New build ~1500 budget

[Syran]

Originally posted by: harobikes333
wow thanks syran. Not sure what all of that stuff you copied ad pasted is from but yeah

thanks though. Oh and i'd like to kinda keep the 1TB HDD spining a little faster if I do need to use it as a main one sometime if a drive fails.

Newegg

 

[Denithor]

Get the Asus P5Q Pro + e8400 combo deal (knocks $20 off).

Sign up for Microsoft Cashback program & save 3% on total purchase from newegg. Or if you're into eBay, you can find components and save 30% through cashback program. See hot deals forum for details.

 

[Blain]

If you really want to save $$...
Get a WD 7200 rpm 1TB drive, partition off the first 200GB for your OS & apps, use the remaining inner partition for storage.
The outer partition will be faster due to the outer edge spinning faster partitioning across the whole drive.

 

[harobikes333]

Denithor, thanks a ton for that $$$ saving tip. Looks like a sweet deal

I like ebay... but I don't really want to buy all my parts from ebay... so i think newegg is the way to go....?

I'd still like to see what you guys think is a good case for the money.

any suggestions to pick from ...? wishful thinking but hey, I might as well ask^ ^

 

[disports]

There are other websites aside from newegg like zipzoomfly.com, microcenter, frys.com, etc. You just have to look around. P182 is niceee

 

[harobikes333]

Here is the PSU I'm planning on getting:

Corsair-650w-tx-series-80-plus-certified-power-supply

Good..? Rebate is nice

----
The mobo....

it doesn't look like that mobo combo is avaible anymore...?

ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard

?
----
The P182, what makes it sweet? / ???

it does have pretty good reviews..

I just want to have space for extra HDDs and also so that it's quiet.

----
So that 59dollar ram is alright to be able to OC mildly?

 

[disports]

The Corsair 650TX is a good PSU. Get it! The E8400 and Asus P5Q Pro combination is still available on newegg ($269.98). The P182 is quiet and has room for I believe six hard drives If I remember correctly. Yes the G.Skill ram is alright to OC mildly. I have mine OCed to DDR2-890 (445 FSB).

 

[harobikes333]

The case:

Comparing two antec cases.

... any advantages here as far as these cases do you think?

---
Ram: Righto, I just saw that the ram is VERY closely priced to the DDR2 1000

Comparing Ram

The DDR2 1000 is 67.99
The DDR2 800 is 59.99
any advantage?

Sorry for all the questions

 

[disports]

the DDR2-1000 gives you more leeway when you overclock but higher voltage. About it. The P182 is an improvement upon the P180. The Nine Hundred will likely run cooler with lots of its fans, but it will also be louder.

 

[Roguestar]

I have the P182 and it's great.

Things I like about it:
subtle understated non-GAMEREXTREEMLOL design
room for 6 hard drives, all mounted on silicon grommets
everything is very sturdy and very quiet
space for 4 fans, good airflow

 

[harobikes333]

Thanks, I'll stick with the ram you suggested^ ^

Also, I looked over the cases and I decided on the P182
---

Rougestar, i just refreshed the page and wow^ ^ nice timing

 

[disports]

The P182 is selling for $99.99 at microcenter if there is one nearby where you live

 

[harobikes333]

I live in the middle of North Dakota... so... unfortunately ...:/ there aren't any
Thanks for the heads up though!!!

I still can't find the mobo deal on newegg

E8400 + Asus P5Q Pro ($274.68 combo)

???

They have gigabyte mobos too onsale with good reviews..? I don't know>_<

I would like to order today or tomorrow if possible. ( if not it's NOT a big deal.)

EDIT: Screen shot of the mobo deal... but i don't get how to actually get the deal..?

 

[disports]

Are you sure? Have you scrolled down and looked to the bottom left? Under Combo & Essentials tab? Click view all and look for the combo!

 

[harobikes333]

Wow. I really dont know how I didn't get to that page. I KNOW i clicked on that view all tab about three times. ( might have had the wrong page open or something>_< )

the combo was 269 even

The mobo says in the specs that the memory is supports is:

Memory Standard DDR2 1200

...? Isn't the ram I have right now only 800 ?

