Gaming/Graphics - 1st Build

[eikone]

Hope no one will get too put off by this long post but I am a detailed oriented person and I figure the more details I provide now, the more detailed advice, suggestions and help I will receive.

My PC was fried this summer by a lightning surge so I'm needing a replacement. I was already making plans to "upgrade" and now I would really like to try my hand at building my own. I am a photographer so that alone requires at least a good graphics quality machine so I figure if I can put together a really good gaming PC I'll have something that will handle both.

I'm using a pretty sorry rented PC from the local shop that has my old fried one. The old one really just needs a new power supply and some upgrades and it can still be a decent PC for home use.

I would love some knowledgeable advice and suggestions for the components necessary to build a PC that will handle my needs and wants.

Thanks All!

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: As soon as possible

BUDGET RANGE: The longer I wait, the more I have to spend. Basically I've been adding about $50 every week to the original amount I had set aside. I have just over 2K now. Of course, that doesn't mean I have to spend it all, but it is available and growing, for now. The danger in waiting much longer is that I'm afraid of an "emergency" coming along that would threaten my stash!

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: I love gaming and I want a really awesome gaming machine! I am also a photographer so that alone requires at least a good graphics quality machine so I figure if I can put together a really good gaming PC I'll have something that will handle both.
Now, that said, let me clarify my gaming. I play only PC games (no consoles in this house), I rarely play online (though I may start playing co-ops), I play mostly FPS but also enjoy adventure, action, puzzle, etc. Check out my Collection and Wish List on my Gamespot profile page if you like (screen name is eikone; http://www.gamespot.com/users/eikone/?tag=userpanel;avatar

I also use my PC for other entertainment. I don't watch TV but I do watch my favorite shows online and we match movies (or used too) on my PC. This is because of my nice HDMI monitor which is better than our current TV (and we don't have cable). I'd love a Blueray player/DVD burner too.

This PC is not just for fun though. I am a Professional Photographer so I am trying to build a PC that will take care of both needs. I expect that the requirements for either do overlap so it shouldn't be too hard to meet all needs. Of course, I deal with very large digital files and work in Photoshop a lot. This is where lots of very good memory is important for smooth, fast work flow. I deal with my labs, business contacts and customers online and need to send large amounts of data over the internet. The business end is where I am more prepared to put off some "needs" now for budgeting but keeping in mind future growth and expansion as I build. Eventually I would like 4 identical hard drives in a set up for a Performance/Data Security system (RAID-0+1). Right now I have an external hard drive that I am using for my digital files. I also plan on subscribing to an online backup plan.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: I have a 24" (520 x 320mm) HDMI monitor (HP w2408h), a gaming keyboard (Saitek Cyborg) and mouse, an external Hard Drive (My Book 640GB) and an 8x external portable super multi DVD rewriter (LG GP08 ). I have a speaker set but would like a better 5.1 set.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com or whoever has the best pricing and deals for what I need.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: Whatever offers the best quality for price ratio. I'm fairly open though I'm leaning toward Intel i7, and have used GeForce/NVIDIA cards. I do want a full tower for future expansion. I want to get as long a life as I can out of this build so I'm planning accordingly (upgrading, expanding, adding)

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I am a Lady, so, I ought to be able to have a pretty case.


I do have a list made now that I've been trying to tweak. I'm leaning toward investing more on a good and large foundation system with adequate components that I can easily upgrade in the near and distant future.

I would love for someone to go over my "wish list", see if there are any obvious problems, conflicts or just better suggestions.

