Building a computer for the first time

GenericUser2334 · 03-30-2009, 09:08 PM

I've been wanting to do this for a while but I didn't know anyone personally who knows how to build computers to help me. There's so many parts out there and I don't have the time to figure out what's good and what's not, so I decided to try this place out and see if some of you could help me out. Also, would it be difficult for someone like me who doesn't know a whole lot to actually assemble the computer correctly?

Anyway, here's this...

1. Budget: Around 800

2. Brands: I don't have a preference.

3. Multitasking: Yes

4. Gaming: Yes, this is the reason I want to build one. I want it to be able to play new online FPS games with the highest settings without the lag... if possible with my budget.

5. Calculations: No.

6. Overclocking: No.

7. Storage: I don't need a huge HD, I only need to store what's needed for playing games. I'd like to buy something very reliable that's not going to crap out on me though.

8. Legacy Support: Probably not, all the devices I have are USB now.

9. Operating System: Windows XP.

10. Case: I'd like help finding a case.

11. Accessories: No.

12. Recycled Components: No.

13. Monitor: No, I'm using a CRT I already have.

14. Stores: Not really, but it would be nice to buy most of the stuff from the same place to save on shipping if possible.

15. Location: USA

Phædrus2401 · 03-30-2009, 10:00 PM

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144151 APEVIA X-Cruiser $80
Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...1296&Tpk=P5Q-E ASUS P5Q-E $145
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115206 Intel Core 2 Duo e7400 2.8GHz 3MB cache $115
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227298 OCZ Platinum 4GB DDR2 1066 Cas 5 $60
Graphics: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102801 Sapphire Radeon HD 4870 1GB $190
Power supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817153036 Thermaltake 750Watt ATX $170
Sound Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102007 Creative Sound Blaster 7.1 surround $50
Network Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833166015 Rosewill RC-401-EX $30
DVD Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135186 ASUS DVD drive/burner $29

Subtotal: $869
Total (minus rebates): $804

Decent build, will let you play most current on-line games on high or ultrahigh quality and will give you decent results for the next two to three years.

Mcninjaguy · 03-30-2009, 11:37 PM

solid build Phaedrus2401

except I'd use a Corsair 750w since they're cheaper and higher quality

Corsair 750w
$110
after rebate $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006

so with the corsair its $809 before rebates

**grimx133** · 03-31-2009, 12:27 AM

Network card is onboard, don't need another one.

Might also consider using onboard sound as well, it's not too bad. If you aren't happy with it, get a sound card at some future point.

Excellent suggestion on the psu mac, good savings with the added bonus of it being a great power supply.

Trim a bit here and there like that, then go for the E8400 cpu.

Mcninjaguy · 03-31-2009, 03:54 AM

go for a cheap sound card
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card
$35
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102012

DVD burner LG
$22
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136152

Case
NZXT TEMPEST Crafted Series CS-NT-TEM-B Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
S95
after rebate $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811146047

CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
$165
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037

RAM
OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
$60
$after rebate $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227298

PSU
Corsair 750w
$110
after rebate $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006

Mother board
ASUS P5Q-E LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
$145
after rebate $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...1296&Tpk=P5Q-E

Graphics card
SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
$190
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102801

I think you missed the HDD

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST31000333AS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
$90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148373

Total $912
after rebates $827

Phædrus2401 · 03-31-2009, 05:49 AM

Quote:

I think you missed the HDD

So I did.

Quote:

Network card is onboard, don't need another one.

Well, the OP said that he'd be doing a lot of online gaming. So if he wanted to be sure he could handle a thick pipe from the net, it might be worth dropping $20 on a new network card. Though you're right that it probably wouldn't be a huge improvement.

@GenericUser:
If you have another desktop PC (say, if you're using one right now), it might not be a bad idea to salvage parts from it to go in the new one, maybe save some money. Definitely get new mobo, GPU, CPU, RAM, etc, but any hard drives, CD/DVD drives, sound cards, and such could easily be transferred to a new computer, and might save you a few bucks.

**wrench97** · 03-31-2009, 01:22 PM

Drop the Video card down to a HD4850 and go for the E8400 and DDR2 800 you will not over run at stock speeds or a average OC of 3.4-3.6 on the CPU, this will also let you drop the PSU to a Corsair 650tx.
A $55 coolermaster case is also an area to save without effecting performance.
Pass on the Rosewill network card the onboard would be faster.

**wrench97** · 03-31-2009, 01:31 PM

I think you all missed the OS

GenericUser2334 · 03-31-2009, 08:40 PM

Thanks for all the replies, you've all been very helpful. The one that wrench put together seems to fit my price range since it has the OS included in the price.

One of the main reasons I'm building a computer is to play Starcraft 2 when it eventually comes out, but do you think that setup would be able to run a game like that flawlessly? I want to avoid getting lag when there's a lot happening on the screen. If there's reason to believe that I'd be suffering then I'm willing to spend a little more.

Also, is there a good reason for using Vista over XP?

And I only have a laptop computer right now so I can't salvage any parts from a previous desktop.

Mcninjaguy · 03-31-2009, 08:51 PM

that system will be able to play crysis on max setttings with around 4x AA

Phædrus2401 · 03-31-2009, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mcninjaguy

that system will be able to play crysis on max setttings with around 4x AA

Maybe, depending on the screen res. On 1600x1200? No way. 1200x800? Maybe.

That's a step better than my setup, and I play Fallout 3 on ultra high 4xAA, 1440x900 res, at about 45-50fps. In other words, it'll last you a while.

EDIT: By the way, the GPU Wrench links to is a 4850, not a 4870. That's twice in one week!

So your graphics quality will be a little worse than mine, but still pretty good.

