Help with new computer build

[DingMan]

Hi all,

I have been getting by with an outdated desktop and an overheating laptop for over a year, and now that summer is here, I finally have time to considering updating myself a computer.

I used this forum a couple years ago for help on building a new computer, but in the end chose to buy a Gateway PC at Future Shop. This time, I plan on following through with building a computer by myself the whole way through, and hope that it will be a fun experience.

Now onto the details:

I will be using this PC for general multimedia activities. I'm not a heavy gamer, but I'd like to be able to play newly released games on reasonably high settings, not necessarily maxed out to the extreme. I do a fair share of video watching online, and occasionally do a bit of video editing on softwares like Sony Vegas and Adobe After Effects as well. I'm guessing that what I would need then are good video cards and solid ram (but of course I really have no clue). I'd like to be able to multitask, ie, have a game running, play music, and be on a web chat program at the same time.

I live in Canada, so my budget will be around $1200 - $1500 CAD.

I will be purchasing my parts from either Memory Express or IC Computers.
They both have stores where I live so I won't be worrying about shipping fees and such.

I have absolutely no preference on any sort of brands whatsoever, mainly because I don't know many. I have heard good things about Corsair ram, but again, I want to open myself to as many opportunities as possible.

I have no parts to recycle, because I still have to keep the Desktop for further use.

I have not looked at similar threads.

Overclocking is a new concept to me, but I hear that it is quite worth it, so I would like to have it as an option.

I plan on building it immediately and to familiarize myself with it over the summer.



Update - Parts so far:

Case: $150 Antec Sonata III w/ 500W Power Supply
Ram: $110 Kingston ValueRAM 6GB
HDD: $110 WD 1TB Caviar Black
GPU: $170 BFG GTX 260
Monitor: $210 23" Asus

I have not decided where to order the cpu/mobo. If there is a good combo deal on newegg I will go for that. Can anyone recommend a good mobo for this build? That is the only part I have left it seems

 

[z1ggy]

I cant go on those websites right now because I am at work, but I can give you a start in the right direction, and ou can do some searching from there. I would say going i7 is a great way to make sure your computer lasts you years, and for the budget you are on, I can safely say it is okay for you to go that route. If your an AMd fanboi then just let me know.. I can suggets parts for that route as well. Anyways, you will want the i7 920, a good x58 mobo( evga makes popular series, there are others though). Corsair is great memory, but I have found it can get pricey sometimes, for no real good reason. If I were you, I woudl get a 6gb kit of gskill,ocz,corsair or kingston. Which ever is cheapest. For a gpu, if your max res. is less than 1900x1200 than the most you will ever need is prob. a HD 4890. you might even get by with a 4850 for what you do anyways. For psu, a 500w green will be fine. If you watch a lot of videos, a nice 22 or 23 inch HD monitor might be in order as well. I have an Asus 22inch widescreen HD 1080p that I love, so I can recommend that. For a case, I can suggest the Antec 300, but there are many many other good ones, I am just speaking from dealing with an Antec case myself. Speakers, optical drive, keyboard and mouse are up to you, just don't cheap out on those though. Hope I helped! Sorry for not giving links.

 

[Lunyone]

Here is a build from Memory Express:
$300 AMD PhII x4 955 Black Edition CPU. The best AMD has to offer right now. Easily OC'd with just a few clicks in the BIOS!!
$160 Asus M4a78T-E mobo w/790 gx chipset!!
$110 Patriot 4 GB 1600 mHz DDR3 RAM set. Limited selection at this site so I picked something that isn't too expensive.
$270 AMD 4890 OC'd 1gb RAM GPU!! One of the better GPU's for $ that you can get!
$150 Sonata III case w/500w Earthwatts PSU. Has everything you should need to power up your system.
$70 WD AAKS 640gb HD. Should do the trick, even the Black version would be good to, but it's about $15 more
$30 LG DVD Burner. Just about any DVD burner will do

Total ~$1090 w/out shipping. This system should do you quite well for some time. It could be cheaper with different RAM or CPU. An Intel build will be a bit more than this, but if you want that, we can build you one up for you.

 

[z1ggy]

Not dissing out build lunyone, but do you really think he needs a 300 buck cpu and a 150 buck case? His budget is 1200 CAd, but that doesnt mean you need to hit it. Your ram is way over priced as well. A good 6gb kit can be had for under $100 now a days. If you want to go the AMD route OP, I might nto bother with an x4..the x3 seems to be just as good as far as gaming goes, and you might be abel to unlock the 4th core anyways. Even if you dont, what you use your computer for, it won't really even matter. Just trying to help you same some money if you can. Also, luny's build did not include a monitor, which I storngly believe to be a backbone of a well rounded system. A good Hd one will run you 160-200 dollars.

