Noob needs advice (NEW SPEC ADDED FOR HELP)

[jnow]

Hi all.

I built my first machine just over 2 years ago (with the help of someone who actually knew what they were doing). Over the last couple months it's started slowing down and with new games on the market, it just hasn't been keeping up. I've been trying to put it off as long as I can, but yesterday we got a virus of some sort (McAfee cant seem to find it). Anywho, maybe it's a blessing in disguise. I now have an excuse to build new.

To be completely honest, I don't know much of anything when it comes to computers and components (I know the generalities, but don't keep up with the technology), so if any of you folks who know anything have a moment, help would be appreciated.

I'm looking to keep the machine under $1,000. I have all peripherals, so it would just be the tower.

This may be a really dumb question, but is it possible to salvage hardware from my current machine to use (given I have a bug) or should I just start fresh? I'm at work right now, so I can't tell you exactly what I have in my current machine.

Primary uses will be gaming (WoW, COD 4), photoshop (photographer), and general media. If you know of another thread similar to what I'm looking for, please direct me.

Thanks in advance.

 

[techwizard08]

(I'm at work too, so excuse the lack of coded links)

Antec 300 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042
Samsung 22x Dvd Burner http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151171
E 8400 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
Xigmatex 1283 Rifle cooler http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003
WD Caviar Black 640 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319
G. SKill Pi Black 4gig http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231209
Gigabyte UD3P http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358
PCP&C 750 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703009
Sapphire 4850x2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102809

$951.87 w/ 60 MIR before shipping and tax...should work pretty well with your budget...but let's watch as the other guys pull out viciously sharp knives and cut it apart =)

 

[jnow]

(I'm at work too, so excuse the lack of coded links)

Antec 300 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042
Samsung 22x Dvd Burner http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151171
E 8400 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
Xigmatex 1283 Rifle cooler http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003
WD Caviar Black 640 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319
G. SKill Pi Black 4gig http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231209
Gigabyte UD3P http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358
PCP&C 750 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703009
Sapphire 4850x2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102809

$951.87 w/ 60 MIR before shipping and tax...should work pretty well with your budget...but let's watch as the other guys pull out viciously sharp knives and cut it apart =)

Thanks for the spec (no worries on links )

 

[techwizard08]

Not a problem. Now comes the anxious period where aevm, proxy, thekid, and the rest lock, load, and fire with their brutal critiques of the lowly forum poster who spec'ed before them, lol.

Nah, they're nice. Though who knows, perhaps speaking their names gets their attention...

 

[Zorg]

Good list except you forgot to add the XIGMATEK ACK-I7751 Retention Bracket, which is an absolute necessity IMO. Also, I would get the Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 at this point. The quad will remain useful longer and will easily OC to 3 - 3.2G, which is plenty fast enough.

 

[techwizard08]

You know, its ironic that I didn't list the bracket, when just a little while ago I made mention of the bracket in another thread.

And I absolutely agree--the retention bracket is a must-have with that cooler...I'm pretty sure it's only like 8-10 dollars too.

 

[techwizard08]

As far as the Q6600, I think that either one would be a good choice, and I believe they are similarly priced, yes?

 

[jnow]

As far as the Q6600, I think that either one would be a good choice, and I believe they are similarly priced, yes?

The 6600 is $30 more...not a big deal.

Thanks for the help Zorg.

 

[bustapr]

Start all over , but change the cpu for a q6600 :http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overclock-e5200-radeon,2144.html

 

[bustapr]

Sorry about the url

 

[techwizard08]

Wow, I've never seen links to the SBM before!

 

[jnow]

Start all over , but change the cpu for a q6600 :http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overclock-e5200-radeon,2144.html

I just want to make sure I'm understanding...use the SBM build but switch the E5200 for the Q6600?

I had looked at the SBM before I posted, but was worried it wouldn't be enough. If I'm understanding your suggestion, would that be a decent build? Hell, at that price, I might think about building a second for my wife.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

techwizard didn't name me above, so I guess I'm safe to post.

techwizard's build looks good - no sharp knives needed. Don't forget a 64-bit OS so you can use all 4GB of RAM.

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488 $99.99

 

[techwizard08]

LOL. I appreciate the feedback. And we all know your advice is welcome.

Did I leave out the OS-tax? A shame...

