Need help making new computer!

**=98=** · 09-03-2008, 04:45 AM

Re: Need help making new computer!

That is a very good setup you've chosen, however, i have one piece of advice, ditch the Antec Sonata.

It is an extremely ugly case and has poor cooling capabilities, which combined with a hot running Radeon 4850, can lead to bad things. May i suggest an Antec 300 case if he wants something small (you'll need to buy two extra fans to fit in the front) or, if he wants something a tad larger, the Coolermaster RC-690, a personal favourite of mine!

Obviously, you will have to purchase a PSU with it and i say go with the Corsair VX550 (non modular cabling) or the more expensive Corsair HX520W (modular cabling).

Remember, modular cabling means you can detach unused cables from the PSU which makes a windowed case look neater. However, if you're not using a window on your case, you may as well get the slightly cheaper VX model.

**Eagle101** · 09-03-2008, 05:23 AM

Re: Need help making new computer!

^ listen to the wise tech guru

**Busby, Paul (Bicci)** · 09-03-2008, 07:02 AM

Re: Need help making new computer!

Agreed everything looks pretty good tbh. Power supply wise i suspect you could run it off the lesser of the Corsair VX series (450w model) which would give u a little more space for the possibility of a bigger hard drive. I wouldnt worry about the power usage of your system here tbh i built Piemans computer (which is near enough exactly the same spec as you have put) using a 420W Antec power supply and it worked fine even when i stressed the CPU and GPU at the same time.

If your trying to save a little money then you could maybe go for a cheaper version of the P35 motherboard as thats a pretty top of the line board with overclockers in mind and i suspect you wont need all the extra features.

4GB is great and kind of daft not to spend the cash when its so cheap but im still running 2GB on windows XP perfectly fine. On vista you may feel a bit of a difference though. Again if you really want to save cahs, you could get a single 2GB stick then another 2GB stick down the line.

**=98=** · 09-03-2008, 07:06 AM

Re: Need help making new computer!

Oh and with 4gb RAM, make sure you have a copy of Windows Vista X64 handy!

**[BFECoD]Killuaxc'** · 09-03-2008, 11:36 AM

Re: Need help making new computer!

Thanks guys for the help.

Hm, only thing about the cases is that I'd like to stay under $100 for case + PSU combined. Found one that's $79.99 after rebates. Link is at the bottom of the post.

As for mobos... Out of these 2 and the one I listed in my first post, what would you guys recommend?

Other ASUS Mobo:

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http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131278

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Biostar Mobo:

Are you a human?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138075

Case + PSU:

Are you a human?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156209

**=98=** · 09-03-2008, 11:43 AM

Re: Need help making new computer!

By wanting to stay under $100 for case and PSU, you are severely limiting yourself. The most important part in a computer and the bit you should next skimp on is the PSU. If you buy a poor quality one, then it could well blow and take your hardware with it.

This is why I would always advise buying a good Power Supply and then deciding on the rest of the parts after that.

**AvalancheDiode** · 09-03-2008, 11:51 AM

Re: Need help making new computer!

I think you have to make sacrifice on some items so that you may upgrade later when you have some money.

My suggestion for budget buyer is that always buy FREE SHIPPING. You may not always get what you want, but shipping fee can be royal pain due to increased cost.

The cheapest C2D is now E5200 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116072 $90 Free shipping. This one should OC well.

For motherboard, this one is better (and cheaper): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131329.

For PSU, You need at least 450W with large amp output from 12V rail. Corsair ones are good but expensive, though you won't regret buying one. Cheaper ones like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371019 may work, but don't try to do Crossfire on it.

For case, yeah, listen to Alex and get Antec 300. However, there is no free shipping deal on 300 for the moment, so you may want to get replacement. This may be your choise: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811156202 $33 Free shipping.

Oh, BTW, I don't recommend this case, because you will hate this case in the long run. But, heck, it's cheap.

For graphics card, though 4850 is good, you can always get 3870, 9600GSO, 9600GT for under $100 after rebate FREE SHIPPING. Sure you'll regret buying these cheap cards sometime in the future quite soon, though.

You'll regret to get 160GB hard drive. Vista install eats about 40GB. But at least it works if you have good disk space management.

**Wizrdwarts** · 09-03-2008, 03:21 PM

Re: Need help making new computer!

zomg the E5200 is out. :awes However if you have access to a Microcenter you can get an E7200 for $10 more. Your call.

Another mobo you might want to consider is the Gigabyte EP35. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...28337&Tpk=ep35 Virtually the same as the P5K SE EPU except for some different rear ports, an extra PCI slot, and not being curry brown colored. (also better NB/SB heatsinks I've heard)

**=98=** · 09-03-2008, 03:24 PM

Re: Need help making new computer!

