Help with building my own PC?

[Nickthestick91]

This will be my first time building my own PC, so I'm looking for some suggestions on what I should get. Here's some info on what I'm gonna be using it for: I'm gonna be doing alot of video editing, and multitasking, so I assume I'll need a good amount of RAM and a nice processor. I'll be burning alot of disks too. I won't be doing ANY gaming at all, so the graphics card doesn't have to be top of the line, but it would be nice if it's HD and has an HDMI input on it.

I have no idea what I'm getting myself into, so can you recommend me some components? I'm on a $1000 budget, and don't need a monitor, so please strictly suggest computer parts. :)

Thanks alot!

[Detale]

If you can wait you should REALLY REALLY wait until Jan-Feb when the new Nelham CPU's come out they are 20%faster and use less voltage so they run cooler. In case you can't wait I'll put together a recommendation in a bit :) Do you have a case picked out?

Maybe something like:

Cart Item List:
Qty.Product DescriptionSavingsTotal Price1http://c1.neweggimages.com/ProductImageCompressAll/20-231-166-05.jpg
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16820231166)
Item #:N82E16820231166
Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant
$74.99
$69.991http://c1.neweggimages.com/ProductImageCompressAll/17-139-002-18.jpg
CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX 620W Power Supply (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16817139002)
Item #:N82E16817139002
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$40.00 Instant
$30.00 Mail-in Rebate (http://images10.newegg.com/uploadfilesfornewegg/rebate/SH/CORSAIR8AMIRANOV01NOV1508USSL75.pdf)
$189.99
$149.991http://c1.neweggimages.com/ProductImageCompressAll/11-129-021-18.jpg
Antec Nine Hundred Black Computer Case With Side Panel Window (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16811129021)
Item #:N82E16811129021
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy
-$30.00 Instant
$139.99
$109.991http://c1.neweggimages.com/ProductImageCompressAll/22-136-284-01.jpg
Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16822136284)
Item #:N82E16822136284
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy

$139.991http://c1.neweggimages.com/ProductImageCompressAll/13-131-348-03.jpg
ASUS P5N7A-VM Micro ATX Intel Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16813131348)
Item #:N82E16813131348
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

$119.991http://c1.neweggimages.com/ProductImageCompressAll/27-151-171-02.jpg
SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223F (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16827151171)
Item #:N82E16827151171
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy


http://c1.neweggimages.com/ProductImageCompressAll/19-115-131-02.jpg
Intel Core2 Quad Q9400 2.66GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16819115131)
Item #: N82E16819115131
Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy

$269.99

Grand Total:$884.93



Now you can play around with the Mobo and Case for price and aesthetics. I do recommend that you get some decent on board Video with HDMI to simplify things a bit. Are you planning to overclock this rig at all?

[peat moss]

I'd look for a good , psu and case first . Those you'll keep everything else you swap out . Lots of good deals out there too , do you really want to do it yourself ?

[Detale]

LOL software farmer

[peat moss]

LOL software farmer

Whats so funny ? Id like to think I'm talking from experience, a case or psu I never change , a mobo, vid card , or cpu sure .

I think its just cheaper to buy a good system from a white box store than fucking around building yourself . Jmho tho .


My case is an Antec 900 and one of the best purchases I did . My mistake its hidden in my desk . :lol:

[Nickthestick91]

^^^^ Thanks alot for those recommendations! Unfortunately I can't wait until Jan/Feb. I don't have a case, or anything else for that matter :lol:. I've never messed around with overclocking, but if there's a real benefit to it, I'll definitely try it out.

And to peat moss, I do wanna do it myself, as I've heard that I can get a better system for cheaper than if I were to get a system from, say, Dell, and with my limited budget, I'm tryin to get the most bang for my buck :D. I've also always wanted to build my own computer, and while I have the money, I figure now's the best time to do it. :)

I'll look around for some different mobos, cases, and PSUs. In the meantime, keep the suggestions comin!

[Detale]

LOL software farmer

Whats so funny ? Id like to think I'm talking from experience, a case or psu I never change , a mobo, vid card , or cpu sure .

