Building a new PC

Well first off I have never built a pc before, but I know my way around a little. I am looking to build a new pc starting with a barebones kit or something. Can you guys give me some ideas about what else I would need with this (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4371706&Sku=P56-0001 A) ? I don't know what the rules are for posting links to sites here, so apologies in advance if it was against the rules.

Anyway that deal looks pretty good to me, it's priced well for me and ALOT better than my old AMD 2800+. I figured I would post here cause you guys have helped me alot in the past and I would hope you can point me in the right direction if what I am choosing is not wise.

Thanks,

-KC

 

Hi!! Well, the first change I'd make is the PSU!! I would go with a brand name and higher wattage PSU. Especially if you plan on upgrading in the future. Not only that, but I've had my share of problems with 'off-brand' el cheapos and the quality just isn't there and it isn't worth putting your system at risk. Personally, I'd recommend something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016 or this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371007 You'll spend more for a good PSU, but it'll be worth it in the long run. Granted, there are other good PSUs out there, but I've had nothing but good luck with Antec. Other good ones are OCZ, Thermaltake and Corsair.

As for the remainder of your system, I think I need to let that up to some else, who is more well versed in those areas! Just want to make sure you get the best advice possible!!

 

Thanks stubby, I will look into getting a different PSU. I showed the system to my friend last night and he seemed to think the mobo is crap? Any more ideas would be greatly appreciated, thanks again.

 

I built my own computer, it's a costly thing but well worth it.

You need to decide on two things:

*What you want to use it for.
*Your maximum budget (as much as possible)

Mine cost me more than usualy becuase it has been a work in progress & sill is lol

Answer those and I may just be able to help you :-D

:major2-Bit-Geek:major

 

I have to agree with 2-Bit-Geek on this one. If your budget permits, buy all the parts YOU want instead of the ones that come in a kit. Do a little research for compatability of the parts you choose and get what you want, budget permitting. In plain words, start from scratch!! Granted, like 2-Bit-Geek said, it is a little costlier this way, but it can save you money in the long run by buying parts that can be upgraded later, like the motherboard. Example, say you can only afford a Dual-Core CPU now and only 2 gigs of RAM, but later you want to upgrade to a Quad-Core with 4 gigs of RAM. Buy a motherboard that will permit you to do that without having to go into the expense of a new motherboard. Don't misunderstand me, 'bare bone' kits are okay, but usually the parts that come with them aren't 'top notch,' which explains the lower prices. No, I'm not trying to talk you out of the kit you mentioned, I'm just giving you an alternative. Good Luck!!!

 

Tell you what, you give me a rough budget and a few choices such as:

*AMD or Intel
*Nvidia or ATI

With that I can give you an idea of the machine you could get, depending on it's use, top notch gaming or a project (upgradable).
And the stuff you already have if anything (Case, moniter, keyboard, mouse, graphics card).

How does that sound?

:major2-Bit-Geek:major

 

I took a closer look at all the stuf you get and yes the mobo is crap :-D

Nforce 630i is definately dated, I have an Nforce 770 and my mobo is 2 years old now I think. The RAM isn't bad, the CPU I am not really very good with Intel :confused, but the graphics card although it has alot of VRAM 768MB it's the GSO model which are cap, basically if your gonna go cheapwith Nvidia try to stay with the 600's yes but the GT versions are far better than GSO. I had both the 8600GT & 9600GT never failed me until they started lacking performance. Finally the PSU is very weak, I wouldn't trust it with a GPU that needs a 6 Pin adaptor. The case speaks for itself take a look at the reviews: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...pNo=2549294&sku=TC3J-4040 P&srkey=TC3J-4040 P

Not too good really :confused

:major2-Bit-Geek:major

 

K, thanks for the replies. I have a pretty small budget at the moment but I can buy things one at a time and build something decent I would guess. I don't need anything too special, I mean I like to play pc games but my old pc limited me very much. I really only use the pc for internet and some gaming, but like I said nothing too special. I put up that barebones kit cause the price is ok and it is definately better than what I had. they have another one on their site now thats even cheaper but missing the video card and HD. (http://www.tigerdirect.com/email/wem1838.asp?cm_re=Homepage-_-Spot 23-_-email_wem1838) It is also AMD which I have heard is better than Intel?? Not sure about all this stuff, I am just looking to get something decent for the money that won't take a dump on me in a year...

