Home Built Computers
 

Stealing some mojo from another thread, I was curious as to who here has built theiir own computer? If you do, would you mind sharing what hardware/software you're using and what you primarily use the computer for (gaming, home office, etc)?

Also, links would be greatly appreciated to the hardware parts, but if you're too lazy, it's all good. I'm going to start building my own system, and I'm looking for some advice.

Thanks in advance.

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/fea..._rig_under_700

Edit: Good starting point for a budget gaming PC. I'd get a better case, though. Probably a better hard drive (WD Black). You could also step it up to an intel i5 for not much more. The motherboard limits expansion too.

I order everything from newegg.com.

This. Also I buy stuff from Fry's. I've noticed that the stuff is usually the same price except for tax. Sometimes when I want something now I'll go to Fry's. What works extremely well is getting the newegg app and cruising around frys and checking out the reviews as you shop.

If there is any one thing you should know, it's this:

ALWAYS READ THE REVIEWS ON NEWEGG! ALWAYS! It's probably THE best place there is to find out how good or reliable something is.

From my post in the other thread:

It ended up at about $600, but I re-used some stuff from my first machine.


AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition

ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3

CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3

COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Corsair Force CSSD-F120GB2-BRKT 2.5" 120GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive

Plus I already had this stuff:

Hauppauge Colossus HD Video Capture Card

Thermaltake TR2 RX 750W Power Supply

XFX Radeon HD 5850

2x 160 GB Western Digital 7200 rpm HD in Raid 0
1 TB Samsung HD for backup
1 cheapo dvd burner

This thing works great. I use it for gaming and TV/movies mostly.


Pros:

• everything runs super smooth
• windows boots in about 10 seconds
• all of my programs load almost instantly, including outlook, excel, and windows media center
• the ssd makes no stupid click click noise like a normal HD
• I love watching and recording HD tv on my computer
• the case is awesome and keeps everything super cool
• no matter what I do, I can't seem to get the CPU utilization up to 100%
• multitasking like crazy. I can run WMC and play a netflix instant movie streamed onto my big TV in the living room while playing BF2 on my monitor
• six cores + ample overclocking room + good mobo + crossfire capable = somewhat future proof
• this system is very overclockable
• anything else you can think of

Cons:

• I had to pay for it?
• it won't make me a pizza and bring me some beer
• I don't have a blu ray burner yet so I can't copy my netflix movies...yet
• it's not quite up to the top end Intel i7 speeds, but you can't beat the price to performance ratio of the 1090T
• BF2 loads so fast that the server kicks me on every map change due to an erroneous "modified content" error. Then I have to go back and rejoin and I'm still one of the first ones in.

How necessary is this? Would I be fine for gaming purposes with just the quad?

See I differ now. I used to build my own. Now I just new late model desktops that I know I can upgrade memory and graphic card. I just use it for internet and bf3 and the new starwars game.

Should be able to get a 8gig memory and 2gig pc done for under 700 from wjat I have seen with prices out there.

Yeah, six cores is overkill for right now as I can't name any single programs that can use all 6 cores at once. However, it does help for the future AND it is rather helpful in multitasking.

The thing that I think has made the most difference is the SSD. I put my OS and commonly used programs (MS Office, Firefox, BF2, Steam) on the SSD, then my other stuff and music and video files on my RAID.

Asus P5K Mobo
Intel Q6600 Quad core
two Western Digital [300GB, 160GB] and one Maxtor [240GB] internal hard drives, as well at a MyBook external [1 TB]
Invidia GeForce 9600 GT
ATI HD Wonder HDTV Tuner
LiteOn LH-20A1S DVD reader/writer
Rocketfish BTCombo Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse
Envision G19LWk 19 inch widescreen monitor
2 GB Corsair RAM

Also dedicate a 4GB USB drive to ReadyBoost

Use the computer for;
Internet Access
Home Theater/Media Management [Window 7 Ultimate, specifically Windows Media Center is awesome for that]
Engineering computation [AutoCAD, Matlab, PSpice, Electrc, ModelSim, MathCAD, FilterPro, etc]

One of the coolest instance of letting my PC feel its oats is to use Xilisoft Video Converter. Uses all 4 cores at full speed, and can convert an 8 GB .wtv show into Ipod friendly format in like 4 minutes.

