Building a Computer

[Beer $lut]

Well i think im going to build a computer, but i need some help. I need to know all the parts i need and what are the best brands etc.. (i think i know all the parts i just want to be safe)

 

[TheHybrid]

You'll need a Case, Power Supply, Motherboard, Memory (depending on mobo and cpu), Processor (cpu), cpu heatsink, CD Drive, a Hard Drive and some wires; ATA cables, etc.

Video card (i recommend it), sound card, monitor, keyboards and mouse, speakers, printers, and Operating system are optional.

If you're a gamer, a Video Card can be quite necessary.

 

[JimJam-Dragoon]

Well first thing is what are you building this computer for and how much money are you willing to spend on it. If you're just building this computer for lets say for office work you probably won't need a top of the line video card. If you are building this computer for gaming you will need one.

 

[Beer $lut]

Well first thing is what are you building this computer for and how much money are you willing to spend on it. If you're just building this computer for lets say for office work you probably won't need a top of the line video card. If you are building this computer for gaming you will need one.

For gaming and other crap.

I dont want to go to much higher than a 1000.

 

[Deranged Hydralisk]

Last night I drempt that I made a computer terminal for C++ programming. I'm actually considering making one for in my room. Wouldn't that be secksi?

 

[Beer $lut]

Ok well i think ive got most of the stuff. Im just a little hung over on the monitor. Heres there stuff:

RAIDMAX Black Aluminum Gaming Case with 420W Power Supply, Model "668WBP" -RETAIL
Specifications:
Case Type: Gaming Case
Color: Black
Material: 1.0mm Aluminum
Drive Bays: 5.25" x 5/0, 3.5" x 2/5 (external/internal)
Expansion Slots: 7
Front Ports: 2 x USB2.0, 2 x Audio, 1 x IEEE1394
Power Supply: RAIDMAX 420W
Cooling System: 2 x 80mm(front), 2 x 80mm thermal controled clear fans(rear), 1 x 80mm(top), 1 x 80mm tri-color LED fan(side window)
Motherboard Compatibility: ATX Form Factor 12" x 10.5" or smaller
Dimensions: 8" x 20.5" x 18.5" (WxHxD)


ABIT "IS7-E" i865PE Chipset Motherboard for Intel Socket 478 CPU -RETAIL
Specifications:
Supported CPU: Intel Pentium 4(HT Ready) Processors
Chipset: Intel 865PE + ICH5
FSB: 800/533MHz, 400MHz only for Northwood CPU
RAM: 4x DIMM for Dual Channel DDR400/333/266 Max 4GB
IDE: 2x ATA 100 up to 4 Devices
Slots: 1x AGP 8X/4X(0.8/1.5V), 5x PCI
Ports: 2xPS/2,1xLPT,1xCOM,SPDIF In/Out,1xLAN,8xUSB2.0(Rear 4),Audio Ports
Onboard Audio: 6-Channel AC97 Codec
Onboard LAN: 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet
Onboard SATA: 2x Serial ATA 150


ATI RADEON 9600XT Video Card, 128MB DDR, 128-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP -RETAIL
Specifications:
Chipset/Core Speed: ATI RADEON 9600XT/500MHz
Memory/Effective Speed: 128MB DDR/600MHz
BUS: AGP 4x/8x
Ports: VGA Out(15 Pin D-Sub)+TV-Out(S-Video Out)+DVI connector
Support 3D API: DirectX®9, OpenGL®2.0
Cable/Accessories: Driver CD, Manual
Max Resolution@32bit Color: 2048X1536@85Hz


Intel Pentium 4/ 2.8E GHz 800MHz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache, Hyper Threading Technology - Retail
Specifications:
Model: Intel Pentium 4 w/ Hyper Threading
Core: Prescott
Operating Frequency: 2.8GHz
FSB: 800MHz
Cache: L1/12K+16K; L2/1MB
Voltage: 1.25-1.525V
Process: 0.09Micron
Socket: Socket 478
Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3
Warranty: 3-year MFG


Rosewill 184-Pin 512MB DDR PC-2700, Model RW333/512 - Retail
Specification
Manufacturer: Rosewill
Speed: DDR333(PC2700)
Type: 184-Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2.5-3-3
Support Voltage: 2.5V ~ 2.6V
Bandwidth: 2.7GB/s
Organization: 64M x 64-Bit


SAMSUNG 120GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Model SP1213C, OEM Drive Only
Specifications:
Capacity: 120GB
Average Seek Time: 8.9 ms
Buffer: 8MB
Rotational Speed: 7200 RPM
Interface: Serial ATA
Features: Fluid Dynamic Bearing Spindle Motor Technology
Manufacturer Warranty: 3 years


Logitech BLACK Optical Desktop PS/2 104keys -OEM
Specifications:
Interface: PS/2
Number Of Keys: 104 keys + 7 function keys
Wireless Technology: N/A
Palm Rest: Detachable
Design Style: Standard
Mouse included: USB/ PS/2 Wheel Mouse Optical
Features: Enjoy responsive keys providing an exceptional touch, Get comfortable with the keyboard's ultra-flat Zero Degree Tilt design, Simplify tasks with enhanced key


NEC 8X Black Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Drive, Model ND-2510A BLK, OEM BULK
Specifications:
Write Speed: 8X DVD+R, 4X DVD+RW, 8X DVD-R, 4X DVD-RW, 2.4X DVD+R DL, 32X CD-R, 16X CD-RW
Read Speed: 40X CD-ROM, 12X DVD-ROM
Interface: ATAPI / E-IDE
Buffer: 2MB
OS Support: Windows XP/2000/Me/98SE
Features: Support for writing DVD+R DL; Vertical operation possible, anti-dust seal.