I think its just cheaper to buy a good system from a white box store than fucking around building yourself . Jmho tho .


My case is an Antec 900 and one of the best purchases I did . My mistake its hidden in my desk . :lol:


Dude I wasn't making a crack at you. I just saw under your avatar "software farmer" and thought it was funny man.Thats all:ermm:

I completely agree about the Case and PSU but I do disagree about building your own, its fun, not to mention saves some $$ too. You not only learn about all the parts and where they go but there's a sense of pride(I feel) when you finish. Now that I think about it it's kind of like.....
Dr Frankenstein http://www.smileysigncreator.com/smileys/frankenstein-smiley-02.gif Great case the 900 I own one too :)

[peat moss]

I certainty could 'nt argue with Details hardware recommendations , but call BullShit on " I won't be doing ANY gaming at all, so the graphics card doesn't have to be top of the line"

How can you test said system with out playing a great game ? I'm not a gamer but great way to stress your setup . What ever you do give some thought on what O/S you would like to run on it . Vista , Linux, XP ? 32bit or 64 ?

Its all fun tho and would recommend at least a mid range video card as you'll be disappointed if you don't .

[Nickthestick91]

I guess you're right about testing it out with a game; I've never thought about that. For the OS, I'd like to be running XP 64bit.

[Detale]

I agree a great way to test a rig is play a game but there are many many other ways to test it out. OCCT is one of my favorite, Clocker recommended, tests. Also 3d mark has a barrage of game inspired tests to use without getting the actual game. Even Winrar has a benchmark test with it.

Also if you're running 64 you could also get another 4gigs of ram if you wanted to :)

[peat moss]

If I could change anything from Detale's post maybe a card reader and dual layer dvd burner ? I regret not buying the dual but their cheap and the card reader is very useful .

[Nickthestick91]

^ Yeah I took note of the DVD burner... I burn a lot of Xbox 360 games so a DL burner is a must. :)

[Detale]

I think this burner is dual layer, no? A card reader is something I did away with long ago. In my humble experience it never is as useful as you think it will be. What I did was get an external USB reader so I can plug it in when I need it and I still have access to my USB port if I need that too :) they are cheap as hell (-$10)any from this page (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=50002177+1319721987&Configurator=&Subcategory=-1&description=usb+card+reader&Ntk=&SpeTabStoreType=&srchInDesc=) are fine I'm sure. I own this one ATM and it's orsum ;)

http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggImage/ProductImageCompressAll200/20-223-088-05.jpg
Rosewill RSD-CR106 BLUE USB 2.0 Card Reade

Works when I need it- goes away when I don't

[Nickthestick91]

^ Yeah, it is. Dunno how both of us missed that. :lol:

And about the card reader, I agree, they aren't really that useful. I don't take pics all that much, which is really the only use I can see for it.

[Detale]

I just ordered almost the same config for a friend I am doing a build for next week I'll let you know what I think when I get it up and running ;)
Different case and different CPU though

Q6600 and This cheapo case here:
http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggImage/productimage/11-147-099-14.jpg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147099)

For $50 I figure I'll try it out right?

[peat moss]

I'd stay away from the large " round " power push button , they last about 6 months . Fixed 5 for friends in the last year using a rubber band , I kid you not .

[Detale]

:pinch::pinch::pinch:- ordered already damnit!! Hey could you draw up a scematic and get it ready for when this one breaks? Na I'll just get a new one from PPC's

[clocker]

This (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137) is the case I chose for my next customer build.
I've used several variants of the Centurian series for people who don't want to spend big on the case and have been happy, this is the first time trying this version.
Cooling should be good what with the included 3 x 120mm fans (provision for a fourth) and mesh covers...I'll see in a few weeks.

CoolerMaster and Silverstone are my two favorite casemakers.

[Detale]

noice man, keep us updated on the case it's something I'll surely keep in mind for next time.

[peat moss]

Ya nice case lots of vents , fans and good price . Money saved for a good PSU . I have a Cooler Master like this one .


http://www.alinx.ca/itemdetail.asp?ItemID=10741

[clocker]

I still like the Corsair PSUs, mainly because of the nice modular cables and AFAIK, they are the only folks who rate their supplies at actual operating temp instead of in the cold.
When they say it's a 620w unit, it really is.

