Another first time builder

yobrigidey · 11-26-2008, 10:38 PM

Well, this is my first post on these forums, I have been lurking all day reading stuff. I'll start with the sticky basics:

Budget: How much money are you willing to spend on the new build?
I have to keep it under a $1000 to get things started, but will be upgrading periodically. If I can get it up and running for under $700, that would be great!

Brands: Are there any brands of components you want or don't want?
I've always had intel computers, so I would like to stick with that.

Multitasking: Will you be multitasking with this computer and if so, how much?
Yes, This machine will eventually become my media server. It will (eventually) need to be capable of bluray ripping, HD video recording and editing, photo editing. I also want to be able to run programs such as autocad, revit, and photoshop.

Gaming: Will you be gaming and if so, how much and how new are the games?
No gaming on this machine, the biggest demands will come from video editing.

Calculations: Will you be doing any intense calculations or media encoding?
Media encoding

Overclocking: Do you plan on overclocking and if so, how much?
Not intending to do so. I want the components in this machine to last, and don't think I will need to be overclocking for the intended use of this machine.

Storage: How much storage will you need and what will you be storing?
Eventually, tons. I would like to have the ability to add HDD as necessary as I fill them with HD programing and movies. From the initial build, however, I think a 500 gig HDD will suffice.

Legacy Support: Will you need support for older hardware like parallel, serial, or PS/2 devices?
Nope.

Operating System: Do you want Windows XP or Vista, or Linux compatibility?
Vista premium

Case: Do you want help selecting a case and if so, how big do you want it?
Yes, i'll need help selecting. There is no need for a compact case, it is much more important that I have room to expand.

Accessories: Do you want a keyboard, mouse, or other items included?
Don't need a keyboard or mouse.

Recycled Components: Will you be reusing any components you already have?
Yes. I have an old desktop at my gf's place that will supply my cd/dvd drives. It could possibly supply my network card and video card (if i need to in order to fit in my budget)

Monitor: If you want a monitor, what size do you want and should it be widescreen?
Already have a monitor

Stores: Do you have any online stores that you prefer to purchase from?
Any reputable online store with good prices. I have been using Newegg for all of my research.

Location: What country do you live in?
United States, Kansas to be exact.

Now that I have the basic info for you guys let me give you some more detail of my building needs.

I will be needing this desktop to do typical, basic everyday tasks. It will be my main server for my pictures and music that I currently have, as well as a central docking station for ipods, smartphones, cameras, etc. I need to get this thing up and running once I start my new job, so the inital build needs to be enough to get the machine running for these simple tasks.

Then, once the paychecks start coming in, I will be adding to the system. The desired end product will have dual HDTV tuners, HDMI and DVI outputs for dual monitor control (HDTV and HD monitor), and multi-channel audio output.

I feel confident with my ability to pick out components, however I have trouble understanding exactly how demanding these tasks will be to a system, and what kind of specs a system would need in order to support this. (CPU core type and processing speed, amount of memory, video card, etc, about the only thing I have a feel for is storage space)

Ideally, the initial build will have the case, power supply, mother board, and CPU sized to accomodate the finished build. Then, the bluray drive, upgraded video card, and tv tuners will be installed, as well as more memory (if necessary).

**wrench97** · 11-27-2008, 04:13 AM

Start with this lets see what you like/don't like, the video card supports Dual monitors and HDMI and the power supply will handle everything you want to add, The motherboard has sound, lan, and support for up to 8 Sata drives.

Link ........................................................................................Discp. Cost Rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036 E8500 $187.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128359 GA-EP45-UD3R $108.99 -$15.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2KIT25664AA80A DDR2 800 4Gig $82.99 -$30.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814131129 HD4830 $119.99 -$25.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817171024 RS-750 $99.99 -$40.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119106 Case $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148301 SG 500Gig $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136152 DVD burner $23.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116485 Vista HP32 $99.99

$853.91 -$110.00

Total $743.91

**linderman** · 11-27-2008, 07:40 AM

Wrench has given you an awesome spec for the budget ........ it doesnt lack for anything

I cant see one single area to cost costs without a big performance loss trade-off

that system will be everything you will ever need

yobrigidey · 11-27-2008, 08:30 AM

Wow thanks for the quick response! The specs look great, I do have a couple of questions.

Would there be any benefit/drawback with jumping to the 64 bit version of vista? As far as I know, the 32 bit version would leave me maxed out with 4 gigs of memory. (32 vs 64 is still kind of a gray area for me)

Also, is there any problem with using this case? Is the extra airflow from all the fans unneccesary?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021

**wrench97** · 11-27-2008, 09:01 AM

The only down side to 64bit is still drivers but if your using all new components the only issue would be items like printers, scanners and other plug in peripherals just make sure drivers are available for any devices you plan to use first.

The Antec 900 is a good case but the power supply is mounted on the bottom next to the video card instead of the top and that is the only draw back.