 

[harobikes333]

UPDATED:

The list:

Case: Antec P182 $120

PSU: CORSAIR 650W ATX12V 100 - 20 mail in rebate =$80

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM $160
and
WD 640GB $75


Mobo: Gigabyte EP45-DS3L 105 -15 mail in = $90

(ok so now i've been suggested the asus since it's bundled with the 8400 CPU so...)
ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400

CPU cooler: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler
???? is this worth getting, etc..?

GPU: From the reviews, ATI is on top right now as far as GPU's go... is this true...? The 1GB version ...? suggestions?

RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) $60

DVD Burner: SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q - OEM

DVDs: Verbatim 4.7GB 16X DVD+R 100 Packs Disc

Monitor: ....??? Suggestions?

Mouse: .. would like to not cheap out on the mouse. I feel like I'm getting carpal tunnel. No joke...
Logitech MX518 2-Tone 8 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB + PS/2 Wired Optical Gaming-Grade Mouse $37

Keyboard: Eh w/e works...? ( suggestion?)

OS: Vista Home Premium 64-bit ...? $99

UPS: Should I get one....? ......? I have a 12 plugin surge protector right now.

Subtotal: $1,013.88
Shipping: $12.80
Grand Total: $1,026.68

 

[Blain]

If your surge protector is old, or your power is dirty, it may be nothing more than a power strip at this point.
Almost every surge protector on the market loses protection capacity with each small surge it gets hit by.

A good option is the APC LE1200.
It gives you some surge protection as well as low voltage help. It's not a full blown UPS, but it does help keep clean power flowing to your PC.

 

[sonnygdude]

Originally posted by: harobikes333

The mobo says in the specs that the memory is supports is:

Memory Standard DDR2 1200

...? Isn't the ram I have right now only 800 ?

That RAM speed is the fastest they feel comfortable supporting. Running slower FSB peeds is not a problem, so 800 RAM will do just fine.

List looks pretty good now. The Freezer 7 Pro is a good cooler for mild OC'ing, it's what I'm using and I'm fairly happy with it.

As for GPU, it depends what resolution you're planning on running. For 1920x1200 and above, the HD4870 1GB looks like a very nice card. The 512MB version is a quarter step down (I am using it at 1920x1200 with no problems though, very happy with it), and the GTX280 is a half step up, but AT called the 4870 1GB "the card to get".

The MX518 is a pretty good mouse, not too fancy but more buttons than standard and good for gaming.

Definitely get the 64bit Vista, Premium is probably more reasonable than ultimate.

I'm using a Saitek Eclipse keyboard - I liked the lit keys for gaming in the dark and it's a pretty good compliment to the MX518, even a similar price.

if you're interested in blowing a little more money, consider 8GB of RAM, Vista x64 will use it for superfetch or you can set up a bigger RAM drive on it than with 4GB

For lower prices and especially for good gaming response, a TN panel monitor is probably the most reasonable for larger sizes. The BenQ G2400WD or V2400W and the Samsung 245BW might be good choices to look into at 24". Look at the LCD sticky in the video cards and graphics thread

 

[harobikes333]

Thanks for the info on the ram Sonnygdude.

Is there any other cooler that you suggest/ any reason not to get an aftermarket cooler ? Like i said, I only plan on OCing a little. I'd like to keep my warranty. If not, I'll stick with that cooler. Do i need any thermal compound..?

Yup, I'm going to stick with 64bit Vista Home premium. it's 99 at newegg.

I may put more ram in the computer in a while. For now I'd just like to get it built and up and running. ( how do you set up a bigger RAM "drive...?

---

Blain, thanks for the info about the UPS stuff. How much does a decent UPS cost a person..?

I just bought this about a week ago: Belkin 12-Outlet Home/Office Surge Protector with Phone/Ethernet/Coaxial Protection and Extended Cord

Do you still suggest I get that APC LE1200 ? The reviews on newegg said it makes loud clicking noises...?

----
Monitor
I'm just not wanting backlight bleeding or stuck pixels..... it would be a huge plus. ^ ^

is 24" the way to go? Which GPU would go well with that..?

acer 24 "

Samsung 22"

UPDATE: Newegg freakin changed the price of the ram to $116 from 60 bucks. PURE EVIL

they still have the DDR2 - 1000 for 67 or so.

Also, I've dropped the 1TB HDD until I actually need it.

Deals on the parts in my list end tomorrow so... lemme know what you guys think.


The bottom line is, I'm looking to get the most for my money.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: harobikes333
Blain, thanks for the info about the UPS stuff. How much does a decent UPS cost a person..?

