Building my first PC

Leman_Russ

So here's the situation.
I'm looking to build my own PC. One that has decent graphics but not too heavy on the wallet

Now, i've found one from an online store for €1,099 with:

• AMD Athlon 64 3800 Dual Core
• 1GB Ram
• 250GB HDD
• DVDRW Dual Layer Combi Drive
• 256Mb nVidia 7300GS PCI Ex Graphics
• XP, Works 8.5
• 2 Year Warrenty
• 17" TFT Moniter
• The usual stuff (CD, Floppy, Speakers, Keyboard Mouse etc)

Howeber, my *ahem* dear auld mother (who is very good with these types of things) says i can get a similar power PC for less if i scratch build it myself.

Just wondering if anyone could give me a hand in finding out how to do this i'd be much abliged!

K.O.Kiki

Try Komplett -- select the same parts; except for the graphics card -- better buy would be any of the following: 7300GT, 7600GS, 7600GT (in ascending order).
Also, you'll have to choose a mainboard (motherboard) to work with your CPU -- you can buy Athlons as either socket 939 or AM2; IIRC, skt939, while older, is still a wee bit faster.
Also, a better investment would be to go for an Intel socket 775 Core2Duo e6300, which requires an Intel motherboard.

Leman_Russ

I was wondering if anyone would be so kind as to give me some advice for this first ever build i'm doing

The list of components i'm considering buying are [url=
http://www.komplett.ie/k/shoplist.asp?mode=receive&si=377670&su=30017084-4C92-4C59-874F-F69D261CB913]here[/url], but being a total n00b, i don't know if thats everything that i need to get a pc running, nor if the components i've picked are any good. I have had a quick look through the specs but i can't understand half of it.
And yes i know i have no case or PSU but that i'm buying from a friend second hand.

And also (;) ), can anyone tell me if the GeForce 7600GS is any good and if it supports SLI technology.
Thanks in advance for all your help.

Ruu_Old

Komplett.ie have a builder on their website that will help you out where you can customise the components of your PC. I believe the 7600GS is SLI ready. What games are you thinking of running?

Leman_Russ

well, i was planning on playing mostly FPS like quake 4 and such, and also simply to be able to ramp up all my games to max detail, as my current PC it a load of ****

PogMoThoin

Your link to parts is dead.

Judge the 7600gs for yourself: http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/digest3d/0606/itogi-video-f-wxp-1280-pcie.html
I wouldn't call it a high-end card. The 6800gs & gt perform better than it. You def wouldn't be able to play games maxed out.
Another guide list, 7600gs isn't even on it: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/index.cfm?a=wiki&tag=rmp_vds

TomCo

The 'Ultra' setting in Doom 3 engine games requires a card with 512mb ram.

Bear this in mind if it means anything to you.

PogMoThoin

The 7600gt is the best value for money gpu out there at the mo: http://www.komplett.ie/k/search.asp?q=7600gt

Leman_Russ

Ok, new link:
http://www.komplett.ie/k/shoplist.asp?mode=receive&si=377670&su=30017084-4C92-4C59-874F-F69D261CB913

PogMoThoin, thanks for the advice on the GS, i've looked into the GT and suffice to say i'm liking it already. Gonna get me 2 of those. :rolleyes:
Also just realised i forgot a HDD Added that in too.
Just to say again that I'm gonna be getting a Case and 500W PSU second hand, and that my budget is arrounf the 1000-1200 mark. Yes i know its not the best budget, but still...

TomCo

Buying a CRT?

Are you sure about that?
People are giving them away on adverts.ie

Leman_Russ

TomCo wrote:

Buying a CRT?

Are you sure about that?
People are giving them away on adverts.ie

They are? :eek: Well, thanks for that too. I dunno what it is, i just don't seem to like TFT. I haven't a clue why, i just don't. Very wierd. Anywho, thanks for that, gonna save me a bit of money so.

