Got Ok For New System

[ImADot]

Don't flame me for asking...don't want to wade through old posts (tech changes too fast).

I got the from the missus to spend up to $1500 on parts for a new PC.  I will need everything from the case to all the goodies inside.  I've already got all the CH USB gear, and will be springing for a 24" widescreen - prolly be getting TrackIR Pro too.  I also do lots of Photoshop stuff and just started making movies (AH2 movies of course).

Hit me with the list.  Sounds like you guys know your stuff - I trust ya. 

[Getback]

Start with Intel E8500. I really like my abit board but there are a bunch out there. And you can't go wrong with a PC Power and Cooling power supply.

[Fulmar]

Well if he does lots of photoshop and some movie making, I'd opt for the quad-core over a dual-core.  I've got free time now so I'll see what I can do on Newegg.

[wrag]

The BenQ 24" is NICE IMHO.

I have the...

http://www.benq.us/products/LCD/?product=785

and no ghosting at 1920 x 1080.

Using a DVI cable here as well.

As to a case, this is a VERY NICE case

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/511

and so is this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133143

Guess it depends on how much you want to spend?

[drdeathx]

If you do a lot of movies,video and 3D, I recommend a quad core processor(quad cores are supposed to be better for 3D, video and movies). These guys will rip me for suggesting this. Aces High will play way above the average with either Intel or AMD's quad cores.

Intel is the best for gaming by far. The E8500(Duo core) is used by a lot of gamers for around $200 and can easily be overclocked in the mid 3's(G). Priced nicely.


Did a quick search check this link:

http://shopping.yahoo.com/s:Processors%20and%20Upgrades:4168-Brand=Intel:1600-Processor%20Type=Core%202%20Duo:4150-Clock%20Speed=2.800_3.330;_ylt=Ak3vdAhBMAVbdSD6p3GxDMNkicAF?y=g


Now bear with me for 1 moment. I have a AMD 9850 black edition. Rated good for AMD's first shot at quad core. Factory clocked at 2.5 g and can be overclocked to 2.8-3.0. I haven't had any problems. I run a MSI k9A2 motherboard but ASUS MVP dleuxe is also a nice board for the processor and the money.


The AMD 9950 is out and factory clocks at 2.6 g and can easily overclock to 3.0 g. Only about $185


check this link:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103291

I feel AMD is priced right and but the q6660 got a nice rating and is priced nicely too. Do a google search and compare. Intel has more new quad cores out but a bit pricey. All I am saying the AMD 9850 and 9950 are awesome and Aces High will play great with either.


The other guys will make good suggestions too! MrRip, Challenge, Flotsom and especially Skuzzy will make maybe better suggestions than me. This was my 1st computer build and I am very happy for the money and did some research at the time. I can also give you real good feedback on the latest video cards if you need that too.

As for Intel Motherboards may be the other guys can suggest good ones as I did not do any research on mb's for Intel.


Death

[BaldEagl]

Does the $1500 include the monitor or not?  Will you also need things like a keyboard, mouse, speakers?  If so what all will you re-use from your old system or parts drawer?

What else will you do with the system beside play AH?

[Fulmar]

Now before I get into this, this was actually harder than I thought since we're starting completely from scratch and I didn't want to skimp on some parts, on other areas I did.  Now I went with a quad core since you said you did some Photoshopping and movie editing.  The quads will clock slower than their dual core brothers (at the same price point), but will shine more in multimedia applications than games.  If you're more serious in gaming, I'd opt for the faster clock speeds of the dual cores as they do better for games for the money.

To keep the price down, I skimped on the case/accessories rather than the guts of the PC.  A lot of the parts I selected I went with the best rating customers offered on Newegg, rather than researching benchmarks or official reviews (for time reasons).

Alas, I'm eager to see what other people post with their setups.  There are a lot of options out there, so remember there can be several brands/models of a part that you can interchange w/ anyone's recommendaiton.  Anyways, here's what I did in about 30 minutes.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 Yorkfield 2.5GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80580Q9300 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115043
$249.99

ASUS P5Q Pro LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131299
$119.99 - $15 MIR = $104.99

SAPPHIRE 100242L Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102747
$164.99 - $20 MIR = $144.99

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122
$54.99

Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148288
$69.99

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102006
$85.99

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model DH-20A4P-04 - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106228
$21.99

Acer P243WAid Black-Silver 24" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor with HDCP Support - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009125
$339.99

PC Power & Cooling S61EPS 610W Continuous @ 40°C EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703005
$109.99 - $30 MIR = $79.99

Logitech 967738-0403 Black USB Standard Deluxe 250 Keyboard - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126013
$6.99

Logitech SBF-96 Black 3 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB Wired Optical Mouse - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104026
$8.25

GIGABYTE GZ-X5BPD-500 Black SECC Steel / ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811233039
$34.99

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP3 English for System Builders 1 Pack CD - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116511
$89.99

TOTAL BEFORE REBATES: $1,358.13 (NO S/H)
TOTAL AFTER REBATES: $1,293.13 (-$65)
AVG S/H: $50-60?
TRACK IR 4 w/ CLIP: +$150 (NO S/H)

[Fulmar]

Intel is going to beat AMD in Multimedia applications any day.

[BaldEagl]

Here's what I came up with quickly.  This is a complete system including monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers, etc.  I also included an aftermarket CPU cooler and a floppy drive for easy BIOS updates ($7.50... can't go wrong).