Do you still suggest I get that APC LE1200 ? The reviews on newegg said it makes loud clicking noises...?

One reviewer on Newegg said the clicking was annoying. He also said he was an electrical engineer. The clicking is probably from a relay, which is needed.
Another reviewer said... "However I like the trip noise. It lets me know it is doing it's job so it isn't a con for me."

The LE1200 isn't a UPS, it's a power line conditioner.

 

[harobikes333]

I know it's not a UPS. I was wondering if you think it is worth getting an UPS.

I read the reviews, that's why I was asking. I was just wondering if you or someone you knew had one.

--
Comparing Corsair 650 TX & 620HX.......?

What's the big difference...? Which one should I go for...?

The less expensive one looks like it is better for the fact that it has a thermally controlled 1200mm fan. but it only has a single +12v rail compaired to the other one which has three.....

--
Also, I'm going to have to either eat the 20 dollar shipping on the case ( P182) or just get a different case with free shipping. I hate paying shipping.... >_<

 

[sonnygdude]

Originally posted by: harobikes333
Thanks for the info on the ram Sonnygdude.

Is there any other cooler that you suggest/ any reason not to get an aftermarket cooler ? Like i said, I only plan on OCing a little. I'd like to keep my warranty. If not, I'll stick with that cooler. Do i need any thermal compound..?

If you're not going to be doing aggressive OC'ing you might be able to get away with just using the stock cooler. Intel lists the t-sub-j limit on that chip as 100 deg C I think, so even with the stock cooler you should be able to keep at least 30 degrees away from that. The Freezer 7 should keep you at least 5, maybe up to 10 degrees cooler

You don't need any thermal compund as long as you're only installing your HSF only once - both the stock cooler and the Freezer Pro 7 have the compound pre-applied. It's a good idea to have some around for rework though, Arctic MX-2 or Arctic Silver AS-5 should be fine.

As for monitors, also look at the BenQ 24" models, I have a G2400WD and I love it. Narrowish viewing angle like all TN panels, but very nice all the same.

As for the 650TX vs the HX620, I believe the HX620 has modular cables while the 650TX doesn't - if you want to absolutely minimize cable clutter think about the HX620. Otherwise I think they're pretty comparable, I don't think the three rails on the HX620 are truly three independent rails

I agree with you about paying shipping, but that P182 is still a pretty sweet case!

 

[aigomorla]

u guys crack me up.

The OP said no overclocking + gaming.

Originally posted by: harobikes333
1. Burning DVD's
web browsing
possibly will buy a digital video camera and will edit video ( not a high priority)
Store digital photos
will be gaming

7. I do not plan on OCing.

So tell me which intel platform NOT overclocked could keep up with a non overclocked Phenom Spider 9950? while maintaining the same budget?

ROFL... Fanism.. I swear.. Kinda sad... :T

OP, AMD looks good since your not overclocking and most intensive will be gaming.
Spider platform for the increased bandwith will be very nice.

Trust me on that, i have 3 monsters + 1 Ninja(i7) in my sig to prove my intel side, and im recomending AMD.

Your budget will hold out more, and get you better videocards on the AMD side. And also allow you phenom quadcore.

Also 4 will be better then 2 when future comes, so the phenom would hold you out longer then the wolfdale.

 

[harobikes333]

aigomorla, I read up about that:

http://www.motherboards.org/re.../hardware/1810_12.html

By the sounds of it, they didn't really think it was amazing.

Also, I thought I was going to get a dual core, not a quad core

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: harobikes333
aigomorla, I read up about that:

http://www.motherboards.org/re.../hardware/1810_12.html

By the sounds of it, they didn't really think it was amazing.

Also, I thought I was going to get a dual core, not a quad core

When it comes to gaming the phenom platform has a wider IO chanel. So in a sense its faster.

Your not overclocking here, so intel doesnt have much edge against AMD.

Im willing to bet you everyone who posted a recomendation for you to get intel is overclocked, so there picking for you out of overclocking experience.

Stock speed, the phenom is hard to beat against a stock intel. Add Xfire on the phenom and make it a spider, and Bye bye stock intel.

If you do want to get your feet wet and try overclocking, and by george, the parts you selected are good for overclocking, then no chance will the AMD have, however with overclocking comes more aggressive rules like stress testing, and aftermarket cooling.

You in a sense really need to love computers, to keep up with it.