Anybody Out There Know Much About Computers? (1889 hits)
Category: Computers & InternetRating: 0.92 on 83 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Matt Maiorano (View user info) at 2008-03-25 03:37:55 EDT
So I've been doing my homework on building my own computer, and I'm pretty sure I have a decent grasp on how to build these things.
It seems as if the hardest part is popping the CPU into the motherboard just right, and then attaching the heat sink and fan. This is the only part I find remotely intimidating, mainly because my entire apartment is carpeted, and I'm afraid that I'm going to fry my CPU with a large static blast generated from my abnormally hairy body.
This is why I'm going to look to you guys to put my fears to rest and help me to actually muster up the courage to start buying everything I need to put this bad boy together. Because as we all know, Ubersite has always been a source of encouragement for all those who are unsure of themselves.
I've been snooping around on http://www.newegg.com and I think I've found all of the components I need for a truly badass computer at a relatively affordable cost.
The motherboard I'm looking into getting is an Abit IP35 Pro LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard. The one thing that I've noticed that comes with this motherboard is the RAID support. I'm not exactly going to be storing irreplaceable data on multiple hard drives, let alone setting up a server to do so. What I like about this motherboard is that everything that I really want seems to be built around the fact that it's using the ATX Form Factor, LGA 775 CPU socket type, and the fact that it's Intel.
That's the big question. I've been itching to get a quad-core processor, and it really seems as if Intel is the leading brand in CPUs, as opposed to AMD. However, I haven't done nearly enough research to go by brand name alone. Are there any clear advantages to going with Intel over AMD? And the other thing is that I haven't quite found any other motherboards without the RAID support that measure up to this one. I'm thinking that the $169.99 price tag is a little hefty, and I could probably go down a few notches in price, I'm just not sure where to find exactly what I'm looking for. All of the other components listed will be based on this motherboard:
The Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor is going to be the highest-performing component on this list at a price of $254.99. I REALLY want a quad-core processor for higher performance for gaming and the like. This is probably the best possible processor in the price range I'm looking at. There were two other processors that were going for well over $900 that I didn't even bother looking at.
As for the Video Card, I looked up a SAPPHIRE 100225L Radeon HD 3870 512MB 256-bit GDDR4 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card for $164.99 (after a $20 mail-in rebate). The nice thing about this card is that it's a high-performance card that still uses up only one PCI Express slot. Once again, if anybody knows about a comparable/better card for a comparable/better price, please let me know.
As far as the Hard Drive and RAM are concerned, that isn't a big issue. I'm probably going to start off with a simple 250G Hard Drive for $69.99 (SATA connections, of course), along with 4G of RAM for $64.99 (after mail-in rebate). I'll probably add another hard drive and more RAM later on down the road, but as of right now it isn't that much of a concern mainly because those parts are always readily available and cheap to boot.
Another big question that I have concerns the CD/DVD burners I want to install. It seems as if the motherboard only has one IDE connection, and the rest are SATA. Should I do two SATA burners? One IDE and one SATA? This is the only part I'm wholly unsure of. In either case, a Samsung burner with Lightscribe is only around $26.99. I think that having two burners will make life generally easier, especially if I want to copy CDs and DVDs.
Of course, we can't forget the last part: the case.
I'm hell-bent on getting the Antec Sonata Designer 500 Silver Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with the 500W Power Supply included. Not only is this case completely badass and has the 6-pin firewire connection, but it also seems to have a very solid fan system already built in. And we also can't forget about the 500 Watt power supply thrown in for kicks.... all for $149.99. I must have it.
All in all, the things that I won't budge on are that the computer must have a quad-core processor, two CD/DVD burners, and a solid video card. What I want to know is if I have the right setup in mind? Or can I go cheaper with a comparable system setup?
Overall, I'm looking at spending just over $1100 with all of my mail-in rebates, taxes, and shipping included if I shop strictly at NewEgg.
In any case, I'm sure you guys can probably give me a few pointers or prices. Fire away.
Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813127030
Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102719
Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129036
Monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254001
User Reviews
Submitted by Brdn_Nkd (user info) at 2008-04-04 08:39:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Stabkill (user info) at 2008-03-27 16:38:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
HTBD... it is new egg that has the $99 special. They do have some decent deals occasionally... but they certainly aren't a one-stop-shopping location.
