It's time for me to get a new computer!

[theblackmamba]

Hey everyone.

Well, I've had a couple computers (one laptop, another PC) that I've been using for the past 4 years or so, but I think the time has come for me to get a new one. Rather than spend for a brand name computer, I would like to save some money and try to "build" one.

I have recently learned of "barebone" kits, and I really like that idea. So, I suppose I wouldn't be truly "building" my computer from scratch, but this is kind of the direction I want to go in since I have never built a computer, and feel I don't have the time/knowledge to figure it out from scratch.

So, with that said, I was hoping you guys could help me out since I also don't know anything about barebone kits (which ones are good, what is right for me, etc.), what else I need, etc.

Following the template in the sticky thread --

1. Budget: I would like to ultimately be around $500. Maybe 600, but that would really be pushing it.

2. Items the budget needs to cover: Power supply, case, motherboard, CPU, fan for the CPU, memory, primary hard drive, monitor, OS, speakers.

But there were some things I didn't know about -- what is a primary optical drive? What is the difference between having a video card vs. onboard video? Same question for audio card.

3. What I'm using the computer for: Mostly just general, basic stuff (web surfing, watching movies, listening to music, etc.). I don't play games or do video editing, and don't anticipate I will be in the future.

4. Specs: Based on what I said for #3, I'm not sure what specs I should be looking at that would be right for me, but things that "sounded" cool as I was browsing around was a 2.7-3.0 ghz processor (I think it was AMD quad?), 4 GB of memory, >160 gb hard drive (although I saw the difference in price for a 160 gb and 320 gb hard drive was minimal), >20 inch monitor, no real preference in OS (I like XP a bit better than Vista, but windows 7 seems really cool, and I am also a fan of the Mac OS).

Like I said, I'm not good with specifics and such, but I think those are the main things. There are some pretty sweet additional components I've read about (something about a water cooling case? blu ray player/reader?), but I don't think those are necessary for me.

But yeah, I think that covers about everything. Obviously I don't need the slickest computer out there right now, with all the bells and whistles, and bang for the buck is more applicable to my situation. Ideally I'd like to avoid having to build everything from scratch, as I'm not sure that's something I could do. I would like to find a good "barebone" kit, maybe with a decent looking case, a monitor, and then be good to go. Not sure if it's possible though.

If you guys can point me in the right direction, recommendation, walk me through all this, etc. I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks a lot.

 

[yh125d]

Your eyes are bigger than your budget

For lower budget general use systems with no gaming you're not going to save any money over a Dell. Especially in cases where you're buying an OS. So I'd recommend you get a Dell.

I'd recommend getting an Inspiron 537, configured with an e5200 and vista home premium 64 bit and no monitor. Then head over to newegg and pick up 2gb of ram (instead of upgrading the ram through dell) and buy a nice big monitor. Something around 21", 1080p.

Add that up and you have $370 for the Dell, $25 for the ram, and ~$160 for the monitor and you get ~$555 + tax/shipping

 

[theblackmamba]

Thanks for the reply!

Dang, the PC I mentioned I've been using for the past several years actually has been a Dell!

I was checking out this barebone kit (http://www.alvio.com/config.aspx?t=&product_ID=1581), does it seem like that customizing that could matchup with my budget? I wasn't sure what some of that stuff was so I wasn't sure.

Also, for the Dell suggestion. I noticed that it has a dual core, isn't it better to have a quad? Again, I only know the very basics of what a processor even does, but I think I was reading that it's good to get a quad because sometime in the near future applications will change and it will be much better (possibly necessary?) to have a quad core processor?

 

[jae]

Quad-cores come in handy with video editing and such. Since you don't do that, it really wouldn't benefit you. So, dual-core will be more than enough for surfing, flicks, and music. + Get a Dell deal.

 

[yh125d]

Quad cores are nice to have, but not necessary for most enthusiasts, much less users with only light tasks. It would appear that all that barebone needs is a hard drive, DVD drive, monitor and OS. $100 OS, $150 monitor, $50 HD, $30 dvd drive for $330 above the base price of 260, and its 590, which is at the very top end of your budget and a slower computer than the dell option, which if configured as I recommended would have a faster processor, twice the RAM, a better quality PSU, and imo, a much nicer case

 

[theblackmamba]

I see. Thanks for clearing up the dual vs. quad aspect.

For the barebone kit that I linked to, doesn't that one actually have a faster processor than the Dell? Just reading off the site, it says it has a AMD Athlon64 X2 6000, 3 ghz. vs. the Dell e5200 at 2.5 ghz.

Also, I have a couple questions about the Dell after reading some reviews from the site.

