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Need help with first PC build

S

s0ulchaser

Junior Member
I'm looking to build a low-mid range gaming PC which I'll be able to upgrade for future games. Here's what I've got so far (all prices in CAD):

MOTHERBOARD - $76.99
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/...item-details.asp?EdpNo=1819474&CatId=0

CASE - $88.99
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/...etails.asp?EdpNo=861841&Tab=0&NoMapp=0

CPU - $139.99
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/...tails.asp?EdpNo=1834188&Tab=0&NoMapp=0

VIDEO - $184.99
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/...tails.asp?EdpNo=2207285&Tab=0&NoMapp=0

RAM - $120.99
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/...m-details.asp?EdpNo=1440814&CatId=2365

HD - $89.97
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/...em-details.asp?EdpNo=2179837&CatId=139

DVD - $49.99
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/...item-details.asp?EdpNo=2248631&CatId=0

TOTAL - $751.91 CAD

Will all the parts work together? Is any more cooling required? If anyone has any better suggesions on the same site, feel free to change it a bit, this is by no means final 😛
 
The 805 is a flamethrower, might want to get better cooling, the stock heatsink isn't very good. Everything should work together, although I have never been a fan of using Via chipsets with Intel processors.
 
Are you planning a massive overclock? If not, the intel is not a great choice.

If you want dual-core, get an AMD X2 3800+ instead. A socket 939 version with Biostar TForce 6100 microATX motherboard is a good combination, along with regular DDR.

You could put it in a little Microfly cube case, or get a good mid tower like an Antec NSK4400 or an Antec SLK3000 with a Fortron or Sparkle PSU.
 
Why would I not want to use a Via chipset with the Intel? Is there something I don't know? Keep in mind just how clueless I am when it comes to building PCs 😛

And I'm not planning to overclock much, if at all. Will I still need more cooling? What kind of fans would you guys recommend? (preferrably from tigerdirect.ca)
 
TigerDirect isn't too good you should be able to find a better retailer

case is ugly and the psu probably blows you can get an antec sonata for like 99 which looks better and has a reliable psu

why get a pentuim d now? AMD just had a major pricecut on there processors you can get an X2 for cheap

get a one gig stick instead of two for future upgrade to 2GB

dvd-rw is expensive you should be able to get one for cheaper

edit: http://ncix.com/ might wnat to try that but i don't know much about candian retailers
 
I built the PC loosely off this guide: http://www.techspot.com/guides/11-budget-pc-buying-guide-200608/, which was posted a couple days ago.

I'd rather buy from tigerdirect.ca simply because I can actually drive over and get the parts from their store, saving me a crapload in shipping.

I picked the case because of the sheer number of positive reviews saying how well built and reliable it has been. It looks pretty good to me, but looks aren't really my top concern. As for the DVD drive, I could go as low as $30, but I've never heard of the brand (NEC?). If someone else can recommend them I'll stick that in instead of the LG.

I'll look into getting the one stick of RAM.
 
NEC is Nippon Electric Company, one of the older and larger Japanese electronics companies. The NEC Multisync was I think the first monitor to offer variable refresh rates instead of the 1-2 fixed rates other monitors of the time supported.

The NEC 3550a is a great burner. Nero Express is pretty good software, worth paying another $10 or so for in a retail pack of the NEC.

You might want to look at benchmarks of the Pentium 805 at stock speed compared to an AMD X2 3800+, especially in games.

If you've decided you only buy intel, save up another $150, wait at least another month, and get a Core 2 E6300 instead of the hot and slow 805D.
 
I was just looking at the description for the motherboard, it says there are 4 DIMM slots. Doesn't that mean I could technically have 4 512MB chips?
 
The Biostar TForce6100 mATX is a very good socket 939 board.

You need DDR400 / PC3200 RAM for it instead of DDR2, a single 1 GB stick will work fine if you want to add another one later, or you can get a 2 x 512 MB kit.
 
hey man, personally i wouldn't shop at tigerdirect, u got any small computer stores to shop at instead? use newegg to check out reviews and popular products and mix/match from there. gl!
 
Originally posted by: s0ulchaser
Do I need (or can I even use) dual channel RAM?

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/.../item-details.asp?EdpNo=669365&CatId=0

Or should I go with one of these:

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/...ge=3&Nav=|c:147|c:1043|&Sort=0&Recs=10

If the second is better, which brand would you guys reccommend? Does brand really matter with RAM?

Again, thanks for the help here guys!
Click to expand...

Socket 939 uses dual channel. There is never realy a "need" for a dual channel kit, it's just 2 of the same sticks of memory packaged together, you could get 2 sticks seperatly of the same thing and it would still work in dual channel.
 
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