I need help Building a Computer, can yall help?

[Coldkilla]

In the past few days, I have been trying to sell my present computer. (Item#: 6713153347, eBay).

I am having hopes of building a computer. I will be building TWO with at least 1,800 dollars.

I have 1 PC (Getting Rid of it) with a good monitor/keyboard/mouse. I need to build ONE computer with these features (So the 2nd computer can have a Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse. Of the 1,800 I have an additional 400 dollars to throw in (Preferably only for my monitor etc). With 2,200 dollars I need to create 2 computers almost identicle, the main course is gaming, a single DVD-RW and a CD-RW is required for the 2nd computer. Only 1 Drive per computer is nessesary (Reason 2nd computer doesnt need a DVD-RW is to reduce cost and save me money.

Here's the thing, I have never built a computer before and I do not know what is compatible with what, I figured at least some people would have a feild day with this!

Important Needs:
1 CRT Flat Screen Monitor (It's cheaper)
1 Keyboard
1 Mouse
2 Almost Identicle computers that will be under my budget

Processor speed: 9/10 Importance
Video Card: 10/10 Importance
RAM: Need 1GB. 9/10 Importance
Sound Card: 6/10 Importance (If I have sound, Im happy. I've been living with 3 Watt speakers for years)
Speakers: Yes
Subwoofer: Optional
Case: Cool Case for cheap possible?
Motherboard: Which ever you reccommend and is compatible with EVERYTHING. I do not understand motherboards that well, so I cannot comment.
EEE 1394 Port: Recommended but not nessesary at the consequence of cost

 

[fuzzynavel]

you don't say why you need 2 computers!!!

is it for some LAN/Net gaming??

 

[Coldkilla]

2 Computers:

1. Its for my brother and me
2. We will only have a 2 Computer LAN
3. We have a router and everything presently.
4. We are both gamers, and are sick of the low framrates.
He's a Unreal Tournament 2004 kinda guy, mostly games. I on the other hand have a 60/40 games to processes ratio. I havnt played that many games recently due to my computer running them at low FPS. I use Adobe Premiere/Photoshop 7.0 and I edit movies a lot. The main drive is still gaming.

 

[otispunkmeyer]

well 2 rigs for that much i think your gonna be heading in Athlon XP, or indeed the Sempron as its now called. either way u say ur gaming so AMD is probably the way to go

 

[Coldkilla]

AMD it is! I am just going to say I only know the basics of:

DDR/SD/RD Ram
MB's of Video Cards
Monitor Sizes

What I do not know exceeds what I do know:

The Bits a second on a video card
Whats the difference between Athlon XP/AMD/Sempron/Intel
I dont know one thing about sound cards
Motherboard information is greek to me

I continue suggesting that selling this laptop is a bad choice. But the video card sucks, I know that much and I'd much rather have 2 nice rigs that 1 lousy rig that has more plugs in it than my PC.

If someone does go all out (Someone did in another forum) and made me computer. The problem was it was 2,360 (With Tax and shipping). I wasn't planning on all of that, but 2,200 is my limit thus far.

AMD (That a motherboard or that chip thing that (Clips?) into the motherboard?)

I have a question or 2
1. How does the chip with the Ghz or w/e connect to the motherboard? Does it snap in? Do you screw it in?
2. How can you insure that the ports of the motherboard line up with the ports in the CASE at which I buy?
3. Will I beable to one day upgrade this motherboard? Or will I have to have a cheap motherboard tricked out to it's max potential to afford it?

Appreciate all the help I can get! Thanks

 

[Fern]

Sorry, don't understand your budget. You've got two figures $1800 and $2200 LISTED.

Is it $2200 for two computers? Or just one?

Also a member here, mechBgon, has site for first time builders. Look up one of his posts (use the search feature at the top here and type his name in under author or poster, whatever). I think he got a link to his site in his sig.

