If you build it ... they will come

HunterDC

New Member
More importantly, If I build it, will it work?

Ok, that was a terrible reference to Field of Dreams but it leads me into my question, which of the following items should I purchase. I am considering my first build (total newbie) or buying the computer through ibuypower.com Either way, I need to make some decisions on what components to get.

My goal is to have a very good computer that I can use for Media, watching TV & DVDs, storing/sorting my music and movies (for iPod and PSP), some gaming, etc. I want it to last a while so I want it to be upgradable, ie parts such as the MOB and processor to be top of the line so i dont have to replace them in a year.

If I am forgetting something or not considering a change that will occur in the near future (i'm not sure how I should take Vista into account) please let me know how best to accomodate the change.


Here are the items I am considering/deciding between:

MOTHERBOARD:
ASUS P5W DH DELUXE/WIFI-AP Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard
$259.99

ASUS P5B Deluxe/WiFi-AP Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard
$219.99

ASUS P5B Deluxe Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard
$199.99

VIDEO CARD:
ATI All-In-Wonder Radeon X1900 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card
$303.99

Geforce 7950GT 512MB PCI Express x16 Video Card - OEM
$299.99

ATI 1900XT

ATI 1900XTX

PROCESSOR:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 Conroe 2.66GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6700
$501.00

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600
$315.00

CASE:
RAIDMAX Ninja ATX-918WBP Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 450watts
$69.99


I definately want to have a TV Tuner, Windows Media Edition, Dual Layer DVD burner, 2 250GB HD set up in RAID 0, Flash Media Reader/Writer. All of which i need to decide on.

I am mostly just deciding on the big things for now but any and all help is appreciated.

Hunter
 
Any suggestions in regards to what case to get. I figured i'd need a seperate PSU but I'm looking for some guidence as to what case/PSU combination I should get.

And If I go with the ATI video card, what TV tuner should I get?
 
Anything a little cheaper? I'm sure thats a great case but i was looking for a max of around $100 (unless thats not enough for a good case). As for the PSU, what output should i be looking for, 500w, 600w. I figured 600-700 would be more than i would need.
 
you should not be looking at just the wattage rating, it means practically nothing, the stability and power is given (mainly) by the +12v rail so thus you will want a high amperage rating on the 12v rail, for what your looking at you want at very least 30-35A, if you plan to go SLi or Crossfire then more, what harddrive setup are you having?

dragon

*EDIT* - read this fully, it will help you A LOT http://www.computerforum.com/10764-psu-101-a.html in that page, click on "Im lazy! What PSU's do you recommend, then scroll down to the ENTHUSIAST range, you should be looking at the first couple in there for compelte system stability and future proofing...

dragon
 
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