Submitted by MudWhistle (user info) at 2008-03-27 11:00:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by HadToBeDone (user info) at 2008-03-27 10:58:23 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by maiorano84 (user info) at 2008-03-26 12:51:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Stabby - I am angry. I found the same case on another website for $99.99. I already made the order, which really blows. In either case, I'll be searching more thoroughly as I go on looking for the other parts.
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And I got ridiculed for telling you to get off newegg...
Why are some people so smarmy when they don't actually know a damn thing they're talking about?
==========
I knew it was bothering and you wouldn't be able to let it go. I didn't comment at all about the quality of sites or which ones to go to. I commented about you and your transparent need to argue.
smarmy.....kettle/pot
Submitted by HadToBeDone (user info) at 2008-03-27 10:58:23 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by maiorano84 (user info) at 2008-03-26 12:51:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Stabby - I am angry. I found the same case on another website for $99.99. I already made the order, which really blows. In either case, I'll be searching more thoroughly as I go on looking for the other parts.
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And I got ridiculed for telling you to get off newegg...
Why are some people so smarmy when they don't actually know a damn thing they're talking about?
Submitted by Stabkill (user info) at 2008-03-27 01:17:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=14-130-082
Lots of cards to choose from for decent prices. Pick that MB!
Submitted by maiorano84 (user info) at 2008-03-27 01:03:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I suspect I might just switch over to a motherboard that supports PCIe 2.0.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813127033
It's a little more, but any graphics cards worth talking about utilize PCIe 2.0. It's very hard to find any graphics card that pulls 512MB and 256 Bits on a standard PCIe slot.
Plus, Abit seems to be a reputable manufacturer.
Submitted by Stabkill (user info) at 2008-03-26 22:46:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Dithered... I'd consider that system nearly obsolete. If you are running a 266MHz P.O.S. system, it may be nice to go for that.
I can build a budget computer that kicks that computer's ass for dirt cheap. Want me to find the parts online and point them out for you? I can do a $300 budget build that should be a lot better than that system. It won't have an OS on it though...
Submitted by maiorano84 (user info) at 2008-03-26 22:32:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Dithered - $250 sounds like a pretty decent deal for a functioning PC, but it seems like for a gaming PC it's not going to be anything special. Your video card sounds quite good, but it doesn't seem like there's much else to back it up.
Your AMD processor was considered to be pretty solid back in 2003, and you can probably overclock it to about 2.2GHz for better gaming results, but it's probably considered below average for a gaming processor now.
I would probably take the PC and either upgrade the processor, or put that money into an LCD monitor with a DVI connection, because my guess is that you're still probably using an old clunky VGA monitor.
Go for it.
Submitted by dithered (user info) at 2008-03-26 18:22:39 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
ATTENTION!
This post has prompted me to consider buying a gaming PC, second-hand. This is the unit I am looking at:
Case: Coolermaster WaveMaster
Power Supply: Enermax EG565P 535 Watt
Processor: AMD Athlon-64 3000+, 1.8 GHz
Memory: 2 GB of RAM DDR-400 PC3200 Memory Module Corsair XMS PRO
Motherboard: Asus A8V-Deluxe
Video Card: Nvidia GeForce 6800-GT 256MB
Hard Drive: Western Digital 160 GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache
CD/DVD Drive: Sony 16x DVD-ROM Drive
CD-RW/DVD-RW: Sony Dual Format/Double Layer 16x DVD-R/RW + CD-R/RW
Sound Card: Creative Lab Sound Blaster Audigy-2 ZS 7.1
Operating System: MS Windows XP Professional X64 Edition
Included: Original install discs for the OS, Motherboard, Sound Card, Video Card, and WinDVD Suite. Also included is the ASUS A8V Deluxe User Guide.
I AM CONSIDERING PAYING THIS GUY $250 FOR THIS 2 YEAR-OLD TOWER.
IS IT WORTH IT?
Submitted by Crystle (user info) at 2008-03-26 17:46:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
*blinks*
hi matt!
Submitted by dithered (user info) at 2008-03-26 16:43:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Stabkill (user info) at 2008-03-26 13:05:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
slickdeals.net is always good to check frequently for deals.
___________
Thank you for this.
Submitted by maiorano84 (user info) at 2008-03-26 15:02:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Yes.
It involves lasers and peanut butter.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2008-03-26 14:55:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Can you build a better mousetrap?