[Detale]

After your initial recommendation and reading on JG forums about them I was sold and never looked back :)

[Nickthestick91]

Now that those new Core i7 processors are out, would you recommend one of those, or should I still go for the Q9400?

[clocker]

I'd say the primary factor to answer that question would be money.
There is no doubt the new platform outperforms the old, it's just a question of whether or not you can afford it.

[Nickthestick91]

^ I'd assume that I'd have to buy a different, more expensive mobo to go with it as well, correct? If that's the case, I'll stick with the Q9400. :D

[clocker]

Oh yeah.
So far, motherboards for i7 chips seem to fall in the $300 + range.

[Nickthestick91]

Q9400 it is then. Thanks for all the help guys. I'll probably order all of the stuff sometime this weekend.

BTW, anyone know where I can buy a copy of Windows XP Pro x64? I'm not really into Vista, and I can't seem to find anywhere to get XP Pro x64, except for eBay.

[Detale]

Uhhh dude this is FILE SHARING Talk you know. If you really need a a roadmap on how to get one Pm me ;)

[Nickthestick91]

^ :lol:

I know I can easily obtain it by our means, but I figure if I'm gonna be buildin a brand new PC, why not get a legit copy? Maybe I'm just not thinkin like the pirate that I am. :lol: I also don't wanna have to deal with all the WGA stuff either.

[clocker]

Newegg still sells it...$140.

[Nickthestick91]

^ Yeah, but it's OEM, which, from my understanding, is supposed to be for resellers. Would I still be able to use it?

Also, would a 64bit Vista be a better choice? I know it's newer and all that jazz, but Vista just hasn't really grown on me yet.

[clocker]

OEM is fine.
Anyone can use it and by building your own PC, you essentially become a "system builder".

64 bit Vista works fine for me.
So does 64 bit Pro.

[Nickthestick91]

Ah, I see. I guess I'll go with the XP, and if I don't like it, I'll download Vista. :lol:

[clocker]

Why "wouldn't you like it"?
Presumably you are familiar with XP and 64 bit is no different than 32 bit.

[Nickthestick91]

Dunno, maybe the 64bit version has some bugs that would get on my nerves.. Like you said though, it should be fine.

[peat moss]

Only problem with XP64 bit for me was finding a driver for my old printer and a few programs I like ,did n't seem to work as well . Gamers would tell you to check the online forums before installing if playing Final Fantasy VII for example .

[Detale]

^ :lol:

I know I can easily obtain it by our means, but I figure if I'm gonna be buildin a brand new PC, why not get a legit copy? Maybe I'm just not thinkin like the pirate that I am. :lol: I also don't wanna have to deal with all the WGA stuff either.

Dude WGA crack??? C'mon now, thing of the past really. if that is really a hassle for you just get one of the Black, Indego, or PotentialXP versions. PotentialXP is supposed to release a new version in the next coming days :) They are unattended so no need to do anything other than install and tweak to your needs. They are even comin out with a Black 64 bit soon I hear ;)

Sorry i just can't see giving m$ any more of my money than I absolutely have to

[peat moss]

Actually there's a Black Vista 32 that's floating around but have not tired myself . I'm up to Black XP 27 Ultimate right now but that's kind of a hobby .


Best time to try an O/S is on a new install or system you just built . Why not Umbuntu 8 ? They fixed the wireless problem and why be a sheep and listen to forum posters when you can see for yourself ?


If new to filesharing check out H33T , most O/S are there for the taking . Best part is you don't need an invite its public .

[clocker]

Only problem with XP64 bit for me was finding a driver for my old printer and a few programs I like
I would say that's not an OS problem, it's a peripheral problem.

[triso]

Only problem with XP64 bit for me was finding a driver for my old printer and a few programs I like
I would say that's not an OS problem, it's a peripheral problem.
Hey Bill, is that you? I thought you retired?

[clocker]

Not sure what you mean by that.

