Decided to build instead of buying

[Odin845]

Hello, some people on this forum have convinced me to build my own computer instead of buying it already made.

So I am gonna post what I am gonna buy from newegg, if anyone has a better suggestion on what to buy I will be very grateful. Please tell me if I missed something I need. I am pretty new to this, never built a computer before.

My budget is about $1900 dollars and I will say why I got each part.

1. Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811129021
(I got this one because my friend said it was good. It also has a -$15 for some reason)

2. EVGA 122-CK-NF66-T1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i Ultra ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813188017
(I chose this because I heard about it in a magazine, it also has one of those cool mail in rebates)

3. EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814130072
(I got this one because I want to play some games and not have to put them at the lowest settings for once in my life, also has a mail in rebate)

4. Thermaltake W0106RU Complies with ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS 12V version 700W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817153039
(Not sure why I chose this, it probably had a good rating on newegg. It has a mail in rebate too)

5. Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819115017
(Got this one because I don't want to have to change the CPU for a long while because it seems like the worst part of building your own computer. I also saw it in a magazine)

6. CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400C4 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820145034
( Got this because the name sounded cool and there was a $40 mail in rebate)

7. Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148262
( Chose this on because my friend said it was cool. What does OEM mean? )

8. Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16823126179
( This looked like a pretty crazy keyboard and it got goo reviews on newegg, I like the extra buttons. Also has a nifty mail in rebate and -$2, not sure why)

9. ViewSonic Optiquest Series Q20WB Black 20" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16824116075
( Got some goo reviews on newegg. Has -$30 and a rebate)

10. Logitech RX300 931434-0403 Black 3 Buttons Tilt Wheel USB + PS/2 Wired Optical Mouse - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16826104001
( Don't care too much about the mouse and this one got some good reviews. Pretty cheap i think and a -$1 savings so i had to get it.)

11. LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner included extra White bezel, with 12X DVD-RAM Write Black IDE Model LH-20A1P-186 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827106050
( Got goo reviews on newegg )

12. Creative Sound Blaster SB0570 Audigy SE 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16829102002
( Don't care too much about the sound, so I got a fairly cheap one)

13. Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16832116204
( So I can play minesweeper and solitaire and use my computer)

14. Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835100007
( Not exactly sure what this is for, but my friend said to get it)

15. Logitech X-230 32 watts RMS 2.1 Black Speaker System - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16836121123
( Some speakers, they got a lot of good reviews on newegg, fairly cheap)

16. BELKIN F8E093 Anti-Static Wrist Strap - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16899888207
( It looks cool and I wont static shock and ruin the entire computer. I'll still probably touch the case all the time and build on a wooden surface, I am super paranoid about this)


That is it, the grand total came out to be $1,872.85. So if anyone has a better suggestion on a better model or better manufacturer or something I missed please help me out and tell me. Thanks very much.

 

[mep916]

Right On Homeboy

1. Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
(I got this one because my friend said it was good. It also has a -$15 for some reason)

2. EVGA 122-CK-NF66-T1 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i Ultra ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
(I chose this because I heard about it in a magazine, it also has one of those cool mail in rebates)

3. EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
(I got this one because I want to play some games and not have to put them at the lowest settings for once in my life, also has a mail in rebate)

4. Thermaltake W0106RU Complies with ATX 12V 2.2 & EPS 12V version 700W Power Supply - Retail
(Not sure why I chose this, it probably had a good rating on newegg. It has a mail in rebate too)

5. Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
(Got this one because I don't want to have to change the CPU for a long while because it seems like the worst part of building your own computer. I also saw it in a magazine)

6. CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400C4 - Retail
( Got this because the name sounded cool and there was a $40 mail in rebate)

These are all fine choices. Very affordable, and smart decisions. BTW. The 8800 GTX is a tight fit (it will fit, just tightly) in the Antec case. Remember, this is a mid tower case - not a lot of room for these large components. The PSU (power supply unit) is modular - plug in only the cords to the peripherals that you need.

7. Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
( Chose this on because my friend said it was cool. What does OEM mean? )

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) means the hard drive will not be in a retail box, will not have cables, and will not come with crap backup software on a CD. It will be wrapped in bubble wrap. Don't worry, your nForce 650i retail box should come with some SATA cables.

12. Creative Sound Blaster SB0570 Audigy SE 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail
( Don't care too much about the sound, so I got a fairly cheap one)

Onboard sound would probably suffice. However, $30 isn't a large expenditure.

13. Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM
( So I can play minesweeper and solitaire and use my computer)

This is important. If you make any significant hardware changes after you install an OEM operating system, it could void your product key. If you want Vista Home Premium (permenatley) , I would recommend buying the retail version.

16. BELKIN F8E093 Anti-Static Wrist Strap - Retail
( It looks cool and I wont static shock and ruin the entire computer. I'll still probably touch the case all the time and build on a wooden surface, I am super paranoid about this)

You had to get the wrist strap.

I truly wish you the best of luck. Only a month ago, I was in your shoes. It really isn't that hard. You should do a little more research, however. You only have three days until newegg delivers all this stuff to your door! Don't be afraid to contact the forums if you have problems.

