Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: captdan on January 29, 2009, 04:25:26 PM
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hi guys i dont know alot about computers i want to play AH also flight sim x and edit some home movies i found these computers on ebay is it what i need ? thanks
http://cgi.ebay.com/Silver-Alienware-gaming-Computer-6000-3gb-250hd-9500gt_W0QQitemZ280305319963QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDesktop_PCs?hash=item280305319963&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50
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Build your own and we'll help. I'd stay away from laptops for gaming. That is just me. Laptops are more for convenience than gaming. Your needs may be different than mine though.
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getback other than a case i would not have any idea where to start
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Here's what to look for:
2 Ghz or larger dual core processor with a 1333 FSB (Front Side Bus) and at least 2 mb L2 cache. Intel's are generally better than AMD.
2 Ghz or more of DDR2 RAM. Minimum of DDR2 667 or greater.
A dedicated video card (not on-board) with at least 512 mb of memory.
Everything else is optional. If you can meet the above you will be able to play the game flawlessly at full graphic settings.
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DDR2?
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DDR2?
Yes. Dual channel memory (Double Data Rate). It will be listed like DDR2 800 DDRAM or something similar.
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thanks
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Hey dan.
Here is what you need to build the system:
1. Computer Case (Make sure it has plenty of room for air-flow.)
2. PSU (Power Supply Unit. Only if the case doesn't already have one, which I highly suggest you buy the PSU separate!)
3. Motherboard (Make sure it fits the case, your two main motherboard types are ATX and Micro-ATX. The Case technical specifications will list what type of motherboard(s) fit.)
4. Processor (Make sure it fits the motherboard's CPU socket-type. The motherboard will list what type of socket it has for a Processor, just make sure the processor you pick uses the same socket-type. Example: An Intel E8400 uses the LGA-775 socket type, the ASUS Striker II has an LGA-775 CPU Socket.)
5. Memory, otherwise known as RAM (This is the DDR2 mentioned above.)
6. Video Card (Make sure your motherboard has a slot for the card.)
7. Sound Card (While this is optional, it takes a marginal load off your processor allowing it to do other things keeping your system running smoothly.)
8. Hard Drive (If your motherboard choice supports SATA-otherwise known as Serial ATA-you should get a SATA hard-drive.)
9. CD-ROM/DVD-ROM reader/burner (This is required to install your Operating System (Windows) on to your computer. Once again, if your motherboard supports SATA, get a SATA version.)
10. Operating System Installer Disk (This is required to install your Operating System of choice. For instance, Windows.)
If you don't want to put the computer together yourself, I'm sure one of us will do it for you. (For an extra charge, of course.) This will also eliminate the need to buy your own Operating System Installer Disk reducing the overall price of your build.
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I am thinking about it you guys make it sound so easy thanks
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It is rather simple, really. It's just the nerve of knowing you're holding a LOT of money in your hands, and you don't want to break it.
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how much to build a good system? under 800?
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Everyone is getting excited. The best advise is get in touch with TILDEATH. he has built a few rigs for AH memebers and has his own shop. I do have to say his prices are great and he can build you a nice system between $700-$800. The prices from Intel have just dropped 20-40%, PSU's and especially Video cards are dirt cheap now. he willl build it, post and test it before UPS. I have seen guys thank him up and down. Besides he will get the best tchnology for the $'s you want to spend. TILDEATH owns his own computer shop and seems to be an avid overclocker. Everyone elses advise is great but when you self build you have a few things to remember. Goffing up, and RMA's in case thing s do not work. For about the same as a self build, TILDEATH will do ya up for sure. LOVE YA TILDEATH..... LOL
:aok
Capt Dan, He can build you a stellar system for $800. Definitely not top of the line but better than 90% of the guys who play aces high.
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You can build it yourself, too.
I'd never considered it till these guys got me thinking about it, and it was pretty much a breeze. I've built several now...and while there were issues to work through the guys on this board were there to help out too. Learned a lot along the way too.
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how much to build a good system? under 800?
Yes. You can build a very nice system for that price and building it isn't much harder than playing with legos or an erector set. Everything pretty much just plugs together. Will you need peripherals like a keyboard, mouse, monitor and speakers or just the box?
Expect to spend about 3 hours assembling it, another couple hours installing the operating system and any applications you're going to run and a couple more hours if you have data that you're transferring from another machine.