I've built every desktop computer i've own(for immediate family too) for the last 20+ years. It's not hard, you just have to educate yourself on the current hardware specs and find the 'sweet spot' that fits your budget. Usually i look for the biggest,baddest hardware out there and then take a step or two down.

good forum to read about the best hardware etc: http://hardforum.com/

ReadyBoost? lol

Depends on what you want. Just want a capable machine for doing some web surfing, some Flash games, watching some Youtube or Netflix? You can build that with off-the-shelf parts at Microcenter for $215 (no monitor, keyboard, mouse).

Contrary to other posters I don't like to buy my parts online. If something isn't working I don't want to have to pay to ship it back and Microcenter's prices are generally within 5% of the reputable online dealers.

:spock:

It cost me all of a 100 yard walk from Trader Joe's to MicroCenter with my free USB drive coupon.

Well, sale prices are (sometimes, and not including sales tax)

Does your motherboard not support more than 2GB Ram? They are dirt cheap these days.

Find the right deals and MicroCenter does just fine. Got my MOBO and Processor there several years ago, and don't think the internet has beaten the price I paid to date.

I really really appreciate having a Microcenter withing easy driving distance. But dammit, they rarely have the exact parts that I'm looking for.

****ing geeks:shake:

Have fun with your crapware bloated POS Wal-Mart Acer. :thumb:

Bbbbbbut my computer runs slow now! What is going on? I ran virus scan and its still slow! ROFL

The old timer's table is over there. They're talking about tape drives and Pascal again.... :D

Your sarcasm meter brokie?

Your really old when you remember using the B: drive.

6 cores?
why is that necessary?

why is a hemi necessary in a cuda?
why a six pack inna boss mustang?

it's 'puter hotrodding

I always build my own computers and always have (except for laptops). You get what you pay for and quality components is a better PC.

I've been building PCs since 1994. My mobo just fried, so I rebuilt part of my computer. I'm holding off on upgrading the vid card until closer to the release of BF3...

Intel i5 2500-k quad core 3.30 GHz
MSI P67A-GD65 motherboard
EVGA nVidia 9800GTX
8GB Kingston HyperX DDR3 1600
Ultra 750W PSU
random HDs and optical drives
Windows 7

I plan to upgrade the vid card in the fall, and I'd like to get an SSD at some point.

Probably. I didn't know that you are a computer guy and it's not beyond some chiefs planet members to come in and troll threads

Just don't forget I'm the smartest guy in the room.....................................



just in case the meter is still broken......:rolleyes:

ATI has had better video chipsets than NVidia for a while now, and I'll have words with anyone who says otherwise....

I built one back in Feb of 2010 - The Wife gave me permission to use the tax refund for it
I made my thread here: http://chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?t=223320

Here are my specs:

My current build which I put together in Feb of '09. Keep in mind, I paid a premium at the time because I wanted cutting edge tech (which this stuff was back in '09)

Intel Core i7 920 Proc - $199
MSI X58 Platinum MoBo - $150
G.SKILL 6GB 240-Pin 1333MHz DDR3 Memory - $139
Radeon HD 4850 1GB Video Card - $149
XION 850W PSU - $89
COOLER MASTER Storm Scout Case - $99
Seagate Barracuda 7200 RPM 320GB HD - $62
Western Digital 7200 RPM 2TB Green HD - $89
Onkyo 5.1 Digital Surround Sound - $299
25" I-INC 1080p Monitor - $145
26' Dynex 720p Monitor/TV - $80 (Used on CL)

My set up is beastly. I can probably run this computer for another 3 years without having to upgrade anything at all... and still easily keep up with most everything I want to do.

