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First build $650 machine

S

SeeDLeone

n00b
Joined
Jul 3, 2004
Messages
51
Hello, I've decided this go around to build a computer instead of buying a pre-packed one. I've read a lot of "how to build" guides and I think I got all the pin settings and slots right but I'd like another set of eyes to check and make sure I did. Here it goes

Motherboard:
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard $119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128359

CPU:
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor $164.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

RAM:
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

Graphics Card:
SAPPHIRE 100225L Radeon HD 3870 512MB 256-bit GDDR4 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card $104.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102719

Hard drive:
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218

Case:
RAIDMAX SMILODON Extreme Black ATX-612WEBP 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case With 500W Power Supply $94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156098

DVD Burner:
SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe $27.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173

Does everything look good? Any advice to improve it without major cost is welcomed. I'd like to stay around the $650 (currently at $637.93)

Also, do I need to buy additional cables and screws or thermal paste?

Thanks in advance.
 
your build looks great save a couple things;

that case is cool looking but the psu is suspect. Here is somthing to consider;

Antec earthwatts EA500 500W + Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid $84.94 combo deal

If you are not gaming at all then that gpu is fine, but it is being bested by a couple og other gpus which are the same after a rebate. This for example,

XFX PVT98GYDLU GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 + Call of Duty 4 $129.99 - $20 mir + Free Shipping.

As for the thermal paste, if you do not plan on overclocking then the oem heatsink and thermal paste will be fine.
 
Raidmax PSUs are not that good. I recommend going with Hossdaddy's combo recommendation.

Video card wise, get the 9600GT instead since it's faster yet is roughly the same price as the HD3870:
Evga 9600GT 512 MB PCI-E Video Card - $105

With that said, if you can spare an extra $20, I highly recommend getting the 9800GT instead since it's, at a minimum, roughly 10% faster than the 9600GT. It's worth the extra cash IMO:
EVGA 512-P3-N971-TR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB PCI-E Video card - $125
 
It looks good to me, similar to my current setup. I would reccommend definately getting some thermal paste. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100009&Tpk=Arctic%20Ceramique is non conductive so its a little more user friendly.

I would go with Nvidia video card, but that just my personal opinion. I believe if you wanted to you could go with a little faster RAM, but I use 800 and its ok. I use that exact RAM and it is working perfect. I have that processor and its really nice. You may, depending on how many drives you plan to add consider a power supply upgrade in the future. Like I said, its pretty similar to my setup, and while not bleeding edge, I can play most games, do all the websurfing, etc I need.
 
Here's another option also. You can go better on the GPU with these adjustments. It went over $650 but, I think it's worth it.

CPU - Intel Core2 E8400 Dual Core(3.0ghz) + Asus P5QPro mobo combo deal for $255($15 MIR on mobo)
RAM - 4gig G. Skills DDR2 800 for $50 w/free shipping
Video - SAPPHIRE 100245L Radeon HD 4850 512MB for $160 ($20 MIR) w/free shipping
HDD - WD 6400AAKS 640gig for $75 w/free shipping
Case/PSU - Antec 300case + Antec Earthwatts 500 for $85
Optical drive - Samsung Black 22X DVD+R w/lightscribe for $28 w/free shipping

Total: $653 before shipping & rebates
 
HardwareGuru said:
Here's another option also. You can go better on the GPU with these adjustments. It went over $650 but, I think it's worth it.

CPU - Intel Core2 E8400 Dual Core(3.0ghz) + Asus P5QPro mobo combo deal for $255($15 MIR on mobo)
RAM - 4gig G. Skills DDR2 800 for $50 w/free shipping
Video - SAPPHIRE 100245L Radeon HD 4850 512MB for $160 ($20 MIR) w/free shipping
HDD - WD 6400AAKS 640gig for $75 w/free shipping
Case/PSU - Antec 300case + Antec Earthwatts 500 for $85
Optical drive - Samsung Black 22X DVD+R w/lightscribe for $28 w/free shipping

Total: $653 before shipping & rebates
Click to expand...

