Building A Custom Desktop

[PS3-Playb3yond]

This is my first time building a computer and I need some recommendations for parts and all that. I'm looking to build a super computer that will last me a while. I'm hoping to keep it below $1000. I will get speakers, mouse, keyboard and monitor after I'm done with building the motherboard.

My other question is how can I backup or create a copy of my OS and put in the new computer after I build it? If I put in the hard drive that has my Windows 7 Pro in the new PC it will force me to format it, right? I would love to hear your opinions on this.

And I'm looking for Intel CPU only, no AMD. Should let you know that I will be doing some video encoding as well.

As for where to buy what I need, my three choices are Amazon, Newegg or Microcenter.

Thanks!

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by PS3-Playb3yond

This is my first time building a computer and I need some recommendations for parts and all that. I'm looking to build a super computer that will last me a while. I'm hoping to keep it below $1000. I will get speakers, mouse, keyboard and monitor after I'm done with building the motherboard.

My other question is how can I backup or create a copy of my OS and put in the new computer after I build it? If I put in the hard drive that has my Windows 7 Pro in the new PC it will force me to format it, right? I would love to hear your opinions on this.

And I'm looking for Intel CPU only, no AMD. Should let you know that I will be doing some video encoding as well.

As for where to buy what I need, my three choices are Amazon, Newegg or Microcenter.

Thanks!

I think if you put your old HDD in the new PC, it should load up Windows as it currently exists.

It probably wouldn't hurt to create a system backup from that HDD if you want to keep things they way they are from it.

Otherwise, if you're looking for a Windows install disc, you should be able to create a boot disc with the system's available tools, or from the Microsoft website.

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I think if you put your old HDD in the new PC, it should load up Windows as it currently exists.

Are you 100% sure?

It probably wouldn't hurt to create a system backup from that HDD if you want to keep things they way they are from it.

Otherwise, if you're looking for a Windows install disc, you should be able to create a boot disc with the system's available tools, or from the Microsoft website.

What is it called?

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by PS3-Playb3yond

Are you 100% sure?

Unfortunately, I'm not 100% sure. I feel it should work that way, but I'm hoping someone can verify this. I'm not savvy with hardware.

[BLindsay]

if u just take your hard drive as it is and put it in a new machine it will probably blue screen due to the vastly different drives for each machine. you might be able to get it in safe mode and uninstall all the drives for the old setup and then install the new ones from there.

usually its a better idea to start fresh

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Originally Posted by BLindsay

if u just take your hard drive as it is and put it in a new machine it will probably blue screen due to the vastly different drives for each machine. you might be able to get it in safe mode and uninstall all the drives for the old setup and then install the new ones from there.

usually its a better idea to start fresh

The hard drive is a Western Digital 500GB. I took out the HD (Win XP) that came originally with my PC and installed the new one and loaded Win 7 Pro on it. Why wouldn't it accept the WD drive?

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by PS3-Playb3yond

This is my first time building a computer and I need some recommendations for parts and all that. I'm looking to build a super computer that will last me a while. I'm hoping to keep it below $1000. I will get speakers, mouse, keyboard and monitor after I'm done with building the motherboard.

My other question is how can I backup or create a copy of my OS and put in the new computer after I build it? If I put in the hard drive that has my Windows 7 Pro in the new PC it will force me to format it, right? I would love to hear your opinions on this.

And I'm looking for Intel CPU only, no AMD. Should let you know that I will be doing some video encoding as well.

As for where to buy what I need, my three choices are Amazon, Newegg or Microcenter.

Thanks!

Are you running an OEM edition of 7? You might have MOBO issues, if it's locked itself to the MOBO in your current PC. However, you can always call MS and explain the situation, how your other one is no longer in use, and you want to use your HDD on this MOBO/computer.

If you are building now, and don't want to wait for the Ivy Bridge, get the i7 2600k. I have it, and I do video encoding.

Prices:
Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115070 - 314.99 but you get a discount if you get a BD burner
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i7-2600K...1262431&sr=8-1 - 314.99
Microcentre:http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0354587 - 279.99

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

Are you running an OEM edition of 7? You might have MOBO issues, if it's locked itself to the MOBO in your current PC. However, you can always call MS and explain the situation, how your other one is no longer in use, and you want to use your HDD on this MOBO/computer.

I got it through Microsoft's MSDN website, student discount through college. How would I check if it's OEM or not?