 

[Lunyone]

Originally posted by: z1ggy
Not dissing out build lunyone, but do you really think he needs a 300 buck cpu and a 150 buck case? His budget is 1200 CAd, but that doesnt mean you need to hit it. Your ram is way over priced as well. A good 6gb kit can be had for under $100 now a days. If you want to go the AMD route OP, I might nto bother with an x4..the x3 seems to be just as good as far as gaming goes, and you might be abel to unlock the 4th core anyways. Even if you dont, what you use your computer for, it won't really even matter. Just trying to help you same some money if you can. Also, luny's build did not include a monitor, which I storngly believe to be a backbone of a well rounded system. A good Hd one will run you 160-200 dollars.

No problems at all. I was just using one of the sites that he wanted to use. I would've built a different build from Newegg.ca if that was an option that the OP wanted. The prices on the site he wanted seem a bit spendy, but he wanted 1 of those 2 sites because they are local to him, so no shipping charges. An AMD x3 CPU would do fine, but in his budget I would assume that he would want close to the top dog performance, not that it is always needed, but I wouldn't suggest a $500 build if the OP is willing to get a much better system for >$1000. The only issue I have with a 6 gb kit is that it usually designed for an i7 build (3 x 2 gb sticks), because of the Triple channel. AMD has Double channel on it's systems, so 4 gb sets (2 x 2gb's sticks) makes the most sense right now. Adding the additional stick will put all of his RAM in single channel mode, which isn't usually the best performance setup.

 

[z1ggy]

Yes naturally the AMD route is going to make many things dif. OP let us know if you want to go intel or AMd because as you can see..itll make a big difference in your parts selection. I just want to sort of stress that I recommend the i7 because of the 1366 socket type; it is here to stay for years so upgrading will be easy. I am not so sure about the AM3, even though AMd suggests they will be using it for a while..who knows. My first build was AMD years ago with socket 939..nowhere to be found now and that was only 4-5 years ago.

 

[Lunyone]

Try this one on for size from Newegg.ca (don't know what the shipping will be):
$249 - $10 USD MIR = ~$239!! AMD PhII x3 720 Black Edition w/Biostar TFORCE 790gx mobo
$120 Antec Sonata III case w/500w Earthwatts PSU
$228 AMD 4890 1gb GPU + Double Lifetime warranty!!
$75 G.Skill 4 gb DDR3 1333 mHz RAM
$80 free shipping WD Caviar Black 640 gb HD
$52 Plextor DVD burner
$210 free shipping!! Asus 23" HD 1080p Widescreen LCD monitor w/built in speakers!

Total before any shipping ~$1014 - $10 USD MIR = ~$1004!!! Now just need OS, which you could use the free Windows 7 RC download!! For about $150 more you can get the AMD PhII x4 955 Black Edition CPU and mobo combo. Or for about $80 more than the x3 720 you can get the AMD PhII x4 940 Black Edition CPU w/Biostar mobo. It's up to you on which one you might want. Personally I'd order from Newegg.ca myself, but that is also up to you.

 

[Lunyone]

Originally posted by: z1ggy
Yes naturally the AMD route is going to make many things dif. OP let us know if you want to go intel or AMd because as you can see..itll make a big difference in your parts selection. I just want to sort of stress that I recommend the i7 because of the 1366 socket type; it is here to stay for years so upgrading will be easy. I am not so sure about the AM3, even though AMd suggests they will be using it for a while..who knows. My first build was AMD years ago with socket 939..nowhere to be found now and that was only 4-5 years ago.

And the s775 was just about as good as the s939. It's still around, but if you got some of the original chipsets on the s775 you wouldn't likely be able to use the C2D/C2Q chipsets that are out now. Intel has changed chipsets soo much on the s775 that you literally had to update your mobo almost every year to allow you to use the latest CPU's. I'm not saying the i7 chipset isn't going to be that way, but Intel's history hasn't been as rosy as it could've been. Even going the i7 route is going to cost you about $300 for the CPU, so your previous statement seems a bit moot. I'm not dissing you on your selection, I'm just pointing out your previous statement about a $300 CPU. I know the website that the OP wanted has the AMD CPU a little on the spendy side.

 

[z1ggy]

Yes it seems to be that the website is a bit expensive..but I guess the free shipping might cut some of that out. And yes intel does vary it up a bit, but I mean..why woudlnt they? It makes perfect sense. For the computer lovers amongst us who upgrade every 6 months to a year who will want the latest and greatest...they will make big cash off of them. As for the others who want to upgrade here and there..its sort of a pain. Atleast 775 has been around now for a while and until they ditch the c2d and the c2q it will stay ( not sure when that will be, but prob not until a few years..but it will def. happen). OP still hasnt told us if he wants the AMd or intel build.. so for now we are just kind of waiting..Btw the last part build you listed is really good..just a shame how its over priced a little.

