Suggestions for building a $1000 PC - From Scratch w/OS

[trexmgd]

First off, let me thank you for taking the time to look at yet another one of these threads.
Unlike many of these posts, I've actually taken the time to read the guidelines and system builder's posts and will do my best to comply.

My current PC is in my sig and I'm not using any of it... getting a reformat and handed down to the kids.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. Though I still occasionally game (FPS at that), I'd like to build a media center style PC. That means lots of storage and still want a quality video card

2. What YOUR budget is. I'm going to target $1000, so after shipping and the new, higher CA tax, I hover around the $1200 mark. If this is unreasonable, please tell me.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from. I'm in the USA, and will most likely buy from here, but a good seller with a compatible product in another country isn't out of the question

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc, etc, etc, you get the picture.I've been out of the game too long to have any allegiances. I've only built AMD systems in the past, but my readings suggest Intel has the market now.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.I'm handing my current PC down, so I'll need it all except a monitor - I'm using a Sony 55" HDTV (KDS50A2000) through an dvi to hdmi connection.

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.The sticky threads, MaximumPC's best article, Anandtech articles, and a few other build threads

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.I'll overclock an easy and well known overclocker, but don't have me getting a watercooler, user created BIOS's, and having to jump through 100 other hoops - LOL

8. WHEN do you plan to build it? In the next month

Other notes - I'd prefer not to have a Loud, Monster sized case. I used be a RAID 0 fanboy, but I'll stay away from that after some of the issues it's caused me. The SSD drives do intrigue me and I'd consider one for the OS. Wireless keyboard and mouse prefered.
I use my current PC to playback movies via the DVD drive or downloaded stuff off my HD. I've toyed with the idea of building a true media/DVR PC, but am not sure I need to allocate my money in that direction because my monitor is a HDTV that is connected to a FIOS tuner/DVR. Also in the mix is my XBOX360. Any thoughts here are appreciated.
OS is needed for build

 

[cparker]

From what you describe you should do just fine with a low end or budget amd build with amd integrated graphics. This, for a basic pc (see the recent AT "budget" system guide) should cost you no more than 600 dollars or so. A more expensive, more powerful system would most likely be overkill and would be wasted on what your real needs are.

Also, have you thought of building a windows home server box for file storage and backup? It looks like you could put together a great system consisting of your new pc and a home server with 3 or more terrabytes of storage and stay within your budget.

 

[trexmgd]

OK, you have my attention with the home server storage box... I'll start looking for more info on how to go about this.

Now in the past, the words "integrated graphics" were a serious no-no. I do still play some FPS and some RPGs and have a 1080p "monitor" to take advantage of. On that note, does Vista do any better with fonts/icons etc if you crank up the resolution?

 

[heyheybooboo]

Go to New Egg and subscribe to *Exclusive Deals* *e-Blast* ...etc

You just missed this this external enclosure for $50 off and free shipping.

I got 2 of them and plan to test this week the claim that the port multiplier function will work off the AMD sb700 (and sb750) eSATA connection.

Silverstone Steel LC13B-E ATX Media Center / HTPC Case that works out to $100 after rebates and shipping ($22). They've changed the internal configuration so to install a monster vid card (beyond 9.5 or so inches) you will have to remove the center drive bay. You'll get the Wifey Seal of Approval for a clean looking component rack - be warned, it's a deep case but will look mahhhvelous.

Will you be converting/encoding video ??

 

[trexmgd]

I do convert/encode video every so often, usually to make up custom DVDs for the kids.

I like the idea of that Silverstone case... last time I looked at them they were WAY more $$.

I'd say networking is my weakness, but I'm still reading up on the WHS boxes. I kinda like the idea one guy had to have the box also be his go to for iTunes, uTorrent, etc.

If I build a WHS box AND a new PC... how could I easily switch between both for Input/Output? I already have an idea for video output: my TV has a PC "IN" that I don't use because of resolution limitations... How about input for a wireless keyboard/mouse?

 

[trexmgd]

I'm not finding the "AT Budget System Guide" cparker referenced.

 

[heyheybooboo]

Is this your 'idiot box' ?

If you have a receiver we will need to know your make and model.

A quick look - ** HDMI? Connection(s) (Total) : 2 (Rear) ** generally means you may connect your cable and your PC via HDMI. The question then becomes a matter of finding you a receiver for ALL your inputs OR of passing your audio from the TV (via the Digital Optical Output) to your receiver (and doing the same - passing audio from the PC to the receiver).

BluRay players for the PC are less than $100 these days - BluRay *Burners* less than $200. Is this of interest?

MS Vista for the most part does a good job of 'scaling' icons and text for higher resolutions but is BROKEN (yes, I have problems) for media. The Windows 7 Release Candidate is much improved and FREE until it times out - then you will have to purchase your copy.

With a little more information we should be good to recommend some hardware for you. A 'Black Edition' processor from AMD may be overclocked by simply changing the cpu multiplier.

The 'bang for the buck' (for use with a discreet video card) is the Phenom 720BE / Asus 770 AM3 for $200. Lookee at the Phenom 720BE / Asus 790gx AM3 at the $250 range. The 790gx has onboard video which will off-load h.264 processing from the cpu AND gives you the possibility of running two 'Crossfire' discreet video cards for your gaming.

