My First Build - Scared Shirtless

[teambarnes]

Ok, I am taking the plunge after finding out that there is no way to configure a computer by a reputable manufacturer at the cost I want, which is basically a $600 budget gaming rig complete with Radeon 3850. In fact, Im basically trying to build a cheap machine around the Radeon. I am only interested in the box ? I have all the peripherals.

This is what I came up with, but please PLEASE tell me if you see anything that is incompatible, cheap, not the best value, etc. I have never built a PC before, and I know there is a chance I could really screw something up here. This $600 I am spending is my whole allotment, so if I mess up, I am basically screwed without a PC. Please help!

Starting from the outside, we have the case. I went with Athenatech A3603BB.400 Black Computer Case (35.00) which budget guide recommended. The only thing I worry about with this case is if it is big enough for the Radeon? It seems to be a smallish box? http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811190072

MOBO ? Foxconn A690GM2MA-8KRS2H (55) Is this good for gaming? Does it have all the plugs and ports I need, maybe a second HD, at least 2 USB, etc? Is there a cheap crossfire mobo out there for future expansion? http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813186128

Next, The processor, I upgraded from the buget guide with this one on sale AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+ Windsor (85.00) I am set on AMD, not sure why, I just like them and all my computers have been AMD. Plus they match the ATI. http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819103751

ATI Radeon HD 3850 by Sapphire (179.00) It was the only one in stock at Newegg, will it fit in my case? Is Sapphire reputable? http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814102714

Crucial 2x1 GB DDR2 (PC2 5300) (46.00) I heard it?s good. http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820146571

Samsung Spinpoint 250GB (63.00) Same one as in the guide. http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822152025

Samsung 20XDVD+/-R (28.00) Same as guide. http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16827151151

Vista Home Premium 64 bit (112) DO I need 64 bit? I mean its 32 bits more for the same price right? http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16832116204

Gigabyte PCI Wireless adaptor (16.00) Threw this in so I don?t have to buy a USB adaptor.

OK, so first off, will it all fit together? Second, will it work for a budget game system? And finally, is there anything I forgot? Cables, that processor compound? Oh, do I need a heat sink, or does the proc come with one? What kind of tools do I need, I amean I am seriously new at this.

The total, after shipping, comes to 647.00 so I think this is a better deal than I could get at Ibuypower or Cyberpower for a similar setup. There it would have cost about $100 more. Is it worth it?

 

[egale]

There are still compatibility problems with 64bit OS's. I would go with the 32bit version.

 

[MarcVenice]

I'd rather get this case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119068 or this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811147033 The rosewill 5600 series seem to be highly recommended if you are on a tight budget. Either of these cases will easily fit a HD3850.

The foxcon mobo is MICRO atx, I think you want a regular mobo instead though. Not sure if it would matter a whole lot, not to good with AM2 mobo's. The CPU sounds like a good deal for 85$, if you are any good with overclocking, then an Intel mobo and e2140 might prove to be faster though. As for sapphire, they are good, why do you want to go with newegg so desperately though? There are other vendors, that might be, and possible are, cheaper. Crucial ram is good. If the HD is cheaper then a seagate 7200.10 250gb HD, then it's a good buy. 64 bit is good to go, haven't had any trouble with it really.

The CPU is retail, so it comes with thermal grease and a HS. Tools needed would be a 2 screwdrivers, one with a flat head, and one with a 'crossed' head, dunno the right name in English hehe. And yes it's worth it, 99% of the time building yourself is cheaper, you get what you want, no more, no less. And building yourself is fun

 

[Blitz KriegeR]

First off: your case; I?m worried about the size! Type = MicroATX Mini Tower, that is bad for everything except space saving. I think you need to go for at least a mid-tower. More spare for components = easier to build, and significantly better cooling efficiency (potentially).
This Rosewill R5605-BK is an excellent choice. It is more spacious, has more expansion options, and, more importantly, two 120MM fans to create airflow (1intake + 1 exhaust). $44.99
EDIT: Damn it took me a while to write that! Both those cases suggested by marc are good too.


Also, the PSUs bundled with cases almost always suck hackcore. They are weak, inefficient, and unreliable. They almost always die in a matter of months, sometimes taking your components with it. I made that mistake once, and I learned the hard way. Save yourself some aggravation, go with a Rosewill Stallion Series 450W Dual 12v Rails $40 well spent.

Your CPU is a good choice for the price, as long as you do not intend to overclock. $85

Unfortunately, I know very little about AMD motherboards and am unable to comment here. My last A64 motherboard was in the NF4 days (NF4 is still a great board, I just don't know how it stacks up to AMD's 690G) ~$55
EDIT: Didn't even notice it was mATX, I have to agree with marc again, go for a full ATX board.

The GPU is a great pick, and Sapphire Tech is the best ATI vendor imo. I buy all my ATI cards from them. If your budget allows, I would stretch for the 3870 at $219; it's worth it. If not, the 3850 is perfect for $179.

The RAM is bad, at least go for dual channel (matched kit) RAM! Heat spreaders don't bite... try these: G.SKILL 2GB for $64.99

Both the HD and DVD are good picks. $91

As far as your OS, if you are sure you want Vista (it can be a pain at first), Home Premium is probably the best one. However, I?m not sure you want x64, it can be a real hassle (more than just vista alone) getting driver support and app compatibility. If it were me, I?d go x64, but be sure you know what you're getting yourself into. $112


Projected Total: $672.00


I know I went over your budget a little, but I think they are very worthwhile upgrades. The PSU-Case bundle absolutely had to go, trust me on that. The only other thing is the RAM. I moved you from some cheapo 5-5-5-15 @ 533Mhz single ram to a more standard Dual Channel G.Skill 4-4-4-12 @ 800Mhz with heat spreaders, and good warranty support.

Hope this helps you out, I'm sorry I couldn't be of more service to you.
Best of luck!
Regards,
KriegeR

 

[MarcVenice]

Ah I thought he ment this ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820146565

which would be a really good pick, even better then the gskill if you ask me ^^