Planning to build a new computer

[imported_Canis Lupus]

1. PC will be used mainly for gaming.

2. Budget is 1200-1500 dollars.

3. Buying parts from USA.

4. No brand preferences.

5. I do not plan to use any old parts; I will be building this computer entirely from scratch.

6. I have read plenty of other threads on this subject.

7. I do not plan to overclock.

8. Planning to build this within the next couple of weeks.

I am planning to buy the following parts:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail 179.99

CPU Cooler: XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail 36.99


Video Card: SAPPHIRE 100242L Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail 174.99

Video Card Cooler: ARCTIC COOLING ACCELS1 Rev 2 VGA Cooler - Retail 29.99

RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail 84.99

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail 107.99

Case: Antec P182 Gun Metal Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail 149.99

Power Supply: Corsair 520W SLI Certified Modular ATX Power Supply - CMPSU-520HX 84.99


Hard Drive: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD502lJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM 74.99

Optical Drive: LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-06 - Retail 33.99

OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD - OEM 109.99

Monitor: Acer AL2216Wbd Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor with HDCP support - Retail 229.99

Speakers: Logitech X-240 25 Watts 2.1 Speaker - Retail 35.99

Mouse: Logitech MX518 2-Tone 8 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB + PS/2 Wired Optical Gaming-Grade Mouse - Retail 39.99

Keyboard: Logitech Media Black PS/2 Wired Standard Keyboard - Retail 14.99

Extra Case Fan: Scythe S-FLEX SFF21D 120mm Case Fan - Retail 12.99

Combo deal: (CPU and Video Card together = -20.00) = -40.00$

Grand Total: 1,381$

Some miscellaneous thoughts\concerns:

1. I am a first time PC builder and have absolutely no prior experience with building or upgrading computers.

2. This PC will be located in a dorm room with out air conditioning, so I am very concerned about keeping all the components adequately cool and stable. This is why I am thinking about upgrading the stock coolers on the CPU, video card, and adding an extra case fan. Is this really necessary?

3. I also plan to buy an anti-static wrist strap and thermal paste. I already have screw drivers, flashlights, and some other basic tools. Is there anything else that I need to buy such as extra SATA cables?

I would greatly appreciate any advice or critiques on this build and thanks for taking the time to read my post!

 

[Ariste]

Everything there looks pretty solid to me. You could probably throw in a WD 6400AAKS for an extra $30 - it would be faster and provide much more storage.

As far as temperatures - if you're not overclocking, I don't think they'll be a big problem. Then again, I don't have any experience running a computer in a non-air-conditioned dorm. How hot does it get during the year?

 

[MarcVenice]

Drop the AC7 pro, it's a good cooler, but only for 20$. For $32 you'd better get this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835233003

The PSU, I'm not sure how good the NEO is. You need 500w at most, you could get something like this: http://www.buy.com/retail/user...x&qxt=home&display=col How much of a must is modular cabling though? This would be a good PSU as well: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817139005 For $100 you can also get the 750tx. Most are overkill for your rig though.

Case is nice, got one myself, 150$ might be a little steep though. It sure is quiet, and cools decently. With regards to the PSU, you can get a 'decent' combo on a case + PSU here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817371009 Paired with the antec 900 it ain't that expensive. The antec 900 cools pretty good too, but will be louder.

HDD, at 250gb you don't get a lot of GB's for each dollar, the money is at 500gb or more. I'd spend a few bucks more and get this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822152098

One extra case fan is probably a good idea, I'd place it in the upper HDD area, so it can blow cool air over your motherboard/videocard. No need to replace the antec tricools though, they are pretty decent fans allready.

All in all the build looks pretty good 🙂

 

[imported_Canis Lupus]

Thanks for the reply Ariste, I think I will upgrade the hard drive as you suggested.

With regards to the temperatures, I am not entirely sure how hot it will be in my dorm room. But I guess that it might get up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (outside) during the summer months.

 

[imported_Canis Lupus]

Thanks for the advice Marc, I think adding a modular power supply is a good idea

 

[DSF]

Ah, the days of dorm rooms with no air conditioning. I remember them (not so) fondly. If you set up a fan in your window and leave your door open, it's really not so bad though. As Marc said (well he didn't really say it, but I'm going to add a couple words onto his sentence) the only reason to replace the Tri-Cools would be if they're too loud for your taste.

Buying thermal paste isn't really necessary. Your heatsink, whichever one you choose, will come with some. It's not a bad thing to have on hand for the occasions you do need it though.

As far as the actual building part, do you have any friends with some experience who could look over your shoulder? It's really not difficult to do, but it doesn't hurt to have a little guidance. There's a stick with a link to a build guide, and there are plenty available just by googling. My cliffs-notes version is in this thread:
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2209626&enterthread=y
I wouldn't use that as your only source of info though, as other guides will be more in-depth, with pictures and such.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

if you're not overclocking, temps are not going to be a problem so don't worry about that.

 

[imported_Canis Lupus]

Thanks to everyone for all the help!