Help with a new comp build

[Dannyboyayyo]

Hi everyone i just joined anadtech but i've been reading things on here for a few days and it has shown me that i dont know anything about computer parts lol.

So i'm interested in building my own comp because its sooo much cheaper than buying from a company. However i have a few questions about the process.

Once all the parts are connected what do i do? turn it on format the hd and pop the windows xp disk or/and do i have to configure bios?(or is there something totally different that has to be done)

The parts i came up with are the following:
XG Dragon SE CA-DRG-SE Midnight Blue 1.2mm Aluminum alloy ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W, Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

MSI P4N Diamond Socket T (LGA 775) Nvidia nForce 4 SLI Intel Edition ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

eVGA 256-P2-N529-AX Geforce 7800GTX 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail

Intel Pentium 4 640 Prescott 800MHz FSB LGA 775 EM64T Processor Model BX80547PG3200F - Retail

OCZ Gold Series 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5400) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model OCZ26672048ELDCGE-K - Retail

Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 ST3250823AS 250GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 8 (7.1) Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail

Do i need something else or are there better parts than the ones i selected for around the same price? Also as far as i can see these parts can all be connected to the Motherboard or am i blind?

Thanks for looking and reading this boring post all help will be appreciated.

 

[acole1]

DFI Lanparty nF4 SLI-DR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136151

AMD64 3800+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103570
or
AMD64 X2 3800+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103562

OCZ Titanium 2GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227056

I assume you are going to use it for gaming? Intel is not the way to go for that.... Correction - Intel is not the way to go for anything. If you don?t game and only use business apps and video editing get the X2. It?s about the same price, but it looks like that isn't much of a concern here.

 

[Dannyboyayyo]

I've never used a AMD i've read the differences and its said that intel is better for more processes while AMD is more towards gaming. I usually run alot of programs at once so i figured a intel would be nice. (however isn't it going to slower since its 2.4ghz while the intel i wanted is 3.2ghz? as u can tell i dont know much or anything) also is installing a AMD chip the same as the intel chips?

 

[Maluno]

Originally posted by: Dannyboyayyo
I've never used a AMD i've read the differences and its said that intel is better for more processes while AMD is more towards gaming. I usually run alot of programs at once so i figured a intel would be nice. (however isn't it going to slower since its 2.4ghz while the intel i wanted is 3.2ghz? as u can tell i dont know much or anything) also is installing a AMD chip the same as the intel chips?

Intel is generally faster in video encoding, but for general office applications/gaming/multitasking, AMD is your best bet.

No, the 3.2ghz intel will not necessarily be faster than the AMD 2.4ghz, because it is not possible to compare these two different architecture's performances based on their clock speeds. The AMD processors get more done per clock cycle, and they have a higher bandwidth, shorter pipeline, so, they can get more done per clock, even though there are less clocks per second. Understand?

I would suggest x2 3800 if you can afford it, or if not, then a cheap 3000+/3200+. Will you be overclocking this computer?

 

[Dannyboyayyo]

Thanks for explaining i might actually get a AMD now lol. i dont think i'll be overclocking until i read more about it. as everyone can tell i'm a complete noob when it comes to computer parts.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Welcome to the forums

Building your own computer is lots of fun and a learning experience. You've come to the right place Lots of knowledgeable people to help

As others have said, AMD chips have outperformed Intel chips the last couple of releases especially the X2 dual core processors. Right now the X2 is simply the best CPU on the market across the board in all performance measurements, and they run cooler use less electricity and overclock better. They are also priced accordingly, the cheapest one is the X2 3800+ which can be found for around $350

Building your own rig gives you the choice of which areas you want to spend your money, CPU, graphics card, storage. And gives you the satifaction of knowing your machine inside out.

If you are just going to use the machine for general usage and web browsing the price to performance ratio of the cheaper DELL systems is hard to beat.


Here's my picks

Epox EP-9NPA + Ultra $105
AMD 64 X2 3800+ $322
Evga 7800gtx $579
Crucial Ballistics 2gb $296 (this stuff can run DDR600)

And I wouldn't trust the power supply in that case. The PS is the most critical component in any system, and it's generally a good idea to buy the case and PS seperately.

