Computer for $1200- Need to have someone answer my last2 questions

[harobikes333]

Ok, I looked up every part, trying to find the best deal.


Motherboard:

234 - C2D E6600

106.98 - G.Skill DDR2-667

145.63 after MIR- 7900GS

79.99 - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 - 320GB

Cooler Master Centurion [with S&h]
65.98 - Newegg
56.99 - ChiefValue
57.31 - mwave
^ Which store should I buy from... lowest priced or not..?

102.63 - SeaSonic S12-430

239.99 after MIR, free shipping - SAMSUNG 206BW Black 20" Widescreen

36.63 - SAMSUNG SH-S182D/BEBE - OEM...
^Does OEM mean I need to buy some sort of cables for it...? doesn't say it comes with any... and most OEM stuff don't..:\ where to get... what kind, etc...?

53.31 - Logitech X-230 32 Watts 2.1
^Possibly better to buy in a store.....aka like best buy? or no? I donno u tell me^ ^

20.12 - Logitech Mouse/Keyboard

OS....?

Total so far with out Mobo or OS..

1076.27

Right, I'll finish up tonight, I've gotta be somewhere.

Thanks again!!!!

 

[KungFused]

Looking good! For your peripherals (keyboard, mouse, speakers, display), you might want to check brick-and-mortar store prices online... you might be able to save some money by not having them shipped if you don't need to. (If it's cheaper to ship, though, might as well. Looks like it's all coming from NewEgg anyway!)

OS, after your feedback I'd go with Vista 32-bit. For a motherboard, the Gigabyte 965P-S3 ($111 after shipping) is very popular these days, largely because of how well it handles overclocking. You won't be overclocking, but that doesn't make it a bad board!

 

[harobikes333]

I'll go check out some store the next time I go out of town or just go on their websites. I live in a rural area so to speak ( 13k ppl) and so there isn't jack for decent stores ( we've got walmart>_< )

Just about to go look what kinda of vista 32 I want

Thanks again!!!!

Any comments or suggestions are greatly apreaciated!

 

[KungFused]

You poor soul! I'm amazed you've survived this long without a Fry's Electronics. Sounds like it wouldn't be worth the hassle to go pick the peripherals up. And odds are you wouldn't save that much on shipping anyway, maybe ~$20-$30.

Since your folks aren't exactly power users, I'd say Vista Home Premium would meet their needs. Heck, Home Basic probably would, but then you don't get the pretty new GUI. And it's so pretty! Premium also has automatic backups, unlike Basic, which might mean fewer headaches for you if something goes awry.

 

[harobikes333]

True... but i guess I donno it seems like buying a keyboard and mouse at a store ( even walmart) makes more sense. o and in minot, ND they have best buy/ a mall so yup I could just pick the stuff up there.( keyboard, speakers. monitor.... I donno... I think I'll get that online....


I've been looking at all the different types of vista. Finally decided to get Vista home premium ( so i get not just xp basically lol)

>_< holy its confusing. i went to newegg and wow there are tons of variations or something>_<

my understanding is that if I order an OEM version, once i install it i can't install it to a different computer if I want to upgrade....:?? what about formating....? I currently have the upgrade to xp home ( uped from ME>_<)

what are these upgrade versions ....:?

Retail the one to get...?

 

[KungFused]

My understanding of OEM vs. Retail versions of Windows is that the OEM software ties the license to your motherboard somehow -- not sure how -- so you can reinstall as often as you like on that machine, and you can replace anything you want to, except for the motherboard. The Retail version will allow you to install on a completely new machine later on down the line. If you're only installing it on one machine and budget's tight, though, the OEM version will suit you just fine, but I'd recommend the retail flavor if you can afford it.

You're near Minot, ND? My girlfriend's dad's side of the family lives up there. Tiiiiiny town! But visiting the Best Buy might be a good idea, just cause you'll be able to "test drive" your keyboard and mouse before you buy. Just be aware that BB's selection will be way limited compared to what's available online...

If I was in your situation, I'd

1) Make a list of the mice/keyboards/speakers available at Bestbuy.com that you're interested in, with Bestbuy.com prices (before shipping)
2) Look those devices on NewEgg, and make note of any substantial price differences between NE and BB
3) Head to town, try the stuff there, see what you like and what you don't
4) Buy your favorite, either at BB or online (wherever you get the best deal)
5) BUY MY DAMN COMPUTER!

Also, I forgot to address your question about cables with your OEM drive earlier: No, the OEM drive won't come with anything other than the drive itself. No drivers, no cables, nada. Bu your motherboard will almost always come with the cables you need, so that won't be a problem. The Gigabyte 965P-S3 I linked earlier ships with SATA cables for your hard drive and a PATA cable for your DVD drive, and the power cables for both will be attached to your power supply.

 

[harobikes333]

Hoping to purchase everything tonight

Ok, I looked up every part, trying to find the best deal.

any comments or help is great apreciated!!!