Here's what I'm looking at so far:

Case: Thermaltake Xaser VI ATX Full Tower Computer Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133052

MOBO: ASRock X58 SuperComputer

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/x58-motherboard-i7,2252-2.html

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157150

CPU: Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

CPU Cooler: Prolimatech Megahalems

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/2870/prolimatech_megahalems_cpu_cooler/index.html

http://www.crazypc.com/products/prolimatech-megahalem-508600.htm

2 Fans for a push/pull configuration: APEVIA 120mm Blue LED Case Fan

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811998121

Memory: CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145224

Graphics Card: GeForce GTX 260 896MB (May get 2)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814261053

Power Supply: CORSAIR 850W / 80+SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139011

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

Drive: LG Blu-ray Multi drive / Burner

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136175

Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102003

 

[daggs]

why did you decided on that PSU? I'm not that veteran n computer building but I've never heard of the firm, I would recommend to get this antec psu which costs 5$ more but more wise buy: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371009 after 40$ discount
also, before you hit the order button, always check for combos, for example, you current GPU+CPU costs 698.98$ but there is a combo for the same cpu and the same GPU but from asus which costs $668.98.
or your mem+cpu costs currently 458.98$ but combos like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.312918 costs about 421$ after discounts and mail rebates.
imho, it is best to get the best in the lowest price you can get.

also, for your needs, I'm not sure you need a SSD drive.

 

[obsidian86]

i wouldn trust a psu that doesn even list the 12v rail amperage in the specs

^and all he said

i would go with the antec 850 instead and as said the samsung f3 1tb is currently the fastest 1tb on the market

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/storage/2009/10/06/samsung-spinpoint-f3-1tb-review/10

 

[eikone]

Actually, when I first looked for the PSU, i pulled up those that fit my need. This is one that came up and I liked the looks of it. I wouldn't pick it just because of that, though, so I researched it to see how it fared in reviews. It had very good reviews and comes with good warranty too. It may not be the most well known brand but I've never been partial to "designer labels".As far the combo deals, I'm aware of these but for some reason, when you put items on your wish list it un-combines them; it doesn't allow combos on wish lists. Though some what irritating, it does make sense when you consider that you could work on a wish list for some time (like me, lol) and the combo deals do change often. Believe me, I will sift through all the combo deals to save as much money as possible.As far as the SSD drive, I mentioned that I thought using the SSD drive for running OS, Photoshop and any other programs that I would like to have run fast. I would like to use separate HDDs for my gaming and my business files. For now, I have an external storage drive that I'm using for business files now. For security, I plan to use an online backup system.

Sent from my HTC Tilt™ 2, a Windows® phone from AT&T

 

[eikone]

Ok, I have bought the "guts" of my new build but I still need a case and cpu cooler.

I've been out of town for the last 3 week taking a wide span road trip to visit family through the holidays (and beyond). Started in Indiana and went to Tenn, NC, and VA. Just got home yesterday. I took a copy of my wish list with me just in case I might come across something along my travels and boy I'm glad I did! On my way back to IN, I stop for a little driving break at a Best Buy store. They had a pc that they could order in store that was half way decent and so I got a copy of their specs and took it along with my wish list to one of the "Geeks". This guy was surprisingly honest and told me that my list was much better and I should stick to it. Then he told me of a retail store where I could probably find everything on my list for even less. The place was Micro Center and they had a store just about 20 miles from there, right along my route, in Columbus, OH. So I looked it up on my Navigator phone and headed straight there. I'm sure some of you more experienced techies already know about them but I was so excited to find this place, I felt like a fat kid in a candy store!

With the help of a knowledgeable associate, I made a few modifications to my list and trimmed some "fat" (my pc cash stash shrunk a bit during my trip, unfortunately) but I'm happy to have finally took the plunge and now there's no turning back and I can't chicken out of this DIY build now.

I'll be saving up (or waiting for a tax refund) to add some of the extras that I couldn't get now.

Here's what I've got:
MOBO - Asus P6T
PSU - Kingwin 660w, Lazer Premium Series
CPU - Intel CORE i7-920
GPU - VisionTek Radeon HD 5870 (Cypress XT) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card w/ATI Eyefinity
Memory - OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) DDR3 SDRAM 1600
HDD - WD Caviar Black 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA
SSD - OCZ Vertex Series 2.5" 60GB SATA II MLC
DVD Drive - Samsung SH-S223C DVDRW Drive (inexpensive drive just for function till I can get my Blu-Ray drive)

Now, I just need the case and cooler.

