Advice needed on building first comp

R

rahving

New Member
Hi, I am new to the forums and plan on building my first comp in a few weeks' time. I have done heavy research on components so far, not as much on the actual building...but will get to that :)

Below are my planned components, I am first of all wondering if they will all be compatible with no conflicts. Also, I would appreciate any and all suggestions or comments concerning the components themselves, other options, etc.

Here ya go:

CPU - Intel Socket 775 Pentium 4 506 2.66 GHz Processor, 533MHz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache, Support EM64T, Model: BX80547PE2667EN

Motherboard - Asus Socket 775 Motherboard P5S800-VM, SiS 661FX Chipset, Support LGA775 CPU, 800FSB, SATA RAID, w/ Audio & LAN

CD/DVD Rom Drive(s) - Black Lite-On SOHC-5236K 52x32x52x+16x DVD/CD-RW Combo w/ Software, OEM

Hard Drive - Western Digital (WD) Caviar 80GB 7200RPM EIDE Hard Drives, Model: WD800BB. OEM

Memory - Mushkin Computer Memory - 1GB (2 x 512MB) DDR400 PC3200 DDR SDRAM System Memory, 184-Pin, Unbuffered, non-ECC, Model: 991145

Video Card - Thinking maybe a Nvidia Geforce FX5200 of some kind.

Case - Black Raidmax Milano Mid-tower Computer ATX Case w/ Side Air Duct, 420W PSU, Model: 405BP

Note: I basically have a budget of around $450-$500. Don't feel like waiting too long to build this comp and can always upgrade later. As of now planning on getting all of this from directron.com...with the possible exception of a video card. This will reduce my shipping costs.

One other thing - I also am wondering if I need any extra cables, etc that won't be packaged along with my components themselves. Also, anyone know of any good places to find pre-made tool kits to build this thing, or have any suggestions in that area?

Thanks :)
 
Last edited:
You shouldn't have to uy any tools> The only tool I needed was a screw driver to secure the motherboard to the standoffs and secure drives in place.
You shouldn't have tobuy anything extra
Did you do your research on "Static Electricity" and how it can screw components if you're not careful?
 
Below are my planned components, I am first of all wondering if they will all be compatible with no conflicts. Also, I would appreciate any and all suggestions or comments concerning the components themselves, other options, etc.
Click to expand...
Whats the intention for the machine? Whats your budget?

Note: I basically have a budget of around $450-$500. Don't feel like waiting too long to build this comp and can always upgrade later. As of now planning on getting all of this from directron.com...with the possible exception of a video card. This will reduce my shipping costs.
Click to expand...

- Intel PentiumD 820($243)
- MSI 945GM2 HE($92)
- Wintec Ampo 2x512 PC2-4200($58.44)
- BenQ DQ60 DVDRW($37.99)
- Hitatchi Deskstar 7K80 8MB SATA3.0($53)
- Linkworld 431-10 C2228 + 430W [12V@18A]($24)
SUBTOTAL = $508.43

The PSU in the case meets my personal absolute minimum of 18A on the 12V rail but I'd personally invest a bit more. In either case, there's a spec for ya
 
All of us here have all the confidence in the world that your new build will turn out alright. Just don't freak out. Sometimes just leaving everything for a moment and walking out of the room helps a lot if something does not work out alright, don't start ripping into everything. Also go to newegg.com , they more than likely will have what you want at a lot less, plus you can read realy short reviews of each component that others have written.
 
they more than likely will have what you want at a lot less, plus you can read realy short reviews of each component that others have written.
Click to expand...
KJust dont put all that faith into those reviews as most are opinions given by people who dont actuslly know what they are talking about
 
you mean @ newegg .... some do some don't, though you can usually tell the ones that just say it "sucks" to the ones that say " will not burn DL DVDs as it is supposed to do, because the DVD burner does not have the xxxx chip set."
you can usually see a pattern...and you should do your homework before buying , I am not suggesting in anyway to buy just on the reviews.
 