I'm set up to pretty much do anything I want with my pc. I edit and convert video & music and do some heavy gaming though my heavy school load has pretty much limited my rig to a homework machine anymore. lol

Nice system for under $650...

Cart Item List:
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LG Black Super Multi SATA WH12LS30 LightScribe Support
Item #:N82E16827136226
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); color: green;" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top">
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="right" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> $84.99</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="center" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> 1</td> <td colspan="2" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> https://e2k.exchange.umkc.edu/OWA/8....base/clear.gif
Optical Quantum 25GB 4X BD-R 5 Packs Disc Model OBBDR04LT-05
Item #:N82E16817607053
Return Policy: Consumable Item Refund Only Return Policy
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); color: green;" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top">
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="right" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> $6.99</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="center" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> 1</td> <td colspan="2" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> https://e2k.exchange.umkc.edu/OWA/8....base/clear.gif
Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" SATA 6.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #:N82E16822148697
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); color: green;" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> -$5.00 Instant
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="right" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> $64.99
$59.99</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="center" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> 2</td> <td colspan="2" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> https://e2k.exchange.umkc.edu/OWA/8....base/clear.gif
ASUS M4A78LT-M Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #:N82E16813131672
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); color: green;" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top">
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="right" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> $139.98</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="center" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> 1</td> <td colspan="2" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> https://e2k.exchange.umkc.edu/OWA/8....base/clear.gif
HIS Radeon HD 6670 H667F1GD Video Card with Eyefinity
Item #:N82E16814161375
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); color: green;" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top">
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="right" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> $97.99</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="center" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> 1</td> <td colspan="2" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> https://e2k.exchange.umkc.edu/OWA/8....base/clear.gif
Thermaltake V4 Black Edition VM30001W2Z Black Computer Case With Side Panel Window
Item #:N82E16811133179
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); color: green;" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> $10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="right" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> $49.99</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="center" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> 1</td> <td colspan="2" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> https://e2k.exchange.umkc.edu/OWA/8....base/clear.gif
RAIDMAX HYBRID 2 RX-530SS 530W Modular LED Power Supply
Item #:N82E16817152028
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); color: green;" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> -$15.00 Instant
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="right" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> $54.99
$39.99</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="center" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> 1</td> <td colspan="2" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> https://e2k.exchange.umkc.edu/OWA/8....base/clear.gif
AMD Athlon II X4 640 3.0GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor
Item #:N82E16819103871
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); color: green;" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top">
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="right" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> $99.99</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="center" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> 1</td> <td colspan="2" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> https://e2k.exchange.umkc.edu/OWA/8....base/clear.gif
G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory
Item #:N82E16820231416
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); color: green;" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top">
</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="right" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> $74.99</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="4" style="border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="right" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> Grand Total:</td> <td style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" align="right" bgcolor="#e8e8e8" valign="top"> $647.91</td></tr></tbody></table>

Are you running it as a Hackentosh?

No... actually that's a pretty similar build to what I put together for my father a month or so ago.

I've got a nice iMac at home for myself, that I can dual boot into Bootcamp Windows7 and run any game I want.

Hackintosh is a pain in the ass.

OK... let me fix the links.... maybe...

If you don't play hardcore games, subtract $100 and remove the video card.

