Building first computer; what do you guys think?

2007-05-30 21:10:48

#1

VicktorVauhn: Member; +319|6863|Southern California

My parents offered to upgrade my computer for school, as an engineering student they are figuring I'll need a pretty beefy computer.

With the budget Ive worked out I figure I can just about build a new computer.

Here is what Im planning:

Intel C2D E6600 $224.990
Gigabyte DS3 motherboard $99.99
BFG 8600GTS 256mb $219.99
Seagate Barracuda 320GB $94.99

Then some random case for <$50...

I have a 500W PSU already, as well as 2 gig ram so I plan to reuse those, same with DVD-R...

Feel free to make suggestions within the same budget, however since I'm not buying it and its *supposed* to be for engineering software they aren't as concerned with dumping money into graphics cards...

2007-05-30 21:12:31

#2

maffiaw: ph33r me 傻逼; +40|6892|Melbourne, AUS

Might want to take a look at ventilation, esp. with the case i.e in built fans etc. You don't want your new rig to melt down, like my first one did. me 2cents

2007-05-30 21:16:02

#3

LT.Victim: Member; +1,175|7034|British Columbia, Canada

If you can talk them into it you should really try upgrading to atleast a 8800 GTS...

The 8600 GS isn't that great for gaming.

Try and tell them some bullshit excuse like the programs you are going to use for engineering are really demanding on the Video Card.

2007-05-30 22:33:35

#4

VicktorVauhn: Member; +319|6863|Southern California

I figure Ill try and get a better card...the 8600 would still do pretty good though no? what settings could I expect with the 600 vs pushing for the 800, and how much of a concern is the amount of memory?

I figured as I put it together I would just spring for the random stuff like fans and what not I may need...

Last edited by VicktorVauhn (2007-05-30 22:35:27)

2007-05-30 22:41:11

#5

Jello.01: Member; +46|7079|DFW, Texas

I was just talking to my friend about the video card, since I am helping him build a computer. At first I chose the 8600gts, but I wasn't sure how well it was going to do, then I was searching around google and found this,
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc. … 75&p=2

Here's the 8600gts:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6814130084

Here's the 7950gt:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6814143090

Both are priced just a dollar apart, witht the 7950gt being priced lower. So, from that benchmark link, I would go with the 7950gt, unless you really want to get Vista.

2007-05-30 22:44:22

#6

VicktorVauhn: Member; +319|6863|Southern California

I was noticing that on some of the research I did....Though some certain games showing a benefit to the 8600. Though if they are only $1 Id way rather have the newer one and the support incase I need it later.

Though Im easily enough talked into pushing for one of these...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6814143086

Last edited by VicktorVauhn (2007-05-30 22:45:57)

2007-05-30 22:50:15

#7

Jello.01: Member; +46|7079|DFW, Texas

Are your parents going to buy ram, or do you already have some?

2007-05-30 22:51:30

#8

VicktorVauhn: Member; +319|6863|Southern California

VicktorVauhn wrote:
I have a 500W PSU already, as well as 2 gig ram so I plan to reuse those, same with DVD-R...

Actualy I have an X-Fi card too

Last edited by VicktorVauhn (2007-05-30 23:01:45)

2007-05-30 22:53:09

#9

Jello.01: Member; +46|7079|DFW, Texas

VicktorVauhn wrote:
VicktorVauhn wrote:
I have a 500W PSU already, as well as 2 gig ram so I plan to reuse those, same with DVD-R...

Lol, whoops, I skipped over that I guess

2007-05-30 22:53:45

#10

Ironsteed: Fuck Shoes; +18|6942|North of Dallas

I have one 7600GT currently and am happy with it, but for $100 I could pick up a second one and go SLI, however after checking the stats/reviews on tomshardware.com I think a better idea would be to sell my 7600GT and pick up a 8800 GTS 320 MB. If I were in your shoes, I would just get the 8800 GTS to start with. You will be glad you did.

2007-05-31 04:55:27

#11

san4: The Mas; +311|7159|NYC, a place to live

E6600 ftw! My new system is very similar except I got the 8800gts 320mb. It was $259 when I got it (at newegg), which isn't that much more than the 8600. Still, it sounds like a pretty good system for "engineering".

Make sure your power supply has enough amps for whatever vid card you get.

2007-05-31 05:26:51

#12

Stormscythe: Aiming for the head; +88|7020|EUtopia | Austria

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6814130061
If you really plan to stay under $200 (with the mail-in rebate that's possible) for a gfx card, otherwise some 8800GTS320...

2007-05-31 15:25:48

#13

VicktorVauhn: Member; +319|6863|Southern California

san4 wrote:
Make sure your power supply has enough amps for whatever vid card you get.

I though I would be good, then I though I wouldn't...now I'm confused?
Enermax EG465 PSU

So I need 26A for the 12v rating...however there is +12V1 @ 22A, and +12V2 @ 20A....Then it lists +12V total as 32A

Do I need +> 26A on one of those, or is it the total that is important?
If that means I need a new PSU I think Im gonna have to go with the 7950

If this one will work I think I can go for the 8800GTS

Edit:this guy
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6817194011

Last edited by VicktorVauhn (2007-05-31 15:29:26)

2007-05-31 15:44:17

#14

MECtallica: Member; +73|6975|jalalabad

the amps are combined, 42+ amps should be sufficient for any setup, usually. im running an x1950pro on a 10$ 16amp PSU 480watts, this PSU has been going strong for a year.

2007-05-31 16:01:12

#15

VicktorVauhn: Member; +319|6863|Southern California

well its 32 actually....but thats still enough then

2007-05-31 16:17:39

#16

ReTox: Member; +100|6970|State of RETOXification

8800 GTS 320 MB.

Tell 'em you need the better card for CAD/CAM stuff you'll need to do in your engineering course! The better you can visualize your work the better you can DO your work.

Thats' the BS I'd feed 'em anyways!

jk. Honestly. You'll be doing modelling so you'll need good 3D. Most cad/cam is OpenGL and the 8800 GTS is far better suited than any 8600.

Last edited by ReTox (2007-05-31 16:19:55)

BF2S Forums Building first computer; what do you guys think?

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