Strict $800 first-time build

[ti1706]

I'm looking to build a system, this will be a first attempt for me, I appreciate any recommendations you guys might have.
Hate to dampen spirits, but I have a firm $800.00 limit INCLUDING taxes, shipping, and any other charges (such as the OS, and any first-timer items).
Lastly, I do NOT need a monitor, I have an acceptable one (LCD) already.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: ASAP

BUDGET RANGE: US $0-800.00

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Flash animation/games rendering, internet browsing, music composition/listening, video editing, movies/gaming

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Monitor, and I am not adverse to grabbing a discount keyboard and mouse.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg.com, or anything with a clean reputation.

PARTS PREFERENCES: an Intel processor (AMD, if better bang for buck)

OVERCLOCKING: Despite no experience, I'd like to try and overclock. As for Crossfire/SLI, I'm not a high-end gamer, so... probably no.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I'm a big multi-tasker (4-5 internet pages, Sony Vegas, Notepad, Core Media Player would be typical), The extent of my gaming aspirations is a WoW-esque game. I render a lot of Flash, and I'd like to start doing some graphics work (anyone recommend a good pen tablet?). I hope to be able to upgrade and reuse this build for a couple of years (better graphics card, sound card, RAM, etc.).
Hard Drive size isn't a big concern for me (250gb or better is fine), but its access speed is. For the sake of not falling behind, I'd prefer DDR3 RAM. Finally, I've been using XP for years, waiting out Vista... so I'll probably go with a 64-bit version (Home is fine) and upgrade to 7.

Many thanks for your time.

 

[ti1706]

^ Yes. Only 1 answer is possible.
^^ Never mind
I will post soon (or late Oct. 30,2009~) And will PM you then.

It'll be a main-gaming PC with HD5850, 6GB 1600 7-7-7, i7 920, 1TB 7200, 64GB SSD, RIIE ($1400-$1550) and such . Mainly because I'm saving since 2001! and my Celeron 256MB can't even boot! (been using my dad's laptop since)

Medo

Sounds good (Who am I kidding, it sounds great.).

I'll be waiting to hear how it turned out.

Good luck with it!

 

[psycho sykes]

Sounds good (Who am I kidding, it sounds great.).

I'm willing to try for it to be!

I'll be waiting to hear how it turned out.

I'm waiting too to SEE and FEEL how it turns out!

Good luck with it!

Thanks . You too good luck.

Edit --->>
So what about Why_Me's link?? Is it possible for where you learn?
<<--- Edit

 

[ti1706]

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Windows-7-Professional-Students-19,8688.html

"Students Can Get Windows 7 Pro for $19"

Thanks for posting the link. I probably wouldn't have heard about it, otherwise.

Also, thanks for taking the time to give your opinion.

 

[ti1706]

Alright... here's what I have set in stone:

RAM & Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.256276

CPU & Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.246589

OS & Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.259577.22-152-181

DVD Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151187

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042


My new problem is whether (since the price difference is negligible) to purchase PSU A or B.

PSU A
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371020

PSU B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015


A third option is to buy PSU C (Why_Me's original pick), and a fan. I'm not too keen to purchase C, due to its relatively low ratings. However, I cannot buy a mid-range fan, and stay within budget without it.

PSU C
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371004

Fan (example)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

There are other highly-rated, lower-wattage PSU's (in PSU C's price range), but I figured loosing power wasn't a good idea.

If you guys could, I'd like to see a few reviews on the build, mainly its "bang for the buck"(1-10, 10 being highest) and its difficulty to finish (1-10). Any additional comments, are of course, welcome... as is advice regarding the PSU.

EDIT: My Samsung is the same as Why_Me's, correct?
Here's the original link: http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=SHS223B_BE

 

[psycho sykes]

Since you won't be using it for hardcore gaming then you won't need the HD4870 and the 512MB version isn't that powerful while you still don't need the 1GB version.
About the PSU.. The (A) option is 650W 80+Cf and $5 cheaper while the (B) option is 550W 80+ Bronze and $5 more expensive. If i were you i would get the 650 80+Cf (Wait for other opinions for a 1-10 ratio)
For the case your selected case doesn't have a front fan.

Edit --->>
I don't think the two DVD drives are identical.

