? about first build

[Impy]

I am attempting to put together my first computer which is meant for just playing the up coming games..Age of Conan, Warhammer online,and maybe I might reinstall WoW again :rolleyes: basically just MMO's. Here is what I've selected....

Asus M2n SLI-Deluxe
Amd 64 X2 5600+
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10, 250 GB 7200 RPM SATA-300
Corsair XMS 2GB (2x1GB)
EVGA Geforce 8800 GT 512 MB
Lite-On 20xDVD Burner SATA
Cool Master Centurion 532
Silverstone ST50EF-12v 2.2 500W PSU
Samsung 206BW 20' Widescreen LCD

Debating to get a CPU cooler but if I do I like the Zalman CNPS9700.
Also, I plan on using Windows XP Home edition

Ok, now thats out of the way...here are my questions.

1) Do I really need a floppy drive? not that I can't afford one but what is
the point?

2) Do I need a bigger power supply? I was making an educated guess there.


Some of you might wonder why I kinda went small on the HD, well the reason is I don't download music, movies or anything that would get me into trouble with my wife. :eek: My thought process is that I would partition enough room for the OS and leave the rest for games.

Please feel free to add or minus from the setup I have laid out here. Just keep in mind I would like to keep this around $1200-$1300 range.

[RickyTick]

Hello Impy. Welcome.

Instead of just giving you a list of what I think would be the best components, let me turn this around just a little.

Why did you pick these particular components?

Why that motherboard?
Why that processor?
Why that power supply?
and so on...

Have you read reviews that helped you make your decisions, or gotten suggestions from friends, or was it a price issue?

And most importantly; How open are you to suggestions?

[RickyTick]

1) Do I really need a floppy drive? not that I can't afford one but what is
the point?

.


If you're referring to a 3.5 floppy drive, then no. Most everything now is on DVD or CD, or you just download it through a broadband connection.

[Impy]

Thanks Ricky for the reply. I have done my research on everything that i've been looking for. Basically, I'm on a budget and plus this is my first build so I kinda would like to keep it simple. Second of all, I wanted something I can upgrade in the future. I am open to all ideas and willing to tweak anything I have listed. ( except for one thing, I would prefer to stay with AMD x2 processors for this build )

[RickyTick]

I am open to all ideas and willing to tweak anything I have listed. ( except for one thing, I would prefer to stay with AMD x2 processors for this build )

Why :confused: Do you work for AMD? Do you own stock in AMD? Or do you just like pulling for the underdog?

You can build a killer system with $1200 and not skimp on the processor. Compare that AMD to an Intel E6850.
http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu_2007.html?modelx=33&model1=922&model2=872&chart=419

I know the Intel is more expensive, but...

I'll let some other member chime in before I say too much.

[Impy]

Ok, I didn't mean anything by the AMD comment, and I don't want to start a debate about who is better. Everybody knows intel is the king right now, but I was trying to go the cheap route. I'll take a look at the link you sent and maybe that will turn me back to the other side.

[RickyTick]

Ok sorry, I couldn't wait. :D

Case: Antec Sonata III w/500 watt psu $130
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3P $155
CPU: Intel E8400 $240
Ram: 2gb G.Skill DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) $45
GPU: eVGA 8800GT 512 $200
HD: Western Digital Caviar SE16 500gb $105
Optical: Samsung SH-S203B $35
OS: Vista Home Premium 32 bit $110

That's $1,020.

Mouse and keyboard are cheap. Get a decent monitor for around $200 and you're within your $1300 budget and the proud owner of an awesome rig.

What do you think?

[chunkylover53]

1) 1,300 bills ain't the cheap route, but I digress.

2) Rob (our illustrious forum host) bases his whole build on AMD, so there's certainly nothing wrong with going that route.

3) Ricky, I like the spec you have there. Don't you have the 206BW? Just add that on and you are in under the wire.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001095

4) I'd spend a few dollars more for a tried and true modular PSU like the Corsair 520HX, and I'd skip the Sonata III. I have it and love it, but it's an old man case. How about a little bling for the man?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139001&Tpk=corsair%2b520

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021&Tpk=antec%2b900

If he's already got a copy of XP Home that he can use, he'll still be under $1,300...

[Impy]

Thanks Ricky and Chunky for the suggestions. Now you have my brain swaying, I guess I'm gonna come up with a build for an Intel setup and go from there. I'll post what I come up with and let you take a look.

[Impy]

Ok, here is what I came up for an Intel build.

Case: Antec nine hundred $100
CPU: Intel E8400 $240
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L $90
PSU: Corsair CMPSU-520HX $115
Ram: 2gb G.Skill DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) $45
GPU: eVGA 8800 GT 512 MB $200
HD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 7200 RPM 250 GB $70
Optical: Lite-On 20x DVD $33
Monitor: Samsung 206BW 20' widscreen LCD $250

Total of $1,138

I already have a keyboard, mouse and speakers. Still debating on which OS to run though. Other then that, what do you think now?

[RickyTick]

Now you're talking.

That's a terrific build. You won't be disappointed with that.

When you get ready to purchase this, look for the evga 8800GT Akimbo version. It has better cooling.

Yeah Chunky, I have the 226BW monitor. It's just the 22 inch version of the 206BW that he listed. I'm sold on Samsung.

I pushed him towards Intel because he said in the OP that he wanted to "play up and coming games". I think we've all agreed that Intel is the way to go for a upper-end gaming rig.

[Jamie Nixx]

Nice one Ricky and Chunky you saved this poor soul from annihilation from the Nixxanator.

One thing though, change the memory, G-Skill is very good, but its not better than Corsair XMS which is only $33.


2) Rob (our illustrious forum host) bases his whole build on AMD, so there's certainly nothing wrong with going that route.

Rob built his computer (AMD 6000) before Intel took over and AMD were still the big boys, i am almost 100, 000, 000% certain that when he gets around to building his next computer, it will be Intel based, and if it isn't, Rob, prepare for a verbal ass whoopin :D (only kidding please don't take away my powers) :D

[Impy]

Thanks guys for the input, and I'll definitely look into the Corsair RAM, now I just have to wait around to find a deal on the Intel E8400 PCU since newegg is out of stock.

[bean]

It seems as though most sellers are out of stock on the E8400. I saw one link on google for near $300. Didn't bother to look. I'll wait. A local store had them for $190. Was going to get one yesterday. Should have ordered. Maybe the full line of Penryns are due to market soon. Hope so.

[RickyTick]

The E8400 is available at Mwave.com for $255.00

[chunkylover53]

Jamie, dude, help a brother out here. The E8400 was a no brainer at $183 when it came out. But at $255? :eek: Is it still the best choice at that price?

[Jamie Nixx]

Well considering thats still $15 cheaper than the E6850........

I would say even at that price its still worth it.

Personally i would wait until another place gets them and compare prices, i have seen them go for cheaper than that.

[Impy]

I've been searching high and low for the E8400 and the best I can come up with is $190. The only problem is, its in-store only...so if anyone lives near a Micro Center you can pick one up there. Goto Microcenter.com to see for yourself. I think if you order online its $200 instead.

[Jamie Nixx]

$200 is a bargain.

Get one.

[Impy]

OMG, I went to see if I could order one..."sorry item no long available"
go figure.

[Jamie Nixx]

That sucks, now you know you can get one for that price though, you should wait.