I already have a case, monitor etc etc. Guess the only thing I would need is new speakers cause with mine the little volume thing makes a bunch of noise thru the speakers when I move it and I gotta fiddle with it to get the balance right LOL.

 

If you don't mind me asking do you have the tech skill to build your own computer? If not I also hate to suggest a pre built computer (they suck).

What type of games are you wanting to play? GTA IV or Burnout Paradice/NFS

Because there is a massive differance in tech needed to run them :-D

I mean EA are doing a fantastic job of making low spec games, 2.8GHz single core CPU, 128MB with pixel shader 3.0 Graphics card really old stuff, where as GTA IV needs a 2.4GHz dual core & 256MB 7900 Nvidia. Again old stuff but you try and play GTA IV on that and it will suck, I can't even play tha on top graphics & I have spent... too much on my PC lately :-D

Internet surfing only really needs a good ISP lol

So depending on your gaming wishes you may not have to spend all that much

:major2-Bit-Geek:major

 

Since your budget is limited, have you checked out these kits? http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=3&name=Barebone-Systems One thing I noticed is that Newegg seems to have better prices.

 

Not sure what you mean, but I can't imagine putting a pc together is all that difficult. I have replaced parts in a pc before and that was fairly easy. Other than that not sure.

I don't really need to play the high end games, just some better ones. I have call of duty 4 and never got to play it cause my old pc was junk lol.

I did look at those pc's on newegg's site but tigerdirect seems easier to understand to me. Not quite sure what I would be getting buying one from newegg, and of course what I would not. Anyway, if I do end up having to go with something pre-built what would you suggest?? I'm guessing dell isn't a good choice lolz.

 

Oops thanked instead of reply to post lol

Dell's are crappy, they are overpriced and under spec'd and loose value far faster than anything else.

Your right it's not that hard, but if you do certain things wrong you can kill parts. Pre built PC's are crappy really, if you can find a shop near you that does then & has a website I could take a look and see if they are any good, here is an example of 2 pc's I would say were ok'ish:

1, http://www.computerorbit.co.uk/item...onics&prodesc=5.~XM5~DELUXE~SYSTEM~-~AMD.html

2, http://www.falconcomputers.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=100_174&products_id=2781

Both a bit of a rip off, but both will do do the job for a while. They are 2 shops near me that have websites.

:major2-Bit-Geek:major

 

I see, well I can't order a pc from the uk since i'm west coast usa lol. I will look around for local shops though.

But if I bought like a barebones kit etc I could just take it to a shop for install I spose. I am just lookin for somethin basic I guess, that will last awhile. The pc I had before was amd 2800+ and I had it for like 5 years before the motherboard took a dump...

 

It's not likely you'll find a computer to last that long anymore, as dual & quad cores are a bit... live fast die young lol

But I thing this might last a while:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ 3.0GHz
MSI DKA790GX, AM2, DDR2, Crossfire Ready, AM3 Ready
X4 1GB Kingston Hyper, DDR2, 1066MHz
ATI (Radeon) HD 4870, 1024MB, GDDR5
1500GB Seagate Barracuda SATA2 7200RPM
Antec Nine Hundred

You see with that you get a pretty good dual core that I found very reliable, 4GB of fast RAM, a very strong graphics card I also have & they are great, I still have an IDE Seagate from 2002, so they last & that one has plenty of space 1.5TB :-D, a nice cooling case (can be quiet) & the best bit is the motherboard, that supports quad cores & crossfire (expandability).

Basically that should last a long time & if it gets slow you will be ablt to upgrade the CPU & throw in 2 ATI cards when they are dirt cheap.

Unless anyone can think of a better setup that will last a very long time?

:major2-Bit-Geek:major