1. First, I assume the 537 and 537s are the same in functionality, just that the s is the "thinner" version. If so, I considered the reviews from that and the regular 537. Anyway, first question is a couple people mentioned that the system runs loud, and the fan/cooling isn't that good. I normally have my computer on essentially the whole day, and only really turn it off when I go to sleep. Still, I really would like to avoid the noise/cooling issues (that's part of the reason I'm looking for a new computer now, my old ones are outdated and really loud at this point).

2. Another person mentioned a criticism with regards to not having a dvi or hdmi port, and how the system only has vga. I don't know much about hd tv's and such, so I don't know how a hdmi port/cable relates to computers, but if it is something that has become "standard" for computers, I'd like to have it. Although I'm not sure what the hdmi/dvi ports do, and how it could relate to what I'm looking for.

3. This may be a related question to the above, but how is the quality of the video card? For someone who doesn't game, I assume it's not a big deal, but just curious if it's sufficient for watching good quality movies, etc.

4. A cd/dvd burner. Does the Dell system (or the barebone kit for that matter) have this? I suppose not a huge thing, but I do from time to time like to burn DVD's (not so much cd's anymore considering itunes and such)

Thanks again!

 

[M0RPH]

Well that Apevia case w/ PS is $90-100 at Newegg.
There's a combo with Athlon X2 7850, ECS mobo and 4GB DDR2 for $140 AR Text

That's better parts than the barebone you're looking at, for less money.

So that's $240 so far
Here's a Samsung 20" LCD for $115 Text (add to cart for price)
Vista for $100 (will qualify you for free Win7)
$25 for DVDRW
Hitachi 1TB $68 AR Text

That's $548 total plus you need to buy some speakers, mouse, keyboard? And you have to build it all.


Or look at this Dell deal grabbed form Techbargains:
Dell Inspiron 537s Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz Desktop (4GB/500GB) w/ 19in LCD $559

Unfortunately I believe this sale has expired but it gives you an idea of what you can get if you wait for a sale at Dell.

In answer to your questions. Dell is generally very good about building quiet systems. And I doubt you will have heat problems with integrated graphics. HDMI really isn't necessary unless you plan to connect it to a TV. If you don't game then there's no need for a discrete graphics card. And of course the build above includes a dvd burner as does the Dell. Your barebones did not.

Edit: Well it seems that Apevia cube case requires a micro ATX board and the mobo in that combo is full ATX, so you'd need a different mobo or case.

 

[jae]

I will get the e5200 dell over the barebones amd 6000+

 

[yh125d]

Comparing clock speeds means nothing. Especially when comparing AMD vs intel. Intels first core 2 duos were mostly 1.8-2.2gHz and all were MUCH faster than the previous gen CPU's, which were mostly 2.8-3.6gHz

1) Correct, the 537s is just a slim version. It will be much smaller inside, likely run a bit warmer, and you will only be able to use low profile expansion cards. Unless you're hurting for space I'd go for the full size. I wouldn't worry too much about the noise either, Dells are usually extremely quiet. If it does happen to be too loud you could remove the rear fan, and I doubt you'd ever notice the noise, much less be annoyed by it. It would probably be quieter than the barebones

2) That's right, the 537 only has VGA. That sucks. I figured they all had HDMI also like the studio line. In that case I'd add a cheap dedicated card so you have DVI. Just a cheap 4350 will do (http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?Item=N82E16814131144)

3) For someone who doesn't game, you really don't need anything powerful. Either the integrated graphics or the card I recommended can fully accelerate 1080p video, which is going to be the most intensive thing you'll do unless you start gaming.

4) Dell comes with a DVD burner. Barebones does not so you'd have to add one

Morph brought up a good point, about waiting for a good deal. With july 4 coming up I'd wait for those sales. For example, last July 4 I got a fully pimped out m1530, which would normally have costed about 2050, but it had a $600 off coupon so I got it for 1450

Normally the deals on cheaper systems aren't as good but you might be able to find a deal on an inspiron like we talked about, and be able to get it all through Dell while staying in your budget

 

[theblackmamba]

M0RPH - That sounds like a pretty slick setup. I googled "apevia case", and some of those look sweet! I didn't know which you were referencing though (or what "with PS" meant). I was also intrigued by the 20 inch samsung monitor, that's a great deal! Downside is definitely having to build it all.

jae - Thanks. Noted.

yh125d - Ah, I see. I didn't know that about processors, thanks for clearing that up.

By the way, speaking of deals, check out this one that I literally just found -- Text

Is that not basically the same computer as the Dell, except with built-in speakers + printer? I thought that was a sick deal (and really coincidental!). What do you guys think?

My one "concern" is the monitor size. It's 18.5, whereas I really hoping for >20. Not sure if that is much of a difference or not (I've been on a 13.3 laptop for several years now!). Also, how is the video card on this one? Does this one have VGA only, or is it setup with the hdmi?