As far as using the SBM 625 build, just realize that they cut some corners in order to realize that price. You have some definitive improvements vs. that build (like not having anything from Rosewill!)

 

[jnow]

techwizard didn't name me above, so I guess I'm safe to post.

techwizard's build looks good - no sharp knives needed. Don't forget a 64-bit OS so you can use all 4GB of RAM.

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488 $99.99

Thanks for the heads up shortstuff.

Wizard: I assumed as much, which is why after looking at that build, I went ahead and started this thread.

 

[techwizard08]

a gentleman, and a scholar you are, then. lol

 

[shortstuff_mt]

+1

The SBM's are getting better, but I sure wouldn't blindly base my own build off of it. The SBM's used to be a joke. I would always read them just to see what POS PSU they used and so forth. There always seemed to be some red flags that made me scratch my head, but the latest ones have been much better.

 

[jnow]

After talking with my wife, it seems apparent that we would both love added performance. However, there's no way I can swing two machines like the one suggested right now. So, I've been playing with some spec trying to squeeze out as much performance with as little money as possible. If I can find a viable build and keep it under $650 (HAHAHAHAHAHA, ya I know), I'll build them both. The lower price will allow for monitor upgrades as well.

Again, primarily for gaming with mild other media use. Be honest, but gentle:

(apologies in advance for lack of links)

LITE-ON 22X DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS122-04 - OEM $22.99

Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail $49.95

Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $74.99

SAPPHIRE 100265L Radeon HD 4830 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail $89.99

hec ACE-580UB 580W ATX12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready Power Supply - Retail $49.99

G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL4D-4GBPI-B - Retail
$49.99

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $99.99

Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80571E5200 - Retail $72.99

XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail $29.00

Nippon Labs 15 ft. USB2.0 A/male to B/male cable Model USB-15-AB - Retail $7.99

XIGMATEK ACK-I7751 Retention Bracket - Retail $8.49 (I remembered!!!)



Total: $556.36 ($622.92 with tax and shipping).




Is something like this even worth spending the money on? Spec-wise, it's a huge upgrade to what I'm used to. Thanks again for the advice.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

That build looks pretty good. The only major problem I see is the PSU. HEC is not known for making quality PSU's. This PSU would power that system for the same price:

Antec earthwatts EA430 430W ATX12V v2.0 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006 $49.99

If you want a little headroom and an even better PSU, you could get one of these:

CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003&Tpk=450vx $79.99 - $10 MIR

PC Power & Cooling Silencer Dell Upgrade PPCS500D 500W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703016 $89.99 - $25 MIR


Edit: If you're not going to send in the MIR for the motherboard, you could get this board for the same price. It's a newer version.

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3L LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128372&Tpk=ga-ep45-ud3l $98.99

 

[jnow]

That build looks pretty good. The only major problem I see is the PSU. HEC is not known for making quality PSU's. This PSU would power that system for the same price:

Antec earthwatts EA430 430W ATX12V v2.0 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006 $49.99

If you want a little headroom and an even better PSU, you could get one of these:

CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003&Tpk=450vx $79.99 - $10 MIR

PC Power & Cooling Silencer Dell Upgrade PPCS500D 500W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703016 $89.99 - $25 MIR

After I posted the specs, I saw your advice on another thread linking that same PS. I changed it out at that point.

I need to sit down tonight and figure out exactly what I want and can afford. The purpose for the low cost spec is just a bare minimum starting point. If I can go up, first will be PSU, then GSU and CPU.

Edit: I added the other MB to my cart. I'm mostly worried about costs now, so being same price, seems logical to get the newer of the two.

Thanks again for the input.

 

[jnow]

I'm very close to being happy with my build. Just one final question:

Is there a difference between the Xigmatec HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler and the Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 90mm cooler in terms of performance? The AC is almost half the price, and after reading up a bit on OC'ing the processor, I'm freaking myself out a bit and may put that off for now (until I read up on it a bit more and feel comfortable). I know I'm not dropping that much money on these builds, but that doesn't mean I'm ready to blow it up trying to do something I'm not sure I'm comfortable doing at this point.

Switching the heatsink would drop me back down to just over $600 including tax and shipping (I'm proud of that ). I upped the power supply to the Antec 500W.

Thanks again.