New Build - Want some advice

scary · 04-01-2009, 11:43 PM

Hi. I've never built a computer before, but my old toshiba satellite laptop is about to go and I have finally decided to chuck out 800 bucks and build a PC. I have been looking around a LOT and below is what I've finally settled on. I just want to make sure everything is going to be compatible before I go ahead and buy.

1. Budget: As stated above...$800 USD. That is all I can afford, I'm a college student and need to eat.

2. Brands: Asus MOBO and intel processor is my only preferences. Other then that whatever is reputed to work reliably and not F up after a couple days.

3. Multitasking: I am a multitasker. Not too heavy though. Say browsing, listening to music, and having a word processor open at the same time.

4. Gaming: I'd say 35% of the time I'll be gaming. Counter-Strike 1.6, WoW, CoD4...etc...

5. Calculations: Making animations in WMM is as intense as it gets for me.

6. Overclocking: No.

7. Storage: anywhere from 250 - 500 GB (music, photos, applications basically)

8. Legacy Support: None...my LCD monitor runs on AVI...but the graphics card I'm planning on getting has an adapter included.

9. Operating System: I would prefer XP...but I've heard that the 64 bit version of Vista is better than the XP...I don't know whether its true or not. 64 bit would be a must as I'm gettting a core 2 duo. I don't care really whether I end up with XP or Vista.

10. Case: I have my case picked out. Its beautiful.

11. Accessories: Nope...I have a USB mouse and can get a keyboard cheap.

12. Recycled Components: No.

13. Monitor: I have one already.

14. Stores: Newegg is the best I've found so far. I'll probably get all my parts there.

15. Location: USA west coast.

OK...so below I'm going to list my parts.
I want advice on whether or not I've made good choices on the components. And MOST of all I want to make sure they will all sync correctly before I order. Thanks.

Case:
XCLIO Windtunnel ATX Full Tower - RETAIL $119.99

MOBO:
ASUS P5QL PRO LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $86.99

CPU:
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail $164.99

PSU:
OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI 700W ATX12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail $119.99

HDD:
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $54.99

Video Card:
EVGA 896-P3-1260-AR GeForce GTX 260 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail $189.99

RAM:
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail $49.99

Optical Drive:
Pioneer Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-R 32X CD-RW 40X CD-ROM 2MB Cache IDE 20X DVD±R DVD Burner - OEM $24.99

scary · 04-01-2009, 11:45 PM

So...yeah...If you could just tell me what you think...I'd really appreciate it.

John Von Trapp · 04-02-2009, 09:49 AM

Looks pretty good to me. The only thing I would change would be upgrading the HDD to a 500GB, its normally like an extra $10 for twice the space.

**linderman** · 04-02-2009, 10:01 AM

bravo, I think you have done well! nice research

my only thought would be Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3l board as the Intel P45 chipset is better high end performance than P43 econo board ........and $10.00 diff

I would rather have a lesser case like the Coolermaster Centurion for $50.00 and up the Cpu to the E8500

dont overlook mwave.com / click refurbished / click motherboards

the stock in there changes VERY quickly, high volume turnout

you can often times score a high end Intel P45 asus or gigabyte board for about $80.00 or less

~~connor-53~~ · 04-02-2009, 01:39 PM

Don't forget you will need an OS, thats an extra 100. Unless you have a version of vista/xp you bought in a store.

~~connor-53~~ · 04-02-2009, 01:41 PM

I think it all looks good, like linder said maybe a cheaper case and a e8500.

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119137
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036
HD (640GB): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136319

~~connor-53~~ · 04-02-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scary

I have finally decided to chuck out 800 bucks and build a PC.

The build you listed is 815, without shipping and tax........

so.............

~~connor-53~~ · 04-02-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scary

I have finally decided to chuck out 800 bucks and build a PC.

Double post ftw, also its 815 without the OS.

