Old Lady needs help!WOW

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You can build one yourself. Go to the news stand pick-up Feb. issue of Maximum PC. In it you will find a step by step guide, with pics on how to assemble it yourself. Read your motherboard book carefully. Google & use forms for anything you don't understand. It is easier than you think.
Your on a tight budget. So here a a few tips about picking components. Most games are single thread programs,so you don't need a dual core CPU. AMD 64 are cheap now.

all form new egg

AMD 64 3500+ AM2 $85.00

Antec NSK6500 case with 430w PSU $109.00

GIGABYTE GA-M61PM-S2 it has sound, lan, SATA, USB2 and IEEE 1394 $73.00

OCZ Value Series 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit $76.00

Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 ST3250824AS 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $70.00

LITE-ON DVD Burner Model LH-18A1P-185 $30.00

EVGA 256-P2-N624-AR GeForce 7900GS 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 KO Video Card $160.00 EVGA backs their cards I had one die after 14 months & they replaced it for free ( I paid the shipping)


If you watch for sale at local stores you should be able to save a few bucks on a component or two. Your a gamer so don't go cheap on the video card. if you what to cut a few bucks off get a smaller HD or go one step down in speed of CPU. You can do this !!
 
NO thanks, I've decided to go it my own with the help and support I got right here. Heck this is much better support than Dell or HP. At leaste they don't speak in broken English!

Vista not doin it. If U read earlier post I have XP Pro. I will install.

Ok, so I am needing help building not buying and I'll be goin out for Feb. Max PC tomarrow..

Johnny Dough-Thanks for the heads up so I don't KILL myself doin this, HA :lol:

still tweekin-kat
 
Yeah I agree with featherstone that the 7600 GT would be better. Just check 2 things 1st:

1) That the computer with integrated graphics actually has a PCI-E x16 slot for a video card.

2) That adding a video card yourself does not void your service agreement with the manufacturer.

Jo
Click to expand...

I would look at a 7900GS from Dell to put in the 521.
 
Glad to see you building, here are some thoughts:
1) Will the old pc be taken out of service, and used for parts? I would suggest that you don't abandon it, so you can access the internet and not be without resources if the new build has problems. It is ok to use unpluggable parts such as the monitor, mouse, and keyboard.
2) A windows license can only be used on one PC. If you plan on using your current copy of windows/xp pro, then you must abandon the old pc. If you need a second OS, either xp or vista will cost you about $90. There is academic pricing for vista which your son might be eligible for. Assuming you have 2gb of memory, vista runs very well with the current parts you are considering. On a clean install, I would expect no problems. Most of the issues are with users who try to upgrade and have incompatible software and spyware on their systems. It is vastly safer to load it clean versus upgrading later. Look at vist home basic, 32bit version, it is all you need. Vista premium adds media center capability which you may not need. The OEM or system builder versions are cheaper, but they don't give you access to microsoft for support, and it limits your ability to transfer the licence to another PC in the future. OEM vs retail works the same for xp also. I would suggest looking for an academic version of vista.
3) Overclocking is the process of pushing the cpu beyond the normal specifications to get an increase in cpu power. I suggest you don't do it. It voids your warranty, makes your computer run hotter, requires more cooling, requires a better power supply, is noisier, shortens the cpu life, and may make your PC unstable. It is for a hobbyist who knows what they are doing, not for you.
4) Go to a local computer store like COMP USA. Look at their cases to see what they have. Many times it is better to buy the case there because you avoid the shipping cost of a relatively heavy component. Also, look for case sales; they are often available on sale at a healthy discount. If the case includes a power supply, look at it and write down the amperage numbers for the +12v rails. There may be several. This is the critical number to determine adequate power for your parts. Look at the instruction manual, particularly to see if the directions for plugging in the front panel headers are clear. I don't like cases with front doors. They do not serve a useful purpose to me, and they tend to be fragile. Look for an Antec case, they are pretty good, and Antec makes quality power supplies which are often included. While in the store, check out the keyboards and mice to see how they feel to you.
5) Any of the vga cards you are looking at can support dual monotors. A second monitor is a very useful addition which you can do later. It lets you play a game on the promary monitor while you have e-mail or any other applications open on the other. It is an inexpensive way to get additional display acerage.
 