Submitted by maiorano84 (user info) at 2008-03-26 14:37:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102703
This one will work on the motherboard I'm using. Jesus, it's a good thing I looked that bastard up.
Submitted by maiorano84 (user info) at 2008-03-26 14:26:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
BAM!!!
I just found out that the graphics card I've picked out has a problem with the motherboard I picked out.
The video card uses PCI 2.0 slots. The motherboard I picked doesn't use 2.0 in its PCI Express slots. Thank God for user reviews.
Submitted by Stabkill (user info) at 2008-03-26 13:16:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16814133216
Get two of these if your board supports it.
Submitted by Stabkill (user info) at 2008-03-26 13:14:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
from hp.com:
Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
Processor AMD Athlon(TM) 64 X2 5600+ dual-core - 2.8GHz
Memory 2GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x1024)
Graphics Card 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8500GT, TV-out, DVI-I, HDMI
Hard Drive 320GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive
Primary CD/DVD Drive LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
...all for about $750
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I can build that system for half the price. Granted, I can get Windows Vista Business for free. I'd probably shove it all into an X-Qpack2. I like that microATX setup.
If you have an .edu address, you can get this too :
http://www.theultimatesteal.com/store/msshus/ContentTheme/pbPage.microsoft_office_ultimate
The quad core blows away the AMD dual core ... not even close.
http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu_2007.html
Matt has chosen a great CPU for his system.
Submitted by Jeanneee (user info) at 2008-03-26 13:09:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
My roommate and I got a 32" flat screen TV for less than $800, including shipping, from http://www.lcdtvs.com . Not sure what it has to do with this post, but if you're looking for a nice, cheap TV you should check it out.
Submitted by Stabkill (user info) at 2008-03-26 13:05:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
slickdeals.net is always good to check frequently for deals. They always are quick on the computer deals.
Submitted by maiorano84 (user info) at 2008-03-26 12:51:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Stabby - I am angry. I found the same case on another website for $99.99. I already made the order, which really blows. In either case, I'll be searching more thoroughly as I go on looking for the other parts.
Submitted by dithered (user info) at 2008-03-26 12:45:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
from hp.com:
Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
Processor AMD Athlon(TM) 64 X2 5600+ dual-core - 2.8GHz
Memory 2GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x1024)
Graphics Card 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8500GT, TV-out, DVI-I, HDMI
Hard Drive 320GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive
Primary CD/DVD Drive LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
...all for about $750.
Submitted by Stabkill (user info) at 2008-03-26 09:52:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Antec Nine Hundred from New Egg = $119.99 + 9.99 = 129.98
Antec Nine Hundred from 3Gplaza (It is in NJ) = $115.99 + Free shipping = $115.99
That's a savings of 13.99 ... and 13.99 you can put into your video card or another component....or weed.
http://www.3gplaza.com/estore/control/3gplaza/productdetails?id=62220&srccode=PW
I saw that Antec Nine Hundred for $40 cheaper just a couple weeks ago (there was a rebate).
Submitted by HadToBeDone (user info) at 2008-03-26 08:37:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
That case....
You riced your car, didn't you?
Submitted by Danger_Ranger (user info) at 2008-03-26 07:53:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
'blow'. funny.
Submitted by Danger_Ranger (user info) at 2008-03-26 07:52:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2008-03-26 07:42:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
what are all those modern games you speak of?
i bought at 3000$ PC to play CS :-|
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and be careful you might blow a transistor.
Submitted by Danger_Ranger (user info) at 2008-03-26 07:50:05 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
source I hope.
tell me something caul, what do you do when the bad men point guns at you - sign something on a train?
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2008-03-26 07:42:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
what are all those modern games you speak of?
i bought at 3000$ PC to play CS :-|
Submitted by Danger_Ranger (user info) at 2008-03-26 07:09:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
and 'actually'. sorry but I was on a rant. my bad.
Submitted by Danger_Ranger (user info) at 2008-03-26 07:08:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
*they're
fuck it.
Submitted by Danger_Ranger (user info) at 2008-03-26 07:06:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by DeathJester (user info) at 2008-03-26 06:00:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Haven't read the rest of the comments, but here's my tw'pence worth:
- Mobo: Good, although it's not real RAID.
- CPU: Great (I run one at home, no game slowdown. Ever.)
