first time builder would appreciate some advice

[rmthurman]

i am building my first computer and i'm seeking alittle advice. this comp. is basically for home use but i want to be able to expand and experiment. i want to stay in the 600$ to 700$ range. will use my existing key board, mouse and monitor (dell).i've been researching for about a month and here are the components i'm considering.
case- coolermaster haf 922
cpu- ocz modxstream pro 500w
mother board- asus m4a88td-m/usb3
cpu-amd athlon ll x 4 640 ( 45w or 95w ?)
memory- g skill or crucial 4 gb (2 x 2gb)
hard drive- wd caviar black 1 tb 7200 rpm or samsung equivalent
cd dvd- suggestions?
os- probably windows 7 but i am also very interested in linux/ubuntu

i have already bought the case and cpu. not interested in store bought as this is meant to be a learning experience as much as anything.will all these components work together, am i on the right track. tia

 

[queequeg99]

case- coolermaster haf 922
cpu- ocz modxstream pro 500w
mother board- asus m4a88td-m/usb3
cpu-amd athlon ll x 4 640 ( 45w or 95w ?)
memory- g skill or crucial 4 gb (2 x 2gb)
hard drive- wd caviar black 1 tb 7200 rpm or samsung equivalent
cd dvd- suggestions?

These should work together without any trouble (although you don't specify the exact memory modules you're considering, it's not hard to find decent compatable modules for the level of system you're considering). I'm sure people more knowledgable than I will comments on your MB and CPU selection. However, for a basic home system, they should do fine. Playing games will involve a delicate balance between frame rates on the one hand and resolution/eye candy on the other (with the latter generally getting hit hard to allow for moderately acceptable frame rates). But occassional gaming should be possible.

Here are some other thoughts:

For the power supply, I would go with a SeaSonic S12II 520 Bronze 520W (for the same price as the OCZ at Newegg). The general feeling I get on this board is that Seasonic quality is better. If you're pretty sure you're never going to add a real video card to the machine, you could consider dropping down to a 350w supply and saving $15-20.

For the hard drive, the Samsung F3's get high praise here. You should be able to find one for $70 at a number of places (Newegg has them for that price).

There are any number of CD/DVD burners in the $20-30 range. They are all pretty much commodity items so I would make my choice based on price and included software (if software is needed). I personally prefer Lite On because I don't have to worry about that silly ripguard garbage. The Newegg forums include some bad reviews about blu-ray experiences with your suggested board (although the graphics chip should be able to decode the stream easily enough). If you're thinking about BD, you might want to do some additional research to ensure that you won't run into any problems.

Good luck. Building your own PC is a great experience (assuming you don't pull all your hair out in the process).

 

[mfenn]

These should work together without any trouble (although you don't specify the exact memory modules you're considering, it's not hard to find decent compatable modules for the level of system you're considering). I'm sure people more knowledgable than I will comments on your MB and CPU selection. However, for a basic home system, they should do fine. Playing games will involve a delicate balance between frame rates on the one hand and resolution/eye candy on the other (with the latter generally getting hit hard to allow for moderately acceptable frame rates). But occassional gaming should be possible.

Here are some other thoughts:

For the power supply, I would go with a SeaSonic S12II 520 Bronze 520W (for the same price as the OCZ at Newegg). The general feeling I get on this board is that Seasonic quality is better. If you're pretty sure you're never going to add a real video card to the machine, you could consider dropping down to a 350w supply and saving $15-20.

For the hard drive, the Samsung F3's get high praise here. You should be able to find one for $70 at a number of places (Newegg has them for that price).

There are any number of CD/DVD burners in the $20-30 range. They are all pretty much commodity items so I would make my choice based on price and included software (if software is needed). I personally prefer Lite On because I don't have to worry about that silly ripguard garbage. The Newegg forums include some bad reviews about blu-ray experiences with your suggested board (although the graphics chip should be able to decode the stream easily enough). If you're thinking about BD, you might want to do some additional research to ensure that you won't run into any problems.

Good luck. Building your own PC is a great experience (assuming you don't pull all your hair out in the process).

All good advice, especially the PSU bit!

 

[Blain]

Here's a nice little PS database...

JonnyGuru's "Database of PSU OEMs"
But remember, even Jonny says... "I don't expect the list to be "complete,"