~~connor-53~~ · 04-02-2009, 02:09 PM

~~connor-53~~ · 04-02-2009, 02:21 PM

scary · 04-02-2009, 02:56 PM

Thanks for replying.

Connor...I'm liking the stuff you posted last.

I really, really like the case I chose, but I'll look at the one you posted. The side 250mm fans is what im interested in, cool, and quiet .$850 is not too much...I'm saving money by buying my textbooks online..so i should have an extra 80+ bucks.

If I am not going to overclock there would be no reason for me to get the e8500 right? the 8400 would work just as good. there is only a slight percentage of higher multiplier in the 8500, which isn't that important to me.

As far as the OS goes I have that already, and I have quite a bit of experience installing OS's...Windows and Linux on various systems.

So...as of now...the stuff I chose originally, or the changes you posted earlier...those are all compatible with each other as far as universal bus speeds, ram type etc.? that's the biggie I want to be sure of as I don't want to get a component only to find it doesn't work with my setup and have to send it back.

Once again, thanks for replying. This site and you guys are a big help when it comes to computer related questions.

~~connor-53~~ · 04-02-2009, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scary

Thanks for replying.

Connor...I'm liking the stuff you posted last.

I really, really like the case I chose, but I'll look at the one you posted. The side 250mm fans is what im interested in, cool, and quiet .$850 is not too much...I'm saving money by buying my textbooks online..so i should have an extra 80+ bucks.

If I am not going to overclock there would be no reason for me to get the e8500 right? the 8400 would work just as good. there is only a slight percentage of higher multiplier in the 8500, which isn't that important to me.

As far as the OS goes I have that already, and I have quite a bit of experience installing OS's...Windows and Linux on various systems.

So...as of now...the stuff I chose originally, or the changes you posted earlier...those are all compatible with each other as far as universal bus speeds, ram type etc.? that's the biggie I want to be sure of as I don't want to get a component only to find it doesn't work with my setup and have to send it back.

Once again, thanks for replying. This site and you guys are a big help when it comes to computer related questions.

Since you won't be OC'ing, there is no reason to get the case with the 250mm or whatever sizes fans is there? that case is bigger than you think. About the CPU, I would go with the 8500 regardless.

~~connor-53~~ · 04-02-2009, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scary

So...as of now...the stuff I chose originally, or the changes you posted earlier...those are all compatible with each other as far as universal bus speeds, ram type etc.? that's the biggie I want to be sure of as I don't want to get a component only to find it doesn't work with my setup and have to send it back.

Once you have a final list, before you order post EVERYTHING and I will look it over.

~~connor-53~~ · 04-02-2009, 06:08 PM

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/SkuSearch...iteria=ba25878

Take a look at that^^

**linderman** · 04-02-2009, 06:17 PM

I personally like the Xclio wind tunnel myself

the 250mm fan moves alot of air with very low noise

yes; the E8400 is a sweet processor ......... and even overclocking is almost as capable as the E8500

scary · 04-03-2009, 02:32 PM

i like having plenty of room to expand. eventually I might overclock. having a huge case with great cooling is a big + for me under those conditions.

**linderman** · 04-03-2009, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scary

i like having plenty of room to expand. eventually I might overclock. having a huge case with great cooling is a big + for me under those conditions.

very true ..... you have a good point

scary · 04-03-2009, 02:45 PM

DVD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136149
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036
MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128372
CASE: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811103011
HD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136319
VIDEO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125258
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231122

$840 including shipping...what do you guys think?

I'm really liking all this. I like the change in motherboard (although its not ASUS) and Video Card.

The PSU and Video card I originally chose were more expensive because they had other stuff that was supposivally "free" bundled with them...I didn't realize that initially.

OK i gotta run to the dentist, I'll check this when I get back. =)

**linderman** · 04-03-2009, 02:51 PM

yes; thats a very good set-up.......... it has bang for the buck performance

BTW: gigabyte motherboards are every bit as good as Asus; if not better!

scary · 04-03-2009, 06:51 PM

Well thank you guys for all your help. I'm going to go ahead and order (after I check my bank account =P)...I'll tell you guys how it turns out.

