Can you help this old guy build my own computer?

[mrbluesky1961]

I went to school 10 years ago for computers and networking. I was in that line of work for about 5 years and am now doing something else. So, I am kind of out of the loop. I cant afford to go drop a grand on a new desktop, so I decided to build my own. Every paycheck I will buy another piece of the computer. I have built probably 10 computers so far, but things have changed! I could go and just build a monster computer, but I dont want to waste my money! Can I get some input on what hardware you think I "need" to build a nice pc for what I do?
I dont play any games on a computer. I use my x-box for that.
I would like to somehow hook it up to my 62" HDTV. Maybe record shows? Or watch tv off of the net. Or just do my work using my tv as the monitor?
I cruise the net a lot.
I download a lot of music. Hook my ipod up, etc.
I "try" and do web design using Dreamweaver CCS4, photoshop, illustrator, fireworks, etc.
I use software for my gps.
I use Microsoft office all the time. Word, Excel mostly and Outlook. I do some power point stuff from time to time.
I want my pc to be stable and as trouble free as possible. It is also important that it is as fast as possible. I also dont want it to be out dated in two years.
I would like to stay with Intel, I think?
Would I be wasting money getting the "i series" processors? Is a dual core plenty for what I do?
What type of video card do I need for what I do?
How much ram is enough? 4gb? 8gb? 16gb?
Is there software out there where I can back up my xbox games? My movies, dvd and blue ray in the future. The old stuff I use to use doesnt work any more.
I would think 500 gig hard drive would be big enough?

I would really appreciate any opinions from everyone! I did find my way back to these forums and will be doing a lot of reading about all of the new technology out there.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Ok, first and foremost, no gaming = lesser graphics card. That'll save you a ton of money right there.

A dual core would be plenty for what you do, though a quad core isn't totally out of the question either. It's a matter of how much you'd like to spend. For what you described, 4GB would be plenty of RAM (probably even overkill). Intel or AMD will be fine, though the AMD route would be cheaper since you can get a nice 785G board with great integrated graphics and HDMI out. A good 300-400w PSU, like Antec Earthwatts or anything from Corsair / Seasonic will be more than plenty.

I'll let others make the actual hardware suggestions, but you can probably get away with $500-600ish if you have a monitor, speakers, keyboard, and mouse, and closer to $800-900 otherwise.

 

[maniac5999]

I'll let others make the actual hardware suggestions, but you can probably get away with $500-600ish if you have a monitor, speakers, keyboard, and mouse, and closer to $800-900 otherwise.

I think we can do better than that.

A2 630: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103704 $109
AM3 790Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813138163 $70 (after MIR)
DDR3 Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227495 $70 after MIR (might want to spend an extra $30 for better reviewed ram though)
1TB HDD : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136496 $90
DVD Drive of your choice for $25

The last question is if you want a media center case or a regular tower.
HEC media case with 270w PSU $55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811121027

There we go, a fully built PC with a quad core processor for $425 or so. if you want to go for a different case and a top rung PSU add $25-50 if you want Blu-Ray add $50-150 depending on if you want a burner or not.

 

[Emulex]

delloutlet with 15 or 25% coupon. pick up an inspiron 530 or whatever is current. skip AMD - it is poor compared to intel by a long shot - get a nice quad core - it will last forever even if its core2quad - 5 years from now it will be able to handle what you throw at it. even with ddr2 memory for your needs. my q6600,3gb,250gb,2650HD rig was like $289 shipped.

Tigerdirect has nice refurb too cheap with a quad core and lots of ram. like $599 for 8gb of ram quad core goodness.

the slowest portion of your system will be the drive - you will never hit the cpu limits with 1 hard drive - so maybe a solid state drive would be better. it is far more quiet - which is nice on your ears.

