celloblaze

Hi Everybody,

After looking at the prices for having a custom PC built, I think I've decided that I should build one myself. Even though I've never built a PC, I've read some tutorials and I pulled together some hardware on NewEgg. I would really appreciate it if you guys could make suggestions to this list, as well as recommend some resources on building custom PCs.

I want to build a mid-range (or better) multimedia PC (Vista-32 bit machine) that I can use for audio and video editing, as well as some gaming. I don't plan anything really intensive, but if I can get solid performance from Premiere Elements and 30 fps in Splinter Cell: Double Agent, I'll be really happy.

I'm also concerned about compatibility. Since I've never built a system, I don't want my first one to fry as soon as I turn it on.

I'd like to the keep the system unit around $1000...but preferably less.

Here's the hardware I've picked out so far. Please give me suggestions!

***

Case:
XCLIO Windtunnel Fully Black Finish 1.0 mm SECC Chassis ATX Full Tower Computer Case - $99

PSU: OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI 600W ATX12V Power Supply
- $89

Motherboard:
ASUS M3A78 Pro AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard
- $95

CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz Socket AM2 125W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX6000CZBOX - $112

RAM:
OCZ Vista Upgrade 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2VU8004GK - $90

HDD:
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $85

DVD:
LG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner w/ SecurDisc Tech Black SATA Model GH20NS15 - $25

Video:
BFG Tech BFGE88512GTSE GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
- $189

Sound:
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional 70SB088600002 7.1 Channels PCI Express Interface Sound Card
- $139

Total: $923

***

That's what I have so far. I'd really like to hear your suggestions (especially if it's for something cheaper :) ). Either way, I "configured" a custom system similar to this on Velocity Micro and Puget Systems, and this is at least $500 cheaper, so I'm still money ahead.

Thanks again--I really value your input.

Iplop

For the power supply you may want to look into this one:
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006

~$10 more(after $20 mail-in rebate), 750W, comes with a free 8gig flash drive.

Jtsou

If you can fill this out it will help us a lot, thanks

celloblaze

Thanks for your suggestions, guys!

I will look into that power supply, Iplop!

Okay, now to the list. I apologize for not filling it out in my first post.

1. Budget: $1000, not including external components or accessories.

2. Brands: I'd like to stick with reputable brand-names, but I'm for any suggestions, since I've never done this before.

3. Multitasking: I will be doing some audio and video work, which will involve two or three fairly CPU-intensive (on my current system, at least) programs at a time. This system will be dedicated to multimedia purposes.

4. Gaming: I will play some games, most of which are at least two years old. I'm looking for decent performance (playable frame rates and a little eye-candy)

5. Calculations: Multimedia encoding, but I'm more for accuracy than speed.

6. Overclocking: I would like some O/C headroom, but I don't plan on actually overclocking this system. I think I would burn down my house.

7. Storage: I would like at least 500GB, which will sometimes include uncompressed video files.

8. Legacy Support: I would like PS/2 onboard support.

9. Operating System: Vista Home Premium 32-bit (is 64-bit worth it, btw?)

10. Case: I would like an ATX case, and either a full or medium tower. I don't plan on putting many components in there, but I would like some room for airflow.

11. Accessories: I can choose my monitor, speakers, keyboard, and mouse, though if you have suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

12. Recycled Components: I have a gaming mouse. :)

13. Monitor: I would like a 17"-22" DVI-capable widescreen monitor.

14. Stores: I like NewEgg, or occasionally TigerDirect, but if you know of another reputable store with better discounts and good warranties, please let me know.

15. Location: USA

Jtsou

I'll get to work on that, first with some of the comments on the list:

A 64-bit operating system will let you use more memory, but has some conflicts with some programs, its really your choice.

If you can choose your mouse, keyboard, and monitor, I will let you do that, but I will give any advice that is needed.

celloblaze

Thank you, Jtsou!