EDIT: I did it for you. Here's the LINK

Fern

 

[furie27]

Originally posted by: Coldkilla
AMD it is! I am just going to say I only know the basics of:

DDR/SD/RD Ram
MB's of Video Cards
Monitor Sizes

What I do not know exceeds what I do know:

The Bits a second on a video card
Whats the difference between Athlon XP/AMD/Sempron/Intel
I dont know one thing about sound cards
Motherboard information is greek to me

I continue suggesting that selling this laptop is a bad choice. But the video card sucks, I know that much and I'd much rather have 2 nice rigs that 1 lousy rig that has more plugs in it than my PC.

If someone does go all out (Someone did in another forum) and made me computer. The problem was it was 2,360 (With Tax and shipping). I wasn't planning on all of that, but 2,200 is my limit thus far.

AMD (That a motherboard or that chip thing that (Clips?) into the motherboard?)

I have a question or 2
1. How does the chip with the Ghz or w/e connect to the motherboard? Does it snap in? Do you screw it in?
2. How can you insure that the ports of the motherboard line up with the ports in the CASE at which I buy?
3. Will I beable to one day upgrade this motherboard? Or will I have to have a cheap motherboard tricked out to it's max potential to afford it?

Appreciate all the help I can get! Thanks

1. The chip fits into a socket on the motherboard, the motherboard's manual will include a detailed picture of how this works.

2. An ATX motherboard will fit with an ATX case. Most motherboards will include a custom face plate for the case, so that all the ports are protected.

3. Futureproofing is always impossible. Due to the manufacturing complexity it's cheaper to buy a new motherboard than it would ever be to actually physically upgrade it.

Your other question:

Bits per second on video card is rather vague. For the best quality, a 256bit memory bus will provide the fastest memory transfer, don't be fooled by the low end cards with 256 megabytes, big difference.

Difference between AMD XP, sempron, athlon 64, etc. There are numerous guides out with the relative strengths and weaknesses

Edit: AMD is a company that makes processors, specifically the Athlon XP, Duron, Sempron and Athlon 64.

Sound card, don't worry too much about that, unless you want really high end. Most new motherboards are equipped with 5.1 sound capability for surround sound in movies and games.

The omst relevant information on motherboards are what socket it supports (what CPU it will run) and the chipset. The motherboard's description will tell you what CPU and memory will go with the board.

That being said, I recommend the Sempron or Athlon XP chip for best price/performance ratio. Check out the Anandtech monthly buyer's guides for more information.

 

[Pixle]

Use Pricegrabber and get something along this.


Chaintech mobo (Chaintech VNF3-250 Zenith) 70$
Amd 3000 64 160$
Corsair Value pc 3200 Ram 1gig 130$
Ati 9800 Pro Video Card 170$
Audigy 2 zs sound card 60$
Logitech Mx Duo 70$
WD HDD 160gb 100$
Antec Sonata Case 70$

19 Inch NEC Flat Panel Crt (the one shown in the Buyers guide) 180$


This setup comes out to 1010$.... Use the remaining 260$ for the 1100$ budget per. computer (max limit). On a Nvidia 6800 GT video card...they go around 350-260$. This is an option that will allow you to play at even higher fps - it really makes a difference with settings turned up.

These are estimates, i'll post the real prices later (or anyone who thinks of a similiar setup can help ). Get them off pricegrabber.com etc.


Edit : Ok ...I see you only need 1 keyboard and 1 crt so that means you have ( 420$ ) for a differnt video card ... definetly get a Nvidia 6800 GT. I cant believe I'm recommending Nvidia .

Pixle.

 

[boomerang]

Take a look at the Buyer's Guides.

 

[caivoma]

or get a nvidia 6800nu for like 250. Check in the hot deals section for cheap stuff on hard drive and other things.
good luck, man.

 

[Coldkilla]

For the next 48 hours, I will be discussing an issue with ebay. It appears someone took my pictures and information and seemed to just COPY & PASTE the exact auction. Just with different shipping information, and seller information. Too bad I am not allowed to access this information unless I am involved in a transaction with the seller. This is bringing further discredibility to my auction (I have 1 bid, but we have been out of contact for quite some time).

