Help with parts for PC

Goodshape · 13-06-2006 3:31am #1

Righto, over the next few months I'm building my first PC (first one I've built that is) and could do with much advice.

I'm hoping to have about €2000 and want a pretty high-end machine that will edit video without being pushed to the absolute max and can run Oblivion the way it's meant to be played.

I made a spreadsheet of everything I think is needed then did a trawl through komplett.ie to find the bits I'd feel comfortable picking out myself (as you can see below, it's just the obvious stuff like monitor, case, hardrive, etc. , and even with those I'm open to correction).

The prices listed below without a link are just my own guest-imations, but I wouldn't like to go any higher than ~€2000 total (if I could shave a bit off, all the better).

Would really appreciate help picking this stuff out.. I get very nervous when confronted with 20 different types of RAM, etc.

ITEM		COST	LINK	
Motherboard	150		
RAM		200		
Processor	250		
Power Supply	60		
Network		100		
Wireless	100	
Graphics	213	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=319688]Gainward GeForce 7600GT 256MB 1.2ns DDR3[/url]
Case		77	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=311365]Cooler Master Centurion 5 Black/Silver[/url]
Monitor		310	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=306235]Samsung 19" LCD Syncmaster 913N TCO03[/url]
Sound		120	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=312204]Creative SB X-Fi XtremeMusic PCI[/url]
Speakers	95	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=315818]Trust 5.1 Surround Speaker Set SP-6600A[/url]
Harddrive	111	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=318471]Western Digital Caviar SE16 320GB SATA2 16MB 7200RPM[/url]
DVD		48	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=316659]BenQ DVD&#177;RW burner, DW1655[/url]
Keyboard	30	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=310670]Logitech Media Keyboard Elite PS/2/USB[/url]
O.S. 	 	140	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=313485]Windows XP Professional SP2[/url]

TOTAL 	 	2014

(I've left out fans because these seem to come with cases and also processors... is this correct?)

//edit
I'll also be duel-booting with XP and Linux (Kubuntu), so things need to be compatible.

//edit2
Add graphics card. Or maybe this one would be enough?

Cheers

Matthewthebig · 13-06-2006 6:57am

on the RAM front, komplett have a selector that, when you go to the main RAM page. There is a thing to enter your make of motherboard and it then tells you what RAM it can use. helped me when i was picking the pieces for my computer

Willymuncher · 13-06-2006 7:04am

If I were you I'd probably change the graphics, the 7600's are good but they wouldn't be absolute high end, if you were willing to spend around 100 more you could grab yourself a 7900GT.

Triangle · 13-06-2006 7:05am

You could take out the Network as this comes with most boards nowadays.
Could let you spend the 100 Euros on something else.
Personally I'm not too pushed on the additional sound cards, I'd prefer to spend the cash on more ram/better graphics. Usually the onboard sound is grand.

Goodshape · 13-06-2006 7:25am

That's what I like to hear

Ok, so I've taken out sound and network cards giving myself an extra €200 to play with.

How about the ABIT KN8-SLI,nForce4 SLI, Socket-939, ATX, 4xSATAII, GbLAN, Firewire, PCI-Ex16 for a motherboard?

Might spend the money saved on a nicer graphics card, as Willymuncher said, and maybe 7.1 speakers instead of 5.1 (motherboard above has 7.1 output).

ITEM		COST	LINK	
Motherboard	150		
RAM		200		
Processor	250		
Power Supply	60
Wireless	100	
Graphics	213	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=319688]Gainward GeForce 7600GT 256MB 1.2ns DDR3[/url]
Case		77	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=311365]Cooler Master Centurion 5 Black/Silver[/url]
Monitor		310	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=306235]Samsung 19" LCD Syncmaster 913N TCO03[/url]
Speakers	95	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=315818]Trust 5.1 Surround Speaker Set SP-6600A[/url]
Harddrive	111	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=318471]Western Digital Caviar SE16 320GB SATA2 16MB 7200RPM[/url]
DVD		48	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=316659]BenQ DVD&#177;RW burner, DW1655[/url]
Keyboard	30	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=310670]Logitech Media Keyboard Elite PS/2/USB[/url]
O.S. 	 	140	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=313485]Windows XP Professional SP2[/url]

TOTAL 	 	1794

//edit

Graphics cards :
7900GT 256MB @ €313 or 6800GS 512MB @ €256

..wouldn't have too much bother spending the extra 50 for the 7900GT but the 6800GS has twice the ram, so I'm curious. Maybe this doesn't matter as much as I'm thinking?

