My first build, please help!

O

OpticNerve33

New Member
Latest build on page 2.

Hi! I've been reading these forums non-stop for the last few days, and have come up with (I hope) a decent build for ~$600 w/o an OS. I would really appreciate any advice, constructive criticism, etc.

I do some gaming, but nothing hardcore. I'm a fan of RTS and RPG games when it comes to the comp, and play FPS and sports on the 360. So, I don't need something with mind-blowing gfx that runs at the speed of light (not that that wouldn't be nice), but I would like a computer that runs well and will not be too out of date for the next few years. Also, I will be using this computer a lot for school work as well as media stuff (movies, music, photo editing, etc).

Now, onto the build!

APEVIA X-QPACK2-BK/500 Black Aluminum Body/ Front Mask MicroATX Desktop Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Retail - $98.99
Item #: N82E16811144139

GIGABYTE GA-M61P-S3 AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail - $74.99
Item #: N82E16813128034

EVGA 256-P2-N751-TR GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail - $109.99
Item #: N82E16814130085

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Windsor 2.6GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADA5200CSBOX - Retail - $119.00
Item #: N82E16819103759

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ - Retail - $65.99
Item #: N82E16820231098

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $69.99
Item #: N82E16822144701

Update SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S203B - OEM - $29.99
Item #: N82E16827151153

Creative Sound Blaster SB0570 Audigy SE 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail - $29.99
Item #: N82E16829102002

Rosewill RFX-100B 90mm PCI Slot Case Cooler - Retail - $3.99
Item #: N82E16835200019

Subtotal: $602.92

So, what do you think? Will it work fine for what I need it to do? I know the case is a little small, but living in a dorm doesn't offer up much free space. Plus, it'll be easier to travel with between school and home.

The only thing I'm not too sure about is the Mobo. It seems to come highly recommended, and the price is perfect, but all the reviews say it runs a little hot, which might be a problem in such a small case. Is there a similar Mobo that runs cooler for the same price? Or, should I just set it all up, and see how it does before deciding to get something like the AC Freezer 64 Pro?

Anyways, that's it. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Oh, and also, my budget is ~$600-800 with an OS. However, the cheaper the better! :D
 
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OpticNerve33 said:
Hi! I've been reading these forums non-stop for the last few days, and have come up with (I hope) a decent build for ~$600 w/o an OS. I would really appreciate any advice, constructive criticism, etc.

I do some gaming, but nothing hardcore. I'm a fan of RTS and RPG games when it comes to the comp, and play FPS and sports on the 360. So, I don't need something with mind-blowing gfx that runs at the speed of light (not that that wouldn't be nice), but I would like a computer that runs well and will not be too out of date for the next few years. Also, I will be using this computer a lot for school work as well as media stuff (movies, music, photo editing, etc).

Now, onto the build!

APEVIA X-QPACK2-BK/500 Black Aluminum Body/ Front Mask MicroATX Desktop Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Retail - $98.99
Item #: N82E16811144139

GIGABYTE GA-M61P-S3 AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail - $74.99
Item #: N82E16813128034

EVGA 256-P2-N751-TR GeForce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail - $109.99
Item #: N82E16814130085

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Windsor 2.6GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADA5200CSBOX - Retail - $119.00
Item #: N82E16819103759

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ - Retail - $65.99
Item #: N82E16820231098

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $69.99
Item #: N82E16822144701

Update SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S203B - OEM - $29.99
Item #: N82E16827151153

Creative Sound Blaster SB0570 Audigy SE 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail - $29.99
Item #: N82E16829102002

Rosewill RFX-100B 90mm PCI Slot Case Cooler - Retail - $3.99
Item #: N82E16835200019

Subtotal: $602.92

So, what do you think? Will it work fine for what I need it to do? I know the case is a little small, but living in a dorm doesn't offer up much free space. Plus, it'll be easier to travel with between school and home.

The only thing I'm not too sure about is the Mobo. It seems to come highly recommended, and the price is perfect, but all the reviews say it runs a little hot, which might be a problem in such a small case. Is there a similar Mobo that runs cooler for the same price? Or, should I just set it all up, and see how it does before deciding to get something like the AC Freezer 64 Pro?

Anyways, that's it. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Oh, and also, my budget is ~$600-800 with an OS. However, the cheaper the better! :D
Click to expand...

Drop the 8600GT and get an GTS...

Drop the PCI cooler and invest in Case fans..

Drop that case an get an Antec 900 from ClubIT

The PSU will not power that rig. Get an Rosewilll 550W.

Drop that card and stick to onboard.

Drop the GFX if your only going with chatting, word processing, RPG. An 6100 will do fine, it might even play BF2 at good settings.
 
The motherboard you selected will not fit in the case you selected. The case needs a micro atx motherboard and the motherboard you selected is a full size board.


The onboard video on that motherboard sucks, so you really do need a add on board, the 8600 would be ok for what you want, just know that it will not play the newest games at high settings.

The onboard sound would be fine, so you can drop the soundblaster audio card.



I think you need to rethink which case and motherboard you want to use. I really do not like that case, but that is my preference. The motherboard would be ok, but like I already said, it will not fit in the case you listed.

The case oscary suggests is very heavy, so it might not be what you want, since I am figuring you want it to be somewhat portable.
 
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Thank you both for your speedy replies!

oscaryu1 said:
Drop the 8600GT and get an GTS...

Drop the PCI cooler and invest in Case fans..

Drop that case an get an Antec 900 from ClubIT

The PSU will not power that rig. Get an Rosewilll 550W.

