Thinking of building a pc....

[xXInsaneDylanXx]

Okay well first off I have a hd wide screen monitor and a cheap Emachine with a Intel Celeron and I put in a Geforce 8800 graphic card so I can watch moves and such through my tv via s-video. I don't have an HD tv so thats the best I can use. As you might have relised, Emachines aren't the greatest so I want something alittle better...besides Ive had this one for over 2 years too.
What I use my pc for is mostly common stuff. But what I want it to do smoothly is play movies(not HD though) and games. Like Crysis and such. I won't be hard core gaming on it since I have a ps3.
I don't know alot about all of this but as much as I know this seems to be a good set up:
Case- http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...&sku=C283-2032
Motherboard- http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...&sku=G452-0010
cpu fan- http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...9&sku=Z20-1018
total 4 gigs of ram- http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...3&sku=K25-4026
power supply- http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...&sku=C283-2036
processor- http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...=CP1-DUO-E8400
extra fans- http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...&sku=C283-1148
Graphics card- will be using my one right now but will get one sometime...NOT Geforce! The 8000s do not support full screen output to tv(not sure about 9000s)
sound card- built in one is good enough for me...for now

This will add up to be around 550bucks-I don't need a hdd, monitor, graphics card,(for now) dvd drive or OS. I can take that out of my existing pc.
I will be running 32bit custom modified xp for speed and stuff I like.

I know this isn't my final decision but I just want to hear from ppl who know more then me and what you think and what I should change...
I want something that I can upgrade for awhile, and as much as I know, this motherboard is a good one for that.(heard good things about this brand)
Also about bios, Im new to this and im not sure how to set up everything...so if you know a great site to learn about alot of this stuff would be great.
Or do you think I would be better off just buying a pre built one?
I know Im asking alot at one time but all help will be appreciated!
Edit: I can get most of this on newegg cheaper.

[Evangelion]

Those configuration are pretty good for most of the games, but I think the case is a bit too expensive. Generally, cases around 40 bucks(without power supply) are alright. And if you're going to upgrade your graphics card in the near future, perhaps a ATI 4850? The price had been cut down recently to around 120 bucks. Since you're not a hard core gamer, ATI 4850 would satisfy your needs.

[xXInsaneDylanXx]

Originally Posted by Evangelion

Those configuration are pretty good for most of the games, but I think the case is a bit too expensive. Generally, cases around 40 bucks(without power supply) are alright. And if you're going to upgrade your graphics card in the near future, perhaps a ATI 4850? The price had been cut down recently to around 120 bucks. Since you're not a hard core gamer, ATI 4850 would satisfy your needs.

Cool thanks. Ya the case is alittle high but I would pay more for one that looks cool then pay less for one that looks dumb. Plus it comes with three 120mm fans with one LED one for the front. And as much as I heard, that company makes quit fans too. The reviews say its super high quality and its worth every penny.
Sooo the setup I have is good? how can that be, I don't know alot of computers and how could I pick out the good stuff? lol

[stonkeye]

I personally would not scrimp on the case cheap cases nasty!
But its budget dependent and what you are really wanting to do, i have my comp out so it can be seen so like it to look nice as well as form nice.
I built my machine two years ago.

Case: Love it very versatile and open to expansion. but expensive....
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...284&CatId=1864

Regarding the rest of your selection.
Do you need 4gig ram if your only running 32bit? wont see it all any how.
I would go with something like:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16820227362
The ram you picked is a bit slow FSB considering your mobo and CPU are up there plus its only 55$ for 4gig and your pick looks like its 25$ for 2gig.

MOBO you picked looks find and CPU looks good.

Games like Crysis are hogs so you need a good PC to run at max.

Happy building

[xXInsaneDylanXx]

Originally Posted by stonkeye

I personally would not scrimp on the case cheap cases nasty!
But its budget dependent and what you are really wanting to do, i have my comp out so it can be seen so like it to look nice as well as form nice.
I built my machine two years ago.

Case: Love it very versatile and open to expansion. but expensive....
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...284&CatId=1864

Regarding the rest of your selection.
Do you need 4gig ram if your only running 32bit? wont see it all any how.
I would go with something like:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16820227362
The ram you picked is a bit slow FSB considering your mobo and CPU are up there plus its only 55$ for 4gig and your pick looks like its 25$ for 2gig.

