Building A Computer

Im looking to build my own pc. I have the basic parts I want to buy and I need some help. What are some really important things to know and any part suggestions will be great. Thanks!

First off, the Case

COOLER MASTER Mystique RC-632-SSN1-GP Silver Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119114

Motherboard

ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce SPP 100 ATX AMD Motherboard

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131568

Graphics Card

GeForce 7800 GT

http//www.amazon.com/XFX-GeForce-7800GT-Video-PVT70GUDF7/dp/B000AQNAFQ/sr=8-1/qid=1170203396/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-4189324-7796152?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

Sound Card

Creative 70SB046A00000

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102005

Monitor

Samsung 940BW

http//www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Widescreen-Analog-Digital-Monitor/dp/B000GSO73M/sr=8-1/qid=1170203750/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-4189324-7796152?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

I know I need more things, can you reccomened other things that I need. Im looking to make this a gaming/internet surfing computer, so suggestions are welcome and karma will be given. Thanks!

You're going to need all of these things to build a PC

Case(You have it)
Mobo(Got it)
Video Card(Got it)

Power Supply(Dmorris provided all this info) - Don't skip on this, don't get the cheapest one you can find or the one that has the highest wattage, a good one is
http//www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817103941

Processor - Intel Core 2 Duo is best, but if you want one of them you'll have to change your mobo, if not, you'll have AMD. There's a wide range for you to choose from on Newegg.

RAM - If you want to just use your PC to surf online, 512MB should be fine, but if you play games a bit get 1GB, if you're a hardcore gamer get 2GB of high performance RAM.

Hard Drive(s) - Really up to you, WD Raptors are good for gaming, since they run at 10,000 RPM instead of the traditional 7,200RPM, but they are very expensive. If you have a lot of files, get a bigger HD, there's a huge variety.

DVD Drive(s) - Once again, really up to you on this. Newegg usually has some nice combo drives that are normally $50 or so for $20 on sale.

Floppy(Optional) - Just if you want to use floppys, which are getting out of date already. Don't just get it because it's cheap if you're not going to use it, though. It uses up a slot on your mobo that could be used for something more useful.

OS - Most likely Windows, get XP Home with a Vista Upgrade coupon or Vista itself if it's out when you're building.

I think that's it, if I missed anything somebody please tell me, thanks.

I would actually go with XP right no (be it that vista IS out) but i would go XP and if you can get a coupon get that, but if not, get the upgrade later. Vista (like every other windows launch) is going to be full of some bugs and A TON of poeple attacking it. you may want to wait about 6 months on vista.... if you can,. so go for XP and then a coupon if you can, if not...up to you. vista is a great OS, just does not have a whole lot of software to go with it yet. so yup to you.

I found an intel mobo

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813186093

also found a nice case

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144007

it looks like it comes with a power supply

For the other stuff

Ram

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820144157

Hard Drive

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822136012

2nd

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148100

CD/DVD-ROm Drive

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827101131

OS

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832116213

Mouse

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826104203

Keyboard

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823126179


Does there seem to be any compatibility issues with these? Does it look like the mobo fits correctly with the case? Thank you guys for all your help. Any parts recommendations will be great!

[quote83c28d7d2e]Does there seem to be any compatibility issues with these? Does it look like the mobo fits correctly with the case?[/quote83c28d7d2e]

They are both ATX form factor, so the mobo will fit in the case.

Socket 939 is dead and going that route is just silly at this point. I'm kickin' myself in the ass for doing so, big time. If you're looking for a quality build, give me a budget and when I have time I'll pick out components for you. Also, let me know what you'll be using the computer for and all that good stuff.

My budget is around $1,250. Im just gonna be using it for 60% gaming and 35% internet. The last 5% will be essays and hw and stuff of that nature.

So it looks like the parts that im buying will be

MOBO

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813188009

case

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144007

Ram

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145043

Hard Drive

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822136012

CD/DVD-ROm Drive

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827101131

OS

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832116213

Mouse

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826104203

Keyboard

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823126179

Processor

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115003


Is this good? If you have any good experiences with any parts and have recommendations, it would be great if you shared -) Thanks!

Are you going to overclock your processor? If so, then you should get an aftermarket HSF (Tuniq Tower is good) in order to keep your processor cooler. If not, then you should downgrade the RAM to the cheapest DDR2 you can get. There is minimal performance increase between what you're getting, and the cheapest DDR2 RAM (unless you overclock).

Power Supply - The PSU's that come with cases are never that great. I would recommend either replacing the PSU or finding a case without one. A PSU that I recommend is the Corsair 520W.

Hard Drive - If you want, go ahead and get it, but raptors might not be worth the performance/price for you. I would look up reviews to see if it is worth the price.

