Help me build a new PC

CS5n531 · 08-30-2009, 11:36 AM

Code:

   1. Budget: $800 max

   2. Brands: Only picky about the processor, please be Intel

   3. Multitasking: Very much so. I'm used to editing videos while running Photoshop, heavy Fraps use for my WoW gameplay.

   4. Gaming: World of Warcraft, really has to be able to run multiple WoW clients simultaneously.

   5. Calculations: A few video renders, but nothing to serious.

   6. Overclocking: Only if completely necessary but not wanted.

   7. Storage: Already have a 500gb HD

   8. Legacy Support: Read the paragraph below for more details.

   9. Operating System: I have a working Windows XP disk that I can use (with a valid CD key)

  10. Case: Throw in some case suggestions please, but most importantly tell me which size the motherboard is so I can browse for a case of my choice accordingly.

  11. Accessories: I have all peripherals, including monitor mouse keyboard audio ext.

  12. Recycled Components: I will be using my SLI GeForce 9800 GT cards and possibly my 500gb HD.

  13. Monitor: I have a monitor

  14. Stores: Newegg, TigerDirect (other suggestions are accepted)

  15. Location: Eastern United States.

So basically, I have this garbage Alienware computer (aprox worth $1500 at the time of purchase) that I'd like to replace. If possible, I'd like to keep the two GeForce 9800 cards that I have (setup in SLI) to save money, and because I think the cards are in ok condition for further use. Really what I'm looking for is: Motherboard, Processor, Heatsink, RAM. If someone could help me find these parts for $800 USD or less (but have them be compatible with my graphics cards) I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

**Tyree** · 08-30-2009, 12:58 PM

All new Mobo's have PCI-E slots so that shouldn't be a problem.
Asus and Gigabyte are good quality.
Heatsink/Fans come with retail/boxed CPU's.
Intel or AMD?

CS5n531 · 08-30-2009, 01:41 PM

Intel please.

Can you link me to some actual parts?

Phædrus2401 · 08-30-2009, 01:50 PM

I would recommend selling those two graphics cards and getting one decent one. That will give you better performance in the long run, a lot more choices when it comes to motherboards, and you won't need as large a power supply or case.

Asus P5Q Turbo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131375

Antec 900
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021

BFG GeForce GTX260 896MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814143140
OR
Sapphire Radeon 4870 1GB (cheaper and comparable performance to the GTX260)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102849

Corsair tx650w
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037

OCZ Platinum 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 1066
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227362

Zalman 9700 110mm HSF
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118019

Recycle your old hard drive(s) and DVD drive and OS. That should put you around $600-700, I didn't bother tallying up prices. If you wanted to use your dual 9800GTs you would need an SLI motherboard, and from my experience and the experience of others on staff, we can say definitively that two times out of three getting an Intel CPU to work in an SLI mobo is a pain in the ***, and forget about overclocking more than 20%.

08-30-2009, 12:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,686 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: Help me build a new PC All new Mobo's have PCI-E slots so that shouldn't be a problem. Asus and Gigabyte are good quality. Heatsink/Fans come with retail/boxed CPU's. Intel or AMD? __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

08-30-2009, 01:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
CS5n531 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 79 OS: Windows XP	Re: Help me build a new PC Intel please. Can you link me to some actual parts?

08-30-2009, 01:50 PM	#4 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,832 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: Help me build a new PC I would recommend selling those two graphics cards and getting one decent one. That will give you better performance in the long run, a lot more choices when it comes to motherboards, and you won't need as large a power supply or case. Asus P5Q Turbo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131375 Antec 900 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021 BFG GeForce GTX260 896MB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814143140 OR Sapphire Radeon 4870 1GB (cheaper and comparable performance to the GTX260) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102849 Corsair tx650w http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005 Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0GHz http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037 OCZ Platinum 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 1066 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227362 Zalman 9700 110mm HSF http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118019 Recycle your old hard drive(s) and DVD drive and OS. That should put you around $600-700, I didn't bother tallying up prices. If you wanted to use your dual 9800GTs you would need an SLI motherboard, and from my experience and the experience of others on staff, we can say definitively that two times out of three getting an Intel CPU to work in an SLI mobo is a pain in the ***, and forget about overclocking more than 20%. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.