As If there aren't enough posts about building new comps.

M

Moo

New Member
first off, Hi!
my first post and thread here.

So I'll start off by telling a little about what I know. I think this always helps in talking to people so you can help them better understand.

Right now I'm attending college to be a network tech.
My first quarter was mainly about hardware.
To say the least I vaguely know how to put a computer together.
I know some sites and manufacturers...asus newegg..etc

So now I'm looking into getting a new computer.
I'm upgrading from a Hp that almost 6 years old. yeah i know..... lol

What I'm trying to do is build a decent gaming system that will get average "normal" use. Mp3's school papers...blah blah.

I'm looking at buying an HP custom built system for about 1600
here's the list.
Operating System Genuine Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005


Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor E6600 (2.4GHz)


Memory 2GB DDR2-667MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x1024)


Hard Drive 250GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive


Primary CD/DVD Drive LightScribe 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive


Front Productivity Ports 15-in-1 memory card reader, 3 USB, 1394, video


Speakers HP stereo speakers


Networking No Modem


TV & Entertainment Experience Single NTSC TV Tuner with PVR, FM Tuner, Remote


Graphics Card NVIDIA GeForce 7300LE, w/ TurboCache


Sound Card Integrated 7.1 channel sound w/front audio ports


Keyboard and Mouse HP Multimedia Keyboard, HP Optical Mouse


Productivity Software Microsoft(R) Works 8.0/Money 2006/MSN Encarta Plus


Security Software Norton Internet Security(TM) 2007 - 15 Months


Monitors HP 19" LCD Flat Panel Monitor
edit

HP Extended Service Plans 3-year HP House Call Extended Service Plan


As said this is around 1600.
Seems like a descent system for mid range gaming right?


my other concerns about this are I really don't like the Video Card that comes with the system and I'm sure most of you would agree.

I want to put a tv tuner in this evenutally, an HD DVD drive, better graphics card, and better audio card.

Is this a good system to "mod"?

I can't find mobo specs anywhere or even a place that lists what mobo is in the system...So it's hard to tell what slots are on there and how many.
As im sure the graphics card i get will be a PCI-x card plus the tv tuner, audio and network card all take PCI slots.

my budget is under $2000 usd.

so by all means direct me, if you know of a better system for the same or under $2000 then let me know.


Also I know someone is going to say "just build your own" as in DIY.
The only problem with this is I really don't have time plus dad wants something with a written warranty, something he can have fixed in a day or two w/o taking the unit apart and sending it to BFE.

hopefully this is clear enough, I've got alot going on in my head right now. I just need direction.

thanks for any help.
-matt
 
yeah, i knew that, but can put in a different one right? even if the original is integrated?

You think it's a good enough system?
 
Honestly, that system is a piece of crap for $1,600. BUILD YOURSELF. It's extremely easy, and there are guides, etc, on this forum and on the internet that will show you what to do and how to do it. It's idiot proof. Even further, if you do screw up, there are plenty of people here who can help you, almost 24/7.
 
Diy

If you game you will regret not building it yourself. It's very easy and a lot of fun. Troubleshooting is not fun at first but can be good for a laugh later. :D For $1600 you can build a really SWEET computer. Like with the new 8800GTS or 8800GTX that would STOMP that HP.
 
I think your PC is excellent, but the video card is piece of crap

You need to get at least 7600GT or even 7900GS to play new games at a decent setting
 
if dad won't budge on that, try to talk him into buying the computer and upgrading the video card. you can just switch the cards when they come in, and you'll have a spare.
 
oh no, he's more than willing to let me swap out cards and such.
I think he may be coming around though, finding out that most components come with warranties helps a bit haha.

But could I really build my own for that price and make it much better?

I game, but im no pro. I just want good quality gameplay.
 
for $1600 you could probably get the E6600, 2gb of good ram, 320gb hdd, lightscribe dvd burner, 1900XTX, 19 or 20.1 in Widescreen moniter and probably quite a bit more.
 
so basically, yes, a much much better computer could be built for 1600.
No supercomputer, but def a better one.