Edit For most non-overclocking people, I recommend this computer
https//secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=5362348&WishListTitle=Core+2+Duo+Budget+Computer

SLI isn't great for the average person because one good video card beats two lesser ones. For example, it would overall (counting in power consumption, heat, etc.) be better for you to upgrade from a 7600 GT to a 7900 GS than to plug in another 7600GT for SLI.

That RAM will work with the mobo, neither will the HDD.

The case is also a server case, so you won't have the right spaces to put everything...

[quoteb001024a48="DIABLO"]That RAM will work with the mobo, neither will the HDD.

The case is also a server case, so you won't have the right spaces to put everything...[/quoteb001024a48]
Not sure what you're trying to say or if you made a type, but if you're saying what it sounds like, then you're incorrect on all counts. ;)

The RAM, mobo, HDD, and case listed in tml09's last post (3 posts up) are all compatible with each other. The mobo takes 1066 DDR2 RAM and SATA HDD's, and there is nothing different about a server case other than it has more room for stuff like drives and larger/extra PSU's. A lot of larger desktop cases are referred to as "server" cases even though they really aren't designed with servers in mind. True server cases have things like redundant PSU's and hot-swappable drive trays. That case looks rather ordinary to me.

How about this case?

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129154

I do plan on overclocking it and in the future i do plan on using SLI

So this is a good hard drive?

http//www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822144701

Does the rpm of the hdd matter in terms of gaming?

And the power supply (reviews look good)

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817189005

Cooler

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835106061

Daggoth, a person (in a review) said that the Tuniq tower wont fit on the 680i motherboard im getting.

Btw, Im also getting this Graphics Card

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130080

The RPM of a drive matters in terms of it loading a level or something like that off of the hard drive. 7200 is the most you can get without getting expensive, like the 10,000RPM Raptors. Also cache is important. The best power supplies you can get come from PC Power and Cooling, but they are a little more expensive. But it might be worth it not to fry all your other components, and have a steady stream of wattage.

Case - P180 has had trouble fitting the 8800 series video cards without removing the hard drive cage.

HDD - Yes, that is a good hard drive

Cooler - Yes, that is the second best cooler (I think?)

Video Card - Pretty decent, but if you can cut corners elsewhere, then I would go for the GTX.

So, if you do plan on overclocking, then I still believe that RAM is overkill. I would save $100 on RAM and get this http//www.tankguys.biz/ddr2-3338-p-1676.html or check here for other RAM http//forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=28&threadid=1966035&enterthread=y

Use the extra $100~ on upgrading to GTX. Please post your current specs.

I have some shitty HP computer lol.

BTW, what is a good cooling system? Any suggestions? I finally settled on this case

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144089

and this power supply

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817379003

(i can find this power supply on other stores for like $120)

BTW, any speaker recommendations?

In my opinion buying a 7900 Graphics card is buying near dead technology. Of course depending on your budget and your application of this computer. The Geforce 7 series is a direct x 9 card and will soon be obsolete with the new 8 series supporting DX10.

Get yourself an 8800GTS or GTX if possible, it will be money better spent.

Oh and check out this power supply
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103941

it sounds like you want a modular power supply and this one is fantastic, whisper quiet, extremely powerful, cool and efficient.

I have been running mine for about a year and a half no issues whatsoever.

not to mention a much better price.

^ that looks pretty good. Ill probably need a higher wattage though, i might want to SLI my video cards in the future.

[quote2c1a9ef723="tml09"]^ that looks pretty good. Ill probably need a higher wattage though, i might want to SLI my video cards in the future.[/quote2c1a9ef723]

550 watts should be sufficient for mid range SLI, now if you were going with 2 high performance card I would suggest more, otherwise it should be fine.

[quotebf80449abb="JOSHBOX"][quotebf80449abb="tml09"]^ that looks pretty good. Ill probably need a higher wattage though, i might want to SLI my video cards in the future.[/quotebf80449abb]

550 watts should be sufficient for mid range SLI, now if you were going with 2 high performance card I would suggest more, otherwise it should be fine.[/quotebf80449abb]

600 to be future proof for a while. do you really need sli? ( imo i think its overkill to buy to video cards )

p180b is a very good case and the case that it listed for 150 is way too much!