- RAM: 4GB is plenty, and what I have. Again, no slowdown on latest games.
- Graphics: Good for the price, but don't expect blistering speed on top settings. I run an 8800GTX, still the fastest single card on the market in most tests (synthetic and real).
- Case: I checked the last comment on the case... The thing with fans is they make noise. My old rig was water cooled and sounded like an aquarium (very low dB hum). This one with the 8800GTX and a Tagan 800w PSU sounds like have a bank of desk fans behind my monitor.
- PSU: The more power you supply, the more stable the supply will be until you max is out. If it draws 750W, give it 800W, 850W maybe. Remember power consumption rises with load, so game rigs will draw LOADS more power when gaming.
Then you'll need a decent monitor. I have an Asus 24", no problem running Crysis at 1650x1050 with all graphics oh high, great for watching DVD's from across the room.
Seriously, though, I wouldn't buy a gaming PC. You could get an XBox 360, PS3, and a pretty good 32" High Def TV for the cost of one of these gaming rigs. Games are released earlier on consoles, come almost bug-free, and guarantee the best graphic experience. For a PC, get a cheap laptop for web browsing, email etc; an Eee PC if you're strapped for cash, anything you want if you have some going spare. MacBooks are amazing, but cost you your soul as a sacrifice to the Steve Jobs Vendor Lock-In service.
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Relevant right up until the wouldn't buy a gaming pc. Nothing like playing Bioshock, Call of Duty 4, Crysis or The WITCHER with a stupid-arsed control pad instead of a keyboard and mouse. That's like John Romero (who is a fuckhead btw but understands mouse and keyboard control), saying wow multiplayer doom was awesome and I racked up all those frags with my totally amazing gravis gamepad. And if you're going to play Lock On or IL-2? FUCK JOYSTICKS HOW GAY ARE THEY! USE YOUR TOTALLY AWESOME GAMEPAD OH THAT'S RIGHT YOU CAN'T PLAY LOCK ON AND IL-2 ON YOUR *FUCKING GAY CONSOLES!!!*
[the author of this review would like to point out his children have a chipped 360 and wii, and that the wii is pretty cool, and Pes on the 360 is nice because the tv is a lot bigger than his totally kick-arse monitor, that and it means while their screaming like homo's about who's wearing the away strip, he can sit upstairs playing Silent Storm, the greatest game ever - with only a mouse no less, oh that's right you can't acutally PLAY Silent Storm on a console, and occassionally yell down the staircase that he doesn't care who won paper scissors rock player TWO gets to wear the home strip because player one gets to manipulate the menus.]
you should still use your girlfriend's hair for the excess thermal paste. Trust me, I'm divorced.
Submitted by DeathJester (user info) at 2008-03-26 06:00:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Haven't read the rest of the comments, but here's my tw'pence worth:
- Mobo: Good, although it's not real RAID.
- CPU: Great (I run one at home, no game slowdown. Ever.)
- RAM: 4GB is plenty, and what I have. Again, no slowdown on latest games.
- Graphics: Good for the price, but don't expect blistering speed on top settings. I run an 8800GTX, still the fastest single card on the market in most tests (synthetic and real).
- Case: I checked the last comment on the case... The thing with fans is they make noise. My old rig was water cooled and sounded like an aquarium (very low dB hum). This one with the 8800GTX and a Tagan 800w PSU sounds like have a bank of desk fans behind my monitor.
- PSU: The more power you supply, the more stable the supply will be until you max is out. If it draws 750W, give it 800W, 850W maybe. Remember power consumption rises with load, so game rigs will draw LOADS more power when gaming.
Then you'll need a decent monitor. I have an Asus 24", no problem running Crysis at 1650x1050 with all graphics oh high, great for watching DVD's from across the room.
Seriously, though, I wouldn't buy a gaming PC. You could get an XBox 360, PS3, and a pretty good 32" High Def TV for the cost of one of these gaming rigs. Games are released earlier on consoles, come almost bug-free, and guarantee the best graphic experience. For a PC, get a cheap laptop for web browsing, email etc; an Eee PC if you're strapped for cash, anything you want if you have some going spare. MacBooks are amazing, but cost you your soul as a sacrifice to the Steve Jobs Vendor Lock-In service.
