Axelman

I have built computers before but that was 10 years ago. I have been looking into the new technology and it is a bit overwhelming.

I have a $2,000 budget!!

The system is for my son and he is almost 16 so it has to look cool and be stable. I know how important components are so here are some of my thoughts.

I have had great experiences with ASUS motherboards, but I see the EVGA MB’s getting good reviews.

So I will post some questions and maybe you all can assist me in making the correct choices.

1) AMD or Intel? I like AMD, but I want the fastest chip for the $$$
2) SLI capable, he just wants it to be expandable in the future.
3) Is 4G of memory enough? I thought 6G would be better, memory seems cheap?
4) A 1000W Power supply seems like the best option if possible expansion to SLI
5) CPU cooling I prefer no liquid cooling.
6) Also he would probably like 2 DVD units one, Blueray and one Burner
7) Do the cases come with LED readouts on the front to display Temp etc? I’m sure he would like one
8) I guess the computer needs to look cool with a window and lights but I want a case that will be the most efficient at keeping it all cool(actually a window might not be required)
9) OS, is Vista Home Premium enough or is Pro better?
10) I would like to use cool cables that will be neat in the case, any suggestions?
11) Should I use paste on the chip?

Thanks for helping out! He's so excited about this I just want it to work well. I have friends that can help me build it if need be.

Axelman

In addition I was wondering if overclocking is something that would help? Asus seemed to have built in options for this but in the past they did not work well?

linderman

I would stick with ASUS boards ........ if you ever have a problem or want to investigate system info there are hordes more asus board buyers than EVGA .......plus the asus forum can assist also

1) I would go Intel ...........AMD has a ways to go to catch up in performance ........ they are a turn or two behind in the race right now


2) IMHO SLI is a dead dog .......... the early concept was making tow cheap video cards run as fast a very expensive one ............ that theory never really materialsized ......... one high end card still rulz the roost of the gaming world ........... video cards are very competitively priced these days ...... we dont see the wreckless $700.00 price tags anymore thanks to the current head to head competition between Nvidia cards and ATI cards

3) 4 gigs is plenty of memory even in 64 bit operating system (OS) even a quad core CPU with insane numbers of programs running cant use more than 3gigs of memory .............you are bound to hit software incompatabilities while runnign enough programs to use more than 3 gigs of memory ......

4) 850 watt to 1000 watt is very smart and leaves room for the future

5) Air cooling is fine ............. have a look at the Tuniq 120 or Thermalright Ultra 120mm cooler

6) reasonable plan

7) Cases are a never ending slew of options and looks ...........Personally I am a form & function user ........... I like Antec 1200 case / Coolermaster full tower .......Full tower is easier to build and maintain good airflow
for pretty and bling bling ............... I suggest some Thermaltake full tower cases .................they can easily be $200.00 to $300.00
before you pick on get opinions to make sure you have the air flow needed ....... its easy to get one with all looks but can't cook

8) discussed above

9) Vista Home premium

10) thats merely a job of invest the time to make it happen ............and pay extra fro a modular power supply

11) most defintely ..............Artic Silver 5

linderman

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...k=Antec%201200 [$180.00]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131297 [$192.00]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=Intel%20Q9650 [$325.00]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145214 {$65.00]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150342 [$400.00]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817153056 [$319.00]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835154002 {$54.00]

2 of these : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148395 [$60.00 x 2]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136137 [$200.00]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827151173 [$25.00]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824001317 [$240.00]

linderman

$2120.00 total ...................


are there places to cut the budget ........... of course ........ by about $650.00


no blue ray / $250.00 video card / $150.00 power supply non modular / E8500 dual core instead of quad core saves $150.00

performance loss ............ barely any ......... but no blue ray

Axelman

So you are proposing RAID right? What are the advantages in brief? I have never set RAID b4 so I will have to get some info and would you change anything if I droped the SLI option?

TY for your help btw

Axelman

Oh what about HDMI if he wants to connect it to his 36" LCD TV will he be able to do that with a computer?

linderman

so I am not suggesting raid ............ but you should have two hard drives to make proper data back-ups ........... although its not manadatory by any means ....... just whenever speaks of building a premium system ........... it usually always has two drives

YES the system above has HDMI capability ..............in fact if he is only going to use the 36inch LCD ............. then I would drop the monitor I linked and get the 4870 X2 video card .................. which is deliberatly designed for 30inch and above monitors

linderman

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814131116

linderman

http://articles.directorym.com/30_In...a.html#8002358

linderman

if he wants to use both regualr monitor and 36 inch ........... that can be done too with the 4870X2 ............... its dual DVI output

linderman

would you like to adopt an older son ....................


I keep my bedroom clean and never have to be reminded to take out the garbage....

Deersindal

In my opinion, Intel is reliable better.

Not sure...

4G is plenty. Vista only uses around 1.5GB, and 4GB will be plenty for almost everything.

No experience in PSUs... Sorry

Look around on NewEgg and I'm sure you'll find something that you like...

NewEgg would also be a nice place to look for CD/ DVD/ BLURAY burners/readers

Most cases don't have these, but they can be purchased separately, and some cases have spots for them to be installed.

NewEgg has good selection of Cases and reviews for them.

I've compared all the Vista version, and Premium seems to be the best for your money.

There are ribbon cables (not sure what they are called) that fit into the hard drive and taper down into a braided steel- looking cable.

YES. Almost definitely you should use paste or you will be dealing with severe overheating.



Take a look at ibuypower. They have almost all of the things that you asked for and you can customize them them all.

linderman

if you have the expereince / back ground / daring .........etc etc etc then custom built is the only way to fly ...............

the spec I listed has zero money for labor / profit / corporate overhead etc etc etc ....... all the money is in the performance ...........

you wont get that exact spec in any OEM built system for that price ..............GUARANTEED

connor-53

lol ^

Phædrus2401

A decent case that is large enough for all the components you want, is cool looking, and isn't too expensive, is this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144151
Has a window in the side, two fans in front, a fan on top, and a fan on the side, plus a mount for a 120mm fan in back, so you'll have lots of cooling. Also has guages for temperature and fan speed and such. I got one second-hand, and aside from a crack in the side and a missing duct for the side fan I'm quite happy with it.

As for a power supply, I'd recommend Antec as a quality brand that doesn't inflate their numbers much, though I'm satisfied with my 700 Watt Rocketfish.

4GB is plenty for any but the most strenuous loads. However, look for DDR3 RAM, for better performance. Mushkin is a good brand with good prices, though GSkill isn't bad either.

Both Nvidia and ATI cards support multi-card capability (called SLI with Nvidia, Crossfire with ATI). With a budget like that, I'd suggest getting some really high-end cards--an ATI 4870GX2 or Nvidia GTX295.
Sapphire ATI 4870GX2: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102768
EVGA Nvidia GTX295: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130449


Those should help some.

linderman

As for a power supply, I'd recommend Antec as a quality brand that doesn't inflate their numbers much, though I'm satisfied with my 700 Watt Rocketfish.





rocketfish ??????????????? for what ...................wheel chock on my One ton truck; when parked on a hill ?

Phædrus2401

Hey, I know they're not the best, but I haven't had any trouble so far, and I got it for half price (thanks to a friend's employee discount at Best Buy). ;)

linderman

been this route MANY times ..................... half price dont count when a blown PSU takes my $200.00 motherboard to the grave with it .................