Buying New Computer..... Need suggestions & advice.

[Monkeee]

Well my computer died, (http://filesharingtalk.com/vb3/f-hardware-24/t-did-my-hard-drive-die-clueless-270419) after 4 years of serving me well so i thought it was a perfect time to buy a computer. I chose my parts for this comp with the advice of this forum and I would be honored if you guys could help me again. :) Since I'm not tech savy AT ALL, any suggestions and advice is appreciated and welcomed.
(i know i have two disk drives, i want it, i can sleep peacefully at night if i have 2 disk drives, its just something i need to LIVE)
DVD Writer: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151153
DVD Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827101131
Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082
Hard Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262
Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098
[/URL]Processor : [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103228 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103191)
Case:
Motherboard:
Power Supply:

I left motherboard supply and Power supply blank because i have no clue how to determine if i want it or not. Also, for the case, i'm not sure exactly which case i want. I had a Thermaltake Xaser III VM3000A, though it kept my system cool, it was as loud as a motherf*cker in my room so i couldn't sleep at night. I need a quiet yet a case that will not overheat my system. Total is about 600$ and my max budget is around 1100$.

[clocker]

Going AMD these days makes no sense at all.

Give me a while to come up with some recommendations.

[popwar]

amd=ati. intel=nvidia. thats just how they're paired together. i have a geforce motherboard and ati video card go figure :p . i really like amd and ati i always said i would never go intel/nvidia but i dont know seeing how amd/ati is behind in the hardware race right now. maybe you should try to get a video card with pci-e x16 2.0 instead of 1.0. a psu of atleast 650w. case is your preference. and you also want to assure yourself of types of sockets. i would go with amd's triple core i think you can get it for 200 on newegg. if your wanting a amd processor get one of their new phenom quad cores. or a triple core i seen on another site besides newegg. intel is expensive compared to amd.

[clocker]

amd=ati. intel=nvidia. thats just how they're paired together... intel is expensive compared to amd.
Umm, no.
While it's true that AMD owns ATI, you can use either brand vid card with either brand processor.

For any given level of performance, Intel is cheaper than AMD.

[popwar]

umm, you didnt get what i was saying clocker. im not saying nothing about amd owning ati or nothn. and i didnt say you couldnt use a ati card with a intel processor. where did i say that at? what im saying is that since ati and amd teamed up it seems that intel and nvidia are kinda made for each other. intels processor is better than amds. nvidias cards are better than ati's cards. intel and nvidia are always ahead of amd and ati. both companys names start with the same sound. why did i say that? because i can. anything else you want to correct me about ? :whistling

[Broken]

There's a reason AMD lost almost 2 Billion dollars last quarter.
Performance for price Intel is killing them, and has been since Core 2 Duo.

But, if you're die-hard AMD, the Phenom 9500 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103226) (quad-core) is only slightly more money and a much better buy performance wise.

[Detale]

amd=ati. intel=nvidia....

Thats how it came across to me as well so why not relax a bit, OK?

Oh and AMD sux balls! Go intel!!!

What kind of budget are you dealing with? Here are a couple of suggestions from other threads.

This is on the higher end


Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017) $274.99

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS4 Rev. 2.0 LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128064) $179.99


GeIL 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model GX24GB8500ESPDC - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820144110) $194.99

SILVERSTONE ST1000 ATX12V / EPS12V 1000W Power Supply 100 - 240 V RoHS, CE, FCC - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256020) $249.99

EVGA 512-P3-N841-A3 GeForce 8800GTS (G92) 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130312) $359.99

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021) $119.99

total = $$1,379.94 w/$20 MIR


and this on the lower end



A mobo must say that it supports the new 1333FSB speed, or it won't work.
All DDR2 RAM is backwards compatible, just like regular DDR. I would buy DDR2 800, just so that it can be used in the future.
What parts do you/your friend have on hand for the built? I'm sure we could help you come up with something.

Intel Pentium E2140 Allendale 1.6GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80557E2140 - Retail $73.99 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116037) This processor is a MAD overclocker. Tomshardware guide has a review on this thing where it was overclocked to 3Ghz on air STOCK cooling! Over clocked at that speed it wipped ass against almost the entire C2D line. Here's a link (http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/09/12/pentium_dual_core/).

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059). This Mobo is a good overclocker, although I don't know if you are gonna get to 3Ghz stable with a sub $100 board. But it should fill your needs.

I like this RAM Kingston HyperX 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134064). It's Kingston, hard to go wrong.

Total
$193

I just thought of something.
The Mobo above, doesn't have on-board video. You'd have to pick up a video card unless you have one on hand.

So pick a decent vid card and you're good.

Also May I recommend the Antec 900 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021&Tpk=antec%2b900) case. Cool as ice and has 3 speeds on all the fans to keep the noise down or get a fan controller. OH and in case you missed it Do yourself a favor and Go with INTEL core 2 duo

Read the short answer here (http://techreport.com/articles.x/12091/14) or the entire report here (http://techreport.com/articles.x/12091/1)

EDIT: Didn't realize both of those recommendations were Broken's Guess he does well with the hardware picks eh?

