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View Full Version : best setup for my situation



BlueFalcn
01-24-2008, 06:18 PM
Hello all,
I'm ready to dive head first into building my first computer, and would like some assistance from the pros as to what setup would be best for me..my 3 year old emachines is about outdated, never was "top of the line, and not to mention it's loud! As you will notice, I copy and pasted most of what Big Red posted, but my preferences are a little different.

* A great multi-tasker ... I usually run with MS Access, MS Excel, iTunes, Windows Explorer, about 10 internet tabs, and a ton of stuff in the background (anti-virus, etc). I don't want any delay at all! Right now it takes my machine minutes to to respond to a single click sometimes!

*Has to last a long time

* Great for audio/video ... I listen to a ton of music and will probably get some nice speakers. I usaully don't mess with alot of video, maybe burn dvds, covert formats..things of that nature

* After having to listen to this thing for three years..I would like to have a super quiet machine

* Price ... as low as possible, obviously, but I would be prepared to spend $1000.00 total

* Not much of a gamer ... but I occasionally do find a fun game I like to play, so I'd like it to be able to handle just about anything (now or in the future), although I don't expect to use it for that too often.

* OS ... Windows XP SP2 unless that Vista upgrade trick still works??? Vista Ultimate 32 or 64 whichever is better. I just can't see paying that full price for my OS.

* "Future-proofing" ... If I have to lean in the direction of cheaper price or a major tech advancement, I'd probably want to make sure it can last longer and maybe bypass that certain upgrade for a while.

*optical drive- Lite-On LightScribe Dual Format Double Layer DVD-RW/CD-RW

Also, as a side note, I'd like to allow for bluetooth and a card reader (I've heard the best way to get the card reader is to put it in the floppy bay), so any help along those lines would also be great.

I figured you all would know where the best components and best deals are right now. Thanks in advance for any thoughts you have.

chunkylover53
01-24-2008, 07:02 PM
First question the gang here is going to ask is what you already have. In other words, does the $1,000 have to cover a monitor, keyboard, etc. Even if it does, for as little as you do on it, you'll get some great recos here well within that budget. I'll let them take it from here... :D

BlueFalcn
01-24-2008, 08:03 PM
of course I already have the hardware that came in the box with the emachine. wired keyboard,crt monitor, cheap speakers. I'm hopin to have enough to get everything, that way I can keep this pc up and running while im building the new one. Plus, the kids will no longer kick me off!!

BlueFalcn
01-25-2008, 11:58 AM
Any Help???

chunkylover53
01-25-2008, 02:35 PM
I'll take a crack at it, but I'd advise not to start buying stuff without hearing from the experts here (hopefully they'll chime in). I read a lot, but these folks KNOW from experience. You could also go with what Rob recommends on the main My Super PC site, which is tried and true. However, and since you asked, the specs below should:

1) Be very quiet, especially compared to your e-machines
2) Be able to play most games at Medium settings
3) Do the rest of the basics (like music & MS Access) with ease

However, my opinion is that "future proofing" doesn't exist because the technology just moves too fast. I built mine a month ago and I'm already getting "rig envy";) as I read about new things coming out. What I will say is that building your own will allow you to upgrade a part here and there every 6 months, and is less likely to fall apart bit by bit like a Dell or HP. It's more like "future prepared".

Case http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811119068
PSU http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817139003
MOBO http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813128059
CPU http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819115030
RAM http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820145034
HDD http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822136098
Video http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814130085
Monitor http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16824116095
Optical http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827136120
OS http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16832116202
Card Reader http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820223073

This list is just over $1,000, includes a 19" monitor, but does not include a keyboard/mouse or software like MS Office (I can't help with regards to Bluetooth either). You could save a little money going with a 17" monitor, and you could "future prepare" by going with a better MOBO like the Asus PK5-C that supports both DDR2 (now) and DDR3 (soon) memory. My final advice, keep reading the forums!

Hopefully one of the big dogs will give you a POV on my specs.

Jamie Nixx
01-25-2008, 03:07 PM
Chunky lover thanks but i got this one covered ;)

BlueFalcn i'll leave you to look all these up on newegg, i don't have time to do it for you atm.

Asus P5K-C
Corsair XMS, the exact same memory as CL53 linked to.
EVGA 8800GT
Corsair HX520w
Antec 900 or Antec p182 case, take your pick.
WD Caviar 320GB HDD.
E8400, Q9300 or the Q6600, whatever is cheaper.

BlueFalcn
01-25-2008, 09:36 PM
thanks 4 the help, can u be more specific on which 8800 to pick? is this one sufficient?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2900232&CatId=2669

iiiprimeiii
01-26-2008, 09:25 AM
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3548332&CatId=1826
pretty sure it is this one.