MOBO you picked looks find and CPU looks good.

Games like Crysis are hogs so you need a good PC to run at max.

Happy building

Ok awesome! thanks for telling me all that. Like I said I don't know alot about computers so thanks for the info on the ram.
Wow thats alot for the case!
Well I thought why not get 4gigs
I switch ram after I made this post to this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820104073
But idk if its better then the one you picked...volts are lower on your pick which is better right? Speed is the same...timing, idk whats that.

[stonkeye]

Lower Volts are better less heat, but to be honest not sure it makes that much difference at that level unless you start getting into OC but it does not sound like your going to be doing that.

I have heard good things about DFI mobos as well never used one but supposed to be very good.

Remember get a good power supply Power and Cooling are good. Of all my builds the power supply is what fails if you go cheap on them.

[xXInsaneDylanXx]

Originally Posted by stonkeye

Lower Volts are better less heat, but to be honest not sure it makes that much difference at that level unless you start getting into OC but it does not sound like your going to be doing that.

I have heard good things about DFI mobos as well never used one but supposed to be very good.

Remember get a good power supply Power and Cooling are good. Of all my builds the power supply is what fails if you go cheap on them.

Yup. Case comes with three fans...I might buy two more. Im thinking of a 460watt coolermaster power supply. Not expensive but reviews are good. What do you think?
Im not gonna do any OC on this build...maybe in the far future.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817171028

[stonkeye]

Its hard to say looks okay this is the one i use
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817703009

It depends on the GPU your using or going to be using a lot of the cards pull lots of amps along with all the other parts in your case.

Check what card you are going to end up using and see if it meets the requirements, if your going to change your card in the next few months might as well get a power supply now that will work rather than having to get another.

I like the above one as it has 60amps on the 12V rail, and each of my cards can pull 28amps at max load. once you factor in all the accessories like hd, fans, cds etc etc that load starts to climb.

On my last build i bought a generic power supply 350watts lasted 4 months before poof up in smoke.

[xXInsaneDylanXx]

Well I have a Geforce 8800 and thats powerful enough the only thing I don't like is that If a app/game goes into full screen right away, there is no way I can get it to my tv.
What I want from a new graphic card:
full screen out
htmi out etc(will get HD tv sometime idk when though)
My one now has enough power to play Crysis so I don't need much more power.

[stonkeye]

Depending on what 8800 its is GT,GTS 512meg etc etc

That power supply might not be enough.

425W PCI Express-compliant system power supply with a combined 12V current rating of 28A or more*

Search the card you have and check min spec on power.

[xXInsaneDylanXx]

Hmm come to think of it I believe its a 8500 not 8800. I got the 8500 because I wouldn't need anymore since I only have a Cerlon processor.
(looking for box....)
Okay bfg tech Nvidia GeForce 8500 gs 512mb ddr2 memory
pci express. has s video out and dvi out.
Was just looking at some other cards and it seems like they require 400watt power supply and up...maybe I better get a better one...heres a 500watt.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817703016

[Evangelion]

This is the power supply I'm using, it's pretty good and stable, 620watt with around 80% efficiency.

Check Me Out

[Seeking_Alpha]

First off I strongly suggest you check the motherboard manufacturer's website and see if your ram is compatible. You can also try the ram maker's website to see if the mobo is compatible. They usually have a full list of what is. Pay attention to the exact model.

Then I suggest getting a DDR2 800 kit. You picked out something spec'd to run at 1066 which isn't necessary since you said you won't overclock.

Then I suggest getting a good brand name psu. Skimping on this can lead to an early death for your PC. Extreme overclocking forums have a list of the best of the best here: http://forums.extremeoverclocking.co...d.php?t=136602

Some people even take the stand that the PSU is the most important part of a build.

You can also use a PSU calculator like this to see really how much you need
http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

If you won't overclock, then the stock heatsink that comes with the 8400 is perfect. In fact you can probably oc a couple of 100mhz and still be fine.

And the LED fans, do you really want that much light around your case? My personal preference is to keep it dark and have most of the light from my monitor. But it's your decision.

