Virgin Build

lorgirl · 08-12-2008, 10:10 PM

So, I've never built a computer before, but I want to give it a shot. I've done a bit of research but theres so much stuff to know. I want to use the computer to play WoW, use the internet, email, MSN and eventually as a media center. I want to hook it up to the TV and run movies and music off the computer onto the TV. I'd like to ebay components or get them off of NCIX. I don't know whats good and whats crap and what can go with what. I've looked at so much stuff that I've gone crosseyed. :p I want a Quad core...and thats as far as I've got. Any help would be appreciated.

Rusty Torpedo · 08-13-2008, 01:00 AM

I studied some stuff and I think Ive found what you want.

CPU: Intel Quad Core 2.4 ghz Q6600

RAM: 2Gb Corsair DDR2

Motherboard: Asus P5K SE

Video Card: XFX 8600 GT

TV Tuner (for watching movies on TV): ASUS PCI TV tuning card

PSU: Cooler Master 650w

HDD: Western Digital 500Gb

DVD: ASUS 20x DVD burner

Case: Thermal Take Soprano DX

Hope this helps :)

ShosMeister · 08-13-2008, 05:53 AM

Lorgirl, welcome! I completely understand your confusion - there IS a lot to consider. You've made a couple of good steps though!

First, you know your requirements. That's crucial to ensuring your build will meet your needs once it is done.

Second, you found this site! Seriously, there are a number of outstanding individuals who are willing to help. The key is though you need to do some of the work and expect to learn along the way :) :)

My suggestion would be to look at some of the other similar thread and see some of the recommendations that were made to them.

Also, look at the attached sheet. I put this together when I was looking for parts for my build. What I was trying to see was what CPU was the best value for the money. This was done a month or two ago, but, should still be fairly accurate even with the changes in prices. Notice that the quad cores aren't that great of a value - yet - and there have been a few discussions on here about the lack of software taking advantage of the quads just yet. Just something to consider when you spend your hard earned money.

As for the RAM, I would say make it 4GB and maybe take a look at a motherboard that supports both DDR2 and DDR3. Why? When the DDR3 RAM comes down in price, it may be worth upgrading to that. If you have a motherboard that supports both, you would be able to upgrade without changing the motherboard.

Power Supply: I've heard it hundreds of times on this board - DO NOT SKIMP. Given what you are looking at doing, I would say you may need a larger power supply. I'll let the other really smart guys give you specifics, but, plan for it.

Hope this helps you a bit. It's a challenge but it's one worth taking. Good luck!!!

lorgirl · 08-13-2008, 08:08 PM

Thanks for all the info guys! I've been looking some more and I found a site called NCIX in Vancouver that builds custom PCs. I've never built one before, I was wondering if it's possible for me to build one without prior experience. Is there anything special I need? Whats a good power supply? Like...for wattage?

Toucan Sam · 08-13-2008, 08:18 PM

A good power supply is much more than just wattage.
Corsair, Thermaltake Toughpower, OCZ, Coolermaster Real Power Pro, and Seasonic are all good brands.
Look for around the 650w range.
Also, read THIS

Quote:

I've never built one before, I was wondering if it's possible for me to build one without prior experience. Is there anything special I need?

You have to start somewhere :) Everything is pretty straightforward as to what you need.

ShosMeister · 08-14-2008, 07:44 AM

I was just checking on my list of stuff on NewEgg and noticed the power supply I am getting is marked down. It may be worth a look for your build as well especially if it ends up being less money than the 650 you were looking at. Here's the link.

08-12-2008, 10:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
lorgirl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 2 OS: vista	Virgin Build So, I've never built a computer before, but I want to give it a shot. I've done a bit of research but theres so much stuff to know. I want to use the computer to play WoW, use the internet, email, MSN and eventually as a media center. I want to hook it up to the TV and run movies and music off the computer onto the TV. I'd like to ebay components or get them off of NCIX. I don't know whats good and whats crap and what can go with what. I've looked at so much stuff that I've gone crosseyed. :p I want a Quad core...and thats as far as I've got. Any help would be appreciated.

08-13-2008, 01:00 AM	#2 (permalink)
Rusty Torpedo Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 140 OS: xp service pack 2 My System	Re: Virgin Build I studied some stuff and I think Ive found what you want. CPU: Intel Quad Core 2.4 ghz Q6600 RAM: 2Gb Corsair DDR2 Motherboard: Asus P5K SE Video Card: XFX 8600 GT TV Tuner (for watching movies on TV): ASUS PCI TV tuning card PSU: Cooler Master 650w HDD: Western Digital 500Gb DVD: ASUS 20x DVD burner Case: Thermal Take Soprano DX Hope this helps :) __________________ <~~~ MY PC AND I ARE VERY CLOSE

08-13-2008, 08:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
lorgirl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 2 OS: vista	Re: Virgin Build Thanks for all the info guys! I've been looking some more and I found a site called NCIX in Vancouver that builds custom PCs. I've never built one before, I was wondering if it's possible for me to build one without prior experience. Is there anything special I need? Whats a good power supply? Like...for wattage?

08-14-2008, 07:44 AM	#6 (permalink)
ShosMeister Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Harpers Ferry, WV Posts: 400 OS: OS X 10.4.x	Re: Virgin Build I was just checking on my list of stuff on NewEgg and noticed the power supply I am getting is marked down. It may be worth a look for your build as well especially if it ends up being less money than the 650 you were looking at. Here's the link.