I will get back to topic, and check out this PriceGrabber. Thanks A LOT thus far on your help! More is really appreciated as well. I will try and make sence of these comments:

Furie27
1. "For the best quality, a 256bit memory bus will provide the fastest memory transfer, don't be fooled by the low end cards with 256 megabytes, big difference"
2. "Sempron or Athlon XP chip for best price/performance ratio"

I am going to look up this "Chaintech mobo (Chaintech VNF3-250 Zenith), the Amd 3000 64, and Ati 9800 Pro Video Card" Pixle Suggested. I heard the 9800 was a bad choice. I read on, reading that later he suggested Nvidia. Until I have time to sit down and figure out numbers, I am going to remain confused. (Dont worry, I have time later tonight)

The Nvidia 6800.. I like that card (I dont know why, I just do). There are so many versions of that card from what you guys wrote:

Nvidia 6800nu
Nvidia 6800 GT

 

[piasabird]

You need an Nvidia 6800 if you want to play DOOM III or Far Cry. In Full Resolution. 2 of them is $600.00. You need a Monitor so I recommend a Samsung Monitor. My son purchased a new 19 inch one for about $200.00 and he really likes his. He has the model with the buttons on the side. Looks smaller in the front because the face has a smaller border.

2 Video cards and monitor = $800.00 that leaves you with $1400.

Obviously you can save a little on a smaller 17" Monitor, but I love the larger monitors.

Computer 1
Case??? Reuse? (OR NOT?)
Power supply (480w-550W)
DVD-RW?
HD ($60-$80)
Memory? ($80)
Processor?
Motherboard

Computer 2
Case
CDRW($40)
HD($60-$80)
Memory? (80)
Processor?
Motherboard?
usb2/ps2 Keyboard?
Optical Mouse?
Speakers?
Power Strip?

OS?

If you are going to try to save money you might try to get motherboards that you can use one stick of 512Meg of PC3200 DDR RAM in a single slot and purchase a matche pair of 512M DDR in a set for around $150. If you can get a discount for buying 2 of anything that might be nice. You can always get another matched pair later.

You might be wanting to build one computer and then see if yu have enough for the second one. If you can reuse an Optical drive that might be a nice option. Just give the best CDRW to your brother. I recommend new IDE hard drives unless you just have to have SATA drives.

Corsair Value Select 1G Twin Pak

This makes one 512Meg module worth about $80.00 probably about normal. Maybe not a savings.

 

[Markfw]

Originally posted by: Pixle
Use Pricegrabber and get something along this.


Chaintech mobo (Chaintech VNF3-250 Zenith) 70$
Amd 3000 64 160$
Corsair Value pc 3200 Ram 1gig 130$
Ati 9800 Pro Video Card 170$
Audigy 2 zs sound card 60$
Logitech Mx Duo 70$
WD HDD 160gb 100$
Antec Sonata Case 70$

19 Inch NEC Flat Panel Crt (the one shown in the Buyers guide) 180$


This setup comes out to 1010$.... Use the remaining 260$ for the 1100$ budget per. computer (max limit). On a Nvidia 6800 GT video card...they go around 350-260$. This is an option that will allow you to play at even higher fps - it really makes a difference with settings turned up.

These are estimates, i'll post the real prices later (or anyone who thinks of a similiar setup can help ). Get them off pricegrabber.com etc.


Edit : Ok ...I see you only need 1 keyboard and 1 crt so that means you have ( 420$ ) for a differnt video card ... definetly get a Nvidia 6800 GT. I cant believe I'm recommending Nvidia .

Pixle.

I like this list, except get two 160 gig hd's for $100 after MIR at outpost today. (seagates) and save $50.