I've been reading and researching for a few days now and was pretty excited by this first building, but just spoke to my older bro who has owned a lot of computers and he suggest buying an HP and switching out graphics card. He insists if anything goes wrong it's on me as no one honors warranties because they'll say I did something wrong and I am foolishly throwing $ away. He also said I could not build one any cheaper after good rebates from BB or CC. I was down and then a Korean grad student working for my husband said the same thing and he rebuilds computors all the time. :?

I at leaste feel I know soooo much more than 3 days ago, and can go out armed with great info, but feeling a bit skimish on the first build.

Not sure how to proceed accept to gain more knowledge. I sure don't want to waste anyones time here and I'm sooo greatful for all your support and expertise. 😳 Thank you all so much, kat
 
I've been reading and researching for a few days now and was pretty excited by this first building, but just spoke to my older bro who has owned a lot of computers and he suggest buying an HP and switching out graphics card. He insists if anything goes wrong it's on me as no one honors warranties because they'll say I did something wrong and I am foolishly throwing $ away. He also said I could not build one any cheaper after good rebates from BB or CC. I was down and then a Korean grad student working for my husband said the same thing and he rebuilds computors all the time. :?

I at leaste feel I know soooo much more than 3 days ago, and can go out armed with great info, but feeling a bit skimish on the first build.

Not sure how to proceed accept to gain more knowledge. I sure don't want to waste anyones time here and I'm sooo greatful for all your support and expertise. 😳 Thank you all so much, kat
Click to expand...

In a way Kat, he's right. There are pre-built systems for a reason. Not everyone has the time, knowledge or funds to build a system.
The only technical support you will have is well, yourself, the internet and us. :).
It's not that manufacturer's won't honor their warranties, it's the fact that it's a PITA. They want you to trouble shoot, do this, do that.
Some companies i've dealt with are lenient, others are just not even worth the time to RMA. Building a system is all you, getting it up and running is all you, maintaining is all you.

If you're up to the challenge, by all means, we encourage it. I've been building for 10 years now.

but my point is that you're not demanding much out of the system, other than some slight gaming.
My suggestion would also be to go toward investing in a decent pre-built system and dropping a decent card in it and calling it a day.
This way, you can have that full system warranty, customer support and system ready to go. :)


If you still choose to build a system, we're all here to help.

Good Luck.
 
I have to admit after spending all morn looking at HP's I keep saying to myself, but that video card sucks and there's another 100/why too bad it has this and not that/ and I get a nice system for around 900 without a monitor,keyboard or mouse or what I really want. Do I pay more or settle for less?

I donno, I guess I am kinda tired and a bit let down by those around me thinking I am once again, out of my mind!

My son says mom do what ever you want and I am all for any of your decissions. GREAT GUY 😀 Wish I had that in a spouse 🙁 don't get me goin on pickin the wrong parts there :lol:

OK, I will spend more time and make up my mind.

I PLAY ALOT OF GAMES ( BIG AND GRAPHICS only WOW online presently which I can't play on present set up) AND digital media I DO PHOTOS AND VIDEO CAM CORDER. I have a printer HP Photosmart 7550 and want a fax set up. I have a wireless router and cards to install by Linksys. I have a good Logitch wireless mouse and Windows XP Pro my own disk and I guess I would pull it off the other old computer I have on the floor of the media room gathering dust :lol:
Want to give the entire dell I have now to my son for homework and internet.

CASE
ventilation with large fans front to back draw? Higher fan speed will it help or just be noisy?
quiet gooooood
power supply of 350W or more? enough for graphics
Modularity-MOBO shuttle or removable drive cages?
front panel exterial ports for ease
Aluminium or steel ok?and little plastic to sctratch up


CPU
Still unsure about AMD 64x2 4400 processor as opposed to Intel core 2 duo E6600 processoror if I can afford either :roll: . Staying away frm Pentiums all of them :evil: It is a decision which effects the rest so hung up here. CPU How much GHz do I need for graphic gaming, photo and video devices. HDD Is 320GB SATA enough? Do I need more for multi-media data base storage?What is Cache vs. clockspeed and are they both listed or one or the other? I know the higher the clockspeed the lower the timings. EXPLAIN and is this too expensive for me?

MOBO
depends on AMD or INTEL

HDD
Do I look for clockspeed over cache' here?
32oGB enough
Do I want SATA

RAM
I need 1 GB in one stick with dual channel for upgrading another 1GB

DISK DRIVES
CD/DVD-ROM drive
need CD burner and like the new LightScribe technology so do I want a second CD-R or CD-RW drive?

