First Build, Proof it!

[BTJ]

Okay, current computer is quickly turning into a dinosaur and I think it's time to upgrade to something a lot better. I mainly use the computer for music, surfing, video streaming, burning and ripping cds/dvds,excel, and powerpoint. I don't need a expensive graphics card ATM, but I would like to have the option to upgrade to something nice down the road.

Budget is between 350-400$

I have searched around the last few days and am piggy backing on a thread that was posted the other day. Link to thread
All products/prices listed are from Newegg, but I have no preference where I by my components from.

Already have a copy of vista 32 bit, so planning on using that.

LITE-ON 22X DVD Burner Black SATA Model iHAS122-04 - OEM $22.99

RAIDMAX APEX ATX-802BP Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 450W Power Supply - Retail $49.99

Western Digital Caviar SE WD2500AAJS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $47.99

ASUS M3A78 Pro AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $94.99

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail $49.99

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Windsor 3.2GHz Socket AM2 125W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX6400CZBOX - Retail $94.00

Total is 355.95 plus shipping.

Processor might be a bit overkill for what I do, but I want to semi future proof it.


Any help is very appreciated!

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Alright, really quick off the top of my head, a few things are wrong with that build. I'll try and go easy since you're new 😀

I personally am not a fan of Lite-On drives, they are usually the cheapest though. They tend to be noisy, and slow. An LG SATA DVD drive is probably 2-3$ more.

You're going to want a better PSU than the one in the case.

Bad choice on the hard drive, an extra $10 gets you a drive twice as fast and twice the size.

Motherboard - Solid, I built a PC using one and many many using it's mATX brother, the M3A78-EM

RAM - There's usually a bunch of RAM that's $20~ after rebate.

Gonna have to say NO to the Windsor.

Give me a second to find some links 🙂

 

[mrSHEiK124]

At $22.99 and free shipping, gonna have to strongly recommend this Pioneer SATA DVD burner.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827129032

Shipping for a case at Newegg is usually $20+, so I try and avoid case purchases from there unless they've got free shipping.
Here's a decent entry level case from Antec ($60 shipped from Amazon), the Antec 300. http://www.amazon.com/Antec-Hu...&qid=1235714820&sr=8-1

Decent OCZ PSU, will definitely be able to handle a graphics card if you add it in later. $40 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817341012

OK, I exaggerated a little on the hard drive. The 250GB HD you chose is a dated design, this 320GB WD is single platter (faster), and only a little bit more expensive. ($54.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136074

I can't count how many times I've recommended this RAM, it's good stuff 🙂 $24.99 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820145184

125W for that CPU is absurd. This Phenom based X2 uses less power, is faster, and much cheaper at $63.50. Sometimes the most expensive isn't exactly the best.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819103300

I'm getting $390.47 before $30 rebate, shipped. BTW, this computer is probably far from future proof, but for what can basically be summed up as "office work" it'll last you a long time 😀

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124
At $22.99 and free shipping, gonna have to strongly recommend this Pioneer SATA DVD burner.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827129032

Shipping for a case at Newegg is usually $20+, so I try and avoid case purchases from there unless they've got free shipping.
Here's a decent entry level case from Antec ($60 shipped from Amazon), the Antec 300. http://www.amazon.com/Antec-Hu...&qid=1235714820&sr=8-1

Decent OCZ PSU, will definitely be able to handle a graphics card if you add it in later. $40 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817341012

OK, I exaggerated a little on the hard drive. The 250GB HD you chose is a dated design, this 320GB WD is single platter (faster), and only a little bit more expensive. ($54.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136074

I can't count how many times I've recommended this RAM, it's good stuff 🙂 $24.99 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820145184

125W for that CPU is absurd. This Phenom based X2 uses less power, is faster, and much cheaper at $63.50. Sometimes the most expensive isn't exactly the best.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819103300

I'm getting $390.47 before $30 rebate, shipped. BTW, this computer is probably far from future proof, but for what can basically be summed up as "office work" it'll last you a long time 😀

I like this DVD burner better plus it writes to more things and they are highly recommended.

Samsung SH-S223F

 

[BTJ]

Based on the recommendations, I have revised my plan:

Samsung DVD burner SH-S223F $23.99 @ egg

WD 320gb SD3200AAKS $54.99 @ egg

CORSAIR 2x2gb ddr2 800... $24.99 AR @ egg

Athlon 64 x2 7750 kuma 2.7... $63.50 @ egg

ASUS M3A78 ATX... $94.99 @ egg

Now as far as PSU & case:
Choice 1: Antec Sonata III w/ 500w Earthwatts $124.11 @ amazon

OR

Choice 2: Antec 300 $60 @ amazon with OCZ Stealthstream 500w $40 AR @ egg (So this would be the same price as choice 1 before rebate).

Total = $412 shipped ($382 AR; $362 AR with choice #2)

Remember I'll be loading my copy of Vista Business x32... on this machine, and want to be able to upgrade the onboard video card later.


Final question: Would the above computer out perform a Dell Outlet Vostro... for a similar price, e.g.:
Vostro 220, Vista Busines, 2gb ddr2 800mhz, 250gb HDD, x4500hd integrated graphics, e7300 c2d @ 2.66ghz for $400?


Thank you; I appreciate your help.

 

[mrSHEiK124]

RAM is cheap, but that C2D will outperform the X2.

 

[wjgollatz]

From my own investigations, you may not need that 500W PSU, or even a 400 one since you do not have a video card. A highly recommended PSU series is the Antec Earthwatts series. I think the PSU in your new list is a good one also, not sure. But the Antec Earthwatts series are rated "80+" having passed some industry standards for energy efficiency. The video card I plan to add, a HD4830 will only need the 430W supply. They are also shipping free from newegg.com Antec EA430 $50 and Antec EA500 $70 shipped

 

[heyheybooboo]

Originally posted by: BTJ
Based on the recommendations, I have revised my plan:

Samsung DVD burner SH-S223F $23.99 @ egg

WD 320gb SD3200AAKS $54.99 @ egg

CORSAIR 2x2gb ddr2 800... $24.99 AR @ egg

Athlon 64 x2 7750 kuma 2.7... $63.50 @ egg

ASUS M3A78 ATX... $94.99 @ egg

Now as far as PSU & case:
Choice 1: Antec Sonata III w/ 500w Earthwatts $124.11 @ amazon

OR

Choice 2: Antec 300 $60 @ amazon with OCZ Stealthstream 500w $40 AR @ egg (So this would be the same price as choice 1 before rebate).

Total = $412 shipped ($382 AR; $362 AR with choice #2)

Remember I'll be loading my copy of Vista Business x32... on this machine, and want to be able to upgrade the onboard video card later.


Final question: Would the above computer out perform a Dell Outlet Vostro... for a similar price, e.g.:
Vostro 220, Vista Busines, 2gb ddr2 800mhz, 250gb HDD, x4500hd integrated graphics, e7300 c2d @ 2.66ghz for $400?


Thank you; I appreciate your help.

:thumbsup: - Antec 300

The Sonata III is a great case, too, but I like having that vent at the top, a side duct and the rear 120mm fan mounted 'up there'.

You may use DDR1066 with the X2 7750BE Kuma - put yah on a better future path for a Phenom II upgrade. Check the Asus memory QVL for peace of mind.

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124
RAM is cheap, but that C2D will outperform the X2.

I wouldn't be so sure about that - No OC with the Dell OEM and a simple bump of the cpu multi should have the Kuma at 3+ GHz. And that Asus mobo the OP selected will (hopefully) provide less aggravation now and in the future.