First Build, Questions

hhnq04 · 03-19-2008, 05:45 PM

Hello forum junkies! Basically I'm looking to build a new desktop to use for gaming for the next few years. My laptop can be used for my everyday functions and can last me quite some time, as it was a top of the line just a couple years ago. However it cannot keep up at this rate for gaming, and my desktop bit the dust a while ago.

I'd like to stay around (preferably under!) the $1000 range. I've never built a computer before, but my brother in law has and I'll be seeking his help in the actual build.
This is the build I've currently come up with. I'm not entirely certain if everything is compatible, and that's my biggest issue and need for help / clarification. Also, I'd like some input on a Case and Sound Card that would work nicely. If there's anything you see missing that I would need, feel free to remind me! I do have a monitor I'm reusing, so I don't need that.

Thanks in advance!

**bruiser** · 03-19-2008, 06:21 PM

Link leads to a secure page.

hhnq04 · 03-19-2008, 06:59 PM

New Link should work. Sorry, thought I had copied the correct one the first time

hhnq04 · 03-21-2008, 03:51 AM

:yawn:

morning bump for advice?

**bruiser** · 03-21-2008, 07:17 AM

A lot of people recommend moving up to the E8400 cpu.

ShosMeister · 03-21-2008, 09:22 AM

I would agree on the CPU. I'm working on building one as well and put together a spreadsheet with all of the data (speed, cache, FSB, cost) and compared all the CPUs (most of them at least) and the 8400 was the best "value" overall.

Instead of $87 for the 2GB, why not look at this which is 4GB at $79.

Also not sure (I'll let the smart guys weigh in) about the cooling fan. In fact, it's one of the questions I have: Since the E8400 supposedly comes with a heatsink/fan, do I really need to spend the money for another one?

Obviously, if you don't switch processors, you may not have that, but, I'd check before spending the extra money on the fan.

Good Luck!!!!!

**bruiser** · 03-21-2008, 11:17 AM

Power supply?

ShosMeister · 03-21-2008, 03:47 PM

I'll let the other smart guys tell you specifics. What I've learned so far is the video card is the biggest power hog and you've got a hog there :) :) :)

The system I am working on (which seems pretty similar to yours) I've bumped up to a 700W power supply http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817151031.

Hope that helps.

hhnq04 · 03-21-2008, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruiser

Power supply?

Ah, yeah, I was looking around at them, and would be interested in advice in that area also...as I'm not sure how high wattage I would need?

Is the E8400 that much better? I think the main thing that would make my decision at this point in time if I were to build pretty soon would be availability as I know it's pretty tough to come across one right now.

ShosMeister · 03-21-2008, 05:14 PM

Yes it is (the E8400 that is) from what I can see as well. As for my opinion, I'm an analyst so I threw it all into a spreadsheet with speed, FSB, cache and cost and just did basic calculations and the 8400 was on top for value for the money. Just my opinion though.

Still don't know if the heatsink/fan combo that comes with them is good enough though so hopefully someone will weigh in on that one.

03-19-2008, 05:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
hhnq04 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 25 OS: XP SP2	First Build, Questions Hello forum junkies! Basically I'm looking to build a new desktop to use for gaming for the next few years. My laptop can be used for my everyday functions and can last me quite some time, as it was a top of the line just a couple years ago. However it cannot keep up at this rate for gaming, and my desktop bit the dust a while ago. I'd like to stay around (preferably under!) the $1000 range. I've never built a computer before, but my brother in law has and I'll be seeking his help in the actual build. This is the build I've currently come up with. I'm not entirely certain if everything is compatible, and that's my biggest issue and need for help / clarification. Also, I'd like some input on a Case and Sound Card that would work nicely. If there's anything you see missing that I would need, feel free to remind me! I do have a monitor I'm reusing, so I don't need that. Thanks in advance!

03-19-2008, 06:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
bruiser TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,973 OS: xp	Re: First Build, Questions Link leads to a secure page.

03-19-2008, 06:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
hhnq04 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 25 OS: XP SP2	Re: First Build, Questions New Link should work. Sorry, thought I had copied the correct one the first time

03-21-2008, 03:51 AM	#4 (permalink)
hhnq04 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 25 OS: XP SP2	Re: First Build, Questions :yawn: morning bump for advice?

03-21-2008, 07:17 AM	#5 (permalink)
bruiser TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,973 OS: xp	Re: First Build, Questions A lot of people recommend moving up to the E8400 cpu.

03-21-2008, 09:22 AM	#6 (permalink)
ShosMeister Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Harpers Ferry, WV Posts: 400 OS: OS X 10.4.x	Re: First Build, Questions I would agree on the CPU. I'm working on building one as well and put together a spreadsheet with all of the data (speed, cache, FSB, cost) and compared all the CPUs (most of them at least) and the 8400 was the best "value" overall. Instead of $87 for the 2GB, why not look at this which is 4GB at $79. Also not sure (I'll let the smart guys weigh in) about the cooling fan. In fact, it's one of the questions I have: Since the E8400 supposedly comes with a heatsink/fan, do I really need to spend the money for another one? Obviously, if you don't switch processors, you may not have that, but, I'd check before spending the extra money on the fan. Good Luck!!!!!

03-21-2008, 11:17 AM	#7 (permalink)
bruiser TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,973 OS: xp	Re: First Build, Questions Power supply?

03-21-2008, 03:47 PM	#8 (permalink)
ShosMeister Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Harpers Ferry, WV Posts: 400 OS: OS X 10.4.x	Re: First Build, Questions I'll let the other smart guys tell you specifics. What I've learned so far is the video card is the biggest power hog and you've got a hog there :) :) :) The system I am working on (which seems pretty similar to yours) I've bumped up to a 700W power supply http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817151031. Hope that helps.

03-21-2008, 05:14 PM	#10 (permalink)
ShosMeister Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Harpers Ferry, WV Posts: 400 OS: OS X 10.4.x	Re: First Build, Questions Yes it is (the E8400 that is) from what I can see as well. As for my opinion, I'm an analyst so I threw it all into a spreadsheet with speed, FSB, cache and cost and just did basic calculations and the 8400 was on top for value for the money. Just my opinion though. Still don't know if the heatsink/fan combo that comes with them is good enough though so hopefully someone will weigh in on that one.