VIDEO CARD
EVGA 256-P2-N625-TX Ge Force 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI xpress x16
OR
7900GT SM3.0 tech It does have high clock but only 128 bit memory speed maybe high memory speed will offset this?(I can step up to DX10 card when it comes out getting 8600Ultra or 8800GSwith EVGA's step up program)
There are 256 bits like X850XT too...or if I can find for 150 the Radeon x1900GT 256 bit is old but good

Expansion slots
3 PCI ?
2 PCI express x 16 ?

Expansion bays
2 external 5.25"
1 external 3.5
1 internal 3.5

External Ports
front panel 9 in 1 memory card reader
7 USB 2.0 ports (3 front 4 back)
2 fireWire (1 front 1 back) what exactly is this?
microphone in/out front and back
2 digital audio-out
Lan?

Monitor
17" LCD

Keyboard
plain and cheap 25.00

mouse have an ok wireless for now

Still can't build what I want for 600. It's just not possible. Mayby 800-900 and I think I would save about 100. total. I can get an HP with 17"LCD and upgrade video card for about 800-1000. Not sure what to do :roll:
 
Because you will be doing some video editing, the processor will be a bit more important. A e4300($169) should do the job.

Put this in a G965 based motherboard($80-110). You will then not need a separate graphics card. I did some research, and it appears that the integrated gma x3000 graphics chip can run many games acceptably. Even if it does not satisfy your needs, you will be in a better position to judge just how powerful a vga card you need. This board will include one pci-e slot so that you could add a more powerful graphics card later. A second pci-e slot is primarily used by power gamers who want to enhance their graphics power by adding a second vga card. Additional pci slots are useful if you have something you want to put in them. Examples would be a sound card, or a tv tuner. Many such added requirements are being satisfied by using the USB ports. Because of the integrated vga chip, you cannot overclock the board, which I hope you won't try anyway. I would look at the intel board first because the reports are that it is solid and with good support. You need a firewire port only if you have a device like a camera that needs one. Many cases and motherboards have them already, but of not, then a pci add-in board can create one.

No need to spend extra on high performance memory. For $70 or so, you can get two 512mb sticks of 1.8v 667 ddr2 value ram from a number of reputable vendors like corsair, kingston, ocz, etc. This is the same price as a single 1gb stick. The reason to get two smaller sticks is that you can populate two of the available four memory slots on the motherboard and get two paths to memory which is faster. It still leaves two other slots available for expansion if you need it.

For a case, it will be cheaper if the psu comes with the case. Look at the Antec NSK4400($80). It is a quality manufacturer, and the psu is a 380 watt unit with 2 +12v rails of 16a each. This should be plenty, even for expansion. Nvidia recommends 26a total on the +12v rails for their 8800gts-320 vga card. The case comes with a 120mm fan that is adjustable. For quiet, you want large, slow turning fans. With an E4300 and integrated graphics, you will not have a heat problem. The larger(5 1/2") external drive bays will hold your cd/dvd burners, of which I expect you to have one. The smaller(3 1/2") bay can hold a floppy disk, or a multipurpose media reader. The media reader is only about $10. Most cases now come with some ports on the front of the case. A couple of USB ports would let you attach a device like a camera, or external backup drive on a temporary basis. The front audio ports let you plug in headphoned or a microphone for quiet listening, instead of using the speakers.

For your hard drive, the capacity is the first issue. A 320gb drive costs about $90. Get enough, but not too much. It is easy to add another drive later, and hard drive prices keep dropping. Today, don't think about anything but sata connections. ide connections are obsolete.
Most drives will be 7200rpm. The WD raptor is 10,000rpm, and is somewhat faster, but it is also more expensive. Don't look at anything with less than 7200rpm. Other things being equal, a 16mb buffer is better than a smaller buffer. This is only a minor performance benefit.


A 17" lcd monitor will cost you about $150. If you were to splurge on your budget, this is where I would do it. The monitor(AND keyboard AND mouse) is what you will deal with every day. Get the best you can afford. It is the one thing which will likely outlast several generations of technology.

---------------good building----------
 
The post suggested that two 512mb sticks cost about the same as one 1gb stick. I edited the post to be clearer.
The price of the intel G965 board is within $10 of the P965 board on newegg. It seems to me to be an easy enty without comitting to an unknown need for a vga card.
 