So, I've just started looking around for mobos, obviously.
All I really know of is Asus, any other recommendations?
 
okay, I've put some stuff together, This is a FULL build. I need everything.

so, if you think something could be better based on what I'm looking for please help. This whole system only puts me at about 1500..sooo i've got about 200+- to spend.



GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128012
$144.99

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz 4M sharing L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115003
$308.00

SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 18X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache IDE DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write, LightScribe Technology - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827151136
$31.99

XION XION _ Solaris XON-406 Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811208013
$39.99

ASUS Dual Panel Black and Beige 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM ATAPI/E-IDE DVD-ROM Drive Model DVD-E616A3 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827135097
$19.99

XFX PVT73GUGF3 GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150185
$149.99

Logitech Z-4i 40 Watts 2.1 Speaker - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836121131
$69.99

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Professional Series 70SB046A00000 7.1 Channels 24-bit 192KHz PCI Interface Sound Blaster X-Fi PCI Sound Card Quick Start Leaflet Driver Disk - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102005
$125.99

SONY Black 16X DVD-ROM 52X CD-R 32X CD-RW 52X CD-ROM 2M Cache IDE Combo Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827131014
$24.20

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144701
$74.99

Logitech G11 Silver & Black 104 Normal Keys 29 Function Keys USB Standard Gaming Keyboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823126009
$58.99

Microsoft FA1-00002S Black&Silver 4 Buttons Tilt Wheel USB + PS/2 Optical Comfort Mouse - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826105022
$14.99

OCZ Titanium 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) EPP Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227179
$289.99

LG L1919S Black 19" 8ms LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1400:1 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824005080
$209.99

Rosewill RE501-BLK ATX12V v1.3 500W Aluminum Power Supply 115/230 V cUL, FCC, CSA, CB, CE, - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817182004
$42.99


=$1608.06 Total.


Some things I'm concerned are the RAM, better video or audio?
Cd DVD reader and writer drives?
Good hard drive choice?
Good PSU?
And I don't need a broadband internet card do i? The mobo comes with one?
Also I spose I should add the cost of an OS.

Thanks!
matt
 
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Overall a good build...a few suggestions though.

I would go for this motherboard...its in the same price range, and IMO a better board.

I don't like that case...seems too cheap, quality wise. I strongly suggest this case- it's an excellent case, and it's got a MIR right now so it's really cheap.

I would suggest you get these speakers instead, although they're currently out of stock (mine are on the way...)

I would purchase either of these instead of your current RAM selection...

I suggest you get this PSU instead.


But otherwise, it's a great machine.
 
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computermaineack, I'm curious as to what makes that mobo better?

Doesn't it have more regular PCI slots? Wouldn't it be better to get something with more pci 16x and pcic slots?
I'm sure thats not all that makes it better, but please do explain to me.
 
also are you sure that the RAM I suggested or the RAM you suggested will work with either of those motherboards?

Notice: Only DDR2-800 memory supporting JEDEC approved 1.8V operation with timings of 5-5-5 or 6-6-6 is supported on Intel Desktop Boards based on Intel 965 Express Chipsets.

are you sure any of that RAM will work on these mobos?
 
That notice you posted...I didn't find that anywhere....not even on the Asus site....

As for mobo....I personally don't trust Gigabyte...IMO they're a "cheap" brand....I much prefer Asus....but I guess the mobo you chose, specs wise, isn't bad...
 
uh that notice was posted at the bottom of the Spec sheet on the newegg website.
Buy I spose if you couldn't even find it on the Asus website...it shouldn't be an issue.

I understand what you mean. I did some digging earlier. gigabyte apparently has good boards if you spend 250+...which i am not. lol
I do like the Asus board, basically the exact same board.

Do you think I could do even better for a board?
I just want something to handle a good amount of upgrades and also able to handle gaming....I could spend around 200 for a board.
 
would i be better off going with an AMD setup?
I see more and more you can get almost the same performance for about 200/300 less. plus aren't AMDs "More" upgradeable"??
 
No, that was back in the "old" days. The Core 2 lineup isn't expensive compared to its AMD competitors. And I don't see where you got the impression that AMD is more upgradeable?
 
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