 

[Dannyboyayyo]

i'm going to be doing alot alot of gaming lol and the cheapest dell build I make comes out to 3,500+ while this one is around 1,700-2,000(max)(i dont need a monitor nor speakers so i save money there) I think i'm going to get the X2 i started reading about it and it seems awesome. whats better the DFI Lanparty nF4 SLI-DR, the EPoX EP-9NPA+Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard or the DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard(link)

Also about cases how come their power supply isnt reliable? i didnt even look at seperate power supplies >.<

 

[eXx08]

case is cool but go with a better PSU like a PCP&C 510 SLI or more for a budget get a Seasonic S-12

 

[Dannyboyayyo]

But is it likely that there is going to be a psu problem? or is it a once in a while problem.

 

[Waylay00]

You WILL have problems if you skimp on the PSU. I recommend the Antec TP 2.0 550w PSU for around $100. It's great for the price, and I used it in my first build which I completed recently.

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Don't risk it. A quality PSU will last you many years and many upgrades. Also, if you have a crappy PSU, it could blow up and take your other parts with you. I'd go with a 3800+ X2 right now (or 4400+ if you want 1MB cache), since SMP (dual core) aware games should be out pretty soon (I think F.E.A.R. is already SMP aware, not sure though). That case is insanely expensive. I'd rather get something like a Coolermaster CT Stacker or Thermaltake Armor. More room for drives and stuff. Go with a nice Seasonic/Fortron/Sparkle PSU 450W+ to go with it. The EPoX 9nPA+ Ultra is a really nice board if you want to save a bit of money and still get pretty nice overclocks. The DFI Lanparty Ultra-D is for mad overclocking. Another option to considor would be the MSI Neo4 Platinum. It gets pretty good overclocks, but not quite as good as the EPoX, costs about as much as the Lanparty Ultra-D, but has many more features, including RAID 5 support.

 

[fatlaxg30]

unless you just have to have that case, i'd get something else its not only expensive, but i bet thats about a $20 power supply for a $1500+ system. Not a great idea, I cant even tell if it has a 24 pin connector

If you want a gaming case with a window that you can carry, get this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129145

and then for a psu get this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104934

or a more well known (expensive) brand

same price and much better

 

[Dannyboyayyo]

aww i wanted that dragon case but its way to expensive to get if imma need a dif power supply >.< FatlaxG i dont really like how that case looks imma go look for something else. thanks again for helping me out.

 

[Finns14]

Hey if you liek that case and have the money go for it but I'm warning you that you will be flamed to hell same thing happened to me and about the PSU you try it out if its that bad get a new one things to watch out for would be random reboots

 

[Dannyboyayyo]

o i've been misunderstood i'm looking for a case w/o a power supply that looks pretty cool. i'm thinking about the Thermaltake Tsunami (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133138). Is it a good case? also would i have to get different fans as well?

 

[Soccerman06]

Cases area in general all the same. Some, may dampen sound better, others will have better air flow, but for just general use and no overclocking most any case will do.

BenQ Black IDE DVD Burner w/ Lightscribe Model DW1625 BLK OEM ---- $53
Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 ST3500641AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive OEM ---- $370
DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard Retail ---- $125
eVGA 256-P2-N525-AX Geforce 7800GTX 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card Retail ---- $460
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 8 (7.1) Channels PCI Interface Sound Card Retail ---- $126
Thermaltake W0090RU ATX12V 470W Power Supply Retail ---- $68
2x OCZ Platinum Series 1GB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered System Memory Model OCZ4001024ELPE Retail ---- $261
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Dual Core Processor Model ADA3800BVBOX Retail ---- $322

Total = $1785
Only thing missing is a case, which you need to find for yourself.

Very good build, Link if you want to see it. Yes I know its in a shopping cart, dont flame.

 

[Dannyboyayyo]

did the 7800gtx ko go down in price? is it the same specs as before? is 470W enough to run everything? i dont need a dvd burner so i can scratch off $53

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Soccerman06
Cases area in general all the same. Some, may dampen sound better, others will have better air flow, but for just general use and no overclocking most any case will do.