Goodshape · 13-06-2006 7:54am

Right, I've taken out the wireless because I actually don't need to buy a new one (heh).

How about this for a complete system :

ITEM		COST	LINK	
Motherboard	105 	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=313205]ABIT KN8-SLI,nForce4 SLI, Socket-939, ATX, 4xSATAII, GbLAN, Firewire, PCI-Ex16[/url]
RAM		178	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=309845]Crucial PC3200 DDR-DIMM 2048MB CL3 KIT Kit w/two matched PC3200 CL3 DDRs[/url]
Processor	200	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=318311]AMD Athlon 64 3700+ 2.2GHz Socket 939, 1MB, BOXED w/fan[/url]
Power Supply	60	(I'll see to this later)
Graphics	313	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=318498]Gainward GeForce 7900GT 256MB GDDR3, PCI-Express, "BP7900GT-256-TV-DD"[/url]
Case		77	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=311365]Cooler Master Centurion 5 Black/Silver[/url]
Monitor		366	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=315390]Samsung 19" LCD-TV Syncmaster 940MW, Widescreen, TV-tuner, DVI, 8ms[/url]
Speakers	95	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=315818]Trust 5.1 Surround Speaker Set SP-6600A[/url]
Harddrive	111	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=318471]Western Digital Caviar SE16 320GB SATA2 16MB 7200RPM[/url]
DVD		48	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=316659]BenQ DVD&#177;RW burner, DW1655[/url]
Keyboard	30	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=310670]Logitech Media Keyboard Elite PS/2/USB[/url]
O.S. 	 	140	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=313485]Windows XP Professional SP2[/url]
Mouse 	 	80	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=311939]Logitech G7 Cordless Laser Mouse, USB[/url]

TOTAL 	 	1803

Jimmy365 · 13-06-2006 9:09am

Goodshape,

DDR 2 ram is not compatible with Socket 939 only AM2.

You need DDR PC 3200 (OCZ good stuff) with Socket 939.

Jim

Goodshape · 13-06-2006 9:33am

Cheers. Must have selected the wrong mobo from the list or something (using Komplett's ram-finder thingy).

Updated the ram in my above post.. actually works out about €30 cheaper.

Cochise · 13-06-2006 10:41am

glad u decided on the athlon 64 great cpu, very fast and quiet. Id also recommend ebay for windows xp professional as legit xp cd's sell for about €60 on there. use the €60 and upgrade to an even better mobo with the same cpu socket. or get a 2x core cpu

Cochise · 13-06-2006 10:59am

went to komplett.ie and set myself a €2000 limit. i would recommend this setup it includes everything, pc, monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, os:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ 2.2GHz Socket 939, 2MB, BOXED w/fan - 470.01
ABIT KN8-SLI,nForce4 SLI, Socket-939, ATX, 4xSATAII, GbLAN, Firewire, PCI-Ex16 - €105.00
Crucial PC3200 DDR-DIMM 2048MB CL3 KIT Kit w/two matched PC3200 CL3 DDRs - €178.00
Point of View GeForce 7900GT 512MB, GDDR3, PCI-Express, DVI/Tv-Out, Retail - €389.00
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB SATA2 16MB 7200RPM - €105.02
Samsung 19" LCD Syncmaster 920N TCO-99 Monitor, D-sub, 700:1, 8ms - €249.01
NEC DVD±RW burner, ND-3550A, 16x, Dual, Silver OEM - €37.50
In-Win S564 Midi Tower ATX Black/Silver case w/350W PSU - €66.01
Logitech X-530, 5.1 5 Satellites and Subwoofer 70W RMS - €67.00
Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 Software English OEM - €139.99
Saitek PZ08A Gamers Keyboard Backlit UK Black USB Retail - €45.00
Microsoft Laser Mouse 6000, Gaming mouse with scroll-click, USB - €39.95

€1891.49

if i had the money this is what i'd get (hope to buy this exact stuff in august), hope it helps.

george_w_bushed · 13-06-2006 1:46pm

My advice, add the below to your system (prices are estimated) over clock it!:D

Intel Pentium D 805 2.66Ghz LGA775 €130.00
Corsair 2GB (1GB x2) 240 Pin DDR 2 667 €260.00
Zalman CNPS9500 2 Ball CPU Cooling €70.00
ECS PF88 Extreme Hybrid LGA 775 (or Asus P5WD2) €130.00
FSB 1066/800Mhz
PCI Express x16: 2
PCI Express x1: 1
PCI Slots: 3
PATA: 2x100
SATA 1.5 GB 4
SATA 3GB 2
Audio: Realtek ALC850
USB 2.0 4
IEEE 1394 1x 1394a