SeanW

Just a few things:

1: Are you sure you need the soundcard? Virtually all mainboards today have on-board sound and it's pretty decent. I'd advise you to ditch the soundcard and save the money.
2: You may want to consider adding an extra gig of RAM.
3: You may also want to consider ditching the floppy drive and replacing it with one of these
an 7-in-1 + floppy drive.
http://www.marxcomputers.ie
- Storage
- Floppy

Everything else looks good.

Leman_Russ

Read the title, 'nuff said.

The one main question i have is if it is better to have 1 Dual-GPU or to have two seperate cards running SLI style? And would a 430w PSU be ok or should I upgrade it to a 500w or similler?

Anywho, I did post earlyer, but as my budget has gone up:

Motherboard
MSI K9N NEO-F:
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=320630&view=detailed

Processor
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ 2.2GHz:
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=320790&view=detailed

RAM
Crucial DDR2 PC5300 2048MB CL5 Kit w/two matched DDR2 PC5300 1024MB CL5:
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=312372&view=detailed

Note: MoBo, RAM and Processer bought as an upgrade kit.

Graphics Card
XFX GeForce 7950GX2 520M 1GB eXtreme:
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=321772&view=detailed

Hard Drive
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB SATA2 16MB 7200RPM:
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=320709&view=detailed

DVD/CD Drive
NEC DVD±RW burner, ND-3550A, 16x:
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=314089&view=detailed

Floppy Drive
Sony Floppy Drive:
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=302845&view=detailed

Sound Card
Creative SB X-Fi XtremeMusic PCI:
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=312204&view=detailed

Power Supply Unit/Case
In-Win X710G(B) Full Tower ATX Black Case w/430W PSU
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=308856&view=detailed

Keyboard and Mouse
Logitech Cordless Desktop LX300
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=304827&view=detailed

Speakers
Logitech X-530, 5.1 5 Satellites and Subwoofer 70W RMS
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=304431&view=detailed

Total Price exc. VAT: €1253.33

Total Price inc. VAT: €1516.53

8T8

430w PSU with a 7950GX2 is definitely pushing your luck 500w+ if going down that road.

As for a single 7950GX2 vs 7xxx SLI the GX2 is basically equivalent to a 7900GT SLI setup, you really need a high resolution display to make the most of this. So what sort of display do you have ?

(Also keep in mind assuming you are going for the maximum eye candy the GeForce 8 series will show their heads around November which isn't very far away though playing the waiting game can be frustrating)


CPU you might want to update to the 4600+ model its not that much more either if you can afford it & assuming you want an AMD setup.

PogMoThoin

Why not go for conroe if your budget has gone up?

As regards gpu, i'd go for something cheap as dx10 is on the way with vista, can upgrade to something better next yr.

I'd advise you go for at least a 500w psu, good brand, Ocz, Seasonic, Antec etc.

Leman_Russ

8T8 wrote:

430w PSU with a 7950GX2 is definitely pushing your luck 500w+ if going down that road.

As for a single vs 7xxx SLI the GX2 is basically equivalent to a 7900GT SLI setup, you really need a high resolution display to make the most of this. So what sort of display do you have ?

(Also keep in mind assuming you are going for the maximum eye candy the GeForce 8 series will show their heads around November which isn't very far away though playing the waiting game can be frustrating)


CPU you might want to update to the 4600+ model its not that much more either if you can afford it & assuming you want an AMD setup.

Ok, so a 7950GX2 it is As for the 4600+, i would, but as the 4600+ bundles are sold out atm, and i cannot seem to find any such upgrade kits anywhere else (most likely due to my total incometence).:p And my moniter is a high res TFT which i got for free of my nutcase friend wjo upgrades every 6 months or so :rolleyes:
And I don't feel the need to get GeForce 8 series, two 7900GT's good enough for me.

As regards gpu, i'd go for something cheap as dx10 is on the way with vista, can upgrade to something better next yr.