11-26-2008, 10:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
yobrigidey Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 14 OS: Vista	Another first time builder Well, this is my first post on these forums, I have been lurking all day reading stuff. I'll start with the sticky basics: Budget: How much money are you willing to spend on the new build? I have to keep it under a $1000 to get things started, but will be upgrading periodically. If I can get it up and running for under $700, that would be great! Brands: Are there any brands of components you want or don't want? I've always had intel computers, so I would like to stick with that. Multitasking: Will you be multitasking with this computer and if so, how much? Yes, This machine will eventually become my media server. It will (eventually) need to be capable of bluray ripping, HD video recording and editing, photo editing. I also want to be able to run programs such as autocad, revit, and photoshop. Gaming: Will you be gaming and if so, how much and how new are the games? No gaming on this machine, the biggest demands will come from video editing. Calculations: Will you be doing any intense calculations or media encoding? Media encoding Overclocking: Do you plan on overclocking and if so, how much? Not intending to do so. I want the components in this machine to last, and don't think I will need to be overclocking for the intended use of this machine. Storage: How much storage will you need and what will you be storing? Eventually, tons. I would like to have the ability to add HDD as necessary as I fill them with HD programing and movies. From the initial build, however, I think a 500 gig HDD will suffice. Legacy Support: Will you need support for older hardware like parallel, serial, or PS/2 devices? Nope. Operating System: Do you want Windows XP or Vista, or Linux compatibility? Vista premium Case: Do you want help selecting a case and if so, how big do you want it? Yes, i'll need help selecting. There is no need for a compact case, it is much more important that I have room to expand. Accessories: Do you want a keyboard, mouse, or other items included? Don't need a keyboard or mouse. Recycled Components: Will you be reusing any components you already have? Yes. I have an old desktop at my gf's place that will supply my cd/dvd drives. It could possibly supply my network card and video card (if i need to in order to fit in my budget) Monitor: If you want a monitor, what size do you want and should it be widescreen? Already have a monitor Stores: Do you have any online stores that you prefer to purchase from? Any reputable online store with good prices. I have been using Newegg for all of my research. Location: What country do you live in? United States, Kansas to be exact. Now that I have the basic info for you guys let me give you some more detail of my building needs. I will be needing this desktop to do typical, basic everyday tasks. It will be my main server for my pictures and music that I currently have, as well as a central docking station for ipods, smartphones, cameras, etc. I need to get this thing up and running once I start my new job, so the inital build needs to be enough to get the machine running for these simple tasks. Then, once the paychecks start coming in, I will be adding to the system. The desired end product will have dual HDTV tuners, HDMI and DVI outputs for dual monitor control (HDTV and HD monitor), and multi-channel audio output. I feel confident with my ability to pick out components, however I have trouble understanding exactly how demanding these tasks will be to a system, and what kind of specs a system would need in order to support this. (CPU core type and processing speed, amount of memory, video card, etc, about the only thing I have a feel for is storage space) Ideally, the initial build will have the case, power supply, mother board, and CPU sized to accomodate the finished build. Then, the bluray drive, upgraded video card, and tv tuners will be installed, as well as more memory (if necessary).

11-27-2008, 04:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,544 OS: Win7	Re: Another first time builder Start with this lets see what you like/don't like, the video card supports Dual monitors and HDMI and the power supply will handle everything you want to add, The motherboard has sound, lan, and support for up to 8 Sata drives. Link ........................................................................................Discp. Cost Rebate http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036 E8500 $187.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128359 GA-EP45-UD3R $108.99 -$15.00 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2KIT25664AA80A DDR2 800 4Gig $82.99 -$30.00 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814131129 HD4830 $119.99 -$25.00 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817171024 RS-750 $99.99 -$40.00 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119106 Case $49.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148301 SG 500Gig $79.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136152 DVD burner $23.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116485 Vista HP32 $99.99 $853.91 -$110.00 Total $743.91 __________________ Power Supply and Selection

11-27-2008, 07:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,437 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Another first time builder Wrench has given you an awesome spec for the budget ........ it doesnt lack for anything I cant see one single area to cost costs without a big performance loss trade-off that system will be everything you will ever need __________________ I still know nothing and I respect that fact, striving to improve and, along the way, help anyone that comes from the place that I used to be! Power Supply Selection LEARN TO BACK-UP YOUR DATA FREE & EASY YouTube - Runtime Software DriveImage XML tutorial

11-27-2008, 08:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
yobrigidey Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 14 OS: Vista	Re: Another first time builder Wow thanks for the quick response! The specs look great, I do have a couple of questions. Would there be any benefit/drawback with jumping to the 64 bit version of vista? As far as I know, the 32 bit version would leave me maxed out with 4 gigs of memory. (32 vs 64 is still kind of a gray area for me) Also, is there any problem with using this case? Is the extra airflow from all the fans unneccesary? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021

11-27-2008, 09:01 AM	#5 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,544 OS: Win7	Re: Another first time builder The only down side to 64bit is still drivers but if your using all new components the only issue would be items like printers, scanners and other plug in peripherals just make sure drivers are available for any devices you plan to use first. The Antec 900 is a good case but the power supply is mounted on the bottom next to the video card instead of the top and that is the only draw back. __________________ Power Supply and Selection