All the guys here offered great advice, but I really think Hardwareguru really has the best build for you, SeedLeone.

That CPU/Mobo combo is a great value, but if you want to go even cheaper you can get this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128347

At $650 that is an awesome gaming computer

I have a question: Why does everyone recommend the samsung DVD burners? LG has one that is $4 less, and it comes with the LG name: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136149
 
InnocentNoobie said:
I have a question: Why does everyone recommend the samsung DVD burners? LG has one that is $4 less, and it comes with the LG name: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136149
Click to expand...

In my experience, the Samsung DVD burners are pretty quiet. In addition, that Samsung DVD burner has free shipping whereas the LG DVD burner does not. That pretty much negates the lower cost of the LG. And finally, I don't hold LG in any high regard over other companies.
 
Oh wow, thanks for all the replies. Sorry for the slow response, this week was hectic.

Next round of questions:


XFX PVT98GYDLU GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150316

EVGA 512-P3-N971-TR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130397
Click to expand...

- Whats the difference between these two? I'm looking at the specs and I don't really see a difference. (I'd rather get CoD4 for 5 more dollars if they are the same)

HardwareGuru said:
Here's another option also. You can go better on the GPU with these adjustments. It went over $650 but, I think it's worth it.

CPU - Intel Core2 E8400 Dual Core(3.0ghz) + Asus P5QPro mobo combo deal for $255($15 MIR on mobo)
RAM - 4gig G. Skills DDR2 800 for $50 w/free shipping
Video - SAPPHIRE 100245L Radeon HD 4850 512MB for $160 ($20 MIR) w/free shipping
HDD - WD 6400AAKS 640gig for $75 w/free shipping
Case/PSU - Antec 300case + Antec Earthwatts 500 for $85
Optical drive - Samsung Black 22X DVD+R w/lightscribe for $28 w/free shipping

Total: $653 before shipping & rebates
Click to expand...

Wow man, thanks for all the ideas. I can't find the Antex 300 + Antex Earthwatts, but I found one that uses the same case and Antec Neo Power 500 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817103940), would that work also?

I am going to do some gaming on this PC (actually, a lot when Diablo III comes out :D), but this PC will be mostly for work in Photoshop, Illustrator, and AutoCAD mostly. I constantly switch between Photoshop and Illustrator and my current computer is really getting slow. Especially when I work images with really high dpi. Sometimes I get a good 5-10 seconds of lag in between paintbrush strokes in PhotoShop. I just need a a fast and solid PC to last me for a little.

Once again thanks for all the help.
 
yeah those are the same cards cod4 for $5 is solid. There is also a combo with FARCRY2 for a little more fyi.

That psu looks solid + its modular! nice find.
 
Both 9800GT cards are the same specs-wise, but the EVGA card has a dual-slot cooler that performs better than the XFX card. Both cards offer a limited lifetime warranty, but XFX offers a "double" lifetime warranty that can transfer over to the new owner of the card, should you decide to sell it/give it away later on. (Of course, the card has to be registered before you're covered under the warranty.)

For the overall value, though, the XFX card is the better buy. The one you chose has free shipping, which saves you about $10 more.
 
At this time, I would get this.

CPU - Intel Core2 E8400 Dual Core(3.0ghz) + Asus P5QPro mobo combo deal for $250($15 MIR on mobo)
RAM - 4gig G. Skills DDR2 800 for $45 w/free shipping
Video - MSI N9800GT-T2D512-OC edition GeForce 9800 GT 512MB for $115($20 MIR)
HDD - WD 6400AAKS 640gig for $75 w/free shipping
Case/PSU (combo deal) - Antec 300case + Antec Neopower 500 for $90
Optical drive - Samsung Black 22X DVD+R w/lightscribe for $28 w/free shipping

Total: $603 before shipping & rebates
 
HardwareGuru said:
At this time, I would get this.