DX10? Does this mean that all the old GeForces or any gpu for that matter will cease to work becuase of it? Or would the 7950GX2 work with it?

jor el

Leman_Russ wrote:

DX10? Does this mean that all the old GeForces or any gpu for that matter will cease to work because of it? Or would the 7950GX2 work with it?

All existing cards will still work, they just won't support some (all?) of the new features that DX10 will bring to the table. Only games developed after, or specifically for, DX10 will need it. These games should also play fine, though without certain bells and whistles, with DX9 cards.

PogMoThoin

Whats the highest resolution the monitor supports? What size is it? Doubt your friend would give you anything that supports high resolutions for free.

8T8

Leman_Russ wrote:

Ok, so a 7950GX2 it is As for the 4600+, i would, but as the 4600+ bundles are sold out atm, and i cannot seem to find any such upgrade kits anywhere else (most likely due to my total incometence).:p And my moniter is a high res TFT which i got for free of my nutcase friend wjo upgrades every 6 months or so :rolleyes:
And I don't feel the need to get GeForce 8 series, two 7900GT's good enough for me.


DX10? Does this mean that all the old GeForces or any gpu for that matter will cease to work becuase of it? Or would the 7950GX2 work with it?

There were some 4600+ on their own this morning but they seem have sold out.

A display of around capable of around 1600x1200 or so would be the ideal spot for an SLI setup like 7950GX2.

Per DX10 basically what jor el said and on top of that the GeForce 8 cards should be at least faster in DX9 mode vs the GF7 series. No doubt at launch there will be an 8800GT and 8800GTX although I doubt a 8800GX2 will be.

So an 8800GT SLI setup will be faster in DX9 games vs a single 7950GX2 and offer some future proofing (DX10 only works under Windows Vista), the 8 series will also have a new AA engine that should resolve the problem on not being able to use AA in certain games - downside waiting and the cost of two 8800GT's will probably be more expensive than a single 7950GX2.

Argument for 7950GX2 it is here and now, DX9 games will continue to be the main kind of games for a long time to come & it is a very powerful card so will age gracefully.

Leman_Russ

Ok, well i've updated the list a slight bit.
I've added in a case, a 700w PSU (why the hell not i thought) and a, *cough* moniter. This is because the one my "friend" gave me, doesn't work... yeah. That showed me up :rolleyes:
And I've dropped down the the 4200+ as it is not worth the extra expence when I can have a simmilar processer in a discount bundlw with a MoBo and RAM.

PogMoThoin

Your intending to spend 2 grand plus delivery & not goin for Core2duo :eek:

Honestly, a 700w psu is serious overkill. Save a few quids & go for a 500w.
And also the 7950 is also overkill as that monitor only supports 1280x1024 res. FFS my 256mb 7900gt can play any game on that with all settings maxed out at half the price. The 7950 only shines at 1600x1200 res. Be a serious waste of money.

PogMoThoin

Try these with your budget, if you got enough cash upgrade to the E6600 core2duo & 2gb ram, all i'd change from your list is the gpu, psu & the processor bundle package.

Processor...http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=322632
Mobo...http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=323508
Ram...http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=308934
Gpu...http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=318801
Psu...http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=315953

Edit: Works out even cheaper than what you had picked. Buy a proper cooler & you'd be able to clock that set-up to well over 3Ghz, some on xs forums even got the E6400 to 4Ghz on air. Check it out for yourself: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111027

TomCo

I've got something similar myself, 2Gb of G.skill ram, E6600 and an X1900XT though. Just been playing Quake 4 there - on Ultra Detail, 16x HQ Aniscopic Filtering, 6x Anti aliasing and a ton of other control panel settings on Quality and maxed out with the game settings maxed out also.

No slow down, none. I literally don't have anything to truly stress the machine at all!

If thats not a recommendation for Conroe and a mid (kinda) range graphics card, I don't know what is.