Estimated Sub Total: €590.00

GeForce 7900GT 512MB, GDDR3, PCI-E €389.00
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB SATA2 16MB 7200RPM €105.02
Samsung 19" LCD Syncmaster 920N TCO-99 €249.01
NEC DVD±RW burner, ND-3550A, 16x €37.50
In-Win S564 Midi Tower ATX Black/Silver €66.01
Logitech X-530, 5.1 5 Satellites €67.00
Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 €139.99
Saitek PZ08A Gamers Keyboard Backlit €45.00
Microsoft Laser Mouse 6000 €39.95

Estimated Grand Total: €1728.48

Overclocking can be done quickly, easily and simply without any modifications, no voltage increases.. anyone remember the Celeron 300A’s that went all the way to 450? It’s as easy as that if not easier!:p

Increase only the FSB and lock the PCI, PCI-E, IDE Bus’ etc at defaults. Motherboard selection and memory selection are critical as is close monitoring of CPU temperatures. I’d strongly advise increasing the FSB in 5 MHz increments until desired frequency is achieved. Keep all Bus’ (non FSB) locked until multiplier divider kicks in at around FSB 160Mhz - 165Mhz!

There shouldn’t be any problems getting the Pentium D 805 2.66Ghz (which is a dual core Processor) up to 3.33Ghz without any additional cooling other than stock! Increasing to 3.60Ghz and 3.80Ghz will require at the very least the Zalman CNPS9500 Cooler or better, I’d recommend it over the stock cooler anyway:) ! Increasing up to and over 3.80Ghz is motherboard dependant and will most likely require heavy duty water cooling and DDR2 in excess of 667Mhz. Asus P5WD2 is excellent for achieving speeds up to and over 4.0Ghz:eek: using this CPU water cooling with of course DDR2 800Mhz.

To increase the CPU frequency from 2.66Ghz to 3.33Ghz (motherboard selection is critical) simply increase the FSB from within the BIOS; CPU multiplier is locked 20x e.g:

Default settings are:

20xMultiplier X Base FSB 133 = 2.66Ghz CPU Frequency
133FSB X 4x(Quad Pumped) = 533 DDR2 Frequency

New Settings could be:

20xMultiplier X New Base FSB 166 = 3.33Ghz CPU Frequency
166FSB X 4x(Quad Pumped) = 664 DDR2 Frequency

With the above setup (or higher if you’re willing to adjust the CPU Core voltage & add the Zalman Cooler) you shouldn’t have a problem beating the life out of that Athlon 64x2 4400+ and you’ll probability save a few Euro in the process!

One more bit of advice, ditch that 350W PSU and spend a little extra on a quality 400W or 450W PSU, you’re components will love you for it! Higher quality Power Supplies can deliver more stable and a lot more reliable current to your devices some can also filter out power surges which (unlikely in Ireland) can cause damage to sensitive devices like your graphics card!

Good Luck with your new machine!

Matthewthebig · 13-06-2006 4:30pm

Goodshape wrote:

Right, I've taken out the wireless because I actually don't need to buy a new one (heh).

How about this for a complete system :

ITEM		COST	LINK	
Motherboard	105 	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=313205]ABIT KN8-SLI,nForce4 SLI, Socket-939, ATX, 4xSATAII, GbLAN, Firewire, PCI-Ex16[/url]
RAM		178	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=309845]Crucial PC3200 DDR-DIMM 2048MB CL3 KIT Kit w/two matched PC3200 CL3 DDRs[/url]
Processor	200	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=318311]AMD Athlon 64 3700+ 2.2GHz Socket 939, 1MB, BOXED w/fan[/url]
Power Supply	60	(I'll see to this later)
Graphics	313	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=318498]Gainward GeForce 7900GT 256MB GDDR3, PCI-Express, "BP7900GT-256-TV-DD"[/url]
Case		77	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=311365]Cooler Master Centurion 5 Black/Silver[/url]
Monitor		366	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=315390]Samsung 19" LCD-TV Syncmaster 940MW, Widescreen, TV-tuner, DVI, 8ms[/url]
Speakers	95	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=315818]Trust 5.1 Surround Speaker Set SP-6600A[/url]
Harddrive	111	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=318471]Western Digital Caviar SE16 320GB SATA2 16MB 7200RPM[/url]
DVD		48	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=316659]BenQ DVD&#177;RW burner, DW1655[/url]
Keyboard	30	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=310670]Logitech Media Keyboard Elite PS/2/USB[/url]
O.S. 	 	140	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=313485]Windows XP Professional SP2[/url]
Mouse 	 	80	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=311939]Logitech G7 Cordless Laser Mouse, USB[/url]

TOTAL 	 	1803

hehe that os very similar spec to what i just bought

we could be computer buddies or something

/wanders off in giddy laughter

Goodshape · 13-06-2006 5:02pm

Cheers for all the advice.

george_w_bushed, I think I'd like to go with an AMD64, rather than an Intel. Seems to be what all the cool kids are doing these days.

