sexecuti0ner
What kinda guy are you are?
+148|6703
Sorry if this is asked really often, but I just want another opinion before I spend hundreds of dollars.  Since my current PC is pretty old (especially given today's standards) I was thinking that I should get a new one.  And since one of my friends has a home-made PC that is older, yet much better than mine, it seemed like a good idea to build one.  However, I don't know a lot about computers and components and the lot, so I come to you. 

First of all, how hard is it to build a PC?  I have some friends who have *limited* experience in the field, but other than that, I'm on my own.  But I was able to install my video card and an additional stick of memory without any help (I'm sure thats considerably easier than an entire PC, though). 

Another thing I wanted to address was savaging parts from my current PC.  The things that I am considering keeping (if possible) are my hard drive (can't find the details, but it is 2 years old and came with my out-of-box computer), my CD drives (also out of box), and my processor (AMD Athlon 64 3400+ 2.41).  One of my friends told me that my hard drive would almost surely be usable in my new rig, and that hard drives are pretty much universal.  And, as far as my processor, I think that as long as I get a motherboard that is compatible with the AMD Athlon 64 series, it will work just fine, right?  And I have no idea if the CD drives will convert. 

Here are the items I was going to buy (through Newegg):

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6813131013
Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6819103773
Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/product/Product.a … 6814102075
Memory: http://www.newegg.com/product/Product.a … 6820227169
Sound Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6829102006
Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6811144089

I put the processor on the list because I thought it might be time to replace it.  Besides that, will these different components all work together?  I checked what I could, but I couldn't make up or down of some of the information there.  If something will not work, could you tell me why not and what to look for instead? 

Finally, is this a good build?  I want to be able to play BF2 on at least medium settings and have it run (as well as other applications) smoothly and without the "choppiness" I encounter now.  If some part of this build is weak, tell me what you think it is and what a better replacement would be, but I am on a budget. 

Thanks for any and all help.  Sorry for making such a long topic, I just wanted to be thorough.  Thanks for reading.
The_Killer
Banned
+113|6996|dunno
I would go ahead and get a dx10 card.
sexecuti0ner
What kinda guy are you are?
+148|6703

The_Killer wrote:

I would go ahead and get a dx10 card.
Any reason why?  BF2 is easily the most "high performance" I have ever run on my computer and games like Crysis would probably come later, after an upgrade.  Or is the DX10 that much better for BF2?
Havok
Nymphomaniac Treatment Specialist
+302|7146|Florida, United States

sexecuti0ner wrote:

The_Killer wrote:

I would go ahead and get a dx10 card.
Any reason why?  BF2 is easily the most "high performance" I have ever run on my computer and games like Crysis would probably come later, after an upgrade.  Or is the DX10 that much better for BF2?
DX10 doesn't affect BF2 at all.
sexecuti0ner
What kinda guy are you are?
+148|6703

Havok wrote:

sexecuti0ner wrote:

The_Killer wrote:

I would go ahead and get a dx10 card.
Any reason why?  BF2 is easily the most "high performance" I have ever run on my computer and games like Crysis would probably come later, after an upgrade.  Or is the DX10 that much better for BF2?
DX10 doesn't affect BF2 at all.
Then why should I get one?  I found this one, which is considerably cheaper than the one I poster above (I have no idea why).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6814121072

Would this be a better video card to get?
sexecuti0ner
What kinda guy are you are?
+148|6703
Sorry to bump, but I really need help with this.  Anyone?
maffiaw
ph33r me 傻逼
+40|6892|Melbourne, AUS
I reckon you should always aim get newer technology everytime you start a new comp so it saves you an extra upgrade in the future. I'm saying you should get the 8500GT definitively, just a suggestion. I have a similar card to your first one fyi.

As for building a comp, its not too hard but you have to be careful with some parts and test it properly once you've finished.
Tdog2007
Giggity Giggity
+25|7184|US
ok, first off, check your socket of your processor & make sure they're the same. i may have missed that if u said u did it already.

2nd, DO NOT GET A 8500GT!! I had a thread up about asking about it & if u want to get a dx10 gfx card to get an 8800GTS or above 'cuz the 85 probly wont cut it when new dx10 games come out.

3rd, if your getting a dx10 card you're gonna need to get Vista. yes i know it sucks ur RAM but u have to 'cuz dx10 wont work on xp unless there's something i missed about it in the past week.