03-30-2009, 09:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
GenericUser2334 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2 OS: xp	Building a computer for the first time I've been wanting to do this for a while but I didn't know anyone personally who knows how to build computers to help me. There's so many parts out there and I don't have the time to figure out what's good and what's not, so I decided to try this place out and see if some of you could help me out. Also, would it be difficult for someone like me who doesn't know a whole lot to actually assemble the computer correctly? Anyway, here's this... 1. Budget: Around 800 2. Brands: I don't have a preference. 3. Multitasking: Yes 4. Gaming: Yes, this is the reason I want to build one. I want it to be able to play new online FPS games with the highest settings without the lag... if possible with my budget. 5. Calculations: No. 6. Overclocking: No. 7. Storage: I don't need a huge HD, I only need to store what's needed for playing games. I'd like to buy something very reliable that's not going to crap out on me though. 8. Legacy Support: Probably not, all the devices I have are USB now. 9. Operating System: Windows XP. 10. Case: I'd like help finding a case. 11. Accessories: No. 12. Recycled Components: No. 13. Monitor: No, I'm using a CRT I already have. 14. Stores: Not really, but it would be nice to buy most of the stuff from the same place to save on shipping if possible. 15. Location: USA

03-30-2009, 10:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,769 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: Building a computer for the first time Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144151 APEVIA X-Cruiser $80 Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...1296&Tpk=P5Q-E ASUS P5Q-E $145 CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115206 Intel Core 2 Duo e7400 2.8GHz 3MB cache $115 RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227298 OCZ Platinum 4GB DDR2 1066 Cas 5 $60 Graphics: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102801 Sapphire Radeon HD 4870 1GB $190 Power supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817153036 Thermaltake 750Watt ATX $170 Sound Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102007 Creative Sound Blaster 7.1 surround $50 Network Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833166015 Rosewill RC-401-EX $30 DVD Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135186 ASUS DVD drive/burner $29 Subtotal: $869 Total (minus rebates): $804 Decent build, will let you play most current on-line games on high or ultrahigh quality and will give you decent results for the next two to three years. Last edited by Phædrus2401; 03-30-2009 at 10:17 PM.

03-30-2009, 11:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mcninjaguy Temporarily Banned Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 10,422 OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit My System Blog Entries: 1	Re: Building a computer for the first time solid build Phaedrus2401 except I'd use a Corsair 750w since they're cheaper and higher quality Corsair 750w $110 after rebate $90 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006 so with the corsair its $809 before rebates Last edited by Mcninjaguy; 03-30-2009 at 11:38 PM.

03-31-2009, 12:27 AM	#4 (permalink)
grimx133 Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada eh Posts: 3,137 OS: xp mce sp2, xp pro sp2, windows 7 beta My System	Re: Building a computer for the first time Network card is onboard, don't need another one. Might also consider using onboard sound as well, it's not too bad. If you aren't happy with it, get a sound card at some future point. Excellent suggestion on the psu mac, good savings with the added bonus of it being a great power supply. Trim a bit here and there like that, then go for the E8400 cpu. __________________

03-31-2009, 03:54 AM	#5 (permalink)
Mcninjaguy Temporarily Banned Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 10,422 OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit My System Blog Entries: 1	Re: Building a computer for the first time go for a cheap sound card Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card $35 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102012 DVD burner LG $22 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136152 Case NZXT TEMPEST Crafted Series CS-NT-TEM-B Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case S95 after rebate $75 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811146047 CPU Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor $165 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037 RAM OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory $60 $after rebate $30 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227298 PSU Corsair 750w $110 after rebate $90 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006 Mother board ASUS P5Q-E LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard $145 after rebate $130 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...1296&Tpk=P5Q-E Graphics card SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card $190 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102801 I think you missed the HDD Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST31000333AS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive $90 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148373 Total $912 after rebates $827

03-31-2009, 01:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,469 OS: Win7	Re: Building a computer for the first time Drop the Video card down to a HD4850 and go for the E8400 and DDR2 800 you will not over run at stock speeds or a average OC of 3.4-3.6 on the CPU, this will also let you drop the PSU to a Corsair 650tx. A $55 coolermaster case is also an area to save without effecting performance. Pass on the Rosewill network card the onboard would be faster. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

03-31-2009, 01:31 PM	#8 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,469 OS: Win7	Re: Building a computer for the first time I think you all missed the OS Like this > Link Discp. Cost Rebate http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037 E8500 $164.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184 DDR2 800 2x2 $44.99 25.00 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...%20EP45%20UD3P GA EP45 UD3P $134.99 20.00 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148294 SEA 500G $89.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9005&Tpk=650tx 650TX $94.99 20.00 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116488 Vista HP 64 $99.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119068 Case $49.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102770 HD4870 $129.99 10 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106287 DVD burner $22.99 $832.91 $75.00 Total $757.91 __________________ Power Supply and Selection Last edited by wrench97; 03-31-2009 at 01:32 PM.

03-31-2009, 08:40 PM	#9 (permalink)
GenericUser2334 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2 OS: xp	Re: Building a computer for the first time Thanks for all the replies, you've all been very helpful. The one that wrench put together seems to fit my price range since it has the OS included in the price. One of the main reasons I'm building a computer is to play Starcraft 2 when it eventually comes out, but do you think that setup would be able to run a game like that flawlessly? I want to avoid getting lag when there's a lot happening on the screen. If there's reason to believe that I'd be suffering then I'm willing to spend a little more. Also, is there a good reason for using Vista over XP? And I only have a laptop computer right now so I can't salvage any parts from a previous desktop.

03-31-2009, 08:51 PM	#10 (permalink)
Mcninjaguy Temporarily Banned Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 10,422 OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit My System Blog Entries: 1	Re: Building a computer for the first time that system will be able to play crysis on max setttings with around 4x AA