You have received Excellent advise on selecting the components. So this is one area that has not been emphised enough. ESD (electricalstaci discharce). I often wonder how many of the parts that were returned as defective (MB, Memory and Processors) were a resalt of improper handling when assmbling the system. With the relative humidity arround 30 - 40 percent, it is very easy to become to posses several hundred volts and not even know it. MB, memory, and proceccors are very low voltage devices. A dischare of 50 volts, Which you will never fell, can destroy a device - or create a "Walking wounded part" one that for no appearent reason fails after a week, or a month. Easy to prevent - wear that ESD strap whenever you handle the components. Please note the alligator clip Must go to ground - NOT just some metal.

My setup encludes a antistatic mat which I connect to the ground hole on a power strip, I DO NOT unplug the power supply - I leave it pluged in and the rocker switch off.

I was a certified ESD Electronic Tech working on Space projects at NASA.
 
Hergieburber and JonnyDough both make good points - You do not neet the wrist band as long as one hand is always touching the case. I use to be in your camp until being "Forced" to watch films and setting thru demos on ESD. The "ZAPs" you are takling about are in the Kilovolt range, Slightly higher than what is needed to destroy IC's - just letting go of the case for 1 minute and slight motion (even in your birthday suit) is enought to damage a component if touched in the right place. Problem is even may Proffesionals do not observe good ESD prcautions. Your right, statilittes are not the same as computers - the diffence is difficalty in replace a componet, and who pays for it. Beleive me a $10 investment is well worth it.
 
Thanks again :wink: I am trying to bump up to $1000 for a 2GB system and I am also considring an imac. They just don't have many options. What I want only comes in a 24" LCD which drives the cost out of my league at 2,000 or more. 😛 They have the better ram and graphics cards I found out last night by taking a peek. What are your thoughts on MACS?

Still undecided, but am willing to spend 1000 now because I can't get a decent gaming system for less and it's hard at that price too. I do like to be able to upgrade to DX10 card when it comes out. Oh toooo much to know I just want to play WOW and do video and digital photos. Looked at HP media sys. and everything is around 1,500 for what I want.

I am a bit leary of my fisrt build costing this much. I have so much to learn a research to make sure I get what I want in the correct config. and compatability with the ability to upgrade a bit leaving some room...It may just take me too long cause I really have a life. I am a retired art teacher and I like to paint and craft plus I have a ton of photo projects and a small job as a design consultant for new home builders. I feel Ilke I am settling for here's my $ so I can get on with it and pay too much for crap with poor tech support and outdated in 2 mos. :cry:
 
to build a computer you only need screw a few items together - to build it right you run the wires correctly, chose the right fans or fan controls etc.

1) get a case with 12cm back and front fans and a door fan
2) either hook the fans to a controller of get quiet fans (low rpm)

spend the most on the gpu and psu - u only need an 6300 for $1000 system - i have a e6300 in $2000+ system.

e6600 is not bad choice for under $1000 but when 805 will work fine -- Fry's has a a 805 and agp mobo combo for $80 for both - you need an out dated agp card! you could build a killer rig with a e6300/p5n-e get a $130-150 psu and 8800gtx 320 or oc 8800 gts 640

get 600-700 watt psu
get gts 320 card or better

get 2 gig rams if you swing it - if not 1 gig will work fine


after you make the computer you will need the tune the bios - you get the info here

you need to load windows - make sure the over clocking is off - windows loads in the memory and is very sensitive to anything but default setting in most cases - unless your default memory settings are wrong - this happenes with many brands of memory. ddr 800 5-5-5-15 2.1v defults to 1.8v and will not boot or it boots and you get a bad windows install.

if you get a logo error after windows install - change the memory settings - double wipe the drive and reload
 
I wish my girlfriend loved me. She says she does, but then again, she doesnt want to buy a new PC to play WoW with me. I'm not happy about this situation. I think I should get you to email her to convince her how totally addictive and fun that game is, LOL!

Did you guys hear about the Chinese guy who died. China has put a limit on playing WoW for a max of 3 hours in one session, and then a mandatory 5 hour break. What a disgrace. I wouldnt be surprised if they go into civil war.
 
People around here have been giving you some nice advice. But I'd tell you to go with a more modest build this time as it's your first build. What I would suggest some changes to what they have been advising:

Get the EVGA 7600 GT for now, as with the step up program you'll be able to change it for a better card before 90 days and the 8600 series is being released in March/April.

Get the e6400 or e6300 (S180) as they're cheaper than the e6600 and will fit your needs.

Get the nforce i650 SLI ($150) motherboard as it is a good board and will allow you to go SLI in the future and keep up with graphics without having to buy an uber expensive videocard (you get a cheaper 8600 in a year or so).