Submitted by maiorano84 (user info) at 2008-03-26 00:58:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I've finally settled on a case. Since I'll probably be upgrading to a 750 Watt power supply anyway, I might as well spend twenty extra bucks on a better case than the black one I found.
Behold: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021&Tpk=Antec%2b900
The sheer sweetness of this cannot be put into words. I've already made the order. I will love it forever.
Submitted by bart (user info) at 2008-03-25 23:46:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I used to build my own computers and dual boot Windows and Linux. They always had better specs than anything on the market for a significantly lower price. Plus, you can use the standard drivers for things and eliminate the goofiness caused by Dell et al's nonstandard hardware and custom software. Not sure how you feel about it, but make sure your equipment runs quietly... loud internal fans drive me crazy.
The only problem for me was that when I wanted to add something else on after a few months like a second hard drive, second CD/DVD drive, extra PCI cards, etc., there was never enough room in the case for everything to physically fit. I ended up creating a geometric impossibility of IDE cables such that all the drives couldn't possibly fit in the case at the same time. The result is that I left the case open lying sideways on the floor with the extra drives sitting on top of the case - http://www.ubersite.com/m/27452 .
Still, it's totally worth it until you get to the point that you don't feel like screwing with it anymore and then you can just buy a Mac.
Submitted by Stabkill (user info) at 2008-03-25 23:20:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
http://www.compusa.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3510472&CatId=1826
I was off in my math. This video card is not $264.74... it is $234.74 ($30.00 rebate!)
So then throw in this 500GB drive: http://shop2.outpost.com/product/4551377
And I'm over budget $17.48 without picking a DVD-RW drive yet.... so in the end, I'd be around $50 over.
I bet I can probably scour the net for better deals... I already found one here:
http://www.clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=CA4360006
RAM = $33.99 for 2 x 1GB sticks! Good deal here. $10 off the previous price I listed...
And combine that with the retail box Q6600 (-$20 when combined) and another $5 off my total.
Get the RAM and CPU at CLUBIT. I did receive RAM from here recently... no problems at all.
I am almost certain I can build that system for less than $1100 in the end... Looks like I'm about only the cost of a DVD-RW drive over. (Of course, unless you added the cost of your monitor in this system).
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2008-03-25 20:23:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2008-03-25 18:41:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
It seems as if the hardest part is popping the CPU into the motherboard just right, and then attaching the heat sink and fan. This is the only part I find remotely intimidating, mainly because my entire apartment is carpeted, and I'm afraid that I'm going to fry my CPU with a large static blast generated from my abnormally hairy body.
---
Get an antistatic wristband
-------------
There is more involved here than a simple wristband. . .
http://www.ubersite.com/m/115753#2677348
Submitted by Stabkill (user info) at 2008-03-25 20:22:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Oops. I put 2X by the video card... but it isn't 2X. Just one card.
Down the road, you can slap in up to 2 more video cards for a real performance boost.
Submitted by Stabkill (user info) at 2008-03-25 20:21:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Case: Antec Sonata Designer 500 Silver Steel ATX $139.54 http://www.nextwarehouse.com
Main Board: Asus P5N-T Deluxe LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX $299.99 http://www.newegg.com
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (Kentsfield 2.4GHz/266, P35, 800) $239.99 http://www.newegg.com
CPU Cooler: ZALMAN CNPS9500 $ 44.99 http://www.newegg.com
RAM: Crucial Ballistix DDR2 800 PC2-6400 - 2 x 1GB $ 38.99 http://www.newegg.com
Crucial Ballistix DDR2 800 PC2-6400 - 2 x 1GB $ 38.99 http://www.newegg.com
Video Cards: 2x GeForce 8800 GT 512 MB $264.74 http://www.compusa.com
Hard Drive: ?
DVD/RW: ?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1057.49
Looks like I'll be going over budget by a little bit... There are 500GB Hard drives with 16MB buffers for $85 free shipping (frys) and those DVD-RW's are relatively cheap.
Submitted by Stabkill (user info) at 2008-03-25 19:39:11 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I'll keep going... This main board rocks:
http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?modelmenu=1&model=1981&l1=3&l2=11&l3=610&l4=0
Submitted by Stabkill (user info) at 2008-03-25 19:05:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Wait... You are getting a new monitor with this package?
Submitted by Stabkill (user info) at 2008-03-25 19:01:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I'll show you the system I'd build for $1100 or less (shipping & rebates all included). It may be a few...