I opted for the Core2Duo over the quad core as the Wolfdale will easily handle casual photoshopping, AH movie-making, etc.  If you're doing pro stuff then I'd get the Q6600.

There are a TON of rebates included in this selection of components so shipping should be easily covered.

   
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-N873-AR GeForce 9800 GTX+ 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #:512-P3-N873-AR
Item #:N82E16814130376
Return Policy:Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate

  $204.99 -$15.00 Instant $189.99
   
Update   SAMSUNG Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive Windows 98SE/ ME/ 2000/ XP - OEM
Model #:SFD321B/LBL1
Item #:N82E16821103203
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
  $7.49   $7.49
   
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   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   Microsoft ZG7-00025 Black PS/2 Wired Standard Desktop 500 Mouse Included - Retail
Model #:ZG7-00025
Item #:N82E16823109046
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
  $24.99   $24.99
   
Update   COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #:CAC-T05-UW
Item #:N82E16811119068
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
  $54.99   $54.99
   
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 -$90.00 Instant $109.99
   
Update   ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail
Model #:ACFZ7-PRO
Item #:N82E16835186134
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
  $36.99 -$10.00 Instant $26.99
   
Update   LG W2452T-TF Black 24" 2ms(GTG) Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail
Model #:W2452T-TF
Item #:N82E16824005113
Return Policy:LCD Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
  $399.99 -$30.00 Instant $369.99
   
Update   Klipsch Promedia GMX A-2.1 78 watts 2.1 Speaker - Retail
Model #:GMX A-2.1
Item #:N82E16836119105
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
Out Of Stock
   Auto-Notify
  $179.99   $179.99
   
Update   LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model GH22NS30 - OEM
Model #:GH22NS30
Item #:N82E16827136152
Return Policy:Limited 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
  $23.99   $23.99
   
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:Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy
In Stock
  $42.99   $42.99
   
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 -$5.00 Instant $85.99
Subtotal: $1,457.36

[EDIT]  I see I forgot the OS. 

[1701E]

Eagl you say that a floppy drive is included for easy BIOS updates.  Why not simply use the new BIOS update that works while Windows is loaded?  Seems like it would be easier, or is that a Biostar thing to be able to update like that?  I normally don't mess with BIOS so I am unsure which is easier or which is better.


 
   X

[BaldEagl]

Eagl you say that a floppy drive is included for easy BIOS updates.  Why not simply use the new BIOS update that works while Windows is loaded?  Seems like it would be easier, or is that a Biostar thing to be able to update like that?  I normally don't mess with BIOS so I am unsure which is easier or which is better.


 
   X

I've never used the Windows method but IIRC there's a few more steps in the process, plus, I'm not really comfortable letting Windows control such a critical update.

Floppy is also easier than CD-ROM as you don't have to burn an iso image.

The floppy's not required.  I just think it makes things easier and for $7.50 why not?

[MrRiplEy[H]]

I wouldn't be too worried about bios updates. You most likely will never need one unless you get very unlucky with the motherboard model.

I've had to update the bios only once (and I mean have to, not that I havent done it for nothing previously) and that was because the motherboard was in reality outdated for the cpu I was using. I.e. I wouldn't need to flash it unless I was using dated crappy hardware to begin with.

Now there are some boards that have buggy bioses from the factory - which falls in the unlucky category.

Oh and I'd definately buy Intel not AMD.

[Fulmar]

I've never used the Windows method but IIRC there's a few more steps in the process, plus, I'm not really comfortable letting Windows control such a critical update.

Floppy is also easier than CD-ROM as you don't have to burn an iso image.

The floppy's not required.  I just think it makes things easier and for $7.50 why not?

I haven't used a floppy to flash a BIOS since circa 2002 on my cheap FIC brand board.  In 2003 I bought the P4S8X and Asus included their AsusUpdate software that you can download and update your BIOS through window.s  I haven't used a floppy drive since then to flash my Bios.  It couldn't be easier.  Download the bios file, open the program, select the bios file, hit flash, takes 30 seconds and its done.

I absolutely hate floppy drives.  They always seem to fail or go bad just from sitting there (for me at least).  Disks are also not very durable over time.  I keep 4 floppy drives in my graveyard for when I need to install RAID drivers on a machine.  I keep 4 because I never know which one is going to work.  If I need one in Windows, I bought a used Sony USB one from the University I used to go to for $3, it's been the most reliable one (4 years) I've every owned.

On a side note on Bald's build.  I've change my mind and agree the 8400/8500 is a better CPU option (unless your profession is dependent on PS and movie making).  I also got a Newegg email that said that the PC Power Cooling PSU is now $69.99 after rebate (which is so hard to pass up, single rail at 40+ amps).  Also an Acer 24" LCD for $299.99 in the email as well.

[Skuzzy]

I would not touch and AMD CPU with a ten foot pole at the moment.  The fastest CPU they have is still slower than mid-range CPU's from Intel, and the Intel CPU's will overclock like crazy.  The Intel CPU will also run cooler than AMD CPU as a result of using less power.

Unless you are heavily vested in audio/video editing (Adobe Premier Pro, Sony Vegas Pro, or any number of high end audio tools), you really will be better off with a dual-core CPU.  More bang for the buck as it were.

[Getback]

Intel is the best for gaming by far. The E8500(Duo core) is used by a lot of gamers for around $200 and can easily be overclocked in the mid 3's(G). Priced nicely


Death

Have mine clocked to 3.8 ghz. May take it to 4.0 for amusement purposes only.