Logitech X-620 6.1 Speaker -RETAIL
Specifications:
Configuration: 6.1
Power Output: 70.1 Watts RMS
Frequency Response: 35Hz - 20,000Hz
Signal to noise ratio: >75db @1 khz
Remote: N/A
Features: Increase your gaming intensity by upgrading to the 6.1 surround sound of Logitech's X-620 speaker system. It features six satellite speakers, including a center rear channel, plus a powerful pressure driver subwoofer


Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack SP1a - OEM Designed exclusively for home computing. From digital photos, music, and video to building a home network, Windows XP Home Edition brings you into the digital age with ease. Built on the solid foundation of Windows 2000, Windows XP Home Edition also sets the new standard in efficient and dependable computing.
*Must be Purchased with Hardware!!*
*Must be Purchased with Hardware!!*



Now tell me that all of that will work together and if that everything i need. Also help me choose a lcd monitor. I want a 17" i don't really want to go higher than 350 on it.

 

[TheHybrid]

For the CPU, get the 2.8C, not the 2.8E.

 

[aphextwin]

lol pentium for gaming is like saying a russian teaching english..... it wont make sense......

go for athlon if u want gaming, pentium is more business and server based

 

[TheHybrid]

lol pentium for gaming is like saying a russian teaching english..... it wont make sense......

go for athlon if u want gaming, pentium is more business and server based

Actually, you're wrong. Pentium 4 are really good at gaming.

 

[Sicloan]

pentium is fine for gaming. I use intel and i love it. There are those that swear by amd for gaming, who just dont see the other side. AMD exports alot of heat, not good for over clockers.

For the monitor, i would get a CRT and get an LCD later on. I know it may seem bulky, but they are ALOT cheaper and better for gaming. If you do get a CRT make sure its a flat screen one, and not a rounded one. Then, i would spend the extra money you saved from the lcd and upgrade your vid card. For about like 70 more you can get the 9800pro and soft mod it to 9800xt. Also, if you already have a copy of windows, dont buy it again, thats just a waste. And get xp PRO. xp home just blows.

 

[Beer $lut]

pentium is fine for gaming. I use intel and i love it. There are those that swear by amd for gaming, who just dont see the other side. AMD exports alot of heat, not good for over clockers.

For the monitor, i would get a CRT and get an LCD later on. I know it may seem bulky, but they are ALOT cheaper and better for gaming. If you do get a CRT make sure its a flat screen one, and not a rounded one. Then, i would spend the extra money you saved from the lcd and upgrade your vid card. For about like 70 more you can get the 9800pro and soft mod it to 9800xt. Also, if you already have a copy of windows, dont buy it again, thats just a waste. And get xp PRO. xp home just blows.

I probably would get a crt but my desk isnt big enough.

 

[Sicloan]

yes that is a problem lots of people face. You can usually find good local deals on monitors at like buisnesses that just upgraded thier stuff and they are selling the old stuff, such as libraries, schools, or big companies. At some libraries i got like full p3 800 mhz computers for like $5 a piece.

I highly doubt you'll find a 17in LCD for under 350. I got my 15" for 350 about a year ago and prices have not dropped that much. You might also wanna try costco or some of those stores for monitors, they might have good deals.

 

[Korittke]

Anyone reckoned the AMDs being cheaper than the Intels? Doesn't look like it.

 

[TheHybrid]

The Older Athlon 64, socket 754, are around the same price.

The newer socket 939 are actually quite pricey. Even the 3500+, the cheapest, cost more than the P4 3.4 540.

 

[aphextwin]

i use p4 for gaming and its really bad compared to athlon....... im not saying you cant use it for gaming, its just not right :\

 

[TheHybrid]

The faster P4 exceeding 2.8ghz does really well in gaming and can possibly compare to Athlon 64 cpus.

 

[amrtin77]

http://www.newegg.com

http://www.nutrend.com


two good sites off the top of my head.... you should be able to get a decent/good gaming computer for 300-500. i wouldnt be willing to spend 1000. thats alot.

 

[AxL]

Case:
ANTEC Performance Plus w/430psu ~$129

MOBO:
MSI "K8N Neo Platinum" ~$128

CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 3000+ ~$175

GPU:
MSI ATI RX9800PRO ~$194

Memory:
Corsair Value Select 1G(512MBx2) ~$155

HDD:
Western Digital 80GB 7200RPM ~$60

CDRW/DVD:
Lite-On White 52X32X52X16 Combo Drive ~$39

Sound:
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy LS ~$29 (w/mail in rebate)

Floppy:
Mitsumi 1.44MB ~$10

Total: US $909