If you are building now, and don't want to wait for the Ivy Bridge, get the i7 2600k. I have it, and I do video encoding.

What's the difference between the 2600k and Ivy Bridge?

Prices:
Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115070 - 314.99 but you get a discount if you get a BD burner
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i7-2600K...1262431&sr=8-1 - 314.99
Microcentre:http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0354587 - 279.99

I might go to Microcenter today and get it. I don't know what the price is going to be for the Ivy Bridge so.....let me know ASAP.

[arcadeforest]

Good luck on your build. I built my first machine about 6 years ago and have never looked back.

Its really a nice one.Thanks for sharing.

[silversnake]

Well Corsair is sending me replacement fans. Hoping that does the trick.

[devils_syndicate]

Originally Posted by PS3-Playb3yond

I'm looking to build a super computer that will last me a while. I'm hoping to keep it below $1000.

good luck with that.

[madlost1]

I want to build a PC not necessarily for gaming but for more general use like browsing the web and such. Also need to be able to do video capturing either by an external peripheral or an on-board option. Need to keep it under $600. The problem is I have no idea what the heck to use (never built a pc before) If anyone can give me a hand with the components needed it would be greatly appreciated. I can't really wrap my head around what components should go with what other components in the machine while avoiding compatibility issues. Shoot me a PM if you can help.

Here's my shot at it if anyone could tell me if this is all compatible it would be greatly appreciated:
Rosewill Blackbone Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EARX 1TB IntelliPower SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Hauppauge Colossus
SAPPHIRE 100323L Radeon HD 6570 1GB DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
Rosewill Stallion Series RD400-2-SB 400W ATX V2.2 Power Supply
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM
ASRock P67 PRO3 SE LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel Pentium G850 Sandy Bridge 2.9GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1
LG Blu Ray Burner
LG DVD Burner

Comes out to just over $800 with shipping included. Is there anything I can do to cut costs a little bit, anything I missed, or something that needs to be replaced. Please let me know.

[devils_syndicate]

Originally Posted by madlost1

I want to build a PC not necessarily for gaming but for more general use like browsing the web and such. Also need to be able to do video capturing either by an external peripheral or an on-board option. Need to keep it under $600. The problem is I have no idea what the heck to use (never built a pc before) If anyone can give me a hand with the components needed it would be greatly appreciated. I can't really wrap my head around what components should go with what other components in the machine while avoiding compatibility issues. Shoot me a PM if you can help.

Here's my shot at it if anyone could tell me if this is all compatible it would be greatly appreciated:
Rosewill Blackbone Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EARX 1TB IntelliPower SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Hauppauge Colossus
SAPPHIRE 100323L Radeon HD 6570 1GB DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
Rosewill Stallion Series RD400-2-SB 400W ATX V2.2 Power Supply
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM
ASRock P67 PRO3 SE LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel Pentium G850 Sandy Bridge 2.9GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1
LG Blu Ray Burner
LG DVD Burner

Comes out to just over $800 with shipping included. Is there anything I can do to cut costs a little bit, anything I missed, or something that needs to be replaced. Please let me know.

I'd ditch that Western Digital drive. i've had numerous WD drives fail on me. many of them within 30 days of installing them and going through the break in test process (some people do this, some don't).

I've either used Maxtor (pretty sure they got bought out by Seagate), Seagate.

I'd also swap out one of those internal burners for an external. nice to have a portable you can take anywhere with you if needed, and still have disc to disc burning ability.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by devils_syndicate

I'd ditch that Western Digital drive. i've had numerous WD drives fail on me. many of them within 30 days of installing them and going through the break in test process (some people do this, some don't).

I've either used Maxtor (pretty sure they got bought out by Seagate), Seagate.

Apparently, someone forgot about the firmware fiasco that plagued the Barracuda 7200.11 drives back in 2009. My brother-in-law was one of the unfortunate customers during that time, i.e. lasted just over a year before it gave out.

I've been using WD drives for over 16 years without a failure. One of my first builds (using an IDE drive) is still running to this day.

I'd also swap out one of those internal burners for an external. nice to have a portable you can take anywhere with you if needed, and still have disc to disc burning ability.

External burners may have the portability factor, but they're also 4-5x more than a typical internal DVD±RW or Blu-ray burner. At this point, pretty much every desktop PC sold nowadays comes with a DVD±RW burner; they're inexpensive and generally reliable.