 

[piasabird]

I recommend maybe 2 computers based on this:

ASUS a7n8x ultra 400
XP2800+ Retail!
512meg PC3200
WD 80g ide
Optical Drive


This is only an XP build, but it is what I have presently, except I have a lousy video card.

You can opt to go for an Asus A7N8X-X which is single Channel DDR but with about the same specs on one computer.

See the Anandtech Guides. They are not a bible but only a suggestion.

Another option is one Athlon 64 computer and one Athlon XP Computer.

 

[Pixle]

I am going to look up this "Chaintech mobo (Chaintech VNF3-250 Zenith), the Amd 3000 64, and Ati 9800 Pro Video Card" Pixle Suggested. I heard the 9800 was a bad choice. I read on, reading that later he suggested Nvidia. Until I have time to sit down and figure out numbers, I am going to remain confused. (Dont worry, I have time later tonight)

The Nvidia 6800.. I like that card (I dont know why, I just do). There are so many versions of that card from what you guys wrote:

Nvidia 6800nu
Nvidia 6800 GT

VIDEO CARD:::

The Ati 9800Pro is the best Price/Performance Video Card on the market at 170$. It went for 500$ just 3-4 months ago. It was the Crowned KING of The Video Card Group a few months ago.

Now they came out with new next generation video cards (ATI : x800 and x800xt PE(My Fav) - Nvidia 6800 and 6800 GT and 6800 Ultra )

The Ati 9800 Pro is a great card that can play any game on the market at High settings especially the older games like UT2004 etc. The newer games are HL2(soon to be out) and Doom3.

I hope that clears up a bit about the video cards.


AMD 64:::

The AMD 3000 64 is better than the xp and sempron processors. The 64 line can run 64 bit programs (not out yet) and they are the high end cpu's for AMD.

Sempron < Xp < 64.

You are lucky - They just did a price drop on the Amd 64 line and this 3000 64 cpu was going for 250$ ++
a few months ago.

MOBO:::

As far as the Chaintech Mobo. It won an award at anandtech for best value motherboard. It has great features (OC etc.) and it comes at a good price. Anandtech Chaintech Article

"We are extremely pleased to award our Silver Editors Choice to the Chaintech VNF-250 motherboard. As the first in a new Zenith Value Series, we think Chaintech has a great idea - build an overclocker's dream board with all the performance and none of the frills for the lowest possible price. Chaintech also managed to do it without giving up really important features, which is even more commendable. The fact that Chaintech was a top performer in our overclocking tests at a price of less than $100 deserves our award. The VNF-250 proves that you can build a board any enthusiast will want without breaking the bank. Well done, Chaintech."

I hope this clears everything up for you.

Pixle.

 

[AnotherGuy]

well here its in a simpler way of explaining it..

Athlon64 3000+ better than any athlon XP
Nvidia 6800GT is whats more recommended or what i see everyone is getting...
that Chaintech vnf3 250 mobo that he recommends is definitly the best price/performance mobo of the year.. (if u want a mobo with EEE1394... i think the chaintech doesnt have that, not sure)

Check the prices around and see if u can handle it... i think $1100 for each computer is enough for this kinda system, in fact very good system.

 

[Coldkilla]

I have been compiling some facts from the thread this is what I got:

Monitor Samsung 17-19''
Processor- AMD 3000 64
Motherboard- Chaintech VNF-250 motherboard
Video Card Weighing the ATI 9800 PRO &amp; Nvidia 6800
Question: Is there a brand for the specific type of Video Card? I remember seeing a Leadteck 6800, does that still make it a Nvidia 6800? Does this instance apply to ATI's card? Which is the better buy?
--------------------------
Unknown:
Hard Drive: ____________ (Was some confusion)
RAM: __________________(1GB, but what type)
CASE: _________________ (Compatibility with ports, are all ports in the SAME spot)
POWER: ________________ (How much is good enough, if it comes with the CASE, the better I like it)
Sound Card:_____________ (Open to suggestion, dont need a 1000 dollar sound, an average sound card for today's standards is good).
OS: ___________________ (Windows XP, but thats an ADDITIONAL 100+ Dollars to add to the computer, do I need 2 copies of Windows XP, or just one? Can I get it intigrated in any component so I dont need to purchase this also)