Michael

 

[lovely?]

mouse = a big nono its not a bad mouse, but after upgrading from a microsoft intellimouse, (the original optical mouse i think lol) to a razer deathadder, i know the need of a good mouse, because it is your MAIN tool for accessing your computer, so mice can actually prove to be a larger bottlenecker then many other components. i would suggest a razer for comfort and ownage in games, a logitech G5 (which is only 45$ nowadays) for comfort and reliability, not to say the razer isnt reliable, this just feels so damn sturdy, then the logitech mx518 for comfort and price, your choice really, but if you go for the razer, get the deathadder, you wont regret it

 

[daisymtc]

MB, get one with 680i chipset if you want to SLi later. Don't waste money on those 650i.
Monitor, not sure about your choice. I will go for a monitor with 2ms.

 

[skinnyman9000]

That looks like a very good system or the price.

It makes me realise the difference in prices here in the UK. When i was planning my computer build i had a very similar system in mind, only i had an XFX 8800GTS 640MB graphics card, and a 22" samsung monitor. Other than that the rest was very similar and it came to £1200, which is around $2400

 

[mep916]

Monitor, not sure about your choice. I will go for a monitor with 2ms.

I own an Acer 22" 5 ms. It works great.

Odin845, what monitor are you getting?

 

[Odin845]

Odin845, what monitor are you getting?

Monitor, not sure about your choice. I will go for a monitor with 2ms.

I found this monitor

SAMSUNG 206BW Black 20" 2 ms (GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 800:1 (DCR 3000:1) - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001095

but I think that is a little too expensive for me, and they had cheaper ones with 2ms but they were 19" so I think I will have to go with 5 ms.

mouse = a big nono its not a bad mouse, but after upgrading from a microsoft intellimouse, (the original optical mouse i think lol) to a razer deathadder, i know the need of a good mouse, because it is your MAIN tool for accessing your computer, so mice can actually prove to be a larger bottlenecker then many other components. i would suggest a razer for comfort and ownage in games, a logitech G5 (which is only 45$ nowadays) for comfort and reliability, not to say the razer isnt reliable, this just feels so damn sturdy, then the logitech mx518 for comfort and price, your choice really, but if you go for the razer, get the deathadder, you wont regret it

I think I'll get a better mouse later on, a regular one is good for now I think.

MB, get one with 680i chipset if you want to SLi later. Don't waste money on those 650i.

Is this a better motherboard to get?

EVGA 122-CK-NF63-TR LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813188019

The 8800 GTX is a tight fit (it will fit, just tightly) in the Antec case. Remember, this is a mid tower case - not a lot of room for these large components.

Is this a better choice, I don't want it to be super cramped in there and difficult to work when I am building a computer for my first time.

Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133154

Thanks so much for everyone's help.

 

[kof2000]

the armor have alot of room. but it is really heavy and if you are going to get it get the 03 model it has a 250mm fan on the side panel.

get the evga 680i a1 model instead and get the 320gb hdd version that has twice the cache.

 

[Jabes]

8. Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16823126179
( This looked like a pretty crazy keyboard and it got goo reviews on newegg, I like the extra buttons. Also has a nifty mail in rebate and -$2, not sure why)

If you want to get the rebate you probably will have to call them bc I sent in my rebate when I got that keyboard they never got it but I called them and they straightened it out but I'm still trying to get my rebate for my mouse (the g7 IMAO its pretty nice)

 

[mep916]

I found this monitor

SAMSUNG 206BW Black 20" 2 ms

This Acer 22" is a great buy. It's cheaper than the Samsung, and you get an additional 2 inches diagonally. Slower response time, however.

Is this a better motherboard to get?

EVGA 122-CK-NF63-TR LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

If you plan on running an SLI system now, or in the future, I would go with a 680i mainboard. Looks like a good board.

Is this a better choice, I don't want it to be super cramped in there and difficult to work when I am building a computer for my first time.

Thermaltake Armor Series VA8000BWS Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail

Read the dimensions of this case and make sure you are comfortable with something that large in your room, office, etc. If you are, then I would probably go with a full tower.

The problem(s) I have with the Antec 900 is the inability to manage the cables from the power supply, and the amount of hard drives (3) I have installed inside the case. Some cables are slammed against the GTX's, and the GTX's barely slide between the hard drives. You may not have this problem with your current configuration. You have only one hard drive - that would easily sit above your GPU (graphics card). The modular power supply you are considering allows you to plug in only the cables that you need. It's really a matter of personal preference at this point. However, a larger case may make your installation a bit easier. Sort of a tough decision.

 

[Odin845]

This is important. If you make any significant hardware changes after you install an OEM operating system, it could void your product key. If you want Vista Home Premium (permenatley) , I would recommend buying the retail version.

I don't think newegg sells a retail version of 64 bit vista

 

[mep916]

I don't think newegg sells a retail version of 64 bit vista

The retail version of Ultimate comes with two DVD's - one 32 bit and one 64 bit. I'm not sure about Home Premium. Check the Microsoft website.

 

[Jabes]

they sell retail versions of vista but I think ultimate is the only one that comes with two dvds and I would just go with the oem (or system builders what ever its called)

 

[mep916]

Retail is better

Odin845, read these articles before you buy an OEM operating system: 1 2 3 Here's a link to the OEM License Agreement. Although I stand by my recommendation, feel free to do what suits you best.

BTW, if you want a retail version of Home Premium x64, you have to go through these very inconvenient steps. Microsoft requires you to buy the 32 bit edition, then order the 64 bit DVD seperately! This process alone may justify your decision to go with OEM.