[Offender_Mullet]

madlost1,

That LG blu-ray burner also burns cd/dvd media, so you can nix the "LG dvd burner" drive.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by madlost1

I want to build a PC not necessarily for gaming but for more general use like browsing the web and such. Also need to be able to do video capturing either by an external peripheral or an on-board option. Need to keep it under $600. The problem is I have no idea what the heck to use (never built a pc before) If anyone can give me a hand with the components needed it would be greatly appreciated. I can't really wrap my head around what components should go with what other components in the machine while avoiding compatibility issues. Shoot me a PM if you can help.

Here's my shot at it if anyone could tell me if this is all compatible it would be greatly appreciated:
Rosewill Blackbone Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EARX 1TB IntelliPower SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Hauppauge Colossus
SAPPHIRE 100323L Radeon HD 6570 1GB DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
Rosewill Stallion Series RD400-2-SB 400W ATX V2.2 Power Supply
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM
ASRock P67 PRO3 SE LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel Pentium G850 Sandy Bridge 2.9GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1
LG Blu Ray Burner
LG DVD Burner

Comes out to just over $800 with shipping included. Is there anything I can do to cut costs a little bit, anything I missed, or something that needs to be replaced. Please let me know.

Contrary to what some say, I'd stick with WD. Do you have any computers now? Download Speccy and check out your HDD. There's a good chance you have WD. I've yet to have a WD drive fail on me, and I've had at least 5, possibly more, WD HDDs in the past few years: one in a 5 year old Acer laptop, one in a 4 year old Compaq laptop, one in a 2.5 year old Acer Netbook, an external plug and play that's just over 2 years old, and the one currently in my desktop that was built back in April.

No HDD Brand is 100% infalible.

[madlost1]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

Contrary to what some say, I'd stick with WD. Do you have any computers now? Download Speccy and check out your HDD. There's a good chance you have WD. I've yet to have a WD drive fail on me, and I've had at least 5, possibly more, WD HDDs in the past few years: one in a 5 year old Acer laptop, one in a 4 year old Compaq laptop, one in a 2.5 year old Acer Netbook, an external plug and play that's just over 2 years old, and the one currently in my desktop that was built back in April.

No HDD Brand is 100% infalible.

I have a WD in my laptop I'm using now and I'll have to check my desktop when I can get to it. This laptop has lasted 5 years now with no HDD problems at all.

Originally Posted by Offender_Mullet

madlost1,
That LG blu-ray burner also burns cd/dvd media, so you can nix the "LG dvd burner" drive.

Yeah it was just a last minute throw in to the list. On my current desktop my main burner died and wont even read a disc anymore and I've been using the secondary drive on it. Guess I am just a little sketchy about only having one drive.



Now the big question will all those parts up there mesh together correctly and if so did I select a big enough PSU?

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by madlost1

I have a WD in my laptop I'm using now and I'll have to check my desktop when I can get to it. This laptop has lasted 5 years now with no HDD problems at all.



Yeah it was just a last minute throw in to the list. On my current desktop my main burner died and wont even read a disc anymore and I've been using the secondary drive on it. Guess I am just a little sketchy about only having one drive.



Now the big question will all those parts up there mesh together correctly and if so did I select a big enough PSU?

To check on the PSU - http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

it gives you a rough estimate of what you'll need for a PSU. I went with a minimum of 700 to be on the safe side: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16817152036 and I'm thinking of potentially buying a better one. it's working great so far, since it's on pretty much 24/7

[Offender_Mullet]

Originally Posted by madlost1

Yeah it was just a last minute throw in to the list. On my current desktop my main burner died and wont even read a disc anymore and I've been using the secondary drive on it. Guess I am just a little sketchy about only having one drive.

Totally understandable. Plus, it's not like dvd-rw drives break the bank anymore.

Also, using that WD Green drive as your primary one isn't a great idea from what I've read. Those are mainly used for storage. Buying a small say 64GB ssd, loading the os/programs on that and using that WD har drive to store everything else would be the way to go.

NewEgg always have sales. Corsair psu's on sale right now: http://www.newegg.com/Store/BrandSub...pg&Pagesize=50 All have either %/$ off. The psu you chose is a bit low, even though you won't be gaming on the computer. I would search for at least a 550W-600W psu.

I would say go to your local Micro Center store because they do have killer cpu/motherboard combo prices (better than NewEgg), but I'm not sure how far you are from their store in PA.