Almost there! lol, 4 days 17hrs left (Ends Oct-13-04 14:23:16 PDT) So far so good, I am progressing to a computer that is affordible and game worthy. The questions will keep pumping in from myself so long as I have you geniouses to help me out lol, thx so far

 

[mechBgon]

Whatever you do, go for a HIGH-quality brand of PSU, and if it were me I would just go right for a ~450W Enermax, Fortron or Antec.

 

[Coldkilla]

PSU? Sorry, I am not filmiliar with that term. Does it mean Power Supply Upgade?

You are saying a
450W Enermax
450W Fortron
450W Antec

Will all work on my system? For Power supply then, what do look for in the Power Supply information on the website to insure it is compatible with my selected Motherboard?

The motherboard's chip set stats a: Nvidia nForce 3 (What does that mean? Should I be concerned)

 

[Pixle]

Originally posted by: Coldkilla
I have been compiling some facts from the thread this is what I got:

Monitor Samsung 17-19''
Processor- AMD 3000 64
Motherboard- Chaintech VNF-250 motherboard
Video Card Weighing the ATI 9800 PRO &amp; Nvidia 6800
Question: Is there a brand for the specific type of Video Card? I remember seeing a Leadteck 6800, does that still make it a Nvidia 6800? Does this instance apply to ATI's card? Which is the better buy?
--------------------------
Unknown:
Hard Drive: _Western Digital 160gb or (check the hot deals for a 50 $ seagate 160gb hdd.___________ (Was some confusion)
RAM: _Corsair Value Ram Pc3200_________________(1GB, but what type)
CASE: __Antec Sonata with 350watt power supply_______________ (Compatibility with ports, are all ports in the SAME spot)
POWER: _Comes with case_______________ (How much is good enough, if it comes with the CASE, the better I like it)
Sound Card:___Audigy 2 zs sound card...they have basic versions__________ (Open to suggestion, dont need a 1000 dollar sound, an average sound card for today's standards is good).
OS: ___________ (Windows XP, but thats an ADDITIONAL 100+ Dollars to add to the computer, do I need 2 copies of Windows XP, or just one? Can I get it intigrated in any component so I dont need to purchase this also)

Almost there! lol, 4 days 17hrs left (Ends Oct-13-04 14:23:16 PDT) So far so good, I am progressing to a computer that is affordible and game worthy. The questions will keep pumping in from myself so long as I have you geniouses to help me out lol, thx so far

For the video card...get 2 Nvidia 6800 GT's.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Coldkilla
PSU? Sorry, I am not filmiliar with that term. Does it mean Power Supply Upgade?

You are saying a
450W Enermax
450W Fortron
450W Antec

Will all work on my system? For Power supply then, what do look for in the Power Supply information on the website to insure it is compatible with my selected Motherboard?

You're close, it means power-supply unit And the Chaintech motherboard uses ATX-type power supplies, so the typical 450W Enermax, Fortron or Antec would all be ok (just don't go and buy an EPS-type or something). Let's put it this way, to pick an incompatible power supply, you would have to work at it a bit

I also noticed your question about the rear port pattern. You might want to go through my computer-building photo guide, the first and second page cover snack selection and also case issues, and shows the pop-out rear port panel. Your mobo will come with its own pop-in panel, to be used in the event that the case's own panel doesn't match up.

Hope that helps

 

[Coldkilla]

Which type of Nvidia 6800 GT?

I am looking at the Video Cards at NewEgg.com (Anand's search is not working for me for some reason).

I got:
eVGA/PNY/ nVIDIA/ELSA/Gainward/ASUS/EVGA GeForce 6800GT Video Card, 256MB GDDR3, 256-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP, Model "256-A8-N344-AX" -RETAIL. All of these brands ranged in price, what is the best brand/version of the nVidia 6800 GT?