CPU - Intel Core2 E8400 Dual Core(3.0ghz) + Asus P5QPro mobo combo deal for $250($15 MIR on mobo)
RAM - 4gig G. Skills DDR2 800 for $45 w/free shipping
Video - MSI N9800GT-T2D512-OC edition GeForce 9800 GT 512MB for $115($20 MIR)
HDD - WD 6400AAKS 640gig for $75 w/free shipping
Case/PSU (combo deal) - Antec 300case + Antec Neopower 500 for $90
Optical drive - Samsung Black 22X DVD+R w/lightscribe for $28 w/free shipping

Total: $603 before shipping & rebates
Click to expand...


link 'em up HG! :p
 
Windows XP is too waste... Even if it is very streamline and runs well but your using 4 gigs of RAM. Gig of which can't be use by the OS. Get a Vista Home Premium 64bit.
 
Windows XP is too waste... Even if it is very streamline and runs well but your using 4 gigs of RAM. Gig of which can't be use by the OS. Get a Vista Home Premium 64bit.
Click to expand...
.

true it doesn't take advantage of all 4gb but takes advantage of something like 3.2 if I'm not mistaken, which is pretty good, if he already has XP just wait for microsoft 7,( hoping its not a huge flop)
 
People say Vista is bad OS, it isn't... Just bad public Image, you gain more than you lose. Windows 7 is just Vista and an iphone love child. Not really worth the two year wait...
 
XD vista is great i run it, and have nothing against it, but if he is saving cash and already has an xp os, why not keep it? unless you run into problems or plan on going DX10 you'll be ok till W7
 
Thanks everyone for all your help but my plans are going to change a little.

By sheer and complete luck my budget just when up to around $1000 if I just wait a little until after the holiday season, which is fine by me :D

So what I'm thinking of doing is picking out (but not buying it) a motherboard at this time and start to collect components that will work with it. I'm thinking around a $120ish budget for the mobo, so something like:
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358
Click to expand...

I'll take advantage of all the Black Friday deals and some of the components that probably won't change a lot in 1-2 months time. I'd imagine stuff like RAM (as long as it 240pin right?), hard drives, and a DVD will be a safe bet.

Thanks again :)
 
enginurd said:
Hm... so you're not gonna switch to Core i7?
Click to expand...

Heh. In truth, I really have no idea what that is. Until looking into building a PC like 2-3 weeks ago, I knew nothing and well still don't know a lot about hardware. I've been just looking at this and then going on newegg and trying to play around with prices and customize it a little to my liking.

I just looked into Core i7 and found this Intel Core i7 920 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 Quad-Core Processor. And this is what I was initially leaning towards Intel Core2 Quad Q9400 2.66GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor.

I really don't know the difference between the two. Don't even know what L2 Cache does and if 2MB more is good. :X

I made up a Wish List on Newegg of the things I want to get but the link I got doesn't work for some reason.

If this Core i7 stuff is worth it I'll put something new together.
 
Your wish list still doesn't work, so please list out the parts you're considering. (If you've already planned one out as well, please list which X58/Core i7 components you're considering purchasing.)

A build based on the new Core i7 processors would perform better than a Core 2-based build, but it will also be more expensive. I suggest doing research -- since you said that you weren't going to choose anything right away -- and determine for yourself whether or not the added performance of Core i7 is worth the money.
 
Core 2:
CPU
Intel Core2 Quad Q9400 2.66GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor
Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard

Core i7:
CPU
Intel Core i7 920 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 Quad-Core Processor
Motherboard
MSI X58 Platinum LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard


Case
Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Power Supply
Antec EA650 650W ATX12V Ver.2.2 / EPS12V version 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
Video Card
ZOTAC ZT-X26E3KB-FSP GeForce GTX 260 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
Memory
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
Hard drive
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

But with what Danny Bui said, I'm going to go Core 2.
 
The power supply will be enough for the video card.

Personally, I don't believe that the Core i7 setup is currently worth the added cost. However, I recommend either the Core 2 Quad Q6600 or the Q9550 over the Q9400 (for your Core 2 build). (The OEM Q6600 has a bundle deal with the motherboard you chose. All you'll need is a good aftermarket CPU cooler, like the Xigmatek HDT-S1283 with its ACK-I7751 retention bracket.)
 
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