If a quad core cpu is more to your liking the PhII 940BE / Asus 780g combo is an excellent combination but you lose the Crossfire potential.

Are you up to speed on AM2+ versus AM3 ??

 

[trexmgd]

Yep, that's my TV/Monitor. I currently use 1 HDMI for my computer (DVI) and 1 from my FIOS box. The XBOX got bumped to Y/Pb/Pr component. There is a PC VGA connection too, but the resolution is limited. I do not currently have a receiver, but when I do, it will have multi HDMI inputs to take care of this issue.

Though I wasn't planning on Blu-Ray, those price points could bring it into play... I don't rent/buy DVDs much anymore as I find myself doing more PPV. I'd say put it on hold for now and see if I can squeeze it in at the end for fun.

Re: OC w/unlocked multipliers, no problem
Re: OS - Should I go all the way back to XP Media Center? Or, do I build a system off Win7, knowing that by March 2010, I had better buy it?

:bag: Re: AM2+ vs AM3 I'm so out of the loop it isn't even funny... That's why I'm the mercy of the AT community to help me through this.

 

[cparker]

For the "guide" just go to the main AT page and click on "guides". The first guide that shows up is "system buyer's guide" for systems under 825 dollars. That's the one.

As to the OS, I would definitely download both 32 bit and 64 bit ISO images of windows 7 from MS and get the license keys right away, just in case they close the downloads sometime. You can burn them to dvds by using "active iso burner", at least that's how I did it. It's free.

The current state of integrated graphics on the AMD side is very good. You might want to read about it, as it might take care of all or most of your needs. I can't comment on games and the graphics cards, except I read that there are great graphics cards out there for 100 dollars or so, but I would think, why not try to use integrated graphics first, in case it's adequate, unless there is some feature on the graphics cards that's compelling.

As to the windows home server, I just built one myself and am blown away by how userful and elegantly it works. To read more about it you might go to newegg's site, look up "windows home server" and read the reviews. My configuration was a foxconn board (for 40 dollars after rebate), a single core AMD cpu (le-1620), 2 gb of ram, an Antec earthwatts 380 watt PS, case I had lying around, and 3 wd drives (a 640 gb "blue", two 1 terrabyte greens). If you add everything up and include a new case/ps it should total out to less than $500 including 90 dollars for the operating system. I also picked up cat 6 cables, a few 10 dollar gigabit nics for my older computers, and a gigabit network switch for the network. You should be able to keep all your multimedia files on the server and access them from all your pcs (windows xp or later) and have them integrated with windows media center as well. I haven't done that yet, but I'm planning on getting all my old vcr tapes digitized and placed on the server. Also the server automatical does image back ups on all the pcs connected to it.

hope this helps.

 

[trexmgd]

OK, Win 7 32bit & 64 bit downloaded with keys

 

[cparker]

Great! You're good for a year on those before they expire.

 

[trexmgd]

Seeing that LG Blu-Ray that does it all (except burn BR) for $100 makes me have to have it - LOL

 

[M0RPH]

You're better off getting a Dell Inspiron or Vostro slim desktop. They are small, quiet and look terrific. Much better than any of these htpc cases that cost $100+. That Silverstone case is a behemoth, just a big ole tower case on its side.

For example you can get a nicely specced C2D Vostro slim right now for ~$450 with the 35% off coupon. Don't upgrade memory or hard drive through Dell, do that yourself after you get it. Of course that comes with an OS. You'll have a hard time building a similar system with an OS for that money.

And you can get some pretty good low-profile video cards if you still want to do the gaming.

 

[trexmgd]

TTT

 

[cparker]

So what did you decide to do?

 

[trexmgd]

Originally posted by: cparker
So what did you decide to do?

Thanks for checking in with me...

I like the WHM server idea but I still want a new, capable video/gaming rig. I've read the AT article and another at Legion and am still trying to catch up on the latest technologies.

I'm hoping for more input from AT members because a current recommendations are always better than an article that was published several months ago.

So please, lets hear 'em!

 

[cparker]

Good enough! I don't think I have anything to add to what I've said before. Good luck with your build(s).

 

[DataCabbitKSW]

Trexmgd,
While that software will last you a good bit (the WIndows 7 RC), do be careful as it _WILL_ eventually time out. The official dead date on it is June 1st of 2010. However, it will start rebooting on you every 2 hours starting on March 1st, 2010. So you have until March to evaluate it, kick the tires, and whatever else. Still this takes some pressure off the cost of the machine up front. Then you can purcahse the full OS at a later date. Despite the limitations it is still very handy. If you run into problems with the installation or getting it running well, you can try posting your questions over to the official Windows 7 RC Support Forum located here:
http://tinyurl.com/9fhdl5
They are pretty quick to respond to any postings, and it is staffed by Microsoft developers and engineers.

 

[trexmgd]

Thanks for the tip! I also worried about running into capability issues - I'm leaning towards the Phenom 720BE/ASUS 790gx AM3 combo and one of the first reviews I read said they had issues with Win 7. I'd hate to buy Vista, only to then pay again for Win7.

 

[trexmgd]

If I snag Phenom 720BE/ ASUS 790gx AM3 combo
, what should I look for in a Power Supply?

 

[jae]

What kind of psu do you have now?

 

[trexmgd]

None... this is build from scratch... I notice Asus talks about 8+1 or 8+2 power for the board.