There are so many 6800 GT's. I personally liked the one with Doom 3 but it is proformance and cost that bothers me. Which is the one for me? (Search'd "GeForce 6800 GT at NewEgg for the exact list, more was on the site)

NOTE: The PCU's are there, but I do not see 450Watts, I see all around it.. Just not exactly 450. If the power comes with an LED, how are the lights powered? (I am going to sound like I know what I am talking about "Does the LED light act like a slave to the Master? How does that work for case lights, the same way? Does it matter which pins I connect it to?

Also: I hear that all 939 processors have the onboard memory controller and that makes a Huge difference in proformance. Do I need somthing like this? Does this MOBO have this? I dont know what it is, and how it would effect me. Just post your opinions.

Questions then:
1. What is the best brand/version of the nVidia 6800 GT? Price/Proformance
2. How are LED lights powered, case fans &amp; PCU's? Do they act as slaves? Can I run out of pins to plug LED's &amp; other components or do they work off eachother by allowing it to extend to another device.
3. Does it matter which Pins are connected to what (There all power cables anyway)
4. Do I NEED somthing with an onboard memory controller? How am I affected?
5. The 6800.. Does it come in 256MB, do I NEED 256?
6. How much worse/better is the Abit AV8 Motherboard differ from the present selection of motherboard.

 

[Pixle]

Questions then:
1. What is the best brand/version of the nVidia 6800 GT? Price/Proformance
2. How are LED lights powered, case fans &amp; PCU's? Do they act as slaves? Can I run out of pins to plug LED's &amp; other components or do they work off eachother by allowing it to extend to another device.
3. Does it matter which Pins are connected to what (There all power cables anyway)
4. Do I NEED somthing with an onboard memory controller? How am I affected?
5. The 6800.. Does it come in 256MB, do I NEED 256?
6. How much worse/better is the Abit AV8 Motherboard differ from the present selection of motherboard.

1. They all reasonably perform the same. I've heard great things from BFG. Just make sure it's a GT.

2. They are pins that come from the case and connect into youre motherboard - the detail in the manual will tell you. Their are sometimes written words on the motherboard that specify what the pin is for.

4. Dont worry about this. You are going to have a Socket 754 Motherboard - not a 939 Motherboard. Socket 939 costs more and you won't gain much performance difference from socket 754.

5. Yes 256, and I belive all (if not most) come with it.

6. Abit is a good company, check the reviews. I'd go with the Chaintech as it has received many awards and is well priced.

A 3000 64 cpu w/ 6800 GT will last you for the next few years ... i'm estimating 4. (maybe with an overclock , longer ).

Any more q's , just ask. Make sure to read the beginner computer building guides found on anandtech and google.

Pixle.

 

[Coldkilla]

Thanks. I read mechBgon's tutorial (Thanks). That one rocks. I will look to the lower costing nVidia 6800's to lower the cost. I am currently configuring the computer and am Running into price complications. I will stat those here tomarrow as it is late and spending more time on this will make me go crazy for today.

I can say however, an additional 50-60 dollars on a BFG over another company for the same video card is not possible.

BFG= $470.00
EVGA= $408.00 Weekend Special. Free Doom 3 with the Card. (I have mine in the auction for my laptop).

Ether I save 18 dollars and get the ELSA Model for $390.00 or I get Doom 3 for 18.00 bux. Then again, the figures I am pulling up $$$ figures at the 2,500 mark. (Shipping Costs, Ebay Fee's After sale) That's all 1,800 minus those fee's. Then the only additional funds I have is 400 for whatever else is required (Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse preferably)

Not to mention that I have to buy an OS for the computer. (Do I have to buy 2 copies?). Can I buy somthing with it Intigrated so if I were to format it in the future, I would already have Window's XP installed?

 

[Coldkilla]

Did I say somthing in the above post that stumbled people for 9 hours? Jeez!