Go for the Seagate drive JonnyDoug suggested.

Go for a PSU-less case and get an OCZ GameXstream 600W PSU, which is a great PSU and has a nice price.

I'm not sure you'll find it, but the RAM in my signature cost me 149.99 on newegg (great price) last year and are very good.

Regards :)
 
Everyone has an opinion. You have to do research and make your own choice. Take your time on it, but know that the tech changes fast and prices are always falling. You'll get a bit more out of your video card with a faster CPU, as an 8800 would be limited by a slower processor. Another hundred or so would get you that E6600
Click to expand...

My suggestion wasn't for her to get a 8800, and yes a 7600 gt, which she'll be able to exchange for an 8600 gt with EVGA's step-up program.

On the e6600, well, if she only plays WoW and has not a huge need for top performance, she'll be fine with a e6400 and, as she has a limited budget, it would make sense to get this, as it would keep her spendings low.

I know you are good intended and only suggested great parts, but her 600-700 budget has become 900-1000 with all the suggestions been given here.

So, a better option for her limited budget would be:

Core 2 Duo e4300 (~$170)
XFX Geforce 7600 gt (~$120)
ENERMAX EG465P-VE FMA 2.2 ATX12V 460W (~$80)
MSI P6N SLI-FI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI (~$115)
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 667 (~$130)
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 16 MB (~$75)
COOLER MASTER RC-330-KKN1-GP Black SECC ATX Mid Tower (~40)

For a total of ~$730

If she wants to, she could cut down on the memory and get only 1 GB:

Kingston 1GB DDR2 667 (~$65)

For a total of ~$665

(all prices are from newegg and don't include shipping or taxes, if applicable)

A $300 difference on costs, which she could use to get a monitor:

ViewSonic Optiquest Series Q9b-2 Black 19" 8ms LCD Monitor (~169)
 
Well, As I said, if she gets the 7600 GT she'll have a clue if it fits her needs, I added the XFX but should have added the EVGA, which costs $10 less, because she could use the step-up program and get the 7900 GS or 8600 GT (when it is released next month) paying only the price difference (this is a great program from EVGA).

I don't think she'll have to worry much about HDCP for now. Either HD formats are expensive and unnecessary for now, and probably will be for the next year or 2, and even if she gets an HDCP monitor, she'll need an HDCP video card and a HD-DVD or Blue-ray drive, which would add a lot for the total cost of her system.

On behalf of my signature, I must say I'm sorry and will try to shorten it sometime in the future. :?
 
found this on this site somewhere but for the life of me i can't remember where or i would like the thread

*snip*

this is a rough overview of how video cards stand up to each other.

You can use this hierarchy to compare pricing between two cards to see which is a better deal. You can also see if an upgrade is worthwhile. I personally don't recommend upgrading unless the card you plan to upgrade to is at least three tiers higher on the chart. If it's less than three tiers higher than your current card, the upgrade is somewhat parallel and you won't notice a worthwhile difference in performance.

heiarchy.gif
 
Oh btw here are the specs on that older system in case you wanted to know. It kinda shows how little it takes for WoW.

Biostar T-force 6100 socket 754
Sempron 2800+ @ 2.1ghz
2gb pc3200 ram
80gb WD sata hard drive
Click to expand...

here is the specs i use to play WoW with and i have very little issues cept when there is a HUGE amount of PvP going on 100+ people and me being a Main Healer (priest) i am always up in the front lines keepin the offense up and alive. FOR THE HORDE!

AMD XP 1.8GHz
1 gig ram
ATI 9800 Pro AGP
250GB Western Digital Hard Drive (non raid)
 
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This should leave you with room for shipping, This should run WOW with ease!! Hope this helps.
 
A useful chart. I would also like to find the original source. Is there any estimate of where the various integrated graphics chips fall in this chart.? I would be particularly interested in some tests of the GMA X3000 chips round on the Intel G965 boards.
 
Being unfamiliar with WOW requirements, I did a bit of research. I found the following guide from Anandtech (march 23,2005), entitled "World of warcraft performance guide ".

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2381&p=1

The final recomendations have a sweet spot for memory at 1gb, and a processor e uivalent to an athlon 64 3500+ or a pentium4 650/550. Both of these are outclassed by the E4300 or other current processors. As to the GPU, it would seem that a 6600gt(tier 13) or better would be appropriate to meet the reuirements of the original post.
 
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