http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=9979651
Hey everyone. First post, first build.
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BUDGET RANGE: $800-$1000
SYSTEM USAGE: Gamin', possible amateur video work
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Speakers. Possibly disc drive (see additional details).
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe
CROSSFIRE: Eventually
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I've been browsing Newegg for the last two weeks, just checking out components and Googlin' around to find out which specs are important. However, this is my first time building, and I'm afraid I'm not terribly knowledgeable about computers (although more so than the average person).
When I first decided to get a new system, I thought I would spend no more than six or eight hundred dollars. But I've become overly-ambitious!
Anyway, I have a few lingering questions that I'd like to ask; not only to get answers, but also for the knowledge that even though I'm inexperienced, I can ask good questions.
----------
1. I'm not going to start getting into overclocking or anything too intense for a while. Do I need to replace the CPU's stock cooler until then?
2. I was planning on re-usin' an old DVD/CD-R drive or using an external DVD-R that I already have, so I just have a cheapy on the wishlist. Will I need an internal drive to install the OS?
3. [strike]On the wishlist, I have 2x2GB worth of DDR3 RAM. Can I get by with just one stick of 2GB, 1GB, or even no RAM at all [/strike](For the moment, I'm just planning on playing titles like Left 4 Dead and Bioshock that barely work on my current system)? [strike]I also read somewhere that x58 mothers needin' RAM in groups of three, but that doesn't sound right [/strike][EDIT: I Googled it; yay me. I'll probably go with a 3x1GB kit].
4. When looking for the motherboard, I basically chose the cheapest one that people didn't bad mouth. As such, I feel a bit insecure about my choice, although the reviews I've seen are pretty positive.
5. I've chosen a 512MB Radeon 4850. Should I spring for the 1GB, or does it not make much of a difference? If I stick with the 512MB, can I Crossfire it with a 1GB later on?
6. As far as the OS goes, should I get Vista 32- or 64-bit? Maybe stick with XP? If I plan on upgrading to Windows 7, will there be anything I should watch out for? Should I even bothering upgrading to Windows 7?
And for a really quick, general question, where can I find some good resources for a first time builder? I only have a sort of makeshift knowledge gained from Wikipedia and the (somewhat dated) guide here at Tom's.
Thanks for your time; I appreciate it! I would ask my friends, but the few that I trust don't know much about hardware.
UPDATE 9/2011
I just remembered this thread that I created years ago. In the off-chance that any participant reads this, I'd like to thank them for giving me advice and for helping me learn a bit more about computer hardware. I eventually went with a build very similar to one listed here (although I won't say which as I think you should all get warm, fuzzy feelings for your suggestions), and I am still amazed at how well it's held up.
Thank you.
Hey everyone. First post, first build.
----------
BUDGET RANGE: $800-$1000
SYSTEM USAGE: Gamin', possible amateur video work
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Speakers. Possibly disc drive (see additional details).
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe
CROSSFIRE: Eventually
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I've been browsing Newegg for the last two weeks, just checking out components and Googlin' around to find out which specs are important. However, this is my first time building, and I'm afraid I'm not terribly knowledgeable about computers (although more so than the average person).
When I first decided to get a new system, I thought I would spend no more than six or eight hundred dollars. But I've become overly-ambitious!
Anyway, I have a few lingering questions that I'd like to ask; not only to get answers, but also for the knowledge that even though I'm inexperienced, I can ask good questions.
----------
1. I'm not going to start getting into overclocking or anything too intense for a while. Do I need to replace the CPU's stock cooler until then?
2. I was planning on re-usin' an old DVD/CD-R drive or using an external DVD-R that I already have, so I just have a cheapy on the wishlist. Will I need an internal drive to install the OS?
3. [strike]On the wishlist, I have 2x2GB worth of DDR3 RAM. Can I get by with just one stick of 2GB, 1GB, or even no RAM at all [/strike](For the moment, I'm just planning on playing titles like Left 4 Dead and Bioshock that barely work on my current system)? [strike]I also read somewhere that x58 mothers needin' RAM in groups of three, but that doesn't sound right [/strike][EDIT: I Googled it; yay me. I'll probably go with a 3x1GB kit].
4. When looking for the motherboard, I basically chose the cheapest one that people didn't bad mouth. As such, I feel a bit insecure about my choice, although the reviews I've seen are pretty positive.
5. I've chosen a 512MB Radeon 4850. Should I spring for the 1GB, or does it not make much of a difference? If I stick with the 512MB, can I Crossfire it with a 1GB later on?
6. As far as the OS goes, should I get Vista 32- or 64-bit? Maybe stick with XP? If I plan on upgrading to Windows 7, will there be anything I should watch out for? Should I even bothering upgrading to Windows 7?
And for a really quick, general question, where can I find some good resources for a first time builder? I only have a sort of makeshift knowledge gained from Wikipedia and the (somewhat dated) guide here at Tom's.
Thanks for your time; I appreciate it! I would ask my friends, but the few that I trust don't know much about hardware.
UPDATE 9/2011
I just remembered this thread that I created years ago. In the off-chance that any participant reads this, I'd like to thank them for giving me advice and for helping me learn a bit more about computer hardware. I eventually went with a build very similar to one listed here (although I won't say which as I think you should all get warm, fuzzy feelings for your suggestions), and I am still amazed at how well it's held up.
Thank you.
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