[Detale]

Actually there's a Black Vista 32 that's floating around but have not tired myself . I'm up to Black XP 27 Ultimate right now but that's kind of a hobby .


Best time to try an O/S is on a new install or system you just built . Why not Umbuntu 8 ? They fixed the wireless problem and why be a sheep and listen to forum posters when you can see for yourself ?


If new to filesharing check out H33T , most O/S are there for the taking . Best part is you don't need an invite its public .

Yeah I am in contact with the makers of the new Black and PotentialXp both are quality OS's and easy to get ;) 5hit even piratebay has a good number of seeds ATM

[Nickthestick91]

I'm ordering all the stuff tonight, and I just realized that the case is on sale for $59.99; an $80 savings! :D

That leaves me with a question: would you guys recommend the Q9550 over the Q9400? It's only $50 more, so I'll still basically save $30 from the case being on sale. Thanks!

[clocker]

Without a doubt, get the 9550.

[Nickthestick91]

^ Thanks!

EDIT: New question, should I wait until Black Friday (2 more days) to order all the parts? Will Newegg have more deals, or will the prices today be comparable?

[clocker]

No way of knowing.
I'm waiting on my current build but I doubt it'll be worth it.

[Nickthestick91]

^ Ok, I'll just buy everything now. I have one last question too. Do I have to buy SATA and power cables for the DVD drive and hard drive?

[clocker]

Your motherboard will come with cables.
Typically, these will be freakishly long cables- suitable for attaching your peripherals on the other side of the room.
But they'll get you hooked up and then you can see what real cables you need.

[Detale]

Actually there's a Black Vista 32 that's floating around but have not tired myself . I'm up to Black XP 27 Ultimate right now but that's kind of a hobby .


Best time to try an O/S is on a new install or system you just built . Why not Umbuntu 8 ? They fixed the wireless problem and why be a sheep and listen to forum posters when you can see for yourself ?


If new to filesharing check out H33T , most O/S are there for the taking . Best part is you don't need an invite its public .

I know it's off topic but there is a Vista Eternity X64 edition I just installed and it's great, check it out fo sho

[Nickthestick91]

All the parts I decided on buying came today. I went with everything Detale recommended, except for these:

Q9550 instead of Q9400. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041)
1TB Seagate Barracuda instead of WD Caviar. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148274)
8GB of OCZ Reaper RAM instead of 4GB G.Skill. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227289)

Final price was $887.89 ($947.89 before rebates). Thanks alot for all the help everyone! :D

[Detale]

Looks good.Did you pay for the OS also? Good luck and keep us updated.

[Nickthestick91]

^ Nope, I went ahead and downloaded a Pro-Corporate version of XP x64. I'm considering doing a dual boot with Vista Ultimate x64 and XP x64, but I'll decide that a little later. :)

[Detale]

Good man I'm proud of you ;)

[Nickthestick91]

Update!:

I put everything together today, and installed Windows XP Pro Corporate x64 without a hitch. All 8GB of RAM detected (around 7.75GB usable), all four cores of the CPU detected, running stock @2.83GHz. I still have to install another (maybe 2) DVD Burner, and one more hard drive, but I'm assuming that those will be seamless. Here's a pic of the mess of wires inside.

http://i36.tinypic.com/2vnnvcl.jpg

Anyone got any ideas on how to tidy that up? :lol:

[clocker]

Congratulations.

Cleaning up the wiring is simply a question of how radical you're willing to get.

The case fans look like they have molex passthroughs instead of 3-pin fan headers.
You could cut them, splice on regular fan connectors and plug them to the motherboard.

The 8-pin motherboard line looks like it could go behind the board and reemerge at the top.

Looks like you used the SATA cables that came with the motherboard. Now that everything is in place, measure what you actually need and get shorter cables.

The connectors on the Corsair are configured as if the unit was mounted at the top with the lines dropping down. You can flip these connectors (pay attention to the wire layout) so the connectors face the right way. You can also change the distance between connectors so they align with your devices, getting rid of looped excess.

The stuff that's really hard to change- the 24 pin ATX connector, for instance- just require some creative stuffing/hiding.