Okay, that's good to know about 64-bit OS. I think I'll stick with 32-bit due to the compatibility issues.

Iplop, the OCZ is only $59.99 with a $30 rebate, and while I don't want to skimp on my power supply, the Corsair's 60 amps frankly scare me a little. ;) Is there something in between, maybe? Or is the Corsair the best value for the money? I just don't want to purchase a lot of amperage and wattage I'm not going to use.

Jtsou

The OCZ is perfectly fine, that Corsair model is for highperformace users.

Jtsou

Here is what I got so far... I use some of your items, and picked some that I thought were better for a better deal...

Items that can be upgraded for more money are in bold.

This does not include a Monitor, mouse, or keyboard.


------------------------------

LG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner w/ SecurDisc Tech Black SATA Model GH20NS15 - OEM
$25.99

Rosewill RZLS142A-P BK Dual 120mm Cooling Fans and Mesh Design Front Panel Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$49.99

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
$84.99

EVGA 512-P3-N800-TR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
$149.99

OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI 600W ATX12V Power Supply
$89.99

A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model ADQVE1B16K
$74.99

ASUS P5K PRO LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
$104.99

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600
$189.99

Total so far is: $782.93


Here is a quick summary of this build so far:

An intel based system running on an ASUS P5K PRO with an Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 quad core processor. It is fed by 4GB of AData DDR2 800mhz RAM. It has plenty of space with a Western Digital Caviar 640GB hard drive. You will experience great graphics in games with an eVGA 8800GT that has a great dual-slot cooling feature. All of this is fed by an OCZ GameXstream 600W power supply unit.


Q6600
8800GT
4GB RAM
640GB HD
GameXstreaM 600W powersupply


Recommended upgrades:

Powersupply:

You could step up to the 700W power supply for $115

Motherboard:

You could get an SLI capable motherboard like the ASUS p5n-d 750i. For $140.

Case:

You could get a better looking case, like the Antec 900. For $110.

With these upgrades your total will come to $903.72

Jtsou

Im going to bed, I'll help you somemore tomorrow. Bye.

celloblaze

Thanks so much, Jtsou! This is looking very promising. Anything we can trim and preserve performance I'm all for.

I don't think I will need SLI capability. From what I remember, I really haven't seen any benchmarks that proved it was worth paying for dual cards--at least for my purposes.

There's been a lot of debate on the Q6600, on whether it was better to go dual or quad core at this point. However, it's supposed to be a great multitasker. Would that hinder game performance, though, as opposed to a dual core?

By the way, what is B3 and GO stepping? Several people mention it in their reviews of the Q6600.

Of course, I'm coming from an HP prebuilt AMD 4400 with onboard GeForce 6150SE... so I don't think I'll be disappointed with anything I buy.

Also, I won't be purchasing any hardware for a couple of months. Will our choices still be valid--will they be cheaper, or can I get more for the money at that point? I guess what I'm trying to ask is how long these parts will be considered mid-to-high-performing, until there's new hardware worth an upgrade?

I'm sorry for asking so many questions; I'm trying to learn as much as possible.

Thank you again for your help!

Jtsou

Ok if you dont want SLI that motherboard is fine.

If i were in your position, I would rather have the Q6600 Quadcore. This will be better for the applications that you are using the system with, but it is your choice.
B3 and G0 are the steppings of the quad core, I dont exactly know everything about the steppings, but G0 stepping is supposively a lot better.

Prices may go down a bit in a couple months, and there will definately be new hardware to come out. Just copy these down for future reference and when you decide to buy the parts paste the list onto a new thread in TSF.

celloblaze

Okay, thanks, Jtsou.

I'll plan on getting that Q6600, then.

I guess we should continue looking at hardware when I actually have the money to buy it... ;) In the meantime, I'll continue doing research on custom building and new hardware R&D.

Thank you again for all of your help!!!

Jtsou

No problem, please mark this thread as solved with the thread tools that are on your first post.