Cochise, that all sounds great. Think I'll run with that unless anyones got some better advice.

Here's the machine Cochise recommended with all the links and jazz (yes, I've got too much time) :

ITEM		COST		LINK
Keyboard	45	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=313399]Saitek PZ08A Gamers Keyboard Backlit UK Black USB Retail[/url]
DVD		38	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=314089]NEC DVD&#177;RW burner, ND-3550A, 16x, Dual, Silver OEM[/url]
Case		67	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=302683]In-Win S564 Midi Tower ATX Black/Silver case w/350W PSU[/url]
Mouse		40	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=312713]Microsoft Laser Mouse 6000, Gaming mouse with scroll-click, USB[/url]
Speakers	67	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=304431]Logitech X-530, 5.1 5 Satellites and Subwoofer 70W RMS[/url]
Motherboard	105	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=313205]ABIT KN8-SLI,nForce4 SLI, Socket-939, ATX, 4xSATAII, GbLAN, Firewire, PCI-Ex16[/url]
Harddrive	106	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=320709]Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB SATA2 16MB 7200RPM[/url]
O.S.		140	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=313485[/url]Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 Software English OEM[/url]
Processor	471	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=309862]AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ 2.2GHz Socket 939, 2MB, BOXED w/fan[/url]
RAM		178	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=309845]Crucial PC3200 DDR-DIMM 2048MB CL3 KIT Kit w/two matched PC3200 CL3 DDRs[/url]
Graphics	389	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=320626]Point of View GeForce 7900GT 512MB, GDDR3, PCI-Express, DVI/Tv-Out, Retail[/url]
Monitor		250	[url=http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=319600]Samsung 19" LCD Syncmaster 920N TCO-99 Monitor, D-sub, 700:1, 8ms[/url]

TOTAL		1896

Matthewthebig, how's she run?

Matthewthebig · 13-06-2006 5:46pm

i'll tell you when i've built her. Just oredered the parts a few days ago. Well she's looking less like her now. But we have the same RAM and mobo

Cochise · 14-06-2006 1:22am

glad u like the config, i actually ordered the parts today my self without the case / monitor / keyboard / mouse / os as i have them already. should be sweet machines

reason for the barracuda is i've had bad experience with wd drives packing it in after 2 or 3 years

tails2 · 14-06-2006 1:43am

Goodshape wrote:

Cheers for all the advice.

george_w_bushed, I think I'd like to go with an AMD64, rather than an Intel. Seems to be what all the cool kids are doing these days.

it really depends on what you plan on using it for. if you plan on using your machine mostly for games then amd are your best bet, at least get an amd 64x2 or if you really wanna go flash and push it you could get the amd 64 FX but the price tag on those could get you 2 amd64x2's and youd still have change ha ha.

as for intel if you are going to play games just not as much and are planning on a more multimedia factor like video/audio or programs like photoshop and related things the intel is better.

i got my parts last week and was going to get the amd64x2 but as i do most of my work on my pc it wasnt the better choice.

but since you wanna play oblivion i'd recommend,in fact almost insist on the amd64x2 not the amd 64.

Goodshape · 14-06-2006 2:35pm

tails2 wrote:

it really depends on what you plan on using it for. if you plan on using your machine mostly for games then amd are your best bet, at least get an amd 64x2 or if you really wanna go flash and push it you could get the amd 64 FX but the price tag on those could get you 2 amd64x2's and youd still have change ha ha.

as for intel if you are going to play games just not as much and are planning on a more multimedia factor like video/audio or programs like photoshop and related things the intel is better.

i got my parts last week and was going to get the amd64x2 but as i do most of my work on my pc it wasnt the better choice.

but since you wanna play oblivion i'd recommend,in fact almost insist on the amd64x2 not the amd 64.

Hmm.. choices, choices.

While I wan't to be able to put something like Oblivion on there and have it looking sweet, I'll should be spending the majority of time actually using the machine for work -- which includes plenty of Photoshop work at the moment and hopefully a lot more video work in the future. So that's my main priority.

Think I'll spend some time reading up on the pro's and con's of each processor.

Help with parts for PC

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