Let me know if you guys have opinions, reviews, know about this computer, etc.

Thanks again guys.

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

Originally posted by: theblackmamba
M0RPH - That sounds like a pretty slick setup. I googled "apevia case", and some of those look sweet! I didn't know which you were referencing though (or what "with PS" meant). I was also intrigued by the 20 inch samsung monitor, that's a great deal! Downside is definitely having to build it all.

jae - Thanks. Noted.

yh125d - Ah, I see. I didn't know that about processors, thanks for clearing that up.

By the way, speaking of deals, check out this one that I literally just found -- Text

Is that not basically the same computer as the Dell, except with built-in speakers + printer? I thought that was a sick deal (and really coincidental!). What do you guys think?

My one "concern" is the monitor size. It's 18.5, whereas I really hoping for >20. Not sure if that is much of a difference or not (I've been on a 13.3 laptop for several years now!). Also, how is the video card on this one? Does this one have VGA only, or is it setup with the hdmi?

Let me know if you guys have opinions, reviews, know about this computer, etc.

Thanks again guys.

You can build something much better and cheaper than an OEM computer. I know because I built one for a friend that totaled to $331 and it was an AMD 7750/ Asus M3A78-EM. Win 7 upgrade is $50 (provided you already have Windows XP which you should) so buy that and use Win7 RC for now.

 

[theblackmamba]

WaitingForNehalem - Thanks for the reply. I don't need all the bells and whistles of course (aside from some of the things that I kinda want, e.g. monitor >20 inch), but $330 certainly is a nice price. If you could kind of walk me through the components and such that would be right for me, I'd really appreciate it. I'm still hesitant to actually "build" a PC from scratch since I'm unsure of the difficulty for a newb.

 

[somethingsketchy]

Originally posted by: theblackmamba
WaitingForNehalem - Thanks for the reply. I don't need all the bells and whistles of course (aside from some of the things that I kinda want, e.g. monitor >20 inch), but $330 certainly is a nice price. If you could kind of walk me through the components and such that would be right for me, I'd really appreciate it. I'm still hesitant to actually "build" a PC from scratch since I'm unsure of the difficulty for a newb.

Difficulty-wise building a desktop "from scratch" is not that bad. Sure it is a bit of daunting task, but if you know someone who can stand next to you and show you all of the little tips and tricks to make a build go very well, it is worth it. My first desktop I must have had three people standing next to me, giving out ideas of how to do the cable management, what was the properly application of thermal paste, etc. If you know someone like that, I would strongly recommend you have someone assist you on the first one.

You mentioned near the beginning about a barebones kit. That is a "nice" idea if you really have no idea what parts you want, or if you just need a cheap (monetary-wise) build. My first build was from a barebones kit. While looking back in retrospect it was a bad idea (both for quality and performance reasons) that first build definitely taught me a lot about researching parts, waiting for deals, planning, etc. When you do save up some money (for a even future build) I would recommend researching barebones kits and see what they include for the advertised price. Then go to a computer parts website, such as Newegg, and see what parts you can get for a similar price. That would be my recommendation for the future.

Good luck on this current build.:thumbsup:

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...ist=Combo.19573350.98
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...oductCode=1000882370-$10 rebate
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...roductCode=1001001760
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...oductCode=1001056954-$15 rebate
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=HD-0A3801670
http://accessories.us.dell.com...d=7421&lid=197378115-$20 rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...tem=N82E1683612101314

Total-$433.98

Total AR-$388.98

Now for your OS you could use Ubuntu or use Windows 7 RC for now and pre-order the upgrade edition for $50. http://promotions.newegg.com/M...fPreSale%2f362x130.jpg

 

[theblackmamba]

somethingsketchy - Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, I don't really know anyone that can kind of watch over me/guide me through the process of building a PC; I would be on my own.

WaitingForNehalem - Thanks. That's impressive. I must reiterate, I am a newb, and so excuse the basic question, but would that be everything? As in, I wouldn't need to make any other purchases to get the system up and running? If so, I would probably even splurge a bit on the monitor and go for a nice 22-23 inch monitor (if you know of any good deals?) due to the savings.

The main problem though is building it! Dang, you guys have a great forum here, and I'm sure you all would be more than helpful in helping me put it together, but I really don't want to take on this project and screw it up! I don't know if there is some guide on here that I could follow, or if you guys could walk me through it, but that's the biggest factor in my decision right now. If I feel confident that I can do it, I think this looks like a deal too good to pass up (heck, I can even get a bigger/better monitor!!).

 

[jae]

stay far away from cheap power supplies like that!