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2008-03-25 18:41:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
It seems as if the hardest part is popping the CPU into the motherboard just right, and then attaching the heat sink and fan. This is the only part I find remotely intimidating, mainly because my entire apartment is carpeted, and I'm afraid that I'm going to fry my CPU with a large static blast generated from my abnormally hairy body.
---
Get an antistatic wristband
Submitted by Stabkill (user info) at 2008-03-25 18:18:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Case:
http://www.nextwarehouse.com/item/?402712
$139.54 (Total price with free shipping)
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2008-03-25 17:34:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2008-03-25 14:25:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
there, someone said Mac.
i'm ready to bet my penis that this will turn into another Pc vs Mac 'conversation'.
============
Pretty small bet, don't you think. :)
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2008-03-25 14:25:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
there, someone said Mac.
i'm ready to bet my penis that this will turn into another Pc vs Mac 'conversation'.
Submitted by redskieslookfake (user info) at 2008-03-25 14:06:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
gaming?
xbox360 and a ps3 and a wii.
there.
Real work? Get a mac.
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2008-03-25 13:48:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
i don't know if it's cheaper but it's certainly a lot less trouble.
my comp was assembled in india. that's what i told a guy at work who kept breaking my balls about his apparently supra-performant multiethnic kit he had built. that if he concentrated on his career instead of looking to save a dollar here and there, he could afford one instead of doing a nigger's job.
of course i said that in french so there was a lot of ass rimming involved.
Submitted by MudWhistle (user info) at 2008-03-25 13:28:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by HadToBeDone (user info) at 2008-03-25 12:31:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Get the fuck off newegg every now and then and see what else is out there.
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you, "computer guru"...are you just looking for someone to engage you in an argument about something because this is the second time on this post that you commented about better sites?
we get it...you don't like newegg and you know a lot about computers....what else?
no one is biting, move along and find something more meaningful for your time.
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2008-03-25 13:10:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Caulaincourt gave the best advice of all: Ready-made with warranty, usually cheaper than building one.
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2008-03-25 12:49:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I can't give you the full eight-hour course in Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) here, but there are sites available. Frying processors is NOT a myth. Also, discharging your body to the computer frame is insufficient. What if you then reach over to pick up a component that has a different potential on it? Yep, a zing or a zap. Zap=catastrophic, instant failure. Zing= minor damage that weakens a device and will not show up until later.
You can't feel static of much under 3000 volts. Parts can be damaged by fewer than 40 volts of ESD.
An ESD kit with the mat and wrist strap shouldn't cost much. The wrist strap has a >1 megohm resistor in series which dissapates the difference of potential, protecting the part.
When you order a power supply, be sure it has the proper cables to connect a SATA drive. Not all of them do.
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2008-03-25 12:45:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
i paid 800$ for an ATI Radeon X1900 XTX a year and a half ago. i wonder how much it's worth now.
10$? lol
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2008-03-25 12:39:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
large scale computer builders like hp or dell or whatever all have websites on which you can customize a comp for a relatively cheap price.
saving a hundred dollars is not worth the hassle of building a computer yourself. plus, when you buy the whole package from the same vendor, you have a customer warranty of at least one year, the comp is usually pretty & nifty (if that matters to you) and the installed components are optimized with each others, which enhances performance and save you from frequent compatibility issues.
personally i bought a dell. it's been a lot more stable and reliable than any of the comp i, or seen people, built in college. except for my lcd monitor which had problems twice. it took me a phone call to get a new one within a couple of days both times.
anyway...you should look into it before writting it off even if it's an "uncool" opinion to have.
i don't give a shit. i work with computers all day. last thing i wanna do is spend my free time building or repairing one.
Submitted by HadToBeDone (user info) at 2008-03-25 12:31:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Get the fuck off newegg every now and then and see what else is out there.
Submitted by Banjo (user info) at 2008-03-25 12:29:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm probably the worst person in the world for pulling pieces in and out of my pc, not worrying about putting screws back in the right place, not worrying about static.
To date I've never fried a processor, RAM, vid cards... nothing. I think PCs are harder than they're given credit for. I've got compoenents lying all over my flat in and out of anti-static bags, they all work a treat.
