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Building My First PC....

P

pgillette

Junior Member
I've decided that I'm going to build my own PC. These are the components that I've decided to use. Can you give any recommendations, tips, or help? Thanks.

ViewSonic GS790 19" Monitor
K7V/500/WOA Slot A Motherboard
Mushkin 128mb ECC PC133 HSDRAM
IBM DeskStar 75GXP 20.0 GB
Monsoon Flat Panel Speakers MM-1000
HP CD-Writer Plus 9300i
Montego II Quadzilla Sound Card
Diamond Viper V770 Video Card
 
Try searching for the items you want @ http://www.pricewatch.com ...I found everyone cheaper elsewhere on the net; Also, You could get a 30 gig maxtor for a few more dollars....some nice 5.1 speakers for a few dollars more, etc, etc....nice monitor, though..But again, cheaper elsewhere...
 
Personally I'd not get ECC mem; do not think it is really needed for a desktop/workstation system. Would definitelly upgrade the video. Otherwise looks good.
 
I did check out Pricewatch.com and StreetPrices.com but I was thinking trying to get the equip from the same place might be easier.
(Plus its local)

No ECC?
What do you recommend?
I'll be using the PC hopefully for a long time and will be doing everything from Gaming, Internet, Word Processing, and Video editing.

I had checked out other speakers (5.1) but I thought the Monsoon would make the PC unique. Is it really worth it for a 5.1 system?

Upgrade the video?
The Video card? To what?

Thanks for the suggestions.
 
Terp has a good idea there....also if you can hold on a bit, you might want to pick up one of the new GeForce2 MX video cards....

Hmmmm, Socket A mobo and a 700mhz Duron may give ya a little more for your dollar there....

Looks good though. If ya run into probs, don't hesitate to ask these guys in here...there are some good people in here that will give ya some good info....
 
I would get a better monitor than that - the Viewsonic G series has never been that great IMHO.

Get a PF795, or a Samsung Syncmaster 900NF. I would lean towards the PF795 - you can usually keep monitors for a very long time. A good amount of people like the PF790 as well, but I like at least having the option of using BNC inputs.
 
Yo, Pg:

1. Don't get a K7V - it's a fine board but the Slot A format is an anachronism. You should look for one of the new mobos with the new Socket A format that will be coming out soon and that are based on the VIA KT133 chipset (not the old KX133 that the K7V uses). This would be something like the ASUS A7V.

2. For your CPU get one of AMD'S new Duron or new Athlon Thunderbird CPU's (not the old 'classic' Athlon), which are interchangeable and also come in the matching new Socket A format. The Duron is almost as good as the Athlon classic (which is Slot A only) and the new Athlon is much better than the old and slightly better than Intel's P3 Coppermine, generally speaking.

3. ECC RAM is usually not necessary, but do specify PC133 CAS 2 SDRAM when you are ordering. HSDRAM is a little pricey. See the conclusions to:
http://www.anandtech.com/printarticle.html?i=1213
or
http://www.bxboards.com/pc133/.

Probably instead you should get this:
http://www.mushkin.com/cgi-bin/Mushkin.filereader?396648c4105fb470273fcdaa9b0206db+EN/products/990489.

4. Some would recommend the Plextor over the HP CD-RW.

Lastly, take a look at AnandTech's Buyer's Guides:
http://www.anandtech.com/printarticle.html?i=1269
or
http://www.anandtech.com/printarticle.html?i=1257.

AnandTech may not yet formally recommend the KT133 platform I specified above, but that is because that hardware is not yet readily available and that is one of their requirements.

🙂
 
preorder that geforce2 mx for $115
http://www.evga.com/welcome/index.ihtml?page=preorder.html

If you're going to wait for that graphics card get a duron and wait for the abit or asus Socket A mobo's which should be out in a week or two. If you're not going to wait I'd recommend the abit ka7 or the asus k7v for the Slot A athlons. I own the ka7 and it works great. Also like the others said, ecc ram isn't necessary and its more expensive. Just get the hsdram without ecc if thats the type you want.
 
Monitor - I have no experience with this monitor so I don't know what to tell you. I have a Samsung Syncmaster 955DF. It's flat and the quality is pretty good but I feel a little more eye-strain than my previous 17" Trinitron.

Mobo - Socket A, as has been already mentioned, is the way to go. Slot A has reached the end of the road, so Socket A will be a far better decision if you ever have to replace your CPU.

RAM - I don't know much about ECC but I heard it'll slower than non-ECC. Anyway, that feature is made specifically for servers so forget about it and save some cash. Get CAS-2 if possible.

HD - Nice choice, I personally just got the Maxtor DiamondPlus 40 GB so I'd recommend that if you want more space, but this is a great, fast, quiet drive.

Speakers - I would reconsider, I was looking at these at CompUSA and while they do look good, the quality doesn't do it for me. If that's not a concern and you care about looking "unique", then go ahead with these but I would look into a 5.1 setup if you are watching DVDs or playing games, or an Altec Lansing model if you just want two speakers and a sub.

CD-RW - I heard Plextor was the name to go with in burners. I can't really talk because I have some old-ass, p.o.s. Memorex 2x. But I'm considering a CD-RW myself and the new models sport some Burn Proof technology.

Sound Card - I haven't checked the price on this, but I would go with the SB Live! Value if the price is similar. If you want BOTH digital in and out go with either the X-Gamer or MP3+

Video Card - Everyone's gonna tell you to get nVidia. If you're gonna play games at all go ahead and get that. The GeForce 2 MX will be available widely by the end of the month, and that will be ~$120. I've also heard very good things about the Matrox G400 (I think that's it) - it's highly regarded for 2D graphics.

Your best bet is to look around. I wouldn't restrict myself to one place, different places will have different deals. If you are buying in a B&M store consider tax. If you are buying online consider S&H, though there are some sites that offer this free. Also look to see if you can get any coupons for sites that you visit. Good luck!

-mosdef
 
You can buy things form multiple places but I would not recomend it, you'll pay a hell-a-lot on shipping. Avoid Maxtor drives.
 
My vote would be for the Duron, try a 600 with some overclockin luvin. Choice of mobo is still a little early to tell, ASUS and ABIT look good, EPOX also has the dips for multiplier adj. Good HSF will be essential. Forget the ECC ram, its more trouble than its worth, especially when overclocking the FSB. The ABIT board will prolly allow the highest FSB overclock.
 
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