 

[DingMan]

For Intel or AMD, I still do not have a personal preference, I've worked with both in the past and never noticed much difference between them. I would like to be able to upgrade my computer every couple of years or so, so maybe the i7 would be the better choice.

As for the websites, it is because of convenience and free shipping that I chose them, but if newegg is cheap enough that it would nullify the shipping costs, I am willing to look there as well.

And yes, I would like to include a good monitor in that budget as well. Also some information I forgot to include in the first post: I would like to have the computer run fairly quietly. Both my desktop and laptop experience hardcore noises from its fans, and I am honestly tired of that. Hope that helps in narrowing down some parts.

 

[z1ggy]

Usually newegg isnt killer on shipping and I believe they have the cheapest prices {(besides the ocassional killer deals you can find from 3rd party websites..see the hot deals forum). For a case, I really do recommend any of the Antec series, esp my 900 case. I have the fans on high, and its basically a dull roar. Gives me sub 40C temps under full load. So if you set the fans to low, I think you will have no problem with noise.

This is the monitor I have. I think its onew of the best price/perf ratios around right now. Great great picture quality.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824236051

As for brands for a mobo..I have had evga, asus and gigabyte mobos and have liked them all. So far I liek the gigabtye the best. I also would liek to try a DFI board because I hear they OC like champs.

For an intel build a good 6gb trip channel will be the best option.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820227365 <-ocz trip channel 6gb kit.

 

[DingMan]

That monitor looks great z1ggy! I think that's what I'll go with.

A quick side question: With the Windows 7 RC, how do I install it onto the new computer? Do I download it on a current computer right now and put it on a CD? Sorry, I am quite noob at this

 

[Lunyone]

Originally posted by: DingMan
That monitor looks great z1ggy! I think that's what I'll go with.

A quick side question: With the Windows 7 RC, how do I install it onto the new computer? Do I download it on a current computer right now and put it on a CD? Sorry, I am quite noob at this

This should help (How to install Windows 7 RC) answer your Windows 7 RC installation questions.

 

[deputc26]

Looks like solid advice you've been given. With your budget you can include the two hottest new technologies, The core i7 and SSDs. i7 is definitely fastest and most futureproof but is currently total overkill for everyday computing (but getting it will insure your system is good for quite a while). SSDs transfer data twice as fast as harddrives and access data 100x as fast they will likely have the most noticable impact on performance. When a computer does something (anything at all) it is only as fast as it's slowest part, when playing games that part is usually the GPU; when booting or opening/closing programs that part is usually the hardrive; when ripping cd's that part is usually the CPU etc. etc. The slowest part nowadays is usually the hard drive. I have included an SSD in my build for you though some may disagree with it's inclusion due to the current high price of SSDs. The prices are high, but the impact on real system speed is enormous and it can fit in your budget. If you overclock your Intel processor this will be near the fastest conventional machine that it is currently possible to build except for multi GPU systems. The second is identical but based on AMD hardware, you will likely not notice a difference between the two for everyday computing but core i7 is significantly more futureproof. Personally given the choice between dropping the i7 or the SSD I would drop the i7 because it has a less noticable impact on performance though some in this forum would disagree with me on that.

Intel System
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/C...?ItemList=Combo.203757 Core i7 920 And Gigabyte Mobo $520
http://www.memoryexpress.com/P...s/PID-MX24847(ME).aspx Case and psu $120
http://www.memoryexpress.com/P...s/PID-MX22625(ME).aspx 6gb ddr3 $110
http://www.memoryexpress.com/P...s/PID-MX24233(ME).aspx OCZ Vertex SSD For OS and Progs $230 with MIR
http://www.memoryexpress.com/P...s/PID-MX22448(ME).aspx Caviar Black 1Tb Storage hdd $110
http://www.memoryexpress.com/P...s/PID-MX24620(ME).aspx BFG GTX 260 $170 with MIR
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/P...9&ref=dynamitedata.com 23" ASUS Monitor $210

TOTAL..........................................................................................$1470

AMD System
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/C...?ItemList=Combo.201074 Phenom II 955 and Biostar Mobo $401
http://www.memoryexpress.com/P...s/PID-MX24847(ME).aspx Case and psu $120
http://www.memoryexpress.com/P...s/PID-MX21191(ME).aspx 4gb ddr3 $90
http://www.memoryexpress.com/P...s/PID-MX24233(ME).aspx OCZ Vertex SSD For OS and Progs $230 with MIR
http://www.memoryexpress.com/P...s/PID-MX22448(ME).aspx Caviar Black 1Tb Storage hdd $110
http://www.memoryexpress.com/P...s/PID-MX24620(ME).aspx BFG GTX 260 $170 with MIR
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/P...9&ref=dynamitedata.com 23" ASUS Monitor $210

TOTAL..........................................................................................$1331

Oddly the GTX 260 was significantly cheaper than the 4870 and 4890. The IC computers site seemed horribly out of date hence nothing is sourced from it. Both of the above systems do not include optical drives as you can get dvd burners for ~$10 from local shops or ebay or something unless you want blu-ray which would put the Intel system over budget (you'd have to drop to core 2 quad) but not the AMD system.

