Building a computer for the first time! Help Please.

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by Bowserstein, Feb 22, 2006.

  1. Bowserstein

    Bowserstein Private E-2

    Ok, as the title says, I'm building a computer for the first time. I wont have any real trouble assembling it, as I had a class in A+ Core, I just need help picking the parts for my needs and need to make sure they work together (Compatability/ Work at best speed)

    So, for starters, I'm building a computer for my brother and I, with its main purpose being gaming. I have made, what I think is anyway, a complete list of everything I need, to be filled in. (Please let me know if I'm forgetting something):

    Case: Found one I like already I think.
    [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811145047]
    Motherboard: No clue what to get on this one. Need one that'll support whatever processor I decide to buy, 1-2 Gigs of RAM, and an AGP video card slot.
    []
    RAM: Looking to get two 512s probably, cause that is about 80 dollars, or maybe two 512s and two 256s
    []
    Video Card: My friend has a 256 Mb ATI Radeon card he is selling to me for 100, never used.
    [Video Card from friend]
    Sound Card: No clue, just need something decent for gaming, nothing extravagent.
    []
    Processor: Need something with good speed, but not expensive, and that will fit whatever motherboard I choose.
    []
    Hard Drive: Probably getting a 120 GB Seagate Hard Drive.
    []
    CD/DVD Drive/Burner: I'm probably going to get a CD Burner/DVD Burner Combo Drive, but it depends on what everything else comes to, as this isn't really of much importance. Don't really need alot of suggestions on this.
    []
    Video Capture Card: I'm getting one for myself, I won't include it in the total price cause I will buy it out of my own pocket. Open for suggestions though.
    []
    Mouse: Gonna pick one up at Walmart for $20. Got a new one last week and I like it, so I'll just pick up another.
    [Wal-mart]
    Keyboard: Again, Probably walmart. Unless there's a suggestion for a good cheap one.
    []
    Speakers: Don't know just need something cheap/decent, because we usually use headsets anyway.
    []
    Monitor: Looking for a decent 17" CRT Monitor.
    []
    Network Card: Have Cable Internet, with cable modem and a Regular/Wireless Router. Probably not going for wireless, because this computer will probably never move.
    []

    Total: $

    Please help me choose the right parts to put in the [] brackets so I can make an order for the parts. I plan on using Newegg.com (am I allowed to put this?) to buy everything in case anyone is wondering.

    Budget: Around $800 area.

    Thanks in advance for any help!
     
  2. Bowserstein

    Bowserstein Private E-2

  3. Bowserstein

    Bowserstein Private E-2

    Dang, was editting last reply when and window closed so here's the rest of what I was thinking:

    Motherboard: Whatever works well with all \/this\/ stuff. Help?
    RAM:
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145440
    or if I have the money: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820220079
    Sound Card:
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829117107
    Processor:
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116198
    Hard Drive:
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148105
    CD/DVD Drive/Burner:
    CD:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106997
    Monitor:
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824197001

    Also, do I need flash/cache memory? Don't know alot about that.
     
  4. Dawnpatrol

    Dawnpatrol Private First Class

    You'll have problems down the line getting an AGP card. Since AGP is on its way out you'll not have as many options in the future for upgrading. I'd recommend you get an Nforce 4 motherboard. It'll have onboard sound which is fine for what you'll be doing. I'd also recommend an AMD chip instead of an Intel. Better bang for your buck. Also, you probably won't need an internet card. Many motherboards have it built in.
     
  5. Bold Eagle

    Bold Eagle MajorGeek

    If you do get a Prescott just remeber they can run hot so cooling maybe an issue, especially for a Gaming sys, you may have to consider a decent heatsink/CPU fan combo and Artic Silver 5 thermal paste.
     
  6. Bowserstein

    Bowserstein Private E-2

    Thanks for the help, but I kind of really want to get an AGP slot motherboard because as I said my friend is selling me an ATI Radeon Pro 256 mb card for half price (he never used it even:) ). Suggestions for which one to buy for that? I also dont plan on upgrading for a long time anyway.

    Also, if AMD is better, I'll go with that. I'm just not sure what about 3.0 Ghz would equal in their rating system (they use like 1600, and stuff like that). Also, only if it is cheaper for the same power.

    Also, is Prescott a type of Motherboard? I don't know much about them. That's the main thing I'm trying to find out to get, then building around what that supports. Thanks for the help.
     
  7. Dawnpatrol

    Dawnpatrol Private First Class

    Ok. I just wanted you to be aware of that!
     
  8. Bold Eagle

    Bold Eagle MajorGeek

    A coarse and simple explanation is that Prescott is a model of CPU (Central Processing Unit) made by Intel , like a model of car, e.g. Corolla made by Toyota, that can come with differnent sized motors and features. It is a lot more complex than this and relates to the dye on the chip and the size of components on it.

    Intel has many models of chips and Prescott is one of these, they have a reputation to run hot and cooling strategies should be an extra consideration if using this type. Someone can probably explain it a lot better than this but I have tried to keep it simple.
     
  9. Bold Eagle

    Bold Eagle MajorGeek

  10. juggalo29935

    juggalo29935 Private E-2

    Ive used intel and AMD and i like AMD better they are much cooler in temps which can translate to long life. You need a good power supply which I didnt see on your list. I go for 500w just to be safe. I would go with a PCI-E x16 video card because its faster than AGP and AGP will be phased out. Id go with this mobo on the lower end if you get a socket 939 AMD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128268 and this on the higher end AMD 939 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813127212
    I own this one and it is fantastic. You wont need a NIC or sound card for these boards they are built in. Your RAM looks good i love Corsair.
    Here is a nice cheap board for your intel CPU you have listed, it even has AGP and PCI-E x16 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131566
    Make sure your case is ATX also for these boards. Let me know if you need any more help.
     
  11. Feanor23x

    Feanor23x Private E-2

    How do you find out what model of CPU you have?
     
  12. juggalo29935

    juggalo29935 Private E-2

    Several ways if you want in depth info download Everest from major geeks. The quick was is to click start, control panel, performance and maintance, then see basic information about your computer
     
  13. Triaxx2

    Triaxx2 MajorGeek

    If you're worried about processor mobo compatibilities, then buy them as a combo. Might be a little more expensive, but you'll be assured of them working together.

    AMD seems to be more stable in my experience. I've never had anything but problems with Intel Processors.

    As for AGP, I agree that PCI-E is faster, though I've seen mobos with the ability to use both, and if you want to save money on a new card now, that might be the way to go.
     
  14. viper_boy403

    viper_boy403 MajorGeek

    You compare AMD and Intel by the speed of the Intel compared to the name of the AMD, ex: Athlon 3800 = Intel @ 3.8ghz or as you were saying, a P4 @ 3.0ghz = AMD 3000. AMDs have much lower frequencies but dont let that fool you, they run just as fast or even faster that the higher frequency Intel procs.
     
  15. viper_boy403

    viper_boy403 MajorGeek

    O yeah, I have that same processor you were looking at, the p4, and with the stock cooler overclocked it to a stable 3.5, easy and only raised the temps by 5 C (idle around 50 now). I love it, great for gaming.
     
  16. Bold Eagle

    Bold Eagle MajorGeek

    EVEREST will provide info but the best CPU ID util I found is is called CPU Informer by osci (OverSoft CPU Informer) gives your more info on your CPU than EVEREST. Sadly I can't remeber where I got it as I would give you the link. Do a google search and if you can't find it I can send it to you (514kb).
     

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