 

[Pliablemoose]

http://arstechnica.com/hardware/guides/2009/10/the-budget-box-october-2009-edition.ars

 

[allanon1965]

skip AMD - it is poor compared to intel by a long shot


this is simply not true.....why would you say such a thing?
I build plenty of computers for customers and AMD is 90% of my builds because it offer more value for the dollar..

right now I am building more phenomIIX2 and X4 based towers that are for people like the op and they are inexpensive and offer more performance dollar for dollar than what I can build for the same dollars with intel..

a ssd harddrive is overkill and expensive for the ops uses...too high priced right now...hes talking 500 gig, not 30 or 60...right now a 500gb ssd is about 1500.00...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227474

heres what i would do if he came into my shop...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...103680 95.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...128394 79.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...04073 99.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...48445 59.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...41016 69.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...36177 25.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...02824 93.99

525.93+applicable shipping,

add a case of your choice....50ish
operating system...100ish
if you need a monitor and kb,mouse,speakers...it willbe a little more...but a nice setup for under 800 or so...you can cut a few corners here and there, but this would work well...i am using most of these in my own system right now and they work great...

 

[fffblackmage]

allanon1965's recommended build:
95.99 - AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition
79.99 - GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H
99.99 - Kingston HyperX DDR2-1066 4GB (2 x 2GB)
59.99 - Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 750GB
69.99 - OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W
25.99 - LG Black SATA DVD Burner
93.99 - Sapphire HD 4850 512MB

I'd recommend the same, except the ram.

If you can successfully unlock the 550BE, then you have a nice quad core. If not, well, you still end up with a nice computer. For what OP does, a quad core isn't necessary, and neither is a more expensive Core i5/i7.

For RAM, I strongly recommend Mushkin DDR2-1066 2x2GB at Amazon for $74. This costs less than what allanon1965 suggests and requires much lower voltages for the tighter timings (though you can run them at normal voltage and normal JEDEC timings).

 

[CSMR]

I would like to somehow hook it up to my 62" HDTV. Maybe record shows? Or watch tv off of the net. Or just do my work using my tv as the monitor?

That's great for video but I don't think that would be efficient for normal PC stuff. I would get a regular monitor for that.

Would I be wasting money getting the "i series" processors? Is a dual core plenty for what I do?

Yes. A Clarkdale i3 or i5 would be ideal.

What type of video card do I need for what I do?

Don't need one.

How much ram is enough? 4gb? 8gb? 16gb?

I think 4Gb will be fine, otherwise 8Gb.

Is there software out there where I can back up my xbox games? My movies, dvd and blue ray in the future. The old stuff I use to use doesnt work any more.

Yes, but frankly with DVD/Blu-Ray it's more convenient to download from pirate sites than use your own media. Crazy I know.

 

[maniac5999]

Well, Another question that I have is if he should really go for DDR2 like you two guys are recommending. They cost pretty much the same between DDR2 and DDR3 for both the RAM and Mobo, and DDR3 is definitely the future.

 

[allanon1965]

Well, Another question that I have is if he should really go for DDR2 like you two guys are recommending. They cost pretty much the same between DDR2 and DDR3 for both the RAM and Mobo, and DDR3 is definitely the future.

ddr2 will be fine for a longtime down the road, its not as if he is going to be overclocking or heavy game playing....ddr2 is more than enough fo him for the next 5 years or even longer if he doesnt do anymore than he is now...

 

[mrbluesky1961]

Wow! That is awesome guys! I appreciate all of the help. I will now go through each post and decide what I want to get. I found a computer store by work that carries about everything I need. Once again, I appreciate you taking the time to help me out!

 

[Rifter]

ordering from newegg might be cheaper than a local store, compare prices.

 

[Zap]

Hello mrbluesky1961, and welcome to Anandtech Forums.

Every paycheck I will buy another piece of the computer.