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Here's an estimate I just slapped together:
Computer Case: COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-WW
Price: $69.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119077
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P
Price: $134.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358
PSU: PC Power & Cooling S75CF
Price: $109.99 (Before rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341011
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale
Price: $164.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
Memory (RAM): OCZ Platinum
Price: $59.99 (Before Rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227298
Video Card: PNY VCG88512GXPB GeForce 8800GT
Price: $114.99 (Before Rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133205
Sound Card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS
Price: $74.00 (Buying Used)
URL: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0000CG4DI/ref=dp_olp_2
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda ES.2 ST3250310NS
Price: $74.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148309
CD/DVD-ROM Reader/Burner: SAMSUNG Black
Price: $27.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173
Subtotal (Before Rebates): 831.92
Yes, it's above your limit of $800. I can probably reduce the price on the sound card by picking a different one. Let me know if that's what you want.
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Here's an estimate I just slapped together:
Computer Case: COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-WW
Price: $69.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119077
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P
Price: $134.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358
PSU: PC Power & Cooling S75CF
Price: $109.99 (Before rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341011
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale
Price: $164.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
Memory (RAM): OCZ Platinum
Price: $59.99 (Before Rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227298
Video Card: PNY VCG88512GXPB GeForce 8800GT
Price: $114.99 (Before Rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133205
Sound Card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS
Price: $74.00 (Buying Used)
URL: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0000CG4DI/ref=dp_olp_2
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda ES.2 ST3250310NS
Price: $74.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148309
CD/DVD-ROM Reader/Burner: SAMSUNG Black
Price: $27.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173
Subtotal (Before Rebates): 831.92
Yes, it's above your limit of $800. I can probably reduce the price on the sound card by picking a different one. Let me know if that's what you want.
Operating System? You can get the video card down $70 (ATI 4350 and 9800GT is about same price)and the PSU down $50 easily and be sufficient($120 savings)). Reason i am saying this is I think he needs to let us know what he is using the system for. Put in operating system and he is way over budget. Does he need a monitor? Denholm, your racing. Ram is pricey too!
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Here's an estimate I just slapped together:
Computer Case: COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-WW
Price: $69.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119077
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P
Price: $134.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358
PSU: PC Power & Cooling S75CF
Price: $109.99 (Before rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341011
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale
Price: $164.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
Memory (RAM): OCZ Platinum
Price: $59.99 (Before Rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227298
Video Card: PNY VCG88512GXPB GeForce 8800GT
Price: $114.99 (Before Rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133205
Sound Card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS
Price: $74.00 (Buying Used)
URL: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0000CG4DI/ref=dp_olp_2
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda ES.2 ST3250310NS
Price: $74.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148309
CD/DVD-ROM Reader/Burner: SAMSUNG Black
Price: $27.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173
Subtotal (Before Rebates): 831.92
Yes, it's above your limit of $800. I can probably reduce the price on the sound card by picking a different one. Let me know if that's what you want.
Shipping will add about $30-50 to that order as well.
I'd try and save money on a cheaper case (some good ones can be had for $35). You should be able to find some G.Skill 2x2gb DDR2 800 stuff for about $40 w/ no rebates. I'd opt for a non-NS seagate drive in favor of a larger quantity. If I was designing a back-up server which ran RAID arrays, I'd use the NS. Otherwise, the AS will do just fine IMO.
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wow thanks guys this sound like fun i need the computer to run AH, flight simx and edit home movies
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Denholm, you are doing all this work! and its overbudget by far. Get him to Tildeath! CAPTDAN, will you need a monitor too?
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no
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I am thinking about it you guys make it sound so easy thanks
Just like legos. Only you get to turn it on when you're done.