Motherboard:not ocing ever
111.12 - GIGABYTE GA-965P-S3
(other mobos I think have better reviews for the same money...? >_< I donno)
or
...? helps meh?
234 - C2D E6600

106.98 - G.Skill DDR2-667

145.63 after MIR- 7900GS

79.99 - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 - 320GB

Cooler Master Centurion [with S&h]
65.98 - Newegg
56.99 - ChiefValue
57.31 - mwave
^ Which store should I buy from... lowest priced or not..?

102.63 - SeaSonic S12-430

264.55 - Acer AL2051W Black/Silver 20" 8ms DVI Widescreen

36.63 - SAMSUNG SH-S182D/BEBE - OEM...
^Does OEM mean I need to buy some sort of cables for it...? Anyone no of a different burner I should buy instead?

53.31 - Logitech X-230 32 Watts 2.1
^Possibly better to buy in a store.....aka like best buy? or no? I donno u tell me^ ^

20.12 - Logitech Mouse/Keyboard
OS....?

Total without mobo or OS ( note I upgraded monitor^ ^)
$1,109.91

OS:
32 bit Vista 32-bit Home Premium OEM - 116.98
64 bit Vista 64-Bit Home Premium - OEM - 124.99

Update: just checked and the speakers are 60bucks at best buy... newegg is only 53 with shipping

Edit: Should I save a few bucks and get the case from chiefvalue or not?

 

[MegaVovaN]

Don't buy cables for DVD or hard drive, motherboard probably comes with two SATA and at least one IDE cables.
Crappy mouse, stretch the budget and buy a gaming mouse, or better off gaming keyboard + gaming mouse.
And I would cut back on something/stretch budget to get a better video card, 8800 GTS 320mb.
I think chiefvalue is good enough to buy case from them. However, add all of the stuff to your shopping cart on the egg, combined shipping is CHEAPER than if you take shipping for each item and add together.

 

[KungFused]

When I was mobo shopping I was looking for a good motherboard that overclocks well for as low a price as I could find. The 965P-S3 fit all of those requirements, and it's the cheapest motherboard on NewEgg with its chipset (965P northbridge, ICH8 southbridge). It looks like Gigabyte's 945P-S3 (one step down on both chipsets, if I'm interpreting chipst names correctly) will also do everything you need for $91.12 after shipping. Supports the C2D's FSB, your memory, all that jazz. Can save a few bucks there!

Excellent choice on the processor, the RAM, and the hard drive. Unless your parents are hardcore media pirates, they'll be set for storage space forever.

I'd get the case from NewEgg, just so you don't have as many invoices to keep track of. I've never shopped through ChiefValue, but I've only had excellent experiences with NewEgg's customer service, so I'd recommend spending a few bucks extra and going through them in the event that your case's box shows up at your door as a box of rubble.

The motherboard will have cables for your Samsung DVD drive, and the Samsung is a very solid drive. The power supply is plenty for your system, and the speakers/mouse/keyboard should do fine for you.

I'd stick with the 32-bit operating system, simply because more software is compatible with it right now.

Have fun building!

 

[harobikes333]

Thanks for the replies!

kungfused. Thanks a ton for all the help you've been giving me!!!! Appreciate big time!

I'll gladly spend 110 on a mobo if I get better chipsets, which correct me if I'm wrong, do have an affect on performance?)

lemme know what you think

thanks again

 

[KungFused]

Well the 965P/ICH8 is definitely a better chipset combo. If you're fine with the extra cost, definitely go for it.

 

[Moose1309]

Wow that cheap Gigabyte makes me want to build a cheap C2D machine now

32-bit OEM Vista FTW. Don't get the "upgrade" version, or retail version, yadda yadda. OEM is the only one you ever need, and you ARE allowed to transfer it from one PC to another despite all the FUD around that. It may only be once or something, but you are allowed to upgrade your existing PC all you want.... bottom line is, don't worry about it.

OR - the new Ubuntu is out, version 7

 

[harobikes333]

kk

Thanks again for all the help!!!

( I'm currently applying for a newegg preferred account. Shouldn't have any problem, mom owns a business and she one of the best money managers I've EVER seen, seriously she keeps receipts of everything, lol I guess she doesn't trust credit card companys, or the banks, etc. lol and wow she is OCD over stuff like that. ( if she's off like one dollar she starts all over)

as far as the OS is concerned, my friend bought XP professional retail - about 4 months before Vista came out, when it did he bought the Uber ultimate everthing edition lol, so I may just be able to go and get that from him.
He runs things like adobe photoshop super expensive version lol, etc. anyway some of his programs don't run as fast as he'd like so he might go back to xp pro.... aka I'd have to buy Vista and transfer all the stuff I had put on my computer.... so I donno what to do:\

 

[harobikes333]

^ ^ Lmao!!! moose as much as I'd like to become a nonconformist..... my parents have a hard time running Windows!!!! lol no way i could get them to figure out Ubuntu even if it is user friendly.
Does the 32 bit version of vista home premium that I linked to above in the parts list, look like the correct/decent priced/ right choice ??