In my opinion - do not fear the mighty frying processor - it is a myth
I have fried a power supply though but that was just being a bit overzealous with the amount of stuff I put in my PC - It Shmoked and Melted!
ps. Vista sucks ass
Submitted by ubetidid (user info) at 2008-03-25 12:15:05 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
"Because as we all know, Ubersite has always been a source of encouragement for all those who are unsure of themselves."
Submitted by maiorano84 (user info) at 2008-03-25 11:41:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I really like the white case, but I also found this black one as well. Doesn't have the firewire on the front, but it still has the included power supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129024
Submitted by Jeanneee (user info) at 2008-03-25 11:35:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Lots of people do but I ain't one of them.
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2008-03-25 11:13:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
shows how much you know, my wife left me for another woman MONTHS AGO.
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2008-03-25 11:08:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
You're ugly and married, Scourge, you can't act "aloof", stfu
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2008-03-25 11:03:19 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
i can't believe i'm actually typing this... but i'm gonna have to agree with oathy here.
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2008-03-25 10:53:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
If you want to burn DVDs properly with zero coasters and universal playback, two words of advice: Liteon and Ridata
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106073
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817132379
Submitted by FATMANTPK (user info) at 2008-03-25 10:47:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh, yes...show me your gigahertz!!! Push that hard drive into the bay...its so big that it fills it up...RAM the slots!
* ejaculates *
Submitted by Danger_Ranger (user info) at 2008-03-25 10:44:41 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
<drives over snark in a semi-trailer>
Hi Matt, it's me. And just in the nick of time I see. Listen, don't listen to patrick swayze. Xp mightn't utilise more than 3 gig but fuck me if Crysis, BioShock, The Witcher or Fallout 3 won't. Stay the fuck away from that bloatware vista and remember <backs over snark and gives the big thumbs up from cab window>, Snark's a fag, you keep taking advice from homo's and the next thing you know you'll be wearing joop and squealing whenever Hilary Swank walks the red carpet at the oscars.
Submitted by dithered (user info) at 2008-03-25 10:39:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Jesus H. Christ you people are fucking nerds. Especially 'sicosemen'.
Hit the gym, drink some whiskey, get laid and go buy an ATV you pussies.
Submitted by iacobus (user info) at 2008-03-25 10:36:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
I'm with DR on the gayness of this case. You might want to check out TigerDirect, they have a lot of BYOPC supplies.
Submitted by sicosemen (user info) at 2008-03-25 10:32:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Auto +2 New Chemist Position Promotion for S.I. Co. Semen
Submitted by Snark (user info) at 2008-03-25 10:21:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
You are better off with an nvidia 8800 card but if price is a big factor, stick with the ATI. If you are going to get 4 gigs or more of ram, you better pick up Vista 64. XP won't utilize more than 3 gigs.
The Quad core is a good choice. I'm running one myself. Just make sure your board supports it without having to first flash the bios. Kinda hard to flash it without a working CPU.
Submitted by icarus1987 (user info) at 2008-03-25 09:46:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
The RAID array can actually be very useful if you're going to be doing video editing, 3D work, or anything else requiring good write times.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2008-03-25 09:43:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Ummm, I know how to turn one ON, if that'll help.
Submitted by Ltap (user info) at 2008-03-25 09:30:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
+2 for building your own computer.
I have no idea what you're talking about, but one thing - if you're fond of digital cameras and camcorders and other such things, you might want to think about buying drives for their memory cards. It means importing pictures to your computer is a lot faster and doesn't involve using labourious devices hooked up to your USB ports, and 4 memory card drives only occupy as much (physical) space as a floppy drive (which are now useless), and can be just put in instead of a floppy drive.
I don't know much about the internal workings of computers, but you seem to be on the right track with this for burning CDs and DVDs, which is essentially nowadays.
Submitted by Brdn_Nkd (user info) at 2008-03-25 08:47:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
bob speaks words of wisdom
Submitted by forensicgirl3 (user info) at 2008-03-25 08:05:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
This code talk is making me nervous.
Just let us know when the system becomes self-aware.
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2008-03-25 08:01:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I've been building my own computers since high school.
Don't worry about static. Take a screwdriver, hold it by the metal, and touch the tip to the frame of the computer to discharge and shocks.
The processor is easy to install, just line up the pins with the holes. Some have arrows or other markings that you line up together. Order a tube of the arctic gel to put in between the processor and fan...it's better than the stuff that comes with the processor if you buy a boxed one. Also, make sure that your cpu fan is adequate, or you will fry the processor...especially if you overclock it or have your computer running in a warm/hot room.