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129017

catch this case on the weekends and it is usally at 100 with free shipping ( when i bought mines fron newegg)

you will love this case ) ( although i had some trouble fitting an ati A-I-W
x1900 in there)

that corsair ram is really overkill. i got 2gb ddr2 800 ( cas lat 4) and i dont lag a bit.. i wouldn't recommend anyone to spend 300+ dollars on ram. 200 at the most for 2 gb's ( and thats including shipping)

this is my wishlist from "back in the day" only 6 months ago and dropped like 50 each month P https//secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.asp?ID=3768446
( no video card added cuz i couldnt find it on newegg )

Nothing wrong with SLI if you want to pay for it, it really does make a difference over a single card of the same model. However [i9c6a8b51e2]currently[/i9c6a8b51e2] for about what it would cost to buy two 7xxx series cards you could get a single 8800 series which would outperform them. Then have an available slot to SLI later. That would be my suggestion. Now if you have the money for dual 8800's now, then all the better. If you're a serious gamer, SLI is the shiznit. My gaming performance increased 50-60% consistently with SLI.

A good quality 550W PSU like the Neo would likely drive most SLI setups unless you have a larger than average drive count. Personally I'm a fan of Enermax PSU's, and would suggest the 620W Liberty. It's efficient, modular, and would be easily capable of driving your rig. It handles my SLI rig with 3 HDD's, DVDRW and about 8-10 USB devices with room to spare.

Oh ok. I forgot to post this, but i made my mind up on buying the 8800 GTX http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130079

Btw, dmorris, which graphics cards do you have?

and on the Liberty 620w, the reviews dont look too hot -)

This one looks good, and I can find it on other sites for about $120

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817379003

and the processor im getting is the Intel E6600, and im also looking to overclock it with this heatsink (freezer pro 7)

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835186134

findme, the case I want is only $25 more than that one lol (and also has a 20 dollar rebate -) http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144089


Im also looking for a monitor to run this beast. Ive narrowed it down to three choices

BenQ 24"
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824014124

Dell 24"
http//www1.ap.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/2407wfp?c=au&l=en&s=bsd

and Gateway 24"
http//www.amazon.com/GATEWAY-FPD2485W-Gateway-Widescreen-Flat-Panel/dp/B000K71SHW

What looks like the best deal?

As mentioned before, having a higher total watt output is not what you should be looking at. None of the 12V rails on that Zalman exceed the 20A rating. The 8800GTX recommends a 28A rating.

^ so what would you suggest?

Liberty reviews not looking too hot? Where? At Newegg all Enermax Liberty models are rated either 4/5 or 5/5 -- but still, individual Newegg reviews are hardly to be taken very seriously, as many of them are written by idiots (sorry to all you idiots out there). Enermax is one of the highest rated PSU brands on the market, and when I bought the 620W Liberty a year or so ago it was the favorite modular PSU to get. Rave reviews from all the hardcore component sites. Unless they've had a drop in quality since then, I'd say most negative reviews were ill-informed or other such user error. They're highly efficient (85%+), super quiet, and have beefy power outputs.

BTW I'm running two 7800GT's in SLI.

[quote2c716f5af6="ajasax"]As mentioned before, having a higher total watt output is not what you should be looking at. None of the 12V rails on that Zalman exceed the 20A rating. The 8800GTX recommends a 28A rating.[/quote2c716f5af6]
That's a total 12V current requirement, not per rail. An entire system including an 8800GTX shouldn't pull more than 32-35 amps total. Nvidia sets the minimum PSU requirement for the 8800GTX at 450W, but you're better off ignoring wattage and looking at amps and efficiency. Many people are running 8800GTX's with 500W PSU's and not having a problem. If you intend to SLI however, you need a quality PSU with 4 6-pin connectors. I would think a 620W Liberty would handle it. Contrary to what some people thing, you [i2c716f5af6]don't[/i2c716f5af6] need a 1000W PSU to run SLI 8800's.

don't forget thermal compound....the stuff that comes with most OEM and Retail processers is SHITE....get the $12 for a small tube shit...that stuff makes 5-15 celsius difference right there.

Yah, Arctic Silver 5 is recommended.

Ok. Ive settled on these

Power Supply Corsair 620w

http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817139002

Case X-Navigator
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144089

Graphics Card 8800 GTX
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130072

Processor Intel E6600
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115003

CPU Cooler Artic Cooling Freezer Pro 7
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835186134

RAM http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145168

Motherboard nVidia 680i
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813188009

HDD 250gb WD
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144701

Sound Card Any Suggestions?

Speakers Logitech X-540
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836121006

Monitor Benq 24"
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824014124

Just so you know what my comp is running on,

I have

Antec Neo Power HE550W PSU

EVGA 680i Mobo

EVGA 8800GTX

Intel Core 2 Duo 6300

2Gb Corsair Dominator Mem

2x250Gb WD HDD 16mb chache sata (mirrored)

Lite-on DVD rom sata edition

24' Dell

My PSU pulls all of this perfectly, and this computer runs like a champ.

Oh and the Dell 24 inch is the best monitor ive used, looks far superior to apple cinema displays IMO