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This is over your budget but it's a very very nice rig. Probably close to what I might build if I were doing it now (although I'd step up the video card to a 9800 GTX+ and probably the motherboard to a 750i chipset):
Update RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WB Black 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case - Retail
Model #:ATX-612WB
Item #:N82E16811156063
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$89.99 -$10.00 Instant $79.99
Update GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #:GA-EP45-UD3R
Item #:N82E16813128359
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$119.99 $119.99
Update EVGA 512-P3-N975-AR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #:512-P3-N975-AR
Item #:N82E16814130380
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$129.99 $129.99
Update PC Power & Cooling S61EPS 610W Continuous @ 40°C EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
Model #:S61EPS
Item #:N82E16817703005
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$199.99 -$105.00 Instant $94.99
Update Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail
Model #:BX80570E8400
Item #:N82E16819115037
Return Policy:Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
In Stock
$164.99 $164.99
Update Kingston HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KHX8500D2K2/2GNR - Retail
Model #:KHX8500D2K2/2GNR
Item #:N82E16820104044
Return Policy:Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$31.99 $31.99
Update Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #:ST3250410AS
Item #:N82E16822148262
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$54.99 $54.99
Update SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q - OEM
Model #:SH-S223Q
Item #:N82E16827151173
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$27.99 $27.99
Update Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail
Model #:70SB073A00000
Item #:N82E16829102006
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$90.99 $90.99
Update Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3 for System Builders - OEM
Model #:E85-05683
Item #:N82E16832116515
Return Policy:Software Return Policy
In Stock
$139.99 -$5.00 Instant $134.99
Subtotal: $930.90
There are $65 in mail-in rebates that would help offset shipping so this total would be close all-in.
If you want to cut the price you could easily save $30 on the case (there are a lot of good cases in the $50 range), $20 on the power supply (there's a $35 mail in rebate on this one which is a great deal on this PSU and this isn't an area to skimp), $50 on the operating system (getting XP Home) and $90 on the sound card (going with on-board sound) for a total price drop of $190 bringing the total to $740 plus shipping minus mail-in rebates (probably $800 all-in).
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First question that needs to be answered before getting anywhere thinking about parts is. How much are you looking to spend.
What is the hard line number.
Then subtract between $130 and $140 for the OS
Whatever number you end up with is what you have left to build your machine with.
After that. its a matter of matching the right combination of parts for the cost.
But dont even think about parts before you have an idea of how much your looking to spend at the most. (odds are you will reach it with the "but for a couple bucks more I can have this part instead)
But you will receive excellent advise here
Most of the time LOL
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TY DRED. Could not have been said better! That Wolfdale is sure priced nice! Here kitty kitty!
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This is over your budget but it's a very very nice rig. Probably close to what I might build if I were doing it now (although I'd step up the video card to a 9800 GTX+ and probably the motherboard to a 750i chipset):
Update RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WB Black 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case - Retail
Model #:ATX-612WB
Item #:N82E16811156063
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$89.99 -$10.00 Instant $79.99
Update GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #:GA-EP45-UD3R
Item #:N82E16813128359
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$119.99 $119.99
Update EVGA 512-P3-N975-AR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #:512-P3-N975-AR
Item #:N82E16814130380
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$129.99 $129.99
Update PC Power & Cooling S61EPS 610W Continuous @ 40°C EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
Model #:S61EPS
Item #:N82E16817703005
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$199.99 -$105.00 Instant $94.99
Update Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail
Model #:BX80570E8400
Item #:N82E16819115037
Return Policy:Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
In Stock
$164.99 $164.99
Update Kingston HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KHX8500D2K2/2GNR - Retail
Model #:KHX8500D2K2/2GNR
Item #:N82E16820104044
Return Policy:Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$31.99 $31.99
Update Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #:ST3250410AS
Item #:N82E16822148262
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$54.99 $54.99
Update SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q - OEM
Model #:SH-S223Q
Item #:N82E16827151173
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
$27.99 $27.99
Update Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail
Model #:70SB073A00000
Item #:N82E16829102006
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$90.99 $90.99
Update Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3 for System Builders - OEM
Model #:E85-05683
Item #:N82E16832116515
Return Policy:Software Return Policy
In Stock
$139.99 -$5.00 Instant $134.99
Subtotal: $930.90
There are $65 in mail-in rebates that would help offset shipping so this total would be close all-in.
If you want to cut the price you could easily save $30 on the case (there are a lot of good cases in the $50 range), $20 on the power supply (there's a $35 mail in rebate on this one which is a great deal on this PSU and this isn't an area to skimp), $50 on the operating system (getting XP Home) and $90 on the sound card (going with on-board sound) for a total price drop of $190 bringing the total to $740 plus shipping minus mail-in rebates (probably $800 all-in).
Can also save on Video Card $60 with ATI 4350. That would bring it down to $680... Nice!
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Operating System?...
Didn't include it as it seemed he was leaning towards the, "I'll let one of you build it" side. ;)
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I cannot argue with DrDeath here. However, I really like the Antec 900 case.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021
It does add some cost. The thing about it is that the front panel, usb and front jacks, and on/off switch sit on top. If you computer sits on the floor that is awfully nice.