I wonder if any of you have tried building a custom mod case? I've seen a some pretty awesome designs (and some pretty weird and down right ugly ones too). I have an idea and material that I think could be used for one but that's an even bolder undertaking than what I've already begun, but, I am the adventurous type that loves a challenge and learning something new! Please don't tell me I can't do it cause that means I'll HAVE to do it (LOL). Seriously though, if anyone has experience in this and/or knows where I can get info I would love for you to share. I've found plenty of resources for supplies, just need instruction.

 

[eikone]

Finally ordered my case! After much deliberation, searches and measuring I decided on my original choice of the Thermaltake Xaser VI Black / Red Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133052[/url]

I still don't have a CPU cooler except, of course, for the stock cooler that comes with it. This case has really good air flow and lots of room so maybe I don't really need anything else for now (?). Anyway, the case should arrive on Monday and I will be going out of town for a week (again) as soon as it comes. I'll have to wait till I get back to start putting it all together. I CAN"T WAIT!!! I have some case mod ideas that I want to experiment with so I'm going to TRY to not ruse the building but it may be hard. I've been waiting for this sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo looooooooooooooooong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow!




If I need help with questions about the actually building process, would I post in this same thread or is there another more appropriate one for this?

 

[eikone]

Up Date:
I've bought and put together my system.

Here's the system list:
MOBO - ASUS P6T
PSU - 660w Kingwin Premium Series
CPU - Intel Core i7 920
CPU Cooler - Dark Knight
RAM - 6GB OCZ DDR3 Gold
HDD - 1TB WD Caviar Black
SSD - 60GB OCZ
GPU - ATI Radeon HD5870 1GB
HDTV Card - Hauppuage Win TV-HVR 1600
Lian Li 3.5 LCD Thermometer & Fan Controller
Optical Drive - SAMSUNG Super-WriteMaster SH-S223
(will soon be adding a Blu-ray Disc writter)
System is housed in a Thermaltake XaserVI case that I have done some modding to.
Also have external 640GB WD MyBook Storage, LG Super-Multi DVD writter and
my HP w2408 24 inch LCD Monitor.

I have run into a bit of a problem trying to get it up and running though. I have posted help request on another thread but I thought I'd post it here and see if I can up the odds on a quicker response.

I finished putting together my first complete build and tried to start up for the first time last night. Everything started running (fans, lights, temp/fan controller) AND a very loud (and annoying) continuous beep. It was NOT the usual BIOS code beep. I turned it off, rechecked all connections, memory cards and all other expansion cards and still had the same results. Also, in addition to the very loud beep, it sounded like I had my old house box fan running in there! Some fan was running very loudly! I finally took out the GPU and plugged in an old (and I mean OLD) graphics card I had laying around and, voila, it booted right up! I left it at that (it was 4am, too tired) and have not begun any OS or other installations.

Should I just go ahead with the installations and then try to reinstall the GPU as if it were an upgrade? This GPU is one of the major reasons for this new build. I really want to get this thing up and blazing NOW!!!

 

[eikone]

Best answer selected by eikone.

 

[Shadoweyes]

Hope no one will get too put off by this long post but I am a detailed oriented person and I figure the more details I provide now, the more detailed advice, suggestions and help I will receive.

My PC was fried this summer by a lightning surge so I'm needing a replacement. I was already making plans to "upgrade" and now I would really like to try my hand at building my own. I am a photographer so that alone requires at least a good graphics quality machine so I figure if I can put together a really good gaming PC I'll have something that will handle both.

I'm using a pretty sorry rented PC from the local shop that has my old fried one. The old one really just needs a new power supply and some upgrades and it can still be a decent PC for home use.

I would love some knowledgeable advice and suggestions for the components necessary to build a PC that will handle my needs and wants.

Thanks All!

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: As soon as possible

BUDGET RANGE: The longer I wait, the more I have to spend. Basically I've been adding about $50 every week to the original amount I had set aside. I have just over 2K now. Of course, that doesn't mean I have to spend it all, but it is available and growing, for now. The danger in waiting much longer is that I'm afraid of an "emergency" coming along that would threaten my stash!

