budget $400-500

W

WhiteTree

New Member
(current: 2.4ghz Celeron, 256MB Nvidia FX5200, 1 GB DDR1, 40 GB HD)

I would like to get a new computer fairly soon. I have decided that a desktop is likely the most practical option to get decent graphical performance without spending too much. I generally wouldn’t mind an OEM (Dell, Hp, etc.), but I really dislike the new spring loaded plastic drive covers they all seem to use.

I’ve never built a computer before and am seriously worried about damaging expensive parts. The only experience I have is upgrading ram, upgrading the graphics card (didn't require any new fans or psu), and watching a Dvd drive upgrade.

If I were to build one, I like the i5, but read on here somewhere that it had slanted pins. I feel that might be too risky for a first build considering the price of i5s. Anyone have any thoughts on this and on the practicality and safety of using new parts for an first build in general?

USAGE:
  • I do some 3D modeling (graphics) and 3D rendering (cpu)
  • It would be nice to finally play some games at decent settings (My goal is to run AoE 3 and BFME 2 at highest settings)
  • Compiling
  • Multitasking
  • I need good Linux support for all of the hardware (especially graphics / 3D acceleration)
PARTS:
  • CPU: A Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad is probably powerful enough for my purposes. (For $200 ($150?) I can get an i5, so anything near that and I might as well get an i5)
  • RAM: would like 2-3 GB of DDR3 if possible (at least 1066mhz)
  • GPU: Nvidia or Ati
  • HD: 250GB is enough, though more is all right depending on the price (7200rpm preferred)
  • DVD: Need to read and write DVDs and CDs (don’t need lightscribe or anything like that)
  • PSU: I don’t know anything about these, so whatever is needed
  • CASE: something metal, very simple design, not fancy, not too expensive
  • BOARD: I really would like excellent integration with the case so that the back ports panel fits very well (a professional looking fit)
Budget: $400 – 500 roughly (I know an i5 computer will likely cost more)
  • ALREADY HAVE: OS, monitor, speakers, etc. (I only have PS2 keyboard / mouse, so if no ports for these, I’ll either need new ones or USB adapters)

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks :)

[edit]
some people seem to be finding i5s for $150, for that price I would want one of those
 
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Very interesting. I was leaning toward an Intel CPU though. That case is a bit larger than I need. Might give really good access to the motherboard though. I can't tell from the picture, but does it have those plastic drive covers? (The kind that stay in place even after installing a drive, not the temporary ones.)

Thanks for the information :)
 
in this budget it is wise to stick with amd

those look like those are mesh covering them and you take them out when you install a dvd drive ot anything else
 
That appears to be a really nice selection. Thanks. :)

CPU:
I like Intel CPUs, and maybe could afford to get one if it'll give me much better performance. That AMD Phenom II X2 550 has some really good reviews. I would probably want to use cool / quiet feature but turning it into a quad core is extremely tempting. I have no interest in overclocking, but would unlocking the additional cores work with the cool / quiet feature? Would unlocking make it run too hot for the default fan / heatsink? Would it even be a good idea to unlock it in the first place?

MOTHERBOARD:
I couldn't get any pictures of the board. Does it fit well in the back port section? (of the case)

RAM:
I don't need 4 GB of ram right away, but I guess buying in pairs is cheaper. (Does dual channel require installing in pairs?)

CASE:
I don't like the cooler master logo on the front, but other than that, the case is close to what I wanted.

GPU:
I get really confused about some of the GPU numbering. HIS Radeon HD 3850 has lower number than Radeon HD 4670, but is higher bit (256 vs 128). Is the 3850 better?
 
Last edited:
WhiteTree said:
That appears to be a really nice selection. Thanks. :)

CPU:
I like Intel CPUs, and maybe could afford to get one if it'll give me much better performance. That AMD Phenom II X2 550 has some really good reviews. I would probably want to use cool / quiet feature but turning it into a quad core is extremely tempting. I have no interest in overclocking, but would unlocking the additional cores work with the cool / quiet feature? Would unlocking make it run too hot for the default fan / heatsink? Would it even be a good idea to unlock it in the first place?

MOTHERBOARD:
I couldn't get any pictures of the board. Does it fit well in the back port section?

RAM:
I don't need 4 GB of ram right away, but I guess buying in pairs is cheaper. (Does dual channel require installing in pairs?)

CASE:
I don't like the cooler master logo on the front, but other than that, the case is close to what I wanted.

GPU:
I get really confused about some of the GPU numbering. HIS Radeon HD 3850 has lower number than Radeon HD 4670, but is higher bit (256 vs 128). Is the 3850 better?
Click to expand...

CPU: I personally think Intel over-price their things and it's only really worth it to switch over to Intel if you're going high-end. With the 500 BE, you can unlock the other 2 cores and yes, the AMD C&Q will work if unlocked. The stock cooling should suffice if you don't OC.

RAM: Yes, dual channel requires 2x2GB or 2x4GB or 2x1GB, you get the idea. Running RAM in triple channel (which is only possible with an i7) is running something like 3x2GB (6GB).