I looked at DrDeath's case and it looks great and is very inexpensive. I think $65 after rebate.
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Didn't include it as it seemed he was leaning towards the, "I'll let one of you build it" side. ;)
So you're willing to give up the licence to your OS?
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Didn't think about that. :rolleyes: Here's the updated estimate (changed out the hard-drive):
Computer Case: COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-WW
Price: $69.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119077
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P
Price: $134.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358
PSU: PC Power & Cooling S75CF
Price: $109.99 (Before rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341011
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale
Price: $164.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
Memory (RAM): OCZ Platinum
Price: $59.99 (Before Rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227298
Video Card: PNY VCG88512GXPB GeForce 8800GT
Price: $114.99 (Before Rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133205
Sound Card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS
Price: $74.00 (Buying Used)
URL: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0000CG4DI/ref=dp_olp_2
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS
Price: $64.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148288
CD/DVD-ROM Reader/Burner: SAMSUNG Black
Price: $27.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3
Price: $134.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116515
Subtotal (Before rebates): 956.91
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Didn't think about that. :rolleyes: Here's the updated estimate (changed out the hard-drive):
Computer Case: COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-WW
Price: $69.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119077
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P
Price: $134.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358
PSU: PC Power & Cooling S75CF
Price: $109.99 (Before rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341011
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale
Price: $164.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
Memory (RAM): OCZ Platinum
Price: $59.99 (Before Rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227298
Video Card: PNY VCG88512GXPB GeForce 8800GT
Price: $114.99 (Before Rebate)
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133205
Sound Card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS
Price: $74.00 (Buying Used)
URL: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0000CG4DI/ref=dp_olp_2
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS
Price: $64.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148288
CD/DVD-ROM Reader/Burner: SAMSUNG Black
Price: $27.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151173
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3
Price: $134.99
URL: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116515
Subtotal (Before rebates): 956.91
Den... were over budget! All ya have to do is get the video card down to a 9400GT on sale at Fry's for $50 or a ATI 4350, get the ram down a bit with 800 and who needs a $120 cooling system. This guy probably will not overclock(total of APPR. $150 savings). Bingo!!!! Right at $800 and still a stout system.
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Den... were over budget! All ya have to do is get the video card down to a 9400GT on sale at Fry's for $50 or a ATI 4350, get the ram down a bit with 800 and who needs a $120 cooling system. This guy probably will not overclock(total of APPR. $150 savings). Bingo!!!! Right at $800 and still a stout system.
There is no mention of a cooling system the part that says PC Power & Cooling if you notice is beside the words PSU (Power Supply Unit).
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I have been wanting a new system as well but not sure now is a good time.
With the E8700 coming out and Intel cutting prices pretty sure we will see a price
cut on the E8400 and 8500. Doubt they drop the 8600 more than $20 or $30
dollors. Would most of you wait a week or two and see what is going to happen?
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You won't break anything Captdan. Just take your time. Wasn't it Baldeagle that studied the components and the process of building a machine for 3 months prior to actually building one?
Most errors are the simple result of not getting the connections in completely. What took the longest for me was getting the fan on correctly. That was because I put the fan on after I put the mainboard in the case and it was a big heatsink and fan.
I never saw the budget amount. I looked through the thread a couple of times. Over lightly though.
What you can do to cut costs is skip the sound card until later and use Windows XP home. That will save you about $130. Yeah I know xp pro is better but I play with XP home. Seems to do well. Also a sound card is better but you can get by with on board sound for a while as long as you keep your system clean of any junk. The E8400 can handle it.
Here's a quick overview on how to build:
1. Assemble the mainboard. Insert your CPU, heatsink and fan. Insert your ram. Both the CPU and ram only go in one way. The CPU should literally drop in.
2. Put in your Power supply.
3. Some cases have modules that pop out for the hard drives and DVD Roms. If not put these in next. If so then you can put your mainboard in next.
4.Once the mainboard is in connect the Power supply cables to the fans, drives, and of course the mainboard.
5.Then put in your video card and sound card. Now this can be done intermittently with step 4 depending on convenience of cable but definitely hook up your mainbard first. Otherwise you may have trouble getting to the connections.
6. Put your operating system in the DVD drive and turn it on. Oh, make sure in the bios, (see instructions for that) that you have it boot from the CD/DVD drive first.