The above systems are best possible performance in the specified price range that I could find.

 

[z1ggy]

^^ its good advice, but for the OP I dont suggest he gets an SSD at this time. I believe they are still too pricey right now. I dont think most games are reallyaffected by the use of an SSD, but I know some are..in this case thought I think its just smarter to buy the i7 now...then get an SSD later on when its cheaper and more cost effective. Honestly..you can buy like an 80gb one for fairly cheap..but at the rate I would dl music/media/software I may fill it up in a month or two. Thats really not too cool...I say stick with a top notch gpu ( the 4890) and the i7 and nice memory for good performance and a machine that you will use for years with minimal upgrades ( such as adding an SSD..maybe blu ray player or something)

 

[deputc26]

He stated that he is not a heavy gamer and gtx260 CAN do some heavy gaming. I'd have softer opinion on the SSD if he wasn't doing video editing which is extremely hdd bound (and CPU bound). Z1ggy is however, right, they are not very cost effective which is why I included a Tb drive for storage in my build. If you ditch the SSD I would use the saved money to double up on ram and then run a 64bit OS. This will also help your vid editing though not quite as much.

 

[z1ggy]

Its reall up to the OP. Only reason I suggest the i7 and the 4890 is because it will last a while for the OP. This way even in a year or two if he gets bored and buys a cool game, he won't have to worry that his gpu or cpu is restricting. I think if OP does a lot of the editing and really needs the SSD, then why not, it fits the budget. If not though, can it wait a few months? And yes I def. suggest a 64 bit OS. You can get vista 64 and then get the cheap upgrade to windows 7.

 

[DingMan]

From what I see, I think I will stick with the i7. It seems to be the "it" thing and can last for awhile. As for the SSD, it does seem a bit excessive for me right now. Video editing is something I do when I have absolutely nothing else to do, and occurs less than 10 times a year. I think I can get by without the SSD.

As for the 64bit system, what exactly does it improve on? And I have heard that there are compatibility issues with 64bit systems with software and drivers and stuff. Will that be a problem?

 

[brblx]

the basic advantage is being able to use more than 3gb of ram.

newer hardware should not have driver issues with 64bit xp or vista. don't know how solid win7 is yet.

 

[DingMan]

So correct me if I'm wrong, but basically, SSD is a new type of harddrive that basically increases performance speed but is currently overpriced. In addition, if any files are put on the Tb harddrive, it would not receive the speed improvement?

Also, in regards to the OS, I would be able to buy the most basic/cheapest Vista 64bit and upgrade to something like Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit? Can I only upgrade to a 64bit if I have a pre-existing 64bit OS?

 

[z1ggy]

Originally posted by: DingMan
So correct me if I'm wrong, but basically, SSD is a new type of harddrive that basically increases performance speed but is currently overpriced. In addition, if any files are put on the Tb harddrive, it would not receive the speed improvement?

Also, in regards to the OS, I would be able to buy the most basic/cheapest Vista 64bit and upgrade to something like Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit? Can I only upgrade to a 64bit if I have a pre-existing 64bit OS?

1. Correct. And also correct.

2. Yes you can upgrade whenever you want. I really like windows 7 as Im using the beta right now. Not sure about the upgrade bit though. Im not sure if you had 32 bit vista if you coudl go to 64 bit win 7 without doing a reformat. My thoughts are that you wouldnt. I just did a clean install of win 7 x64 and that worked fine. There really isn't any real reason why you would want a 32 over a 64..esp with 6gb of ram. You shouldnt have any driver issues. I havent yet wth my OS. I will find out for sure next week when I install my new 4890 on my win7 x64. Im guessing it will be fine, but if its not I may just need to use older versions or something.

 

[DingMan]

From what I've read, I think I will drop the SSD for now then. It'll leave something to be upgraded for a couple years later.

As for the vista, I've done some research at Future Shop. If you guys could help me take a look (scroll to the bottom), it confirms that you cannot upgrade from 32-bit to 64 bit. However, it seems that there are certain versions of Vista that allows for "in-place upgrades" to certain versions of 7. The rest are listed as "clean installs". Does this mean I cannot buy the upgrade package for those, or does it simply mean that the clean install upgrades will reformat the computer, and the in-place upgrades retain the programs on there already?

 

[DingMan]

Okay I've updated a list of parts that I have down already. The only big thing left to decide is the mobo. Can anyone please recommend a good one for this build?

 

[zxc367]

try the asus p6t deluxe or the gigabyte ud4p