Overall I give it:
_7.5_
`'10
For the "bang for the buck" term.
While it's _4_
````````10
For "Difficulty to finish" term.

Medo

 

[ti1706]

Perhaps "fan" was the wrong word... the item is listed under "CPU Fans & Heatsinks" which I do need to cool the processor... correct?

... or maybe I'm just looking at the wrong item.

 

[psycho sykes]

I meant that the Antec 300 has only 2 fans without an intake one at the front.

Edit --->>
You don't have a HSF listed and the Retail CPU has a stock cooler which is suitable for stock (non-OC'ing) users.
<--

 

[ti1706]

Regarding the v-cards and drives:

I figured I might as well get the better card with the RAM combo. If I recall, the price difference wasn't too great... and a little flexibility would be nice (I do a little bit of gaming... but nothing beyond WoW, and Civilization quality; I'm generally a console man).

As for the drives... I'm inclined to agree with you, but the only difference I could find (other than price) was the "/BEBE" in the ewiz model's name. Not being fluent in acronyms... I have no idea what it means.

 

[ti1706]

I meant that the Antec 300 has only 2 fans without an intake one at the front.

Edit --->>
You don't have a HSF listed and the Retail CPU has a stock cooler which is suitable for stock (non-OC'ing) users.
<--

Heh... I guess I was looking looking at the wrong item, then. (Apparently, I'm more of a newbie than I'd thought.)

I would like to overclock, though... just to try it (Nothing major). For that, I need a better cooler, yes?

EDIT: Actually, Why_Me had suggested a cooler that was good for a "light overclock"... I thought I might need something better, but that might work.

 

[psycho sykes]

Yes.
Here's a good one for $20.
And if you don't do any major gaming on the PC then the HD4870 is certainly not for you. The HD4870 1GB is enough for Crysis at Gamer (all) - Enthusiast (shaders) - 0x AA - 1920x1080 (28~34~42 FPS). So it's a bit overkill as a HD4850 will do it fine and will last some gens of those games (hopefully)

Medo

 

[ti1706]

Yes.
Here's a good one for $20.
And if you don't do any major gaming on the PC then the HD4870 is certainly not for you. The HD4870 1GB is enough for Crysis at Gamer - Enthusiast shader - 0x AA - 1920x1080. So it's a bit overkill as a HD4850 will do it fine and will last some gens of those games (hopefully)

Medo

Well, that's more overkilled than I thought.

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out (along with some downgraded cards).

 

[psycho sykes]

A HD4850 should be fine for most of the games.
But you can wait till HD5000 series is released to cut prices down and get a HD4870/90 or get the HD5750/70 when it comes out.

Edit --->>

EDIT: Actually, Why_Me had suggested a cooler that was good for a "light overclock"... I thought I might need something better, but that might work.

Actually it's the same i suggested :lol: (didn't know till you mentioned it)
<<---

Medo

 

[ekoostik]

If you don't mind messing with rebates, here's a Corsair 550W for $80 after $20 rebate: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004

 

[ekoostik]

@ti706 - If you look closely at the pictures of the DVD drive on NewEgg, it also says (on a label on top of the drive) SH223B/BEBE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?ISList=27-151-187-S01,27-151-187-S02,27-151-187-S03,27-151-187-S04&S7ImageFlag=1&Item=N82E16827151187&Depa=0&WaterMark=1&Description=SAMSUNG%20Black%2022X%20DVD%20Burner%20Black%20SATA%20Model%20SH-S223B

@Medo - Can you explain what the difference between the two DVD drives is? As far as I can tell they are the same.

 

[psycho sykes]

On top of the drive picture from NewEgg it says only (SH S223) no BEBE.
I can't tell any difference between them but the model no. also I'll check SAMSUNG's site for info on that drive.
SuperBiiz.com doesn't have a picture with writings unfortunately.
If they turned out to be the same drive then for "ti706" the NewEgg is the way to go.

Edit --->>
They're the exact same. Sorry

 

[ti1706]

Thanks for checking the drives out, ekoostik and Medo. (By the way, the "/BEBE" was on the ewiz model... perhaps that has something to with the price difference? Once again, I have no idea what it stands for.)

The Build as it Now Stands:

OS and hard drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.259577.22-152-181
Case and psu
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.245593
CPU and mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.246589
RAM and gpu
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.256305
DVD Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106332

Total Cost: just under $800 (with shipping)

My choice of dvd drive is untested (at least on newegg), but looking at its LightScribe-less sibling, it should be a fairly safe purchase. Unlike its brother (which, otherwise, I prefer), this one has "free shipping"... hopefully that outweighs any potential problems with LightScribe. (any warnings regarding LightScribe drives?)
As for the GPU, my guess is that it's still a bit overkill, but it's (with free shipping) the cheapest card that I can combo with the RAM... and I don't mind a bit of extra power, as long as I'm under budget.