The best place to get help or info regarding your build is the motherboard manufacturer's forums. They usually have a thread detailing how to flash (update) your bios. And again if you aren't going to play around with oc'ing, then the "auto" settings in the BIOS are usually fine.

Personally, I always pick a motherboard brand that has a strong forum community, like EVGA or ASUS. I've never used Gigabyte before so I don't really know how good or, more importantly, helpful, the people are there. You should check them out ahead of time to see if the forums look good and alive. Of course, you can also use a site like Extreme Overclocking or [H]ardOCP to help you out.

Good luck!

By the way, have you ever assembled a PC before? If not, here's a really good illustrated guide: http://www.techpowerup.com/articles/other/144

Keep in mind thought the processor he's using is a bit old. But the basic ideas are the same.

Make sure you take your time and read the directions that come with your mobo or case.

One last thing, if you want something completely picked out for you and can supposedly play Crysis @40fps, for $500, then check out this article I came across just now:
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/fea...y_crysis_40fps

It also has a build it guide.

They did skimp of the PSU though.

[Offender_Mullet]

xXInsaneDylanXx,

While Tiger Direct is a great store (I shop at the 2 in my area sometimes), newegg.com usually has better pricing and free shipping.

[xXInsaneDylanXx]

Okay thanks so much for the links!
And Offender_Mullet, If you read my other posts, you would have noticed that I switched to Newegg.

[Seeking_Alpha]

Originally Posted by xXInsaneDylanXx

Okay thanks so much for the links!
And Offender_Mullet, If you read my other posts, you would have noticed that I switched to Newegg.

You should also look at Amazon. Their prices are usually competitive with newegg, and they have free shipping.

But since amazon's menus are a pain to navigate, I usually find the model number on newegg first then copy and paste.

[xXInsaneDylanXx]

Okay update time. Been reading and learning and this is what I came up with...Again low budget but want something good enough to play Crysis @ medium/high settings.
Okay I need your help on a couple-Ive picked out two of somethings and tell me which one you think is best with the rest of my setup.

Graphic card-
Unsure if I should get a ATI or a Geforce...looking into the Geforce 9xxx series and see if they support tv full screen output.(8xxx series do not.)

Power supply-
Both of these have enough power for most(if not all)graphic cards and enough for future upgrades...I think.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817703015
-Or-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139004

Motherboard-
Idk which one is better.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131296
site-http://usa.asus.com/products.aspx?l1...67&modelmenu=1
-Or-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128348
site- http://www.gigabyte.us/Products/Moth...ProductID=2851
Both are crossfire ready.(what about sli ready?)

Processor-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037

Memory-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227362
Looked at one of the motherboards support list and they only list afew...Im hoping this one will work.

Case-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119137
I love this case And IDC if you think its too much.

Drive-
Might use my one I have now but its LOUD and idk I might go ahead and buy one...maybe this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827151171

HDD-
Not sure yet..might use my one I have now but again idk, maybe its worth just buying a new one that way I can keep my current pc togather for idk if I need it.

I will post again when I decide on a ATI or a Geforce.

[tbizzle]

Not a bad setup, here's the hard drive I just bought recently, it's been awesome

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136320

as for a power supply, you might want to go a little bigger than a 550. I could be totally wrong because I'm not a pro, but I was recommended to get 600 and above with a computer setup that's geared towards running Crysis. Maybe someone else on here that's more experienced can chime in on that one

otherwise, looks good. badass case btw

[xXInsaneDylanXx]

Cool thanks. most, not all graphic cards requre a minimum of 400 power supply and around 25a so I would think the ones I picked would be good enough but maybe for future builds it wouldn't be enough.
Hope someone that really knows alot about computer components will post and let me know which ones I should get...motherboard etc.
Oh! one thing I forgot! the cpu fan!! I had one picked out at one time but its not in my cart...what would be a good one?

[bhampton]

Have you looked at the PS3?

It's like a custom hot rod PC but only just much better and stuff.

Just something to consider.

I have a PS3 that does most everything for me but I recently built a MythTv box out of a PC similar to what you have now. I can watch and record HDTV with the MythTv box and do everything else with the PS3.

-Brian