That's a BAD idea for the following reasons:
1) Technology changes. By the time you finish your build, something better or cheaper may be out.
2) Your warranty clock starts ticking the moment you purchase an item.
3) Your return period (in case something is DOA or incompatible) starts ticking the moment you purchase an item, and is generally 30 days or less.
4) Computer parts lose value. If something changes and you have to sell a part, even if it is brand new and unused you won't be able to recoup your investment into it.

If you absolutely HAVE to make your purchases that way, start by buying stuff that is on a killer sale so that you save a bunch (say if the motherboard you were looking at was on a Newegg Shellshocker special), or buy stuff that doesn't really change much (DVD burner, case, power supply).

The better way to do this would be to save the money (or put it in an interest bearing account) and once you have enough, buy it all at once. In the meantime you can continue doing research.

 

[Spicedaddy]

Building your own in that price range doesn't save you money if you consider the cost of your Windows license... I'd order a cheap Dell and save my time. It'll also be quieter than your DIY system, unless you spend more for a better cooler.

 

[mshan]

Watch tech bargains dot com for deals on the Dell Vostro 220?

example of 1 year old deal: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=264007

$400 should get you Windows 7 and much more updated components, possibly even a basic LCD to boot.

 

[taltamir]

1. AMD offers more performance per dollar of purchase price. but it consumes more electricity and in the long term can become more expensive. It is also slower overall. The athlon 2 x4 is a good choice though.

2. buying one piece every paycheck is a terrible idea, individual parts can go down in price on a monthly basis. Put 100$ aside every paycheck, and when you get to 500$ buy all the parts at once. This means that there is no point in us even suggesting parts unless you already have 500$ saved that you can spend right now. if not, start saving and come back here when you DO have 500$ in cash to spend on it.

3. No games = no video card. It is that simple. you want to plug it to TV so that means an IGP with the right capabilities. which can be found on both intel and AMD's side.

4. there is no reason to buy a dual core. Quad core means more performance in everything you do and better performance/watt. in fact the ONLY time where dual core does better is in certain games that are not quad core capable. the i series come in both dual and quad core, with i5 and i7 the quad core is actually better for gaming because it can dynamically shut down cores and overclock the remaining ones. but since that isn't an issue for you, just know that quad core will be noticeably faster and better for everything you want to do.

Building your own in that price range doesn't save you money if you consider the cost of your Windows license... I'd order a cheap Dell and save my time. It'll also be quieter than your DIY system, unless you spend more for a better cooler.

This is bull. It does save you money.
Besides, you end up with vastly superior hardware (dell uses crap crippled hardware; for example if you buy a dual core dell the bios of your mobo will likely be crippled to NOT work with quad cores; etc. forget about OC options)

 

[Spicedaddy]

This is bull. It does save you money.
Besides, you end up with vastly superior hardware (dell uses crap crippled hardware; for example if you buy a dual core dell the bios of your mobo will likely be crippled to NOT work with quad cores; etc. forget about OC options)

LOL

Oh no, it can't overclock, it's crap!

 

[taltamir]

OC was just one example of what it can't do:
1. it can't OC
2. it is incompatible with a lot of hardware (preventing upgrads and makes repair difficult; ex: crippled bios prevented the use of dual core on a single core machine. even though the hardware was capable of it, the bios was crippled)
3. it is made out of crappy components and has a lower lifespan
4. the PSU is crap and prevents video card upgrade / results in shorter lifespan of all components.
5. the case is made with a solid non replaceable backplate making it impossible to replace the motherboard.
6. many features are disabled (ex: my dad's dell has a mobo with an IGP and a video card, the bios has been sabotaged by dell to disable the IGP permanently, and they put a black plastic thing on its VGA port to hide it away.)
7. resale value of component is non existent.
etc etc.

