarch one, but then again I'm planning to watercool, so coolers don't matter to me.
 
Russ said:
I don't get it. Why does that one make you reconsider the cooler if it's .99 more expensive and from CompUSA than Monarch? :confused:

I'd still get the monarch one, but then again I'm planning to watercool, so coolers don't matter to me.
Click to expand...

Eh i guess it's just cuase i'ts built by ati = 3 year warranty. But honestly, this card will probably be crap after 2 years anyways. :(
 
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