RAID is nice, because I like to slave my old hard drive in for extra storage.
Intel vs. AMD is like Chevy vs. Ford. Back in the day, the only real difference was that the AMD's were significantly cheaper. It doesn't matter really anymore. I've only ever used AMD.
Make sure that your video card and RAM get good ventilation inside the case. By that, I mean keep them away from the ribbon wires, and make sure that any heatsinks and/or fans are free to spin and dust free.
You can get away with 2 IDE CD/DVD drives. Most ribbon wires have 2 connectors that you can plug them into. You may have to set one as a slave if you get a boot error.
You need no less than a 400 watt power supply. The 500w one in the case should be fine, as long as you dont have a bunch of crazy shit like neon lights sucking watts away.
If you get stuck, feel free to give me a shout at my email address that I used for my first few posts here.
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2008-03-25 08:00:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
f5 usually fixes the problem
Submitted by Danger_Ranger (user info) at 2008-03-25 07:59:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
ubmitted by HadToBeDone (user info) at 2008-03-25 07:44:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
AMD is infinitely superior to Intel.
---------
Word.
unless you have a lot of money to spend on a QX9650. but buying amd will get you laid. probably by a nerd, and a boy one, but what the fuck that's one time more you'll have sex than the rest of uber. dO IT.
Submitted by HadToBeDone (user info) at 2008-03-25 07:48:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Also, quad core won't actually help you. Processor speed stopped being a bottleneck somewhere around 2002. You need the fastest, highest quality ram possible. 4 gigs for 65 bucks, unless there's a $200 rebate, is going to be the downfall of that system.
Do not buy memory for a gaming system from newegg. Go to http://www.mushkin.com and buy the fastest memory your motherboard will support.
Basically, someone's been reading too many overclocking sites.
Submitted by HadToBeDone (user info) at 2008-03-25 07:44:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
AMD is infinitely superior to Intel.
Submitted by Danger_Ranger (user info) at 2008-03-25 06:00:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Oh and thermal paste - good quality silver stuff. Whatever the manufacturer has stuck on the bottom of your chipset is for the mums and dads. Remove it and apply a thin layer of paste, not too much just enough to cover the chip - pretend you're a jewish baker icing a cake. and don't eat it, I'm pretty sure thermal paste is poison. Unfortunately thermal paste is like that pink spot in Cat in the Hat, you wipe it off one thing and it just goes on another, but who gives a fuck just use you girlfriend's hair - it'll grow out, unless thermal paste retards growth - which it might, it's kind of evil looking. Anyway still use her hair - or if she's a fatty use her tummy.
and earth yourself you stupid wog.
Submitted by Danger_Ranger (user info) at 2008-03-25 05:50:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
that case looks gay. Whilst I've always been a bit of a Radeon nazi (and still have one - a saphire no less), ati's drivers of late have been a right pain in the arse, but either way nvidia or ati omega drivers are usually your best bet. The 3870 is still a great card, for an nvidia alternative MSI's 8800 GT - then overclock the cunt. Buy Corsair ram and a raptor hard drive, sure they'll cost you more but it's a longevity thing - you're going to spend the money sooner or later. Skimp on the storage and the raptor won't set you back that much, besides, storage is overrated, only a furry would use it for back up, and if you can't be arsed playing a movie on a cd then you are a lazy bastard.
Back to the case. Antec power supplies are sweet, but they won't disguise how gay that case looks. I have had a wavemaster coolermaster for the last 4 years, it's still dead sexy and weighs a tonne, which really impresses girls when you pick it up. Even if you don't pick it up it will still get you laid because it's so awesome. The only reason mine hasn't got me laid is that girls don't actually like me so consequently don't actually come 'round to visit, but who cares I've got a really cool case and I can see my face in it, which puts me off sex anyway.
So I have more time for Crysis. Win-win.
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2008-03-25 04:18:22 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
hehe *DOH*
Submitted by rob_berg (user info) at 2008-03-25 04:17:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
AND above.
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2008-03-25 04:13:41 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
big gay bear below
Submitted by rob_berg (user info) at 2008-03-25 04:12:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
NERD.
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2008-03-25 04:08:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
ummm, say what?