Lastly, I decided not to spring for a cpu fan. Immediate oc-ing is more of a want, not a need... so (if all goes well) I'll snag a good fan in a month, or two. Hopefully, the rest of the build is ready to overclock (which means a CPU fan is all I need, correct?). Feel free to correct me if I'm mistaken.

To Reiterate:

Anyone with advice, or a comment, I'd appreciate your help. Also, if you could, some ratings (Thanks Medo for yours) on the build's "bang for the buck" (1-10, 10 being highest) and "difficulty to finish" (same), would be useful.

 

[psycho sykes]

Everything looks good.
■ However you do realize that the GA-UD2 doesn't have CF(XF) capability due to 1 PCI-e 2.0 x16 slot...
■ The DVD drive is very good and it's just a refreshed version of another one with better price and that's why it doesn't have any reviews. Still it supports more formats than SAMSUNG's does.
■ Also I don't recommend getting MSI GPUs. Spend like $10 more and get a XFX or eVGA (nVidia) for it to last enough.

Medo

 

[ti1706]

Since the extent of my gaming ambitions is a bit of Microsoft Flight Simulator X, Civilization, and a WoW-esque mmorpg, I won't need CF (CrossFire... right?). At least, that's what I've come to understand.

As for the MSI, I'd prefer a better brand, but at that price, with free shipping and combo deals, I thought it might be worth the risk. Was I wrong? Are MSI gpus usually fraught with problems? Is the longevity of MSI gpus a significant issue?

I was hoping the MSI would be reliable, if not astounding... and since my motherboard isn't really designed for gaming, anyway... I thought if the urge to play hard ever struck me, I could upgrade the mobo and gpu, simultaneously. I'm also hoping that the Sept.22 release of the ATI 5000s will drive the 4870's price down, making it more viable to buy a better brand, and a better card.

Thanks, also, for the Drive review. I'm glad to see that you approve of it.

EDIT: On a side note, I found this mobo... it's price puts it a tad out of my reach, but it might be a good upgrade if I do decide to "game", later.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128400

 

[build]

My suggestion, stick to a single graphics card and upgrade it when necessary. You won't need crossfire for those kind of games.

 

[ti1706]

My suggestion, stick to a single graphics card and upgrade it when necessary. You won't need crossfire for those kind of games.

Thanks, that's what I was thinking ("CF" is Crossfire, then?).

Would you happen to have any advice regarding the MSI gpu? Is unreliability a serious issue with that brand?

 

[build]

MSI motherboards are not really noted for it's longevity, don't know if it applies to their GPU's though.

 

[ti1706]

Would you say it's worth it, for the price of the RAM/GPU combo?

At the speed these things advance, after all, I'll be able to buy the next step up for less in two years, or so.

... if this is going to be flickering in-and-out, though....

The only other serious option w/ that RAM (which I was told was a good brand) is a Sapphire.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.256276
Price difference w/shipping, about $20

An curve-ball choice could also be this XFX (better than MSI, according to Medo):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150351
... at that price, with no RAM combo, though....
I could consider bundling it with XP Pro 32-bit, ditching the Vista--7/Hdd combo, and purchasing the hdd on its own.
(I read some articles claiming that Win7 often inherits glitches from Vista, if upgraded from it.)
... of course, then there would the price of Win7 to consider....

... that RC idea of Medo/Sykes is starting to sound better, and better... heh.

 

[lenjaiah]

this might help if you have a college e-mail...

http://windows7.digitalriver.com/store/mswpus/en_US/DisplayHomePage?resid=6Qyb3AoBAkgAAC@5WNkAAAAw&rests=1253584604406

$30 bucks for windows7

 

[ti1706]

this might help if you have a college e-mail...

http://windows7.digitalriver.com/store/mswpus/en_US/DisplayHomePage?resid=6Qyb3AoBAkgAAC@5WNkAAAAw&rests=1253584604406

$30 bucks for windows7

Thanks for the link, lenjaiah, if they'll accept a proof of payment (option 3 for verification), I might be able to stay under budget.

 

[psycho sykes]

Don't get the Sapphire/RAM (Sapphire is still VERY good) combo as the XFX is cheaper by $10 and the combo is cheaper by more $5! only! XFX cards exhaust warm air out of the case as a bonus.
For the Vista > Win7 issues I just think that Win7 is supposed to fix those problems while upgrading is in process if not.. Then at least you can be sure that 80%~ of Vista problems have been solved in Win7 (obviously)
If you can't claim Why_Me's/lenjaiah's offer via the links posted then Win7 Home Premium is supposed to price at $199.99 . You can get it then or join a competition or something...

Also about RC. You can partition the Drive and safely backup any documents on the Win drive to another partition and continue with upgrade procedures as usual. I usually reinstall Win Vista like 2 times a month (try to keep it so due to MS re-install limitations! 4) and it goes w/o a problem.
If you want i can e-mail you an old copy of Herein's Boot CD which i don't use anymore (i think 8.2 or something..)

Medo