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</td> <td class="cartDescription"> <dl><dd>http://images10.newegg.com/ProductIm...133-179-12.jpg</dd></dl>
<dl><dd> Thermaltake V4 Black Edition Gaming Chassis Mid Tower Steel Computer Case Fully Black Powdered Interior VM30001W2Z </dd><dd>Item #: N82E16811133179</dd><dd>Return Policy: Standard Return Policy</dd><dd class="select">
</dd></dl> </td><td class="cartSavings"> <dd>$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card11-133-179</dd> </td> <td class="cartPrice"> <dl><dd>$49.99</dd></dl> </td> </tr> <tr class="cartItem"> <td class="cartSelect"> <input tabindex="14" name="CHKITEM" title=" ST31000524AS" alt=" ST31000524AS" id="22-148-697.1.0.0" value="22-148-697.1.0.0" type="checkbox"><label for="22-148-697.1.0.0">select item 2</label> </td><td class="cartQty"> <input id="ITEM.22-148-697.1.0.0" name="ITEM.22-148-697.1.0.0" value="1" tabindex="14" size="3" maxlength="3" type="text"><label for="ITEM.22-148-697.1.0.0">quantity of item 2</label> <input name="ITEMQty.22-148-697.1.0.0" value="1" type="hidden"> <input name="ITEMLIMITQTY.22-148-697.1.0.0" value="99999" type="hidden">
</td> <td class="cartDescription"> <dl><dd>http://images10.newegg.com/ProductIm...148-697-03.jpg</dd></dl>
<dl><dd> Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive </dd><dd>Item #: N82E16822148697</dd><dd>Return Policy: Standard Return Policy</dd><dd class="select"> <dl><dt>
</dt>Protect Your Investment (expand for options22-148-697|hide options22-148-697)

<dd> <dl id="snopt22-148-697" class="warrantyOptions"><dt>Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan</dt><dd> The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info22-148-697.0.18)

• <input name="ewt.22-148-6970" id="SNET-169841_22-148-6970" value="SNET-169841" type="radio"><label for="SNET-169841_22-148-6970">1 year: $9.99</label>
• <input name="ewt.22-148-6970" id="SNET-169919_22-148-6970" value="SNET-169919" type="radio"><label for="SNET-169919_22-148-6970">2 year: $14.99</label>

</dd></dl> <dl id="snoptSelected22-148-697" class="warrantyOptions" style="display: none;"><dt></dt><dd> </dd></dl> </dd></dl>
</dd></dl> </td><td class="cartSavings"> -$5.00 Instant
</td> <td class="cartPrice"> <dl><dd class="cartOrig">$64.99</dd><dd>$59.99</dd></dl> </td> </tr> <tr class="cartItem"> <td class="cartSelect"> <input tabindex="14" name="CHKITEM" title=" M4A78LT-M" alt=" M4A78LT-M" id="13-131-672.1.0.0" value="13-131-672.1.0.0" type="checkbox"><label for="13-131-672.1.0.0">select item 3</label> </td><td class="cartQty"> <input id="ITEM.13-131-672.1.0.0" name="ITEM.13-131-672.1.0.0" value="2" tabindex="14" size="3" maxlength="3" type="text"><label for="ITEM.13-131-672.1.0.0">quantity of item 3</label> <input name="ITEMQty.13-131-672.1.0.0" value="2" type="hidden"> <input name="ITEMLIMITQTY.13-131-672.1.0.0" value="99999" type="hidden">
</td> <td class="cartDescription"> <dl><dd>http://images10.newegg.com/ProductIm...131-672-02.jpg</dd></dl>
<dl><dd> ASUS M4A78LT-M AM3 AMD 760G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard </dd><dd>Item #: N82E16813131672</dd><dd>Return Policy: Standard Return Policy</dd><dd class="select"> <dl><dt>
</dt>Protect Your Investment (expand for options13-131-672|hide options13-131-672)

<dd> <dl id="snopt13-131-672" class="warrantyOptions"><dt>Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty</dt><dd> The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info13-131-672.0.120)

• <input name="ewt.13-131-6720" id="SNET-169847_13-131-6720" value="SNET-169847" type="radio"><label for="SNET-169847_13-131-6720">1 year: $9.99</label>
• <input name="ewt.13-131-6720" id="SNET-169925_13-131-6720" value="SNET-169925" type="radio"><label for="SNET-169925_13-131-6720">2 year: $14.99</label>