I may have left off a couple of minor steps but this is about it. Hopefully others will fill in the blanks.
Addendum: Don't be fooled by the 6 steps. It takes time to hook up all the cables and get the components in correctly. Just take a break every now and then. It will probably take you all day or longer.
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There is no mention of a cooling system the part that says PC Power & Cooling if you notice is beside the words PSU (Power Supply Unit).
Nice catch outbreak. Just read the PC power and cooling. Sometimes I fall into the trap but lately have been better. My apologies Denholm on the Cooling! But you can definitely save $50 there. There are great deals on decent PSU's for around $60.
:noid
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That PSU is $70 after the rebate.....
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I have been wanting a new system as well but not sure now is a good time.
With the E8700 coming out and Intel cutting prices pretty sure we will see a price
cut on the E8400 and 8500. Doubt they drop the 8600 more than $20 or $30
dollors. Would most of you wait a week or two and see what is going to happen?
I think it's Fulmer who said the Intel lowers prices in January and June (?). They just dropped pricing on several CPU's (mostly quad cores) so if that's correct I wouldn't expect another drop for several months.
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No word yet on a release date or expected price point, though don't be surprised to find another round of Core 2 Duo price cuts when the E8700 makes its debut.
Hoping it happens soon.
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I think it's Fulmer who said the Intel lowers prices in January and June (?). They just dropped pricing on several CPU's (mostly quad cores) so if that's correct I wouldn't expect another drop for several months.
The price drop traditionally over many years is in direct response to AMD's releases although Intel says they are not. They us fooling you if we buy into this rhetoric. A week or so after the Phenom II release, Intel dropped the prices pretty much because the Phenom 940 matched up with the Q9400. Most lower end Intel processors dropped almost 40% while the Entry level i7 920 is priced at around $300(Rumor has it will drop to about $240). I believe the E8400 Wolfdale is priced at $165(Smokin deal!).
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There is no mention of a cooling system the part that says PC Power & Cooling if you notice is beside the words PSU (Power Supply Unit).
Heat sink and fan come with the chip. It's not great but it works.
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captdan:
be sure to budget for WinXP Pro....$139
I built my 1st rig a year ago. It's really pretty simple. Configuring the components will take you 2 hrs +/- Installing OS and initial set-up will be another hr.
If you do decide to build, as others have said, consider the Antec 900. It's roomy, great air flow and the flex-bay system makes it a breeze when it comes to mounting hard drives, DVD-CD burners, etc.
Post any questions here...plenty of folks ready to help you.
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captdan:
be sure to budget for WinXP Pro....$139
I built my 1st rig a year ago. It's really pretty simple. Configuring the components will take you 2 hrs +/- Installing OS and initial set-up will be another hr.
If you do decide to build, as others have said, consider the Antec 900. It's roomy, great air flow and the flex-bay system makes it a breeze when it comes to mounting hard drives, DVD-CD burners, etc.
Post any questions here...plenty of folks ready to help you.
Would not recommend Antec 900. My GTX280 barely fits but I have a lot of accessories in the front. (CD/DVD/Liquid cooled and 2 Hardrives)/ I would think someone makes a little deeper case?
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Would not recommend Antec 900. My GTX280 barely fits but I have a lot of accessories in the front. (CD/DVD/Liquid cooled and 2 Hardrives)/ I would think someone makes a little deeper case?
Airflow Airflow Airflow... even if your using liquid your still not liquid cooling your MB (although Koollance does make a MB liquid cooler), HD (in most cases) Memory (again in most cases). You have to have airflow for a systems life span esp if your overclocking.
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I have been wanting a new system as well but not sure now is a good time.
With the E8700 coming out and Intel cutting prices pretty sure we will see a price
cut on the E8400 and 8500. Doubt they drop the 8600 more than $20 or $30
dollors. Would most of you wait a week or two and see what is going to happen?
Price drops now will be monies to the stores (rebates but not for the consumer) The next big price drop will be when the i5's are released sometime in the 3rd quarter of the year.
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Airflow Airflow Airflow... even if your using liquid your still not liquid cooling your MB (although Koollance does make a MB liquid cooler), HD (in most cases) Memory (again in most cases). You have to have airflow for a systems life span esp if your overclocking.
