First Build

[RandomNameHere]

So I am going to be building my girlfriend a computer that she would like to be able to do games such as the sims, guild wars, flight sim, but leave room to be able to play some newer games even if not the best graphics.

Also she would like to be able to do some photo editing/creation with photoshop.

We have a $1000 budget but would like to only spend around $750 on the tower and leave the other $250 for monitor, keyboard, etc.

We currently have our parts picked out, but I am wondering a few things.

First: Our there any new technologies coming out soon that would be good to wait for, or will it make the current selected parts cheaper?

Second: I've never built a computer from all the parts like this, but I have taken computers apart, upgraded, etc. (Concerned mostly about CPU/HSF installing). Do you guys know of any guides that would assist me? Or a To-Do guide for building it and things that I need/should do after I asemble it.




Parts List:

Case: Raidmax Smilodon w/PSU $90

Mobo: Gigabyte GA-P35 DS3L $100

CPU: Intel E6750 $193

Video Card: EVGA 8600GTS 256MB (Super Clocked) $170

Memory: A-Data 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 800 $63

HDD: WD Caviar SE 160GB 7200RPM $50

CD/DVD: Lite-On 20x LH-20A1L $45

HSF: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 $20

Total: $731

I already have a sound card from an old PC so I left it out.

I am going to install Vista Ultimate.

Is there much benefit if I get A-Data Extreme Edition (or DDR2 1066) instead of the memory listed above?

And what about Arctic Silver 5 vs. Ceramique? I'm leaning towards Ceramique because it seems harder to screw up, since it's not conductive and easier to clean up.

I think that is all. I just wanted to post these here to see if it's a good build, to see if everything is compatible, and to see if I should change anything for better performance or lower price.

Thank you for any advice/comments you leave

[DallasDon]

If your location is the Promised Land (Las Vegas), your best bet budget wise would be to buy sales and rebate deals for a case, HDD, Optical Drives, etc. and buy the processor and motherboard last. This is due to the price drops and return policy on CPU/motherboards.

Black Friday's acoming! If you want to make your new build an adventure, your target items will be a the lowest prices of the year the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Regarding your parts list, it depends:

A quality Power Supply is probably the most important component.
A quality motherboard is next, possibly quad core capable, starting with a budget CPU/Ram combination. This allows for an upgrade path a year or two down the road, without reinstalling Windows, applications, etc.

You failed to mention the version of Windows, which will add about $100 to the price, and somewhat determine the choice of Video Card.

A DX10 card (Nvidia 8xxx series) will only realize it's full potential with Vista. Otherwise, match a less expensive 7XXX series with XP.


My best guess from your info is that your girlfriend might want her first upgrade to be dual monitors for Photoshop/editing applications.


Here's a pretty good online resource for learning to build your first computer.

http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/pc_parts_list.shtml

If you do in fact live in the Promised Land, here's the place to shop for case/hard drive/ etc. (Dallas Ads, same as ours)

http://shopping.dallasnews.com/ROP/a...vid=2519&type=

Feel free to send me a PM or poke around my website for some ideas. Click my screen name for shortcuts to the links.

[him61]

Never get a case with a power supply already in it. 99.9% of them are absolute trash. Here's my suggestion for you:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104954

[carl33p]

Originally Posted by RandomNameHere

(Concerned mostly about CPU/HSF installing). Do you guys know of any guides that would assist me?

Core 2 Duos are the absolute easiest to install. Heres your guide:
1: Drop CPU into slot. Dont use ANY force. Theres two notches (small curves) in the CPU. Line it up with the socket.

2: Place HSF on top. Make sure all 4 pegs are in position. Press on 2 Diagonals pegs till they click. Then press on the other two diagonal pegs.

Your done. I literally install these CPU and HSF in about 25seconds. THe HSF can be placed on in any orientation. BUt try make it so the wire plug for the fan can reach its motherboard pins easily.

Dont bother with AS5, just use what comes with the HSF. You could even use the stock HSF that comes with the CPU. It cools just fine.


If you want to buy a case + PSU together: Get the Antec Sonata II or Antec Sonata III


Stick with DDR2 800. Its your motherboard standard.

[KarmaKiller]

Read this, you'll change your mind about the PSU that your getting...
Power Supply Info

My suggestions,
Get a different PSU
Maybe look into a bigger HDD. If you are going to use this computer for gaming and photo/video editing, you'll fill up that 160Gb HDD in no time..

Plus I would save the money on a aftermarket HSF. The stock one will work fine unless you plan on overclocking.
Just my 2 cents though..

[RandomNameHere]

I mentioned that I was going to install Vista Ultimate (probably 32 bit, not sure about 64 bit), and I was wondering if it will be worth it to get A-Data Extreme Edition over the regular version.

I'll get this case without the PSU, but I still don't know of a good PSU to buy.

The EVGA site says that the card will need at least 400w with +12v of 22amps.

And what about PSU with 2 +12v rails?

[KarmaKiller]

Ok you lost me on the cards with 2 x 12v+ rails. There are Power Supplies that have dual 12V+ rails, but not Graphic cards.
As far as suggestions, I would recommend anything FSP. Their 350watt PSU packs more amps on the 12v+ rail then most 450w-500w PSU's do.
Something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104032
or this is a bit more amps:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104953

Would run anything you put in there. Maybe not a 8800card, but most anything else..

[RandomNameHere]

Well about dual 12v rails... I was wondering how does it work?

Do you add them up?

Edit: What about this PC and Power Cooling?

[JPMiller]

As for the PSU, Just save yourself a headache and buy this...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104953
I personally wouldnt pay so much for a huge tacky tower like that, especially with a door that will become annoying very quickly...

[KarmaKiller]

Originally Posted by RandomNameHere

Well about dual 12v rails... I was wondering how does it work?

Do you add them up?

Edit: What about this PC and Power Cooling?

That's a good unit, but the FSP will do the same thing, and be a little bit easier on the pocket book...