4th, get an antistatic wristband. dunno if it helps, but it supposed to make sure u don't fry your parts.

i havent built a computer myself, but since im going to be building my own in a month, these are some things that i've been told to be sure of.


o & 1 more thing.
an 8800GTS MUST HAVE a 12V current of 26A or better. with that case your fine 'cuz your psu puts out 34A or wutever.
sexecuti0ner
What kinda guy are you are?
+148|6703
Does anyone have any thoughts on the compatibility of the components involved? 

Also, is this a good build for the money?
Tdog2007
Giggity Giggity
+25|7184|US
and i dont think your going to need a sound card, but thats just me.
sexecuti0ner
What kinda guy are you are?
+148|6703

Tdog2007 wrote:

and i dont think your going to need a sound card, but thats just me.
I wasn't sure about that either.  I've never had one before but someone on Newegg wrote in their review that their PC was crashing because they didn't have a sound card.  I guess I should probably not get it up front and maybe get one later if I have that problem. 

Tdog2007 wrote:

2nd, DO NOT GET A 8500GT!! I had a thread up about asking about it & if u want to get a dx10 gfx card to get an 8800GTS or above 'cuz the 85 probly wont cut it when new dx10 games come out.
All the 8800's on Newegg were out of my price range.  I'm only looking to spend around $150 on my video card, so what would you suggest instead?
dubbs
Member
+105|7103|Lexington, KY

sexecuti0ner wrote:

Does anyone have any thoughts on the compatibility of the components involved? 

Also, is this a good build for the money?
Everything seems to be correct, as in compatible with each other.  What size is your hard drive, or are you using your current drive?  Also, for us lazy people, how much is your total?

I recently built a Core2Duo 2.3 Ghz, 2 Gb ram, Gigabyte mobo, BFG 7950 with 256 ram, and a 160 Maxtor Sata3 box for 1069 US $.
dubbs
Member
+105|7103|Lexington, KY

sexecuti0ner wrote:

Tdog2007 wrote:

and i dont think your going to need a sound card, but thats just me.
I wasn't sure about that either.  I've never had one before but someone on Newegg wrote in their review that their PC was crashing because they didn't have a sound card.  I guess I should probably not get it up front and maybe get one later if I have that problem. 

Tdog2007 wrote:

2nd, DO NOT GET A 8500GT!! I had a thread up about asking about it & if u want to get a dx10 gfx card to get an 8800GTS or above 'cuz the 85 probly wont cut it when new dx10 games come out.
All the 8800's on Newegg were out of my price range.  I'm only looking to spend around $150 on my video card, so what would you suggest instead?
A cheaper case?  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6811146025  Remember you will only show off the case when you are around people.  I personally think it is better to put money into your specs, then into a case, unless you are overclocking, and the more expensive case helps cool your system.
sexecuti0ner
What kinda guy are you are?
+148|6703
I've replaced some of the things from the original list, bit after the rebates, it looks like its going to be around $750.  But then again that's if it stays like it is.
Tdog2007
Giggity Giggity
+25|7184|US
ok for $110 you can buy a 7600GT. it only has dx9, but it will get your medium graphics in bf2 & maybe higher.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6814130017

even tho it only has dx9, when the prices come down the dx10 cards then you can upgrade and MAYBE go SLI with them but i dont know if you can mix two cards that have different dx versions. you may have to trash it or sell it when you get your dx10 card.
sexecuti0ner
What kinda guy are you are?
+148|6703

dubbs wrote:

A cheaper case?  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6811146025  Remember you will only show off the case when you are around people.  I personally think it is better to put money into your specs, then into a case, unless you are overclocking, and the more expensive case helps cool your system.
I'm not really buying the case because it looks cool.  And you're right, not many people would see this besides myself.  The main reason I liked it so much was because it had 5 fans and a temp monitor.  I have had some trouble with my current PC getting too hot and I wanted to make sure the new one didn't do the same thing, plus it already has a 500W power supply.
Tdog2007
Giggity Giggity
+25|7184|US

dubbs wrote:

A cheaper case?  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6811146025  Remember you will only show off the case when you are around people.  I personally think it is better to put money into your specs, then into a case, unless you are overclocking, and the more expensive case helps cool your system.
even if he changed to that case he would still have to go find a psu. i think it would be easier to go with the first one so you dont have to go lookin for one.