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: I love gaming and I want a really awesome gaming machine! I am also a photographer so that alone requires at least a good graphics quality machine so I figure if I can put together a really good gaming PC I'll have something that will handle both.
Now, that said, let me clarify my gaming. I play only PC games (no consoles in this house), I rarely play online (though I may start playing co-ops), I play mostly FPS but also enjoy adventure, action, puzzle, etc. Check out my Collection and Wish List on my Gamespot profile page if you like (screen name is eikone; http://www.gamespot.com/users/eikone/?tag=userpanel;avatar

I also use my PC for other entertainment. I don't watch TV but I do watch my favorite shows online and we match movies (or used too) on my PC. This is because of my nice HDMI monitor which is better than our current TV (and we don't have cable). I'd love a Blueray player/DVD burner too.

This PC is not just for fun though. I am a Professional Photographer so I am trying to build a PC that will take care of both needs. I expect that the requirements for either do overlap so it shouldn't be too hard to meet all needs. Of course, I deal with very large digital files and work in Photoshop a lot. This is where lots of very good memory is important for smooth, fast work flow. I deal with my labs, business contacts and customers online and need to send large amounts of data over the internet. The business end is where I am more prepared to put off some "needs" now for budgeting but keeping in mind future growth and expansion as I build. Eventually I would like 4 identical hard drives in a set up for a Performance/Data Security system (RAID-0+1). Right now I have an external hard drive that I am using for my digital files. I also plan on subscribing to an online backup plan.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: I have a 24" (520 x 320mm) HDMI monitor (HP w2408h), a gaming keyboard (Saitek Cyborg) and mouse, an external Hard Drive (My Book 640GB) and an 8x external portable super multi DVD rewriter (LG GP08 ). I have a speaker set but would like a better 5.1 set.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com or whoever has the best pricing and deals for what I need.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: Whatever offers the best quality for price ratio. I'm fairly open though I'm leaning toward Intel i7, and have used GeForce/NVIDIA cards. I do want a full tower for future expansion. I want to get as long a life as I can out of this build so I'm planning accordingly (upgrading, expanding, adding)

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I am a Lady, so, I ought to be able to have a pretty case.


I do have a list made now that I've been trying to tweak. I'm leaning toward investing more on a good and large foundation system with adequate components that I can easily upgrade in the near and distant future.

I would love for someone to go over my "wish list", see if there are any obvious problems, conflicts or just better suggestions.

Here's what I'm looking at so far:

Case: Thermaltake Xaser VI ATX Full Tower Computer Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133052

MOBO: ASRock X58 SuperComputer

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/x58-motherboard-i7,2252-2.html

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157150

CPU: Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

CPU Cooler: Prolimatech Megahalems

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/2870/prolimatech_megahalems_cpu_cooler/index.html

http://www.crazypc.com/products/prolimatech-megahalem-508600.htm

2 Fans for a push/pull configuration: APEVIA 120mm Blue LED Case Fan

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811998121

Memory: CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145224

Graphics Card: GeForce GTX 260 896MB (May get 2)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814261053

Power Supply: CORSAIR 850W / 80+SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139011

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

Drive: LG Blu-ray Multi drive / Burner

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136175

Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102003

right man looks like youve got a decent enough system except for creative crap. ( creative is BLOATWARE and takes up wayy too much resources). i am a gamer who appreciated high quality playing for games mocvies and any media i happen to want to view or listen to. so. i got a ati radeon 4890 HD card i'm currently running. which is so far a really decent card. the quality of pic is smashing and i love the details this card gives. intense.
mind you i'm also a gamer so my info might help you get set up proper.
ive played my lcd on both nvida cards and ati radeon cards and found radseon to be a little more up to date with the technology . it runs fine and displays everything crystal clear . ( my other half is always borrowing my comp to view pics hes found online XD because his graphics are nvidia and hes got a tv monitor type screen. he likes my display better XD)
try looking at some high end ati cards man
eyefinity is all the rage these days

Hope this helps