</dd></dl> <dl id="snoptSelected13-131-672" class="warrantyOptions" style="display: none;"><dt></dt><dd> </dd></dl> </dd></dl>
</dd></dl> </td><td class="cartSavings">
</td> <td class="cartPrice"> <dl><dd>$139.98</dd><dd class="cartUnit">($69.99 each)</dd></dl> </td> </tr> <tr class="cartItem"> <td class="cartSelect"> <input tabindex="14" name="CHKITEM" title=" H667F1GD" alt=" H667F1GD" id="14-161-375.1.0.0" value="14-161-375.1.0.0" type="checkbox"><label for="14-161-375.1.0.0">select item 4</label> </td><td class="cartQty"> <input id="ITEM.14-161-375.1.0.0" name="ITEM.14-161-375.1.0.0" value="1" tabindex="14" size="3" maxlength="3" type="text"><label for="ITEM.14-161-375.1.0.0">quantity of item 4</label> <input name="ITEMQty.14-161-375.1.0.0" value="1" type="hidden"> <input name="ITEMLIMITQTY.14-161-375.1.0.0" value="99999" type="hidden">
</td> <td class="cartDescription"> <dl><dd>http://images10.newegg.com/ProductIm...161-375-02.jpg</dd></dl>
<dl><dd> HIS H667F1GD Radeon HD 6670 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card with Eyefinity </dd><dd>Item #: N82E16814161375</dd><dd>Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy</dd><dd class="select"> <dl><dt>
</dt>Protect Your Investment (expand for options14-161-375|hide options14-161-375)

<dd> <dl id="snopt14-161-375" class="warrantyOptions"><dt>Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan</dt><dd> The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info14-161-375.0.18)

• <input name="ewt.14-161-3750" id="SNET-169841_14-161-3750" value="SNET-169841" type="radio"><label for="SNET-169841_14-161-3750">1 year: $9.99</label>
• <input name="ewt.14-161-3750" id="SNET-169919_14-161-3750" value="SNET-169919" type="radio"><label for="SNET-169919_14-161-3750">2 year: $14.99</label>

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<dl><dd> RAIDMAX HYBRID 2 RX-530SS 530W ATX12V V2.2/ EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular LED Power Supply </dd><dd>Item #: N82E16817152028</dd><dd>Return Policy: Standard Return Policy</dd><dd class="select"> <dl><dt>
</dt>Protect Your Investment (expand for options17-152-028|hide options17-152-028)

<dd> <dl id="snopt17-152-028" class="warrantyOptions"><dt>Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan</dt><dd> The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info17-152-028.0.18)

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<dl><dd> G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR </dd><dd>Item #: N82E16820231416</dd><dd>Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy</dd><dd class="select">
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<dl><dd> AMD Athlon II X4 640 Propus 3.0GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor ADX640WFGMBOX </dd><dd>Item #: N82E16819103871</dd><dd>Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy</dd><dd class="select"> <dl><dt>
</dt>Protect Your Investment (expand for options19-103-871|hide options19-103-871)

<dd> <dl id="snopt19-103-871" class="warrantyOptions"><dt>Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty</dt><dd> The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info19-103-871.0.120)

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<dl><dd> LG Black Super Multi SATA WH12LS30 LightScribe Support - OEM </dd><dd>Item #: N82E16827136226</dd><dd>Return Policy: Standard Return Policy</dd><dd class="select"> <dl><dt>
</dt>Protect Your Investment (expand for options27-136-226S32284|hide options27-136-226S32284)

<dd> <dl id="snopt27-136-226S32284" class="warrantyOptions"><dt>Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan</dt><dd> The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info27-136-226.0.18)

• <input name="ewt.27-136-22632284" id="SNET-169841_27-136-22632284" value="SNET-169841" type="radio"><label for="SNET-169841_27-136-22632284">1 year: $9.99</label>
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This. When I built my system a little over a year ago, MicroCenter was beating newegg on CPU's by $50-100.

This flip flops so damn much.

Thanks for the excellent advice everyone. This is something I'm pretty pumped about - not only having a sweet new desktop for gaming but also learning about some of the inner workings of a computer. A few more questions I have:

Is there a clear difference between Intel and AMD in terms of performance?
Can someone explain overclocking in a little bit more detail?