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

Originally posted by: jae
stay far away from cheap power supplies like that!

That PSU is perfectly fine. Just because it isn't a Corsair doesn't mean it's bad. I would agree not to use that PSU if I had a high-end system but that PSU is more than enough for that PC and is reliable. And aren't you using a MAD DOG PSU?

The main problem though is building it! Dang, you guys have a great forum here, and I'm sure you all would be more than helpful in helping me put it together, but I really don't want to take on this project and screw it up! I don't know if there is some guide on here that I could follow, or if you guys could walk me through it, but that's the biggest factor in my decision right now. If I feel confident that I can do it, I think this looks like a deal too good to pass up (heck, I can even get a bigger/better monitor!!).

Here is a guide: http://techreport.com/articles.x/13671

Yes, that is all you will need besides your OS and a DVD-RW. Here is the revised build without a monitor and with a DVD burner:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...ist=Combo.19573350.98
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...oductCode=1000882370-$10 rebate
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...roductCode=1001001760
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...oductCode=1001056954-$15 rebate
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=HD-0A3801670
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...tem=N82E1683612101314
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=SHS223F_BE18.87
Total-$337.85

Total AR-$312.85

 

[theblackmamba]

WaitingForNehalem - Thanks for the guide. I looked through it, and I'm not sure if I can handle making a computer from scratch. Maybe it's intimidating because I've never done it before, but there just seems to be so many steps, and therefore, opportunities to screw up, that I'm a bit reluctant.

It's just that the deal seems very good. For the same price as the HP or Dell, I could get a much bigger monitor (22-23 inch) and also a ton of hard drive space. The tradeoff is I would have to build it. Hmmm.

The best of both worlds would be to get a ready made computer with those specs, but between 500-550!

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

Originally posted by: theblackmamba
WaitingForNehalem - Thanks for the guide. I looked through it, and I'm not sure if I can handle making a computer from scratch. Maybe it's intimidating because I've never done it before, but there just seems to be so many steps, and therefore, opportunities to screw up, that I'm a bit reluctant.

It's just that the deal seems very good. For the same price as the HP or Dell, I could get a much bigger monitor (22-23 inch) and also a ton of hard drive space. The tradeoff is I would have to build it. Hmmm.

The best of both worlds would be to get a ready made computer with those specs, but between 500-550!

Building a computer separates the men from the boys.

 

[StinkyPinky]

Building a pc is not hard to do at all. I learned by myself years ago, back when you had jumpers on motherboards and master/slave etc to worry about. These days it's even easier. Just remember to ground yourself, and put the ram/cpu in the mobo before putting the motherboard in the case.

Oh, and do some cable management otherwise you may end up with stray wires hitting fans etc, which is annoying.

otherwise it's very easy. Anyone can do it.

 

[theblackmamba]

Thanks guys.

I'm still weighting my options.

I went to microcenter today to check out different monitor sizes, I decided I definitely need at least a 22 inch. There was a pretty good deal (imo anyway) for a 23 inch Samsung for $200.

I talked to the sales rep and he said that after picking out all the parts, they can build it over there for $125. Hmm, this might not be a bad option. However, do you guys know if I would need to buy all the parts from the store? Or could I buy them online from the links waitingfornehalem showed me, and take it in to them?

If not, could you guys help pick out the parts from the microcenter website? I tried to find similar stuff, but I wasn't sure about compatibility and such.

I figure, if I can get all the separate parts at those good prices, then I use the savings to have them build it for me, and be up and running.

 

[theblackmamba]

Bump.

Mostly looking to see if you can help me build the system with parts only from microcenter.

 

[elconejito]

You don't want to buy all the parts just from Microcenter. They have really good, cheap prices on some stuff, but they make it back by overpricing others. If you're going for the convenience angle, then OK. But if you're trying to maximize the money your spending that isn't the way to do it.

And $125 to put it together? Ouch. Take my $0.02 and use that money to improve some other component. Like a kickin video card or an SSD, or bigger monitor.

If you still want to go that route, which parts are you missing and which Microcenter are you using (each location has different stuff in stock).

 

[theblackmamba]

elconejito - My preference would actually be to buy the parts from various places that were linked in this thread, but I'm not sure if microcenter will build the pc unless the parts are bought from their store; that's why I want to see how the pricing would look if I bought everything from microcenter.

The Microcenter I'm using is the one in Michigan - Detroit/Madison Heights.

As far as what parts I'm missing, I would need basically everything (e.g. a setup like waitingfornehalem listed out for me on the page before).

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

Follow the guide I posted and save them money for something else. This is something you have to learn. Just don't build on carpet and discharge your hands on the case just in case to rid any static electricity. After you are finished, you'll realize how easy it was.