BenQ Black IDE DVD Burner w/ Lightscribe Model DW1625 BLK OEM ---- $53
Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 ST3500641AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive OEM ---- $370
DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard Retail ---- $125
eVGA 256-P2-N525-AX Geforce 7800GTX 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card Retail ---- $460
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 8 (7.1) Channels PCI Interface Sound Card Retail ---- $126
Thermaltake W0090RU ATX12V 470W Power Supply Retail ---- $68
2x OCZ Platinum Series 1GB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered System Memory Model OCZ4001024ELPE Retail ---- $261
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Dual Core Processor Model ADA3800BVBOX Retail ---- $322

Total = $1785
Only thing missing is a case, which you need to find for yourself.

Very good build, Link if you want to see it. Yes I know its in a shopping cart, dont flame.

"Your shopping cart is empty."

 

[Maluno]

Check out Mechbgone's guide for computer building if you are new to it (as you said you were).

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Don't get a TT PSU. Thermaltakes is okay, but their PSU's aren't that good, and there are much better options for the price. Look into Enermax, Fortron, Sparkle, or Seasonic.

 

[tyborg]

if you're a newbie (not the bad kind), I wouldn't reccomend a DFI Lanparty. They take a bit of effort to set up. Go with one of the others. The A64 X2 Processor will beat out the pentium in almost any case. Don't expect to spend less than about $80 on a PSU if you want a quality one. As for a case, I went for the thermaltake Kandalf silver case. Full tower, AWESOME airflow, pure aluminum, meaning it's almost as light as a feather, AND dissapates heat awesomely. Certified fanless, fanned, AND watercooling, by thermaltake (if that means anything). I love mine. It's so awesome, and it looks good to boot. I agree with the rest of the stuff Soccerman06 said. Have fun!

 

[Dannyboyayyo]

about the new nvidia 512mb 7800gtx are they worth it? and when are they coming out?

 

[Dannyboyayyo]

ok completly new system setup:

ASUS A8N-SLI Premium Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboardhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131540]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16813131540[/url] $169
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103562]AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Dual Core Processor Model ADA3800BVBOX[/url] - $322

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130254]eVGA 256-P2-N527-AX Geforce 7800GTX 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card[/url] - $500

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102164]Creative Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS Platinum Pro 70SB036000000 8 (7.1) Channels PCI Interface Sound Card[/url] - $215 w/rebate $110

or if i wont buy it before nov. 8th(when the mail in rebate deal goes away)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102188]Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 8 (7.1) Channels PCI Interface Sound Card [/url]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148062]Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 ST3250823A 250GB 7200 RPM IDE Ultra ATA100 Hard Drive[/url] $104 seems kinda cheap for a HD any suggestions? the 250gbs is good but what about the specs?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133132]Thermaltake Tsunami VA3000BWA Black Computer Case With Side Panel Window - Retail[/url] - $115 w/rebate $105

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103458]ENERMAX Noisetaker AX Series EG495AX-VE SFMA 2.0 ATX12V 485W Power Supply[/url] - $116

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146890] Two OCZ EL Platinum Revision 2 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model OCZ4001024ELDCPER2-K[/url]

Total = $1,876.49 not counting rebates

A few more questions lol
should i get a bigger power supply if i'm going to go SLI in the future?
Any other ram reccomendations. mabye 2 sticks of 1gb.
How is this motherboard?
if i order the vidoe card through newegg am i still eligble for the EVGA step up program?
Thanks again and i'm taking more suggestions so pummel me with them lol.
(sorry for the ugly looking links and whatnot i copied this post from another one of my posts and it just got outa hand)

 

[Finns14]

I would say get the eVGA 7800GT OC it score almost the same as the the GTX but if you wanna get the top of the line parts just to say that you have the top of the line parts then get the GTX KO or wait for the 512MB GTX

 

[Dannyboyayyo]

the thing is that once i buy a comp i dont really upgrade it. i just wait 3-4 years until i notice that i really need a new one and i purchase top of the line products so that it'll last longer.