plus the psu in the case would be good for when you want to upgrade to dx10 'cuz, like i said before, you have to have a 12V current of 26A or higher.
dubbs
Member
+105|7103|Lexington, KY

Tdog2007 wrote:

ok for $110 you can buy a 7600GT. it only has dx9, but it will get your medium graphics in bf2 & maybe higher.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6814130017

even tho it only has dx9, when the prices come down the dx10 cards then you can upgrade and MAYBE go SLI with them but i dont know if you can mix two cards that have different dx versions. you may have to trash it or sell it when you get your dx10 card.
He could also spend an extra 10$ and the 7950.  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6814143090
Tdog2007
Giggity Giggity
+25|7184|US
that he could, then you could get all settings on high with that one.

EDIT: and you wouldnt need Vista with it since it's dx9, but when u get a dx10 card then you need it. just dont want to confuse you. trying my best.

Last edited by Tdog2007 (2007-05-30 21:54:43)

sexecuti0ner
What kinda guy are you are?
+148|6703
hehe, thanks for all the help so far-and don't worry about confusing me, I have been confused since I started.

Now, should I upgrade the processor?  I don't know how to over clock or change BIOS or anything, so I wouldn't do that if I kept my current processor or got a new one.
dubbs
Member
+105|7103|Lexington, KY

sexecuti0ner wrote:

hehe, thanks for all the help so far-and don't worry about confusing me, I have been confused since I started.

Now, should I upgrade the processor?  I don't know how to over clock or change BIOS or anything, so I wouldn't do that if I kept my current processor or got a new one.
From personal experience, by changing the processor, you may have to change the mobo also, which may cause you to change other parts, like RAM.  Keep that in mind.  You should be okay with the processor you have.

Last edited by dubbs (2007-05-30 22:02:15)

Tdog2007
Giggity Giggity
+25|7184|US
your 3400+ will be fine, but if you want you can upgrade to the 6000+, but to me it's a little extreme. i'd do a 4600+ or higher.
4600+ - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6819103751
that is the processor im going to be putting my pc, but just my input.
Tdog2007
Giggity Giggity
+25|7184|US

dubbs wrote:

From personal experience, by changing the processor, you may have to change the mobo also, which may cause you to change other parts, like RAM.  Keep that in mind.  You should be okay with the processor you have.
just as long as you have the right socket it should be fine. right?
Catbox
forgiveness
+505|7187
Case Antec 900... very cool looking moves a lot of air...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6811129021
Power supply... Antec 500 watt... If you are gonna do SLI you need 650 watt or more..
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6817103937
Video card... 7600gt... it beats the 8600gt... and you can buy an 8800gts when the price drops...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6814130017
Motherboard... have heard good things about this board
"Following their new S-series motherboard lineup, Gigabyte actually has two versions of the board, which you can identify by its naming suffix. There is the regular 'S3' and this Durability Enhanced 'DS3' "
(This link is to the DS3 version)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6813128012
Processor... Intel duo core(6600 4mb l2 cache) is the way to go for now... very strong and also OC able... I have nothing against AMD but for right now Intel wins...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6819115003
Hard Drive... WD 500gb(don't know if you need a hard drive?)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6822136073
Memory... Corsair deal... 800mhz 2 gigs 94.00 after 50 dollar rebate...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6820145034

and i wouldnt worry about a pci sound card for now... I think you will be happy with the onboard sound...

This is just a guideline of parts that i know people have used and had good experiences with...
good luck... post a pic when you get your comp put together... and also... stick with XP for now... Vista will be good... after the driver issues and little things are worked out...

Last edited by [TUF]Catbox (2007-05-30 22:15:47)

Love is the answer
sexecuti0ner
What kinda guy are you are?
+148|6703
wow, I will definitely have to check out those parts.  But i have a question:  The intel processor is 2.4 mhz while the AMD is 3.0 for the same money.  Wouldn't it be smarter to get the better (seemingly)one for the same money?

Also, are hard drives pretty much universal?  I ask because I have a 200 gig one that came stock with my Compaq about 2 years ago and I would really prefer to keep it if possible.  What are my chances of it being able to work with the new motherboard I get?

EDIT: Yes, I want to stay with XP for the time being.  Just to make sure, I won't have any problems with any components not being compatible with XP will I?  Just want to make sure certain components don't require Vista or anything.

Last edited by sexecuti0ner (2007-05-30 22:31:35)

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