some do some don't, though you can usually tell the ones that just say it "sucks" to the ones that say " will not burn DL DVDs as it is supposed to do, because the DVD burner does not have the xxxx chip set."
Click to expand...
Hehe *I* can usually tell yes, but not everyone might be able to :) (just being thorough thats all)
 
Well, I've been debating over AMD vs Intel a lot today, and as I plan on using my new comp mainly for gaming, I have decided finally on AMD. Please let me know what you think, and especially a yes/no on whether all of the components will be compatible with each other, that's big. Thanks for all of your suggestions so far. Here's the updated comp, DT is directron.com and NE is newegg.com.

$160.00 (NE) AMD Athlon 64 3200+ 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor - Retail ($1.99 S&H)

$52.99 (NE) PC CHIPS A21G (V1.0) Socket 939 VIA K8M800 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail ($0.00 S&H)

$27.99 (NE) LITE-ON Black IDE Combo Drive Model SOHC-5236V BK OEM - OEM ($4.89 S&H)

$55.00 (NE) Western Digital Caviar SE WD800JD 80GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM ($2.99 S&H)

$53.99 (NE) mushkin HP3200 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered System Memory Model 991432 ($4.81 S&H)

$25.99 (DT) Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live! 24-bit Sound Card, SB0410, up to 7.1 Surround Sound, OEM

$53.00 (NE) ASUS N6200/TD/128 Geforce 6200 128MB DDR AGP 4X/8X Low Profile Video Card - Retail ($4.50 S&H)

$47.99 (DT) Black Raidmax Milano Mid-tower Computer ATX Case w/ Side Air Duct, 420W PSU, Model: 405BP

Total including tax: $507.51

Notes: Plan on buying 1 stick 512 ram not too long after. Reason for the sound card is I heard while the above mobo is great/reliable for it's price, sometimes the onboard sound doesn't work. Thanks again.
 
get the INTEL
Click to expand...
and what are you basing this statement on?

Well, I've been debating over AMD vs Intel a lot today, and as I plan on using my new comp mainly for gaming, I have decided finally on AMD. Please let me know what you think, and especially a yes/no on whether all of the components will be compatible with each other, that's big. Thanks for all of your suggestions so far. Here's the updated comp, DT is directron.com and NE is newegg.com.
Click to expand...


AMD has been generally used for gaming rigs because it has showed that it can usually outperform a similar Intel CPU at the same price. The Intel rig you posted earlier would actually perform slower than the AMD rig since the 3200 on the Athlon means it can perform as well as an Intel CPU at 3.2 Ghz. These have some accuracy to them and the Intel CPU you posted is only 2.66 Ghz, well below the AMD performace rating. The GPU on the Intel rig is also probably slower since you wanted an FX5200 and on the AMD rig, you want a 6200. Though you did initially put 1GB RAM into the Intel Rig, the 512MB RAM in the AM rig will keep you going enough for you to get that second 512MB stick later.

The motherboard you chose is questionable since you picked a Micro-ATX mobo with a Mid-Tower case. I suggest you get a full ATX motherboard with an nForce chipset as those are usually the better performers for games. I suggest an ASUS or Abit motherboard. Mine is an Abi An8 and I havent had any major problems from it and it comes with its own dedicated sound card so you don't have to get a new one.

Lastly, what kind of games will you be playing because an FX5200 or 6200 won't play very many new games with decent quality, you would definitly have to play at lower setings and it would probably become obsolete soon. If you abolutley cant go any more thn around $500, I suggest you get a better graphics card as soon as possible. A 6600GT or an X800GTO are pretty good for budget gaming rigs.
 
Not for gaming AMD is proven better for gaming while intel beats AMD in synthetic tasks. Looks good so far, but definitly get that second stick of RAM. 512 just won't cut it now a days.
 
Thanks for the input everyone, appreciate it. Yet again, another updated component list for you. I believe this will be very close to the final list, if not the one.