[Broken]

If you decide to go with either of the above, don't be confused by the Motherboards.
They are very similar. But the more expensive one in the first build (by about $80) is worth the money. It's made form higher quality components that allow for better power use and lower operational temperatures, and much longer life under extreme conditions (such as over-clocking).

The bottom one is kind of it's bargain basement brother. Not a bad board at all... and for the money, it's hard to find better.
It has many of the features of it's higher priced counterpart.

But I've had both boards at once, there's a good weight difference between the two.
One is made well, while the other is made to last.

[Monkeee]

@ Detale, The higher end is way too expensive, if you read my post above, my budget is max budget is 1100, as well as the case you suggested seems to be way too loud which i do not want for this comp since i usually keep my computer on 24/7. I don't get how you want me to choose from higher end to lower end, i just want the best computer i can get for 1100$. Also, will i need to buy a 3rd party heatsink or is the stock cooling enough?

[clocker]

Here ya go...


Qty. Product Description Unit Price Savings Total Price

Update
COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #: CAC-T05-UW
Item #: N82E16811119068

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$49.99 -$5.00 Instant $44.99

Update
GIGABYTE GA-P35C-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #: GA-P35C-DS3R
Item #: N82E16813128048

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$159.99 $159.99

Update
EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #: 320-P2-N811-AR
Item #: N82E16814130082

Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$219.99 $219.99

Update
CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 620W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: CMPSU-620HX
Item #: N82E16817139002

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$189.99 -$40.00 Instant $149.99

Update
Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 Conroe 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80557E6850 - Retail
Model #: BX80557E6850
Item #: N82E16819115028

Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy

In Stock
$279.99 $279.99

Update
Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC22G8500ELK - Retail
Model #: PDC22G8500ELK
Item #: N82E16820220161

Return Policy: Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy

In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$123.99 $123.99

Update
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: ST3250410AS
Item #: N82E16822148262

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

In Stock
$69.99 $69.99

Update
ASUS Black SATA DVD-ROM Drive Model DVD-E616A3T OEM - OEM
Model #: DVD-E616A3T OEM
Item #: N82E16827135151

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$18.99 $18.99

Update
ASUS 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model DRW-2014L1T OEM - OEM
Model #: DRW-2014L1T OEM
Item #: N82E16827135157

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock
$31.99 $31.99
Subtotal: $1,099.91
Select All - Select None

Right at $1100 plus shipping.

[clocker]

I specced the more expensive memory because it's frequency matches the FSB of the CPU.

[Monkeee]

Thanks Clocker. If no one else has anything to add that's probably the exact rig I'm going to buy in a few days.

[Broken]

I really like the GIGABYTE GA-P35C-DS3R mobo Clocker found. It appears to be a new revision of one of my favrites, it supports DDR3 now!

I don't like the Corsair PSUs. They are still new to the market in that field, and for the same amount of money ($150) you could get a SilverStone 750 watt (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256009). Very arguably one of the best PSU manufactures. It also has an additional rail at 18Amps. I know the SilverStone has a power efficiency of better than 80%. I don't even see what the Corsair is rated at.


To each his own, but I think the Cool Master Centurion 5 case is awful ugly.
For $40 it's a good deal, I'll give that. But keep in mind, out of all the pieces of a computer - the case is the one your gonna have to look at every time you do anything. I'd like to encourage you to spend some money here and really go through and pick out something that really expresses "you". This is also one of those things you can carry from one build to another... I've had my current case since 2005, working on my 4th build with it.

[Detale]

Oh shit! Dont talk about Clocker's favorite PSU! JK

@ monkey sorry man I was in a rush and just remembered a few recent suggestions people made here. Apparently I didn't read your post very well. Also the case isn't as loud as you might think. You can set the fans to low or not use them if they're not needed. Also IMO the stock cooling should be enough unless you're gonna do some serious Oc'ing. Otherwise it's fine

Awesome picks clocker. I also know you love the Patriot Ram, but me myself am partial to OCZ and Crucial

I have 4 gigs of this ATM

Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820148069)
$94.99 ($69.99 after $25.00 Mail-In Rebate)

The savings could pay for the shipping

@Broken What case it it man!? I kind of agree I originall looked at the Antec 900 because I LOVE the way it looks but after researching it a bit It's a good deal well built and would cool HELL. I dont think the Cooler Master cases (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010090007%2050001333%201054808287&bop=And&Order=PRICE) are ugly they have a bunch of em for under $50 on newegg

Wow really love the MoBo heres a view of the board (http://www.gigabyte.us/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2578#) itself

[svr]

I think you should go intel and nvidia route. Nvidia gfx cards have less problems in general than ati. Intel just walks over amd processors.

For PSU I recommend corsair or seasonic, they have pretty much same parts inside but I prefer corsair for cheaper modular units. Corsair hx520 or hx620 are very nice modular PSU's with 5 year warranty. They are said to be the silentest PSU's out there. Im not familiar with silverstones PSU's but I havent heard anyone praise their silentness. In fact I just checked SPCR and some 500w silverstone was said to be whiny.