Thank you all again. You guys rock.

Yes. The top of the line Intel chips blow the top of the line AMD stuff away. However, if you don't need absolute top of the line, AMD gives much more bang for the buck. The Intel chipsets also have a bit more memory bandwith (info moves faster from RAM to the CPU). If you can afford a top of the line Intel, go for it. If you don't want to pay that much, go with the AMD.


Overclocking just means turning up the speed and sometimes voltage to make a chip run faster than it is designed to. You can overclock your CPU, GPU, Ram, and system bus. At this stage of your computer development you probably shouldn't worry about that. In all actuality, even a large overclock doesn't increase performance all that much. It's a fun thing and us nerds like to brag about how high of an OC we can get.

I HIGHLY recommend getting a SSD to put your OS and commonly used programs on. The difference it has made is amazing. It was expensive, but sooo worth it.

Well shit. I'm gonna have to have you guys build me a computer.

I'll think up some things i want and see what you guys can come up with, if you're willing.

I don't know enough and i don't want to screw myself.

So how exactly does that work?

Also, any specific brand better than others in terms of PSUs? Antec? Xion? Thermaltake?

It's a hard drive based on flash media, instead of actual physical platters that spin around like a normal hard drive. Because there's no moving parts, the hard drive doesn't have to wait for the platter to spin or the read head to find the data.

It's much much faster. You'll notice a huge difference in load times for the OS and apps.

The downside is that they're really expensive, and there's questions as to how reliable they'll be over time. Flash media tends to degrade over time.

Read here for more info: http://www.anandtech.com/print/2738

So I could just get a SSD and be fine without a traditional HD?

Not really. SSDs are expensive and they won't have enough storage capacity for everything. Use the SSD for your OS and commonly used programs that you want to load quickly. Use your regular hard drive for everything else (data, music, movies, infrequently used programs). For example: My SSD is only 120 GB and it cost about $160 and that was a pretty damn good deal.

You could, but SSD's are very expensive when compared to traditional drives per gigabyte. You can buy a terabyte hard drive for pretty cheap these days, but i'm not sure a Terabyte SSD exists...and if/when it does, it will be super expensive. A 128gb SSD costs in the range of 200, give or take.

Well, your storage would be much more limited and I would not waste that instant data access with shit that doesn't benefit from it (like music and video files).

Ok, I think I'm understanding a little better now. Anybody have a place to find decently priced monitors or have preferrences/suggestions?

I've gone with AMD for years for 'bang for the buck'. I've never had a single complaint about a processor I've purchased from them, and my computers are almost entirely centered around gaming (and secondarily video editing, my job...). They've given me all the power and speed I've ever needed. In fact, I'm still using an Athlon 2 x4 620 I purchased in 2009.

I've generally found the biggest difference for me in the things that I do/need comes from RAM and video card (still using the Radeon HD 5770 that I also purchased in 2009). That's where I'd recommend spending $$$, if you have a limited budget.

I don't even try to build a system that can handle Ultra settings on games. I don't have the money for that and I never will, and I think trying to do that keeps you on a treadmill that never ends. But I've been able to play everything I've gotten on High for two years with that processor, that card and the maximum amount of RAM you can use on a 32-bit system (4 GB, 3.25 useable). The only adjustment I might have made/will make would be to go 64 bit with win7, but even that I don't really need at this point. And the good part about the 5770 is that it was one of the first dx11-ready cards.

I got this one for christmas and I like it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...scrollFullInfo

I don't really know what to suggest because I don't know what you like...

Looks like a solid monitor. And to tell you the truth, I'm not looking for anything in particular in terms of monitors - at least 20' scrren, I suppose, but something that's good for gaming.

120hz

Yeah, you might want to look at something with 120hz refresh and 5ms or less response...although mine is 60 hz and it is just fine.

