Building my first computer, have questions, need some guidance

[HoyaXC07]

I want to build a new box this summer since my old boat anchor has become worthless in every sense of the word. I'll keep things short and sweet for you guys:

• My budget is less than $900; I only need a box

• I'd like to stick with nVidia and AMD but don't have to

• I like to game when I have the time and do some photo editing(I'm an amature photographer)

• If possible I want to get a small case. This computer will be hauled back and forth from the dorm to the house and that will make my life SO much easier

• What can I do to make the computer quiet?

• To save money I'm sticking with XP, I'm not a "h4arc0r3" gamer and don't need dx10

Thanks in advance

 

[HoyaXC07]

Reading through the forum I've picked these parts to start with:

Intel Core 2 Duo E7200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819115052

EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130318

 

[ther00kie16]

There are cheaper GTs and there's also the ECS 8800GTS for roughly the same price as that EVGA GT.
For motherboard, stick with Gigabyte EP35-DS3L.
For ram, anything that's cheap after rebate or the popular $85 ddr2 1000 GSkill 2X2GB kit (though any decent 800 will do).
For power supply, Earthwatts are cheap, quality Seasonic-built units. However some people don't like the single 80mm fan and prefer the Corsairs (look on buy.com), specifically the 520HX.
Hard drive: get a WD 640GB or Samsung 750gb as they are about the same price.
Otherwise, CPU's a good choice if you decide to overclock it, in which case you should get a good HSF like the Xigmatek S1283. To make it quieter, either turn down the fan speed or get a better fan (S-flex) or check out the RS1283.
For the case, just do a bit of browsing. I wish they had come out with a newer version of the Antec Super Lanboy though.

 

[Chosonman]

$900? choices choices choices.. oh where to begin...

As for your case. Take a look at the Thermaltake LanBoy (with carrying handle). All Steel, durable, made to last. Downside is that it's heavy.

http://www.newegg.com/product/...x?Item=N82E16811133035

 

[jgigz]

Originally posted by: Chosonman
$900? choices choices choices.. oh where to begin...

As for your case. Take a look at the Thermaltake LanBoy (with carrying handle). All Steel, durable, made to last. Downside is that it's heavy.

http://www.newegg.com/product/...x?Item=N82E16811133035

It is a fairly heavy case, seeing as I own it, but I wouldn't have it any other way because I know that thing isn't going anywhere, which is a downside I can live with specially if you have 900$ + sitting in it.

Agreed though, definitely recommend that case, its also very easy to work on.

 

[modoheo]

My understanding is that case won't fit a 8800GTS without significant modding, but will accomodate a 8800GT, right?

If you choose that case, don't overlook the fact that you'll need a microATX MB rather than a standard one. Not necessarily a downside, just take note.

 

[jgigz]

Originally posted by: modoheo
My understanding is that case won't fit a 8800GTS without significant modding, but will accomodate a 8800GT, right?

If you choose that case, don't overlook the fact that you'll need a microATX MB rather than a standard one. Not necessarily a downside, just take note.

Yeah i'm not sure about the 8800GTS, I'm runnin an 8800GT in there without any problems. For the GTS it would just depend ont he pciE x16 slot layout and how much other stuff is crammed in there. I have a good inch before I come close to the HDD bay, but again I'm not sure how long the GTS is and if you'd be able to squeeze the power connector in.

 

[Chosonman]

The case is pretty well thought out. I have a HD3850 in it, it's pretty long and I could probably fit a longer card. I can't be certain an 8800GTS would fit without trying it out first.