$160.00 (NE) AMD Athlon 64 3200+ 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor - Retail ($1.99 S&H)

$65.99 (DT) Abit UL8 Uli M1689 ATX Motherboard, Support AMD Socket 939 Dual Core Processors, Dual DDR400, SATA RAID, w/ Audio, LAN

$27.99 (NE) LITE-ON Black IDE Combo Drive Model SOHC-5236V BK OEM - OEM ($4.89 S&H)

$40.99 (NE) Kingston ValueRAM 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 400 (PC 3200) System Memory - Retail ($4.81 S&H)

$53.00 (NE) ASUS N6200/TD/128 Geforce 6200 128MB DDR AGP 4X/8X Low Profile Video Card - Retail ($4.50 S&H)

$47.99 (DT) Black Raidmax Milano Mid-tower Computer ATX Case w/ Side Air Duct, 420W PSU, Model: 405BP

Let me know what you think.
 
Thanks for the info guys. Question about the nforce chipset on the mobo...how much of a difference would there be with vs without it? I'm looking to keep my mobo cost under around $75, so if anyone has a recommendation for me, shoot.
 
Reason for the sound card is I heard while the above mobo is great/reliable for it's price, sometimes the onboard sound doesn't work. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
1. The board sucks
2. PCChips sucks
3. Onboard sound is plenty fine :)

and what are you basing this statement on?
Click to expand...
No idea, but my box will prolly be a better platform overall

AMD has been generally used for gaming rigs because it has showed that it can usually outperform a similar Intel CPU at the same price. The Intel rig you posted earlier would actually perform slower than the AMD rig since the 3200 on the Athlon means it can perform as well as an Intel CPU at 3.2 Ghz. These have some accuracy to them and the Intel CPU you posted is only 2.66 Ghz, well below the AMD performace rating. The GPU on the Intel rig is also probably slower since you wanted an FX5200 and on the AMD rig, you want a 6200. Though you did initially put 1GB RAM into the Intel Rig, the 512MB RAM in the AM rig will keep you going enough for you to get that second 512MB stick later.
Click to expand...
1. Its not a FX5200, its GF6200
2. The CPU doesnt bloody matter, that comp is so GPU bound it silly :)

Not for gaming AMD is proven better for gaming while intel beats AMD in synthetic tasks. Looks good so far, but definitly get that second stick of RAM. 512 just won't cut it now a days.
Click to expand...
1. You've never seen a PentiumM vs Athlon64FX showdown before have you? ;)
2. The CPU doesnt matter in this case since, well, um, its going to be GPU bound like silly

Thanks for the input everyone, appreciate it. Yet again, another updated component list for you. I believe this will be very close to the final list, if not the one.
$160.00 (NE) AMD Athlon 64 3200+ 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor - Retail ($1.99 S&H)
$65.99 (DT) Abit UL8 Uli M1689 ATX Motherboard, Support AMD Socket 939 Dual Core Processors, Dual DDR400, SATA RAID, w/ Audio, LAN
$27.99 (NE) LITE-ON Black IDE Combo Drive Model SOHC-5236V BK OEM - OEM ($4.89 S&H)
$40.99 (NE) Kingston ValueRAM 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 400 (PC 3200) System Memory - Retail ($4.81 S&H)
$53.00 (NE) ASUS N6200/TD/128 Geforce 6200 128MB DDR AGP 4X/8X Low Profile Video Card - Retail ($4.50 S&H)
$47.99 (DT) Black Raidmax Milano Mid-tower Computer ATX Case w/ Side Air Duct, 420W PSU, Model: 405BP
Let me know what you think.
Click to expand...

Much improved, but again, still GPU bound... you wont be getting anything resembling a gaming box for that budget im afraid but that will probably be the best that you can do.

looks good but the nForce chipset is preferred by many gamers.
Click to expand...
Of course most gamers dont know why they prefer the nFroce chipset :) You've also got budget considerations ... that and ULI chipsets rock
 
Thanks for your insight Praetor, helps a lot. To give you a little more info from my end, yes indeed it is intended to be a gaming machine, but not a hardcore one by any means. I've had the same P3 733 Mhz comp now for the last 5 yrs or so. TNT2 graphics card.