These threads always make want to build a new rig for myself! Just gotta wait for Bulldozer and then go to town (unless it blows ass).

I have this exact monitor and I love it.

Here's what I'm looking at. Your thoughts/opinions/suggestions are appreciated.

**AMD Phenom II X6 Six-Core Processor 1090T (3.2GHz) AM3, HDT90ZFBGRBOX (Black Edition)
**Asus M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 Socket AM3 AMD 890GX/SB850 6 SATA USB 3.0 ATX Motherboard
**Corsair XMS3 8 GB 1333 MHz PC3-10666 240-Pin DDR3 Memory Kit CMX8GX3M2A1333C​9
**Western Digital WD Caviar Black 1 TB SATA 6 GB/S 7200 RPM 64 MB Cache Internal Bulk/OEM 3.5-Inch Desktop Hard Drive
**Crucial Technology 128 GB Crucial RealSSD C300 Series Solid State Drive CTFDDAC128MAG-1​G1
**OCZ Fatal1ty 550W Modular Gaming Power Supply compatible with Intel Sandy Bridge Core i3 i5 i7 and AMD Phenom
**MSI Graphics Card R5770 Hawk
**Zalman CNPS9700LED Ultra Quiet Cpu Cooler
**Antec Nine Hundred Steel ATX Ultimate Gamer PC Case (Black)

AMD SUX!!11

I'm guessing the power supply is overpriced if it has the Fatal1ty label.

I've been back and forth about the AMD/Intel thing, as most people I'm sure have. I'm thinking I'll get more bang for my buck w/ AMD. Just sayin..

A six core Phenom is really overkill. There's only a handful of applications that will actually take advantage of that many cores. Most games only use 2-4 cores at most, so you're not gaining anything there. Unless you're running some specific expensive video encoding software, you're really wasting money. The motherboard you're getting has a core unlocker anyway. You'd be much better off just getting the X3, and unlocking the extra core. The X6 is mainly a marketing ploy aimed at those who think more is better.

That video card is pretty badass though. You'll like that....

I keep reading that 6 cores is "preparing for the future" and such. Any validity to this point, you think?

I'm stoked about the video card - hopefully BF3 and TES:Skyrim respond well!

Don't be a ****ing tool, Saul.

Well yes, it's "preparing for the future". But by the time the apps and games you use have built in support for more than 4 cores, your future build will be ready for replacement.

When building a machine, I always recommend building for the present. It's nice to look to the future with regards to your build. But putting technology in the machine that likely won't be taken advantage of over the life of the machine is just wasting money. Especially considering the price difference compared to the performance increase in your situation. And something like the CPU can be easily upgraded by itself later if you decide you need more cores.

If you're going to over do it, and prepare for the future, I'd really recommend doing so with the mobo or video card first and foremost.

I am waiting to rebuild my PC once the BF3 specs come out officially

So you're saying I'd probably be better served to get something like so:

AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ965FBGMBOX

SUCKS TO BE YOU!

http://goemaw.com/forum/Smileys/goEMAW/kstategrad.gif

Yes...

Or if it were me, I'd get the AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8Ghz, and unlock the other core.

The Phenom II X3 is simply an X4 chip with one of the cores locked. The mobo you're getting has a built in core unlocker specifically for this purpose, which makes the chip an X4. And the X3 720 is very easily overclocked as well. So you could save big bucks and get the X3 720 at 2.8Ghz, and turn it into an X4 at 3.2Ghz very very easily. I've done exactly this with several builds, and it's turned out great.

But honestly, you're not going to notice much of a difference between 2.8Ghz and 3.4Ghz if you don't want to mess with overclocking. It won't really show up in performance other than running advanced benchmarks. Your RAM and Vid card are more important than CPU core speed.

FYI.... AnandTech has a great CPU/GPU/SSD benchmark comparison list:

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/GPU11/188

Tom's Hardware has great info as well:

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/

Just so I'm on the right path here, I'm probably going to need another PSU? What if my case comes with a PSU? Do I replace it with a better one?