You can do a serviceable, pro looking job without going crazy but really expert wiring is a big job.

[peat moss]

Ha got to love it when the o/s reads the memory as true 8 gb . Only reason to install 64 bit . tho as you'll never use most of it .

[Nickthestick91]

Thanks for the suggestions Clocker. I have one more question now. I just took the mobo outta the case so I could put some Arctic Silver 5 on the CPU for some added (though minor) cooling. After putting the heatsink back on, I noticed that the mobo is sort of bent, or flexing. Here's some pics:

http://i35.tinypic.com/1zl9owp.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/293airs.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/fp88l2.jpg

Is this something I should be worried about, or is it normal? Thanks!

[clocker]

Although it's fairly normal, I still hate it.
I hate the Intel "pushpins" retention system in general.

Many good aftermarket sinks come with a backplate that alleviates this problem and Intel has specced a backplate as stock with their new socket for the i7's.

[Nickthestick91]

^ Yeah, I didn't like the way it was looking either. I took it off and spun it around, and it isn't flexing nearly as bad now. I also redid the cables. I just used some zip ties to group a few cables at a time, and then put them on the bottom of the case, and tucked some of them under the bottom hard drive. It's not nearly as good looking as some peoples' around the net, but it's good enough for me. :)

http://i35.tinypic.com/othppe.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/5vcbat.jpg

Thanks for the help everyone! If I have anymore questions I'll post in here, but I think I'll be good from here on out. :w00t:

[clocker]

Well, it is better...slightly.

Unfortunately, when you buy a windowed case you are basically inviting people to look at the guts and you're obligated to make them pretty- otherwise, what's the point?

I wish I could turn my ex-coworker Eric loose on that- he was an absolute genius at wiring with stock components and even his "standard" builds were works of art. Over the years he had developed several techniques to deal with the overly long/unused cables that are part and parcel of an unmodified build and he prided himself on using a minimum of zip ties. A real Zen master of PC assembly.

I think it's weird that casemakers have jumped on the window fad but make no effort to dress up the interior. Nothing like looking into the case and seeing a bunch of plain, grey finish steel, is there? Kind of like popping the hood on a Ferrari and seeing a Ford four-banger engine.

Somewhat ironically, I've now spent almost three days rewiring Sprocket's new home and it doesn't have a window...I'm the only one who'll know.

[ryan20021982]

Someone should start a company where you can ship them the psu and tell them all the wires measurements you want and they will redo them all, also offer any size sata cables would be nice, I needed some short ones for my server since the raid card was only about 3" from the hdd's, found some HP 10" ones but even shorter would be nice.

[Detale]

Well, it is better...slightly.

Unfortunately, when you buy a windowed case you are basically inviting people to look at the guts and you're obligated to make them pretty- otherwise, what's the point?

I wish I could turn my ex-coworker Eric loose on that- he was an absolute genius at wiring with stock components and even his "standard" builds were works of art. Over the years he had developed several techniques to deal with the overly long/unused cables that are part and parcel of an unmodified build and he prided himself on using a minimum of zip ties. A real Zen master of PC assembly.

I think it's weird that casemakers have jumped on the window fad but make no effort to dress up the interior. Nothing like looking into the case and seeing a bunch of plain, grey finish steel, is there? Kind of like popping the hood on a Ferrari and seeing a Ford four-banger engine.

Somewhat ironically, I've now spent almost three days rewiring Sprocket's new home and it doesn't have a window...I'm the only one who'll know.

Call his ass up and get him to write a tutorial then or even some tips and tricks man.


Someone should start a company where you can ship them the psu and tell them all the wires measurements you want and they will redo them all, also offer any size sata cables would be nice, I needed some short ones for my server since the raid card was only about 3" from the hdd's, found some HP 10" ones but even shorter would be nice.


Performance PC's does something similar they will sleeve anything mostly for free with many choices of color. It neatens things up quite a bit


Nice looking build. A little messy with the wiring :snooty: but it looks nice. It reminds me of my Antec build last year :cry: it makes me all nostalgic and stuff