04-01-2009, 11:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
scary Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 8 OS: xp	New Build - Want some advice Hi. I've never built a computer before, but my old toshiba satellite laptop is about to go and I have finally decided to chuck out 800 bucks and build a PC. I have been looking around a LOT and below is what I've finally settled on. I just want to make sure everything is going to be compatible before I go ahead and buy. 1. Budget: As stated above...$800 USD. That is all I can afford, I'm a college student and need to eat. 2. Brands: Asus MOBO and intel processor is my only preferences. Other then that whatever is reputed to work reliably and not F up after a couple days. 3. Multitasking: I am a multitasker. Not too heavy though. Say browsing, listening to music, and having a word processor open at the same time. 4. Gaming: I'd say 35% of the time I'll be gaming. Counter-Strike 1.6, WoW, CoD4...etc... 5. Calculations: Making animations in WMM is as intense as it gets for me. 6. Overclocking: No. 7. Storage: anywhere from 250 - 500 GB (music, photos, applications basically) 8. Legacy Support: None...my LCD monitor runs on AVI...but the graphics card I'm planning on getting has an adapter included. 9. Operating System: I would prefer XP...but I've heard that the 64 bit version of Vista is better than the XP...I don't know whether its true or not. 64 bit would be a must as I'm gettting a core 2 duo. I don't care really whether I end up with XP or Vista. 10. Case: I have my case picked out. Its beautiful. 11. Accessories: Nope...I have a USB mouse and can get a keyboard cheap. 12. Recycled Components: No. 13. Monitor: I have one already. 14. Stores: Newegg is the best I've found so far. I'll probably get all my parts there. 15. Location: USA west coast. OK...so below I'm going to list my parts. I want advice on whether or not I've made good choices on the components. And MOST of all I want to make sure they will all sync correctly before I order. Thanks. Case: XCLIO Windtunnel ATX Full Tower - RETAIL $119.99 MOBO: ASUS P5QL PRO LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $86.99 CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail $164.99 PSU: OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI 700W ATX12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail $119.99 HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $54.99 Video Card: EVGA 896-P3-1260-AR GeForce GTX 260 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail $189.99 RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail $49.99 Optical Drive: Pioneer Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-R 32X CD-RW 40X CD-ROM 2MB Cache IDE 20X DVD±R DVD Burner - OEM $24.99

04-01-2009, 11:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
scary Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 8 OS: xp	Re: New Build - Want some advice So...yeah...If you could just tell me what you think...I'd really appreciate it.

04-02-2009, 09:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
John Von Trapp Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 78 OS: Vista Ultimate SP1 64 Bit My System	Re: New Build - Want some advice Looks pretty good to me. The only thing I would change would be upgrading the HDD to a 500GB, its normally like an extra $10 for twice the space. __________________ Photoshop User. Crysis Player. Prime95 abuser. I like things that can flog my system :p

04-02-2009, 10:01 AM	#4 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,437 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: New Build - Want some advice bravo, I think you have done well! nice research my only thought would be Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3l board as the Intel P45 chipset is better high end performance than P43 econo board ........and $10.00 diff I would rather have a lesser case like the Coolermaster Centurion for $50.00 and up the Cpu to the E8500 dont overlook mwave.com / click refurbished / click motherboards the stock in there changes VERY quickly, high volume turnout you can often times score a high end Intel P45 asus or gigabyte board for about $80.00 or less __________________ 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 Last edited by linderman; 04-02-2009 at 10:05 AM.

04-02-2009, 01:39 PM	#5 (permalink)
~~connor-53~~ Troubled Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New York Posts: 525 OS: Vista Home Prem. 64 bit My System	Re: New Build - Want some advice Don't forget you will need an OS, thats an extra 100. Unless you have a version of vista/xp you bought in a store.