Sorry for the crappy wording:/

Thanks!!!!

Update again! >> found Corsair 520W
95.00 after 10.00 mail in rebate and there is free shipping

overkill..?:? it has a 5 year parts and labor warranty compared to the seasonic thats 3years parts.

What do you all think?
$95 Corsair 520W
or
$102.63 - SeaSonic S12-430

 

[KungFused]

Yep, that's the right OEM disk to purchase (unless you're going to work something out with your friend). And as for that Corsair power supply, my thinking is that More Power + More Warranty + Lower Price = Why Not? They both look more or less equivalent in efficiency. I can't see any downside to the Corsair.

 

[harobikes333]

kk thanks again!!! Going to buy all the stuff as soon as I get home at noon most likely because after school, ( i'm a junior) I'm going on a paintball trip (camping all weekend, night time battles, etc. super fun

 

[Roguestar]

If you're not overclocking ever (as you said), why not save a bit more on the RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161677

 

[harobikes333]

66.99 - Logitech X-530 5.1

instead of the 2.1 version? newegg, where i was going to buy the 2.1 version from, would cost around 53 dollars zzf has them for 42.99 with free shipping

Is it worth the extra money to get the 5.1 system ??


Thanks

 

[MegaVovaN]

Originally posted by: harobikes333
66.99 - Logitech X-530 5.1

instead of the 2.1 version? newegg, where i was going to buy the 2.1 version from, would cost around 53 dollars zzf has them for 42.99 with free shipping

Is it worth the extra money to get the 5.1 system ??


Thanks

In short, no.
I doubt you will place 5 speakers correctly. Many people buy 5.1 system and place all speakers right in front of them - that is just retarded.

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: MegaVovaN

Originally posted by: harobikes333
66.99 - Logitech X-530 5.1

instead of the 2.1 version? newegg, where i was going to buy the 2.1 version from, would cost around 53 dollars zzf has them for 42.99 with free shipping

Is it worth the extra money to get the 5.1 system ??


Thanks

In short, no.
I doubt you will place 5 speakers correctly. Many people buy 5.1 system and place all speakers right in front of them - that is just retarded.

But if you can place them correctly, then it provides a much better gaming experience IMO. I have the original Klipsch 4.1 system and with the rear surrounds placed in the rear (go figure), it sounds really good. It was a pain to get them in the right place though.

 

[harobikes333]

why would I not place them correctly. I'm not lazy and know how to run wiring.....

:? :\

Edit: Newegg has the Logitech X-530 5.1 also but its 59.99 plus 14.37 shipping... $67 for zzf... My questions then would be. would newegg be cheaper if I'm going to be buying around 1100 from them? ( aka price break on shipping) I don't think so... but I'm just wondering.

So currently:
deciding what ram to get... ( not OCing...)

still thinking about the mobo ( wanting to spend around 115ish )


Going on a paintballing/camping trip so I'll check back later.

Hope to hear from you all!

Thanks again!!!!!

PyroHaro

 

[harobikes333]

bump for tonight

All comments or suggestions are greatly apprecaited!

 

[MegaVovaN]

You don't need to know wiring.

In short, speakers will be in a way. You would need stands for some of them, and these stands will have to be placed small distance from your computer chair, limiting your freedom to move. Some may have to be mounted on the walls. It all depends on what your room is like, and if you have your own, small room, I'm sure your computer is not standing in the middle of that room (which would be good for surround).

Edit: wonder how many more pages this thread will run before OP buys a computer? I would ROFL if his parents suddenly backed out and said, no computer for now, wait another X months.

 

[engineereeyore]

I just finished upgrading my rig and here's what I went with.

Intel C2D E4300 = $120

MSI P965 Platinum = $130

2GB Super Talent Ram = $85

Corsair 520W PS = $70 (with Google checkout discount)

Scythe NINJA CPU cooler = $35

Sony 18X SATA DVD burner = $32

EVGA 7600 GS Video Card = $70

Total = $472 + ~$40 in shipping. This worked well for me. There's also a 500GB SATAII hard drive for $100 at Fry's.

 

[MegaVovaN]

Originally posted by: engineereeyore
I just finished upgrading my rig and here's what I went with.

Intel C2D E4300 = $120

MSI P965 Platinum = $130

2GB Super Talent Ram = $85

Corsair 520W PS = $70 (with Google checkout discount)

Scythe NINJA CPU cooler = $35

Sony 18X SATA DVD burner = $32

EVGA 7600 GS Video Card = $70

Total = $472 + ~$40 in shipping. This worked well for me. There's also a 500GB SATAII hard drive for $500 at Fry's.

:Q $130 for 500gb at the egg!