CASE: I think Lian-Li makes nice, simple cases.

GPU: Nope, the 4670 is definitely better.


***EDIT***
MOTHERBOARD: You mean the I/O panel?
(It looks something like this)
howtoamscf20297.jpg

It comes with the motherboard, all pretty much fit the case, and since it's made by the motherboard's manufacturer, it'll definitely fit the mobo.
 
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So the "SAPPHIRE 100295HDMI Radeon HD 4670 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support" is better than "HIS H385F512NP Radeon HD 3850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support"? What is CrossFireX Support? Is it like Nvidia's SLI where you can have multiple GPUs?

Yes, the I/O is what I was referring to. So, most cases will fit the motherboard I/O panel?


[edit]
I got the cards backwards
 
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WhiteTree said:
So the "HIS H385F512NP Radeon HD 3850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support" is better than "SAPPHIRE 100295HDMI Radeon HD 4670 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support"? What is CrossFireX Support? Is it like Nvidia's SLI where you can have multiple GPUs?

Yes, the I/O is what I was referring to. So, most cases will fit the motherboard I/O panel?
Click to expand...

No, I meant the 4670 is better. Yeah, Xfire is pretty much like a ATi version of SLI, where you can connect multiple GPUs. And yes, pretty much all cases will fit I/O panels. It's like a standardized thing.
 
The Lian-Li and Antec brand cases are close to what I'm looking for in aesthetics. Any recommendations for a specific model that's made of metal and has fans that aren't too loud?

Just out of curiosity, how would that AMD Phenom II X2 550 compare to the i5?

I would like onboard audio, is it pretty much a given that will be included on the board?
 
AMD Athlon II X4 620 Propus 2.6GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor - $99.00
AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition Callisto 3.1GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Processor - $99.00
Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 Wolfdale 2.8GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80571E7400 - $117.99
Intel Core2 Duo E7500 Wolfdale 2.93GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80571E7500 - $119.99
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80580Q8200 - $148.99
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 2.5GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80580Q8300 - $149.99
Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I5750 - $194.99

All of these are from Newegg and many include free shipping


My question is, is it safe for me to be dealing with expensive parts without having experience with inexpensive parts first. I could maybe stretch the budget a bit for a better processor, but is that wise considering I'm a first time builder?
 
WhiteTree said:
My question is, is it safe for me to be dealing with expensive parts without having experience with inexpensive parts first. I could maybe stretch the budget a bit for a better processor, but is that wise considering I'm a first time builder?
Click to expand...

Sure it is, the factor of a new build is usually the proc, so we'd probably have to switch out the motherboard.
 
case: Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
board: GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard
psu: CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
cpu: AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition Callisto 3.1GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Processor
ram: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL8D-4GBHK
gpu: SAPPHIRE 100295HDMI Radeon HD 4670 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
hd: Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAJS 320GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
dvd: HP Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM SATA 24X Multiformat DVD Writer

case: ($69.95 - $15.00) = $54.95
board: ($84.99 - $5.00 - $10.00 Mail-In Rebate Card) = $69.99
psu: ($64.99 - $15.00 - $10.00 Mail-In Rebate) = $39.99
cpu: $99.00
ram: $94.99
gpu: $69.99
hd: $47.99
dvd: $31.99
total = $508.89

case shipping = $9.99
board shipping = $7.56
psu shipping = Free
cpu shipping = Free
ram shipping: $5.99
gpu shipping: $6.98
hd shipping: Free
dvd shipping: $6.98
shipping total = $37.50 (according to standard shipping displayed on each item page)

Newegg totals from cart:
$528.89 + $21.31(shipping) = $550.20 (- 2 $10 mail-in rebates) = $530.20


I'd really like to get a quad core though. Any suggestions for a quad core or suggestions for anything else?
 
case: Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
board: GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard
psu: CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
cpu: AMD Phenom II X4 925 Deneb 2.8GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor
ram: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL8D-4GBHK
gpu: SAPPHIRE 100295HDMI Radeon HD 4670 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
hd: Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAJS 320GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
dvd: HP Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM SATA 24X Multiformat DVD Writer

case: ($69.95 - $15.00) = $54.95
board: ($84.99 - $5.00 - $10.00 Mail-In Rebate Card) = $69.99
psu: ($64.99 - $15.00 - $10.00 Mail-In Rebate) = $39.99
cpu: $140.99
ram: $94.99
gpu: $69.99
hd: $47.99
dvd: $31.99
total = $508.89

Newegg totals from cart:
$570.88 + $21.31(shipping) = $592.19 (- 2 $10 mail-in rebates) = $572.19

Suggestions for anything else? Should anything be swapped out?
 
I expected I'd go over when I started comparing things, so I put the budget on the lower side just in case. :)

Just as a double check, is everything here compatible and a good choice for the money? (That board will fit the case properly right?)

Now for the tricky part; how difficult (and dangerous) will the assembly likely be?
 
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