04-02-2009, 01:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
~~connor-53~~ Troubled Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New York Posts: 525 OS: Vista Home Prem. 64 bit My System	Re: New Build - Want some advice I think it all looks good, like linder said maybe a cheaper case and a e8500. Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119137 CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036 HD (640GB): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136319

04-02-2009, 02:09 PM	#9 (permalink)
~~connor-53~~ Troubled Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New York Posts: 525 OS: Vista Home Prem. 64 bit My System	Re: New Build - Want some advice Here $790 without losing too much quality. DVD Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106287 Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119137 HD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136109 Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813188036 Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127420 PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006 RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231122 CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103650 Os: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116488 Total $792 there is some room for upgrades as in the video card If you choose to do so Get this video card:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130467 Good luck

04-02-2009, 02:21 PM	#10 (permalink)
~~connor-53~~ Troubled Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New York Posts: 525 OS: Vista Home Prem. 64 bit My System	Re: New Build - Want some advice If you are willing to spend like 850 I suggest these mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128363 dvd: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136149 case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119137 video card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125258 psu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006 ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231122 cpu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037 os: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116488 alot better for a little more of a price....you get what you pay for.

04-02-2009, 02:56 PM	#11 (permalink)
scary Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 8 OS: xp	Re: New Build - Want some advice Thanks for replying. Connor...I'm liking the stuff you posted last. I really, really like the case I chose, but I'll look at the one you posted. The side 250mm fans is what im interested in, cool, and quiet .$850 is not too much...I'm saving money by buying my textbooks online..so i should have an extra 80+ bucks. If I am not going to overclock there would be no reason for me to get the e8500 right? the 8400 would work just as good. there is only a slight percentage of higher multiplier in the 8500, which isn't that important to me. As far as the OS goes I have that already, and I have quite a bit of experience installing OS's...Windows and Linux on various systems. So...as of now...the stuff I chose originally, or the changes you posted earlier...those are all compatible with each other as far as universal bus speeds, ram type etc.? that's the biggie I want to be sure of as I don't want to get a component only to find it doesn't work with my setup and have to send it back. Once again, thanks for replying. This site and you guys are a big help when it comes to computer related questions.

04-02-2009, 06:08 PM	#14 (permalink)
~~connor-53~~ Troubled Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New York Posts: 525 OS: Vista Home Prem. 64 bit My System	Re: New Build - Want some advice http://www.mwave.com/mwave/SkuSearch...iteria=ba25878 Take a look at that^^

04-02-2009, 06:17 PM	#15 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,437 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: New Build - Want some advice I personally like the Xclio wind tunnel myself the 250mm fan moves alot of air with very low noise yes; the E8400 is a sweet processor ......... and even overclocking is almost as capable as the E8500 __________________ 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

04-03-2009, 02:32 PM	#16 (permalink)
scary Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 8 OS: xp	Re: New Build - Want some advice i like having plenty of room to expand. eventually I might overclock. having a huge case with great cooling is a big + for me under those conditions.

04-03-2009, 02:45 PM	#18 (permalink)
scary Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 8 OS: xp	Re: New Build - Want some advice DVD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136149 CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036 MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128372 CASE: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811103011 HD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136319 VIDEO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125258 PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006 RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231122 $840 including shipping...what do you guys think? I'm really liking all this. I like the change in motherboard (although its not ASUS) and Video Card. The PSU and Video card I originally chose were more expensive because they had other stuff that was supposivally "free" bundled with them...I didn't realize that initially. OK i gotta run to the dentist, I'll check this when I get back. =)

04-03-2009, 02:51 PM	#19 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,437 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: New Build - Want some advice yes; thats a very good set-up.......... it has bang for the buck performance BTW: gigabyte motherboards are every bit as good as Asus; if not better! __________________ 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

04-03-2009, 06:51 PM	#20 (permalink)
scary Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 8 OS: xp	Re: New Build - Want some advice Well thank you guys for all your help. I'm going to go ahead and order (after I check my bank account =P)...I'll tell you guys how it turns out.