 

[Emulex]

you forgot SLIC2.1 on the dell

 

[Spicedaddy]

OC was just one example of what it can't do:
1. it can't OC
2. it is incompatible with a lot of hardware (preventing upgrads and makes repair difficult; ex: crippled bios prevented the use of dual core on a single core machine. even though the hardware was capable of it, the bios was crippled)
3. it is made out of crappy components and has a lower lifespan
4. the PSU is crap and prevents video card upgrade / results in shorter lifespan of all components.
5. the case is made with a solid non replaceable backplate making it impossible to replace the motherboard.
6. many features are disabled (ex: my dad's dell has a mobo with an IGP and a video card, the bios has been sabotaged by dell to disable the IGP permanently, and they put a black plastic thing on its VGA port to hide it away.)
7. resale value of component is non existent.
etc etc.

1. Of course not.
2. Never seen this, have any proof? For example, a model sold with both Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad options uses the exact same BIOS throughout the product range, so how could they lock-out a Quad? Unless you were trying to upgrade to a newer CPU architecture/die process? Even in the DIY world, people rarely upgrade their CPU without changing the mobo anyways.
3. So does a DIY system built with crappy AMD chipset, cheap PSU, and bottom of the barrel RAM. (what people are recommending in this thread...)
4. Not true, but if you want a gaming system, then build it. The Dell PSU is better than the cheap no-names people usually put in 500$ builds, and is enough for most video cards.
5. Motherboard is replaceable, how do you think they fix systems with dead mobos? And again, the target market for cheap Dells won't be upgrading their mobos.
6. Never seen this, what model? All the Dells I've added video cards to still had a working IGP afterwards.
7. Applies to all computer parts since the beginning of times... Its value is as a complete system.


Anyways, my original point still stands: you won't build a better quality system INCLUDING A GENUINE OS for cheaper than buying an OEM prebuilt. People who say you can pirate their OS... If you want a gaming/high-end machine or a better upgrade path, then build your own, that's what I do.

 

[taltamir]

2. My HP pavillion ZV6000
3. a gigabyte mobo is worlds beyond the crap HP and dell and their ilk put in
4. BS. people can easily get a 40$ quality brand 500watt PSU. your dell comes with a noname PSU of minimal power rating. (with less cables then normal, only as many cables as dell needed come out of the PSU.)
5. only with the same model, or models with identical physical arrangement of components in the back. (or if you replace the case)
this is a removable standard backplate: http://www.avadirect.com/product_details_parts.asp?PRID=13246
in dell computers, there is no removable backplate, instead there are holes cut into the case itself... which means that you can only replace your mobo if it perfectly lines up, or if you take a hacksaw to your case.
6. I don't recall off the top of my head, I will look next time I visit him.
7. I can resell my enermax PSU better then the noname one in a dell. I can resell a gigabyte or asus or MSI board better then the noname one pulled out of a dell. I can sell my OCZ or corsair ram better than I can the no name crap pulled out of a dell. etc.
they all have value as individual components... the stuff dell puts in your PC is unsellable.

Why don't you put your money where your mouth is at (well, ok lets not bet real money, it is a figure of speech)...
point me at any system on dell or HP website, one at 500-600$, and one at 800-1000$, any of your choice.
I will design and price a better or the same quality system for less money. including OS.

BTW. OP, are you a student by any chance? you can get student edition of windows OS for like 20$.

 

[taltamir]

ill take your silence as you chickening out. works for me...

OP, let us know when you have at least 500$ in cash ready to be spent, when you do we will give you advice on what to buy. it will be a terrible mistake to buy parts month by month paycheck by paycheck as they depreciate on a monthly basis and new, better stuff comes out all the time.

 

[Spicedaddy]

Sorry, I have other things to do than argue on the internet all day...

http://www.dell.com/us/en/business/...refid=desktop-vostro-220mt&s=bsd&cs=04&~ck=mn

The one at 549$ looks good, comes with a 22" screen also.

Building yourself takes a couple of hours, and you have a chance that some parts won't work well together. For myself and many others, time is money. (not for you apparently, as you have time to argue on forums all day )

This was my last post in this thread, I gave my opinion, you have yours... Have a nice day!