Drop that card and stick to onboard.

Drop the GFX if your only going with chatting, word processing, RPG. An 6100 will do fine, it might even play BF2 at good settings.
Click to expand...

I will take what you said into consideration, but unfortunately a full sized tower just doesn’t seem suitable for my situation.

paratwa said:
The motherboard you selected will not fit in the case you selected. The case needs a micro atx motherboard and the motherboard you selected is a full size board.

……

The case oscary suggests is very heavy, so it might not be what you want, since I am figuring you want it to be somewhat portable.
Click to expand...

Oops! Thanks for pointing that out. I guess it’s now down to either finding a slightly bigger case or a smaller mobo. Can anyone offer any suggestions for either? Unfortunately space is limited, so a full sized tower isn’t going to work.

As for the graphics, I’m ok with not being able to play games at the highest setting. As long as I can play them then I’m happy. I might consider upgrading the card, but that’ll depend on how I handle the case/Mobo issue.

Thanks again!
 
Will AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000 black edition ($130) better choice? it has unlocked multiplier.
Also, if you really lack of space, I recomend you use mini-ATX tower. like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811190103
I am currently using one these, it fit ATX MB, and with 7900GS. The only downside is my PSU have too many cables and blocking some air-flow. So if you looking at these compact cases, remember to get a modular PSU + all devices to be SATA to get rig of unnessary cables.
 
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Thanks for the replies everyone. After taking all of your suggestions into consideration I've come up with a new (hopefully better) build. Let me know what you think.

XCLIO 188A Black SGCC / 0.5mm thickness ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail - $49.99

Rosewill RP600V2-S-SL 600W SLI Ready-ATX12V V2.01 Power Supply - Retail - $64.99

GIGABYTE GA-M61P-S3 AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail - $79.99

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Brisbane 2.6GHz Socket AM2 65W Black Edition Processor Model ADO5000DSWOF - Retail - $129.99

EVGA 256-P2-N761-AR GeForce 8600GTS 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail - $164.99

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ - Retail - $65.99

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $69.99

SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S203B - OEM -$29.99

Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM - $111.99

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM - $5.99

ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 64 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail - $19.99

ARCTIC COOLING Arctic Fan 12 (AF12) 120mm Case Fan - Retail - $9.99

Subtotal: $798.88
 
I would get rid of that artic cooling cpu fan and go with at least a zalman 9700 fan. Those cheap fans just do not work very well. But I am not sure if it will fit in that case, but it should. Or you could stick with the fan that comes with that CPU. If you are not going to overclock that is. If you are going to overclock, then go with the zalman

Otherwise, it's a very solid build!


Some people will tell you to change your PSU, but I have never had a problem with Rosewell's stuff. And since I am using one in my current system, I think they are fine.
 
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ABSOLUTELY GREAT BUILD!

Then you get down to the video card part and you wanna cry...

8800 GTS MINIMUM for that monster.
 
An 8800 would be the best, with everything you are putting together, it will still only be able to run games at average settings with that 8600. That is your lowest part, and it will slow you down.
 
Thats a great build for the price!

However only if you can afford it get a 8800, but that you run you over budget :(
 
Thanks for all the replies! Sorry for not getting back to you all sooner, but I had a chance to pick up some extra shifts at work this weekend (thanks to the World Series). Now, because of that, I can raise my budget up to $1,100 with the OS.

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail - $64.99

(2) Thermaltake A1926 120mm Blue LED Case Fan - Retail - $18.98

GIGABYTE GA-M61P-S3 AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail - $74.99

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Brisbane 2.6GHz Socket AM2 65W Black Edition Processor Model ADO5000DSWOF - Retail - $129.99

EVGA 512-P3-N802-A1 GeForce 8800GT Superclocked 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail - $279.99

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail - $59.99

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $69.99

SAMSUNG Black 20X DVD+R... - $29.99

OCZ GameXStream OCZ600GXSSLI ATX12V 600W Power Supply 100 - 240 V CB/CE/CSA/UL/FCC - Retail - $109.99

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM - $5.99

ZALMAN CNPS 9500 AM2 2 Ball CPU Cooling Fan/Heatsink - Retail - $45.99

Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM - $111.99

Subtotal: $1,006.87

So, What do you think?
 
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Its a good build, but why are you picking an AMD chip over Intel. Intel has the fastest chips going right now, and the prices are very reasonable.
 
Thanks! I agree that Intel does have the best chips out on the market right now. Unfortunately, with a budget build, Intel just doesn't seem to be the best choice (Please correct me if I’m wrong on this, I’m just going by what I’ve read so far, since I’m still rather new to all of this.). However, if I had no budget, or at least a higher price cap, I would definitely be going with the Q6600 or possibly another Intel chip.

I updated the last build (post #13) with the 8800GT instead of the GTS. This seems to be the best bang for the buck, and it also drops my subtotal by ~$80, which means more cash for those "unimportant things", like food and the tab at the local pub. :D
 
For just a few dollars more you can get the Intel E6550. Its a great value with plenty of hidden potential. With some tweaking you can overclock it to 3.3 ghz. Which is as fast as any other chip out right now. And you can do it with air cooling.

Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 Conroe 2.33GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115030



Pair it up with the following board, and you would have a screamer.
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059
 
What's the difference as far as specs go between the E6550 (i.e. what justifies the extra $40.00) and the AMD 5000+ Black Edition? If both can be overclocked to ~3.2ghz wouldn't it be better (in my case) to stay with the less expensive chip, and keep my build's overall cost down?
 
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