[clocker]

I don't like the Corsair PSUs. They are still new to the market in that field...
They've been out for a few years now and have an excellent rep.
Not only do they have a 5 year warranty but Corsair rates their supplies at 50°c (many builders rate theirs at much lower temps) so it actually puts out the 620w at operating temp.
Plus, it's modular- a feature I can't live without anymore.



To each his own, but I think the Cool Master Centurion 5 case is awful ugly.
For $40 it's a good deal, I'll give that. But keep in mind, out of all the pieces of a computer - the case is the one your gonna have to look at every time you do anything. I'd like to encourage you to spend some money here and really go through and pick out something that really expresses "you". This is also one of those things you can carry from one build to another... I've had my current case since 2005, working on my 4th build with it.
I don't think it's ugly but it wouldn't be my first choice either.
It fit the budget, what can I say?
In it's favor, the case is well constructed and the extensive meshing makes for good airflow.
He can always upgrade the case later as funding permits, right?

[Broken]

.
He can always upgrade the case later as funding permits, right?

Yes he could.
But I prefer getting it right the first time. Otherwise it's like burning money.
A better case now (if he wants one) would save money in the long run. It's hard to say how tight his budget is when that's taken into account.
A case can have a VERY long useful life.

When it comes down to it,
the case is the one part of a build I hate to suggest. I think of it as a work of art (yes, very corny).
And the case, well that's it. Doesn't matter what's on the inside if I hate looking at it.

Like I said these are my personal feelings towards case selection.
You can get the little black box, or the fully decked out super gamer case that's gonna get the attention of anyone that walks in the room.
They'll both crunch number the same.

But I know which I would want....
And I know which will sell faster when it's time to retrieve my investment.


They've been out for a few years now and have an excellent rep.
Not only do they have a 5 year warranty but Corsair rates their supplies at 50°c (many builders rate theirs at much lower temps) so it actually puts out the 620w at operating temp.
Plus, it's modular- a feature I can't live without anymore.

I haven't heard a lot about them when it comes to power supplies ( their memory of course is top shelf), the oldest reviews I've found about them is only from last year. I also did come across the fact that everyone believes they are simply re-branded Seasonics - which does net them a little more respect in my book if it's true. Also if so, it's cheaper to buy the comparable Seasonic model (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151028) that actual has a higher power rating, that is without the "limited time offer" of $30 off on the Corsair.

For MY money, and the best advice I can give,
SilverStone 750W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256009)
Or the non re-branded higher rated version of the PSU that clocker suggest.
SeaSonic 650W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151028)

I prefer the Silverstone because it gives you a whole extra rail.
But, if you aren't gonna use it that doesn't mean much.

Any of the above power supplies are modular.
I do agree, if not that could be a deal breaker. Nothing worst looking than hanging cables, and they always seem to find a way to get in the way.

[clocker]

Well, Jeebus smiled down upon me today.

Picked up a Corsair 620w- for ME!- for only $100 at CompUSA.
$108.62 out the door w/tax.

Praise the Lord for going out of business sales.

[Broken]

I'd buy that for a buck.
Good score.


I wish there was a CompUSA around here. Always on the look out for parts. :(

[clocker]

Yes he could.
But I prefer getting it right the first time. Otherwise it's like burning money.
A better case now (if he wants one) would save money in the long run. It's hard to say how tight his budget is when that's taken into account.
A case can have a VERY long useful life.

When it comes down to it,
the case is the one part of a build I hate to suggest. I think of it as a work of art (yes, very corny).
And the case, well that's it. Doesn't matter what's on the inside if I hate looking at it.

Like I said these are my personal feelings towards case selection.
You can get the little black box, or the fully decked out super gamer case that's gonna get the attention of anyone that walks in the room.
They'll both crunch number the same.

But I know which I would want....
And I know which will sell faster when it's time to retrieve my investment.
We share many similar opinions about cases, I've always been rather extravagant in my choices although I must say, I've never found them to be very good investments in terms of resale.

As I look over my current case collection and read about new releases, I am more and more intrigued with the idea of building my own enclosure.
I have the know-how and tooling necessary, I just need to refine the requirements into a manageable design.
It's an interesting intellectual exercise.


I'd buy that for a buck.
Good score.
I wish there was a CompUSA around here. Always on the look out for parts. :(
I've been playing chicken with that PSU for a few weeks now.
They had two in stock and I've been monitoring the price reductions, hoping it would go lower.
Yesterday I saw they were down to just one and decided it wasn't worth the risk to wait for a better discount- I mean really, it was already $40 less than Newegg's sale price- so I bit.

Other than that PSU there wasn't another single thing I thought worth buying in the store.

On a side note...prominently displayed on the Corsair's box is printed "Recommended by JonnyGuru", which I found intriguing and somewhat odd.
Almost singlehandedly he has raised the bar in PSU evaluation and I have nothing but respect for his opinions but I didn't realize his reviews were commercially viable or for sale.
Interesting.

[Detale]

WOW What did JG get for it Thats cool as hell good for him, He IS a smart fucker though but it does make you think. Hmmm has he sold out?