Basically I'm looking for a comp that will allow me to play new games, as many as possible on medium settings. I'm looking to try out Dungeons & Dragons: Stormreach when it is fully out, since I've played Asheron's Call for a few years, also made by Turbine. As long as this comp can run games equivalent to WoW decently, I'll be happy.

I will be looking to upgrade my graphics card sometime from the planned 6200, my processor from the 3200+, and like I mentioned before (and upgrading first of course), is my ram. Thanks again people for your advice, I think I am done with my component list :)

Btw - this is a stupid question from someone who should easily know better, but a CD/RW + DVD combo drive comes with 2 individual trays right? I only ask this because on some sites like newegg and directron...the pics of them only display one.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for your insight Praetor, helps a lot. To give you a little more info from my end, yes indeed it is intended to be a gaming machine, but not a hardcore one by any means. I've had the same P3 733 Mhz comp now for the last 5 yrs or so. TNT2 graphics card.
Click to expand...
In that case, the box I specified above is a superb platform to start from .. it suffers the basic fallacy of the videocard (or rather lack thereof) as your box does but if you can up the budget by about $50 for a cheapo videocard it will be superb handsdown for your needs)

Btw - this is a stupid question from someone who should easily know better, but a CD/RW + DVD combo drive comes with 2 individual trays right? I only ask this because on some sites like newegg and directron...the pics of them only display one.
Click to expand...
No it comes with one tray.
 
Ok, kind of a freak thing just happened...

I actually found a place that would put some or most of a custom-built comp together for free. Mwave assembles and tests barebone systems of your choice (with a lot of options).

I'm wondering what type of company mwave.com is, if they're reliable or not. I'd also like to run this setup through you guys to be guaranteed of compatibility. Lastly, I have heard good things about Antec, do you think that PSU with this case would be sufficient for my needs? I'm NOT planning to overclock, I would be adding only one 80GB HD, another stick of 512 DDR ram, and probably a basic DVD-rom drive.

If I went this route, I would only get to install a few of my components myself, but I would have the bonus of being at least fairly sure this thing would be built decent and would take very little ($20 tops) hit on cash compared to newegg or directron. Thanks again :)

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/Barebones.hmx?

case - ANTEC SLK3800B (BLACK) SUPER MID TOWER W/SMARTPOWER 2.0 400W POWER SUPPLY & FRONT USB CONNECTOR

mobo - ABIT UL8 ULI M1689 CHIPSET SERIAL ATA150 ATX FORM FACTOR 1xAGP(8X)/5xPCI/4xDDR W/SATA RAID,LAN,USB 2.0 & AUDIO (CPU TYPE:AMD ATHLON 64 - SOCKET 939)

cpu - AMD ATHLON 64 3200+ (ADA3200BPBOX) W/512KB CACHE 90NM (VENICE) 64-BIT SOCKET 939 RETAIL BOXED W/COOLING FAN (3 YEARS WARRANTY)

memory - KINGSTON KVR400X64C3A/512 512MB PC3200 400MHZ CL3 (3-3-3) DDR DIMM

fd - MITUSMI 1.44 FLOPPY (Bare drive-black color)

cd/dvd - LITE ON 52X/32X/52X BLACK EIDE INTERNAL CDRW BURN PROOF w/SW (White box) #SOHR5239S
 
Last edited:
I will be looking to upgrade my graphics card sometime from the planned 6200, my processor from the 3200+, and like I mentioned before (and upgrading first of course), is my ram. Thanks again people for your advice, I think I am done with my component list
Click to expand...

The AMD64 3200+ should be plenty good enough for a while, your RAM and GPU are best to be upgraded sooner but you can keep the 3200+ for a while since it can handle most mid-high end systems well.
 
MWave boxes are nothing special ... and you'll have a time and a half outdoing a dualcore box (as i spec'd) for a $500 budget
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top