1.) Case PSUs typically suck, so get one without if you can.
2.) I'd get a nice healthy PSU in case you ever want to Crossfire, SLI, or overclock. Look for a 700W or 750W.

Modular PSUs are nice. They let you plug only the cables you need into the PSU so you can keep your case tidy and uncluttered for better airflow.

Also, do you have an aftermarket CPU cooling fan, or do you just use the stock one for your 6core CPU?

What do you mean?

I'm using stock right now since I'm not overclocking. A good aftermarket cooler doesn't hurt, but there's really no need unless you want to up the voltage and overclock.

Meaning in addition to or to replace the PSU that comes with the case I ordered. I'm probably going with this one:

Corsair Enthusiast Series 650-Watt 80 Plus Bronze Certified Power Supply Compatible with Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and AMD platforms 650TX v2

So what did you end up getting?

Not sure how to do the whole making the product the actual link thing, so links for all of the products are listed below the product name.

CPU: Phenom II X4 965 Black AM3 3.4Ghz
http://www.amazon.com/Phenom-Black-3...d=JHQ92V8UINMK

Heatsink and CPU Fan: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-...d=JHQ92V8UINMK

Hard Drive: Western Digital 500 GB Caviar Blue
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digita...d=JHQ92V8UINMK
Crucial Technology 128 GB Crucial RealSSD
http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Techno...d=JHQ92V8UINMK

Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3
http://www.amazon.com/G-SKILL-Ripjaw...d=JHQ92V8UINMK

Case: Antec Nine Hundred
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I5JHB0

Mobo: ASUS M4A89GTD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131631

PSU: CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139020

Graphics Card: MSI Graphics Card R5770 Hawk
http://www.amazon.com/MSI-Graphics-C...d=JHQ92V8UINMK

Monitor: ASUS VH242H 23.6-Inch Widescreen LCD
http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-VH242H-23...d=JHQ92V8UINMK

There's some other stuff I got as well, but it's not really worth putting up here (DVD burner, hard drive converter, mouse, keyboard, etc.).

A majority of that stuff has been/will be purchased from Newegg, but Amazon's wishlist is easier to navigate, IMO - hence more of the Amazon links.

So it used to be the case that it was always cheaper to build your system than it was to buy it. However probably 5-7 years ago that rule inverted in that it was generally more expensive to build your own system than it was to buy it. The reason you build them now is because, you like it, your want a really custom system, or you want to reuse some parts(which may make building cheaper).

Alot of the sites people have listed are good resources for parts reviews etc. Depending upon where you live newegg can be a great resource or amazon or a few of the smaller set of retailers.

I built my current desktop/work machine last year but it's designed to be a high end compute machine/media server(since I do high end alg work) so it may not be that representative to you(it's a dual Xeon system), but if you all want to know I'll list all the parts and why I picked each of them over other alternatives.

One thing that wasn't mentioned that's worth considering is thinking about power issues. If you only plan to turn it on a bit each day then it's probably not a big issue. BUT if you plan to leave it running 24/7(say a media server) then you choices should consider power aspects. Because I know my system may be running often I chose to select a more efficient power supply to try to conserve power. Over the long run the less power you use, should make up for it.

I chose an 80PLUS gold rated power supply. You can read about what 80PLUS means here....

http://www.plugloadsolutions.com/80P...rSupplies.aspx

This is the specific power supply I chose.

http://www.corsair.com/power-supplie...-2/ax1200.html

Right, but is it cheaper when you consider bang for your buck, system longevity, and system performance?

I work in supply chain, I think about this kind of lifecycle costs stuff for a living.

It's cheaper to replace my current motherboard, CPU and RAM than it is to buy a new computer.

Got the money to buy a new computer. Plan on building one that i can do some gaming on and watch my dvds.

Went to newegg and started putting on together based off of loochy's model.

Realized i have no idea what alot of that shit means. Gonna have to post what i've got here and see what you all think of it.