Leman_Russ

Dudes, you really are all life savers.
I dont know WHY I DIDN'T THINK OF CONROE! :eek:

PogMoThoin, you have really helped me, i don't know wht I would have done without you (other than send a load of cash straight to ya man "down there"). You are a serious canditate for deityhood in my eyes :P

TomCo, you sure your not messing with me? Cause if thats true, I'm gonna fall otu of my seat in amazement!

Thanks for all the help guys! Now, off to Tweekin and Modding to find out the best way of cooling this badboy. How much would it cost arround to get good cooling systems, as I know have a load of cash free for it!

PogMoThoin

Coolers:
Zalman 9500, Akasa AK-960, Sythe ninja, arctic freezer pro or big typhoon.

Edit: Tomco posted this guide the other day: http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2006/08/01/conroe_heatsink_group_test/1.html

Leman_Russ

AH thank you so much for the link, It really helped.

I'm think i'll go for the Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro, unless there is some reason i missed why i shouldn't?

8T8

Nope its a fine cooler, have used the Intel and AMD versions of the Freezer Pro.

That said Zalmans 7700/9500 are a bit better but more complicated to install and a pain to remove if you decide to change the cooler.

Leman_Russ

Well an Artic cooler it is! :P
I'll be sure to whine here when i fudge it all up post here how my first build turns out Thanks for all the help guys, really.

Leman_Russ

I was browsing Komplett.ie lately for my PC Parts and I decided on getting a Geforce 7900GT. This costs €289.

I then found the Geforce 7950GT (Which i assume is a better GPU, I'm probably wrong) for €285. Now I know it is only €4 but if it is a better GPU I'll get that instead.

Thanks for your help.

PogMoThoin

7950 not released yet, I don't know would i believe they would have them exactly when they say.

Leman_Russ

Well would it be worth it waitong 3 days to see if they do get them in? SInce it is cheaper and all or would there be no noticable difference?

PogMoThoin

Good difference Much higher clocks on 7950: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150189

Leman_Russ

Well if thats the case i do beleve that the decision is a nobrainer IMO

PogMoThoin

Maybe stretch to 512MB one, not much more expensive, double the memory: http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=325488

Leman_Russ

Ohh, i missed that one. Very nice. Again your godlyness on all things tech are hailed.

Leman_Russ

Hello all. Just posting to thank you all for helping me so much with this ambitous first build of mine!

The list is here.

Final Stats:
Asus P5W DH Deluxe MoBo
Gainward GeForce 7950GT 512MB
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.4GHz
OCZ PC2-6400 DDR2 Special Ops Edition, 2048MB Kit
OCZ Technology Powersupply 700W
Samsung 19" LCD
Seagate Barracuda 320GB HDD

I do have one final question though, even though you all must be so sick of me by now, but would it be better to get 2Gb of PC6400 Ram or get 3/4 Gb of PC5300 for €150 or so more?

irlrobins

Mega merge!

8T8

Leman_Russ wrote:

Hello all. Just posting to thank you all for helping me so much with this ambitous first build of mine!

The list is here.

Final Stats:
Asus P5W DH Deluxe MoBo
Gainward GeForce 7950GT 512MB
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.4GHz
OCZ PC2-6400 DDR2 Special Ops Edition, 2048MB Kit
OCZ Technology Powersupply 700W
Samsung 19" LCD
Seagate Barracuda 320GB HDD

I do have one final question though, even though you all must be so sick of me by now, but would it be better to get 2Gb of PC6400 Ram or get 3/4 Gb of PC5300 for €150 or so more?

Stick with 2GB after that you get to the point of diminishing returns unless you plan on running some specialized applications that use large amounts of RAM.

Leman_Russ

irlrobins wrote:

Mega merge!

Thanks for that. I knew I was getting annoying there. :rolleyes:

And thanks, I'll stick with the 2Gb then.