My brother has the Asus P5K EPU (not the SE) version and it's very good. It overclocks nicely and the only downside is only 4 SATA ports and that the 24pin ATX plug is in the middle of the board.

**AlecJ32** · 09-03-2008, 05:17 PM

Re: Need help making new computer!

Originally posted by Alex98uk

Obviously, you will have to purchase a PSU with it and i say go with the Corsair VX550 (non modular cabling) or the more expensive Corsair HX520W (modular cabling).

I'd avoid getting the HX520 given the fact that the VX550 has higher output capabilities and better voltage regulation, at a much lower price point.

**=98=** · 09-03-2008, 05:22 PM

Re: Need help making new computer!

Originally posted by AbJ32

I'd avoid getting the HX520 given the fact that the VX550 has higher output capabilities and better voltage regulation, at a much lower price point.

Well, no. If you have a windowed case, the HX would be better as it's modular. But, like i said, if it's a standard case, then VX would be better.

**Wizrdwarts** · 09-03-2008, 05:26 PM

Re: Need help making new computer!

Even if it was a standard case, a modular PSU would still keep stuff neater and help airflow maybe, and if it was windowed, it'd just be for the looks. But if you don't care about looks, don't bother buying a windowed case.

**Busby, Paul (Bicci)** · 09-03-2008, 07:25 PM

Re: Need help making new computer!

One of the slight advantages of the HX series is having multiple rails to deliver the 12V power. This means that the graphics, CPU and other componants can be fed individualy by a seperate power rail n the PSU. Im not sure of how much difference this would actually make in real life but it would be more stable for heavier or varying loads.

To be perfectly honest though with one or two hard drives and a single GPU you dont need masses of power. Seasonic (i believe they make the corsair PSUs anyway) FSP, Silverstone, Tagen, Antec all make decent power supplys and im sure there is a number of others. If you can find a trusted brand at good value it doesnt have to be corsair so do some hunting and let us know what you find. I would help u but i dont know american sites...

**TheSpark29** · 09-03-2008, 07:29 PM

Re: Need help making new computer!

Originally posted by Alex98uk

By wanting to stay under $100 for case and PSU, you are severely limiting yourself.

Very true! As Alex, said the PSU is really important. Your case is also important because you don't need to upgrade it often. Think about it. You could use the same case for the next 5 years. I doubt your CPU or GPU will last that long. Get a good quality case, cuz you can use it over and over. I'd pick either the Coolermaster 690 or the Antec 300. I'm leaning on the Antec because it's cheaper.

Originally posted by AvalancheDiode

The cheapest C2D is now E5200 <link> $90 Free shipping. This one should OC well.

I would agree that that Wolfdale looks very appealing. Cache is only 2mb. :hmm: I say go ahead and get it.

Originally posted by AvalancheDiode

For motherboard, this one is better (and cheaper): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131329.

Hmmm.:hmm: I would pick P35 over P43. P43 is a slightly less featured "update" of P35.

Originally posted by Wizrdwarts

zomg the E5200 is out. :awes However if you have access to a Microcenter you can get an E7200 for $10 more. Your call.

Another mobo you might want to consider is the Gigabyte EP35. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...28337&Tpk=ep35 Virtually the same as the P5K SE EPU except for some different rear ports, an extra PCI slot, and not being curry brown colored. (also better NB/SB heatsinks I've heard)

I would recommend the P35-DS3L if you're looking for a cheap, awesome motherboard. The original version had over 1000 reviews at Newegg, so obviously it's a popular product. This is what I'd recommend.

Is Microcenter a brick and mortar place?

Originally posted by AvalancheDiode

For PSU, You need at least 450W with large amp output from 12V rail. Corsair ones are good but expensive, though you won't regret buying one. Cheaper ones like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371019 may work, but don't try to do Crossfire on it.

At least 450W? I doubt it. 200W DC Max. 300W PSU will suffice. But just for fun, get something around 400W. I'm not sure if I can recommend Antec's Basiq line. But I will recommend their Earthwatts line. 200+ reviews for each model, 5 star rating. I'd recommend the 430W model. ($50)

Originally posted by AvalancheDiode

For graphics card, though 4850 is good, you can always get 3870, 9600GSO, 9600GT for under $100 after rebate FREE SHIPPING. Sure you'll regret buying these cheap cards sometime in the future quite soon, though.

I would definately consider stepping down from the 4850. As crazy as that sounds, you only have a 19in monitor. People have forgotten how fast the 8800GT is. At a little over $100, it fits your needs perfectly. The 4850 would be more justified if he had a 22in or 24in monitor.

Originally posted by AbJ32

I'd avoid getting the HX520 given the fact that the VX550 has higher output capabilities and better voltage regulation, at a much lower price point.

I'm giving you a skeptical look right now. Please cite a source.

Need help making new computer!

Need help making new computer!

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