Tildeath that wasn't the point. I bought the 900 for airflow, but if you read my response my accessories inside is a tight fit. The radiator best fits in center and gets max airflow to cool it. It is a real tight fit with my GTX280(which I put in 1st 16X slot for airflow) and I think the 9800GTX measures the same size. This was not any kind of response to not get the Antec 900 besause of air flow(have no idea where you got that). I again would not recommend the 900 if you intend to put a lot of hardware in the front of the case. The video card can be a tight fit. If you purchase a deeper case with proper fans you will probably get better airflow than the Antec 900. If there was anything I would have done differently when I built my computer, It would be a different case.
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Price drops now will be monies to the stores (rebates but not for the consumer) The next big price drop will be when the i5's are released sometime in the 3rd quarter of the year.
Wait till AMD releases socket AM3+. Intel will lower prices some more, expecially if sales remain stagnant.. They are due to release within the next few months unless they pushed any of the dates back. The first are due Feburary and there are more releases though June. You will also most likely see the mobos that support i7 come down if the Socket AM3+ benchmark well.
Mrex, the E8400 Wofdale is $165. That is an incredible price for that processor.
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boy i have learned alot with this post i had a old dell [family computer] i could run AH at about 40% my then my daughter started going on barbie,webkins ? etc i dont know what happend now i cant fly even with the graphics all the way down. thats why daddy needs his own computer i set my price range up to $1000
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Given the price cuts in CPU's and vid cards (Geforce 9800 GT 512 @ $129...half of what it was a year ago) you can build a very good rig for $1K
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Once again, budgeting in the Operating System (Which I failed to do in my first estimate). :uhoh
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boy i have learned alot with this post i had a old dell [family computer] i could run AH at about 40% my then my daughter started going on barbie,webkins ? etc i dont know what happend now i cant fly even with the graphics all the way down. thats why daddy needs his own computer i set my price range up to $1000
Well get over to newegg and start shopping! When you've got your parts list completed bring it back here for scrutiny and we'll help you make the final tweaks to get the most out of your new rig.
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I would wait 60 days. AMD is about to release Socket AM+3. When they do, the i7 series (mainly 720) and supporting motherboards may drop in price. It would be dandy to build a i7 720 for maybe a tad more than you will build a E8400. If there is just a small difference it may be worth the wait. Currently the E8400 is $165. The i7 720 can be bought for $240 which is $85 more but you will have to invest in a more expensive supporting motherboard and DDR3. I don't see it being close to the price quotes on the rigs in this thread but you may see more drops in all Intel products after the release.
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I would wait 60 days. AMD is about to release Socket AM+3. When they do, the i7 series (mainly 720) and supporting motherboards may drop in price. It would be dandy to build a i7 720 for maybe a tad more than you will build a E8400. If there is just a small difference it may be worth the wait. Currently the E8400 is $165. The i7 720 can be bought for $240 which is $85 more but you will have to invest in a more expensive supporting motherboard and DDR3. I don't see it being close to the price quotes on the rigs in this thread but you may see more drops in all Intel products after the release.
There is no 720 i7 processor. There is a 920 and they can be had for 230.00 (nor distributor prices) the E8400 can be had for 140.00 (not distributor prices). The i7 will not drop in price. Intel drops prices two times a year at most. Vendors may get rebates to them from Intel and pass the savings onto the consumer at their discretion. The next price drop for Intel will most likely be when they release i5 processors (sometime in the 3rd quarter if they name them i5) which will be in line with AMD pricing but out perform them. Not all processors across the board get price drops with Intel only a select few. I would not expect to see the 920 drop anymore then it is at now. Motherboard maybe a different story, a few new boards are slated for release, but again, the pricing will remain stable on the current boards. The best entry level X58 board out there is the P6T from ASUS (249.99). It has almost unlimited overclocking, the native memory is 2000, 1866, 1800, 1600, 1333 and 1066. I have this board with a 920 at 4.4 and some special OCZ memory running at 2800MHz 24/7 on the P6T. THis is not the Deluxe board just P6T the P6T Deluxe wont do what this board does. If you choose to go SLI with this board and using the NVIDIA (any flavor GPU) you have to get the drivers from nvidia.com. The drivers on the GPU disk will not work to make the SLI available. Same thing for most of the x58 chipset motherboards and using nvidia graphics cards. Just a suggestion to the poster if your going to go i7
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Captdan, what have you come up with? We need to scrutinize something. Best wishes on your choices. :salute